The Build Series: Real Stories from Entrepreneurs

The Build Series brings together entrepreneurs, innovators, students, and business leaders for candid conversations about starting and growing a business.

Powered by Windsor-Essex Capital Angel Network, in partnership with Odette School of Business, WEtech Alliance, and the Windsor-Essex Regional Chamber of Commerce this event is open to anyone interested in entrepreneurship—whether you’re just getting started or already building something.

🔥 What to Expect:

• Fireside Chats with entrepreneurs sharing their experiences, challenges, and lessons learned
• Conversations with Jordan Ziriada (moderated by Cam Crowder) and Andrew Tepperman, Executive Chairman of Tepperman’s (moderated by Yvonne Pilon)
• Networking with students, entrepreneurs, investors, and industry leaders

About Our Speakers:

Andrew Tepperman, Past CEO & Executive Chairman, Tepperman’s

Born in Windsor, Ontario. Worked in the family home furnishings store (founded 1925) through elementary school. Attended high school at Upper Canada College in Toronto and university at Vassar College in New York, Dartmouth University in New Hampshire and the American University in Paris. After completing university, Andrew worked for a large US-based furniture manufacturer living in Washington DC, Montreal QC and Knoxville TN, before returning to Canada after Tepperman’s acquired the largest furniture store in London ON in 1997. He became President in 2006 through 2024 and currently is the Executive Chairman. Today, with over 400 employees in 7 markets, the company has become one of the largest private family-owned home furnishings retailer in Canada. In 2025, Tepperman’s will celebrate both their 100th anniversary as well as making their largest technology investment. He is married to Tina and has 2 children. Learn more at: www.teppermans.com.

Jordan Ziriada, Entrepreneur

Jordan Ziriada is a venture builder driven by a passion for disruption and innovation. With a sharp instinct for challenging the status quo, he specializes in identifying overlooked opportunities and executing bold business models that push boundaries and create meaningful change across the industries he operates in.

Committed to building ventures with lasting impact, Jordan blends strategic innovation with a hands-on approach to tackle complex challenges and develop businesses that make a difference. By combining pragmatic thinking with an unyielding drive to break barriers, he transforms ambitious ideas into reality while continuously seeking new challenges and opportunities.