SPEAKERS

2025 Symposium

Conference Overview
Agenda and Session Details
Sponsors
Speakers
Planning Committee

SESSION SPEAKERS

Opening Keynote – Patricia Cook

Patricia Cook, the President of Patricia Cook & Associates, has been fostering success and confidence in others for over 30 years. As a graduate of the University of Michigan’s business school, and with 15 years of Commercial Lending experience at a large financial institution, Patricia is uniquely positioned to understand the intricacies of social interactions and relationship-building in the business world. Having worked as both a Vice President and Relationship Manager, and as Head of Recruitment and Manager of the Commercial Credit Training Program, Patricia gained first-hand experience in Financial Analysis, Relationship Building, and recruiting, managing and training a high functioning team. She also learned that success was about more than accumulating analytical skills and technical knowledge.


From her place in the financial industry, Patricia began to notice the changing world of business relationships—from increasing international and cross-cultural interactions, to the increased prevalence of texting, tweeting, and other technology-based forms of communication. She realized that forming trusting, positive, face-to-face, relationships was more important than ever, but that it was getting even more difficult to figure out how to do so effectively.


Since forming Patricia Cook and Associates, Patricia has worked with large banks, consulting firms, accounting firms, law firms, corporations and universities around the country. Her guidance has helped the individuals in these organizations strengthen relationships, communicate respectfully and inclusively, feel more comfortable and effective in any professional situation, as well as retain and attract clients in these highly competitive times.  


Her methods are so effective because they combine her professional background with her unique approach, which engages the participants and incorporates humor into the class.  By providing the information in an entertaining and dynamic manner, participants are engaged and attentive and more effectively absorb, retain and recall the messages that will better guide them through their professional interactions

Closing Keynote – Phil Gwoke

As an internationally recognized speaker, Phil has spoken in 47 different states and four continents to over a quarter of a million people. He continues to inspire audiences with valuable insights that are the result of working with people for over 25 years as a high school teacher, college admissions professional, marketing coordinator, corporate trainer, and even small business owner.

He is a mentor and consultant to young entrepreneurs and employs his diverse background and skill set as the CEO of the BridgeWorks team. Phil brings his unique humor, experiences, research, and generational expertise to every keynote, workshop, and training session he delivers. With his down-to-earth, relatable style, and dedication to presenting research in a digestible, entertaining way, Phil has become a fast favorite with audiences around the country both virtually and in person. Phil is a firm believer that with the proper motivation, training, and support system, members of any generation are capable of remarkable accomplishments.

Heraldo Blasco

Heraldo Blasco can be defined as a global citizen, with projects carried out in more than 14 countries and four continents, and more than 15 years developing world-class projects in leading retail and foodservice companies. He has been involved in the food business for 26 years, initially as Food Director at major retail companies (Carrefour & Coto Sup.) and then as Lead Project Consultant at MSA & BGC Consultants, both top Canadian food & retail consulting firms. In 2005, he founded THE FRESH ID, the first Argentine consulting firm specialized in food and retail. Awarded an Agricultural Engineering degree from the University of Buenos Aires (UBA), with numerous academic degrees.

James Camacho, FCSI, CSI

James Camacho is a professional Foodservice  Design Consultant with 46 years of experience. As President of camacho he is the chief designer and oversees projects from conception to startup.

Mr. Camacho’s responsibilities are to ensure that all projects are  completed in accordance with the criteria, scope, design, budget and  all technical phases. The typical phases of design and consulting  services provided are preliminary planning and counseling; design  development; final plans and specifications; shop drawing and  submittals; and supervisory.

In addition to designing and consulting, Mr. Camacho is a guest  lecturer whose past speaking engagements include talks at Georgia State  University, Georgia School Nutrition Association (GSNA), American  Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers  (ASHRAE), and American Correctional Food Service Association  (ACFSA).

Camacho is constantly teaching those in his office. His philosophy is to teach everyone in the office at least one thing a day. “As exciting as it is to see them grow every day, they in turn teach me something new.” He has provided breakout sessions for both FCSI and MAFSI Conferences.  Camacho is always networking and says “if you’re within three feet from another person you should be marketing, sharing your knowledge or your passion!”

AFFILIATIONS

Foodservice Consultants Society International (FCSI)

American Institute of Architects, AIA GA, Allied Member

American Correctional Food Service Association

Georgia School Food Service Association

Constructions Specification Institute

Doug Huber, CFA, CFSP, FCSI

Doug has over 35 years of experience in the foodservice industry as a finance consultant to multi-unit restaurant operators and franchise companies and a foodservice equipment manufacturers’ representative, and he has also held various management positions within the casual dining sector. 

Doug holds the designations of Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) and Certified Foodservice Professional (CFSP), and he is ServSafe Food Protection Manager certified. He is a professional member of Foodservice Consultants Society International (FCSI) and is a member and past chairman of the Council for Professional Standards Committee. He received his BBA from James Madison University and his MBA from Rollins College.

Juan Matamoros, FCSI

Juan Matamoros is a marketing and franchise expert and a professional member of FCSI since 2014. He has 29 years of experience in the gastronomy industry. In the 1990s and 2000s, he worked in the marketing departments of Pizza Hut, KFC, and Wendy’s for the Latin American region.

Juan is the founder and CEO of Zentra Group, the holding company with operations in four countries and four different companies, all focused on the HORECA industry: Food Gurus, a foodservice & design consulting firm; Franquiciarte, specializing in franchise development; Hero Guest, dedicated to restaurant training; and Datalisis, a research company for the HORECA sector.

He has developed over 350 projects across Central America and the Caribbean in 18 years of work as a consultant

Emmanuel Melo, FCSI

Industrial designer and FCSI professional member, Emmanuel currently serves on the FCSI The Americas Board Trustees as the  Latin America representative. With a postgrad in Design Management, a Product Design degree from Belas Artes, and an MBA from Trevisan, he’s been in the foodservice industry since 1974.

Emmanuel has designed equipment for major brands like Tramontina, Prática, Fagor, Macom, Cozil, Topema, Burger King, KFC, Unilever, and GRSA. His work has received over 20 national and international awards, including the Red Dot (Germany), What’s Hot What’s Cool (USA), and the Museu da Casa Brasileira Award. In 2024, he was named Consultant/Designer of the Year by SINDAL.

Emmanuel is co-founder of StudioIno, focused on foodservice design, and of Hub Foodservice, a collaborative kitchen space. He also co-authored the book “14 Design Tools for Innovation in Foodservice”, published in 2023.

Veronica Millares

Veronica is an architect and foodservice consultant specializing in the creation of profitable, experience-driven gastronomic spaces. With a strategic approach to design, she helps turn food and beverage concepts into thriving, sustainable businesses. Her expertise lies in brand development, space planning, and the integration of operational efficiency with compelling customer experiences.

Veronica has been a member of FCSI  since 2009 and currently serves as a member of the Latin America Planning Committee.

Education:

Tecnológico de Monterrey
Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture, with a Specialization in Construction Management
1999 – 2004

  • National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM)
    Master’s Degree in Urbanism, with a Specialization in Real Estate Development – Architecture and Urban Planning
    2010 – 2012
  • CESSA University
    Specialization in Mass Catering, Food and Beverages
    2005 – 2006

Dr. Karla Paniagua

Dr. Paniagua has earmed a Ph.D. in cultural studies and Master in social anthropology. She coordinates the Future Studies department, directs the postgraduate programme in Designing Tomorrow, co-directs the UNESCO chair in Games and Futures, and co-edits the journal Economía Creativa en CENTRO. She collaborates as a consultant for various firms in Mexico, Canada, Colombia, and Japan and hosts the radio show The Future Was the Day Before Yesterday. 

Tarah Schroeder, FCSI, LEED AP

As Vice President and Shareholder at Ricca Design, Tarah is heavily involved in planning, concept, and schematic design, and oversees the design process. Her designs will fit the vision and financial goals of the team, with a focus on green and sustainable approaches to operations. Tarah will work closely with her team during the completion of design and construction documentation, overseeing all project deliverables. She works with in-house quality control personnel to ensure the highest levels of coordination and documentation are delivered.  She is instrumental in keeping the design team on schedule to meet all milestone deliverable dates.

Tarah started her foodservice journey at Whole Foods Market helping to develop their Rocky Mountain presence and Green Mission program.  Now with Ricca for fifteen years, Tarah promotes the client’s vision and is a good listener that is able to elicit key information from the project team.  She proactively engages all team members, building trust and consistency, and sees the big picture to come up with collaborative solutions.

​Tarah is a sought-after expert on sustainability in the foodservice industry. She is one of the main authors of the National Association of College and Universities Food Services (NACUFS) Sustainability Guide and has presented numerous speeches on sustainable foodservice design to engineers, architects, and others within the foodservice industry.

Joseph Schumaker, FCSI

Joe is the Founder CEO of FoodSpace®, a foodservice design and management consulting firm with offices in Silicon Valley, CA, Huntsville, AL and their brand-new Test Kitchen and HQ offices in Meridian, ID. Joe is a chef turned consultant and has an extensive background in catering, operations, workplace amenities and design. His guest-oriented and innovative approach delves into the inner workings of foodservice operations to develop solutions that deliver FoodSpaces that matter. His work includes workplace projects all over the US including 23&Me, Palo Alto Networks, Tesla, Uber, Adobe, Google, Samsung, Waymo and many others as well as projects in other industry sectors including restaurants, bars, education, and healthcare.  Joe currently serves as Treasurer on the FCSI TAD Board of Trustees and is also the chair of the FCSI Worldwide Technology Committee.  He lives in Eagle, ID with his wife and two boys and enjoys the outdoors, cooking and baseball.  

William Taunton, FCSI (PP)

William Taunton, FCSI, professional dreamer, husband, father, and entrepreneur, brings over 39 years of foodservice experience. Home in Santiago, Chile, but lived in Mexico, the US and UK.

Experience in food service equipment sales, distribution, service & maintenance. Practical experience in foodservice operations. For several years VP of Technical Development in Aramark South America, overseeing 500+ operations in the Latam region. Formal education in mechanical engineering.

Has directed the master planning and design of thousands of foodservice projects all over Latin America, from stadiums to food production facilities, mining camps to country clubs and from healthcare institutions to hotels, restaurants, and bars.

Specialist in the design and development of state-of-the-art facilities from simple restaurant kitchens & bars to complex food production facilities for supermarket chains and international corporations.

William was the first professional consultant in South America and became a member of Foodservice Consultants Society International in 1998.

Since 1998, William is the President and CEO of Gastrotec, the oldest foodservice consulting firm in the region, with offices in Chile and México.

HONORS:

Honorary Doctorate of Food Service Medallion, NAFEM 2015, MAFSI 2016 Service Award, CFESA 2016 Service Award, Honorary Doctorate of Food Service Medallion, NAFEM 2017, and FCSI The Americas 2018 Service Award

FCSI SERVICE:

FCSI The Americas Trustee and Past Chair, FCSI Worldwide Past President, FCSI The Americas LATAM Chapter Leader

Andrey Teleguz

Born into a Ukrainian refugee family, Andrey Teleguz embodies resilience and the pursuit of the American Dream. His early experiences of displacement deeply influenced his values of freedom and innovation, shaping his future as a leader in the hospitality industry. As the founder and president of SCOPOS Hospitality Group, Andrey has propelled the firm to the forefront of hospitality design and operations, leveraging innovative technology and creative solutions to transform client projects across North America.
With a rich background in craftsmanship and project management, Andrey has founded several national companies that specialize in construction, renovation, and innovative solutions within the hospitality sector. His ventures consistently bridge the gap between design and functionality, bringing visionary projects to life and setting new standards in the industry.
In addition to his professional endeavors, Andrey is a dedicated humanitarian. He serves as the President of the Connect Foundation, which supports global communities in crisis by connecting resources with needs. His work with the foundation underscores his commitment to using his platform for significant societal impact, demonstrating an unwavering dedication to aiding those affected by global crises.

Carlos Tello, FCSI

Carlos began his career in 1998 working for leading foodservice consulting firms in the United States, such as “Cini Little International” (Fort Lauderdale Office) developing projects in the: hotel, health care and sports arena segments, and “Strategic Restaurant Engineering” (Miami Office) doing space planning, workstation design and prototype testing of retail and foodservice facilities with the application of industrial engineering techniques to develop strategic space planning and labor efficient facilities. 

In 2007, he returns to Mexico working for a leading architectural firm as project architect in charge of coordinating architecture and engineering for the building that would house the first Ritz Carlton Hotel in Mexico City. 

In 2010 he founded “arquitectura+culinaria”; a consulting firm based in Mexico City, specializing in the planning and engineering of Foodservice and Back of House Facilities; emphasizing optimal space planning, efficient use of energy in the building, and integration of international design standards into local projects. 

In 2018, completed postgraduate studies in Germany, specializing in building physics, human comfort and energy modelling. He is currently working on developing strategies to apply these principles for energy efficiency and comfort in facilities that house kitchens, laundries, and other industrial uses. 

 

Brenden Wright

Brenden Wright is the Founder of Visual Conquest, a design visualization company which provides interactive, immersive and virtual environments for businesses.

Prior to launching his business Brenden spent over a decade in sales and marketing for global foodservice equipment manufacturers promoting, selling, training and developing solutions for the food service and architectural industry across the globe. This led him to seeing the need for a greater level of visual experiences.

This growing demand led to over a decade of 3D modeling and BIM software development as a way to show clients equipment combinations and solutions. It allowed for greater informed and accurate decisions prior to purchasing. These 3D renderings were helpful but still not complete enough. It was missing the ability to interact in real-time and react quickly if changes were needed.
After years of studying game engine programming and learning to combine it with immersive design technology it gave him the ability to create a new experience with 3D modeling and design. Combining an interactive gaming experience with design and product training now paves a new way for businesses to educate and operators to visualize their space accurately prior to breaking ground. Brenden’s goal and desire to establish a service providing immersive, interactive experience for companies has now come to life and is deployable through a web browser to your desktop or mobile device and virtual headset.

In addition to his passion for bringing the business world into the Metaverse he’s continually researching new technology and solutions and strives to enhance user’s 3D immersive and interactive experience for a more engaging presentation and meeting.

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