Larry Garcia

What are three things you wish you’d known as you embarked on your career:

1.   You have to play the hand that is dealt to you

2.   Active listening is an under-valued skill

3.    Treating everyone with dignity and respect will earn the respect of both friend and foe alike

Did you have a mentor? If so, what was the most important piece of advice they gave you?
No particular mentor but I sought advice from several people that I admired.

How did/do you handle work/life balance?  
Not very well.  My family still believe that I am a hopeless workaholic.

Do you have any suggestions of books, articles, websites, etc. that might help a young professional?   
No I found the best help to come from individuals that I knew and respected.

Is there anything else you’d like to tell the 40 and under business professionals in our region?  
Yes, the demographics of our region are changing rapidly and in very years, the Baby Boomers will leave the workplace in significant numbers.  This will require an significant investment in an educated and motivated workforce.  It will also create great opportunities for those who are ready.

The post Words of Wisdom with Larry Garcia appeared first on Metro EDGE.

Clinical Surgical Nurse
UC Davis Medical Center – Main Operating Room
Metro EDGE Philanthropy Co-chair
Email Vanessa 

The post 15 Minutes of F.A.M.E. with Vanessa Garcia appeared first on Metro EDGE.

SACRAMENTO – Metro EDGE Chair Ryan Porter issued the following statement today following the Sacramento City Council’s vote to support a $448 million public-private partnership to develop a new entertainment and sports center:

“Metro EDGE applauds the City Council’s approval of a financing plan to develop a new downtown entertainment and sports complex. The vote not only demonstrates a commitment to keeping the Sacramento Kings but also to core city development, job creation and regional economic growth, and once again displays the community’s dedication to ensuring Sacramento continues to be a great place to live, work and play. ”

The post Statement from Metro EDGE Chair Ryan Porter on City Council’s Approval of ESC Term Sheet appeared first on Metro EDGE.

Gary Strong

What are three things you wish you’d known as you embarked on your career?
1. Don’t plot the end of your career when you’re still at the beginning of it.  There are lots of forks that come along in the road.
2. No matter what you end up doing – hone your sales and communication skills.
3. Identify your strengths and affinities, and find really creative ways to exploit them.

Did you have a mentor? If so, what was the most important piece of advice they gave you?
It’s been important to me to cultivate mentors throughout my career.  My mentors have ranged from co-workers, to my immediate boss, to executives that were not in my immediate chain of command, to staff that worked for me.  The most important advice I have received is to treat everyone as a customer, and when a customer has a request – find a way to accomplish it for them.  If the request is not practical or convenient for you, do it anyway but find a way to help the customer understand a better way to meet the need next time.

How did/do you handle work/life balance?
Right out of college work was my whole life.  That wasn’t good for my health or my relationships. Now I keep really busy with business, community, family and faith. My ongoing challenge is learning how to get better at saying no, so I can get some sleep.

Do you have any suggestions of books, articles, websites, etc. that might help a young professional?
Reading the local newspaper has been a habit since I was a young child, and I always felt that it was a good way of keeping me aware of what was going on in the community and helping me relate to people with a wide range of interests. For years, reading Fortune magazine was a way for me to keep current business trends and issues at top of mind. Pat Williams is a sports executive and motivational writer/speaker who has written a number of books that combine faith, sports, and common sense concepts for getting the life you want.  His latest is “Extreme Focus: Harnessing the Life-Changing Power to Achieve Your Dreams.”

Is there anything else you’d like to tell the 40 and under business professionals in our region?
I really recommend involvement in organizations that bring together people from diverse backgrounds to share a common experience over time that broadens each participant’s perspective. These groups turbo-charge your own personal growth experience and expands your ability to effectively serve the community.

The post Words of Wisdom with Gary Strong appeared first on Metro EDGE.

Amy Tran Russell

I started attending Metro EDGE events last year after I kept hearing about them through my job in UC Davis MBA Admissions. I love how EDGE events draw such large groups of motivated young professionals who are looking to make an impact in their careers and the larger world. EDGE not only matches well with our UC Davis MBA applicant demographic, it also represents who I am. After attending my first Young Leaders Connect membership drive, I was hooked.

I’m fortunate in that I love my job and the program I represent. The professors are phenomenal. The community of students is welcoming and ambitious. If you think about the kinds of leaders who push their companies forward while helping those around them develop exponentially, UC Davis MBAs either are those people or aspire to be them.

After two years of watching our students accelerate their careers, build long-lasting friendships, and, oddly, have fun in class, I decided to apply and join them this past fall.

I’m really glad I did. In addition to long-term career benefits, the coursework is taking my work to the next level. The core classes are exposing me to all the different functional areas of business so I can make better big picture decisions. This winter’s core marketing class taught me to better understand our customers—who they are, what they want and strategies to best reach them.

So this year when Metro EDGE’s Young Leaders Connect rolled around, it was natural for us sponsor a booth. We brought a contingent of six students and staff to the event, and we all had a great time meeting everyone there. For two of the students, this was their first EDGE event. Both of them joined our ranks and signed up for membership on the spot, with a great discount for being students.

I look forward to meeting you at a future event. Additionally, there is still plenty of time to apply to the UC Davis MBA program for fall 2013. Don’t hesitate call or email if you’d like to connect. You can reach me at (530) 752-7658 or atrussell@ucdavis.edu It’s all about the network, right?

The post Graduate Degrees Give Young Professionals an EDGE appeared first on Metro EDGE.

Nate Sebok
Associate Architect
Mogavero Notestine Associates
Email Nate 

Where do you currently work, how long have you been there, what do you do?
I am an architect at Mogavero Notestine Associates. I have been here about eight years. We specialize in sustainable design and urban infill. Some of our notable projects downtown are the new Greyhound station and the eight story residential mid-rise on 7th and H street. I am currently managing the design and construction of a market rate apartment complex that is across the street from Raley Field. The second phase will have outdoor decks to watch the ballgame from. It has been a very exciting project.

Prior to that?
My wife and I moved to Boston for a while after we graduated, knowing we would eventually come back to California. From there, we moved to Sacramento and I bounced around a couple firms trying to find a good fit.

What is your educational background?
I went to Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and graduated with an undergraduate degree in architecture and a MBA. I miss SLO a lot, it was a perfect place to go to school.

What is the best part of your job?
I get to have a tangible impact on our city and the way it will grow. Our work has a significant influence on how people live, work and play; it’s exciting to be a part of that and help people lead healthier lives.

What do you love about living here?
I like how close it is to so many things. My family and I often go to Tahoe, Napa, and San Francisco.

What is one thing that might surprise people about you?
A few years ago, I biked across the state of Colorado; all off road. It was one of the hardest things I have ever done.

When you aren’t in the office where can we find you?
On a mountain bike in Tahoe, or less frequently, on a beach in Cabo with some good tequila.

The post 15 Minutes of F.A.M.E. with Nate Sebok appeared first on Metro EDGE.

Haven’t been to Young Leaders Connect before? Or are your networking skills a little rusty? We all know that even the best young professionals experience a little anxiety about getting out there and chatting with new people.  For those of you who are new to Metro EDGE, new to networking, or even just new to attending Young Leaders Connect, the Networking & Events Committee thought we could give you some tips on what to expect at Young Leaders Connect in order to prep you, relax you and help you enjoy and benefit from the biggest networking event of the year. Here’s everything you need to know:

Registration:  Register today! Pre-registration offers discount pricing and quicker check-in at the event.  Additionally, you will have a pre-printed nametag waiting for you. It is not necessary, but you can bring your Eventbrite receipt for ease at check-in.

Click here to register. You can also purchase tickets at the door and pay with cash, check or credit card.

Parking:  Valet service will be available after 5 p.m. There is also ample street parking in the area (metered until 6 p.m.) and several garages and parking lots as well:

• Parking Lots:  Corner of K & 15^th and Corner of L & 16^th
• Parking Garage: K & 14^th, next to Capitol Garage. Enter on 14^th Street
• East End Garage: 17^th Street between L Street & Capitol Avenue.  Please note this garage closes at 9 p.m.

 More parking information here.

Check-in:  Doors open at 5:30 p.m.  Event entrance is on the corner of 15^th & L Streets (on 15^th Street).  There will be signage directing you to check-in by last name.  Grab your nametag and you are on your way!

If you get off late, or have a bit of a commute, don’t worry!  Check-in will be available until 8 p.m. and I’m sure many of us will be hanging around hours after to keep the fun going.

At the event:  Sprinkled around The Park you will find several booths you will want to visit.  Comstock’s, is hosting a raffle at their booth.  The Networking & Events Committee is giving away a Yosemite Vacation Package – valued at over $700!  The Professional Development Committee has a photographer offering free headshots too!

We will have a map of the event available to help you navigate the venue which you can pick that up at the Membership Booth. Look for the purple balloons.

Other fun things to look out for at the event:

• UC Davis Graduate School of Management will have a surprise raffle and available to answer any question about their program
• Place your vote at the Philanthropy booth for what you would like to see the 2013 Day on the EDGE look like.
• Enter to win a bottle of wine, event tickets and more at the Professional Development Booth
• Photo booths in the Ultra Room
• iSnap Kiosks
• Speed Networking with Networking & Events
• The official YLC Raffle!

Drawing:  The Networking & Events Committee has assembled an amazing assortment of prize packages available the night of YLC. Tickets will be on sale at the event and can be purchased at the Membership Stations (look for the purple balloons) and the Drawing Table.  Some of the awesome prizes up for grabs include:

•  3 Day, 2 Night North Lake Tahoe Weekend Getaway
• 2 tickets to Alvin Ailey at the Mondavi Center
• Local Brewery Gift Box
• 2 Crocker Art Museum family passes
• 1 Center for Contemporary Art year membership
• Sacramento Zoo Gift Basket
• Golden Pacific Bank goodies
• Brewery tour, tasting and growler
• Social Sports Gift Basket from Radii 150
• Born Free USA Gift Basket
• VIP Tables at District 30 / Dive Bar
• Ink Gift Certificate
• Carvalho Wine Tasting & Tour
• And more!

Food & drink:  During the event you may want to have a snack and enjoy a cocktail. Your ticket price includes delicious hosted bites from Cafeteria 15L. Additionally, there will be several no-host bars around the venue so be sure to bring a credit card or cash to enjoy. There will be a special EDGE Martini available for only $6!   

What to wear: Typically for this type of event I would say “business attire” but that may not help everyone, so let’s break it down in YP terms… Dress business casual meets night on the town!

•  Ladies: A nice dress, skirt with blouse, or even slacks with a great top.
• Men: Slacks, blazers and collared shirt.  And of course, the no-fail option:  Suit up!

Ultimately you want to wear what you feel comfortable in while putting your best foot forward.  If you want to see what everyone was wearing last year, click here.

What to bring:  Your friends, your business cards, cash/credit cards for drinks and raffle tickets and the most important thing – your smile!

We hope this information helps you get ready for Young Leaders Connect.  If you have any questions about this event (or Metro EDGE) please do not hesitate to shoot me an email.

I look forward to seeing you on March 14 at Young Leaders Connect!

The post Young Leaders Connect 101 appeared first on Metro EDGE.

John Stevens

Where do you currently work, how long have you been there, what do you do?
I work at CustomerLink Systems in the marketing department as the Online Marketing Manager, and I’ve been there for two years. I created and maintain the main website for CustomerLink and I run our online marketing activities including email, pay-per-click advertising as well as our search engine optimization efforts.  Since it’s a small marketing department, I also get a chance to work on a lot of off-line, more traditional, marketing projects for the company as well.

Prior to that?
Prior to CustomerLink, I worked as a freelance web developer and online marketing consultant, primarily partnering with talented designers and building websites for small to medium sized businesses.  I’ve also worked as the Marketing Director for a local law firm and, before a career change about five years ago, I worked as a Workers’ Compensation Claims Adjuster for several years.

What is your educational background?
I have a degree in psychology from UCLA. Go Bruins!

What is the best part of your job?
Creating cool stuff that people use!  I love it when people get excited about something that I’ve created or helped to create.

What do you love about living here?
Sacramento is a great place to live! I love the weather, all the great local produce and restaurants and the ability to jump in the car for an hour or so and be sitting at the beach or walking through quiet forests deep in the Sierras.

What is one thing that might surprise people about you?
People are surprised these days that I’m a good athlete and used to be a high school quarterback.  I guess that doesn’t jive with the glasses and all the computer code that I write now.

When you aren’t in the office where can we find you?
You can find me hanging out with my two daughters and wife, sitting in my home office writing code, on the golf course or, during football season, yelling at the TV in my living room.

The post 15 minutes of F.A.M.E. with John Stevens appeared first on Metro EDGE.

What are three things you wish you’d known as you embarked on your career:
1. You are not the only one with problems, everyone you deal with has a job that is very difficult.
2. You are in it for the long haul, patience and tenacity are important.
3. Personal contact is extremely important, most communications is non-verbal.

Did you have a mentor? If so, what was the most important piece of advice they gave you?
I did have a mentor, Jack Downey, from whom I learned a great deal, mostly from his example. Key in his practice was getting all the problem areas out front early. They only get worse if you try to ignore or hide them.

How did/do you handle work/life balance?
My work/life balance was a bit easier than it is for many today. First, I lived and still live within a ten-minute drive from the office so I could be home for dinner or when needed, very easily, even if I had to return to work. Also, it was a time when my wife could be at home with the children until they were raised and in school.

Do you have any suggestions of books, articles, websites, etc. that might help a young professional?
You have a long life ahead so expand your interests. Try music, books and plays you wouldn’t normally hear or see. You will find new avocations and expand your views and be more interested and interesting. Keep learning, keep growing.

Is there anything else you’d like to tell the 40 and under business professionals in our region?
Don’t confuse what is legal with what is moral. If a lawyer tells you “It is legal,” that simply means you won’t get sued or go to jail – not the standard you want to live by. “Legal” is a very low hurdle to clear. Also, develop a short memory for personal affronts.

The post Words of Wisdom with Joe Genshlea appeared first on Metro EDGE.

“Jordan’s recognition is well-deserved,” said Ryan Porter, chair of Metro EDGE.  “Jordan embodies the mission of Metro EDGE as a leader dedicated to driving the region forward.”

As director of communications at Jesuit High School, Blair oversees all communications, public relations and marketing projects. He has developed a reputation as a skilled communicator having previously managed media relations, external relations, publications and website communications for a variety of large state agencies, nonprofits and educational institutions.

“It is truly an honor and a privilege to be selected as the first Metro EDGE Young Professional of the Year,” said Blair. “I thank all of those involved with the program for their ongoing commitment to engaging and cultivating young professionals throughout our region.”

Blair has always been interested in giving back to the community and he currently serves as the immediate past-president of the board of directors for River City Food Bank, president of Fairytale Town, is a founding member of the Inspire Giving Program immediate past-president for the USC Alumni Association – Sacramento Chapter, and is a member of the board of governors for the Phi Kappa Tau Fraternity – Gamma Iota Colony. He is also a 2012 graduate of Leadership Sacramento, a program of the Sacramento Metro Chamber.

“Jordan is an exemplary young leader who has worked incredibly hard to not only develop his career but also the Sacramento community,” said Roger Niello, president and CEO of the Sacramento Metro Chamber. “The Chamber introduced this award to acknowledge the many awe-inspiring individuals that make up Metro EDGE and the thriving young professional community we have in Sacramento.”

The post First-Ever Metro EDGE Young Professional of the Year Award to be Presented to Jesuit’s Jordan Blair appeared first on Metro EDGE.