Rich Portelance is passionate about EdTech and helping people discover pathways to successful careers. He leverages his many years of business experience in strategy, product development, brand creation, and sales & marketing as a frequent industry speaker and sought-after consultant.

Beginning his career in digital marketing and web development, Rich was recruited into the private, independent school market to help usher in digital technologies and social media. During this time, Richard served as a student advisor, and was nominated to serve on the CAIS (Connecticut Association of Independent Schools) Technology Commission. In 2012, Rich joined York & Chapel, a brand and digital transformation agency where he began working with secondary and higher ed clients, developing strategies for student engagement and pathway creation. In 2014, Richard founded CareerPath, a SaaS engagement platform. Over the past ten years, Rich has given back to the industry as an advisor to numerous EdTech startups, and generally has had a blast doing what he loves to do — help others succeed.

Brett Hodus is the founder of Book Buddy Media, an audio production company based in the Seattle area that supports publishers in developing and expanding audiobook programs. Since 2008, Brett has worked with organizations across children’s publishing, education, trade, self-help, and Christian markets to create professional, accessible audio content that meets the needs of modern audiences.

With a background rooted in entrepreneurship and business leadership, Brett is known for combining strategic thinking with a hands-on approach to execution. His strengths include business development, workflow optimization, communication, and building collaborative partnerships that help projects move from concept to completion. Recognized for his energetic leadership style and ability to bring people together around new ideas, Brett has spent his career helping organizations grow while adapting to changing technologies and audience expectations.