Soma Water began at founder Mike Del Ponte’s home, when he went to serve water from a plastic filtered pitcher, only to realize that it was not attractive enough to set on the table. After attempting to pour the water in a wine decanter—and spilling—Mike decided it was time to design a water filtering system that was also beautiful.

Emerging South Korean designer Jeonghwa Seo’s deceptively simple furniture reflects both the influence of the Eastern culture in which he was raised and the cues he picked up from his instructors and peers at the Design Academy Eindhoven, where he received a master’s degree in 2010. “My style is focused on the basic principles of design,” he says, “such as form, structure, and materiality.” For his graduation project, he teamed with Hanna Chung to produce the Ripple Effect tea table, which has a thin layer of water on its earthenware top. Every time a cup or saucer is moved, it creates surface ripples—a reminder that small gestures can have outsize influence on the world. His Obstruction line of brass tableware, including a two-spouted pitcher, was deliberately conceived to be difficult to use—or, as he says, “to deliver the stories of obstructions of our lives on the table.”

John Seesing, a Sales Specialist and Consultant hailing from Kansas has achieved distinction in the medical device and hospital equipment sales domain. With extensive experience, he is recognized as a leading figure in the marketing of advanced prosthetics, medical devices, diagnostic tools, and surgical instruments to healthcare facilities. His profound knowledge of medical equipment allows him to deliver precise and educational presentations to health executives and doctors, emphasizing the technical advantages and benefits of various medical products. He credits his success to his ability to actively listen and engage with his clients rather than relying on scripted pitches. Seesing imparts this skill to his trainees, teaching them to conduct thoughtful discussions with potential clients and provide customized solutions. He believes that success in sales comes from leading with optimism, backing it up with expert knowledge, and adapting to offer tailored solutions. Seesing's recent transition to a Sales Consultant and Coach underscores his commitment to the industry. He now leads training sessions on analyzing niche market trends, forecasting sales, and managing monthly sales quotas. His career has been marked by a compelling blend of technical and medical expertise, along with the adoption of contemporary sales techniques. His approach to building customer relationships through direct communication about their needs is particularly commendable. He grew up in Kansas, where he was nurtured in a close-knit community with midwestern solid values of pride, hard work, and responsibility. His childhood was enriched with numerous outdoor activities with his family, which fostered his physical and mental resilience, as well as traits like self-confidence and resolve. Excelling in both academics and athletics, he showcased his leadership potential early on, notably as a standout pitcher on his high school baseball team. Seesing's entrepreneurial spirit was evident early. He started by selling vegetables and fruits to neighbors and local businesses, and by high school, he was selling directly to restaurants, successfully funding his college education. His early business ventures also helped refine his sales and presentation skills. Choosing to pursue a Bachelor's in Business Administration, Seesing aimed to enhance his ability to motivate and lead within various business environments. His education focused on business-to-business sales and effective sales force management, paving the way for his successful career. He further expanded his expertise through continuous learning and certifications in sales leadership and professional salesmanship, endorsed by leading medical device manufacturers. Seesing began his career as a Sales Representative, swiftly gaining recognition for promoting innovative medical products that significantly improved patient care. He embraced the early adoption of SaaS platforms and medical practice software, enhancing productivity and financial management in healthcare practices. Later, his role in the medical prosthetics industry highlighted his impact on improving the quality of life of individuals with disabilities. This experience reinforced his commitment to training new sales teams on the effective use of online communication tools for medical equipment sales. Today, John Seesing continues to support medical institutions and practices by consulting for companies facing challenges with new products and markets. He excels in training e-commerce sales teams to engage a global audience effectively through multichannel strategies that enhance both sales and operational efficiency.

Joe Sottolano, originally from New York, was one of 36 players selected nationwide to try out for Team USA in 1990. Additionally, he played a pivotal role in the 1988 Division III NCAA Baseball National Championship team, earning the title of Most Outstanding Player (MOP). With 23 years of Division I coaching experience and 14 as a head coach, Joe has guided over 20 student-athletes to the MLB Amateur Draft and coached 46 All-Americans, including Chris Rowley, who advanced to the Major Leagues. His achievements reflect a relentless competitive spirit and commitment both on and off the field. The foundational values Joe embraces are Integrity First, Service Before Self, and Excellence—principles cultivated during his tenure at West Point. These values have steered his approach to coaching and leadership. Joe's journey began at Minisink Valley High School in Orange County, New York, where he was celebrated as the 1986 Times Herald Records Tri-County Player of the Year. He then showcased exceptional skill as a left-handed pitcher at Ithaca College, leading his team to a national title as a sophomore and being named the most outstanding player of the Division III World Series. After obtaining his Bachelor of Science with a concentration in PE Teaching and a minor in Health from Ithaca College in 1990, Joe started his coaching career at Drexel University in Philadelphia. There, he was instrumental in developing the pitching staff and the team's strength and agility program, recruiting talented players to build a competitive program. He later returned to Ithaca College to earn a Master of Science and further refine his coaching skills while assisting with the baseball team. In 1992, Joe's career took a significant turn when he joined the United States Military Academy at West Point as an Assistant Baseball Coach, later becoming the Head Coach in 2000. His tenure at USMA was marked by outstanding recruiting and fundraising achievements, contributing to the development of its Division I Baseball Team into a national contender. He was responsible for all aspects of team training and competition preparation, significantly enhancing the team's performance and reputation. Under his leadership, the USMA team achieved multiple NCAA tournament berths for the first time in over a century (2000, 2004, 2005, 2009, 2012, and 2013), becoming a perennial Patriot League contender. Joe also played a crucial role in expanding the program's donor base and fundraising efforts, significantly enhancing the team's resources. Following his tenure at West Point, Joe became a premier instructor at the Frozen Ropes National Training Center. He later served as the Lead Travel Team Instructor at Extra Innings Baseball/Softball Facility, where he developed training manuals and coached young athletes. Currently, at Holy Family Schools in Alabama, Joe oversees the physical education curriculum and athletic activities, fostering a program that emphasizes life lessons through sports while instilling strong ethics, character, leadership, and Christian values. Joe also coaches the 14u Southeast Canes Scout team with his sons and works as a sales inspector for Yellowhammer Roofing in Huntsville, Alabama. On a personal note, Joe treasures time with his wife, Lori, and their two sons, enjoying hunting and fishing in his downtime. A committed philanthropist, he actively supports his community, making significant donations to local charities and providing for people in need. Joe Sottolano's extensive career and dedication to sports and education highlight his unwavering commitment to Excellence and service, making him a respected and influential figure in both the athletic and local communities.