OUR MISSION
Our mission at The Hart Agency is to express our dedication and creativity to each individual client and talent by constantly seeking the most current events and competitive prices while maintaining open communication with each staff that is booked, helping to ensure 100% knowledge of their responsibilities. Our goals here are to obtain new business and reflect a positive image while creating a fun and interactive work environment for both our employees and brand ambassadors.
OUR VALUES
Our goal at the Hart Agency, Inc. is simple: extraordinary product quality and customer service. We accomplish this by
observing a common set of values and by partnering with organizations that have the finest reputation for quality. There are no shortcuts; we believe that our goals are accomplished only with real commitment from every employee.
Our values and beliefs require that we:
- Treat every employee fairly, providing opportunities to enhance the means by which we improve our service.
- Treat employees and colleagues with respect; the Hart Agency, Inc. does not tolerate discrimination of any kind.
- Encourage all managers and supervisors to involve employees in creative problem solving when problems arise, an
important part of dealing with them is understanding how to avoid them in the future.
- Provide consistent leadership.
- Maintain an open-door policy that encourages interaction and discussion.
- Provided effective and efficient corrective action to ensure complete customer satisfaction and avoid recurrence of any issues.
- Deliver competitive, outstanding service to our customers and partner with vendors who share that goal.
- Make “do it right the first time” our team attitude to ensure continued growth and prosperity.
OUR TEAM
Meet the folks who make it all happen. We see big potential in every moment and care deeply about what we do every day. Our unique development ensures that we have the very best staff at every level of operation. Our leadership team reflects a group of diverse individuals with breadth and depth of experience across the company.
KEITH HART
CEO/Founder
Since the late '70s, Keith Hart has been part of the nightclub and entertainment business. He is the founder and owner of the Hart Agency, which for almost two decades has provided the best representation for all brands under its reach. Keith has received several accolades confirming his status in the nightlife community including: President of the Top Shelf Bartender's Club, a seat in the Chairman's Committee of the Long Island Hospitality committee, Newsday's "Entrepreneur to Watch", Man of the Year in the Wine and Liquor Salesman Club and was also voted Best Long Islander by the Long Island Press in 2009, beating out sports and radio celebrities. Keith summarizes his success in an adage his mother bestowed upon him:
"You can't stop the rain but you can have the biggest umbrella."
LARRY GOLUS
Executive Vice President
Larry oversees Strategic Operations and Team Leads. He is also responsible for Human Resources, State Liquor Authority and Legal Compliance. Over the last decade Larry has brought the Hart Agency into the digital age, overseeing the development of HEMS (Hart Event Management System) event software program as well as Social Media. Larry is a firm believer of leading by example and has done everything in the company from working the warehouse, stocking sample shelves, making POS kits for events, to hiring, training, and scheduling of consumer educators. When Larry is not at work he enjoys spending time with his family - wife Jennifer, son Luke, and daughter Shay (Yes, named after Shea Stadium). The Golus family are big Met fans! Other likes outside of work include running, biking, and spending time at the beach.
LEAH GUIDARELLI
Chief Operations Officer
A Schenectady native, Leah has built a career defined by operational rigor, leadership, and a deep commitment to people and partnerships. Leah joined Hart Agency in 2008 as a part-time team member and has since played a pivotal role in shaping its growth and execution model. Her background in process optimization and performance management, combined with hands-on experience in her family’s restaurant business, informs a leadership style that balances structure, efficiency, and a strong understanding of service and team dynamics. At Hart Agency, Leah is known for strengthening partner relationships while driving operational excellence across the organization, supported by Keith and the broader management team. Outside of work, she is grounded by her husband Jerry, her daughter Alexandra, and her fur babies, and continues to approach each day with energy and intention, viewing her role as a long-term commitment to the company’s growth and success.
Leah's favorite drink - Dirty Vodka Martini Up with Olives!
JOE KELLY
Vice President of Sales
Joe joined The Hart Agency in 2022, bringing more than three decades of leadership in the wine and spirits industry with Diageo, Pernod Ricard, Chateau & Estates, Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits, and several fast‑moving start‑ups. Throughout his career, he has built national sales teams, shaped route‑to‑market strategy across North America, launched trade development programs, and helped grow some of the most recognizable brands in wine, spirits, beer, and cannabis.
At The Hart Agency, Joe applies his deep brand‑building expertise to experiential marketing and consumer activation. He partners with emerging and established brands to craft strategic engagement plans, elevate on‑ and off‑premise experiences, and drive meaningful commercial impact. Whether he’s supporting new business development with our affiliates or enhancing the quality and creativity of agency activations, Joe brings sharp business instincts and a genuine passion for creating moments that move consumers.
Joe’s favorite drink - Espresso Martini!
STEPHANIE KARAMANOGLOU
Chief Marketing Officer
Stephanie is the newest addition to The Hart Agency team, joining in 2026. She brings over a decade of experience across technology, hospitality, and high-growth startups, with a focus on go-to-market strategy, brand positioning, and scaling multi-market growth initiatives.
At The Hart Agency, Stephanie leads the development of a unified marketing strategy focused on elevating the brand, structuring the go-to-market approach, and supporting national expansion. She works closely with internal teams, clients, and affiliates to create consistent, high-impact experiences across markets while strengthening the agency’s position in the beverage and experiential space. A native New Yorker, Stephanie loves to travel, explore new restaurants, and stay active outdoors. Whether analyzing markets or shaping growth strategies, you can find her at a tech conference connecting with founders and operators, or engaging in women-led communities focused on innovation and growth.
Stephanie’s favorite drink – a spicy mojito!
IVIE EDWARDS
Financial Controller
Ivie brings over 15 years of experience in finance, accounting, and transaction advisory across leading global organizations, including Big Four consulting. Her background spans complex accounting, financial reporting, M&A, IPO readiness, and operational finance, with deep expertise in building scalable financial infrastructures for growing businesses. At The Hart Agency, Ivie leads the transformation of the company’s finance and accounting function, with a focus on strengthening internal controls, enhancing financial visibility, and aligning operational processes with strategic growth objectives. She partners closely with leadership to deliver actionable insights, optimize performance, and ensure the business is positioned for long-term, sustainable growth. Known for her ability to translate complex financial concepts into clear, decision-driven insights, Ivie brings both technical rigor and strategic perspective to the organization, helping bridge the gap between finance and operations in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment.
Ivie's favorite drink - a bold glass of red wine!
CHRISTOPHER AZRAK
CTO
Christopher leads our efforts in continuing our technology excellence in event execution on myHEMS and works on our next transformational journey.
A rare blend, his 20+ years in the beverage alcohol industry with a unique experience in sales, brand management, product management, technology transformation, analytics, and distribution. His career started with Southern Glazers Distributor Sales and Trade Development, which lead to his inclusion with the SG Technology Transformation team. As a brand manager Christopher has represented Craft Spirit brands in the South East US and a Brand Portfolio Manager Diageo. In technology he has delivered several Enterprise level projects developed for Beverage Alcohol Suppliers and Southern Glazers.
Favorite Drink: Weller Green Label (Vintage 2001) - Neat