Event Overview
Curious how local middle-market companies grow, innovate, and thrive? Join us for an engaging panel discussion where leading CEOs share their strategies for driving business success, building dynamic teams, and creating value for stakeholders. You’ll gain firsthand insights into proven approaches that can help you navigate the unique challenges and opportunities of the middle market—no matter your role or industry.
Why Attend?
1. Inspiring Stories & Strategies: Gain insights into how these CEOs leveraged innovation and purpose-driven leadership to grow their businesses.
2. Real-World Lessons: Discover practical tips for navigating today’s business landscape—whether you’re scaling your company or refining your strategy.
3. Networking & Collaboration: Connect with fellow executives, entrepreneurs, and advisors from across the region.
Attendees can receive one continuing profession education (CPE) credit for participating in this event.
Featured Panelists
Kristen McDermott
CEO and Principal
Summit Facility Solutions
Summit Facility Solutions is a NY based facility management firm providing resources to property managers and tenants as a single-source provider. Founded in 2018 as a commercial cleaning company, they have grown their service offerings to include preventative and reactive maintenance solutions, pest management, landscaping and more.
As principal owner, Kristen McDermott has a strategic focus on fostering and leveraging relationships for business growth and operational success. Her leadership is rooted in strong company culture and a commitment to client satisfaction. She has helped to guide the company's success by evaluating what works, identifying new opportunities for growth, and implementing structured systems that capture best practices.
The ability of the leadership team at SFS to identify and capitalize on opportunities for business expansion through strategic partnerships has earned their team recognition on the INC 5000 Fastest Growing Companies list three consecutive years.
On a personal note, Kristen enjoys spending time with her family, traveling to new places and she never turns down an opportunity for friendly competition.
David Friedfeld
CEO and President
ClearVision Optical
David is President of ClearVision Optical, one of the largest family-owned eyewear distributors in North America. Based in Hauppauge, New York, ClearVision designs and distributes eyewear and sunwear for 12 distinctive designer brands.
David provides vision and leadership to all areas within the ClearVision organization. Under his guidance, ClearVision has received countless honors and accolades from both the eyewear industry and the business community. David has appeared on several internet radio shows including The Growth Strategist, The CEO Show, and Power Hour. He is also a featured speaker at many industry-related events and functions.
ClearVision Optical has been named one of the Best Companies to Work for in New York State for nine years, most recently in 2024. CVO has also been recognized by The Long Island Herald with a Family Business award in 2022, Long Island Business News as Corporate Citizen of the Year in 2019, and New York SmartCEO as a 2016 Family Business Awards honoree. With a continuous commitment to providing excellent customer service, ClearVision was also recognized at the 2016 Stevie Awards for Sales and Customer Service, where the company received two gold and two silver awards.
David has been a tremendous advocate for the implementation of 3D printing into the product development cycle at ClearVision. An avid new media follower, David strongly embraces new and innovative technology while remaining committed to meeting the needs of customers in today’s ever-changing technological landscape. In his spare time, he enjoys reading and running. He and his wife Vicki live on Long Island and have four children, Jake, Sam, Faith, and Lucas, as well as two granddaughters, Freddie Gray and Ruby Rey. Connect with David on Twitter and Instagram @OpticalBuddy.
Lauren Nichols
CEO and President
3G Warehouse, Inc.
Lauren is an accomplished business leader and entrepreneur with over a decade of experience in the logistics and warehousing industry. Since founding 3G Warehouse, Inc. in 2009, she has expertly navigated the complexities of starting and growing a successful 3PL company. Under her leadership, 3G Warehouse has optimized the use of 300,000 square feet of modern hi-bay warehouse space, providing comprehensive storage and distribution services to commercial customers.
In addition to her role at 3G Warehouse, Lauren has been involved in several start-up companies. Her multifaceted expertise spans business development, customer service, operations management, and strategic planning. Lauren's ability to identify and address the pain points faced by businesses has positioned her as a valuable advisor, particularly for women business owners and those navigating family business dynamics. She effectively combines her experience in logistics with a deep understanding of marketing, negotiations, and supply chain management.
Before her prominent roles in the business sector, Lauren began her career in education. As an elementary school teacher where she developed innovative teaching strategies that fostered critical thinking and a love for learning. This experience not only honed her leadership skills but also shaped her approach to mentoring and guiding fellow staff members, a practice she has continued as a business owner.
Lauren holds a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education and Psychology, as well as a Business Certificate from the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program. She has received several certifications, including New York & New Jersey Certified Woman-Owned Business Enterprise and WBENC Certification. Lauren’s contributions to the industry have been recognized, earning her 2 spots on the WPO Women2Watch List, and underscoring her influence as a leader in the business community. Lauren also serves on the advisory board for Hofstra’s Institute of Innovation and Entrepreneurship and is a recent graduate of the Energeia Partnership at Molloy University.
Ted Panebianco
CEO and Chief Vision Officer
College H.U.N.K.S. Hauling Junk and Moving of Long Island and Greater NYC
Ted Panebianco is a passionate entrepreneur, visionary leader, and dedicated family person who believes in the power of intentional living and dream-chasing. As the owner of the largest College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving franchise in the world, Ted has built a thriving business that has employed thousands of people over the past decade. Through perseverance, strong leadership, and an unwavering commitment to excellence, he has scaled his business while fostering a culture of teamwork, gratitude, and impact.
Beyond business, Ted is deeply committed to creating meaningful experiences for his family, friends, team, and community. An adventurer at heart, he embraces life's challenges and joys with a spirit of resilience, always striving to turn dreams into reality. Whether it’s exploring the world, watching orcas in their natural habitat, or empowering others to pursue their goals, Ted approaches every endeavor with passion and purpose.
His leadership philosophy is rooted in gratitude, personal growth, and the belief that success is best measured by the impact we have on others. Through his work and personal journey, Ted continues to inspire those around him to live intentionally, take bold risks, and build a life they truly love.
Moderator
Davi Tserpelis
Senior Vice President
Regional Business Banking Manager
City National Bank
Davi Tserpelis opened City National Bank’s Melville office in December of 2017. As Senior Vice-president and Regional Business Banking Manager, she leads a team of experienced business bankers in the greater Metro area, providing advice on best practices with solutions to grow and protect family businesses, including financing, cash management, investments and international trade.
Ms. Tserpelis has over 36 years of commercial lending and banking experience. Davi has been a Long Island business banker for 16 years and previously worked in asset-based lending, re-discount finance and specialty finance.
Ms. Tserpelis has served various not-for-profits including most recently the Institute of Management Accounting and Life's Angels. She is Co-founder and Secretary of the board for Middle Market Alliance of Long Island. She has been awarded the Long Island Business News Executive Circle of Excellence, Long Island Power Women In Business 3 times achieving the Circle of Excellence, and Top 50 Most Influential Women in Long Island two times.
Davi has a Masters of Science degree in international banking from Mercy College and an undergraduate degree in finance from Baruch College. Davi is a proud mother of two and lives in Huntington, NY.
Agenda
6:00pm-7:00pm: Registration & Networking
7:00pm-8:30pm: CEO Panel Discussion & Dinner
8:30pm-9:00pm: Networking & Wrap-up
Register Today!
Be part of this exclusive opportunity to learn from local leaders who’ve walked the path to success. Seats are limited, so secure yours soon!
IMA Member: $85
IMA Guest: $95