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Dave Zilko

CEO at Fuel Leadership, LLC

Dave Zilko is a seasoned entrepreneur and a successful business leader with a rich background in the food industry. Over two decades ago, he kick-started his entrepreneurial journey with a modest $2,500 credit card loan, eventually paving the way to establish himself as an equity partner in various food enterprises.

During his 13-year tenure as Vice Chairman at Garden Fresh Gourmet, Dave played a pivotal role in steering the company towards success, culminating in the landmark sale to Campbell’s Soup Company for $231 million. His strategic acumen and sales expertise were instrumental in making Garden Fresh the leading brand of fresh salsa in North America.

Dave Zilko is also a published author, with his book 'Irrational Persistence; Seven Secrets That Turned A Bankrupt Startup Into A $231,000,000 Business' gaining national acclaim as a bestseller. This book sheds light on his entrepreneurial journey and offers valuable insights into building a thriving business.

Currently, Dave serves as the CEO of FUEL Leadership, focusing on digital media and exclusive business events. Additionally, he holds the position of an operating partner at Huron Capital, a prominent Detroit-based private equity firm managing over $1 billion in assets. His board memberships include Grow Michigan venture fund, Singing for Change (Jimmy Buffett's charitable foundation), and executive board of Forgotten Harvest, the largest food rescue organization in the country.

Dave Zilko is a proud alumnus of Michigan State University, where he obtained a Bachelor's degree in Finance, and George Washington University, where he completed his Master of Business Administration with a specialization in Marketing.

Dave Zilko
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Location

Detroit Metropolitan Area