Coffee & Conversation

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  • Coffee & Conversation

    THE SANDBOX Paso Robles + Zoom 1345 Park St, Paso Robles, California, United States

    Register Join us for this month’s Coffee & Conversation, a dynamic event where entrepreneurial minds come together to network, share, and learn. This month, we’re thrilled to welcome Aaron Bergh, the mastermind behind Calwise Spirits and one of the youngest master distillers in the world. Aaron’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary. With a family legacy rooted in the Prohibition era’s moonshining adventures, Aaron faced his own legal challenges in college for brewing spirits in his dorm. Today, he channels this rebellious spirit into Calwise Spirits, creating premium beverages that capture the essence of his coastal California home. Calwise Spirits is Aaron’s tribute to his renegade heritage and a celebration of the Golden State. His spirits are infused with native ingredients, offering a pure taste of liquid California. Don’t miss the chance to hear Aaron’s captivating story, gain insights into the world of distilling, and ask your burning questions. Enjoy free coffee and engaging conversations with fellow entrepreneurs and business owners!

  • Coffee & Conversation

    CIE HotHouse + Zoom 872 Higuera St, San Luis Obispo, CA, United States

    Register Join us for this month’s Coffee & Conversation, featuring James Fazio, Co-Founder and CTO of Flume Water, a leading innovator in water management technology. James will share his journey of building Flume into a successful startup and offer insights into scaling a tech company focused on sustainability and impactful change. Flume Water created a groundbreaking product that has tracked over 15 billion gallons of water usage. Customers have been able to reduce their water consumption by an impressive 15% on average, while cutting damaging leaks by 70%. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear how he turned a vision into a water-saving reality, while networking with fellow business professionals over free coffee!

  • Coffee & Conversation

    CIE HotHouse + Zoom 872 Higuera St, San Luis Obispo, CA, United States

    Register 8:30-9:30AM - Keynote Speaker 9:30-10AM - In Person Networking   This month, we are joined by the winners of AngelCon 2024: Mense and Nexstera Tech. Gain insights into the remarkable journeys of these innovative startups as they provide updates on their companies since their outstanding performance at the competition. Mense ($50k Investment): Dedicated to destigmatizing conversations related to reproductive health and creating modern, leak-proof menstrual products. Nexstera Tech ($165k Investment): Using AI-enhanced radar technology to detect hazardous materials, primarily lithium batteries, in waste bins and proactively prevent environmental disasters. Engage in stimulating discussions, sip on delicious coffee, and foster valuable connections with like-minded individuals in a relaxed and inviting atmosphere. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur seeking inspiration, an investor scouting for promising opportunities, or simply someone who appreciates the power of entrepreneurship, join us for a great morning of learning, connection, and collaboration.

  • Coffee & Conversation w/ Pashion Footwear

    CIE HotHouse + Zoom 872 Higuera St, San Luis Obispo, CA, United States

    Register 8:30-9:30AM - Keynote Speaker 9:30-10AM - In Person Networking Join us this month for a special Coffee & Conversation featuring keynote speaker Haley Pavone, founder and CEO of Pashion Footwear. Haley is a Cal Poly alum and entrepreneur who revolutionized the footwear industry with her innovative convertible high heels. Her journey from a student startup to a nationally recognized brand is an inspiring story of resilience, innovation, and entrepreneurial success. This is a fantastic opportunity to hear Haley’s insights on building a brand, navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship, and bringing a bold idea to market. Connect with fellow business professionals, enjoy free coffee, and engage in meaningful conversations with our vibrant community.

  • Coffee & Conversation w/ 2025 Business of the Year Winner

    CIE HotHouse + Zoom 872 Higuera St, San Luis Obispo, CA, United States

    Register 8:30-9:30AM - Keynote Speaker 9:30-10AM - In Person Networking Join the SBDC this month for a special Coffee & Conversation featuring Quantum Energy, our center’s Business of the Year winner! Quantum Energy is dedicated to advancing sustainable energy solutions while reducing impacts on public health, ecosystems and the economy. Hear directly from Andrew DeMille, Founder and CEO, about their inspiring journey toward success, commitment to sustainability, and the powerful impact they’ve made within our community and beyond. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights on building an impactful business, overcoming industry challenges, and embracing innovation. Connect with fellow business professionals, enjoy free coffee, and join engaging conversations with our thriving entrepreneurial community.

  • Coffee & Conversation w/ AngelCon 2025 Investor Panel

    872 Higuera St San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 872 Higuera St, San Luis Obispo, CA, United States

    Register 8:30 - 9:30 AM - Keynote Speakers 9:30-10:00AM In- Person Networking Angel investors—also known as private, seed, or angel funders—are individuals who provide critical financial backing to startups or entrepreneurs, typically in exchange for equity in the business. Although AngelCon is best known as an annual pitch competition, the journey to becoming an investor is actually a year-long training experience culminating in this exciting event. In this panel discussion, AngelCon 2025 investors will reflect on their journey, discuss key factors they look for in startups, and host an interactive Q&A session with attendees.  

    Free

  • Cabernet & Conversation

    THE SANDBOX Paso Robles + Zoom 1345 Park St, Paso Robles, California, United States

    Register This month, Coffee & Conversation gets a summer twist with a special evening edition: “Cabernet & Conversation” featuring Gretchen Roddick, Executive Vice President of Hope Family Wines and a leader in the Paso Robles wine community. Gretchen’s story is one of vision, grit, and community. Since joining Hope Family Wines in 1997, she has played a pivotal role in its transformation from a small, family-run business to a nationally recognized winery producing nearly one million cases annually. Along the way, she has helped the winery earn national awards, including Wine Enthusiast’s 2022 American Winery of the Year, and has become a champion for the Central Coast wine region. Join us to hear Gretchen’s journey from Cal Poly grad and seasonal cellar assistant to executive leadership and industry mentor. She will share behind-the-scenes insights into building a successful winery, lessons learned from decades in the business, and her thoughts on what makes Paso Robles such a special place for entrepreneurs and makers. The evening will be relaxed and interactive, with plenty of time for audience questions and informal networking over local wine. Whether you work in the wine industry, own a business, or simply want to learn from one of […]

  • Coffee & Conversation featuring Cara Wright

    CIE HotHouse + Zoom 872 Higuera St, San Luis Obispo, CA, United States

    Join us this month for a special Coffee & Conversation featuring keynote speaker Cara Wright, Director of Development and Community Engagement at Must! Charities and former CEO of Farm Supply Company. Cara is a fourth-generation SLO County resident and Cal Poly alum whose career spans nearly three decades leading one of the region’s most beloved farmer-owned cooperatives. She rose through the ranks at Farm Supply—from salesperson to marketing, V.P. of Communications, and ultimately CEO—before transitioning this year to her new role at Must! Charities. Cara will share lessons from her journey from a local co-op to a local non-profit, insights on leadership, and the ways business and community impact intersect. This is a fantastic opportunity to hear Cara’s perspective on leading with purpose, navigating career transitions, and fostering meaningful change. Connect with fellow business professionals, enjoy free coffee, and engage in meaningful conversations with our vibrant community.

    Free

  • Coffee and Conversations with Peter Falzon

    SLO HotHouse 872 Higuera Street, San Luis Obispo, CA, United States

    Join us for a special Coffee & Conversation as we welcome Peter Falzon, the new Executive Director of the Cal Poly Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship (CIE)! Peter is a serial entrepreneur with a proven track record of creating economic value in venture-stage and public companies with a focus on life sciences and technology. For the past seven years, Peter has been the CEO of Ripple Science, a healthcare IT spinout of the University of Michigan that provides cloud-based software for recruiting and retaining participants in clinical research studies. Before Ripple Science, Peter spent 10 years studying and working in Japan and 15 years managing life science companies in San Francisco and Silicon Valley. He is a native of Michigan and a graduate of the University of Michigan Ross School of Business, where he earned his degree with distinction. We are incredibly excited to have Peter join the Cal Poly CIE community! This event is a wonderful opportunity to hear his story, learn about his vision for the CIE, and connect with other members of our vibrant business community. Enjoy free coffee, great conversations, and the opportunity to build meaningful connections with like-minded professionals!

    Free