NxtGen Network is a Creative Marketing Agency built on relationships that is passionate about telling stories and empowering others through innovation.
The Best in the Business
NxtGen really is next level. Their passion for the school nutrition profession has created a unique platform to really assist districts with all of their needs. This creative “one-stop shop” concept could not be more beneficial during this pandemic. They strive for excellence and I’ve never worked with a more dynamic and hardworking team. On top of striving for excellence, they really provide everything. Including eye candy. Its really quite amazing.
Innovation
We live in the future so you can thrive in the present.
Our Team
NxtGen Network is made up of a team of experts in Hospitality as well as Food & Beverage. We cover everything from operations, to technology, to marketing, to creative.
Marlon Gordon
Founder | Chief Executive Officer
Marlon is the founder & CEO of NxtGen Network, a marketing, advertising, and production agency that’s passionate about relationships, telling stories, and empowering others through innovation. He partners with those in Child Nutrition, Hospitality, Food & Beverage and also has an international philanthropical project called NxtGen Cares. Marlon is the co-creator and host of First Taste TV™, a show dedicated to giving industry members opportunities to reach operators where they live through video. Creator and host of Next Up, a talk show focusing on thought leadership and live viewer engagement. Host of the Next Up Podcast. Co-creator of digital publications such as Served Digizine™ and Indulge. And the creator and emcee of Ignite, an in-person celebration for professionals working in foodservice. Marlon has spent multiple years working on the operation side of child nutrition for a large district, spent multiple years working on the industry side, and is a visionary, a team builder, and is fueled by a faith that helps him do things others think are impossible.
Sarah Kolcheck
Director of Design
Sarah started her career as a graphic designer over 11 years ago, designing signage for school nutrition programs. From those early beginnings, she has expanded her skills into various areas of graphic and web design. Visual brand design, layout, and web design are among her favorites! She feels grateful to be able to continue equipping school nutrition professionals, food & beverage, hospitality, companies, and non-profits with important visual resources. Sarah attended Indiana State University where she studied Graphic Design.
Ashley Gordon
Director of Events
Ashley Gordon is our Director of Projects and Events and oversees the team responsible for planning and execution of all events including Ignite, NxtGen Summit services, and the NxtGen Summit. Ashley also plays a crucial role acting as the in-between for the NxtGen Network sales team and project team ensuring that projects are executed efficiently and exceptionally. Ashley’s attention to detail keeps the team on task, on time, and on budget.
Jennifer Savasta
Executive Assistant
Jennifer began her career in Property Management, which could not be further from the K-12 and school nutrition world. By sheer luck two years ago she joined the NxtGen team in an administrative position. She applies her 15+ years of experience in team building and managment capabilities, along with project management to assist in the growth of NtGen. As a valuable member of our team, Jennifer is dedicated to consistent and quality customer relations with each of our clients and is often found solving problems, arranging travel, and keeping the team on task.
Kalista Photopulos
Video Editor & Production Assistant
Kalista is currently working toward a degree in Mass Communications at a local university in Tampa, Florida. Kalista brings a fresh perspective to NxtGen Network and is driven, motivated, and dedicated to her role. With each project she is on, from assistance in filming, editing videos, and managing podcast production, Kalista is building industry knowledge. She has experience in leading teams to success by keeping everyone focused, going the extra mile to make sure they reach their goals, and maintain positive environment.
Breanna Gustafson
Social Media Manager
Breanna Gustafson is a storyteller. Having started her career in the Boston news market, Breanna knows and understands what it takes to get people to pay attention and create captivating content. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Communication, Film & Media and her Master’s Degree in New Media & Marketing. Breanna has worked closely with nonprofits to train organization leaders on how to utilize video as an advertising and education tool. Before joining NxtGen Network, Breanna worked as the Marketing Supervisor for the 33rd largest school district in the United States bridging the gap between school foodservice, students, and the community.
Hogan Hickman
Graphic Designer
Hogan is currently working towards a degree in Graphic Design at Covenant College, right outside of Chattanooga, Tennessee. As a college student, Hogan brings a fresh perspective to the table, along with her passion for colorful and custom designs. She enjoys working with people and collaborating with her colleagues to develop unique and innovative solutions for their clients. She is committed to improving her skills and staying up-to-date with the latest design trends, and her enthusiasm for her work is contagious. Hogan is a valuable member of the NtGen team and is poised for a bright future in the design industry.
Chloe Hand
Social Media Manager & Production Specialist
Originally from Tampa, Florida, Chloe Hand is a digital content creator now residing in the borough of West Chester, PA. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Public Relations & Advertising at the University of South Florida in 2020. In her previous work experiences, Chloe worked as a content creator and social media manager for a jewelry store. As of late, she currently works for a medical company as a media resources associate where she edits promotional videos and live surgical procedures, coordinates surgeon video shoots, and delivers their media assets through various social media channels. She is knowledgeable in content creation, video editing, videography, photography, and social media management. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her fiance, going to concerts, traveling, and being creative. On the weekends, you can find Chloe typically shooting a wedding as a photographer.
Nisha Bagepalli
Strategic Advisor
As the Strategic Advisor for NxtGen Network, Nisha Bagepalli is responsible for creating and accelerating our client’s marketing strategy and brand recognition across the nation. She
has significant experience across product marketing, branding, strategic planning, product management, and market research. She is focused on driving the missions of our retail, commercial,
and hospitality clients while helping them grow and build stronger businesses. Through marketing programs and thought leadership she promotes your exceptional product innovations
and purpose-driven initiatives.
Drop Us a Line
Don’t be shy. Let us know if you have any questions!