Meet the Minds Behind BLU: Your Guides to Success

Dan Vega 

 Entrepreneur, Investor, Producer, Philanthropist

Dan Vega is a seasoned entrepreneur, acclaimed business advisor, and renowned speaker with over three decades of experience across multiple industries. He is the founder of BLU University, an institution dedicated to teaching modern entrepreneurs innovative methods for wealth creation. Dan is recognized for his groundbreaking economic approach, EthoNomics, a mathematical system designed to solve business challenges and create lasting financial success.

Throughout his career, Dan has worked with high-level entrepreneurs, celebrities, and Fortune 500 companies, offering expert advice on maximizing profits while minimizing risk. His influence extends into media, where he hosted the entrepreneurial talk show “Tuesdays with Dan” on ABC for six seasons, providing viewers with insights from global business leaders.

At BLU University, Dan combines his vast experience with his revolutionary economic model that champions abundance over scarcity, making him a leading figure in shaping the future of business education.

Eric Levine 

Industry Titan, Fitness Mogul, Entrepreneur, Innovator

Eric Levine is a legendary figure in the fitness industry, with over 40 years of groundbreaking experience. From opening the first franchise of Gold's Gym to founding California Fitness across Asia, Eric has built and led some of the world’s most successful fitness ventures, including selling California Fitness to 24 Hour Fitness in a $1.7 billion deal. Known for creating exceptional member and staff experiences, he’s helped countless brands achieve success through his consulting company, Eric Levine Global Fitness Expert. As a renowned speaker and innovator, Eric continues to drive industry transformation with his latest venture in Active Recovery, ENRGNX. When you work with Eric, you gain a dedicated partner committed to surpassing your goals.

Matt Markel

Entrepreneur, Corporate Leader, Investor, Author, Engineer

Dr. Markel is a compelling speaker and advisor to businesses, leveraging his expertise as an executive and technologist to support CEOs in e-commerce, finance, autonomous systems, and defense. He authored Radar for Fully Autonomous Driving, a foundational text shaping self-driving technology. Formerly the CEO of Spartan Radar and a radar leader at Ghost Autonomy and Waymo, Dr. Markel has driven advancements in radar, electronic warfare, and autonomous systems. A former Principal Engineering Fellow at Raytheon and an Air Force Research Laboratory chief engineer, he holds multiple patents and serves on national committees. Dr. Markel is also an active investor in entertainment and retail, as well as a founding investor in The Amani Resorts and The Business Ethics & Education Commission.

Derek Cozzens

CFO, Financial Strategist, Innovator, Published Author

With over two decades of hands-on experience in corporate finance, global controllership, audit, financial reporting, strategic planning, M&A, and leveraged financing, Derek brings a wealth of expertise to the realm of Private Equity. Over his distinguished career, he has managed financial portfolios totaling $1 trillion, underscoring his deep financial acumen and strategic vision. Derek’s impressive track record includes pivotal roles as a CFO, CEO, COO, and leader of special projects within portfolio companies, where he has consistently driven success and innovation. Additionally, he is a seasoned real estate professional and a published author, further showcasing his multifaceted expertise.. His specialties include business development, audits, financial modeling, and corporate restructuring across domestic and international markets.

Bob Kittell 

Expert in Memory Training and Motivational Speaking

Bob Kittell is a renowned speaker and memory expert, known for his dynamic presentations that inspire and engage audiences. As a featured speaker on the Get Motivated Tour, Bob has delivered motivational talks in over 150 cities globally, sharing the stage with iconic figures like Zig Ziglar, Colin Powell, and Les Brown. His high-energy approach combines humor with practical techniques, helping people improve memory retention and apply it to personal and professional success.

Bob’s career began when he founded Memory Improvement Systems, training thousands of university students in memory enhancement. His fun and effective methods enable individuals to retain complex information, remember names and faces, and more. At BLU University, Bob empowers students with actionable strategies for success through his expertise in memory training and motivation.

Eddie Hill

Founder of Prosperous I.M. and Digital Marketing Expert

Eddie Hill, founder of Prosperous I.M., is a seasoned leader and expert in online marketing, with over two decades of experience. Starting his career in traditional media after earning a degree in Broadcast Communications from the University of Wyoming, Eddie quickly transitioned into digital marketing, building his first website in 1998. He is committed to staying on the cutting edge by engaging with top industry leaders and continuously updating his knowledge of the latest trends in internet marketing.

Eddie frequently teaches online marketing strategies to business owners at Chamber meetings, the Better Business Bureau, and various national associations, and has been twice awarded “Speaker of the Year” by the Awards and Recognition Association. An active member of the Pensacola, FL community, Eddie has held several leadership positions, including Past President of Pensacola North Rotary and Pensacola LEADers. At BLU University, Eddie shares his extensive knowledge of digital marketing and leadership with aspiring entrepreneurs.

Melissa Russo

Founder of Yoga Journeys and Advocate for Children’s Mental Fitness

Melissa Russo is the founder of Yoga Journeys, a nonprofit dedicated to promoting mental fitness in children through mindfulness and emotional regulation techniques. In 2006, she produced a PBS television series that introduced children to key tools like breathing, relaxation, and mindfulness. Recognizing the evolving ways children learn, Melissa later expanded her efforts to develop Mindset Master, a series of books and multimedia tools designed to equip families and educators with strategies for fostering mental resilience in children.

With over 20 years of experience working in schools, Melissa also collaborates with teachers and communities to implement emotional regulation programs that improve learning readiness. At BLU University, she brings her expertise in mental fitness education to help shape a healthier, more resilient future for students.

LoriAnn Garner

Visionary Entrepreneur, Transformative Coach, Speaker, Author, Life Strategist

LoriAnn Garner, alongside her husband Ray, guides individuals to achieve six- and seven-figure incomes while upholding faith and work-life balance. Their proven roadmap to success enables clients to reach financial freedom through recurring income, opening doors to a life once thought unattainable. Passionate about service, LoriAnn and Ray volunteer, travel, and teach empowerment skills across the USA, South America, and Croatia. As an author of books like Why the Roses Cry and The Power of Healing through Journal Writing, LoriAnn shares insights on personal development and health, helping others foster lasting well-being and resilience.

Ray Garner

Entrepreneur, Business Coach, Speaker

For Dr. Ray Garner, dentistry has been more than a profession; it’s been a lifelong calling. With over 37 years of experience, Dr. Garner has mastered the art of dental care and the business acumen needed to succeed in the field. After building and selling his own thriving practice for a 7-figure sum, he now shares his expertise with dentists across the nation, guiding them in the delicate journey of transitioning and selling their practices to achieve a future of financial independence and personal freedom.

Dr. Garner’s dedication extends beyond his profession. For over a decade, he was a devoted volunteer of the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square in Salt Lake City Utah, finding joy in service to his church and community. He
founded Retire Ready Rx to help dentists build their ideal retirement by preparing their practices for maximum value and ensuring smooth, fulfilling exits. As a lead instructor at BLU University, he also teaches business
strategy and entrepreneurship, empowering others to create prosperous careers.