the founding team

Antonio is a founding member of GrowTanics LLC and brings over 25 years of Financial background to the table. Antonio's world class vision stems from his operational and commercial roles across Europe, Asia, And Americas. His expertise focuses on profitable growth initiatives, business transformation, digitalization, M & A strategy, and strategic planning. He has led sectors of business including retail, logistics, energy, manufacturing, healthcare, and technology while managing both public and private equity portfolio companies. Antonio possesses a Bachelors of Science in Industrial Engineering from Universidad Panamericana, a Masters of Engineering from Northwestern, and a Masters of Business Administration from IPADE Business School. 

Antonio also holds a global leadership in Business Strategy from Duke University, and a Certificate of Conflict Management from the University of Chicago. 

To gain more insights about Antonio please click here to read about his experience as a leader in global finance and business. 

Drew Sullivan serves as the Chief Business Development Officer at GrowTanics, bringing over nine years of expertise in federal contracting, acquisitions, and business strategy to the company. 

A former Contracting Officer with the United States Marine Corps, Drew has built a distinguished career leading high-value initiatives, navigating complex contracting environments, and fostering strategic partnerships. Through his company, FSV Spark Investments LLC, which is partnered with GrowTanics, Drew provides critical support to startups and small businesses, ensuring their stabilization and growth. FSV Spark Investments also champions impact investments and drives initiatives focused on accessible housing and remote work opportunities for individuals with disabilities, aligning with a broader mission to foster innovation, inclusivity, and sustainable business practices. Drew’s leadership bridges GrowTanics’ technological advancements with FSV Spark Investments’ vision of creating meaningful social and economic impact.

Michael is the founder of GrowTanics LLC and has spent a lifelong career as a passionate entrepreneur. He is a seasoned hospitality professional of 25 years with a culinary degree from Le Cordon Bleu while studying in both Europe and Chicago. Michael is the chef and host of a culinary channel in Chicago, and has sat on the Board of Directors for Chicago Gourmets' private dinner club as a leader in culinary innovation. 

His vision is to redefine commercial real estate while combining urban farming models with a new sustainable approach. Michael is also a wellness professional of 20 years with a focus on spa's, gym's, bakeries, and private club management. 

Michael understands the ever-pressing sustainability issues such as food access that affect local communities across America by being on the front lines to provide solutions. Michael is currently attending Arizona State University for his Bachelor's in Business Sustainability to be a leader of the initiative, and to lean on practical economic and financial strategy applications for business. 

GrowTanics is gratefully supported by Impact Consulting as part of the internal consulting program for students. Impact Consulting is a consulting group from the Kellogg School of Business Management at Northwestern University. This is a very rare, once in a lifetime opportunity for startups to receive a project brief from such an organization. Gratefully, Impact believed in the GrowTanics vision to offer us support and consulting. The project brief fully defines our markets, and our strategy for startup launch. Ranked #2 for business education in America, it is an honor to have worked with the members of the team in 2024. To request a copy of the project brief please contact us here to learn more.