Meet the Minds Behind BLU: Your Guides to Success

University Founder

Dan Vega

Dan Vega is a seasoned entrepreneur, acclaimed business advisor, and renowned speaker with over three decades of experience across multiple industries. He is the founder of BLU University, an institution dedicated to teaching modern entrepreneurs innovative methods for wealth creation. Dan is recognized for his groundbreaking economic approach, EthoNomics, a mathematical system designed to solve business challenges and create lasting financial success.

Throughout his career, Dan has worked with the world’s top entrepreneurs, celebrities, and Fortune 500 companies, guiding them on strategies to minimize risk while generating billions. His influence extends into media, where he hosted the entrepreneurial talk show “Tuesdays with Dan” on ABC for six seasons, providing viewers with insights from global business leaders.

At BLU University, Dan combines his vast experience with his revolutionary economic model that champions abundance over scarcity, making him a leading figure in shaping the future of business education.

University President

Licia Rester

Licia Rester is the President of BLU University. She is a Learning and Performance specialist, professor of Psychology, instructional designer, author, program facilitator, and licensed therapist with nearly 40 years of expertise in driving personal and professional transformation. An early adopter of eLearning and technology, she has collaborated with non-profits, universities, and numerous Fortune 500 companies, including Microsoft, Philips Interactive Media, American Express, Amgen, and others, to create innovative, interactive education. As lead faculty and Managing Director of the University of Santa Monica, Licia has worked with thousands of adult learners to achieve extraordinary growth and success by synthesizing psychology, technology, media, instructional design, and performance analysis.

Faculty

Dr. Larry Farwell

Faculty

Neuroscientist, Inventor, Best-Selling Author, Government Consultant
Dr. Larry Farwell is a Harvard-educated neuroscientist and the author of the #1 bestselling book, The Science of Creating Miracles: Neuroscience, Quantum Physics, and Living the Life of Your Dreams. TIME magazine selected him to the TIME 100 Top Innovators of the Century, “the Picassos or Einsteins of the 21st Century.” He has consulted with leading individuals, organizations, and top government leaders and agencies worldwide, including the FBI, the CIA, the US Navy, and the President of the US. He has been featured on CNN, ABC News, CBS News, BBC, Good Morning America, 60 Minutes, TIME, Newsweek, The New York Times, The Washington Post, and major news media worldwide.
Dr. Larry Farwell helped pioneer the field of neurology and invented Brain Fingerprinting, a scientific technique to detect criminals and terrorists and exonerate the innocent by measuring brainwaves. He met with the President of the United States, George W. Bush and the Director of the CIA and developed a program to apply Farwell Brain Fingerprinting in classified counterterrorism missions overseas, and has successfully carried out this program. He also invented the first brain-computer interface, to communicate directly from the brain to a computer, and to control robots and “speak” through speech synthesizers using brainwaves. As an instructor for BLU University, Dr. Larry combines his vast knowledge of the mind, mathematics and science to specific strategies that has helped millions achieve success in all aspects of their life.
Eric Levine

Faculty

Industry Titan, Fitness Mogul, Entrepreneur, Innovator
Eric Levine is a legendary figure in the fitness industry, with over 40 years of groundbreaking experience. From opening the first franchise of Gold's Gym to founding California Fitness across Asia, Eric has built and led some of the world’s most successful fitness ventures, including selling his business to 24 Hour Fitness, giving him a personal exit of $1.7 billion. Known for creating exceptional member and staff experiences, he’s helped countless brands achieve success through his consulting company, Eric Levine Global Fitness Expert. As a renowned speaker and innovator, Eric continues to drive industry transformation with his latest venture in Active Recovery, ENRGNX. When you work with Eric, you gain a dedicated partner committed to surpassing your goals.
Derek Cozzens

Faculty

CFO, Financial Strategist, Innovator, Published Author, Stanford Graduate School of Business
With over two decades of hands-on experience in corporate finance, global controllership, audit, financial reporting, strategic planning, M&A, and leveraged financing, Derek brings a wealth of expertise to the realm of Private Equity. A graduate of Stanford’s School of Business, he has personally managed financial portfolios totaling over $1 trillion, underscoring his deep financial acumen and strategic vision. Derek’s impressive track record includes pivotal roles as a CFO, CEO, COO, and leader of special projects within portfolio companies, where he has consistently driven success and innovation. Additionally, he is a seasoned real estate professional and a published author, further showcasing his multifaceted expertise. His specialties include business development, audits, financial modeling, and corporate restructuring across domestic and international markets.
Mark Samuel

Faculty

Entrepreneur, Investor, Author, Film Producer
Mark Samuel is the CEO and Founder of B STATE, guiding organizations in achieving measurable breakthrough business results and accountability-based culture change within six months. He is the award winning & bestselling author of 7 books including Reimagine Teams and B STATE: A New Roadmap for Bold Leadership, Brave Culture, and Breakthrough Results.
Mark has been featured as an Accountability and Leadership expert on CNBC, Bloomberg, Fast Company, Fortune Magazine, and Forbes Coaching Counsel. Some of his clients include Michelin, Genentech-Roche, Royal Bank of Canada, Honda, Hewlett Packard, Kaiser Permanente, Siemens, Southern California Edison, Apple Computer, General Dynamics, Habitat for Humanity, University of California, Berkeley, and many more.
Dr. Matt Markel

Faculty

Entrepreneur, Corporate Leader, Investor, Author, Engineer
Dr. Matt Markel is an engineer-turned-executive whose career has spanned from foundational roles in defense and radar systems through leadership positions at major autonomous-driving and technology companies, including heading radar divisions at Waymo and serving as President/CEO of Spartan Radar and CTO of Epirus Inc. Beyond his technology leadership, he is an investor with diverse holdings (real estate, private equity, debt, entertainment), a published author of technical and business books such as Radar for Fully Autonomous Driving, a TEDx speaker, and the creator of the “Anti-preneur” program, which helps high-achieving professionals build wealth without quitting their careers.

Media Kit
Bob Kittell

Faculty

Expert in Memory Training and Motivational Speaking
Bob Kittell is a renowned speaker and memory expert, known for his dynamic presentations that inspire and engage audiences. As a featured speaker on the Get Motivated Tour, Bob has delivered motivational talks in over 150 cities globally, sharing the stage with iconic figures like Zig Ziglar, Les Brown, Colin Powell, Tony Robbins, Donald Trump, and Sir Richard Branson just to name a few. His high-energy approach combines humor with practical techniques, helping people improve memory retention and apply it to personal and professional success.
Bob’s career began when he founded Memory Improvement Systems, training thousands of university students in memory enhancement. His fun and effective methods enable individuals to retain complex information, remember names and faces, and more. At BLU University, Bob empowers students with actionable strategies for success through his expertise in memory training and motivation.
LoriAnn Garner

Faculty

Visionary Entrepreneur, Transformative Coach, Speaker, Author, Life Strategist
LoriAnn Garner specializes in guiding individuals to achieve six- and seven-figure incomes while upholding faith and work-life balance. Her proven roadmap to success enables clients to reach financial freedom through recurring income, opening doors to a life once thought unattainable. LoriAnn's passion is to volunteer, travel, and teach empowerment skills across the USA, South America, and Croatia. As an author of books like Why the Roses Cry and The Power of Healing through Journal Writing, LoriAnn shares insights on personal development and health, helping others foster lasting well-being and resilience.
Melissa Russo

Faculty

Founder of Yoga Journeys and Advocate for Children’s Mental Fitness
Melissa Russo is the founder of Yoga Journeys, a nonprofit dedicated to promoting mental fitness in children through mindfulness and emotional regulation techniques. In 2006, she produced a PBS television series that introduced children to key tools like breathing, relaxation, and mindfulness. Recognizing the evolving ways children learn, Melissa later expanded her efforts to develop Mindset Master, a series of books and multimedia tools designed to equip families and educators with strategies for fostering mental resilience in children.
With over 20 years of experience working in schools, Melissa also collaborates with teachers and communities to implement emotional regulation programs that improve learning readiness. At BLU University, she brings her expertise in mental fitness education to help shape a healthier, more resilient future for students.
Ray Garner

Faculty

Entrepreneur, Business Coach, Speaker
Dr. Ray Garner has served as a high-level practitioner for over 37 years. Dr. Garner has mastered the art of being an owner/operator and the business acumen needed to succeed in any field. After building and successfully selling his own thriving practice for a 7-figure sum, he now shares his expertise with other practitioners across the nation, guiding them in the delicate journey of transitioning and selling their practices to achieve a future of financial independence and personal freedom.
Dr. Garner’s dedication extends beyond his profession. For over a decade, he was a devoted volunteer of the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square in Salt Lake City Utah, finding joy in service to his church and community. He founded Retire Ready Rx to help dentists build their ideal retirement by preparing their practices for maximum value and ensuring smooth, fulfilling exits. As an instructor at BLU University, he also teaches business strategy and entrepreneurship, empowering others to create prosperous careers.
Eddie Hill

Faculty

Founder of Prosperous I.M. and Digital Marketing Expert
Eddie Hill, founder of Prosperous I.M., is a seasoned leader and expert in online marketing, with over two decades of experience. Starting his career in traditional media after earning a degree in Broadcast Communications from the University of Wyoming, Eddie quickly transitioned into digital marketing, building his first website in 1998. He is committed to staying on the cutting edge by engaging with top industry leaders and continuously updating his knowledge of the latest trends in internet marketing.
Eddie frequently teaches online marketing strategies to business owners and various national associations, and has been twice awarded “Speaker of the Year” by the Awards and Recognition Association. Eddie has held several leadership positions, including Past President of North Rotary and other business organizations. At BLU University, Eddie shares his extensive knowledge of digital marketing and leadership with aspiring entrepreneurs.
Bear Wilson

Faculty

Bear Wilson is a business development professional, entrepreneur, and experienced sales and leadership practitioner with more than a decade of experience building businesses, developing relationships, and driving results. His background in sales, management, entrepreneurship, and high-level client service has given him a unique perspective on the connection between leadership, communication, and business growth. Known for his integrity, strategic mindset, and ability to connect with people, Bear is passionate about helping others recognize their potential and communicate with purpose. At BLU University, he brings a practical perspective on sales, leadership, and building the client relationships that turn an idea into a lasting business.
Jared Green

Faculty

Jared Green is an entrepreneur, business leader, media producer, and inventor with experience leading and operating multiple million dollar companies. His current work spans audio production, video creation, app development and real estate, combining business experience with creative and technical execution. At BLU University, he contributes a practical perspective on entrepreneurship, innovation, and bringing ideas to life.