Jake Karls

Co-Founder & Rainmaker Mid-Day Squares

Jake Karls is reimagining modern leadership—unfiltered, deeply relatable, and fueled by purpose. As Co-founder and Chief Rainmaker of Mid-Day Squares, he has transformed what started as a kitchen-table concept into a brand that’s reshaping how we snack. With a mission to bring authenticity and ‘good-for-you’ indulgence to the chocolate aisle, Mid-Day Squares is leading a bold disruption in one of the most competitive industries. Recognized as a rising star in the business world, he’s a finalist for EY’s Entrepreneur of the Year and has earned a spot on Forbes’ 30 Under 30 in Food and Beverage. Regularly a contributor to media outlets across North America.

Wednesday, August 13

3:00 PM Track B: Panel Discussion: Making the Most of TikTok: Keeping Up with Current Trends to Boost Sales

TikTok’s rapid evolution demands brands stay agile, with its 2025 trend report highlighting community-driven storytelling, AI innovation, and cultural resonance as keys to unlocking sales growth. As the platform’s global user base spends 4.43 billion minutes daily watching videos, businesses must adapt to trends like “Brand Chem”—collaborating with creators and audiences to co-create culturally relevant content. This panel will explore actionable strategies to align with TikTok’s shifting dynamics, from leveraging AI tools like Symphony Assistant to amplifying niche communities through micro-influencers and shoppable UGC. Expect to hear about:

  • Integrating TikTok Shop to facilitate direct purchases, enhancing the shopping experience and driving impulsing buying through seamless in-app features
  • Utilizing livestream shopping events to create urgency and community engagement, leveraging influencer partnerships to boost visibility and sales
  • Focusing on personalized content and product recommendations, harnessing TikTok's algorithm to target specific audiences and increase conversion rates
  • Staying agile by monitoring trending challenges and formats, allowing brands to create relevant content that resonates with users and capitalizes on viral moments

5:20 PM Retailer Only Mastermind Roundtables

Pick A Table, Bring Your Challenges, Get Solutions (And A Drink!)

Table 1: Toastmasters: Developing the Public Speaking Skillset to Promote Your Personal Brand

Host:

Table 2: Crafting Your Personal Brand: Strategies for Authenticity and Visibility

Host: Jake Karls, Co-Founder & Rainmaker, Mid-Day Squares

Table 3: Mastering the Art & Science of Personalization

Host:  

Table 4:  eCommerce Teams of the Future

Host: Kacey Sharrett, Former Head of Global Direct to Consumer, GoPro

Table 5: TBD

Host: Sarah Snudden, Head of JDE US Consumer Insights, JDE Peet’s

Table 6: TBD

Host: Monica Gorycki, Head of eCommerce at Stonewall Kitchen

Table 7: Crowd-Powered Commerce: The Magic of Social Proof

Host: TBD

Thursday, August 14

11:55 AM Keynote: The Power of Authenticity & Storytelling: How To Build A Winning Brand Today

In this keynote, Jake will discuss how to win and retain the attention of consumers and how to break through all the noise and build a brand that stands out from the crowd. He will be deep diving into the power of authenticity, storytelling and community. 

Check out the incredible speaker line-up to see who will be joining Jake.

Download The Latest Agenda