From Coca-Cola to C-Suite: Lessons in Leadership with Chris Hellmann

From 4 Friends to 5,200 Stores: How SAASOA Is Changing the Game feat. JP Patel

In this deeply personal and energizing episode of The Prosper Brief, host Jeremiah Wynn sits down with Meredith James, EVP of Business Development at Prosper, and her longtime friend and business ally Jigar "JP" Patel, VP and Co-Founder of SAASTA (Strategic Alliance of Affiliated Stores of America). What began as a grassroots solution for small operators has grown into a 5,200+ member network advocating for equity, access, and legislative change. From industry advocacy to mindfulness, JP and Meredith reflect on leading with service, showing up for community, and creating space for those often left out of the conversation.

From Coca-Cola to C-Suite: Lessons in Leadership with Chris Hellmann

In this episode of The Prosper Brief, Jeremiah Wynn sits down with Chris Hellmann, a seasoned executive retiring as Chief Commercial Officer at RTI, after a remarkable career spanning nearly 30 years with Coca-Cola and beyond. Chris shares powerful insights on navigating rejection, building a career through diverse experiences, and leading with authenticity in an ever-changing world. From pivotal career setbacks to leading through industry disruption, this conversation dives deep into what it truly takes to grow, adapt, and stand out. Whether you're early in your journey or stepping into leadership, this episode offers a practical and inspiring roadmap for long-term success. If you've ever faced rejection or questioned your next move—this episode is for you. And if you're ready to take your growth even further, don't miss Prosper Accelerate—where leaders, ideas, and opportunities come together to help you elevate your career and impact. 👉 Learn more: https://www.prosperforum.com/accelerate

The Five Foundations of Restaurant Success: Ray Johnson's Playbook

In this energizing episode of The Prosper Brief, host Anthony Zaller sits down with Ray Johnson, former divisional VP at Cracker Barrel and founder of ReCee's Leadership Consulting Group. With over 35 years in hospitality operations, Ray shares the powerful lessons he's now bringing to franchisees and operators nationwide. From mastering the five core foundations of service to avoiding common early-stage mistakes, Ray offers a blueprint for building strong, guest-first operations with simplicity, discipline, and heart. This is an operator's masterclass in leadership that lasts. If you are serious about sharpening your leadership and applying insights like these in real time, join us at Prosper Accelerate 2026 in Dallas, TX, October 28–30. Register now at prosperaccelerate.com and take the next step in your leadership journey.

Drink Innovation on Tap: Briana Jurado's Journey with Botrista

In this flavor-packed episode of The Prosper Brief, host Jeremiah Wynn chats with Briana Jurado, the vibrant and visionary VP of Beverage Program at Botrista—a company shaking up the craft beverage world with automation. As a newly announced 2025 Prosper Accelerator, Briana shares her inspiring journey from Coca-Cola to leading beverage innovation, flavor development, and brand collaboration at Botrista. With a love for drinks, a passion for innovation, and a mission to make beverages more fun and accessible, Briana shows us how tech and taste collide in all the right ways. Ready to connect with leaders like Briana and explore the future of innovation in foodservice? Join us at Prosper Accelerate, October 28–30, 2026 at the Omni Dallas Hotel. This high-energy event brings together operators, emerging leaders, and industry partners for powerful networking, hands-on think tanks, and forward-thinking content on technology, marketing, supply chain, and leadership development. 👉 Register now at www.prosperaccelerate.com and be part of the conversations shaping what's next for our industry.

Owning Mistakes, Building Trust: A Conversation with Wade Allen

In this inspiring episode of The Prosper Brief, host Kim DeCarolis is joined by Wade Allen, President of Win Brands, the company behind Costa Vida Fresh Mexican Grill and FatCats Entertainment. With a background that spans tech, marketing, and innovation leadership at Brinker International, Wade brings a modern, multidimensional view of what it takes to lead companies that prioritize people, performance, and purpose. From owning missteps to building trust through vulnerability, Wade offers a playbook for bold, real-world leadership in fast-moving, guest-first businesses.