Member Spotlight: Marci Schwartz, Thrive College Counseling

Member Spotlight: Marci Schwartz, Thrive College Counseling

I am Marci Schwartz, and I work as a college counselor to support neurodiverse students and students with various learning profiles to navigate a path to college. I work with students to help them understand the differences between high school and college as it pertains to their learning needs, so they are in the best position possible to access the educational experience they desire.

 

I founded Thrive College Counseling with the goal of supporting teens with learning differences to make the difficult but important transition into independence. Thrive College Counseling works with students to discover their best college fit to ensure a successful transition to the college or program of their choice after high school. I began my career as a therapist and provided counseling services to parents of children with developmental and learning challenges since 1989. In this capacity, I worked with children and teens to better understand their strengths and challenges and develop the independent living skills and self-advocacy skills necessary for independence. I received my Ph.D. from New York University and my Certificate in College Counseling from UCLA Extension in 2016. I currently teach an online class at UC Irvine to individuals who are working on their college counseling certificates. The class is entitled “Working With Students With Learning Differences”. I am also an Adjunct Clinical Associate Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Stanford University School of Medicine.

 

I transitioned to being a college counselor from the role of therapist, as I saw so many students struggle with adjusting to college and finding success. I decided to refocus my work to support students to be prepared for the college experience and educated as to what skills they can build while in high school to achieve their goals.

 

I am excited about the people I get to meet at colleges across the country who are building programs to support the learning needs of students more holistically than in years past. It is wonderful to work with families and professionals who take a strengths-based approach in their work, and I am looking forward to continuing my learning in this space at the upcoming Stanford Neurodiversity Summit

 

Like many people, I have realized how productive I can be by working through Zoom, and so I made the decision to give up my office space. I appreciate the location of Satellite Los Gatos, the option to use space at other locations as needed based on my schedule, and the friendly people and atmosphere.  

 

My favorite aspect of Satellite Workplaces is the relaxed and open energy that is welcoming to me and the students that I do see there in person when it is a fit for their needs. 

Member Spotlight: Bob and Sandy Jamison, Tuscana Properties

Member Spotlight: Bob and Sandy Jamison, Tuscana Properties

Two Bay Area real estate agents, Bob and Sandy Jamison, tell us about how they found their way into the industry and how they became the brokers and owners of Tuscana Properties.

 

What do you do for work? 

We change people’s lives by helping them accomplish their real estate goals which is one of the biggest purchases they will make in their lifetime.

 

How did you initially get started in real estate? 

Bob and I both started out working in the tech industry. Then we started investing very early on in our 20s.  We decided to get our real estate license so we could buy and sell for ourselves. That led us into representing clients and ultimately become brokers and owners where we’ve built a team of agents.

 

Who or what is your biggest influence?

We have had several coaches over the past several years. Each of which have contributed greatly to our success in different ways. However, I believe the biggest influence is the strong work ethic and drive that both Bob and I share which makes us successful. We influence each other and support growth together.

 

What’s something you’re excited about right now?

We are very excited to be in one of the best markets in Real Estate – the Bay Area. Real Estate is ever-changing and Bob and I are good at quickly adapting to the trends to capitalize on the benefits.

 

What brought you to Satellite Workplaces? 

We love the location and flexibility that Satellite Campbell has to offer. Our team likes the vibe of The Pruneyard and our clients love coming to this location to meet with us. Our favorite thing is the location and the modern vibe of the place. Ron has been super helpful to all of our needs

 

How do you balance your work and personal time?

We don’t have much balance in real estate. You work 7 days a week in this career. We just fit life in between all the rest of the work that has to get done.  Some of those things we fit around our busy schedule are a Great Pyrenees dog, a guinea pig, a cat, a chicken, and 4 goats!

Member Spotlight: Jaideep Sen, Minfy Technologies

Member Spotlight: Jaideep Sen, Minfy Technologies

Jaideep Sen is the Chief Business Officer and Co-Founder of Minfy Technologies. He tells us about his role and what his interests and involvements are outside of the office.

 

Minfy is an AI solutions company. My work allows me to meet with customers and partners in different parts of the world. It is amazing to see how businesses around the globe are trying to solve the same problems and get to similar outcomes.

 

In my spare time, I mentor and advise startup founders and entrepreneurs to help them build and grow their businesses. I volunteer for several charitable activities in the US and abroad. I am also an amateur author, having previously published a book called Trappings of a Big Company.  I am in the process of writing my second book now.

 

I love the ambiance around Satellite Sunnyvale – especially with all the free chocolates. 

 

I like networking and connecting with people, so feel free to reach out if you want to talk about AI, singularity, food, or entrepreneurship. 

Member Spotlight: Mike and Debbi Sanchez, Effect Media Group

Member Spotlight: Mike and Debbi Sanchez, Effect Media Group

Mike and Debbi Sanchez own and operate Effect Media Group – a full-service marketing agency providing innovative solutions for businesses and brands focused on scaling to the next levels. They publish gmhTODAY – a quarterly lifestyle magazine covering the people, places, and things that make South County great. They also operate One Giving Tree – a nonprofit focused on providing Christmas trees to local kids and their families who would otherwise go without. They are both life-long Gilroy residents, high school sweethearts, only do things they love, and always crack up when they realize how long they have been together.

What do you do for work?

Effect Media Group is a full-service marketing and advertising agency. We help our clients articulate and share their stories, develop a unique user experience to attract more customers, and scale to the next levels of success. Our strengths are strategic planning, graphic design, custom websites, social media management, print publications, events, and video production. We also produce a quarterly lifestyle magazine, gmhTODAY, and distribute it throughout South County. And, in our tremendous free time, we operate One Giving Tree – a nonprofit that provides Christmas trees to local kids and their families who would otherwise go without.

How did you initially get started in your industry?

In 2016 Mike was working in the corporate world when he was hit by a drunk driver. While recovering, he started working on websites for friends and their local companies. Soon, he took on social media management and studied marketing theory, video production, and graphic design. Debbi has been in the event administration world for over 20 years, earning 5-star ratings from private and corporate clients. In 2020, during the great economic shutdown, Mike and Debbi were presented with a wonderful opportunity to publish gmhTODAY magazine. In 2022, Debbi joined Mike full-time to help manage the magazine and grow Effect Media Group. We are both drawn to this industry because we love seeing others accomplish their dreams and goals. To be a small part of that process is an honor and a privilege.

Who or what is your biggest influence? 

For Mike, it’s his mom. For Debbi, it’s her dad. They are our two biggest heroes and examples of great character, kindness, and selflessness.

What’s something you’re excited about right now? 

We are very excited about our company’s growth and the ability to help even more businesses succeed in these times.. New tools and technologies in the marketing world will help us do more creative work and provide better service. In the nonprofit space, we are continually working on community initiatives and building partnerships that will benefit and provide opportunities for many South County residents.

What brought you to Greenhouse Coworking? 

We made a commitment to be a part of downtown Gilroy. We are at a critical point in history right now: are we a “Bedford Falls” or a “Pottersville”? We think Gilroy is somewhere in-between. As life-long residents, we want to be aligned with those who want the best for Gilroy in all aspects; the downtown area is just one of those critical components. We felt that to be in the game, we had to be on the field, so to speak. Greenhouse Coworking is located right in the heart of downtown Gilroy. It is also an example of how great our downtown, and our community, can be–a collaborative, positive, open space that promotes relationships and partnerships, creative ideas and conversations, and amazing possibilities!

What’s your favorite thing about Greenhouse Coworking?

Our favorite thing about Greenhouse Coworking is the camaraderie. With several businesses and nonprofit groups working out of the same space, a buzz fills the space: people working, chatting, creating, and making their marks in their own special ways. We love CMAP and all they offer to the businesses here and the community at large. Lunna takes excellent care of us as the office coordinator, Victor is always helpful with anything we need, and Jeanine is full of energy and a problem solver. We are right in the heart of downtown, which helps us support local businesses, and helps our clients find us.

Do you find it easy to make friends and networking connections here?

Yes. Everyone is nice and we all help each other! It is a very collaborative space.

How do you balance work and personal time?

LOL. Balance is overrated… and mostly a myth. We work hard, play when time allows, and sleep soundly! At the end of the day, we enjoy what we do very much. So, we don’t always consider it work…it’s more of an adventure.

Can you tell me about any pets you have?

Our little furry child, Snacks the Yorkie-Diva, just went to doggy heaven in early February. She gave us ten amazing years of unconditional love. She also expected us to wait on her hand and foot, so we did! We miss her bunches but have lots of funny, warm memories to remember her by.

Do you anticipate staying in this area for a long time?

We plan to stay as long as it takes to see our downtown and the community of Gilroy be the best it can be. We owe it to our predecessors and our future generations.

Member Spotlight: Raymond & Erin Rand, Growing Greener Innovations

Member Spotlight: Raymond & Erin Rand, Growing Greener Innovations

Raymond & Erin Rand are a couple that has lived in Silicon Valley for the last 20 years. Erin is from Canada and Raymond is from England. They originally met at University in Canada and transitioned to California after graduating. The last 20 years have been a mixture of start-ups and corporations, with Erin in Operations and Finance roles and Raymond in Marketing, Engineering, and Program Management. They both love to travel, try new food, and go hiking.

Hi Raymond, tell me about your business and what you do!

Growing Greener Innovations (GGI) is a Canadian renewable energy start-up that is building LFP batteries at its headquarters in Edmonton, Alberta. GGI will be one of the few companies in North America that will fully manufacture cells & battery packs. Most North American companies build battery packs from cells that are manufactured outside North America. GGI is a social enterprise company that is working to reduce energy poverty in areas where traditional grid infrastructures are not available (remote, inhospitable, etc). Erin is the CEO of the company and I’m the Head of Product Development.

What drew you to this industry?

Both Erin and I are engineers by education and have a background in software and hardware systems. The draw of renewable energy is the possibility of improving people’s lives while helping to reduce carbon emissions and replace traditional generation using devices such as Diesel Generators. 

What’s something you’re excited about right now?

The amount of interest in the world to replace greenhouse gas producing devices. There’s also the real push for clean energy alternatives that are more than just talking points. I think the next 5 years are going to see an explosion in wind, solar, and other alternative energy sources.

What brought you to Satellite Workplaces?

We are longtime residents of Los Gatos and have friends who have used Satellite Workplaces before. When we did the tour with Stacy we were impressed with how well-kept the offices and common spaces are.

What’s your favorite thing about Satellite Workplaces?

Very friendly people, both the staff and the other occupants. I also love the coffee and some of the treats that are put out.

Check out Raymond & Erin’s website! → www.grengine.com

Member Spotlight: Malinda Williams, She’s Got A Habit

Member Spotlight: Malinda Williams, She’s Got A Habit

My name is Malinda Williams and I am the founder and CEO of She’s Got A Habit. I have spent all of my adult life as a professional actress and recently released my first book, The Game of Life and How to Slay It! I started my acting career as a young adult and recently began producing films. During the pandemic, I learned some basic code and started building a website that eventually evolved into She’s Got A Habit, my current business venture, and full-time passion.

Tell me about your company and what you do?

She’s Got A Habit is an online multi-vendor marketplace and wellness lifestyle site launched in January 2021. I’m currently running the day-to-day operations and wearing any and all necessary hats to keep this thing moving onward and upward. IYKYK

How did you initially get started?

My husband took advantage of a job opportunity in the area. In 2020 when everything shut down, I decided it was time for me to make a change as well. I’m creative, but I have always had technical skills and an entrepreneurial spirit. I’m also curious and confident enough to try just about anything.

What’s something you’re excited about right now?

I’m very excited about having finished my business plan. It’s taken many months of waking up at 5:30 am, several days a week to complete. I committed to and worked with a business advisor for several months. What I didn’t know about my business while running it, I learned while writing that plan.

What brought you to Satellite Workplaces?

I knew that if I planned to grow my business, I had to get out of the house and into a workspace environment. A co-working space seemed the perfect transition.

What’s your favorite thing about Satellite Workplaces?

I toured several co-working spaces. Some felt cold and intimidating or frankly dusty and dilapidated. None of those things appealed to me or how I wanted to spend my first year in business (outside my home office). I also wanted to be in a space where I and my coworkers felt safe and inspired to be productive. Satellite is a wonderful, welcoming combination of all things.

Check out Malinda’s website! → www.shesgotahabit.net