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CEO Masterminds

Meet MATRIX — Our Founding Central Coast CEO Group

CURIOUS MINDS | OPEN DISCUSSIONS | UNLIMITED POTENTIAL

MATRIX is an established circle of Central Coast CEOs who believe the best leadership happens when we're willing to think differently, challenge one another, and share what we've learned.


Since 2016, members from diverse industries have built a confidential community grounded in trust, candor, accountability, and genuine friendship.


We come together to tackle difficult decisions, discover new perspectives, and help one another build stronger businesses and more fulfilling lives.


We don't compete. We challenge, support, and learn from one another. 

Our Why

Even experienced CEOs need a place to think out loud, challenge assumptions, and be completely themselves.


MATRIX brings together leaders who share generously, ask difficult questions, and offer perspectives we might never discover on our own.


We value curiosity, honest conversations, genuine friendships, and having each other's backs.

Let's Talk

What Membership Includes

MONTHLY MASTERMIND MEETINGS

MONTHLY ONE-ON-ONE SESSIONS (121s)

MONTHLY ONE-ON-ONE SESSIONS (121s)

Once a month, our CEOs step away from their daily responsibilities for a full day of confidential conversations, strategic thinking, and shared learning.


We tackle real business challenges, review meaningful KPIs, question assumptions, and hold one another accountable. Members bring different industries and experiences to the table, offering perspectives that might otherwise never occur to us.


We ask hard questions, share generously, and help one another make better decisions.

MONTHLY ONE-ON-ONE SESSIONS (121s)

MONTHLY ONE-ON-ONE SESSIONS (121s)

MONTHLY ONE-ON-ONE SESSIONS (121s)

Every member receives two dedicated hours each month with Uta, either in person or via Zoom.

These conversations are tailored to what matters most to each CEO—from business strategy and leadership challenges to personal goals, health, relationships, and life transitions.


Members can also use this time to support someone on their leadership team or combine unused sessions for a more substantial workshop or company initiative.

EXPERT WORKSHOPS

MONTHLY ONE-ON-ONE SESSIONS (121s)

TIGER TEAMS — WHEN YOU NEED HELP NOW

Throughout the year, we invite accomplished experts to introduce fresh perspectives on business strategy, leadership, technology, financial performance, health, and personal development.


Workshops are selected with our members' interests and challenges in mind, encouraging practical learning and conversations that continue long after the session.


Members are welcome to invite people from their teams to attend the expert-speaker portion of our meetings, extending the value of membership throughout their organizations. Explore our speakers here.

TIGER TEAMS — WHEN YOU NEED HELP NOW

BEYOND BUSINESS — FRIENDSHIPS & SHARED EXPERIENCES

TIGER TEAMS — WHEN YOU NEED HELP NOW

Business challenges don't wait for our next monthly meeting.


When a member faces an urgent challenge or crisis, we can quickly assemble a small, ad hoc Tiger Team of fellow members to help. They bring their collective experience, fresh perspectives, and practical support to the situation.


It's peer support in action—and a powerful reminder that you're never navigating the tough moments alone.

BEYOND BUSINESS — FRIENDSHIPS & SHARED EXPERIENCES

BEYOND BUSINESS — FRIENDSHIPS & SHARED EXPERIENCES

BEYOND BUSINESS — FRIENDSHIPS & SHARED EXPERIENCES

The relationships we build extend well beyond the boardroom. Throughout the year, we organize social gatherings that bring members together with their spouses, partners, and families.


We also occasionally organize multi-day retreats when there is sufficient interest, creating opportunities to step away from everyday responsibilities, reconnect, and enjoy shared experiences.


Over time, these connections become genuine friendships, adding a personal dimension to a group that began with business.

what our members say

Tim Merrill | Anderson Burton Construction

Tim Merrill | Anderson Burton Construction

Tim Merrill | Anderson Burton Construction

 “Joining this group has been a game-changer for me both professionally and personally. The discussions during our meetings are always thought-provoking, and the group provides a safe space to share our struggles and successes openly. The diverse backgrounds and experiences of the members provide a wealth of knowledge and perspectives that I have found to be invaluable.”

Michelle McCovey-Good | T&S Structural

Tim Merrill | Anderson Burton Construction

Tim Merrill | Anderson Burton Construction

“To be an effective leader, you need to show up as a whole person. Rocket Masterminds has given me a space to share not only my professional challenges but also personal ones—leading to meaningful resolutions that help me grow as a successful leader and a well-rounded human being.”

Masha Bulka | Love of Machines

Masha Bulka | Love of Machines

Masha Bulka | Love of Machines

“This group has been a safe space for vulnerability, allowing me to see that what I once viewed as failure was actually a sign of opportunity. It’s okay to feel all the feelings—and powerful to realize you’re not alone.”

Annonymous

Masha Bulka | Love of Machines

Masha Bulka | Love of Machines

 “Every meeting reminds me that our work touches lives—employees, clients, and our own. Business isn’t just about numbers; it’s about the impact we have on everyone we connect with.”

Meet Our Members

Mark Overduin | Bejo Seeds

Mark Overduin, Bejo Seeds

About Mark

A Cal Poly Crop Science graduate, Mark has been with Bejo Seeds since 1991 and serves as President/Managing Director for the U.S. and Canada. With roots in Southern California and time spent living in Germany and the Netherlands, he brings an international perspective to the group.


Mark lives on the Central Coast with his wife, Edie, and their five children. An avid gardener since childhood, he loves growing vegetables, ocean kayaking, and backpacking in the High Sierra.

How the Group Benefits Me

MATRIX has been an important part of my ongoing development as a business leader and manager. My background is in the sciences, so having this advisory group with diverse experiences and business backgrounds to bounce ideas off of, trade stories with and engage with speakers in a small group setting has been invaluable.  

My Advice about Joining the Group

As a member of MATRIX you will find yourself part of a team of close knit local business leaders, supporting each other with the exchange of ideas, problem solving, and exploring cutting edge business developments and concepts in a small group setting with outstanding speakers organized by Uta and her expansive network of thought leaders throughout the country and the world.

What We Are Looking for in New Members

As a group we welcome new members who are insightful local business leaders who want to grow their businesses and engage with other local business leaders to build a healthy community.  

Contact Mark

Brad Brechwald | Wallace Group

Brad Brechwald, Wallace Group

About Brad

A Cal Poly graduate, Brad joined Wallace Group in 1988 and has risen to President and CEO. With more than 30 years of experience in civil engineering and land development, he has helped shape many Central Coast communities. Today, he focuses on strategic planning, mentoring emerging professionals, and supporting regional economic development.


Outside of work, Brad enjoys spending time with his wife, Jane, and their two sons, as well as biking, hiking, skiing, basketball, and the occasional triathlon.

How the Group Benefits Me

MATRIX has a diverse group of community leaders with different backgrounds and business models. This diversity provides me the opportunity to learn how other businesses operate and compete for qualified staff in our respective fields. On a personal note, the time together in this group has allowed me to better reflect and improve on my work-life balance.

My Advice about Joining the Group

If you are looking for a unique opportunity to work with leaders from different professions who are open and willing to listen and engage in thoughtful feedback, MATRIX will benefit you. Uta is always prepared and does a great job keeping us on track.

What We Are Looking for in New Members

Creative and engaged business leaders who are committed to improving themselves, their business (and ours), and the community we live in.  . 

Contact Brad

Joanne Currie | Splash Café

About Joanne

Joanne grew up in South Dakota with a love for great food and an ambition to own her own business. In 1991, she and her husband, Ross, purchased Splash Café in Pismo Beach, transforming it into a celebrated Central Coast institution known for its award-winning clam chowder.


Over the years, Joanne has expanded the business into additional locations, Costco distribution, catering, and specialty food products. An active supporter of the local business community, she has received recognition for both her entrepreneurial success and community service.

How the Group Benefits Me

The group benefits me because it gives me an opportunities to see my own issues through other people's eyes, providing different perspectives

My Advice about Joining the Group

If you're looking for a support system of collaborators who help you make big business decisions, this group is for you!

What We Are Looking for in New Members

We are looking for thoughtful, ambitious, team-spirited, community-minded individuals. If that's you, reach out!

Contact Joanne

Tim Merrill | Anderson Burton Construction

About Tim

A Central Coast native, Tim has spent more than 30 years in the construction industry, with experience spanning land development, design, residential, commercial, and industrial projects.


He joined Anderson Burton in 2013, advancing from Estimating Manager to COO in 2015 and CEO in 2017. Under his leadership, the company transitioned to employee ownership in 2021. Tim brings extensive expertise in construction management, business leadership, and organizational growth to MATRIX.

How the Group Benefits Me

Seeing other people’s perspectives helps me gain new perspectives as well. Having the time to shut everything off at work and focusing on myself. Separating myself from my phone for our monthly meetings is life-changing, allowing all the background noise to go away and focus on what’s really going on in my life and work. 

My Advice about Joining the Group

Be open-minded, vocal and present.

What We Are Looking for in New Members

We welcome new members who are energetic, offer a diverse background and are looking to grow and help others.

Contact Tim

Eric Melsheimer | Melfred Borzall

About Eric

Eric is CEO of Melfred Borzall, a manufacturer of specialized drilling tools used in underground infrastructure projects worldwide. A professional engineer with several patents, his career includes engineering roles at Rocketdyne and Caltech, as well as teaching at Allan Hancock College.


Eric serves on advisory boards and supports local nonprofits, particularly in education and the arts. Outside of work, he enjoys backpacking, traveling, good food, and playing board games with his daughters.

How the Group Benefits Me

I appreciate the opportunity to learn from a great group of business executives who bring a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. It is a uniquely valuable opportunity to get confidential input on complex issues. The monthly guest speakers always provide new insights and perspectives. 

My Advice about Joining the Group

The group is well run with efficient meetings that always provide great value. Be prepared, have an open mind, and participate fully and you will see real benefits.

What We Are Looking for in New Members

A diverse group of business leaders looking for opportunities to improve themselves and their companies and willing to share their expertise to support the growth of their colleagues.

Contact Eric

Matt Watson | C&D CPAs

About Matt

Matt is a partner at C&D, specializing in business and individual taxation, closely held businesses, and real estate transactions. With a Master in Accountancy from BYU, he began his career at PricewaterhouseCoopers before joining C&D as a partner in 2008.


Known for his creative approach to complex tax challenges, Matt is equally committed to developing his team, supporting clients, and strengthening the community. He brings valuable financial expertise and a practical, solutions-oriented perspective to MATRIX.

What We Are Looking for in New Members

A diverse group of business leaders looking for opportunities to improve themselves and their companies and willing to share their expertise to support the growth of their colleagues.

Contact Matt

Could MATRIX Be the Right Group for You?

The best way to discover whether MATRIX is a fit is to start a conversation.

We'd love to learn about you, your business, and what you're looking for in a community of fellow CEOs. Equally important, it's an opportunity for you to get to know us and decide whether this is where you belong.


Let's get to know each other.

Let's talk

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