Learn. Grow. Expand.
Read about our mentors and learn how the Center partners with SCORE San Diego to provide our delegates with the best mentoring experience possible.
Steven Griffin
Mr. Griffin has been a Business and Technology Strategy Consultant for almost 30 years, focused primarily on the Communications and Media industry. His expertise was in analyzing complex business problems, identifying appropriate strategies, and delivering pragmatic solutions. He started a consulting company with two partners in 2003, growing it to 180 consultants before selling it in 2017 to Accenture, where he was a Managing Director until last year. Now retired, Mr. Griffin keen to help local small business get started and grow, guide clients through business strategy, planning and execution.
Mr. Griffin has been a Business and Technology Strategy Consultant for almost 30 years, focused primarily on the Communications and Media industry. His expertise was in analyzing complex business problems, identifying appropriate strategies, and delivering pragmatic solutions. He started a consulting company with two partners in 2003, growing it to 180 consultants before selling it in 2017 to Accenture, where he was a Managing Director until last year. Now retired, Mr. Griffin keen to help local small business get started and grow, guide clients through business strategy, planning and execution.
Paul Jester
Mr. Jester has 15 years as a small business owner as well as 20+ years in the (high-tech) corporate world. He brings a vast amount of experience (successes and failures) to the table for you to tap into and learn from. He grew his small business (a sign design, manufacturing and installation company) from 2 to 15 employees with revenue from zero to $1.6M per year. Areas of expertise: Business Plans/Startup Assistance; Human Resources; Marketing, Public Relations & Sales; Non-Profit; Operations; Product Development & Manufacturing. Industry expertise: Manufacturing; Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services; Retail Trade
Mr. Jester has 15 years as a small business owner as well as 20+ years in the (high-tech) corporate world. He brings a vast amount of experience (successes and failures) to the table for you to tap into and learn from. He grew his small business (a sign design, manufacturing and installation company) from 2 to 15 employees with revenue from zero to $1.6M per year. Areas of expertise: Business Plans/Startup Assistance; Human Resources; Marketing, Public Relations & Sales; Non-Profit; Operations; Product Development & Manufacturing. Industry expertise: Manufacturing; Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services; Retail Trade
Martin Stone
Mr. Stone is an energetic, seasoned business professional with over 30 years of experience who can offer guidance in the areas of manufacturing, product development, supply chain, customer support services, and engineering. He has specific skills in application of Lean Enterprise tools (process improvement, workplace organization, problem solving), project management, business software system implementation, supervision to executive management, and business continuity planning. Subject matter expertise: manufacturing, operations, lean enterprise methodology, business system software, business continuity planning, supply chain management. Areas of expertise: Business Plans/Startup Assistance; Operations; Product Development & Manufacturing
Mr. Stone is an energetic, seasoned business professional with over 30 years of experience who can offer guidance in the areas of manufacturing, product development, supply chain, customer support services, and engineering. He has specific skills in application of Lean Enterprise tools (process improvement, workplace organization, problem solving), project management, business software system implementation, supervision to executive management, and business continuity planning. Subject matter expertise: manufacturing, operations, lean enterprise methodology, business system software, business continuity planning, supply chain management. Areas of expertise: Business Plans/Startup Assistance; Operations; Product Development & Manufacturing
Ray Freiwirth
General assistance with startup company formation, IP (Intellectual Property) questions, startup prioritization of finances, ownership stakes. Mr. Freiwirth has specific experience with incubators, angel financing, infrastructure needs. His expertise is in Business Plans/Startup Assistance; Legal Issues; Virtual and augmented reality technology.
General assistance with startup company formation, IP (Intellectual Property) questions, startup prioritization of finances, ownership stakes. Mr. Freiwirth has specific experience with incubators, angel financing, infrastructure needs. His expertise is in Business Plans/Startup Assistance; Legal Issues; Virtual and augmented reality technology.
Fred Berger
Mr. Berger’s skills include the experience to establish or improve business plans. He has an extensive background to develop Action Plans for Value Growth plus the ability to help establish or improve a comprehensive buy-sell plan and action. Areas of expertise: Business Plans/Startup Assistance; Strategy & Planning. Industry experience: Finance and Insurance.
Mr. Berger’s skills include the experience to establish or improve business plans. He has an extensive background to develop Action Plans for Value Growth plus the ability to help establish or improve a comprehensive buy-sell plan and action. Areas of expertise: Business Plans/Startup Assistance; Strategy & Planning. Industry experience: Finance and Insurance.
Don Swanson
Mr. Swanson has over forty years experience with writing, editing, publishing and distribution of written material. Retail rental agreements, operations, purchasing, and marketing. Experienced with franchise agreements, new and renewals. Hiring, training, and retaining employees. How to work with advertising agencies, public relations firms, or generate your own publicity. Subject matter expertise: Publishing and distribution of written material, franchise agreements, retail rental agreements, operations, purchasing, and marketing. Industry expertise: Arts, Entertainment, & Recreation;Manufacturing;Other Services (except public admin.);Retail Trade
Mr. Swanson has over forty years experience with writing, editing, publishing and distribution of written material. Retail rental agreements, operations, purchasing, and marketing. Experienced with franchise agreements, new and renewals. Hiring, training, and retaining employees. How to work with advertising agencies, public relations firms, or generate your own publicity. Subject matter expertise: Publishing and distribution of written material, franchise agreements, retail rental agreements, operations, purchasing, and marketing. Industry expertise: Arts, Entertainment, & Recreation;Manufacturing;Other Services (except public admin.);Retail Trade
Greg LaVay
Mr. LaVay started and operated business in 3 different industries. All have been retail business. The areas his expertise are in: Business start-up; Business law; Employee management and labor law; Retail administration and operation; Buying and selling a business; Financial analysis
Mr. LaVay started and operated business in 3 different industries. All have been retail business. The areas his expertise are in: Business start-up; Business law; Employee management and labor law; Retail administration and operation; Buying and selling a business; Financial analysis
Greg Halstead
Specialization in product idea for commercialization: from design concept to launch.
Greg is an accomplished executive with a track record of operational management and product introductions, with a multidisciplinary background including science, engineering, clinical research, business, and marketing.
Specialization in product idea for commercialization: from design concept to launch.
Greg is an accomplished executive with a track record of operational management and product introductions, with a multidisciplinary background including science, engineering, clinical research, business, and marketing.
John Wham
Mr. Wham is currently assisting clients in Business Planning, including development of a value proposition and business model for the business. Preparation of Business Pans. Financial Forecasting, including financial viability analysis. Marketing, with emphasis on development of marketing plans. eCommerce. He mentors businesses in essentially all phases (pre-startup, startup and operations).
Mr. Wham is currently assisting clients in Business Planning, including development of a value proposition and business model for the business. Preparation of Business Pans. Financial Forecasting, including financial viability analysis. Marketing, with emphasis on development of marketing plans. eCommerce. He mentors businesses in essentially all phases (pre-startup, startup and operations).
Luis Ventoza
Subject matter expertise: construction and engineering industry, Spanish speaking, Buying or Selling a Business Government Regulations & Contracting Strategy & Planning, business plans, start up planning. Areas of expertise: Business Plans/Startup Assistance;Buying or Selling a Business;Government Regulations & Contracting;Strategy & Planning
Subject matter expertise: construction and engineering industry, Spanish speaking, Buying or Selling a Business Government Regulations & Contracting Strategy & Planning, business plans, start up planning. Areas of expertise: Business Plans/Startup Assistance;Buying or Selling a Business;Government Regulations & Contracting;Strategy & Planning
Bill Pope
Mr. Pope can help evaluate your exposure to loss and help design the right insurance program for you and your business. 38 years insurance industry experience as underwriter and agent/broker. Specialty in property and liability insurance for businesses. Principal owner and CFO of insurance agency employing 130 people. In addition to insurance, skilled in business management, risk management, finance, strategic planning, buying and selling businesses. Current and former board member of various not-for-profit and for-profit organizations. Skills: Insurance, Start-up assistance, Business Plan, Buy/Sell Business Industry(s): Finance, Insurance
Mr. Pope can help evaluate your exposure to loss and help design the right insurance program for you and your business. 38 years insurance industry experience as underwriter and agent/broker. Specialty in property and liability insurance for businesses. Principal owner and CFO of insurance agency employing 130 people. In addition to insurance, skilled in business management, risk management, finance, strategic planning, buying and selling businesses. Current and former board member of various not-for-profit and for-profit organizations. Skills: Insurance, Start-up assistance, Business Plan, Buy/Sell Business Industry(s): Finance, Insurance
Lew Elting
Areas of expertise: Accounting & Cash Flow; Business Plans/Startup Assistance; Human Resources; Operations and systems. Subject matter expertise: Accounting, Human Resources, business start up.
Areas of expertise: Accounting & Cash Flow; Business Plans/Startup Assistance; Human Resources; Operations and systems. Subject matter expertise: Accounting, Human Resources, business start up.
John Lesser
Mr. Lesser’s experience is in small business start-ups to include business plan development, development of financial forecasts, getting funding and problem solving for existing businesses. He has worked with several small businesses to get them started and have enjoyed the experience. He was also involved with working for the City of Portsmouth, New Hampshire in providing free consulting services to any business within the city limits and was jointly paid by the SBA, Univ of New Hampshire and the City of Portsmouth. Mr. Lesser also had a very successful career with IBM, Citibank, Manufacturers Hanover Trust Company and Swiss Bank Corp. Areas of expertise: Accounting & Cash Flow; Buying or Selling a Business; Customer Relations; Financing/Capital; Human Resources; Marketing, Public Relations & Sales;Operations. Industry expertise: Administrative, Support, & Waste Management; Finance & Insurance.
Mr. Lesser’s experience is in small business start-ups to include business plan development, development of financial forecasts, getting funding and problem solving for existing businesses. He has worked with several small businesses to get them started and have enjoyed the experience. He was also involved with working for the City of Portsmouth, New Hampshire in providing free consulting services to any business within the city limits and was jointly paid by the SBA, Univ of New Hampshire and the City of Portsmouth. Mr. Lesser also had a very successful career with IBM, Citibank, Manufacturers Hanover Trust Company and Swiss Bank Corp. Areas of expertise: Accounting & Cash Flow; Buying or Selling a Business; Customer Relations; Financing/Capital; Human Resources; Marketing, Public Relations & Sales;Operations. Industry expertise: Administrative, Support, & Waste Management; Finance & Insurance.
Art Ferber
Mr. Ferber’s business career focused on engineering, safety, risk management, and training in petrochemical products operations for Exxon, Allied Chemical, and Union Texas (became ARCO, then BP) in New Jersey and Houston. His areas of operational experience ranged from project management, strategic and business planning, petrochemical manufacturing, transportation, and storage. Art was the national chairman of the American Petroleum Institute's Training and Development Committee, earning their highest recognition award for service to the petroleum industry. After an early retirement from industry, he reinvented himself as a creator of unique three-dimensional wall sculptures, a small business he operates out of his home. His photographs have won several awards and he enjoys teaching Photoshop to individuals. He served on the board of the San Diego Chapter of the American Society of Interior Designers. He was a Dale Carnegie Instructor and taught their Leadership Training for Managers seminar for over 25 years. Art has concluded that the core of good leadership and management hasn't changed over the years. He believes that coaching and mentoring is the art of assisting self-discovery. Areas of expertise: Accounting & Cash Flow; Business Plans/Startup Assistance; Human Resources; Operations. Industry expertise: Arts, Entertainment, & Recreation; Manufacturing; Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services; Transportation & Warehousing.
Mr. Ferber’s business career focused on engineering, safety, risk management, and training in petrochemical products operations for Exxon, Allied Chemical, and Union Texas (became ARCO, then BP) in New Jersey and Houston. His areas of operational experience ranged from project management, strategic and business planning, petrochemical manufacturing, transportation, and storage. Art was the national chairman of the American Petroleum Institute's Training and Development Committee, earning their highest recognition award for service to the petroleum industry. After an early retirement from industry, he reinvented himself as a creator of unique three-dimensional wall sculptures, a small business he operates out of his home. His photographs have won several awards and he enjoys teaching Photoshop to individuals. He served on the board of the San Diego Chapter of the American Society of Interior Designers. He was a Dale Carnegie Instructor and taught their Leadership Training for Managers seminar for over 25 years. Art has concluded that the core of good leadership and management hasn't changed over the years. He believes that coaching and mentoring is the art of assisting self-discovery. Areas of expertise: Accounting & Cash Flow; Business Plans/Startup Assistance; Human Resources; Operations. Industry expertise: Arts, Entertainment, & Recreation; Manufacturing; Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services; Transportation & Warehousing.
Brian Offi
As a retired business executive with a rich portfolio of business skills across multiple industries, Mr. Offi is looking for an opportunity to help business executives achieve their vision and goals. He has have excellent interpersonal skills and can work effectively as a team or as an individual. Areas of expertise: Accounting & Cash Flow; Business Plans/Startup Assistance; Buying or Selling a Business; Strategy & Planning. Industry expertise: Accommodation & Food Services; Finance & Insurance; Manufacturing.
As a retired business executive with a rich portfolio of business skills across multiple industries, Mr. Offi is looking for an opportunity to help business executives achieve their vision and goals. He has have excellent interpersonal skills and can work effectively as a team or as an individual. Areas of expertise: Accounting & Cash Flow; Business Plans/Startup Assistance; Buying or Selling a Business; Strategy & Planning. Industry expertise: Accommodation & Food Services; Finance & Insurance; Manufacturing.
Bob Ragland
Mr. Ragland is a seasoned executive and entrepreneur, having created and invested in multiple successful start-ups. He has provided capital and consulting on capital-raising totaling over $4 billion. He's consulted on business buy/sell for small and mid-size companies. During his career as a financial executive he's reviewed thousands of business plans and pitchbooks. He can help clients with Financing / Capital Strategic Planning and Financial Modeling Pitchbooks and Business Plans Marketing Strategy. Business Buy/Sell. Available by e-mail, video, phone, and in-person appointments. Some knowledge of Spanish and Chinese. Over 40 years of experience in finance. Raised over $4 billion of capital including securitizations, project finance, joint ventures, leases and venture capital. Co-founder of Worldfab LLC (Worldfab.com) a firm specializing in capital raising for early stage and middle market businesses. Prior management positions include AEL Financial (a boutique leasing company), Bank of America, Household International, Citicorp, and Deutche Bank (fka Bankers Trust Company). Degree in finance from Wharton School and MBA in finance from NYU Stern School. Areas of expertise: Business Plans/Startup Assistance;Buying or Selling a Business; Financing/Capital; Legal Issues; Strategy & Planning; Technology. Industry expertise: Finance & Insurance; Manufacturing; Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services; Real Estate & Rental & Leasing.
Mr. Ragland is a seasoned executive and entrepreneur, having created and invested in multiple successful start-ups. He has provided capital and consulting on capital-raising totaling over $4 billion. He's consulted on business buy/sell for small and mid-size companies. During his career as a financial executive he's reviewed thousands of business plans and pitchbooks. He can help clients with Financing / Capital Strategic Planning and Financial Modeling Pitchbooks and Business Plans Marketing Strategy. Business Buy/Sell. Available by e-mail, video, phone, and in-person appointments. Some knowledge of Spanish and Chinese. Over 40 years of experience in finance. Raised over $4 billion of capital including securitizations, project finance, joint ventures, leases and venture capital. Co-founder of Worldfab LLC (Worldfab.com) a firm specializing in capital raising for early stage and middle market businesses. Prior management positions include AEL Financial (a boutique leasing company), Bank of America, Household International, Citicorp, and Deutche Bank (fka Bankers Trust Company). Degree in finance from Wharton School and MBA in finance from NYU Stern School. Areas of expertise: Business Plans/Startup Assistance;Buying or Selling a Business; Financing/Capital; Legal Issues; Strategy & Planning; Technology. Industry expertise: Finance & Insurance; Manufacturing; Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services; Real Estate & Rental & Leasing.
Beverly Pamensky
Ms. Pamensky has built three start up companies that have customers around the globe. Her experience from owning her own small business includes organization, operations, sales, marketing, accounting and training presentations.Areas of expertise: Business Plans/Startup Assistance; Marketing, Public Relations & Sales; Operations. Industry expertise: Accommodation & Food Services; Arts, Entertainment, & Recreation; Retail Trade; Wholesale Trade
Ms. Pamensky has built three start up companies that have customers around the globe. Her experience from owning her own small business includes organization, operations, sales, marketing, accounting and training presentations.Areas of expertise: Business Plans/Startup Assistance; Marketing, Public Relations & Sales; Operations. Industry expertise: Accommodation & Food Services; Arts, Entertainment, & Recreation; Retail Trade; Wholesale Trade
Anthony Yeoman
Areas of expertise: Accounting & Cash Flow;Business Plans/Startup Assistance; Customer Relations; Marketing, Public Relations & Sales; Product Development & Manufacturing; Strategy & Planning; Technology
Areas of expertise: Accounting & Cash Flow;Business Plans/Startup Assistance; Customer Relations; Marketing, Public Relations & Sales; Product Development & Manufacturing; Strategy & Planning; Technology
Steven Silvitz
Mr. Sivitz has spent his career primarily in the mobile/wireless communications industry. He has worked for large multi-national companies, such as Siemens, Motorola, Qualcomm and Viasat, down to early stage start-ups. He was the co-founder of a wireless communications company and a computer security company. Steve had leadership roles in business development, sales, marketing, and product management for global markets. He has over 35 years’ experience revitalizing sales, developing partnerships for go-to-market and technology transfer strategies, negotiating supply agreements, and expanding market share in three mobile communication industries – cellular, enterprise wireless and satellite. Subject matter expertise: Business plan, sales, business development, marketing, mobile communications, hi-tech, strategy, negotiations, product management, technology, wireless, account management, corporate management, sales, start-up strategies. Industry expertise: Manufacturing; Other Services (except public admin.); Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services.
Mr. Sivitz has spent his career primarily in the mobile/wireless communications industry. He has worked for large multi-national companies, such as Siemens, Motorola, Qualcomm and Viasat, down to early stage start-ups. He was the co-founder of a wireless communications company and a computer security company. Steve had leadership roles in business development, sales, marketing, and product management for global markets. He has over 35 years’ experience revitalizing sales, developing partnerships for go-to-market and technology transfer strategies, negotiating supply agreements, and expanding market share in three mobile communication industries – cellular, enterprise wireless and satellite. Subject matter expertise: Business plan, sales, business development, marketing, mobile communications, hi-tech, strategy, negotiations, product management, technology, wireless, account management, corporate management, sales, start-up strategies. Industry expertise: Manufacturing; Other Services (except public admin.); Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services.
Bob Ritz
Mr. Ritz was in the apparel industry, and worked with Tommy Bahama, Polo Ralph Lauren, Cole Haan, Hugo Boss, and Coach. He owned and operated successful retail businesses and enjoyed 14 years employing and managing a team with Tommy Bahama as the West Coast marketing and sales director. Mr. Ritz retired as owner/President of Zenfari in 2016, a start-up men's apparel company. Subject matter expertise: Start-up; men's apparel starting; growing a product or service-driven business. Retail and Wholesale clothing marketing and sales. Industry expertise: Retail Trade; Wholesale Trade.
Mr. Ritz was in the apparel industry, and worked with Tommy Bahama, Polo Ralph Lauren, Cole Haan, Hugo Boss, and Coach. He owned and operated successful retail businesses and enjoyed 14 years employing and managing a team with Tommy Bahama as the West Coast marketing and sales director. Mr. Ritz retired as owner/President of Zenfari in 2016, a start-up men's apparel company. Subject matter expertise: Start-up; men's apparel starting; growing a product or service-driven business. Retail and Wholesale clothing marketing and sales. Industry expertise: Retail Trade; Wholesale Trade.