Howard Davner
Livingston,NJ
Summary
Dynamic leader with a proven track record at Goldman Sachs, excelling in operations management and strategic planning. Co-founded a successful nootropic energy drink brand, achieving over $1M in annual sales. Expert in sales strategies and team leadership, driving growth and innovation in competitive markets while fostering strong client relationships.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Co-Founder & CEO
Beverage USA Holdings, Inc.
Freehold, NJ
06.2019 - Current
- Co-founded Nerd Focus nootropic energy drink brand to enhance mental acuity; grew pre-acquisition annual sales to over $1M through product innovation and market positioning.
- Led acquisition of Focus Beverage Company by Beverage USA; integrated operations, oversaw strategic planning, sales initiatives, and executive leadership to fuel nationwide growth and brand loyalty.
- Directed product development, supply chain management, and distribution expansion; achieved $759K in annual revenue by 2023 with 3% YoY growth and expanded to over 2,000 retail locations via partnerships with 7-Eleven, QuickChek, Buc-ee's, H-E-B, and Glazer's Beer & Beverage in key regions like San Antonio and NYC.
- Spearheaded sales and marketing efforts, including rebranding and launching national online marketplace for direct-to-consumer U.S. shipping; boosted brand awareness in competitive functional beverage market.
- Optimized sourcing, production, and logistics processes to enable rapid scaling; raised $320K in funding to support expansion and innovation.
- Managed cross-functional teams to drive operational efficiency, ensure regulatory compliance, and establish leadership in nootropics category; positioned company as key player in growing functional drinks sector.
- Parent of Nerd Focus, a pioneering nootropic energy drink brand valued at $19.6M.
President
Self-Employed
West Orange, NJ
04.2018 - 06.2019
- Directed independent business ventures in finance and operations consulting; leveraged Wall Street expertise to advise on portfolio management and business development.
- Developed and implemented sales strategies for small-scale enterprises; identified market opportunities and optimized operational processes to enhance efficiency.
- Pursued entrepreneurial opportunities in finance sectors; conducted market analysis and strategic planning to evaluate investments and partnerships.
CEO
Princeton Alternative Funding (PAF)
Princeton, NJ
03.2016 - 01.2018
- Led $100M alternative lending fund as CEO; oversaw operations, funding allocation, portfolio management, and risk assessment in high-stakes financial environment.
- Implemented sales and business development initiatives; expanded client base, secured funding sources, and drove revenue growth through targeted outreach and relationship management.
- Directed strategic planning, compliance, and operational optimizations; ensured efficient fund management and alignment with industry regulations.
President
Terrapin Advisors
09.2014 - 02.2016
- Founded and led Terrapin Advisors financial consulting firm; specialized in operations optimization, sales strategies, and business growth advisory services.
- Managed client relationships across sectors; developed customized strategies for financial planning, risk management, and operational improvements.
- Oversaw day-to-day operations and sales advisory; utilized equity trading and portfolio management expertise to deliver high-value consulting outcomes.
Vice President
Goldman Sachs
New York, NY
09.2000 - 01.2013
- Advanced to Vice President in equity trading and execution; managed high-volume operations, sales trading activities, and client order executions on NYSE floor as equity specialist.
- Oversaw market-making strategies and drove operational enhancements post-acquisition of Spear, Leeds & Kellogg; improved efficiency in dynamic trading environment.
- Built and maintained key client relationships; drove sales through expert portfolio management and insights over 13-year Wall Street tenure.
- Maintained Series 7 and 63 registrations; ensured securities compliance while managing responsibilities including NYSE seat holding.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Economics
University of South Florida
Tampa, FLSkills
- Senior Management & Leadership
- Operations Management
- Sales & Business Development
- Negotiation & Business Planning
- Equity Trading & Portfolio Management
- Entrepreneurship & Strategic Planning
- Financial Compliance (Series 7, 63)
- Product development
- Strategic planning
- Operations management
- Brand positioning
- Sales strategies
- Customer relationship management
- Market analysis
- Compliance oversight
- Team leadership
- Effective communication
- Risk assessment
- Financial forecasting
- Innovation skills
- Customer relations
- Investor relations
- Budget management
- Strategic visioning
- Analytical thinking
- Partnership cultivation
- Risk management
- Industry knowledge
- Partnership development
- Legal compliance
- Clear communication
- Goal setting
- Decision-making
- Board reporting
- Innovation and vision
- Staff management
- Strategic partnerships
- Conflict resolution
- Stakeholder communication
- Financial acumen
- Networking strategies
- Task delegation
- Visionary leadership
- Sales strategy
- Team building
- Capital fundraising
- Entrepreneurial leadership
Timeline
Co-Founder & CEO
Beverage USA Holdings, Inc.
06.2019 - Current
President
Self-Employed
04.2018 - 06.2019
CEO
Princeton Alternative Funding (PAF)
03.2016 - 01.2018
President
Terrapin Advisors
09.2014 - 02.2016
Vice President
Goldman Sachs
09.2000 - 01.2013
Bachelor of Arts - Economics
University of South Florida