Our team

CEO

Jacob Wischnia

As an overly energetic eight year old, sabre was the only practical option for Jacob. At 14, in an effort to learn the virtues of patience, he switched weapons and went on to become a top Cadet and Junior épée fencer, and an All-American at UPenn. In the business world, Jacob worked in startups. After a seven-year stint in healthcare tech, he rejoined the fencing world in 2021 by purchasing the Fencing Academy of Philadelphia from his former coaches. Since acquiring his old club, he has grown its membership base to 400+ members across four locations. He is also the owner of Modern Duelists in Elkton, Maryland, and has grown MoDuel from 25 members to 70+ in under a year. Jacob recently started competing again, and is looking to dominate the Vet 40’s in a few years. Careful, though…combining his desire to move fast with patience, his countertime game is quite strong.

Marketing & Communications

Beth Zachai

Beth is first and foremost a fencing mom! She started out as the dedicated fencing parent of just one enthusiastic épéeist, but after more than a decade on the sidelines and joining the fencing admin world 3+ years ago, she has now helped hundreds of families see their children thrive in this sport. Got a question about qualification paths for nationals? Ask Beth. Wondering if your athlete’s new rating will be reflected at the upcoming regional? Ask Beth. When Beth isn’t busy mentoring fencing parents as their athletes develop, Beth runs our marketing and communications so that everyone knows what they need to know in order to support fencers!

Automation & Innovation

Wolfgang Borchelt

Wolfgang is an automation and innovation guru. If you have an idea, Wolfy can build it. If you hate doing data entry and mind-numbing admin work, inflict it on Wolfy and he will come up with a hack or program to make it obsolete. Wolfy isn’t a fencer, but he has built his own lightsaber from scratch, and rumor has it that he knows how to use it!

Billing & Operations

Sam Levin

Sam is a fun and enthusiastic individual who is always ready to start a conversation about his radio show, Rush Hour Rock. During college, Sam created and ran weekly shows featuring his favorite rock bands, ranging from The Beatles to The Red Hot Chili Peppers. He is eager to discuss music and artists he loves! When he’s not rocking out, Sam works in billing and administration, ensuring that operations run smoothly and every detail is accounted for to keep the business thriving. New to fencing, Sam is inspired by the passion and discipline of the sport. He’s currently mastering the art of footwork—though he still occasionally trips over his own feet—but he’s determined to stay upright and keep improving!

Operations and Club Implementation

Doug Tableman 

Doug Tableman specializes in turning new fencing clubs from an idea into a fully operational program. As part of Fencing Ventures’ operations and club implementation team, he guides club owners through every step of the process—from initial planning to running successful classes—ensuring they have the systems and support needed to thrive.

In addition to his work with Fencing Ventures, Doug is a full-time fencing coach with over 15 years of experience working with athletes at all levels, from high school leagues to international World Cups. A Prévôt-certified coach, he takes a personalized approach to training, helping students develop technical skills, tactical awareness, and mental resilience—both on and off the strip. His students’ accomplishments range from national titles and top ratings to their first competitive bouts, all driven by his process-focused coaching philosophy.

Doug remains deeply engaged in the sport, not only as a coach but also as an active competitor on the Division 1 National Circuit, holding an A2025 rating. A graduate of The College of William and Mary and St. John’s University, he understands the balance between high-level athletics and academics, using his firsthand experience to mentor and inspire the next generation of fencers.

Business Data Analyst/Programmer

Jake LaRose  

Jacob is passionate about all things data and sports. He is a “jack-of-all-trades” with experience in a little bit of everything, whether it be business operations, data science, marketing, or programming. Jacob (aptly named “new Jacob”) is naturally curious and always looking to learn or help with anything he can. Outside of his technical background, Jacob will talk about anything from theology, classic rock, movies, astronomy, and especially baseball. If you happen to have a question about the 2012 San Diego Padres roster, this is your guy!