Andrew S Taplin

Founder & Chief Operating Office

Andrew Taplin is a seasoned executive and entrepreneur with over 30 years of impactful leadership across the technology, real estate, construction, and consumer sectors. Throughout his career, he has played a pivotal role in launching and scaling more than five startups—each surpassing $1 million in annual revenue, with two exceeding $5 million. His talent for identifying and partnering with niche, disruptive brands has consistently transformed early-stage concepts into thriving, revenue-generating businesses.

Currently, Andrew is deeply engaged in equity and futures trading while actively exploring new entrepreneurial ventures.

Andrew began his career in real estate development, with a particular focus on the niche real estate workout sector in South Florida—a region where his family has been developing properties since the 1940s. His passion for construction was sparked during this period and remains a driving force in his professional pursuits.

In 2008, he founded ELASTICgroup, a business development and consulting firm specializing in operations, technology, real estate, and financial management.

By 2010, ELASTICgroup partnered with Mama Mae’s, a specialty frozen food company, to bring the founder’s vision to market. Music manager and entrepreneur Rob Walker—known for managing The Neptunes (Pharrell Williams and Chad Hugo) and co-founding the Star Trak label—recruited Andrew to lead the company. Walker also helped launch the Ice Cream clothing line for Billionaire Boys Club alongside Williams and Japanese designer Nigo.

As President and COO of Mama Mae’s, Andrew led the company’s financial, manufacturing, sales, and marketing operations. Under his leadership, the company saw a 350% revenue increase in 2012 and a 160% increase in 2013. He implemented comprehensive operational strategies, managed logistics across temperature-controlled centers on both coasts, and executed a successful in-store marketing campaign—most notably through Costco road shows.

In 2004, Andrew co-founded VYTAL Telecom, serving as CEO. He was instrumental in shaping the company’s strategic direction and overseeing all operations for this facility-based telecommunications distribution firm.

Earlier, in 2001, he co-founded Logicware Software, a SaaS company offering web-based ERP and CRM tools for the telecom industry. As President and COO, he raised $1.7 million in equity and debt financing, built a 25-person team, and managed a $1 million software development budget. He worked closely with department heads to keep investors and the board informed on financial performance and strategic risks.

In 1999, Andrew co-founded Debit One Communications, a wholesale and retail telecom distributor. He led the development of inventory systems, vendor relationships, and operational protocols. Within two years, the company reached a $6 million annual run rate ($11 million retail), with products in over 1,000 U.S. retail locations.

In 1996, Andrew acquired a controlling interest in Bluewater Worldwide Investment, transforming it into Bluewater Communications. Within 24 months, he grew annual sales from $435,000 to $5.1 million ($10.2 million retail), expanded retail outlets from 50 to over 400, and secured a $32 million purchasing contract with LCI/Qwest. In 1998, he successfully merged the company into iTELSA.