Meet The Founding Co-Hosts

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Tim Barrett Founder, Grapevine Social
Certified Implementer, EOS®

With a passion for building high-performing teams and fostering meaningful professional relationships, Tim founded Grapevine Social to create an intentional space where industry leaders can connect, collaborate, and grow.

As a Certified EOS® Implementer, Tim brings structure, clarity, and accountability to business leadership. Grapevine Social is a natural extension of that vision—bringing together professionals in a curated, high-value setting where authentic conversations lead to lasting partnerships. It’s not just networking—it’s about building a thriving community of decision-makers, one gathering at a time.

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Angela Rakis Founder, Grapevine Social
Founder & CEO Metis Sales Solutions

Angela leverages over two decades of experience leading high-performing sales teams and driving strategic growth for companies ranging from startups to Fortune 500s. Her career includes roles at IBM and a successful startup that was later acquired by Xerox, giving her a deep understanding of enterprise sales, client relationships, and the power of team alignment. Known for her ability to build and lead sales organizations with clarity and focus, Angela has also made her mark as a skilled facilitator and event strategist.

As a co-founder of Grapevine Social, Angela brings her natural gift for connection to life—creating a community where industry leaders don’t just meet, but truly engage.

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Dennis Jackson Founder, Grapevine Social
Partner WorX Solutions Management

Dennis  combines deep technical expertise with a strategic approach to systems design and data optimization. With a sharp eye for process improvement and automation, Dennis has helped countless organizations implement CRM solutions that streamline operations and unlock actionable insights.

Ensuring every interaction, RSVP, and relationship is captured and leveraged to its fullest potential. His technical leadership empowers the team to stay connected, organized, and data-driven—allowing the experience of Grapevine Social to remain as thoughtful and seamless behind the scenes as it is in person. Specializing in turning networks into living, growing ecosystems.

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Meet The Co-Hosts

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Christopher Tasik CFP® Founder, Tasik Financial Strategies

As the founder of Tasik Financial Strategies, Christopher brings a wealth of expertise and integrity to the table. A CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional, he and his team specialize in comprehensive financial planning for both individuals and businesses. His depth of knowledge in investment strategy, risk management, and long-term planning is matched only by his unwavering commitment to doing what’s right for his clients.

Christopher’s impressive credentials—ranging from securities licenses to insurance expertise—are complemented by a career rooted in service and leadership. Whether it’s advising clients or supporting his community through roles like President of the Kiwanis Foundation of Nashville or Executive Director of the Connecticut Chapter of the American College of Surgeons Professional Association, he brings excellence and heart to everything he does.

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Heidi Phillips Vice President, Commercial Banking Relationship Manager ServisFirst Bank

Heidi is currently serving as Vice President, Commercial Banking Relationship Manager at ServisFirst Bank. A banking industry veteran, Heidi is an experienced business and high net worth relationship banker with over 12 years of experience specializing in lending and treasury management. Prior to joining ServisFirst Bank, Heidi held various positions at First Horizon Bank, HomeTrust Bank, and First Citizens Bank. Most recently, Heidi served as the Vice President Relationship Banker with Fourth Capital Bank.

She received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Vanderbilt University where she majored in Classical Studies and minored in Philosophy. Outside of the banking industry, Heidi is a Girls on the Run Board Member and apart of the Downtown Franklin Association Advisory Board.

Craig Cook Founder& CEO, Equitas Strategic Partners

Craig is a native to Independence, MO, coming to Nashville as a college student and never looked back, embracing Nashville and all it had to offer. Craig has always held the personality trait of service and helping others to the best of his ability; be it selling men’s suits at Castner Knott, helping small businesses and non-profits with their bookkeeping, and collaborating with co-workers and customers in a fast paced corporate environment. Currently focused on guiding small and mid-sized businesses/business owners through their journey by establishing accounting procedures and providing strategic financial leadership. Craig’s appreciation for business development has only enhanced that service minded trait in his ability to connect others in the business community.
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Grant Swertfeger Founder, Executive, Board Member, UX/UI & Game Designer, Software Engineer, SwordSweeper

Grant is the Founder of Swordsweeper Industries, a Software Development and UX Design consultancy. Formerly the Chief Technology Office of Verse.com, Director of User Experience at RANDA Solutions and the Director of Development Operations for National Geographic Society. Specialties: – User Experience and Interface Design        (UXID)

– User Interface (UI) development — React, Vue, Node, HTML5, CSS3

– Responsive Web Design

– Mobile Application Design

– Backend solutions — Django, .NET, Node

– DevOps – AWS, Azure, GoogleCloud, Continuous Integration

– Android/iOS Development

– Board Member

– Speaking engagements

– On-site training

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Supporters

Armondo Moralez, Founder
Elevate Productions
As the founder of Elevate Productions, Armondo has 20 years of experience behind the camera and in the editing suite. He has built his career on telling stories that connect, inspire, and move people to action. As a seasoned videographer and editor, he specializes in transforming raw footage into powerful visual narratives — whether it’s a brand, corporate story, event coverage, promotional material or a creative project. He is committed to delivering high-quality visuals that reflect the essence of each client’s vision, combining creative artistry with technical excellence to elevate brands and inspire emotion.
Armondo has worked as a photojournalist in local news covering everything from hurricanes and floods, to AFC Championship games and NCAA playoffs. He runs Elevate Productions while also serving as the Studio Manager for Nashville PBS, where he maintains and manages all PBS studio productions, as well as a videographer and editor for local PBS shows.

Visit us online at:
elevateproductions.net

Visit us online at:
https://www.deutschfamily.com/