Benjamin Kohn
Summary
Dynamic executive leader and entrepreneur with 15+ years of experience in technology, hospitality, and social impact. Proven track record of building and scaling organizations from early-stage startups to successful exits, with deep expertise in strategic partnerships, growth, and mental health advocacy.
Experience
Executive Director
Mar 2024 - PresentHope For The Day (HFTD)
Leading proactive suicide prevention and mental health education initiatives. Driving organizational strategy, community outreach, and program development to expand the reach of mental health resources.
Executive
Feb 2024 - PresentSip of Hope Coffee
Managing the world's first coffee shop supporting proactive mental health. Overseeing operations, partnerships, and community engagement for this social enterprise that funds mental health education.
VP of Partnerships
2023 - 2024EMERGING Fund
Focused on ResTech investments and growth services. Supported outreach and diligence on a $100 million fund, built strategic partnerships to support restaurant technology startups, and drove innovation in the food service industry.
VP of Growth
2019 - 2023Gordon Food Service / Back of House
Built a restaurant technology hub and marketplace. Led growth strategy, platform development, and partner integration for a digital ecosystem serving the food service industry.
Founder
2022 - PresentShift Hockey
Founded a retail hockey brand that creates custom sticks and apparel. Building a direct-to-consumer brand serving players and teams with customized equipment and merchandise.
President / Founder
2009 - 2016Cloudly
Founded cloud-telephony startup at age 24. Built and scaled the business through product development, sales, and strategic growth, leading to a successful exit.
Education
Ohio University
2005 - 2009Athens, OH