Electric Cars Future Starts Today

Michael Dull is the founder and CEO of EV Universe. Born in Michigan, Michael naturally became an auto enthusiast from a young age and has since grown into a serial entrepreneur in various industries. He started his career as a pharmacist, spending time with multiple companies developing, testing, and implementing mobile applications and websites for chain pharmacies.  Most recently Michael had a successful exit from a pharmacy-driven telehealth venture. Michael has been focused on vehicles of all kinds since his first car purchase, a 1991 Cadillac DeVille and focusing specifically on the process of buying and selling of sports cars and luxury vehicles.  His passion for electric vehicles started in 2008 after seeing the original Tesla roadster and its performance compared to its internal combustion counterparts.  Following his passion, today, Michael owns 4 electric vehicles including an original 2010 Tesla Roadster 2.5 sport, and has spent much of his time educating and promoting the transition to EVs. Combining Michael’s passion for electric vehicles and entrepreneurial experience has led him to create EV Universe- a marketplace to help educate potential buyers about EVs while streamlining the buying process of both the vehicle and accessories. 

For 45 years, Derek Kaufman has worked in the Transportation Industry with positions ranging from VP Marketing and Product Planning for Freightliner Trucks, SR VP of Sales, Marketing and Customer Support for Hino Trucks, President of Diesel Technology, a subsidiary of Penske Corporation, VP of Administration for Smart USA and CEO of Mission Motors Company. Derek is also an entrepreneur. He founded C3 Network, LLC in 1997 to provide sales and market positioning support for companies selling into the transportation market.

Today, Derek is a Managing Partner at Schwartz Advisors, LLC doing M&A support and company growth work in the auto and heavy-duty aftermarket.

Derek serves as a director on six corporate boards and is a regular conference speaker focusing on the emerging technologies that are affecting automotive and commercial vehicle service providers.

Rory Carroll is an automotive media veteran who has led national publications and founded a successful custom publishing house. His work has also appeared in the New York Times and The Washington post. He lives in Northern Michigan with his wife, two girls and an old dog.

Bryant’s experience and expertise are wide-ranging including managing a claims team, leading Hagerty’s roadside assistance and affinity programs as well as launching Hagerty’s Specialty Insurance Division in 2012. In 2021, Bryant was promoted to Vice President Agent and Broker Distribution. His role includes oversight of teams that work with over 41,000 agents and brokers nationally, as well as 9 personal lines carriers. His expertise focuses on the classic and enthusiast automotive lifestyle. Bryant also regularly contributes to discussions around the insurance market, classic car repair, vehicle valuations, classic car auction market trends, B2B sales and private client networking. He sits on the executive committee and is a board member of the Private Risk Management Association. Bryant graduated from the University of Michigan with a Bachelor of Arts in history and political science with a teaching certification. Bryant holds his Associate in Claims designation and is working towards CPCU. He resides in Traverse City, MI with his wife and daughter.