Management Team / Advisory Board Bios
Matthew GellerChief Executive Officer, Co-Founder, President and Board MemberMatt is the leading authority in the mobile vending industry. As the Founder and President of the National Food Truck Association, and now Founder and CEO of BFT, he is the go-to expert for small business owners, local governments, and the media seeking insights into our industry. In his role as CEO at BFT, Matt oversees the company’s overall activities, with a primary focus on technology development, nurturing relationships with our vending partners, and driving growth through marketing and sales initiatives. His unwavering passion lies in supporting our vendor partners – championing their cause through legal advocacy, and delivering innovative technology solutions to the industry via Best Food Trucks. Matt is based in BFT’s LA office.
Jared KapelaChief Financial Officer, Co-Founder, Secretary and Board MemberJared brings over 15 years of diverse experience to BFT, having successfully overseen sales, marketing, finance, and HR operations for both established global firms and startups alike. His expertise extends beyond the food tech industry, encompassing the energy, construction, and manufacturing sectors. As CFO, Jared plays a pivotal role in managing BFT’s financial operations while offering strategic guidance on the company’s marketing and sales strategies. Jared’s current passion lies in exploring new avenues to monetize the extensive amount of proprietary data BFT’s platform generates. In addition, he was vital in building BFT’s HR functions. Jared is based in BFT’s Cleveland office.
Patrick LennonChief Operating Officer, Co-Founder, Board MemberPatrick brings a wealth of experience to BFT, with more than two decades in the restaurant industry and a track record of founding and existing startups. His tenure in the restaurant and hospitality sector instilled the core values of exceptional customer service, community engagement, and adept conflict resolution. In 2013, recognizing a gap in ethical mobile vending coordination, Patrick founded Book My Lot, LLC, with the goal of bridging the priorities of vendors, property owners, and city officials. This company aimed to alleviate congestion, reach underserved areas, boost customer satisfaction, and provide exemplary service. Book My Lot became part of BFT in 2022, where Patrick now leads our sales and customer service departments, driving growth in new areas like catering and ensuring best-in-class 24/7 support for our vendors and their customers. Patrick is based in BFT’s LA office.,