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  • She Runs Sacramento’s Airport Like a City | Cindy Nichol on Innovation, Expansion & Leadership

    She Runs Sacramento’s Airport Like a City | Cindy Nichol on Innovation, Expansion & Leadership
    2025/07/02
    Cindy Nichol is the powerhouse behind Sacramento’s entire airport system—including SMF, Mather, Executive, and Franklin Field. As Director of Airports for Sacramento County, she’s leading a $1.3 billion transformation while running an operation that functions more like a city than a terminal. On this episode, Cindy Nichol reveals what it takes to run an airport that operates like a city—and why SMF is preparing for the future. ✈️ How SMF is expanding to meet record passenger demand 🏗️ The strategy behind the SMForward capital program 💡 Why innovation and local partnerships are central to the airport’s future 🌍 What it will take to bring nonstop flights to Europe and Asia 🛠️ And how she empowers her team to lead with purpose and try new things Whether you travel often or just want a look behind the curtain of how critical infrastructure really works—this episode is packed with insights on leadership, logistics, and long-term vision. Website: https://sacramento.aero/scas Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/FlySMF/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SacIntlAirport YouTube: @sacramentointlairport5800 🔥 Subscribe for more stories of entrepreneurship, innovation, and impact from Sacramento’s top leaders. 00:00 – Intro – The Backyard Advantage & Guest Introduction 01:34 – Running an Airport Is Like Running a City 03:14 – Top 5 Airport Complaints Game (Bathrooms, TSA, Food Prices) 10:34 – Fixing Airport Food: Local Partnerships & New Offerings 12:10 – Business Model for Concessionaires 13:03 – Airport Workers: The Hidden Heroes 19:00 – Why Baggage Handling Is Still a Challenge in Terminal A 22:42 – What’s Working at SMF + $1.4B Expansion Overview 23:58 – Skybridge to Replace Crowded People Mover 26:00 – New Parking Garage: More Than Double Capacity 27:41 – Public Art & Local Identity in the Airport 30:29 – Adding 6 New Gates + More Public Art 33:26 – Upcoming Rental Car Facility & Walkable Campus 36:06 – Managing 4 Airports & a $1.4B Expansion 38:45 – How Airline Fees Work & Airport Revenue 39:51 – Drones, AI, and the Future of Airport Innovation 41:29 – Chasing Nonstop Flights to Europe & Asia 46:27 – Culture of Innovation & Empowering Staff 47:49 – Accessibility Tech for Visually Impaired Travelers 48:29 – Faster, Smarter Construction: New Delivery Methods 49:09 – Closing Thoughts – Why SMF Just Works #MarkHaneyShow #CindyNichol #SacramentoAirport #SMF #Leadership #SMForward #Entrepreneurship #Innovation #sacramento ______________________________________________________________ If this episode inspires you to be part of the movement, and you believe, like me, that entrepreneurs are the answer to our future, message me so we can join forces to support building truly great companies in our region. - Subscribe to my channel here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCom_​... - Mark Haney is a serial entrepreneur that has experience growing companies worth hundreds of millions of dollars. He is currently the CEO and founder of HaneyBiz - Instagram: http://instagram.com/themarkhaney​ Facebook: www.facebook.com/themarkhaney LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markehaney​ Website: http://haneybiz.com​ Audio Boom: https://audioboom.com/channels/5005273​ Twitter: http://twitter.com/themarkhaney - This video includes personal knowledge, experiences, and opinions about Angel Investing by seasoned angel investors. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal, tax, investment, or financial advice. Nothing in this video constitutes a solicitation, recommendation, or endorsement. #thebackyardadvantage #themarkhaneyshow #entrepreneur #PowerOfWith #SacramentoEntrepreneur #Sacramento #SacramentoSmallBusiness #SmallBusiness #GrowthFactory #Investor #Podcast
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    51 分
  • How Setbacks Make Great Coaches

    How Setbacks Make Great Coaches
    2025/06/25
    In this powerful episode of The Mark Haney Show, we sit down with Billy Horton — pro baseball coach, author, and speaker — to talk about overcoming adversity and building men, not just players.

    Billy shares his incredible journey from getting cut in high school to coaching World Series champions, how he rebuilt his life after major career setbacks, and the core principles that drive his leadership style.

    We dive into:
    ✅ The mindset behind turning setbacks into comebacks
    ✅ What it really means to lead with heart and humility
    ✅ How faith and family shape his coaching and character
    ✅ Why keeping it simple is the secret to lasting success

    Whether you’re an entrepreneur, coach, athlete, or someone looking to level up your resilience, this conversation will inspire you to embrace the valleys and come out stronger on the other side.

    Website: https://billyhorton.com/
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/billyhortonaz/
    X: https://x.com/billyhortonaz
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/billyhortonaz/
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/billy-horton-a2a6351a/

    🎧 Watch, subscribe, and hit that notification bell — you won’t want to miss this one!

    ______________________________________________________________

    If this episode inspires you to be part of the movement, and you believe, like me, that entrepreneurs are the answer to our future, message me so we can join forces to support building truly great companies in our region.
    -
    Subscribe to my channel here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCom_​...
    -
    Mark Haney is a serial entrepreneur that has experience growing companies worth hundreds of millions of dollars. He is currently the CEO and founder of HaneyBiz
    -
    Instagram: http://instagram.com/themarkhaney​
    Facebook: www.facebook.com/themarkhaney
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markehaney​
    Website: http://haneybiz.com​
    Audio Boom: https://audioboom.com/channels/5005273​
    Twitter: http://twitter.com/themarkhaney
    -
    This video includes personal knowledge, experiences, and opinions about Angel Investing by seasoned angel investors. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal, tax, investment, or financial advice. Nothing in this video constitutes a solicitation, recommendation, or endorsement.

    #thebackyardadvantage #themarkhaneyshow #entrepreneur
    #PowerOfWith #SacramentoEntrepreneur #Sacramento
    #SacramentoSmallBusiness #SmallBusiness #GrowthFactory #Investor
    #Podcast
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    55 分
  • How THIS Startup Will Change Home Energy Forever

    How THIS Startup Will Change Home Energy Forever
    2025/06/18
    Greg Connolly, founder of Trifecta Nutrition and now CEO of Kora Power, joins Mark Haney to share his top 3 secrets to raising capital, scaling startups, and disrupting massive industries.

    In this episode, Greg breaks down how he built a $500M brand, why he left it to launch Kora Power, and how he's bringing smart energy tech into your home. Whether you're a founder raising your first round or a seasoned entrepreneur navigating scale, Greg’s insights on startup funding, building advisory boards, using AI to outlearn the competition, and managing investor relationships are pure gold.

    🔑 You’ll learn:
    • How to raise millions using warm intros and smart tools like Carta
    • Why Greg left Trifecta to reinvent the energy market with Kora Power
    • The biggest mistakes founders make when fundraising
    • Why every pitch is a sales process — and how to win it
    • How AI is transforming startup strategy, product dev, and capital raises

    👉 Don’t miss this one — especially if you're building or investing in the future of clean tech, energy, or early-stage startups.

    #StartupFunding #CleanTech #GregConnolly #KoraPower #FundraisingTips #VentureCapital #SmartHome #Entrepreneurship #MarkHaneyShow #StartupSecrets #AIforStartups #thebackyardadvantage

    ______________________________________________________________

    If this episode inspires you to be part of the movement, and you believe, like me, that entrepreneurs are the answer to our future, message me so we can join forces to support building truly great companies in our region.
    -
    Subscribe to my channel here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCom_​...
    -
    Mark Haney is a serial entrepreneur that has experience growing companies worth hundreds of millions of dollars. He is currently the CEO and founder of HaneyBiz
    -
    Instagram: http://instagram.com/themarkhaney​
    Facebook: www.facebook.com/themarkhaney
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markehaney​
    Website: http://haneybiz.com​
    Audio Boom: https://audioboom.com/channels/5005273​
    Twitter: http://twitter.com/themarkhaney
    -
    This video includes personal knowledge, experiences, and opinions about Angel Investing by seasoned angel investors. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal, tax, investment, or financial advice. Nothing in this video constitutes a solicitation, recommendation, or endorsement.

    #thebackyardadvantage #themarkhaneyshow #entrepreneur
    #PowerOfWith #SacramentoEntrepreneur #Sacramento
    #SacramentoSmallBusiness #SmallBusiness #GrowthFactory #Investor
    #Podcast
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    48 分
  • How AI Will Change Venture Capital Forever

    How AI Will Change Venture Capital Forever
    2025/06/11
    In this episode of The Mark Haney Show, Mark sits down with Growth Factory partners Rick Spencer and Ali Mackani for a bold conversation at the intersection of artificial intelligence and venture capital.

    They explore:
    • Why AI is changing the rules of investing and startup building
    • How "Venture Science" could reshape the VC industry
    • The myth of job loss vs. the reality of augmented human potential
    • What industries are being disrupted first—and where opportunity lies
    • How AI can empower both technical and non-technical founders
    • The importance of values, community, and youth preparation in the AI age

    Whether you’re an entrepreneur, investor, or simply AI-curious, this episode is packed with insight, inspiration, and practical frameworks for building a future that works—for all of us.

    ______________________________________________________________

    If this episode inspires you to be part of the movement, and you believe, like me, that entrepreneurs are the answer to our future, message me so we can join forces to support building truly great companies in our region.
    -
    Subscribe to my channel here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCom_​...
    -
    Mark Haney is a serial entrepreneur that has experience growing companies worth hundreds of millions of dollars. He is currently the CEO and founder of HaneyBiz
    -
    Instagram: http://instagram.com/themarkhaney​
    Facebook: www.facebook.com/themarkhaney
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markehaney​
    Website: http://haneybiz.com​
    Audio Boom: https://audioboom.com/channels/5005273​
    Twitter: http://twitter.com/themarkhaney
    -
    This video includes personal knowledge, experiences, and opinions about Angel Investing by seasoned angel investors. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal, tax, investment, or financial advice. Nothing in this video constitutes a solicitation, recommendation, or endorsement.

    #thebackyardadvantage #themarkhaneyshow #entrepreneur
    #PowerOfWith #SacramentoEntrepreneur #Sacramento
    #SacramentoSmallBusiness #SmallBusiness #GrowthFactory #Investor
    #Podcast
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    59 分
  • This Is How You Build a Real Estate Empire from Scratch

    This Is How You Build a Real Estate Empire from Scratch
    2025/06/04
    In this episode of The Mark Haney Show, we sit down with Greg Aguirre, President & CEO of Capital Rivers Commercial, to explore his journey from humble beginnings to building one of the most respected commercial real estate firms in Northern California.

    Greg shares how he went from junior high handyman gigs to working under legendary entrepreneur Dale Carlsen, before launching Capital Rivers—a full-service real estate firm with a unique culture and scrappy edge.

    We dig into:
    🔹 How Greg built Capital Rivers with sweat equity and relentless grit
    🔹 His team’s "secret sauce" for closing complex real estate deals
    🔹 A deep dive into the Sacramento CRE market—office, retail, industrial, and more
    🔹 How technology (including AI) is reshaping the future of real estate
    🔹 What’s next for the Sacramento region and Capital Rivers’ big vision

    If you’re curious about entrepreneurship, real estate, or what it takes to build a winning company culture from the ground up—this episode is a must-watch.

    Website: https://capitalrivers.com/
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/capital-rivers-commercial/about/
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregaguirre1/
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/capitalrivers.commercial/
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/capitalrivers
    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_giyyvyYvcADByWwepew7w

    🎧 Listen in and get inspired by a true local builder who’s creating jobs, value, and momentum for Sacramento’s future.

    ______________________________________________________________

    If this episode inspires you to be part of the movement, and you believe, like me, that entrepreneurs are the answer to our future, message me so we can join forces to support building truly great companies in our region.
    -
    Subscribe to my channel here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCom_​...
    -
    Mark Haney is a serial entrepreneur that has experience growing companies worth hundreds of millions of dollars. He is currently the CEO and founder of HaneyBiz
    -
    Instagram: http://instagram.com/themarkhaney​
    Facebook: www.facebook.com/themarkhaney
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markehaney​
    Website: http://haneybiz.com​
    Audio Boom: https://audioboom.com/channels/5005273​
    Twitter: http://twitter.com/themarkhaney
    -
    This video includes personal knowledge, experiences, and opinions about Angel Investing by seasoned angel investors. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal, tax, investment, or financial advice. Nothing in this video constitutes a solicitation, recommendation, or endorsement.

    #thebackyardadvantage #themarkhaneyshow #entrepreneur
    #PowerOfWith #SacramentoEntrepreneur #Sacramento
    #SacramentoSmallBusiness #SmallBusiness #GrowthFactory #Investor
    #Podcast
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    45 分
  • From Door-Knocking to $250M Firm: How Faith & Grit Built Zion Capital | Lucas Mijares Interview

    From Door-Knocking to $250M Firm: How Faith & Grit Built Zion Capital | Lucas Mijares Interview
    2025/05/28
    In this episode of The Mark Haney Show, I sit down with Lucas Mijares, Co-Founder and CEO of Zion Capital, a fast-growing wealth management firm now managing over $250 million in assets. Lucas shares how he went from knocking doors in a suit to launching a high-trust boutique firm grounded in values, stewardship, and grit.

    🎯 You’ll hear:
    • Why Lucas left a "storybook" career at Edward Jones to build something bigger
    • How faith, marriage, and fostering shaped his leadership philosophy
    • What it's like raising 6 boys while running a mission-driven company
    • Lessons from HYROX races, youth coaching, and growing up the youngest of five
    • How to thrive in an uncertain economy—without falling for financial noise

    Whether you’re a founder, parent, or just someone chasing a purpose-driven life, Lucas’s story is packed with actionable wisdom, heartfelt moments, and reminders that nobody builds something great alone.

    🌐 Website: https://www.zioncapital.io
    🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucas-mijares
    🔗 X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/zioncap


    🔔 Subscribe for more conversations with entrepreneurs who are building legendary lives in business and beyond.

    #LucasMijares #ZionCapital #FaithDrivenFinance #MarkHaneyShow #Entrepreneurship #FinancialFreedom #WealthManagement #StartupStories #FamilyBusiness #Leadership #backyardadvantage
    ______________________________________________________________

    If this episode inspires you to be part of the movement, and you believe, like me, that entrepreneurs are the answer to our future, message me so we can join forces to support building truly great companies in our region.
    -
    Subscribe to my channel here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCom_​...
    -
    Mark Haney is a serial entrepreneur that has experience growing companies worth hundreds of millions of dollars. He is currently the CEO and founder of HaneyBiz
    -
    Instagram: http://instagram.com/themarkhaney​
    Facebook: www.facebook.com/themarkhaney
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markehaney​
    Website: http://haneybiz.com​
    Audio Boom: https://audioboom.com/channels/5005273​
    Twitter: http://twitter.com/themarkhaney
    -
    This video includes personal knowledge, experiences, and opinions about Angel Investing by seasoned angel investors. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal, tax, investment, or financial advice. Nothing in this video constitutes a solicitation, recommendation, or endorsement.

    #thebackyardadvantage #themarkhaneyshow #entrepreneur
    #PowerOfWith #SacramentoEntrepreneur #Sacramento
    #SacramentoSmallBusiness #SmallBusiness #GrowthFactory #Investor
    #Podcast
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    54 分
  • Inside Aggie Square: Sacramento’s $1B Innovation Engine with Monique Brown

    Inside Aggie Square: Sacramento’s $1B Innovation Engine with Monique Brown
    2025/05/21
    In this episode of The Mark Haney Show, we go on location to Aggie Square—UC Davis’s game-changing innovation district in Sacramento. Monique Brown—Knowledge Community Director at Wexford Science & Technology and Co-Founder of the Growth Factory—joins me to unpack how this $1.1B project is transforming the region.

    Monique offers a behind-the-scenes look at Connect Labs, an eight-story innovation center built to retain and attract startups, researchers, and investors right here in Sacramento. We explore how Aggie Square is connecting university research with real-world entrepreneurship, offering plug-and-play lab space, venture capital support, and a vision to make Sacramento a national leader in life sciences and health innovation.

    You’ll learn:
    • Why founders are now staying in Sacramento
    • How UC Davis, Wexford, and VCs are working together
    • What makes Connect Labs a magnet for startups and global talent
    • How this project is creating jobs, revitalizing Oak Park, and building the
    Backyard Advantage on a national scale

    Website: https://www.wexfordconnectlabs.com/sacramento
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/moniquebrown/
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wexford-science-&-technology-llc/

    🎙 If you care about the future of innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic development in Sacramento, this is a must-watch.

    👉 Subscribe for more interviews with the builders shaping the region.


    #AggieSquare #SacramentoInnovation #ConnectLabs #WexfordScience #MoniqueBrown #GrowthFactory #UCDAvis #StartupSupport #TheMarkHaneyShow #Entrepreneurship #LifeSciences #HealthTech #RelentlesslyLocal #BackyardAdvantage #venturecapital

    ______________________________________________________________

    If this episode inspires you to be part of the movement, and you believe, like me, that entrepreneurs are the answer to our future, message me so we can join forces to support building truly great companies in our region.
    -
    Subscribe to my channel here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCom_​...
    -
    Mark Haney is a serial entrepreneur that has experience growing companies worth hundreds of millions of dollars. He is currently the CEO and founder of HaneyBiz
    -
    Instagram: http://instagram.com/themarkhaney​
    Facebook: www.facebook.com/themarkhaney
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markehaney​
    Website: http://haneybiz.com​
    Audio Boom: https://audioboom.com/channels/5005273​
    Twitter: http://twitter.com/themarkhaney
    -
    This video includes personal knowledge, experiences, and opinions about Angel Investing by seasoned angel investors. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal, tax, investment, or financial advice. Nothing in this video constitutes a solicitation, recommendation, or endorsement.

    #thebackyardadvantage #themarkhaneyshow #entrepreneur
    #PowerOfWith #SacramentoEntrepreneur #Sacramento
    #SacramentoSmallBusiness #SmallBusiness #GrowthFactory #Investor
    #Podcast
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    42 分
  • Don’t Give Away the Gold: Legal Advice Every Entrepreneur Needs – Sheila Carroll

    Don’t Give Away the Gold: Legal Advice Every Entrepreneur Needs – Sheila Carroll
    2025/05/14
    In this episode of The Mark Haney Show, I sit down with Sheila Carroll, Founder and Managing Attorney at Carroll & Associates and a multi-year Super Lawyer. Sheila shares critical legal insights for entrepreneurs—covering the biggest startup mistakes around equity, employees, and intellectual property.

    You’ll learn:
    • Why you should treat equity like gold, not candy
    • How to protect your IP from day one
    • Legal pitfalls around employment classification
    • What it means to have an "on-call attorney" in your corner
    • And how to avoid business divorces before they start

    Sheila also talks about her journey from greenhouse entrepreneur to courtroom advocate, and how Entrepreneurs' Organization (EO) has shaped her as a leader.

    Check out the below to learn more about Shelia:
    Webstie: https://thecarrollfirm.com/
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/carroll-&-associates-pc/
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheila-carroll-78387b10/
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecarrollfirm/

    🔥 Whether you’re launching a startup or scaling a company, this episode is packed with actionable legal wisdom.

    👉 Subscribe for more conversations with Sacramento’s top business minds.

    #Entrepreneurship #StartupLaw #SheilaCarroll #BusinessAttorney #IPProtection #EquityStrategy #TheMarkHaneyShow #SacramentoBusiness #LegalAdviceForFounders #EO #backyardadvantage

    ______________________________________________________________

    If this episode inspires you to be part of the movement, and you believe, like me, that entrepreneurs are the answer to our future, message me so we can join forces to support building truly great companies in our region.
    -
    Subscribe to my channel here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCom_​...
    -
    Mark Haney is a serial entrepreneur that has experience growing companies worth hundreds of millions of dollars. He is currently the CEO and founder of HaneyBiz
    -
    Instagram: http://instagram.com/themarkhaney​
    Facebook: www.facebook.com/themarkhaney
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markehaney​
    Website: http://haneybiz.com​
    Audio Boom: https://audioboom.com/channels/5005273​
    Twitter: http://twitter.com/themarkhaney
    -
    This video includes personal knowledge, experiences, and opinions about Angel Investing by seasoned angel investors. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal, tax, investment, or financial advice. Nothing in this video constitutes a solicitation, recommendation, or endorsement.

    #thebackyardadvantage #themarkhaneyshow #entrepreneur
    #PowerOfWith #SacramentoEntrepreneur #Sacramento
    #SacramentoSmallBusiness #SmallBusiness #GrowthFactory #Investor
    #Podcast
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    1 時間 6 分