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Dawgs on Wall Street

Wed. April 17, 2024 6-8 p.m.

Racquet & Tennis Club, New York, NY

In a Dawgs on Wall Street first, we’re excited to welcome partners in business and marriage, Ally and Scott Svenson as our featured speakers. As co-founders of MOD Pizza, one of the fastest growing restaurant brands in the US, they place special emphasis on business driven by purpose.

Their commitment to being the leading employer for individuals facing barriers, including those with intellectual and developmental disabilities and formerly incarcerated individuals, drives them to put service at the center of their business. Even their leadership structure reflects this commitment with Ally serving as MOD’s “Protector of the Purpose.” In addition to being executive chairman of MOD Pizza, Scott is also a member of the UW Foster School of Business Advisory Board.

They will share highlights and insights from their experience founding successful brands with a mission of service. Plus you’ll get to mingle with Huskies from across the East Coast while enjoying hors d’oeuvres and drinks.

You don’t have to work in business or finance to join — all Huskies are welcome. We hope you’ll be a part of this exciting opportunity to connect to your UW community and celebrate the global impact of the UW. There’s a $10 discount for UWAA members. Space is limited, register today!

General Public $50 | UWAA Members $40

This event is 21+ only.

Registration link includes options to register for our other exciting events in New York this Spring.

Speaker Biography

Portrait of Ally and Scott Svenson

Ally and Scott Svenson are the co-founders of MOD Pizza, the pioneer of fast casual pizza. MOD, which was started in Seattle in 2008 and was the fastest growing restaurant brand in the US for four consecutive years (2015-2018), is a people-centric business committed to making a positive social impact. As of early 2024, the company had over 550 stores trading across the US. Scott is also the Founder and Managing Partner of The Sienna Group LLC, a long-term orientated investment holding company based in Seattle.

Ally, a graduate with honours from Wellesley College, started her career in broadcast journalism, marketing and publishing.

A Seattle native and a graduate with honours from Harvard University, Scott spent 11 years (from 1988 to 1999) working in London. After six years advising high growth middle-market companies (at Drexel, Burnham Lambert and then Apax Partners), Scott became Deputy CEO of CrestaCare plc, the third largest long-term healthcare provider in the UK.

In 1994, Ally and Scott co-founded Seattle Coffee Company, the first gourmet coffee retailer and wholesaler in the UK and one of the first outside of the US. They built the business to 75 retail locations in under three years, and managed the sale of the company to Starbucks in May 1998. Following the sale, Scott assumed the role of President – Starbucks UK and subsequently President – Starbucks Europe.

Following the sale of Seattle Coffee Company, Ally and Scott helped launch Carluccio’s, an innovative Italian deli-café concept. Carluccio’s went public in 2006 and was subsequently sold to a strategic buyer in 2010.

Most importantly, Ally and Scott are parents to four incredible boys, Tristan (27), Dillon (25), Caspian (22) and Jasper (20).

Bio provided by speaker.