Brookdale Alum Steps into Sweet Business Venture

For Brookdale alum Dan Velez, entrepreneurship was always part of the plan, but the path to business ownership turned out to be a little sweeter than expected.

This winter, Velez and his wife, Kelsey, officially took over Mav’s Top Buns, a popular Monmouth County bakery known for its oversized, made-from-scratch cinnamon buns and creative flavor combinations.

The couple finalized the purchase on January 30, stepping into the business after years of building careers in finance while exploring opportunities to own something of their own.

“I’ve always been looking at different investment opportunities, real estate or businesses,” Velez said. “When I came across Mav’s Top Buns, it felt like the right fit at the right time for our family.”

Velez’s journey began at Brookdale Community College, where he studied accounting and education from 2007 to 2009. During his time on campus, he was deeply involved in Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, an experience that helped shape his leadership skills and professional path.

“Being involved taught me collaboration, leadership, and how to work with different groups,” he said. “Those are skills I still use every day.”

After Brookdale, Velez transferred to Ramapo College through the STARS program and launched his career in accounting, beginning at a Big Four firm before moving into startup environments where he focused on building systems, scaling operations, and driving growth.

Today, he serves as Vice President of Finance for a medical education company, while also working as a licensed residential real estate agent and managing commercial real estate investments.

Kelsey, who attended The College of New Jersey, also built her career in accounting and now works in the internal risk department at a Big Four firm. The couple first met as interns, building a professional and personal partnership that has now extended into business ownership.

“We both have strong business backgrounds, so that’s really our advantage,” Kelsey said. “We’re focused on streamlining operations, managing inventory and suppliers, and thinking about how the business can continue to grow.”

Mav’s Top Buns gained its following through its handcrafted approach and strong community presence. Each oversized bun is made from scratch daily using premium ingredients and a family recipe that came with the purchase of the business.

The bakery features a rotating menu of five to six flavors at a time, selected from a growing list of nearly 70 creations, offering both classic favorites and inventive combinations year-round.

“We’ve already released some new bun flavors since taking over,” Velez said.

The couple also introduced a new weekly feature called “Sunday Bunday,” offering limited-edition flavors that are available only until they sell out.

“It gives our team a chance to be creative and try new ideas,” Kelsey said. “Customers love that there’s always something different to experience.”

Community engagement remains central to the business. The couple plans to continue collaborating with local organizations, including school PTAs and nonprofits, while also participating in programs that give back.

Through a program called GiftAMeal, customers can also help donate meals simply by scanning a QR code on their bakery box.

“We want to stay connected with the community and collaborate with other local businesses,” Velez said. “That’s something that’s really important to us.”

Looking ahead, the couple is already exploring future growth, including shipping their cinnamon buns nationwide and possibly opening a second location in Monmouth County.

Even while balancing full-time careers, running a business, and raising their two-and-a-half-year-old daughter, the couple says the experience has been worth it.

Looking back, Velez credits Brookdale with helping build the confidence and connections that led him to where he is today.

“My experience at Brookdale was fun, motivating, and really built my confidence,” he said. “My advice to students is to get involved, build connections, and don’t be afraid to go after what you want.”

In addition to his business ventures, Velez also gives back to the community as treasurer for the New Jersey Blind Citizens Association in Leonardo, continuing a commitment to service that began during his college years.

For the Velez family, the future is sweet, and just getting started.