Build Up!

Build Up! identifies savvy businesspeople in developing countries, sells their products in the U.S. and gives the profits to charity.

  • Stage Full Product Ready
  • Industry Consumer Products
  • Location Montclair, NJ, USA
  • Currency USD
  • Founded July 2013
  • Employees 3
  • Website sites.google.com

Company Summary

Build Up!’s mission is to support the disadvantaged, both in the U.S. and abroad. This is done by importing and distributing unique products and giving the proceeds to charity. In our initial year, we will focus on Nali, a line of gourmet African hot sauces. Grants will be awarded to charities operating in education, healthcare, and financial independence. Securing these three areas gives a person the potential to live a healthy, fulfilled life.

Team

  • Philip Anthony Perry
    President

    Philip has a bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences from Montclair State University. Prior experiences include Planet Aid, Inc. in the nonprofit sector where his duties included most aspects of the business such as advertising, sales, marketing, and public relations. Philip has traveled extensively, and has lived in Europe, Asia and Africa where he fell in love with the culture of Malawi, Nali hot sauce, and his lovely wife Els.

  • Melody SanFilippo
    Vice President

    Melody is the owner of a brand marketing company 31 Rue L.L.C. specializing in consumer purchasing trends and unique packaging. Melody has over 12 years of experience designing, manufacturing and importing consumer products, as well as building, managing and increasing company profitability. She has been a top sales professional with experience pitching and selling to Fortune 500 companies.

  • Nalune Francois
    Senior Program Officer

    Nalune's stalwart belief that human rights has propelled her to graduate from Seton Hall University’s Whitehead School of Diplomacy and International Relations. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Diplomacy and International Relations with a special focus in economics. Nalune has worked with displaced families, refugees, and immigrants. Currently she is also serving in as a member and resource coordinator for a domestic nonprofit organization.

  • Dennis Harry
    Legal Advisor

    Dennis received his Juris Doctorate and his Masters of Business Administration from Seton Hall University and his Bachelor’s Degree from Montclair State. Dennis has over seven years of experience in tax law and is currently a Manager of Tax Research and Planning at Funaro & Co. P.C. Dennis worked for Ernst & Young in the International Financial Services Office in Times Square, as well as Deloitte Tax, L.L.P. in the International Tax Division.

  • Howard A. Bielski
    Financial Advisor

    Howard is a certified public accountant licensed since 1981. He has been a partner at an accounting firm for more than 26 years. His duties include general accounting, business and personal tax preparation, auditing and tax planning. Howard concentrates on many different industries including food and beverage, professional services and not-for-profit entities. He resides on the board of two nonprofits in addition to being on our advisory board.

  • Rammoghan Radhakrishnan
    Director of Overseas Operations

    Moghan is a pharmacy graduate from Dr. Mgr. Medical University with 17 years of experience in sales and marketing. He has extensive experience interfacing with nonprofits in Malawi, such as Marie Stopes International /Banja la Mtsogolo, World Vision, UNFPA(United Nations Population Fund), UNDP, Save the Children, Concern Universal and Partners in Health (part of the Clinton Foundation).

Advisors

  • Dennis Harry
    Lawyer
    Unconfirmed
    Howard Bielski
    Accountant
    Unconfirmed

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