Meet the Minds Guiding Growth
Learn more about the experience, values, and mission that fuel a results-driven consulting approach that helps ambitious entrepreneurs and professionals build with clarity and confidence.
At FSC we work with entrepreneurs, founders, and business owners to help them break through, find clarity, and build systems and processes that support sustainable growth.
“We believe strategy shouldn’t be confusing and that running a business should feel lighter, sharper, and more aligned with who you are.”
- James Marcellino, FSC Founder
OUR HISTORY
Over 25 years ago, the company began in South Florida by providing small business owners with systems and tools necessary for success. By modeling the simple principal of putting customer needs at the forefront of best practices, i.e. – “service first”, First Serve Consulting (“FSC”) was born. The Company began West Coast operations in 2007 in Orange County, California. From there, FSC advised companies in Internet marketing, contract manufacturing, apparel, software, and logistics businesses. By 2008 the organization had expanded onto the International business stage with projects in various sectors.
FSC is a boutique firm working with companies that operate across the globe. The Company has represented firms in big data, financial services, hospitality, manufacturing, and healthcare. Most recently, FSC has branched into advising businesses on Private Equity roll-ups and M & A transactions as a means to create liquidity for founders.
OUR TEAM
James Marcellino, Senior Advisor
As founder and CEO of FSC, James applies 30 years of successful entrepreneurial experience helping businesses internationally. He is an accomplished business man with all of the superior management skills required in a world-class organizational leader.
James has served as a “C” level executive for multiple organizations where he has positively impacted growth of EBITDA. He has led projects focused on restructuring and diversification. He co-founded companies in financial products marketing, Internet television, children’s learning centers, commercial flooring, and karate schools.
He possesses great operational and organizational skills. He is able to convey a clear understanding of complex business issues and thereby, increase corporate productivity, all critical tenants of entrepreneurship.
Gil Figueroa, Senior Advisor
Gil provides clients with broad high level corporate management experience. His background with growth companies provides him a panoramic view of corporate requirements and makes him an expert at creating and executing strategic visions.
Gil was President and CEO of Raining Data Corporation, a NASDAQ (RDTA) company created via a merger between a private company, PICK Systems, and a public company, OMNIS Software. He engineered the acquisition by raising over $20 Million and was responsible for increasing the company valuation to over $50 Million.
Gil has managed a large variety of business projects including, global product distribution, workflow management, and web applications. With over 50 years in the computer industry, he has broad technological experience ranging from hardware design and software development, to international sales channels.
Dr. Michael Salerno, Senior Advisor
Dr. Mike applies his more than 50 years of experience and expertise in business, public administration and education. His natural leadership abilities that were honed as a US Marine have served him well in roles as diverse as college professor to police officer.
Dr. Mike’s true calling is educating tomorrow’s business leaders. As a Senior Professor for the H. Wayne Huizenga School of Business & Entrepreneurship, he’s passed along the wisdom and knowledge acquired over the years. He moved into the consulting arena to teach and guide today’s business minds and leaders.
Dr. Mike earned a B.S. degree from the University of Iona in NY and his M.S. and Doctorate of Public Administration from Nova Southeastern University. He has acquired certifications and licenses in law enforcement, education, administration, and several other disciplines.
Craig Cunningham, Senior Advisor
Craig applies his more than 30 years experience in various financial and educational sectors to drive the financial aspect and profitability for our clients. He has a background in finance, business management and technology. He has been advising businesses since 1987 by providing them with constructive financial systems and methodologies to prepare for successful integration of sound financial practices.
Craig has served as a financial consultant for investment firms and headed the accounting program at the University of La Verne, in Southern California. He has also implemented strategic training programs for numerous tax and financial-industry companies, including Girard Securities and Key Corp, a national banking and investment firm.
Craig earned both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Business Administration from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona. He holds a CPA license, and his professional affiliations include the International Associate for Financial Planning and the Institute of Management Accountants.
Samantha Marcellino, Advisor
As CEO of FSC’s social media division, SGS Media, Samantha brings 15 years of “real life” experience around social media marketing and working with people. She possesses a keen understanding of how customers relate to products and services. Samantha employs a no-nonsense approach towards discovering what resonates with today’s consumer, while having a deep insight into Social Media Marketing and Online Reputation Management.
Samantha has grown a COVID start-up into a high producing division for FSC, with revenue growth exceeding 40% YOY. She has previously held positions in sales and marketing, where she continually exemplified the skills for success. She has also worked extensively in the health arena as a personal trainer and group fitness instructor.
Samantha graduated from Florida Atlantic University obtaining a degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Marketing. She holds certifications in fitness from AFAA Group Fitness, QiForze, QiDance and Schwin Cycle, and has participated in coaching and mentorship workshops for sales team building.
Anthony Franck, Advisor
Anthony relies upon 20+ years of experience managing and leading people. He applies a cutting edge perspective to every project, and provides clients with specific knowledge related to Internet marketing, client retention, e-commerce, online sales, as well as all things related to search and social media. As an industry expert, Anthony was a contributing author for the #1 Best Selling Book, Automate Your Traffic, Funnels and Follow Up With The World.
He recently assisted a “big data” organization working with Facebook and Google to increase traffic to over 50,000 visits per month. Anthony led a team that collectively generated over $30MM in sales via Internet advertising. His career began handling location and corporate operations for In-N-Out Burger, the nations top privately held fast food empire.
Anthony studied web design, digital media, online sales, and marketing at College of the Canyons in California. He holds certifications in software applications for web design and development, and is designated as a mentor and coach by Future Force.
OUR MISSION
Provide organizations with the tools, methods and systems in order to better prepare them for doing business within a given marketplace. Utilize education and training to establish a knowledge base that supports a shift in thinking and approach, as it relates to their current operating paradigm. Impart best practices so their company may run more efficiently and achieve higher standards of service.
Let FSC turn your goals into results.