Past Events

Brent Fairbanks is a Primary Patent Examiner at the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) with a focus on data processing of sensor measurements, where the sensor systems include seismic exploration, motion tracking, device location, and determining battery charge levels. He serves as an Assistant Outreach Coordinator for the Western Regional Office, supporting programs for inventors, entrepreneurs, and other communities in the western United States along with K-12 STEM activities. Brent has a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from Cornell University, and joined the USPTO in 2016 after a prior career of developing Electronic Design Automation software for the semiconductor industry.

Find out how to make a plan for your new business!

The E-Center welcomes Mark Tolliver, former CEO of Planet and Palamida.

Summary: Ann & Mary started their ‘passion business’ of finding homes for adult cats 8 years ago. They are located in downtown San Jose and have cultivated a strong community of cat lovers and dedicated volunteers. They have 7 paid employees, 200 volunteers, 70 foster homes and have facilitated over 1,200 cat adoptions.

Tips & Recommendations for Aspiring Entrepreneurs from Ann & Mary:

• Take a risk!
• Don’t underestimate print publicity -the two cite one of the reasons for their growth due to receiving early and regular, free, print publicity of their organization.
• Have a good team -you can’t do everything on your own. If you want sustained growth, make sure you build a good team.
• Pay your people -if you want good people, expect to pay them well. Those costs should be part of your budget, don’t try to skimp in this area.
• Ask for money -don’t be afraid to ask for money. You believe in your cause deeply so don’t feel bad fundraising so you can keep it going.
• Be clear on your mission -your mission is what brings people in, so, be clear on it. This will drive everything you do and if it isn’t clear you will inevitably suffer from ‘scope creep’.
• Build a good website -here’s another area where you may need to pay for professional services. A website is often the first thing prospective patrons or employees see, so make sure it is good. Have lots of pictures as well (so helpful when it comes to placing cats in good homes:)
• Build community partnerships -your community is there to support you so make sure you have strong relationships with them.
• Form follows function -This means that the purpose of a space should be the starting point for its design. For example, if you want to build a community then have a large table in the center of the space to allow for gathering as opposed to individual smaller tables.
• Volunteer! If you are thinking of starting a non-profit (or a “passion business” as Ann prefers to call it), consider volunteering at a similar organization first. This way you can learn the details of the operations.

Summary: Paragon Body is a nutrition, corporate wellness, and personal fitness company. Jordan defines entrepreneurship as “learn as you go”. He started Paragon Body in 2016 and now has 11 employees & contractors, works with about a dozen corporate clients, and has recently moved to a bigger location. Jordan stresses the importance of establishing core values for one’s business and to hire accordingly. Jordan continues with the values of helping individuals achieve a balanced, healthy lifestyle in the workplace, at home, and in the community.

Tips & Recommendations for Aspiring Entrepreneurs from Jordan

• Avoid downward comparisons – avoid the habit of comparing yourself to others. Instead, think of something that you started out doing as a beginner and have now become an expert in. Look how far you have come to accomplish that, be grateful for where you started and where you are now.
• Set goals -it is important in your personal and professional lives to set goals. This makes you more likely to reach those goals, writing them down increases that likelihood even more!
• The importance of mindset -your mindset is energy and a superpower. Make the choice to not dwell on the past but look forward to the future with positive energy.
• Identify your mentors- list 3 people in your life that can provide knowledge and insight and use them!
• Get organized -use a calendar app to help you keep your schedule in order. Jordan loves google calendar.
• Never burn bridges -always do good by people
• Ask for what you need -Jordan says that, after all, “closed mouths never get fed”.
• Book recommendations-
  • “Financial Freedom” by Grant Sabatier
  • “Happy Sexy Millionaire” by Steven Bartlett