Toledo Startup Snags Ex-Google Genius as CPO—What This Could Mean for Your Life!

In a significant move for small businesses across various sectors, manifest technology company Manifest has named Zack Avshalomov as its new Chief Product & Technology Officer. This appointment comes at a time when the demand for innovative solutions tailored to independent operators is growing rapidly. Avshalomov, a well-known serial entrepreneur and inventor, joins Manifest from a background that includes crucial roles in machine learning and artificial intelligence, underscored by his multiple patents in these areas.

Founded by entrepreneurs who understand the challenges of business ownership, Manifest aims to harness AI to support small businesses in diverse fields, ranging from petcare to deathcare and professional beauty. Since launching its first vertical in mid-2025, the company has already made a significant impact, supporting over 400 businesses and employing approximately 15,000 individuals.

Avshalomov's vision aligns closely with the mission of Manifest. He stated, "As the pace of AI development accelerates, the gap between what large businesses can do with technology and what an independent operator can do is widening. We're on a mission to build intelligent systems grounded in real practitioner expertise to level the playing field for the small business owners that are the backbone of our economy." This perspective is crucial, especially as many small business owners struggle to compete with larger corporations that have greater access to advanced technology.

Prior to joining Manifest, Avshalomov served as Vice President of Product & Data at ReUp Education, a company acquired by Avathon in 2021. There, he pioneered the integration of machine learning and personalized human coaching aimed at helping students who had paused their education—often termed "stopouts"—to re-enroll in college. His experience in driving economic mobility through technology is expected to be a valuable asset for Manifest.

Sarah Horn, the founder of Manifest, expressed her enthusiasm for Avshalomov’s role, saying, "This work is about enabling small and medium size business owners to stop working in their business and start working on them." She highlighted Avshalomov’s ability to translate complex technology into tools that facilitate better outcomes for users, reinforcing the importance of his leadership in developing products that simplify aspects of operations like staff training and financial management.

The introduction of AI-powered tools has the potential to revolutionize how small businesses operate, enabling them to function more efficiently and effectively. Manifest combines personalized learning paths with intelligent AI assistants and access to a supportive network of peers and industry experts. This approach not only aids in problem-solving but also fosters community among business owners.

In a marketplace increasingly dominated by technology, the strategic direction of Manifest under Avshalomov’s leadership could play a pivotal role in bridging the technology gap that many small businesses face. As they strive to thrive in competitive landscapes, the integration of AI into their operations may be the key to unlocking new levels of success and sustainability.

For more information about the initiatives and tools that Manifest is developing, visit www.manifested.com.