The Mark Haney Podcast

Brian Bennett, founder and operator of Bennett’s Hospitality Group, which includes a portfolio of local restaurants like one of our favorites – Bennett’s Kitchen Bar Market in Roseville - talks with Mark about his journey from entry level employee at Chevys to becoming a seasoned restaurant entrepreneur.  Core to his success are Brian’s grit, determination,  and commitment and his talent for creating high quality, welcoming environments where his customers and his team feel valued.  Tune in to hear more about how Brian has weathered recessions and pandemics and get a glimpse of what’s on the horizon.

Marcus Haney, a Marine Corps veteran, entrepreneur and Mark’s son joins Mark on the show to share more about how Allegiant Giving, the non-profit their family founded, is helping veterans realize their full potential and design a successful post-military life and career through an initiative called Patriot U. Tune in to learn more about Patriot U’s custom upskilling program that includes hands-on internship opportunities with employers who are eager to engage this often overlooked but highly valuable talent pool.  And, learn how you can get involved! 

Azra Games, recently funded by Andreessen Horowitz, is arguably the hottest new startup in the Greater Sacramento region.  Sonny Mayugba, successful entrepreneur and now COO and Cofounder of Azra Games along with Neel Upadhye, VP of Creative Development at Azra Games, join Mark to talk their new Web 3 collectibles and combat RPG game franchise called Legions and Legends that they are building alongside the illustrious Mark Otero.  Tune in for a peek behind the scenes of greatness in the making and learn more about when the first release will be!

Scott Emerich, Founder of East Wind Yoga (and Mark’s yoga instructor) joins Mark to talk about the practice of yoga and how it supports a life of balance, harmony, mindfulness, and success.  Learn more about Scott’s journey to becoming a studio owner and enjoy a moment to take a deep breath and reflect on your own wellness goals.

Dean Forman, co-founder of John Adams Academy, joins Mark to talk about why and how he launched the school in 2010, what has been accomplished since and about his vision for the future of education.
John Adams Academy is the culmination of decades of work by Dean and his wife Linda. With 3 schools and 5000 scholars, the academy embodies their vision of an American Classical Leadership Education® by Restoring America’s Heritage and Developing Servant Leaders.  Dean shares how John Adams academy encourages students to own their education and provides them the liberty and freedom to create and become who they were meant to be.  

Lauren Johnson is an athlete-turned-mental performance coach, who is highly motivating, and relatable with a passion for developing the minds of the elite. From the playing field to the boardroom, Lauren helps elite performers develop mental toughness so they can be their best regardless of circumstance. She joins Mark for an engaging and informative conversation about what it takes - from clarity to consistency to consciousness - to cultivate a winning mindset.  If believe “you are never too good to get better” as Lauren says in the segment, then tune in to learn more!

Meet Adrian Blanco, founder of Adrian Blanco Jewelry in Folsom which has been voted the best local business, the best jeweler and the best jewelry store in Folsom and El Dorado Hills.  Throughout his engaging conversation with Mark, Adrian’s personal drive, strong commitment to community, and his relationship first approach to life shine through.  Tune in and learn more about the jewelry industry and how Adrian’s built his business in the highly supportive Folsom community.

Mark talks with visionary civic leaders, Kevin Spease and Darrell Doan from the City of Elk Grove, about how they, along with a strong and collaborative group of leaders, have effectively positioned Elk Grove as a hub of tech innovation and a startup friendly community.  By offering early-stage companies that locate in the city incentives like non-dilutive funding, permit assistance and free space and by hosting engaging events like the recent Pitch Elk Grove competition, they have both established their brand and fueled high growth companies like Clockwork Logistics, Eyerate (a new Growth Factory portfolio company) and more.  Tune in to learn more about the impressive work they are doing, why it matters for our region, and what’s on the horizon.

Data, Diversity and the Future WorkforceSadie St Lawrence, Founder and CEO of Women in Data, the #1 Community for Women in AI and Tech joins Mark to talk about how and why she got started, the explosion and importance of data related careers, and how data touches all of our lives.  
Sadie has trained over 400,000 people in data science and has developed multiple programs in machine learning and career development. She was named 10 Most Admired Business Women to Watch in 2021, has been listed as a Top 21 Influencer in Data and her work has been featured in USA Today, Dataversity.  In addition, she serves on multiple start-up boards, and is the host of the Data Bytes podcast.  
Tune in for an educational and inspiring discussion with a true game changer!  

Arik Levy, Founder of Luxer One and General Partner in Locker One Ventures and Robert Morin, owner of Lux Powder Coat, join Mark to talk about the power of entrepreneurs helping entrepreneurs and in doing so, creating new ventures in our region.
They share the story of Robbie’s journey starting as a 19-year-old employee of Luxer One.  Arik speaks to the talent and drive he saw in Robbie and the experiences that he was able to offer him from leading a customer support team of 85 people to project management to figuring out a new powder coat business that Luxer One had acquired.  All along the way, Robbie leaned into the opportunities that he was exposed to, maximized his learning, and soaked up the mentorship provided.  He was very much a part of the growth and successful exit of Luxer One and now, at 27, he's applying it to running his own company.  Tune in to hear more!