Advisory Board Bios

Bill Walton,  Executive Chairman of The Board

William Theodore Walton, III (Bill) was born on November 5th, 1952, in San Diego, California. He was introduced to the game of basketball while in the fourth grade at Blessed Sacrament Elementary School by Coach Frank “Rocky” Graciano. Walton then attended Helix High School, where the basketball coach was Gordon Nash. At Helix, his team won the California Interscholastic Federation High School title two years in a row, while winning their final 49 consecutive games. Walton enrolled at UCLA in 1970 and played center for John Wooden’s Varsity team for three seasons (1972-1974). He was a member of two NCAA championship teams compiling an NCAA record 88 consecutive game winning streak. He was the recipient of several awards, including the NCAA Player of the Year Award in 1972, ’73 and ’74. At UCLA Walton was a scholar-athlete who also earned Academic All-American honors three years in a row. He graduated with honors earning a B.A. in History. Walton’s professional career began when he was the number one overall pick in the 1974 NBA Draft by the Portland Trailblazers. He won championship titles with the Blazers and the Boston Celtics. He also played with the San Diego Clippers, and the relocated Los Angeles Clippers. Over the course of his NBA career, he was honored with numerous awards, including NBA’s MVP and All-Star Team. Eventually Bill was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame. Walton started his broadcasting career in 1990 as an analyst for the then Prime Ticket Network. Walton worked for CBS Sports in the early 90’s during the NCAA Final Four and then for NBC for many years, including work on the 1996 Atlanta and 2000 Sydney Summer Olympic Games. Over the last 15 years he has worked for ABC, ESPN, NBC, CBS, Fox, MSNBC, Turner Sports, KCAL, and the NBA. In 2001, Walton won an Emmy for best live sports television broadcast. 

John Sarkisian,  Vice Chairman & Founder, SKLZ & Industry Chairman of The Board, SDSI

John Sarkisian, is Vice Chairman & Founder, SKLZ, the innovator in Athletic Training. John is also the Founding Investor and current Chairman of the Board of Semtek Innovative Solutions which developed and is commercializing patented encryption technology protecting sensitive data for the credit card industry. John is the Chairman of the Board and Founding Investor in Brightscope which has developed the industry standard for measuring company 401(k) performance. With his family he founded and developed Pat and Oscar’s Restaurants which was sold in 2001 to a public company. John is active in Real Estate development and investment in San Diego County through his company Del Mar Heritage. John was awarded the 1999 Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year for San Diego County. He also serves on the Board of Directors of the YMCA of San Diego County and as a Trustee of the San Diego Sports Commission.

Trever Acers, Managing Director, Objective Investment Banking & Valuation

Trever F. Acers is the Founder and a Managing Director at Objective, Investment Banking & Valuation where he serves as the Leader of the Consumer Products and Services Practice. Mr. Acers has 20+ years of investment banking, acquisition, and strategy experience advising middle market and lower middle-market companies on transaction execution and strategy. Prior to founding Objective, Mr. Acers served as a Director at TGG Capital, where he led the firm’s financial and strategy consulting operations. Previously, he was Director of The Oxford Investment Group’s Western U.S. private equity activities and Managing Partner at Passage Venture Capital Partners. Trever is very involved in the San Diego business community, and is a member of multiple organizations including ACG SD, EO SD, EPI SD, and more. He has been recognized many times for his excellence in investment banking including being recognized as a Top Influential Business Leader in the SD 500 List by the San Diego Business Journal for the past 6 years. Mr. Acers has a MBA from the UCLA Anderson School of Management with a finance concentration and a bachelor’s degree with high honors in business administration from the University of San Diego. He holds FINRA Series 79 and Series 63 licenses and is a Registered Representative of BA Securities LLC, Member FINRA SIPC. 

Michael Brower,  CFO, MDRejuvena

Michael Brower is currently the the CFO for Sente Inc., a privately held specialty aesthetics company. Michael has over 25 years of experience in senior financial and operational roles primarily in the consumer products markets. Most recently, Michael served as Chief Financial and Operations Officer at LifeSaver, a San Diego based company developing innovative and patent pending saliva diagnostic testing. Prior to LifeSaver, he served as Chief Financial and Operations Officer at Gunar Optiks, a leader in computer technology eyewear and was recognized as one of San Diego’s 100 fastest growing private companies. Additionally, he served on the executive team at leading brands Spy Optic and Odyssey Golf, where he played a key role in each of their successful exits. Over this career, Michael has raised over $80 million in private and public equity and debt capital. Earlier in his career he was a staff accountant with KPMG LLP where he earned his CPA license. He received a Bachelor Degree from Chico State, and earned an MBA from the University of San Diego.

Reid Carr, President & CEO,  Red Door Interactive, Inc.

Reid Carr is the President & CEO of San Diego-based Red Door Interactive. They also have offices in Carlsbad and Denver. Among numerous awards for work, Red Door has twice been named one of the Best Places to Work in Media & Marketing by Advertising Age magazine as well as a Top Small Company Workplace by Inc Magazine. They have annually been named a Best Places to Work in San Diego by the Business Journal and have 3x received Awards of Excellence by the SD Society for HR Management. They count clients such a Bosch, Thermador, Shea Homes, Charlotte Russe and Rubio’s among others on their enviable client list. Reid was honored with the SD Metropolitan’s “40 under 40” award in 2005, the SD Business Journal’s Most Admired CEO Award in 2007, 2009, 2010, and in 2011 won there Exemplary Award. In 2009 and again in 2012, Reid was a finalist for Entrepreneur of the Year by Ernst & Young. In 2010 he was named to the New Leaders Council’s 40 Under 40 list, as well as named a SD Daily Transcripts Young Influencer. In 2011, iMedia Connection named him one of the 25 Hottest Digital Marketers. 

Craig Dado - Co-Founder, Sports Injury Central

Melissa DeVita - VP Division Counsel, Qualcomm Technologies

Melissa DeVita is Vice President, Division Counsel for Qualcomm Technologies, Inc., overseeing the legal team which supports Qualcomm Research and Qualcomm Engineering. Melissa is responsible for advising the CTO and his organization in cutting edge areas of new development, which currently include 5G wireless solutions, autonomous driving, drones, robotics, machine learning and satellite communications.  Melissa joined Qualcomm in 2006 to lead content licensing at FLO TV, a subsidiary which provided live television to mobile devices. Prior to her current role, Melissa supported several Qualcomm emerging global market development efforts through entire business life cycles- from conception to launch to spin out - including businesses focused on wireless health, education, geolocation advertising triggers and Bluetooth low energy proximity beacons. She served as chief counsel for Qualcomm’s smart cities and industrial internet of things business before accepting her current role.
Melissa is an elected member of the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (which determines the EMMY® Awards), served on the Board of Directors for the Marshall Faulk Foundation for over five years and currently serves on the Board of Directors for Girl Scouts San Diego, where she is the Chair of the Development Committee and sits on the Executive Committee. Melissa volunteers her free time at the Humane Society.
Melissa received her B.A. from University of California, Los Angeles, cum laude, receiving the UCLA President’s Medal and the Chancellor’s Service Award. She received her J.D. from University of Southern California, after serving on the board of the Hale Moot Court Honors Program. 

Kevin Dusi – Tax Partner, Moss Adams

Kevin joined Moss Adams in 2005 and provides tax consulting and compliance services to public and private companies in the technology, life sciences, and manufacturing and distribution industries. He provides federal and state tax compliance, international tax consulting, and income tax consulting as well as accounting and consulting for uncertain tax positions.
Kevin is responsible for consulting on the tax aspects of clients’ multistate and international operations and has assisted multiple companies with their income tax provision expense computation.
A California native, Kevin attended California State University, San Marcos, earning a Bachelor of Science in Business with an emphasis in accountancy. In his spare time, Kevin loves to be involved in sports and is an avid soccer player and triathlete. 

Brian Enge - Founder, Robin Hood Brands

Brian Enge serves as Founder and CEO of Robinhood brands, where he brings decades of CPG management and marketing experience. 25 years of executive roles in consumer brands focused on the fitness and healthy lifestyle categories. Highlights Include:
CEO – Robin Hood Brands (current)
President – SKLZ (2013-2017) – Athletic performance and skill development brand
VP Consumer & Media – Active Network (2010-2013) – Responsible for direct consumer business
CEO- Zoot Sports (2005-2010) – Leading endurance sports brand

Dan Engel - Co-Founder, Miracle League of San Diego

Dan Engel is a dynamic and entrepreneurial financial, investment, operating and non-profit executive who is a community leader. He is Co-Founder of the Miracle League of San Diego, a non-profit that provides children and adults with disabilities the opportunity to play baseball in an organized league. Dan was the founder and CEO of Pitch it Forward, a non-profit that challenged high school athletes to lead more effectively in the communities in which they live, learn and play. He is also the founder of PatientTrueTalk.com, an online peer-to-peer network that facilitates one-to-one connections between newly diagnosed cancer patients and those who have been there before. 
Dan began his professional career as an investment banker at Salomon Brothers, helped build a company that was sold to Berkshire Hathaway, became a non-profit junkie, and resumed his financial career managing a single-family office and launching its consulting practice. He is the author of Thriving Through Cancer and an inspirational speaker who tells stories of perseverance. Dan is a stage four metastatic melanoma survivor who is one of the earliest immunotherapy success stories in America. In its Summer 2020 issue, Cancer Health magazine named Dan to its inaugural list of 25 Change Makers. 

Eddie Erkmanis - VP Global Sports Marketing, TaylorMade

Eddie Erkmanis is the Vice President of Global Sports Marketing of TaylorMade Golf. Formerly a sports agent with Sports Marketing & Management Group (SMG) whose clients included MVP Quarterback Brett Favre, Pro Bowl Safety LeRoy Butler, All Pro Bowl Lineman Joe Thomas and NCAA Basketball Coach Bruce Pearl.
Eddie joined TaylorMade Golf in 2008 as a college recruiter in the sports marketing department. Today he oversees the Global Sports Marketing function, guiding strategic initiatives and leads contract negotiations for TaylorMade’s tour players. The tour team at TaylorMade consists of 15-time major champion Tiger Woods, former #1 golfer Jason Day, US Open Champion Dustin Johnson, 4-time major Champion Rory McIlroy and rising young PGA Tour Stars Matthew Wolff and Collin Morikawa.
Personally, Eddie started playing the game of golf at a young age and went on to play college golf at The Ohio State University and Marquette University. Eddie lives in San Diego and raises his three kids; Tomas, Mila and Dahlia with his wife Andrea. In his free time Eddie enjoys playing golf, playing tennis, spending time with his family and cheering on the Green Bay Packers.

Steve Espino – SVP Commercial Banking Center Manager, Banner Bank

Steve Espino brings over 25 years of experience in commercial banking to Banner Bank, formerly AmericanWest Bank and Security Business Bank. As a founding member of Security Business Bank, Steve served as Executive Vice President, Senior Lending Officer. He served on the Executive Management Committee, Loan Committee and Asset Liability Committee of the publicly traded company. Founded in 2002, Security Business Bank built a reputation for providing small and midsized business customers with financial innovation, access to management and superior client service. The Bank merged with AmericanWest Bank on July 2, 2012. Prior to joining Security Business Bank, Mr. Espino served as Senior Vice President for California Bank & Trust, managing its downtown San Diego Commercial Office. He was responsible for the management of a full service bank office serving commercial banking, real estate and private banking clients. Before joining CB & T, he was Senior Vice President and Regional Manager for Manufacturers Bank serving San Diego County from 1991 to 1998. Mr. Espino has been active in commercial lending to small and midsized businesses in the greater San Diego area since 1981. He currently serves on the Board of Directors of LEAD San Diego, Downtown San Diego Partnership and the Advisory Board of San Diego Sport Innovators (an affiliate of CONNECT). Mr. Espino has also served as the Chairman of the Board of LEAD San Diego, President of the Hispanic Bankers Association and Chairman of the Board of the Centro Cultural de la Raza. Steve is married to Sandy and has a son Adam. 

Andrew Ewald - Executive Director, Cushman & Wakefield

Andy is a real estate specialist that solely advocates for corporate users in Southern California region and across the United States. With over 20 years of experience, he is specifically focused on the sale and leasing of office and industrial buildings to local, regional and national active life style companies. Andy provides his clients best-in-class advice for a variety of transactions across a wide array of industries types. Whether you are an entrepreneur, or a seasoned company, our advisory team consults all occupiers of real estate. We only represent tenants, and are backed by Cushman & Wakefield’s robust platform of service lines, and technology tools that focus on gathering and analyzing data to help our clients make more informed decisions. These tools drive value by helping to reduce operating expenses, and to create a dynamic work environment, which allow our clients to maximize productivity, and to recruit the best talent. The San Diego market is dramatically changing, and leaders need to be aware of the demands in the workplace, to enable their business to recruit and retain the right talent. Andy is a graduate of UCSD where he played college soccer, and when not working is involved in all snow, water, and biking activities.

Jason Femrite – Partner, Procopio, Cory, Hargreaves & Savitch LLP

Jason Femrite is a Partner in the Sports and Active Lifestyle Group of the largest San Diego corporate law firm, Procopio. His practice focuses on assisting entrepreneurs and executives commercialize their business concepts, from idea to exit. In such capacity Jason has represented companies in a wide range of transactions, including more than 150 financings and acquisitions, while simultaneously assisting them to protect and expand their brands on a worldwide basis. Although Jason represents clients involved in many industries, his emphasis is representing companies in the sports and active lifestyle community. Prior to joining Procopio, Jason spent more than 12 years with Luce, Forward, Hamilton & Scripps LLP, where he formed and led the firm’s Action Sports Group. In addition to his law practice, and his position on the advisory board at SDSI, Jason is an active member of the San Diego community, where he holds memberships with and has sponsored several other organizations, including: the Surf Industry Manufacturers Association, the San Diego Venture Group, the Association of Corporate Growth, the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce and the Entrepreneurs’ Organization, San Diego Chapter. A Southern California native, Jason earned his B.A. in Political Science at UC San Diego in 1996 and his J.D., cum laude, at the University of San Diego in 1999. . 

Tony Finn– Founder and CEO, LiquidForce

In the early 1980s San Diego surfer, Tony Finn, developed the Skurfer the first ever wakeboard. The boards were a cross between a surfboard and a water ski, and Tony began selling them to his friends on Mission Bay. In 1985, he decided to make a business out of it, and started mass producing Skurfers. He began to sell them worldwide and traveled relentlessly for the next few years, teaching people how to ride the boards, doing exhibitions, improving the product by adding foot straps and modifying the shapes, and selling boards to water sport enthusiasts around the globe. In 1988, Skurfers were being successfully sold in more than 400 stores in the U.S. and 40 countries worldwide, and Tony was featured on the cover of “Water Ski Magazine.” In 1989, Skurfer was sold to Kransco, who at that time also owned Hydroslide, Morey Boogie, and Frisbee. Tony continued to develop the sport for Kransco and became their sales manager. He was hired by ESPN as the voice of wakeboarding, and announced multiple events for ESPN, including the X games. In 1997, Tony founded Liquid Force, a company that sells wakeboards, wakeboard bindings, wakesurfers, wakeskates kiteboards, kites, and apparel; and is dedicated to relentless innovation, progressive design, maximum functionality, and unparalleled quality. Liquid Force is widely recognized as the No. 1 wakeboard brand in the world!

Ernie Hahn - General Manager, Valley View Casino Center

Ernie Hahn, a partner of Arena Group 2000 and Senior Vice President of AEG Management SD LLC, has served as the General Manager of the Valley View Casino Center/San Diego Sports Arena since December of 1996 and received his CFE in 2003.  Hahn has been with Arena Group 2000 since 1991, when he started as the Event Coordinator and later became the Business Manager in November of 1992.  Hahn was an owner and operator of The San Diego Gulls from 1995-2006 and was a member at the Board of Directors of the WCHL (West Coast Hockey League) and was part of 5 Taylor Cup Championships. His current responsibilities as General Manager are to oversee the booking, development, sponsorship, sports team relationships and other day-to-day management of the Valley View Casino Center with an added emphasis on all revenue generating opportunities. Hahn is the Arena’s liaison with the City of San Diego and all civic organizations.  Hahn serves on the Board of Directors of The Downtown San Diego Partnership, Boys to Men Mentoring, Blacks Beach Foundation and he is a member of Rotary International Club #33.  Hahn is a 1990 graduate of Santa Clara University with a B.S. in Economics.  He and his wife Kristin reside in Rancho Santa Fe, California with daughter Alexis and two sons Ernie III and Carter.

CEO, YCMA of San Diego

Mike Irwin - Founder, Bottle Rocket Advisors

Some say that running a business is like running a marathon: long-haul endeavors that require preparation, persistence, and the flexibility to adapt to changing conditions. They also require help.  As a business leader and 10-time marathoner, I can relate.  Standing at the start of the Boston Marathon, I was excited about the opportunity to run.  Though I was running alone, I didn’t get there by myself. 
For me, business is the same way.  The road to success has been winding and unpredictable.  I’ve learned from others and earned a few scars of my own too.  As a Co-founder/President of a start-up, executive officer of a $1.5 billion company (WD-40), global strategy officer, public company CFO, VP Marketing, head of sales, and board member, I’ve built a broad perspective in business transformation.  By spending time in 40+ countries and working in an array of distribution channels, I recognize the subtle differences in consumers, customers, and cultures, as well as the levers companies can apply to address their needs. I hold an MBA from Southern Methodist University, an MS from the University of San Diego, and a BA from San Diego State University.  While in college, I served as chairman of the board of directors of Aztec Shops Ltd, a $20 million retail company. 
On the personal front, I'm a community volunteer and youth soccer coach. An avid runner, I've completed the Boston Marathon and the Chicago, Marine Corps, and New York City Marathons, as well as the Running of the Bulls in Pamplona, Spain.  I was co-author of a book called Cathedrals of College Football.  And I crash bikes...but not on purpose.

Bill Johnston, VP, Sports Programs

Johnston joined the Padres in June 2017 as Special Advisor to the Executive Chairman before being elevated to his current role in December 2019.  Working together with Ron Fowler, Johnston spearheads special projects and advises Padres ownership.  Since joining the Padres, Johnston managed the installation of the new CIF San Diego Section High School Baseball & Softball interactive digital activation in Petco Park.  He also organized the inaugural Padres High School All-Star Game & Home Run Derby in 2018 as well as the High School Coach of the Year program.  Johnston currently serves as Chair of the SDSA.  Johnston spent the previous 38 years (1979-17) with the San Diego Chargers, including 1990-17 as the team’s director of public relations. 

Joe Kudla - Cofounder, Vuori

Joe is the founder/CEO of Vuori is an active lifestyle apparel brand that draws inspiration from the aspirational coastal California lifestyle, an integration of yoga, surf, sport, art, and a strong visionary spirit. Vuori makes products that stand the test of time and hopes to inspire others to be healthy, vibrant and live their dreams.

John Lococo, CEO & Founder, soccerloco

John Lococo is the CEO and founder of San Diego based soccerloco, a widely recognized leader of soccer specialty retail and web sales in the United States. John is the owner of several Southern California brick and mortar locations along with soccerloco.com and SoccerNation.com. Together, these businesses are leaders in soccer footwear, team apparel, and field equipment with a mission to ignite a passion for soccer. 
John has been involved in a variety of business from the San Diego tuna fleet in his early heydays, to owning the “Best Beach Bar” in Mission Beach, Johnny’s Sur Club. In addition, he is an active volunteer at the Lavin Entrepreneurship Center at San Diego State where he mentors the next generation of students as they forge their future businesses, at the entrepreneurial center at San Diego State. Today, he continues to establish his strong roots in the local costal community of Southern California by leading soccerloco, outfitting thousands of young athletes every day. 

Brandon Lowery, Global Action Sports Foundation

Brandon is a multiple startup (co)founder, advisor and angel investor who works with ventures particularly in action sports, events and property development.  Brandon’s core competencies are in due diligence, strategy, fundraising, strategic partnerships and M&A. 

John Luff - President & Founder, Surf Park Central

President and Founder of San Diego based Surf Park Central, the world’s leading resource for surf parks, surf pools and the development of man-made surf destinations.  John is also Co-Founder and a Managing Director at Surf Park Solutions. Together, these businesses are leaders in development, consulting and media services to the emerging surf park industry. 
In 2013 John and Dr. Jess Ponting of San Diego State University’s Center for Surf Research co-founded Surf Park Summit. The world’s first Surf Park Summit event was held in Laguna Beach, CA in September of 2013 and hosted over 300 invite-only attendees from 30+ countries. Surf Park Summit 2 is currently scheduled for September 7, 2016 at Surf Expo in Orlando, FL.
Previously, he worked at American Waves Machines, a leading wave technology provider. In his role John worked together primarily with developers in the hospitality, entertainment, leisure, waterpark and retail real estate sectors.
John earned his undergraduate degree from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington and studied internationally at Bond University on the Gold Coast of Australia

Mike Matey - Vice President, Reef

Mike Matey is the Vice President of Marketing for Reef, the leading surf & beach sandal brand founded and headquartered in San Diego, CA.  He has been with Reef since 2013. Prior to Reef, Mike has held VP Marketing positions with leading action sports brands and media companies, including RVCA, Quiksilver and Surfline.com.  Mike has also held marketing positions in digital media and software, including Intuit / TurboTax, Yahoo, Vivendi-Universal and Microsoft.  Mike began his career as an Account Executive at Chiat/Day Adverstising in San Francisco. 
Mike has a Bachelor of Journalism from the University of Missouri-Columbia. 
In addition to serving on the Board for SDSI, Mike is on the Board of SIMA (Surf Industry Manufacturers Association). 
Mike is a passionate about surfing, running, travel, music and gardening, and lives in Cardiff-by-the-Sea with his wife and two children. 

John McLean – President/CEO, Beacons Capital Group

John McLean is the President & CEO of Beacons Capital Group, an investment company focused on providing capital to innovative and growing companies. John is an experienced senior executive who enjoys working with entrepreneurs and helping businesses achieve their goals. John has funded more than $50 million across 400 transactions.  His extensive experience in sales, retail and marketing strategies, operational efficiencies, and general business development, has allowed him to deliver growth in all types of business environments. Prior to returning to San Diego in 2012, John spent two years in Portland, OR leading the U.S. Sales and Business Development for Nike – Golf Division where he guided the company through a successful restructure of its U.S. sales organization. Prior to Nike, John was an executive at TaylorMade-adidas Golf as the VP of U.S. Sales. There, he oversaw all U.S. sales and business development; including the centralized strategic accounts, corporate accounts, management group and mass merchant business. John helped lead the sales organization to record U.S. market share numbers in their two main product categories. From 2002-2008 John was responsible for rebuilding the Cobra Golf Brand at off-course retail as the Director of Strategic Accounts. Implementing sales, marketing, and merchandising strategies, he helped deliver record revenue for the organization in 2007. Originally from Roseville, Minnesota, John graduated from the Daniels College of Business at the University of Denver where he played Division 1 Hockey for the Pioneers.

Jay Meerbergen - Executive Director of Corporate Development, SONY

Jason (Jay) Meerbergen is Executive Director of Corporate Development of Sony Electronics Inc. Headquartered in San Diego, Sony Electronics serves as the U.S. sales and marketing arm of Sony’s global electronics business. Jay began his career with Sony in 2006. He is responsible for the formation and execution of business development, investment and M&A transactions within Sony’s consumer (CE) and professional electronics and services businesses. During his tenure, he has lead the formation and execution of hundreds of strategic content distribution and technology partnerships, many with some of the largest technology and media companies in the world. Prior to Sony, Jay worked as an Associate in the investment banking firm Appleby Capital. He was also a founding member and early employee in two technology start-ups, Mediconsult.com and Operon Networks; and served as an Analyst within a strategic marketing consulting group operated by Columbia Business School professors. Jay has a bachelor degree in Environmental Design Architecture from the University of Colorado, Boulder and an MBA in Finance from New York University, where he served as Co-President of The Entrepreneurs’ Exchange, a non-profit 300+ member organization focused on the development of start-up businesses associated with NYU. As an avid surfer and scuba diver, you will likely find Jay spending his free time somewhere in the waters off Encinitas.

Dave Nash – President & CEO, Sun Diego Boardshops

David Nash has over 40 years  Sf retail experience and is the founder, president/CEO of Athleisure, Inc., dba: Sun Diego Board Shops, an eight store chain of retail stores doing business throughout San Diego County since 1981. Sun Diego Boardshops was voted the best beach wear/surf shop for eight straight years by the readers of The San Diego Union Tribune. Sun Diego was also voted Retailer of the Year in 2005 and Women’s Retailer of the Year in 2008 by the Surf Industry Manufacturer’s Association and their retail peers though out the country. Dave is a founding and active board member of the Board Retailers Association (formed in February 2003), a non profit trade association representing over 550 action sport retailers in the surf, skate, snow, wake, kite and wind industry with approximately 3000 storefronts across the country. Dave and Sun Diego are actively involved in the community and promoting the industries Sun Diego represents. Dave and Sun Diego work with The Surfrider Foundation, Feeding America and Keep a Breast Foundation as well as helping local high school find funds for their programs. Sun Diego also provides a competitive surf series for surfers of all ages as well as AmSlam a competitive skate series. Prior to Athleisure, Inc., Dave was the EVP of Snowden-Mize Companies, Inc., dba: Snowden-Mize Sports and The Athlete’s Foot, a leading retailer in the 70’s and 80’s in the athletic shoe and apparel industry. A chain of 26 company owned stores in five states and a Franchisor of 150 The Athletes’ Foot stores. 

Dr. Sean Newcomer - Assistant Professor, Kinesiology, CSUSM

Dr. Sean Newcomer, is an avid surfer and Ph.D. faculty researcher at California State University San Marcos (CSUSM). Little did he know his passion for surfing, which began at the age of five on the beaches of Cardiff-by-the-Sea, would someday become the focus of his graduate work. After receiving a Bachelor of Science in Exercise and Movement Sciences at the University of Oregon (1994) he went on to complete a Master of Science in Kinesiology (1996) at Humboldt State where his surf research began. His Master’s thesis entitled: “Aerobic Capacity of Humboldt County Male Surfers” focused on characterizing the physiological requirements of participating in recreational surfing across the lifespan. In 1999 he moved back to Southern California to serve as a Research Assistant in Physiology at UCSD (1999-2000). Sean completed his Ph.D. in Kinesiology at Penn State University (2004) followed by a Postdoctoral Fellowship in Biomedical Sciences at the University of Missouri (2007). Today, he is an assistant professor of Kinesiology at CSUSM, and one of very few researchers worldwide concentrating on innovative surf research. He utilizes his expertise in Kinesiology to study the biomechanical and physiological requirements of surfing while working with industry partners to develop and test surf related products. Research projects investigating the impact of surf equipment on paddling efficiency, oxygen uptake, heart rate, thermoregulation, and mechanics are currently underway in his outdoor surf laboratory. His aims are accomplished by using the latest technology, innovative thinking, strong collaborations, and curriculum that encourages undergraduate research. 

Renato Paiva - Executive Director, Access Youth Academy

Renato came to San Diego to join Access Youth Academy in May of 2007 after previously serving as Squash Coach at Harvard University and USC. Originally from Brazil, Paiva competed as Brazilian Junior Champion and a top junior in South America. He represented his home country on the national team as its captain, and graduated from Ruy Barbosa University with a business degree.
In 2010, Paiva was named Development Coach of the Year by U.S. Squash, and was honored as 2011 Coach of the Year by the U.S. Congressional Caucus on Youth Sports in Washington, DC. He has overseen the development of squash on the West Coast, serving as California Junior Squash Team Coach, winning five consecutive urban squash team titles and leading the only urban squash squad to compete in the prestigious U.S. High School Squash Nationals at Yale University, obtaining the #11th ranking in the nation (Access Youth Academy in 2011 and 2012).

Bryan Pate - CEO, ElliptiGO

After graduating from Stanford University in 1995, Bryan joined the Marines. As a Marine Officer he led a platoon of USMC Scout Snipers through a deployment to the Persian Gulf and served as an intelligence officer on an admiral’s staff. He left the Marines in 1999 and accepted a strategic marketing position at a semiconductor equipment manufacturer where he helped lead two new product development efforts. In 2005, Bryan received a J.D. from Columbia Law School. After graduation he clerked for a federal judge and then joined McKinsey & Company, a management consulting firm.
Bryan left McKinsey in 2008 to co-found ElliptiGO Inc. where he helped commercialize the world’s first elliptical bicycle. He currently serves as ElliptiGO’s CEO.
Bryan is a named inventor on more than twenty issued patents and a recognized expert in the field, having participated on numerous panels pertaining to patents and testifying before a Congressional subcommittee on the potential impacts of pending patent legislation. He is also an accomplished endurance athlete, having completed numerous running, cycling and triathlon events across the country.

Melissa Perrell, Business Performance Advisor - Insperity

Melissa Perrell is a Certified Business Performance Advisor at Insperity. Melissa serves as a trusted advisor to CEOs, COOs and CFOs providing strategic guidance and recommendations on how to execute and expedite business performance. Melissa specializes in strategic planning with business owners on how to best align their employees to their business objectives. She has expertise in controlling expenses, minimizing risk exposure and maximizing revenue generation. Among 400 advisors Melissa was ranked at the top 15% of advisors at Insperity by supporting and advising the largest number of companies. Melissa holds a Business Degree with an emphasis in Entrepreneurship from California State San Marcos. In Melissa's spare time she enjoys hiking, running new trails with her husband and traveling to new countries.

Nate Raabe, Managing Partner - RX3 Ventures

Nathan Raabe joined Roth Capital Partners in 2014 to lead the venture group within the investment banking firm. Nathan has extensive experience in the healthcare market having served in both finance and operational roles. Prior to Roth, Nathan was part of the founding team of Sapheon, Inc, which was acquired by Covidien/Medtronic in 2014. At Sapheon, Nathan held various management roles in business development, sales, and marketing. In addition, Nathan spearheaded Sapheon’s fundraising efforts raising $40M through high net worth accredited investors. Prior to Sapheon, Nathan was president/CEO of various healthcare practice management companies, including Acamedic which was sold in 2009. Nathan

Tom Rinks, Founder & President, Sun Bum

A serial entrepreneur since the age of  27, Tom Rinks is currently the President and Creative Director of Sun Bum, a sun care lifestyle brand he founded and created with a couple of friends in 2009. Sun Bum was acquired in 2019 by SC Johnson, but continues its mission and operations from its Moonlight Beach headquarters in Encinitas, California. Prior to Sun Bum, Tom co-created the branding for the luxury tequila, DeLeon, including its logos, iconic bottle and carved metal cork, packaging, website, marketing and brand story. In 2012, DeLeon was purchased by hip hop mogul P. Diddy and spirits industry giant, Diageo. In the late 2000’s, Rock & Republic, a high fashion jean brand, recruited Tom to lead design of their flagship store in Beverly Hills, California and co-create the brands successful launch into cosmetics. Beyond other brands in his diverse portfolio, Tom is also responsible for creating award-winning marketing campaigns for his companies and clients, including the infamous “Yo Quiero Taco Bell” Chihuahua commercials in the late 90’s.

Doug Roberts - Sr Director R&D, Cobra Puma

Douglas Roberts has over 20 years of Golf Club Design experience and is the Senior Director of R&D for Cobra Golf.  Cobra Golf is a major golf equipment manufacturer, based in Carlsbad, CA.  Through innovative and iconic designs, Cobra aims to drive what’s next in Golf. 
Douglas graduated from Brigham Young University in Industrial Design and then from University of California, Irvine, MBA program.  He joined Cleveland Golf in 1998 and Cobra Golf in 2007. 
Currently, Douglas leads design and engineering at Cobra Puma Golf, delivering game enjoyment to golfers through innovative, high performance, and stylish products. 
Besides Golf, Douglas is a sports enthusiast, actively playing and coaching basketball.  Douglas and his wife Emily live in Carlsbad and have five children. 

Ash Robinson - CEO, FIT4MOM

Ash Robinson is the CEO at FIT4MOM™, the nation’s largest mom-focused wellness brand operating in over 1800 locations nationwide and the owner of the local FIT4MOM franchise in Chattanooga. As the founder of bon.fire culture consulting firm, Ash advocates for the health, well-being and leadership contribution of each person she meets.
At age 28, Ash sold her second entrepreneurial venture to a public company. Rising to become the Chief Operating Officer within that company, she learned how to weave new professional management skills with her entrepreneurial spirit. The result of these unique experiences was the creation of her consulting firm bon.fire, where she has helped companies reach record-breaking performance and inspired hundreds of executives and entrepreneurs to achieve organic exponential growth. She contributes to the next generation of values-centered leaders through her work as a Board Member at Heart of Leadership, a 501c3 organization that helps intergenerational groups of leaders lead from their values and natural strengths.
Ash lives in Encinitas, California with her family, where she spends as much time as possible in nature, preferably playing at the beach or hiking a mountain. Ash imagines a world where business is used as a force for good, where the human spirit of cooperation is ignited, and every person is empowered to make a positive difference.

Adam Roth - Roth Capital Partners

Adam Roth is a Vice President in the Investment Banking department. He joined the Institutional Sales group at ROTH in 2003, and transitioned to Corporate Finance in 2005. He has assisted in public and private equity financings in the healthcare, clean energy, and consumer sectors. Mr. Roth is currently a key participant in ROTH’s development of the OpenRound online investment platform, where accredited investors can obtain access to investments in early stage growth companies. Adam holds a degree in Business Administration from the University of Colorado.

Mark Schmid– CEO, Art Function Grope of Companies

Over the past 30 years Mark Schmid has developed multiple industry- leading companies in the action sports space. He has over 25 years of experience in product design, brand launch, management, manufacturing, marketing, and distribution in both hard goods and soft goods in both specialty & big box retail. Currently, Schmiddy is the CEO of ArtFunction, Inc., which manufactures and distributes patent-protected display and organizational systems for products that have strong emotional connections to their users. Schmiddy is also the founder/owner of Click Carabiner Company & Sk8ology. Sk8ology is a company focused on the professional skateboard market & Click Carabiner Company designs & manufactures functional niche specific jewelry. Schmiddy’s past includes being the western USA Learning Director for the Entrepreneurs Organization, President of the San Diego Chapter of Entrepreneurs Organization, & founder/owner of Syndrome Distribution and Pro Skate Products where he was directly responsible for the manufacturing of over 4 million professional skateboard decks. Prior to life in business, Schmiddy was a professional skateboarder. Outside of family & business, Schmiddy sits on multiple NPO Boards including CONNECT’S San Diego Sport Innovators (SDSI). With all this time spent on a board & in business, he hopes someday to be awarded a college diploma.

Ken C Schmitt – CEO & Founder, TurningPoint Executive Search

Ken, a San Diego native, has been placing mid and senior-level professionals for more than 18 years. After entering the executive search industry in 1998, after working for local, regional and global firms, Ken launched TurningPoint Executive Search in 2007. Based in North County, TurningPoint works nationally, placing top notch, mid and upper level marketing, sales, operations and general management talent. Ken and his firm are committed to providing a research-based, customized, direct recruiting solution to start-up ventures and legacy operations, publicly traded businesses and family owned operations. TurningPoint is proud of its 96% fill ratio, 94% retention rate, combined 70 years of experience, and a network that spans multiple geographies and sectors.
Prior to launching his recruiting career, Ken spent 5 ½ years with Enterprise Rent A Car, advancing through the organization in San Diego and Orange Counties. 
In 2011, Ken also founded the Sales & Marketing Leadership Alliance, a professional organization committed to providing peer-2-peer networking and professional development to the region’s mid and senior sales and marketing leaders. In 2015, Ken launchd the Dynamic Disruption Summit in San Diego, showcasing some of the country's most innovative and disruptive businesses.
An avid user of social media to identify top talent and brand his business, Ken has been educating professionals on the merits and use of this medium since 2006. With one of San Diego’s largest LinkedIn networks and a profile that ranks in the top 1% of all users, Ken has developed a reputation as the “go-to” professional for LinkedIn in San Diego. He served as the Social Media Instructor at Cal State University, San Marcos for their “Career Transition & Development” program, and has presented to nearly 75 organizations and companies, about the value of “Leveraging LinkedIn”.
Ken earned his BSBA in Economics from the University of San Diego and is a former board member of USD’s School of Business Alumni Association. Ken serves as an Executive Board Member for Junior Achievement, San Diego, and the San Diego HR Roundtable. Ken lives in North County with his two kids and wife of 24 years, a Marriage and Family Therapist.

Dana Shertz – Head of Product Development, RMD Group

Shertz’s leadership experience expands from officer roles in privately held start-ups to billion dollar publicly held companies. He has 30+ years of experience in successfully building market presence and generating record profitability and sales in highly competitive markets. Shertz has launched new products, cultivated new markets, and developed high caliber sales and marketing teams. He has a quantifiable track record of sales growth, revenue enhancement and expense reduction. 
Currently Shertz is the head of Project Development for The RMD Group, a hospitality company based in San Diego. The RMD Group own and operate Lumi Rooftop, Huntress Steak, Rustic Root and Volcano Rabbit, as well as managing properties for the Hard Rock Hotel and Ballast Point breweries among others. 
Prior to consulting, Shertz was COO of EnDev Enterprises. The group owned and operated nightclubs and restaurants in San Diego, including: Stingaree, Side Bar, Bar West, Universal, Dish and The Witherby. The EnDev team was credited with helping to revitalize San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter, making it a destination for upscale nightlife and entertainment.
Before joining EnDev, Shertz spent over 20 years in the golf industry. From 2002-2006 he served as President and COO of MacGregor Golf, the oldest (115 years) and one of the most successful (59 Majors) golf companies in the world. At MacGregor Shertz was responsible for bottom-line P&L and operations for global business.
Prior to MacGregor, Shertz spent 13 years in senior sales and executive positions at Callaway Golf. He was hired by Ely Callaway in 1988 when the company was a small, privately held start-up. He quickly became Callaway's top revenue producer and held that title for five consecutive years. His ability to consistently deliver unprecedented results led himthrough a rapid rise in the company's ranks, eventually resulting in an appointment as Callaway's Senior Vice President of Sales. As a leader of the company's sales force, he oversaw revenue growth from $5 million to $840 million, annually.

Doug Skidmore - CEO, Hobie Cat

Doug started with Hobie Cat in 1986 as a Sales Rep for the Pacifiic Northwest region and has remained with the company since. By 1995, he became the President of the brand in charge of Management of Hobie Cat Company that comprises three manufacturing facilities; headquartered in San Diego County, California with two additional wholly owned subsidiaries that service other regions of the world. One in Huskison, NSW, Australia and another in Toulon, France. All three facilities manufacture, distribute and sell Hobie Cat sailboats, kayaks Stand Up Paddle Boards, surfboards and the Hobie Mirage Eclipse a stand up pedalboard that are all distributed worldwide.

Doug Smith – Cofounder, True Nutrition

Doug Smith is an adventurer/traveler who perpetually lives outside of his comfort zone. He thrives on knowledge, especially when it comes to health. After watching many people around him, including himself, suffer from the negative effects of poor nutrition, he took it into his own hands to learn everything there is to know about proper nutrition and health. Doug acquired a Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology (with an emphasis in physiology, biology and sports nutrition) and subsequently co-founded True Nutrition, a dietary supplement and nutrition company, over 10 years ago. Through his ongoing quest for knowledge and heightened consciousness of the effects of his own nutritional path, he continues to pursue a mission to educate people on the largely untapped and immense potential of proper nutrition. Doug’s goal for True Nutrition is a simple one, to inform the masses of the realities within the industry and to provide the highest quality products for the most economical price. 

Marco Thompson - Serial Entrepreneur 

Marco Thompson is the founding board member of SDSI. Marco advises several local firms on finance and growth, and successfully raised growth capital in 2008 for a Connect S.I. member company. Marco is also a Managing Director of Express Ventures, an early stage technology venture firm. He has operational experience at up to $50-million revenue run rates, and he has led marketing & sales strategy development for diverse technology enterprises. He founded and self funded Doctor Design, which grew to become San Diego’s most successful Engineering Design Services firm and was eventually acquired by Wind River and then Intel. Marco has founded, financed, guided, and mentored numerous startups, and he currently sits on the board of directors or advisors of several early stage companies. Some of these companies include:  MaintenanceNet, Entropic, Profitline, Intellitouch, Rosum, Drivecam, Objectiva, V-Enable, Benchmark Revenue Management, Qthink, and Philometron. Marco has been very active as a startup CEO mentor in the San Diego community, thru programs such as Connect Springboard, Commnexus Next Stage, and the Chairman’s Roundtable. Marco is a founding board member, past president, and past chairman of CommNexus. He holds three patents and has written a book on memory design. He has been honored as “Technology Supporter of the Year,” and is the UC San Diego Jacobs School of Engineering Alumni of the year for 2003. Marco has also been awarded the Gray Cary Award for Technology Innovation in 2003. Marco graduated with a BSEE from UC San Diego.

Todd Tibbits - President & CEO, YMCA

Mitch Thrower - Cofounder, Events.com

He is the Founder and Chairman of Events.com, an innovative cloud-based Event Management Platform provider that provides a state of the art mobile-first SaaS application that enables the full event life-cycle, connecting event organizers and event goers.
Thrower also serves as Chairman of The La Jolla Foundation, a 501c3 foundation whose primary initiative is Project Active, providing funding, mentoring, encouragement and education to areas of world tension. Specifically — sending sports equipment to children in war zones.
Thrower Co-Founded of active.com (The Active Network, Inc.). He also launched ActiveEurope.com (Active Europe Network) as Co-Founder and CEO. Active went public before selling to Vista for 1.05 billion.
Thrower was the President and Chief Operating Officer of Triathlete Magazine, the world's largest triathlon magazine where he also served as Chairman. He has also served as the Chief Interactive Officer, Strategist & Senior Correspondent for the Competitor Group (CGI), the active lifestyle industry's leading media and event entertainment company.
Thrower graduated from the Executive Institute at Stanford University. He holds a MBA from the University of San Diego and a bachelor's degree from Saint Lawrence University. He has competed in 22 Ironman Triathlons, including 13 World Championships. He is the only photo journalist to ever photograph and film the Ironman Triathlon World Championships while competing in the event.
Thrower is an East Coast native whose father, Fred Thrower was a television pioneer as Vice President of NBC, and also as president of WPIX-TV in New York City and is known for his holiday creation of the televised "Yule Log."Thrower's mother, Lori, worked as an assistant for Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis in NYC. Thrower is happily married to his lovely wife Amanda and lives in La Jolla, California.

Scott Tilton  – Co-founder / CEO, hookit

A born entrepreneur and athlete, Scott invested everything as a child and teen into his first passion…racing motocross. Shortly after college in 2001, his former life as an athlete interconnected with a natural business sense and SponsorHouse was born. The original mission was simple…support and connect amateur athletes with sponsors through the ‘Internet’, which was the first concept of its kind. That vision later evolved into Hookit, a supercharged version of the original vision powered by a groundbreaking brand marketing and commerce platform that will disrupt a $300B+ sports economy. Today, Hookit aggregates nearly 1B pieces of athlete data and content each month to help them quantify their value, earn recognition and get deals. For the first time ever, brands now have a clear and effective solution to quantify and maximize their athlete and sports marketing programs.
Socially responsible and community driven, Scott is active with several business and sports organizations, including Founder Institute, UCSD Connect, San Diego Venture Group, SDSI (San Diego Sport Innovators) and SIMA (Surf Industry Manufacturers Association). Regarded as an expert on the topics of sponsorship, sports marketing, social media and digital technologies, Scott is passionate about sharing his experiences and has been invited to speak at several industry events, including: SDSI – Leveraging Social for Brand Engagement (San Diego, CA), CommNexus – Location-Based Services meets Social Media (San Diego, CA – 2010), YPulse Youth Marketing Summit (San Francisco, CA – 2009/2010), Sandios Round Table – Startup Bootstrapping & Fundraising (San Diego, CA – 2009), Where’s Waldo LA – Finding Social Influencers (Los Angeles, CA – 2009), National Sports Forum (Los Angeles, CA – 2008) and most recently DIBRACA Digital Brand Camp at Weber State University (Ogden, Utah).
Scott holds a degree in Sports Medicine from Elon University and a Master’s degree in Internet Business Systems from Mercy College. He resides in San Diego, CA and is married with two children.