For first-time founders, in particular, raising capital can be a daunting task. Just learning the what, when, and hows of venture funding is a challenge. Then, factor in the mindset piece. Taking other people’s money to fuel your vision can feel weighty or as Chris Peacock, Founder and CEO of Aquaoso say in this episode, “terrifying.” So, how do founders overcome their fears, create a plan, find investors, and negotiate terms all ...

 Originally a term used to describe investors in Broadway shows, "Angel" now refers to high-net-worth individuals who invest their own money in exchange for equity in an entrepreneurial company (unlike venture capitalists, who invest other people's money). About $24B is deployed via Angel Investors in the U.S. each year. While these investments are high risk, they can be high reward. Several reputable studies show an av...

From fund managers and accredited investors to startup founders and their boards, diversity has been severely lacking in the venture capital community since inception. As a result, the US has lost billions of dollars of untapped economic opportunity and sidelined immense amounts of valuable human capital. In this episode, Mariah Lichtenstern, Emerging Manager and Founding Partner of DiverseCity Ventures, joins us to talk about the...

Starting a business in Sacramento has become easier with entrepreneurs having access to multiple programs and resources. Building and scaling that business is still hard. In addition to raising capital, which is a challenge, founders also need support in finding customers and building operational capacity.  In this episode, I am joined by Steve Boyle, Founder, and CEO of Essential Aero, and Rick Spencer, VP of HaneyBiz and co-deve...

In this episode, I sit down with Margaret Strong, the President of NAWBO (National Association of Women Business Owners) as well as President at Afineol IT consulting.     Margaret and I talk about the important work that NAWBO is doing in connecting, promoting, educating, and supporting women entrepreneurs. She’ll share a little about her own journey and talk about how empowering female founders and leaders results in communities...

Today, as we celebrate Veterans Day, I sit down with my main man, the Marine entrepreneur Marcus Haney, to share the latest updates in his journey from serving our country as a marine to building his company as an entrepreneur.  We talk about the opportunities and challenges he has faced on and off the battlefield and reflect on our book called” ALWAYS BY YOUR SIDE” which documents Marcus’ story while also honoring the triumphs of ...

Sacramento has come a long way from relying primarily on government jobs to drive the economy and is beginning to gain recognition for key accomplishments in both the public and private sectors. Unfortunately, Entrepreneurs in the region still struggle to find local capital and revenue. In this episode, James Beckwith, President and CEO of Five Star Bank, will share his assessment of key regional economic opportunities. As an activ...

In this episode, I talk with Matt Rollens, the Founder and CEO of Dragon Glassware, an innovative lifestyle brand offering a variety of handmade, artisan glassware for the home and kitchen.   Born and raised in the Sacramento region, Matt attended Sac State graduating during the great recession.  Facing a tough job market and with the encouragement of family and friends, he was inspired to start his own business - Dragon Glassware....

In this episode, I sit down with Scott Alvord, Roseville City Council Member and the founder and CEO of Advanced Development Concepts, LLC. ADC is a 34-year old consulting company that helps businesses break through the barriers that are holding them back, whether it be techniques to increase revenue, gain business exposure, reach target customers, or solve problems. He also has been voted “Favorite Local Businessperson” and “Favor...

Can you use your mission to create a better world? I often talk about Rockstar Entrepreneurs. As far as legends go, Elon Musk is at the top of the mountain for Entrepreneurs. So, it often surprises many people to learn that he wasn’t the Founder of Tesla. In fact, he was their fourth CEO.   In this episode, we meet Marc Tarpenning, co-founder of Tesla, and Venture Partner at Spero Ventures. Marc takes us through the early days of...

With all the challenges of this year, we can tend to overlook progress. For most businesses in the US, leaders are taking a hard look at their diversity shortcomings, and why making diversity part of their strategy is good for business. As these companies outline their path, they are intentionally designing the policies and systems that will combine the collective capabilities of people from different genders, races, sexual orienta...

In this episode, I talk with Paul Shapiro, author of the national bestseller book called “Clean Meat: How Growing Meat Without Animals Will Revolutionize Dinner and the World”. Paul is also the CEO of The Better Meat Co., a four-time TEDx speaker, and the host of the Business for Good Podcast.   Paul and I talk about Health, food innovation here in the region of Sacramento, and how plant-based nutrients in meat food products can ch...

2020 has turned into a year of crisis and hardship for many. When it seemed that we couldn’t take any more, our state was engulfed in historic wildfires. Whether we are dealing with a pandemic, social injustice, or disaster like wildfire, it can be hard for young people to imagine a world that is getting better. However, from ashes, something new can grow, if we build it right.  In this episode I am excited to talk to Dr. Gina War...

Many people would say we live in difficult times. I would say we live in a time of opportunity. Change starts with your mindset, and how you apply that mindset to a problem. When most people discuss a topic like gun ownership, they feel social pressure to take a side. Unfortunately, that mindset, many times, can mean we are not talking about solutions.    In this episode, I sit down with Jesse Meeker and Brandon Banks, the founde...

Why will Gen Z be the greatest at entrepreneurship? The young people of Gen Z value creativity, admire innovation and are not afraid to work hard. In this episode, I talk with Jake Longoria, a young entrepreneur, and CEO and founder of NoBrakes, an athletic apparel company focused on delivering a premium product through the use of innovative fabrics.  The NoBrakes ethos espouses perseverance and a relentless work ethic.  Jake tal...

Is Health the NEW Wealth? As an entrepreneur, we hear regularly that winning requires commitment to our dream, perseverance, hard work and some luck. What happens when the work gets really hard, and we don’t have a personal foundation of health? As COVID changed my routines, it opened up space for me to explore this question. This episode is the start of a new track for the Mark Haney Show, where I share my journey towards a more ...

Is Sacramento an innovator in Farm to Fork (or Glass)?    Patric Hillenbrand has built his new barn-turned-brewery, Hillenbrand Farmhaus Brewery on a bucolic 13 acre farm in Newcastle, CA.  Each of his handcrafted beers use fruits and honey harvested on-site!  Guests can take in views of the farm's 1-acre hop field, haystacks and rows of sprawling oak trees that encircle the property.    In this episode, I sit down with Pat...

Is the future of Sacramento at risk? In this week's podcast, I sit down with Louis Stewart, The City of Sacramento's first Chief Innovation Officer. He is doing great things in The City to promote and drive long term economic growth and job creation through innovation.  Louis and I talk about The City’s support for entrepreneurs and how much has changed in 2020. We also talk about where the funding focus in The City is no...

Has COVID changed entertainment forever? In this week's podcast, I sit down with Mark Birtha, the President of the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Sacramento at Fire Mountain and Todd Flowers the owner of Surveillance Systems Incorporated. We talk about the future of the entertainment and gaming industry and some of the technology tools and strategies that are helping entertainment providers respond to COVID and prepare for the ...