He Bet It All at 26 — And Built an HVAC Empire With His Family
In this episode of The Mark Haney Show, we sit down with Dave Shurtz, Amber Shurtz, Gary Shurtz, and Jen Matulich — the powerhouse team behind Solace Enterprises, one of Sacramento’s fastest-growing commercial HVAC, plumbing, and solar companies. We dive deep into: ✅ How Dave risked it all at 26 with no business experience ✅ How Amber and Dave scaled Solace into a multi-million dollar family b...
46m Jul 16, 2025
46m
From Broke Sushi Kid to $90M Empire | Taro Arai's Wild American Dream
Taro Arai, Chief Dreaming Officer of Mikuni Sushi, shares how he built a $90 million sushi empire from humble beginnings in Sacramento. In this inspiring episode of The Mark Haney Show, Taro opens up about entrepreneurship, family business, faith, creativity, and how Mikuni became one of the most beloved restaurant brands in Northern California. Taro’s journey began when his family immigrated ...
42m Jul 09, 2025
42m
She Runs Sacramento’s Airport Like a City | Cindy Nichol on Innovation, Expansion & Leadership
Cindy Nichol is the powerhouse behind Sacramento’s entire airport system—including SMF, Mather, Executive, and Franklin Field. As Director of Airports for Sacramento County, she’s leading a $1.3 billion transformation while running an operation that functions more like a city than a terminal. On this episode, Cindy Nichol reveals what it takes to run an airport that operates like a city—and wh...
51m Jul 02, 2025
51m
How Setbacks Make Great Coaches
In this powerful episode of The Mark Haney Show, we sit down with Billy Horton — pro baseball coach, author, and speaker — to talk about overcoming adversity and building men, not just players. Billy shares his incredible journey from getting cut in high school to coaching World Series champions, how he rebuilt his life after major career setbacks, and the core principles that drive his leader...
55m Jun 25, 2025
55m
How THIS Startup Will Change Home Energy Forever
Greg Connolly, founder of Trifecta Nutrition and now CEO of Kora Power, joins Mark Haney to share his top 3 secrets to raising capital, scaling startups, and disrupting massive industries. In this episode, Greg breaks down how he built a $500M brand, why he left it to launch Kora Power, and how he's bringing smart energy tech into your home. Whether you're a founder raising your first round or...
48m Jun 18, 2025
48m
How AI Will Change Venture Capital Forever
In this episode of The Mark Haney Show, Mark sits down with Growth Factory partners Rick Spencer and Ali Mackani for a bold conversation at the intersection of artificial intelligence and venture capital. They explore: • Why AI is changing the rules of investing and startup building • How "Venture Science" could reshape the VC industry • The myth of job loss vs. the reality of augmented human ...
59m Jun 11, 2025
59m
This Is How You Build a Real Estate Empire from Scratch
In this episode of The Mark Haney Show, we sit down with Greg Aguirre, President & CEO of Capital Rivers Commercial, to explore his journey from humble beginnings to building one of the most respected commercial real estate firms in Northern California. Greg shares how he went from junior high handyman gigs to working under legendary entrepreneur Dale Carlsen, before launching Capital Rivers—a...
45m Jun 04, 2025
45m
From Door-Knocking to $250M Firm: How Faith & Grit Built Zion Capital | Lucas Mijares Interview
In this episode of The Mark Haney Show, I sit down with Lucas Mijares, Co-Founder and CEO of Zion Capital, a fast-growing wealth management firm now managing over $250 million in assets. Lucas shares how he went from knocking doors in a suit to launching a high-trust boutique firm grounded in values, stewardship, and grit. 🎯 You’ll hear: • Why Lucas left a "storybook" career at Edward Jones to...
54m May 28, 2025
54m
Inside Aggie Square: Sacramento’s $1B Innovation Engine with Monique Brown
In this episode of The Mark Haney Show, we go on location to Aggie Square—UC Davis’s game-changing innovation district in Sacramento.  Monique Brown—Knowledge Community Director at Wexford Science & Technology and Co-Founder of the Growth Factory—joins me to unpack how this $1.1B project is transforming the region. Monique offers a behind-the-scenes look at Connect Labs, an eight-story innovat...
42m May 21, 2025
42m
Don’t Give Away the Gold: Legal Advice Every Entrepreneur Needs – Sheila Carroll
In this episode of The Mark Haney Show, I sit down with Sheila Carroll, Founder and Managing Attorney at Carroll & Associates and a multi-year Super Lawyer. Sheila shares critical legal insights for entrepreneurs—covering the biggest startup mistakes around equity, employees, and intellectual property. You’ll learn: • Why you should treat equity like gold, not candy • How to protect your IP fr...
1hr 6m May 14, 2025
1hr 6m
How Tahoe Blue Vodka Became a Top-Selling Brand with No Celebrity Backing | Matt Levitt’s Story
What does it take to turn a beachside idea into one of the fastest-growing vodka brands in America? In this episode of The Mark Haney Show, I sit down with Matt Levitt, founder of Tahoe Blue Vodka, to unpack the wild entrepreneurial journey behind the brand that went from a solo hustle in Lake Tahoe to a top-10 vodka on store shelves across the West. We talk brand-building without big budgets,...
55m May 07, 2025
55m
From $2 Billion Exit to Italian Burritos – Chris Ewing’s Wild Ride
Chris Ewing just pulled off one of Sacramento’s biggest tech success stories—a $2 billion exit with his company One Inc, a fintech platform that processes over $100 billion in insurance payments. Now? He’s back to building. In this episode, Chris shares the full behind-the-scenes journey of bootstrapping, pivoting, and scaling One Inc, including the near-failures, billion-dollar lessons, and t...
57m Apr 30, 2025
57m
How Rob Archie Turned $372 a Day Into a Restaurant Empire
Rob Archie started with paninis, pastries, and $372 a day. Today, he’s the founder behind some of Sacramento’s most iconic food and drink spots—Pangaea Bier Café, Urban Roots Brewery, BAWK!, Cervecería, The Roost, and now Good Neighbor. In this episode, recorded inside his hidden whiskey bar The Roost, Rob shares how he built a thriving restaurant group with over 150 team members—without ever l...
45m Apr 23, 2025
45m
Inside the A-Team: Real Estate, Rentals & Winning Together
What do you get when you bring together a powerhouse real estate team, a booming short-term rental business, and a top-tier co-working space? You get the A-Team—Ashley, Adrienne, and Adrianna from Haney Real Estate. In this episode, Mark Haney sits down with the women driving innovation in the Sacramento real estate scene. They dive into: • What’s really happening in the market right now (spoi...
47m Apr 16, 2025
47m
From Family Legacy to $50M Vision: Maggie Bender-Johnson’s Playbook for Winning
In this episode of The Mark Haney Show, I sit down with Maggie Bender-Johnson, the third-generation President and CEO of Bender Insurance Solutions—a company that’s not only 87 years strong, but 100% employee-owned and female-led at the executive level. Maggie shares the remarkable story of how her family built and sustained a legacy business, how she transitioned BIS into an ESOP, and why she...
44m Apr 09, 2025
44m
How Krista Bernasconi Balances Business, Family & Leading a City
In this powerful and introspective episode of The Mark Haney Show, I sit down with Krista Bernasconi—Mayor of Roseville, founder of MarketSharePR, U.S. Navy veteran, entrepreneur, and community leader. Krista shares her “cheat code” for success, built around discipline, early mornings, and a relentless commitment to service. We dive into what it takes to lead one of California’s fastest-growin...
53m Apr 02, 2025
53m
Inside East Wind Yoga: Leadership, Balance, and Building Community
What happens when a Silicon Valley founder and a master yoga teacher take over one of Northern California’s most beloved yoga studios? In this inspiring episode, Mark sits down with Andrea Spacek and Heather Harmon, the powerhouse duo behind East Wind Yoga, to talk about how they’re fusing entrepreneurship, leadership, community, and wellness into a mission-driven business. Andrea is a teacher ...
1hr 5m Mar 26, 2025
1hr 5m
The Truth About Startups & Venture Capital
What does it really take to attract investors, scale a startup, and build a winning ecosystem? Brian Sparkes, CEO of Silicon Valley Venture, shares powerful insights from working with 1,400+ startups, VCs, and accelerators across the globe. 🔥 In This Episode: ✔️ The #1 mistake founders make when pitching investors ✔️ Why storytelling & communication can make or break a startup ✔️ The power of ...
57m Mar 19, 2025
57m
How to Lead a Business That Stands the Test of Time
🚜 How do you build and sustain a multi-generational family business in a highly regulated state like California? Ken Monroe, CEO of HOC Holdings (parent company of Holt of California), joins Mark Haney to discuss the growth and evolution of one of the region’s most impactful businesses. In this episode, Ken shares insights on: ✅ The state of construction & agriculture industries in California ...
55m Mar 12, 2025
55m
Building a Family Business Legacy: Bishop’s Pumpkin Farm Story
What’s the secret to running a thriving family business for over 50 years? Bishop’s Pumpkin Farm isn’t just a place to pick pumpkins—it’s a multi-generational success story built on tradition, innovation, and relentless growth. From humble beginnings in 1973 to hosting over 300,000 visitors a year, the Bishop family has turned a small farm into one of the nation’s top agritourism destinations....
51m Mar 05, 2025
51m
The Power of Faith, Leadership, and Winning in Life
🔥 What does it take to live a life of purpose, build strong families, and create lasting success? In this powerful episode of The Mark Haney Show, I sit down with Dr. John Jackson, President of William Jessup University, to discuss faith, family, leadership, and the future of entrepreneurship. Dr. Jackson shares his insights on why family is the foundation of success, the role of faith in ove...
1hr Feb 26, 2025
1hr
Katsu Founder Liz Connolly on AI, Leadership, & Career Success
🚀 How do you stay ahead in a world being transformed by AI? Liz Connolly, co-founder of Trifecta and founder of Katsu, joins Mark Haney to share her expert insights on entrepreneurship, leadership, and career growth in this must-watch interview. In this episode, we dive into: ✅ How AI is changing the job market & what you can do to stay relevant ✅ The secret to getting promoted & leveling up i...
40m Feb 19, 2025
40m
Haneyville Chronicles #02: Discipline, Vision, and Building a Legacy
Welcome back to Haneyville Chronicles, where we dive deep into the mindset, strategies, and stories behind entrepreneurship, success, and personal growth. In this episode, we join Mark, Ashley, and Marcus as they explore what it takes to build a legacy, set ambitious goals, and stay disciplined in the face of challenges—all while maintaining strong family and business values. 💡 What You'll Le...
1hr Feb 12, 2025
1hr
What’s NEXT for the Economy? Sacramento’s Top Economist Breaks It Down!
Are we headed for a recession? Will interest rates keep climbing? What’s the outlook for Sacramento and the U.S. economy? In this episode of The Mark Haney Show, we sit down with Dr. Sanjay Varshney, one of the nation’s leading economists and wealth management experts, to discuss inflation, real estate, the stock market, financial literacy, and the future of business. 🔥 This conversation is pa...
1hr 1m Feb 05, 2025
1hr 1m
The MOST Valuable Towns in the BACKYARD
🎙️ Discover the Most Valuable Towns in the Sacramento Region! 🌟 The Sacramento region is a vibrant tapestry of innovation, history, and community, driven by passionate leaders and unique opportunities. In this special compilation episode, we highlight the stories of resilience, collaboration, and growth that make this area one of the most dynamic places to live, work, and thrive. From economic...
36m Jan 29, 2025
36m
The MOST Valuable Towns in The BACKYARD: Be MORE, Do GREATER SACRAMENTO
In the final installment of our The Most Valuable Towns in the Backyard series, we sit down with Troels Adrian, Executive Vice President of the Greater Sacramento Economic Council (GSEC), to dive deep into what makes the Greater Sacramento region a powerhouse of opportunity and growth. From groundbreaking semiconductor projects to the region's emerging biotech and clean tech industries, Troels ...
1hr 4m Jan 22, 2025
1hr 4m
The MOST Valuable Towns in THE BACKYARD: City of ELK GROVE
In this installment of The Mark Haney Show series, The Most Valuable Towns in the Backyard, we shine a spotlight on Elk Grove, one of the Sacramento region’s most dynamic cities. Mark sits down with Darrell Doan, Economic Development Director, and Darren Suen, Elk Grove City Council Member, to explore how Elk Grove has become a hub for innovation, growth, and community excellence. Darrell and ...
52m Jan 15, 2025
52m
Haneyville Chronicles: Family, Parenting, and Modern Challenges
Welcome to a special family edition of The Mark Haney Show! Today, I'm joined by my son Marcus and daughter Ashley as we dive deep into the values, challenges, and joys that shape our family's unique dynamic. From the importance of family unity to navigating modern parenting, technology, and the rapidly changing world, this episode is packed with heartfelt insights, humor, and actionable takeaw...
58m Jan 01, 2025
58m
Wild Filly Films: Breaking Barriers with Sally Forcier & Kim Kaplan
Join Sally Forcier and Kim Kaplan, co-founders of Wild Filly Films, as they share their inspiring journey of building a woman-owned production company focused on telling meaningful stories. In this episode, they discuss their mission to address critical issues such as female ageism, diversity, and mental health through thought-provoking films and documentaries. Drawing from decades of experienc...
50m Dec 19, 2024
50m
Inside Aggie Square: George Baxter on Building a World-Class Innovation Hub
Discover how UC Davis is shaping the future of innovation and entrepreneurship in Sacramento with George Baxter, Chief Innovation and Economic Development Officer at UC Davis. In this engaging conversation, George shares insights into Aggie Square, a $1 billion investment transforming the region into a global innovation hub. Learn about UC Davis’s efforts to foster startups, collaborate with th...
45m Dec 11, 2024
45m
Inside the Sacramento Entrepreneurship Academy with Dr. Christian Renaudin
Join Mark as he interviews Dr. Christian Renaudin, CEO and founder of The MarkeTech Group and a leading force in the MedTech industry. Discover how Dr. Renaudin transitioned from academia to entrepreneurship, building a global consulting business that helps Fortune 100 companies thrive. Gain insights into his role at the Sacramento Entrepreneurship Academy (SEA), where he mentors early-stage en...
51m Dec 05, 2024
51m
Entrepreneurship, Gratitude, and Resilience: A Thanksgiving Special with Marcus Haney
Join Mark and his son, Marine entrepreneur Marcus Haney, in this special Thanksgiving episode as they dive into the entrepreneurial mindset, overcoming obstacles, and the power of gratitude. Recorded during Thanksgiving week in 2018, this heartfelt conversation reflects on the journey of building businesses, the struggles of transitioning from the military, and finding purpose through passion a...
18m Nov 27, 2024
18m
Mark Haney Unplugged: Curt Rocca Interviews the Man Behind the Mic
In this special episode of The Mark Haney Show, the spotlight shifts as Curt Rocca takes over the mic to interview Mark Haney. Explore Mark's inspiring journey from his roots in Sacramento to becoming a visionary leader, building the Growth Factory, and creating the Backyard Advantage to empower local entrepreneurs. Discover the driving forces behind his family-first philosophy, leadership styl...
1hr 2m Nov 20, 2024
1hr 2m
Winning with Data: Inside Modern Football Technology’s Game-Changing Platform
In this episode, we dive deep into the world of football and data analytics with Christian Masegian, CEO and co-founder of Modern Football Technology. Christian shares how his platform is revolutionizing how coaches make decisions, moving from pen and paper to real-time insights that enhance game strategy, player performance, and team success. We discuss the importance of a competitive edge in ...
50m Nov 13, 2024
50m
Building an Advantage with Jen Esparza: Marketing Strategies for Small Businesses & Nonprofits
In this episode of The Mark Haney Show, we dive into the world of local marketing with Jen Esparza, owner of The Jen Advantage. Jen shares her unique approach to helping small businesses and nonprofits build awareness and connect with their communities. From understanding client motivations to creating personalized strategies, Jen reveals the art and science behind impactful marketing. Learn ab...
48m Nov 06, 2024
48m
AI, Product Innovation, and Impact: An Interview with SC Moatti
In this insightful interview, SC Moatti, founder of Products That Count and managing partner at Mighty Capital, joins Mark Haney at GFX to discuss building impactful products, the future of AI, and her unique "mind, body, spirit" approach to product design. SC shares her journey from Paris to Silicon Valley, her investment philosophy, and her predictions on how AI could reshape industries like ...
27m Oct 30, 2024
27m
The Truth Behind Theranos: A Conversation with Whistleblower Tyler Shultz
In this powerful and insightful interview, we sits down with Tyler Shultz, the renowned whistleblower who helped expose the massive fraud at Theranos. Tyler shares his journey from a young employee at the promising startup to the brave whistleblower who risked everything to reveal the truth. He discusses his experiences working under Elizabeth Holmes, the legal and financial fallout of being a ...
17m Oct 23, 2024
17m
How Drybar Built a Confidence-Boosting Empire | Kristine Hyde & Brenda Deary's Success Story
In this episode of The Mark Haney Show, we sit down with Kristine Hyde and Brenda Deary, co-owners of Drybar Sacramento and Roseville. They share their entrepreneurial journey, discussing how they’ve built a unique business model that offers more than just blowouts—it’s a confidence-boosting experience! Tune in to learn about their "cheat code" for success, their community-driven mindset, and h...
42m Oct 16, 2024
42m
Corporate Responsibility and Giving Back: The Story Behind the Capital Cup's $15M Impact
In this special episode of The Mark Haney Show, we celebrate the 10th Anniversary of the L5 Investments Capital Cup—Sacramento’s premier charity golf tournament that has raised over $15 million for 92 local nonprofits. Join Mark as he sits down with some of Sacramento's most impactful business leaders, including Curt Rocca (Founder of the Capital Cup), Michael Flaherty (Founder of L5 Investment...
52m Oct 02, 2024
52m
The Most Valuable Towns in the BackYard - Rancho Cordova
In this episode of The Mark Haney Show, we continue our Most Valuable Towns in the Backyard series with a deep dive into Rancho Cordova, a thriving hub in the Greater Sacramento Region. Mark is joined by Diann Rogers, President & CEO of the Rancho Cordova Area Chamber of Commerce, and Amanda Norton, Economic Development Director for the City of Rancho Cordova. They discuss the city’s unique "ch...
48m Sep 25, 2024
48m
Banking on Opportunity: James Beckwith and Jon Gregory on Five Star's Bay Area Strategy
In this episode of The Mark Haney Show, we dive deep into Five Star Bank's bold expansion into the Bay Area, as James Beckwith, CEO of Five Star Bank, and Jon Gregory, discuss how they are seizing the opportunity left by the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank and First Republic Bank. From their unique high-tech, high-touch banking model to the strategic hiring of top talent in San Francisco, learn...
52m Sep 18, 2024
52m
Unlocking the Power of Philanthropy: Brad Squires on Building Sacramento's Nonprofit Backyard Advantage
Join us as we dive into a conversation with Brad Squires, the CEO of Social Venture Partners Sacramento and the driving force behind the Orangevale-Fair Oaks Community Foundation. Brad shares his journey from building successful SaaS companies to dedicating his life to philanthropy and community development in Sacramento. In this episode, we explore how Brad is leveraging his entrepreneurial sk...
42m Sep 11, 2024
42m
From Nuclear Fusion to Premium Vodka: How Science Fuels South Fork Vodka’s Award-Winning Taste
Join us on this episode as we sit down with Jonathan Dorfman, the co-founder of South Fork Vodka, who shares his fascinating journey from working in nuclear fusion research to launching an award-winning craft vodka brand. Jonathan discusses the unique technology behind their spirits, the importance of community engagement, and the challenges of building a brand in the competitive spirits indust...
35m Sep 04, 2024
35m
EDC Specialties: How Rob DeFeo Built America's First EDC Store
In this episode of The Mark Haney Show, we dive into the inspiring journey of Rob DeFeo, founder of EDC Specialties, America's first brick-and-mortar store for high-quality USA-made Every Day Carry gear. Rob shares how his personal algorithm—BRAINS, BALLS, HARD WORK—propelled him from a background in graphic design to becoming a successful entrepreneur. Discover how Rob's relentless pursuit of ...
39m Aug 28, 2024
39m
The Most Valuable Towns in the Backyard - Folsom
In this episode of the "Most Valuable Towns in the Backyard" series, we dive into what makes Folsom, CA, a standout city in the Greater Sacramento Region. Join us as we chat with Phil Scott, Business & Economic Development Consultant for Choose Folsom, and Adrian Blanco, owner of Adrian Blanco Jewelry, to uncover Folsom's unique blend of innovation, quality of life, and community spirit. Learn ...
44m Aug 21, 2024
44m
Building Success from the Ground Up: Brett Lawton’s Blueprint for Entrepreneurial Growth
In this episode of The Mark Haney Show, we sit down with Brett Lawton, President of Lawton Construction & Restoration, Inc., to explore the strategies and mindsets that have fueled his success in the restoration and construction industry. Brett shares his journey from working alongside his father to scaling a thriving business, discussing the key decisions and innovations that set his company a...
43m Aug 14, 2024
43m
Trust the Chef: Chef Jeana Pecha's Inspiring Story of Resilience and Success
In this episode of The Mark Haney Show, we sit down with Chef Jeana Pecha, the culinary mastermind behind Omakase Por Favor, a unique fusion restaurant that combines Japanese raw bar experiences with traditional coastal Mexican cuisine. At just 28, Chef Jeana has already made significant waves in the culinary world, from winning "Guy's Grocery Games" on The Food Network to working at top-tier r...
37m Aug 07, 2024
37m
Most Valuable Towns in the Backyard - City of Rocklin
In this episode of the Mark Haney Show, we dive into the heart of Rocklin, CA, with Vice Mayor Jill Gayaldo and Robin Trimble, CEO of the Rocklin Area Chamber of Commerce. Discover what makes Rocklin a standout community in the Greater Sacramento Region. From top-notch schools and public safety to thriving local businesses and community events like Hot Chili & Cool Cars, Jill and Robin share th...
47m Jul 31, 2024
47m
Hustle and Heart: An NFL Journey with Adam Jennings
#NFL, #AdamJennings, #MarkHaneyShow, #Football, #Entrepreneurship, #RealEstate, #GraniteBay, #CommunitySupport, #Hustle, #Versatility, #LifeLessons, #Inspiration, #Resilience, #SuccessStory, #AdoptiveFamily, #SportsJourney, #Determination, #FamilySupport, #TransitioningCareers, #OvercomingAdversity
1hr 7m Jul 24, 2024
1hr 7m
Revolutionizing Home Remodeling: Scott Monday's kitchen and bath CRATE
In this episode of The Mark Haney Show, we sit down with Scott Monday, the innovative CEO and founder of kitchen & bath CRATE. Discover how Scott transformed the home remodeling industry with his proprietary CRATE system, which streamlines the entire renovation process for efficiency and quality. Join us as Scott reveals his "cheat codes" for success, discusses the challenges and triumphs of s...
53m Jul 17, 2024
53m