Steve Hardek

Steve Hardek is an accomplished executive with extensive experience in sustainable innovation, capital raising, and business development. As Chief Executive Officer and Chief Strategy Officer at ZoomEssence, Inc. since March 2010, Steve has advanced the company's flavor delivery technology for liquid products and built a successful flavor business from inception to significant revenue. Additionally, as Co-Founder and Board Member of OraCare, Steve has contributed to enhancing dental patient care through product innovation and strategic planning. Previously, Steve founded Mountain Lakes Partners to provide strategic consulting and served as a Founding Partner at Verax Capital Partners focusing on small to mid-sized businesses. Early career highlights include key roles at W.R. Huff Asset Management, Duff & Phelps, and Chase Securities, where Steve specialized in business development, M&A, and private placements. Steve holds an MBA in Finance from Columbia Business School and a BS in Marketing from Rutgers University.