Created Ryvet “Methodology for Manufacturers,” leveraging AI‑enhanced tools, best practices and hands‑on human coaching to help unlock incentives, optimize operations and fuel growth.

Ryvet guides manufacturers through a three‑phase framework — Diagnostic Offers / Incentives, Customized Roadmap, and Hands‑On Coaching — providing tailored energy‑efficiency assessments, strategic implementation roadmaps, and dedicated expert support.

With Ryvet you gain clarity on eligible funding, a prioritized path forward, and ongoing support to reduce operational costs, improve competitiveness, boost business valuation and capture rapid paybacks.

F11 Fire and Life Safety, with over four decades of expertise, empowers organizations through proactive emergency planning, compliance training, and critical readiness—guided by the principle that “Preparation Saves Lives.”

Since 1983, F11 has delivered trusted fire safety solutions and training across Southern California, the Bay Area, and Nevada, supporting businesses, communities, and healthcare facilities.

Today, idea DRIVER is helping transform F11 for scale and growth, enabling the organization to expand its impact while maintaining its legacy of safety and preparedness.

Awarded an American-Made Challenge Prize Fast Track to Energy Innovation.

The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) American-Made program transforms innovative ideas into real energy solutions through prizes, collegiate competitions, vouchers, and opportunities to work with a network of experts. American-Made activates innovators, entrepreneurs, and everyday Americans to help science and technology solutions go further, faster.

Awarded a Project Prize by the U.S. Department of Energy’s American-Made Challenge, focuses on helping small and midsize manufacturers in Inland Empire County reduce costs and strengthen their operations.

Green Leap focused on manufacturers needing access to energy efficiency programs, government incentives, workforce development resources, and hands-on guidance to navigate funding and implementation—unlocking savings and opportunities many didn’t realize were available.

idea DRIVER co-produced the Inland Empire AMCC Roadshow at the Gordon and Jill Bourns College of Engineering, California Baptist University, drawing 150+ manufacturing stakeholders. Participants included economic development experts, workforce and training representatives, technical colleges, and community activation organizations.

Key partners included the Manufacturers Council of Inland Empire, UCR Technology Partnership, AmPac Business Capital, Riverside County Office of Economic Development, and more. The Roadshow showcased best practices, federal programs, and actionable strategies to strengthen operations, workforce, and innovation across the region.

Drink Beer. Talk Politics. Drink Beer.

Like our forefathers, pint in hand and ideas flowing, we gather to pursue a more perfect union—one conversation at a time.

For centuries, pubs have been the heart of political discourse. From 11th-century taverns to the Sons of Liberty plotting revolution, progress has always started with good company and a shared drink.

Beer & Politics was a fun and fan favorite —neighbors sharing pints, perspectives, and the belief that democracy works best when we actually talk to each other.

Established a high-impact sales mentoring and local marketing program that empowered 500+ loan officers and mortgage leaders significantly increase loan volume—often reaching double- and even triple-digit growth.

Delivered the program, coached producers one-on-one, and shared field-tested best practices across the sales force. The approach focused on personalized action plans, consistent coaching, and smarter business development investments, while also ensuring brand and compliance alignment.

The result was measurable growth, stronger referral networks, and a more confident, empowered sales organization.

This role for the Southern California Region, began as a CRM project and quickly expanded into leading marketing, outreach, and community engagement.

Through integrated strategies and partner outreach, achieved 120% increase in small business owner recruitment, built strong referral partnerships, and energized alumni through programs like “Leadership Lunches” and an Ambassador network that turned success stories into shared promotion.

Helping Future Leaders Turn Ideas into Impact.

Engaged several times with Pepperdine University’s Graziadio School of Business E2B Program, I’ve partnered with MBA teams to tackle real-world business challenges — from technology solutions to marketing strategy and operational design.

The E2B Program connects graduate students with industry leaders in an eleven- to fourteen-week sprint, transforming academic insight into actionable strategy. My role: bring live business cases, guide discovery, and mentor teams as they research, analyze, and deliver strategic recommendations.

Pepperdine’s E2B experience demonstrates how collaboration, mentorship, and applied learning fuel innovation and leadership development.

Led marketing, advertising, and events for several commercial and business banking groups, supporting everything from asset-based lending and commercial banking to public-sector and tribal government clients. I managed annual planning, campaigns, and cross-functional teams to drive growth, while also producing major client events—including a signature hospitality experience at the Los Angeles Open.

Helped shape a proposal management system to streamline lending processes and oversaw the business banking annual report, from client storytelling to final production. Represented the commercial division in the bank’s enterprise rebrand, contributing to the “Invest In You” messaging platform.

The Empowered Banking team was a strategic and hands-on leadership group focused on strengthening organizations and the communities they serve. We helped banks and mission-driven institutions with planning, team development, product and program design, and community-focused campaigns.

Our work included launching a federally recognized homeownership program during the housing crisis, guiding multiple new community banks from concept to launch, collaborating with federal regulators on innovative lending initiatives, and co-authoring a practical blueprint for building successful community banks.

‘Today, Not Tomorrow,’ George Graziadio, Chairman, Co-Founder, Imperial Bank - the Innovative Business Bank, acquired by Comerica (1998)

I count my experience with Imperial Bank, and its countless professionals, as uniquely special. I am grateful for the wisdom, relationships, and tools I continue to carry into my work - every day. Early in my career, I had a ridiculous amount of access to an abundance of intelligent, driven, and entrepreneurial minded professionals.

Imperial Bank was really an entrepreneurial business incubator, disguised as a bank.

Joined the startup team of Trade Solutions Group, a pioneering FinTech before the term existed, where I led marketing strategy, investor presentations, and direct sales to community and business banks, venture investors, and industry partners. Helped position TSG’s global, modular banking platform—covering payments, wire transfers, letters of credit, foreign exchange, and multi-currency accounts—as a scalable solution for banks of all sizes.

Helped drive the company’s mission of streamlining complex banking operations, enhancing customer convenience, and delivering technology-driven efficiencies across front, middle, and back-office functions.

idea DRIVER developed the EZ Business Lending Program, that helped banks, investors, and community lenders identify profitable opportunities while strengthening economic growth in Enterprise Zones.

The program demonstrated how lenders could leverage federal and state tax incentives to improve operational efficiency, expand access to capital, and increase community reinvestment impact.

Recognized for its innovation and measurable results, idea DRIVER was invited by the Federal Reserve to produce a regional event attended by more than 200 bankers, community developers, and business leaders. Showcased how smart lending strategies and data-driven collaboration could revitalize underserved markets and create sustainable economic momentum.

Outcome: measurable savings for lenders, stronger CRA performance, and expanded capital access for businesses in distressed and emerging communities.

Recruited to help re-brand and re-launch the Long Beach Police Foundation in 2007. I thoroughly enjoyed my role in expanding board membership, donor development, building partnerships, and creating fundraising programs.

Established the annual ’Shop with a Cop,’ event raising resources and awareness for hundreds of children needing school clothes & supplies.

Created "Behind-the-Badge," Fundraising Program offering major donors and partners, 'behind-the-scenes experiences,' with the Long Beach Police Department.

The world isn’t waiting on your next move.

Be Bold. Forget incremental change.

Fasten your seatbelt!