Backstory Beginnings – Bruce Champeau with Room & Board

President and COO Bruce talks about enhancing customers’ lives by providing a quality product to create a home that they love, sustainability to protect the planet, determining your niche in business, and continuing to challenge yourself.

Backstory Beginnings - Matt Levin of REFUGE

Owner Matt Levin talks about creating an East-Coast-inspired restaurant on the West Coast, building a loyal team, promoting from within, being involved in the community, and staying balanced.

Backstory Beginnings – Paul Henry with Houndstooth Coffee

Co-Owner Paul talks about coffee being a part of everyone’s life, their approach to diversity in hiring, and their pride in providing a warm hospitable space to be.  

Backstory Beginnings – Kellie Stoll + Brandon Stoll with Parlor’s Handcrafted Ice Creams

Co-Owners Kellie and Brandon discuss their commitment to consistency, quality, and a warm customer service experience, the brand overcoming roadblocks with a switch to packaged pints, and the perseverance to never give up on your dreams.         

Backstory Beginnings – Amir Mortazavi with Vitalyc Medspa

Founder and CEO Amir talks about his inspiration to create Vitlayc Medspa after a dermatologist appointment, the art of mastering your craft, and treating each client as if they’re your only client.

Backstory Beginnings – Joey Ng + Kin Fong with Palette Tea Garden

Managing Partners Joey and Kin talk about their family legacy beginning in 1996, their recent visit to China to study modern techniques, how tastes have evolved in China, and touching the local community with Chinese culture.

Backstory Beginnings – Dave Robb with La Tela Pizzeria

Chef and owner Dave shares how a summer trip to Italy inspired his love for food, wine, and culture.  By reinventing an existing brand, Dave developed relationships with local farmers to support the community, encourage repeat customers, and grow employee development.

Backstory Beginnings – Brian Berger with Mack Weldon

Founder Brian shares his start in creating a better way to buy socks and underwear, designing innovative products that are different than other brands, serving the community, and moving forward despite the obstacles.

Backstory Beginnings – Andy Techmanski with FORLOH

Founder and CEO Andy talks about his lightbulb moment while hunting with his 4-year-old son, the core value of building products in the USA, capturing mountaineering, durability, and integrating new technologies.

Backstory Beginnings – Brian Miller with Geppetto’s Toys

President Brian talks about growing up in a retail family, taking a leave of absence after the sudden passing of his father, focusing on growing their 300SF toy store into a successful collection of California stores, and loving putting smiles on kids’ faces.