The Mark Haney Podcast

Angel investors are playing an increasingly important role in startup funding, raising capital, and supporting entrepreneurship—especially for people interested in investing for beginners and learning how early-stage investing really works.

In this episode, Monique Brown and Cameron Law discuss how NorCal AngelCon is helping activate a new generation of angel investors while giving founders access to the capital, mentorship, and networks they need to grow.

AngelCon is designed to teach new investors how startup investing actually works—from evaluating companies and conducting due diligence to writing their first angel checks. At the same time, it provides founders with exposure to investors, valuable feedback, and potential funding.

In this conversation, you’ll learn:

• Why early-stage startup funding has historically been difficult to access in Sacramento
• How angel investors help strengthen the regional innovation economy
• What founders should understand about raising capital today
• Why NorCal AngelCon is becoming an on-ramp for investing for beginners
• How collaboration across accelerators, universities, and investors is driving entrepreneurship in Northern California

Startup ecosystems don’t grow by accident. They grow when founders, investors, and community leaders work together to support innovation and keep talent local. NorCal AngelCon is helping make that happen.

Learn More:
NorCal AngelCon
https://www.norcalangelcon.com

#AngelInvesting #StartupFunding #RaisingCapital #Entrepreneurship #InvestingForBeginners #NorCalAngelCon #StartupEcosystem #SacramentoStartups #VentureCapital #angelinvestors 

Chapters: 
00:00 Preview – Angel Investing On-Ramp
00:30 Introducing AngelCon and the Guests
02:03 Why Sacramento Needs More Startup Capital
04:17 Sacramento vs Silicon Valley Venture Ecosystems
07:17 Why Entrepreneurship Drives Job Creation
10:41 The Hidden Startup Resources in Sacramento
14:28 Collaboration and the Backyard Advantage
15:58 How AngelCon Works
20:03 The Value for Angels and Founders
23:12 The Zach Hansen Example
28:59 The Growth of AngelCon
33:41 Launching AngelCon Deep Tech
41:07 How to Get Involved in AngelCon
______________________________________________________________

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

Defense technology is advancing rapidly, and the rise of the autonomous drone is at the center of the latest wave of military innovation. In this conversation with Jeffrey Wright and Alistair Xhayet of SplashOne, we explore how new startups are rethinking aerial combat and the economics of modern warfare.

SplashOne is developing an autonomous drone designed to hunt and intercept other drones in flight. As drone swarms become more common on modern battlefields, traditional missile systems can be too expensive to keep up with the scale and speed of these threats.

The team behind SplashOne believes the future of military innovation may come from reusable fighter drones capable of intercepting hostile drones repeatedly rather than destroying themselves like traditional missiles.

Jeffrey Wright, a recently retired military strategist specializing in drone warfare, and Alistair Xhayet, who helps lead operations and growth at SplashOne, discuss why the battlefield is shifting toward autonomous systems and how startups are driving the next generation of defense technology.

In this conversation we discuss:

• Why cheap drones are reshaping modern warfare
• The rise of the autonomous drone in defense technology
• The economics of drones versus traditional missile systems
• Military innovation coming from startups rather than large defense contractors
• How systems like Roadrunner are influencing the next generation of drone defense
• Why AI and autonomy will define the future of aerial combat

Whether you're interested in defense technology, autonomous drone systems, startups, or military innovation, this discussion offers a look at how engineers and founders are building the next generation of aerial defense.

Chapters:
0:00 The Drone That Hunts Drones (Cold Open)
1:03 Introduction to SplashOne and the Future of Drone Warfare
2:37 Why Cheap Drones Are Changing Modern Warfare
5:00 The Economics of Missiles vs Autonomous Drones
6:38 The $2 Billion Question: Can Drones Replace Missiles?
7:56 The Concept of Reusable Fighter Drones
10:00 How Autonomous Drones Could Win Air Battles
11:53 AI, Autonomy, and the Future of Air Combat
14:43 The Drone Swarm Problem Militaries Face Today
17:45 How Startups Are Driving Military Innovation
22:32 The Technology Behind Drone Interception
29:54 What the Battlefield of the Future Will Look Like

______________________________________________________________

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

A 6th grader’s video clip recently went viral, racking up over 11 million views across social media.

Henry McCarley, known online as  @HeyHenryTV , saw his platform take off after posting a behind the scenes look at packaging orders from one of his Whatnot live streams. What started as a simple video quickly gained traction, picking up over a million views per day and changing the trajectory of his brand almost overnight.

In this episode, Henry joins Mark to talk about:
• The post that went viral and reached 11M+ views
• Growing from 340 to 8,000 followers in less than a month
• Building a following across Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube
• Interviewing athletes like Baker Mayfield and Urijah Faber
• Turning sports cards into a purpose driven business

Turning sports cards into a purpose driven business
Through his platform, Hey Henry TV, Henry interviews athletes, collects signed memorabilia, and auctions off sports cards with 100 percent of the proceeds going to charity. His long term goal is to raise one million dollars for charitable causes.

Entrepreneurship is not about age. It is about mindset.

Make sure to follow Henry on all his platforms:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heyhenrytv
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@heyhenrytv
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HeyHenryTV
whatnot: https://www.whatnot.com/user/heyhenrytv

______________________________________________________________

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

Debt service is now consuming a massive share of the federal budget — and that has serious implications for economics, the broader economy, and how we think about long-term budgeting in America.

In this episode of The Mark Haney Show, economist and wealth manager Sanjay Varshney breaks down what’s really happening beneath the headlines.

We cover:

• Why the U.S. economy proved more resilient than expected
• What seven Federal Reserve rate cuts actually mean
• The AI investment boom and its impact on productivity
• Why the bond market may matter more than the stock market
• Housing affordability, labor market shifts, and market concentration
• And the biggest risks facing the economy in 2026

Is America positioned for steady growth — or building up structural pressure?

This conversation unpacks the good, the bad, and the ugly of today’s economic landscape with clarity, data, and perspective.

If you care about markets, investing, business, AI, housing, or where the economy is headed next, this episode is essential viewing.

On the show today, Zach and Lisa Hansen share what it really takes to sell a preschool in California. From the mandatory 30 day notice to families and staff to the emotional weight of announcing a deal before it is fully complete, this is the real story behind a business exit.

Zach and Lisa built Growing Brilliant into multiple preschool locations before transitioning ownership and launching a national online early learning platform. This episode explores both sides of that journey. The process of selling a small business and the commitment to reinventing early childhood education.

In this episode, we cover:
• What selling a preschool actually looks like
• Managing parents and staff during a major transition
• Why guided play matters in early childhood education
• Scaling with integrity and protecting culture
• Building, selling, and building again as founders

For entrepreneurs considering an exit, educators leading teams, or parents who care about early learning, this conversation offers a clear look at the anxiety, the process, and the reality of selling a company while staying true to the mission.

Subscribe for more conversations with founders building in the Backyard Advantage.

#Entrepreneurship #BusinessExit #Preschool #EarlyChildhoodEducation #EdTech #StartupJourney #SmallBusinessSale #FounderStory #Leadership #GrowingBrilliant

______________________________________________________________

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

In this insightful discussion, Vazgen Dallakyan, co-founder of Cobex Construction Group, shares valuable insights into achieving significant business development and real-world growth. He breaks down how Cobex reached an impressive $25 million in annual revenue across six locations, offering practical business tips for entrepreneurs focused on building and scaling a truly successful business.

This episode explores what it actually takes to grow a business beyond the headlines. Vazgen explains the effective business strategies, leadership decisions, and operational lessons learned while scaling Cobex — and why rapid growth can often expose challenges in systems, culture, and profitability.

The conversation dives into how modern business development has changed, including customer acquisition, marketing, sales incentives, and organizational structure. Vazgen shares how Cobex adapted its approach to scale the business while improving accountability, efficiency, and long-term sustainability.

In addition to business strategy, Vazgen also shares his personal journey — immigrating to the United States from a war-torn region of Armenia, developing a strong work ethic at an early age, and building a values-driven company rooted in stewardship, continuous learning, and strong relationships.

This video covers:
• How Cobex Construction Group scaled to $25M across six locations
• Business development lessons for entrepreneurs and operators
• Effective business strategies for growing and scaling a company
• The realities of marketing, sales, and operations at scale
• Leadership principles required to build a successful business

If you’re an entrepreneur, business owner, or operator looking to grow your business and scale with intention, this conversation with Vazgen Dallakyan of Cobex Construction Group offers practical insights you can apply immediately.

______________________________________________________________

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

In this episode, Catrina Simbe-Geriak shares the story behind the creation of Tyler’s Grace Foundation, a mission born from a critical meeting where the conversation shifted to home care and the difficult reality of dying.

Our discussion explores the profound moments experienced by patients, caregivers, and families as they navigate end of life visions, serious illness, and the compassionate role of palliative care at the end of life. Catrina reflects on how faith, presence, and service can bring dignity and peace during life’s most vulnerable chapters.

This conversation offers insight into how loss can be transformed into purpose and how compassionate care can create meaning, comfort, and connection even at the end of life.

Please learn more about Tyler's Grace Foundation or connect with Catrina:
Website: https://tylersgracefoundation.org/
Catrina's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/catrina-simbe-geriak-4355131/

0:00 Preview: Hospice, the Ocean, and the Birth of a Mission
0:39 Introduction: Meet Catrina Simbe-Geriak
2:12 Early Life, Grit, and a People-First Calling
3:47 Tyler’s Diagnosis: A Childhood Cancer Journey Begins
6:38 Two Surgeries, Treatment, and a Family Under Pressure
7:40 A Second Diagnosis: Fighting Cancer on Two Fronts
15:16 “Best Day Ever”: Tyler’s Mindset and Life Lessons
18:00 The Hardest Meeting: Hospice, Palliative Care, and Letting Go
20:07 The Beach House: Making the Final Months Count
22:56 Grief, Faith, and Healing After Compound Loss
27:40 Tyler’s Grace Foundation: Creating Protected Memories
31:24 The Future: Lake Almanor Home, Never Saying No, and Legacy

______________________________________________________________

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

What does winning look like to you?

“The best businesses are built on a good idea and solid strategic planning.”
In this episode of The Mark Haney Show, Ivan Katrenyak — CEO of IMKAT Homes, one of California’s leading ADU builders — explains why both idea and execution matter, and why neither works without the other.

Ivan shares how strong business mindset, disciplined strategy, and relentless follow-through helped scale IMKAT into a $50M ADU business by age 28, while simultaneously leading a growing faith movement through United Church and United Revival.

This conversation explores:
• Why a great idea without strategy fails — and why strategy without vision stalls
• How effective idea execution drives real business growth
• The role of faith, clarity, and conviction in entrepreneurial leadership
• Why systems, people, and planning matter more than hustle alone
• What “winning” actually looks like when purpose and performance align

Whether you’re building a company, investing in real estate, or sharpening your leadership edge, this episode delivers entrepreneur motivation, practical insight, and a powerful growth mindset.

Subscribe for weekly conversations with founders, operators, and leaders building the Backyard Advantage.

Website: https://imkatconstruction.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/IMKAT-Construction-100076901971676/?
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imkat.homes
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unitedrevival/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unitedchurchsac/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ivan_katrenyak/

______________________________________________________________

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

Even after losing his sight, this visionary still paints a vivid mental picture for every project he touches.

In this episode of The Mark Haney Show, James Kubel, founder of JK Engineering and Electric, explains his unique approach to design — from “graphic design” and product design to complex electronics — guided not by sight, but by imagination, structure, and timeless design principles. His story proves that creativity doesn’t depend on vision, and that innovation has no bounds.

James is an accomplished electrical engineer, inventor, and entrepreneur who lost his vision due to diabetes in his 20s — but never lost his drive to build. From rebuilding a car at 15, to designing speech-synthesizer technology used by the blind community and organizations like the FAA and Lockheed Martin, James has spent decades turning challenges into breakthroughs.

In this conversation, James shares how he designs technology by “painting the picture in his mind,” why he refuses to accept the word can’t, and how accessibility-driven inventions often lead to unexpected real-world impact far beyond their original purpose.

This episode dives into:
• Designing electronics and products without sight
• Using imagination and design principles to solve complex problems
• Assistive technology, accessibility, and innovation
• Entrepreneurship, resilience, and overcoming bias
• How AI and emerging tech can empower people with disabilities

Whether you’re an entrepreneur, engineer, creative, or someone facing obstacles of your own, this episode will challenge how you think about design, ability, and what’s truly possible.

👇 Subscribe for more conversations on entrepreneurship, innovation, and the Backyard Advantage.

______________________________________________________________

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

Building wealth is one thing. Making it last—for your family, your business, and the next generation - is something entirely different.

In this episode of The Mark Haney Show, Mark sits down with Jay Ezzell and Alec Fisher of Natoma Wealth, a locally owned fiduciary wealth management firm built specifically for business owners, families, and institutions.

Jay and Alec share how Natoma Wealth helps clients:
• Build wealth intentionally
• Invest wisely through changing markets
• Avoid catastrophic financial mistakes
• Plan across generations - not just lifetimes

They explain why independence matters in wealth management, how multigenerational planning goes far beyond inheritance, and why entrepreneurs need a very different strategy than traditional investors.

This conversation is about clarity, stewardship, and designing wealth that supports the life you want - today and decades from now.

Website: https://natomawealth.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/natomawealth/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/natomawealth157/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/natoma_wealth/