Entrepreneurs, innovators, and dreamers from across the country gathered in Greenville, South Carolina this past April for one of the most dynamic startup showcases of 2026: the “Pitch the Pros” event, hosted by The Modern-Inventor.
Designed to connect emerging founders with seasoned business leaders, the event delivered high-energy pitches, real-time feedback, and invaluable networking opportunities—quickly establishing itself as a standout platform for aspiring entrepreneurs seeking to advance their ideas.
At the center of The Modern-Inventor’s momentum is Brandi Lombardo, whose leadership and behind-the-scenes execution have become a driving force behind both the company and the success of “Pitch the Pros.” As President of The Modern Inventor, Lombardo has played a key role in shaping the organization’s vision and helping create opportunities for inventors, entrepreneurs, and early-stage founders to gain meaningful exposure and mentorship. Her emphasis on founder development, strategic growth, and creating an accessible environment for entrepreneurs was evident throughout the event, helping make the experience both professional and empowering for participants.
“‘Pitch the Pros’ is about giving real opportunities to real entrepreneurs,” said Brandi Lombardo. We wanted to create an environment where founders aren’t just pitching—they’re learning, connecting, and walking away with actionable insights they can actually apply. Seeing the level of talent this year, and the way the room rallied behind these founders was incredible,” she added.
Another all-star of the organization is Christopher Guerrera, who brings years of experience in engineering, product development, branding, and business growth to the stage. Known as a two-time Shark Tank winner, Guerrera served as both a mentor and inspiration for attendees throughout the competition. His ability to connect with founders and provide practical, experience-driven advice added significant value to the event and reinforced The Modern Inventor’s mission of helping entrepreneurs transform ideas into viable businesses.
“What makes this event special is the authenticity. “These are real founders with real ideas, and we’re giving them direct access to people who’ve built businesses from the ground up,” said Chris Guerrera. “I’ve been in their shoes before, and I know how valuable honest feedback and the right connection can be. That’s what we’re creating here,” he added.
Another familiar face connected to the event was Chris Landano, a Queens, New York resident with strong ties to the entrepreneurial community. Landano supported the event through his involvement with The Modern Inventor and contributed to the collaborative energy that made “Pitch the Pros” a success. Outside of the organization, he is also associated with ventures including TrakBelt360 and a seasonal haunted house attraction, reflecting his entrepreneurial versatility and creative mindset.
“Coming from Queens, you learn how to hustle, adapt, and find opportunity where others might not see it. ‘Pitch the Pros’ is an extension of that mindset—we’re giving entrepreneurs a platform to be seen, heard, and taken seriously,” said Landano. Being part of something that can help launch the next big idea is what it’s all about,” he added.
One of the event’s biggest highlights was the fireside chat featuring Daymond John, founder of FUBU and star investor on the hit television show Shark Tank. Bringing his signature energy and business insight to the stage, John shared advice on entrepreneurship, branding, perseverance, and scaling a company in today’s competitive landscape. Winners of Pitch the Pros® also received exclusive access to a private fireside session with John & Guerrera, creating a memorable opportunity for direct interaction with one of the most influential entrepreneurs
Throughout the event, founders pitched innovative ideas spanning technology, consumer products, and lifestyle brands, all competing for mentorship, exposure, and the opportunity to accelerate their businesses. Judges and mentors provided candid feedback designed to help entrepreneurs sharpen not only their products, but also their messaging, branding, and go-to-market strategies.
More than just a competition, Pitch the Pros® served as a launchpad for the next generation of entrepreneurs. With Lombardo helping lead the charge behind The Modern Inventor’s continued growth and mission, the event demonstrated how mentorship, collaboration, and real-world business guidance can help transform promising ideas into successful ventures. As the startup ecosystem continues to evolve, initiatives like Pitch the Pros® are proving that the next breakthrough business may be only one pitch away.
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