Toledo Startup Hires Bay Area Tech Innovator as Chief Product Officer to Enhance AI Solutions

Toledo-Based Startup Taps Bay Area Tech Veteran as Chief Product Officer

Manifest, a forward-thinking startup operating out of Toledo, has made a noteworthy addition to its leadership team by appointing Zack Avshalomov as the Chief Product & Technology Officer. With a rich background as an entrepreneur and inventor, Avshalomov carries with him a wealth of expertise in machine learning and artificial intelligence, marked by several patents that focus on innovative "language markers" designed to optimize user experiences.

Founded in mid-2025, Manifest has quickly emerged as a vital player in various sectors, such as pet care, veterinary services, death care, and professional beauty, providing support to over 400 businesses and a workforce exceeding 15,000 employees. The founder, Sarah Horn, highlights that Avshalomov's vision aligns perfectly with the company's mission to enhance the capabilities of independent operators, who often find themselves at a disadvantage compared to larger businesses equipped with advanced technological solutions.

Avshalomov cited the widening gap between the technological abilities of large corporations and smaller enterprises, noting that this disparity has intensified with the rapid acceleration of AI development. His goal with Manifest is to create intelligent systems rooted in practical experience from industry practitioners, thereby empowering small business owners who form the backbone of the economy. He believes that the current landscape demands such innovations now more than ever.

Before joining Manifest, Avshalomov served as the Vice President of Product and Data for ReUp Education, a company that gained attention for leveraging machine learning and personalized coaching to help financially challenged college students continue their education. This experience deepens his understanding of how technology can facilitate economic mobility, particularly for independent business owners.

In addition, Horn emphasizes the necessity of helping small and medium-sized enterprise owners shift their focus from daily operational challenges to strategic growth opportunities. She expressed confidence in Avshalomov’s ability to simplify complex technologies into practical tools that deliver tangible outcomes for users. His leadership will be crucial in steering the development of a product vision that aims to alleviate hurdles in processes like staff training and financial management for owner-operators.

Manifest’s innovation lies in its fusion of real-world business insight with cutting-edge AI-powered solutions. The platform provides personalized learning pathways, intelligent AI assistants, and access to a robust support network comprised of peers and industry experts. This unique approach not only enables business owners to launch and grow their ventures but also fosters sustainable operational success in fields ranging from child care to beauty salons and funeral services.

By positioning itself at the forefront of technological integration for smaller businesses, Manifest reflects a broader trend in recognizing the vital role these enterprises play in the local and national economy. The company continues to strive towards its mission: making business operations simpler, smarter, and more sustainable. To learn more about how Manifest is transforming small business landscapes, visit www.manifested.com.

As technology rapidly evolves, the role of innovative leaders like Zack Avshalomov becomes increasingly important. He embodies the spirit of adaptation and forward-thinking necessary for steering small businesses toward a prosperous future powered by artificial intelligence and smart technology solutions.