Less Guessing, More Growing at the Calibrate Small Business Conference

Building a product people love is one thing. Turning it into a business that actually scales? Whole different game.

At this year’s Calibrate Small Business Conference on May 6 at the Potomac Science Center, Lee, Director of Commercial Strategy at Nightingale Ice Cream Sandwiches, is sharing the strategy behind how a product goes from early traction to national recognition.

And no, it’s not luck.

From "We’ve Got Something" to "We’re Everywhere"

If Nightingale Ice Cream feels like it’s popping up everywhere lately, that’s not by accident.

Lee Kuykendall leads the commercial strategy for retail, growth, and commercial partnerships, helping scale the brand from a regional favorite into a nationally recognized name. The kind you spot in the freezer aisle and immediately justify buying it.

What sits behind that growth? Clear strategy, strong positioning, and knowing exactly how to move from point A to point scale.

As a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, that experience shows up in how he approaches business. Think: disciplined decision-making, clear processes, and zero tolerance for "we’ll just figure it out as we go."

Because when you’re expanding into retail and building partnerships, guessing is expensive.

What He’s Bringing to the 2026 Calibrate Small Business Conference

Lee’s Masterclass, From Insight to Income: How Clear Problems, Measurable Goals, and Process Drive Profitable Growth, is all about turning ideas into something that performs.

Here’s what you’ll walk away with:

• Sharper positioning so customers immediately understand why they should say "yes"
• A clear understanding of what to measure, why it matters, and how to track success
• The confidence to make decisions rooted in data, not just instinct

In other words: less guessing, more growing. Lee’s session is for owners who are ready to get serious about growth, tighten their strategy, and stop throwing spaghetti (or in this case, ice cream) at the wall.

Ready to Calibrate?

The 2026 Calibrate Small Business Conference is happening May 6 at the Potomac Science Center in Belmont Bay.

Expect a full day of expert perspectives, valuable resources, and meaningful connections with fellow entrepreneurs building what’s next. Attendance is free, but registration will sell out quickly.

Built to support small business owners at every stage, Calibrate gives the tools, insights, and connections needed to grow smarter and scale stronger.

So if you’re ready to turn insight into income: you know what to do.