Attend a free, invitation-only session to see how a CEO peer group can elevate your business.

Mark is a 1989 Cal Poly Crop Science graduate. He grew up mostly in Southern California with a three year stint in Germany and two years in the Netherlands. He joined Bejo Seeds, USA in 1991 and currently serves as President/Managing Director, responsible for the US and Canadian regions. Bejo Seeds global base is in the Netherlands, with 30 subsidiaries around the world. Bejo is engaged in breeding, production and sales/marketing of high quality vegetable seeds for both home gardeners and large scale commercial growers.  

Mark enjoys living on the beautiful central coast with his wife, Edie and 5 children. He has been an avid gardener since childhood and continues to enjoy digging in the dirt and harvesting fresh vegetables after work on his way to the dinner table. He enjoys kayaking on the ocean and backpacking the High Sierras.

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.  

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.

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.  

Suzy is the CEO of Competitive Edge Media Marketing, a Full Service Marketing and Media agency of 20 plus years. Her early experience in direct to consumer media placement has helped grow Competitive Edge into a traditional marketing and media agency with an eye for performance, data and optimization. Her team of experts have worked for the largest Brands and Marketing agencies in the world and love the ability to help clients succeed and grow. Managing over $25+ million in marketing, media and management services for clients that range from CPG, Wine and Spirits to Sports/Health. 

As a sole owner in the business, the MATRIX group acts as a sounding board for ideas, concerns and issues small and large. The group has a wide range of business types and stages of development which allows for differing viewpoints. The speakers almost always have a take away I will implement due to relevance. Great way to get honest feedback for yourself and your company.   

Advice from a counsel of seasoned CEO’s is priceless. 

Personally, I love learning about new businesses and their successes, goals and struggles. I look forward to a member who is passionate for their business and just wants to share their insights and be open to learning and growing as a leader.

Brad grew up in a military (Air Force) family where he moved 9 times before attending Cal Poly many years ago. While at Cal Poly and for the next 5 years he worked in a small local civil engineering and surveying firm with a focus on land development. He joined John L Wallace & Associates in 1988 (now Wallace Group) and has since risen to his current responsibilities as a President and Chief Executive Officer. 

Brad’s more than 30 years’ experience includes a full range of civil engineering design and management services. Perhaps most rewarding were several local golf course projects and communities which include Black Lake, Cypress Ridge, Dairy Creek, and the Trilogy at Monarch Dunes. His current focus is company strategic planning while mentoring peers and younger professionals through his leadership and active project participation. 

Brad is active with several non-profits and professional organizations with a focus on home building, infrastructure and economic/business development. When he’s not at work or involved with one of these organizations, Brad enjoys spending time with his wife (Jane) and 2 sons (Jason and Joshua), which often includes basketball, biking, hiking (with their 2 dogs), skiing, and an occasional triathlon.

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.

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.

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

Joanne grew up in South Dakota in a family with a love for great food. She received a degree in accounting from the University of Maryland School of Business with the goal of owning her own business. In 1986 Joanne moved to California and managed a small but very successful restaurant chain. In 1991, Joanne and her husband Ross purchased Splash Café in Pismo Beach, CA. The first nine years of 100% annual growth coupled with first place wins at competitions helped to begin a 30+ year journey that has seen her perfect the Clam Chowder recipe that is now award-winning and world famous. This growth led to a second location in San Luis Obispo, distribution to Costco stores and to other restaurants, and a catering division. Joanne has also developed a specialty hot sauce and a trio of spice rubs that she markets online, through her own cafés, and in small gourmet markets. Joanne is active in the business community earning ‘Business of the year’ in 2009 and ‘Volunteer of the Year’ in 2014 from the Pismo Beach Chamber of Commerce. 

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

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

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

Michelle graduated from Cal Poly from the ARCE Department in 1998 and was fortunate enough join a small firm on the Central Coast, TS Structural, and stay in the area. The small firm eventually grew to a 30+ person firm with multiple offices. After the founding principals retired, Michelle became CEO in 2016 and has been working to increase the firms revenue year over year every since. Her biggest accomplishment to date includes transitioning the firm to a 100% employee owned entity. Michelle lives with her husband, two sons, mother-in-law and dogs Jocko and Max. Free time is enjoyed raising livestock, gardening, traveling, exploring food and wine, and playing cribbage with the family.

Having solely studied engineering in college, MATRIX has helped me learn how to run a business effectively. It's also provided me a place to process both business and personal issues in order to help me be a better leader for my firm.   

Business leaders often feel alone in their positions without a place to turn to get unbiased advice. This group has been a sounding board for me on issues I do not have anyone to confide in within my organization. If that sounds like something that would be of benefit to you, I highly recommend Uta and the MATRIX Group.

We're looking for business leaders committed to learning, sharing and being fully present for the meetings and the members of the group. 

Born and raised on the Central Coast, Tim started in the construction industry with his family-owned business and then spent the last 30+ years in the construction industry. His background in construction includes land development, design, residential, commercial and industrial—with a focus on construction management.

He joined Anderson Burton in 2013 as an estimating manager, got promoted to COO in 2015 and to CEO in 2017. Anderson Burton transitioned to an employee-owned business in 2021.

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. 

Be open-minded, vocal and present.

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

Eric Melsheimer is CEO of Melfred Borzall. For 75 years, Melfred Borzall tools and equipment have helped builders and innovators install and improve the world’s underground infrastructure. Founded in 1946, the company has grown from manufacturing drilling tools for installing gas distribution lines in southern California, to producing tools used for Horizontal Directional Drilling throughout the world.

Prior to joining Melfred Borzall, Eric worked as a Mechanical Engineer for Rocketdyne and for Caltech and has also taught as an Instructor at Allan Hancock College. Eric is a Professional Engineer and holds several patents for directional drilling tools.

Eric serves on several advisory boards and is active with local nonprofits, with a focus on supporting public schools and local arts organizations. In his free time, Eric enjoys backpacking, travelling, good food, and playing board games with his daughters. 

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. 

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.

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.

Matt is a committed leader to our firm, clients and community.  He is dedicated to creating an environment of technical experience and staff professional growth allowing us to best service our clients for both the present and future.

Matt specializes in business and individual taxation and the interrelationship with closely held business entities. He has extensive experience with real estate taxation, including 1031 exchange transactions. He’s always looking for creative ways to improve our client’s tax situation. Matt’s understanding of the intricate tax laws and how to use them to improve a situation or find a better solution makes him an ideal partner and member of the C&D team.

After Matt graduated from BYU with a Master in Accountancy he landed his first job with PriceWaterhouseCoopers and joined C&D in 2008 as a partner.

... coming soon

... coming soon

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.

I am from the Central Valley and moved to the Central Coast over 20 years ago to attend college. I graduated with my Bachelor's in accounting and went on to obtain my MBA. I am currently the COO of YPP, growing my skills to move into the CEO role. I am married to Jeff, who runs his own low voltage audio/video company, have one daughter, Brynn (11) and a stepson, Phinneus (19). In my spare time, I enjoy football, True Crime content, and word puzzles! 

I joined Rocket Masterminds to grow my leadership skills and have a place to bounce ideas and decisions off of other leaders in the community in a forum that is non judgmental and positive. 

Come with an open mind and the philosophy that we can all learn from each others unique perspectives!

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.

I am an independent brand designer with a strategic mindset and a global point of view. After working with respected studios in Los Angeles and San Francisco, I now lead my practice from California’s Central Coast, collaborating with a trusted network of talented creatives. My work centers on branding, always beginning with clear objectives and thoughtful strategy. For me, design isn’t just about aesthetics — it’s about creating meaningful, culturally attuned systems that serve a purpose and solve real business challenges. I'm originally from Eastern Europe and am fluent in several languages, and bring a rich, intercultural perspective to every project.

As a creative problem solver in my line of work, I’m constantly helping others bring clarity to their vision. But running a business comes with its own challenges — ones that require perspective, honesty, and support. I joined Rocket Masterminds because I wanted to hear how others navigate leadership, and to have a space where I could reflect, grow, and be challenged in return.

What stood out to me was the balance: a group rooted in trust, accountability, and real conversation — where personal well-being is just as important as business success. It’s not about performance, it’s about awareness — and turning that awareness into intentional action. All while having a community that has your best interest at heart.

Be open, vulnerable, and committed to growth. This group is for leaders who are ready to set aside ego, embrace honest feedback, and engage deeply — not just with their business, but with themselves and their peers. This group asks you to show up fully, willing to challenge your own assumptions and take intentional action toward both personal and professional development.

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.