Episode 106: Highlights Part 1 - Small Businesses

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"When we first started Bayview Bistro, the intention was always to create an opportunity for our black and brown micro businesses through a racial and social equity lens" - Andrea Baker, Founder En 2 Action

This episode explores small business survival, focusing on: accessing capital, the digital divide, pivoting models, community support, and the economic impact of a post-pandemic changing economy. Hear from Julie Clowes (SBA), Tim Russell & Sharon Miller (Renaissance), Pierre Coeurdeuil (SFMade), Amanda Fried (SF Treasurer), Adam Fowler (CVL Economics), Kristin Houk, Rebecca Bertoldi, Pooja Rajani & Andrea Baker (En 2 Action), Laurie Thomas (GGRA), Shannon Walter & Jeff Trenam (Blue Plate), and Michelle Pusateri (Nana Joes Granola). Listen now and read their full bios.

Julie Clowes

Julie was the District Director of SBA’s San Francisco District Office (SFDO), where she oversees delivery of SBA’s programs and services within 14 counties in Northern California. Before joining the SFDO, she was the Deputy District Director of SBA’s Washington Metropolitan Area District Office, overseeing the largest 8(a) portfolio in the country with approximately 1,000 firms receiving $4-6 billion in contracts annually. Prior to joining the district office, she was the chief marketing and outreach attorney with the SBA’s Office of General Counsel, handling issues impacting SBA’s outreach efforts, including external agency partnerships, technology, and use of social media. She began her SBA career as the Public Affairs Specialist for the Michigan District Office. Prior to joining SBA she spent three years with the Michigan Small Business Development Center as an International Trade Specialist, where she co-authored “Trade Secrets: The Export Answer Book.” Julie is a graduate of the Excellence in Government Fellowship program and President’s Management Council Fellowship program and has a BA in International Studies from Bradley University, Peoria, IL, and an MBA and JD from Wayne State University, Detroit, MI. Julie also volunteers for many colon cancer advocacy initiatives and helped establish the Scope It Out 5K Run/Walk for colon cancer awareness in Washington DC and is currently a Board member of the Colorectal Cancer Alliance. If you'd like to dive deeper into the SBA's work, head over to episode 45 of our Covid 19 series, where we explore it in detail.

Tim Russell

Since joining Renaissance in 2013, Tim has played a substantial role in overseeing the organization’s services and growth across the Peninsula, South Bay, and Unincorporated Alameda County. His vision and leadership have been instrumental in establishing East Palo Alto’s inaugural small business incubator and the successful expansion of Renaissance’s operations into new locales such as San Jose and Hayward. Drawing from his personal background growing up in East Palo Alto, Tim actively contributes his expertise to multiple boards, including the Downtown Street, Leadership CORPS San Mateo County, and Working Solutions Advisory Boards. Tim is also the Lead Pastor of New Hope Christian Fellowship Church in Hayward, CA. To discover more about what Tim does, check out episode 48 of our Covid 19 series for the full story."

Sharon Miller

Sharon has served as CEO of Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center for 23 years. Under her leadership, Renaissance has grown into a renowned Bay Area regional organization, establishing five Centers in South of Market and Bayview Hunters Point in San Francisco, Richmond, South San Francisco, and East Palo Alto. Sharon has been pivotal in introducing vital new programming and industry-specific training initiatives. Her guidance has been instrumental in assisting clients in securing substantial capital exceeding $75 million. She serves on the Steering Committee of the CA Network of Women’s Business Center. Curious to learn more about Sharon's work? You'll find everything in episode 48 of our Covid 19 series.

Pierre Coeurdeuiluest

As the former Director of Advising and Education, Pierre provides specialized and tailored technical assistance to SFMade's growing manufacturing companies. He oversees our comprehensive and evolving suite of industry-specific advising and educational offerings, supporting SFMade member companies to help them scale profitably, and sustain and create new jobs for diverse local residents.

Prior to SFMade, Pierre co-founded Petit Pot, a dessert manufacturer based in Emeryville. In addition to making delicious pots de crème, he led business development, operations, and marketing. This entrepreneurial experience provided him with a practical understanding of key manufacturing practices, complementing his background in project management.

Pierre is a native of France, where he studied food production and industrial performance management. He holds an engineering degree in Agronomy and the Food Industry. For a comprehensive look at SF Made's projects and insights, visit episode 21 from our Covid 19 series

Amanda Fried

Amanda Fried is the Chief of Policy and Communications. Ms. Fried oversees taxpayer assistance, communications, legislation, and financial empowerment initiatives for the Office of the Treasurer & Tax Collector.

Ms. Fried joined the organization in October 2014. Prior to joining the Office of the Treasurer & Tax Collector, she served as Deputy Director in the Mayor’s Office of Housing, Opportunities, Partnerships and Engagement (HOPE) for Mayor Ed Lee, as a Senior Advisor to the Mayor in New York City, and as a legislative aide.

Ms. Fried grew up in Philadelphia and earned a B.A. in Political Science and Urban Studies from Stanford University, and a Master’s in Public Administration from the New York University Wagner School of Public Service. She lives in San Francisco with her family. Want to explore Amanda's work further? Episode 65, the small business panel from our COVID-19 series, has all the details you need

Adam Fowler

Adam J. Fowler is an economist and founding partner at CVL Economics. His work focuses on the intersection of economic development and the creative economy. Recent engagements include designing and implementing creative placemaking initiatives and developing strategies for supporting creative talent pipelines. Adam serves on the California Arts Council (CAC) Creative Economy Workgroup and the Entertainment Industry Foundation's (EIF) Careers Program Advisory Council, where he chairs the Data and Research Working Group. He is a member of the Entertainment Equity Alliance (EEA) and teaches strategic planning for the Economic Development Certificate Program at Fresno State University. His research, thought leadership, and expert commentary have been cited in a wide variety of media outlets, including the New York Times, the Los Angeles Times, Bloomberg, the San Francisco Chronicle, and National Public Radio. To get the complete picture of our guest's fascinating work, make sure to listen to episode 65, the small business panel from our Covid-19 special series.

Kristin Houk

Kristin Houk is a San Francisco-based restaurateur and community advocate, best known as the chef-owner of All Good Pizza, Tato, and Cafe Alma in the Bayview neighborhood.

Kristin Houk’s journey into the culinary world is deeply rooted in her passion for community revitalization and social entrepreneurship. Before launching her trio of restaurants, she spent years working with a nonprofit in Guatemala, helping women start small businesses through training and micro-financing. This experience shaped her commitment to empowering women and people of color, a mission she continues through her work in San Francisco.

Her first venture, All Good Pizza, opened on a formerly blighted lot on Jerrold Avenue and Third Street. Houk personally cleared out 14,000 pounds of trash to transform the space into a welcoming outdoor eatery. The restaurant quickly became a community hub, known for its wood-fired pizzas and laid-back atmosphere.

Next came Tato, a casual Mexican restaurant named after her teenage son. Tato is deeply embedded in the Bayview community, employing staff who live nearby and fostering hyperlocal connections. Houk’s third establishment, *Cafe Alma*, continues her tradition of creating inclusive, community-centric spaces that serve fresh, affordable food while supporting local nonprofits and entrepreneurs.

Beyond her culinary ventures, Houk is recognized for her role in uplifting the Bayview neighborhood, which has faced challenges like food insecurity and economic disparity. Her restaurants not only provide nourishment but also serve as platforms for mentorship and economic development.

Kristin Houk’s work exemplifies how food can be a powerful tool for social change—beautifying spaces, building community, and creating opportunities for those who need them most.

If you'd like, I can help you explore her menus, community initiatives, or even plan a visit to one of her restaurants. If this conversation sparked your interest, find out more about Kristin's restaurants in episode 41 from our special COVID-19 series.

Rebecca Bertoldi

Over the past two decades, I have distinguished myself with my ability to develop and execute high-impact marketing campaigns across multiple channels that increase conversion rates and attract new customers.

After starting on my personal development journey, I grew more passionate about helping coaches make a big impact on their clients, as my coach had done for me.

After working for Mary Morrissey's Brave Thinking Institute, I further developed my skills in building large campaigns to attract the right clients for the right coaches.

My contribution to my field has earned me multiple accolades, including the National Association of Professional Women's Woman of the Year in 2013 and the 40 Under 40 Trailblazer Award in the same year. I also received the PCSN Lyn & Buzz Burr Excellence in Communication award in 2012 for my publication, Eventful Magazine, and was named Putnam County Female Entrepreneur of the Year in 2011. There's so much more to uncover about Rebecca's work—all of it waiting for you in our digital marketing and small business panel show from episode 84 of our special Covid-19 series.

Pooja Rajani

Pooja Rajani was the Director of Programs at En2Action, a nonprofit based in San Francisco focused on empowering BIPOC communities. Pooja had been with the organization since its founding in 2019. Pooja started her project management career in the healthcare industry and has expertise in digital marketing and content marketing as well. Pooja has worked on projects that involved planning, organizing, and executing outreach to community residents, merchants, and key stakeholders in the diverse neighborhoods in the City of San Francisco, with expertise in BIPOC neighborhoods. She has worked and provided support to several small businesses, entrepreneurs, and microenterprises through programs and events like, "Ujamaa Kitchen", "Bayview Bistro", "Bayview Uncorked", "Bayview Summer Music Series", and most recently, "Sell Black". To really understand the depth of our Pooja's work, I encourage you to visit episode 24 and episode 84 of our Covid-19 special series

Laurie Thomas

What started as a personal love of food and a side business venture as a restaurant investor turned into a full career for Laurie Thomas, owner of Nice Ventures, which currently owns and manages two successful restaurants in San Francisco: Rose’s Café and Terzo. In January 2020, Thomas took on the Acting Executive Director for the Golden Gate Restaurant Association, a nonprofit trade organization focused on helping Bay Area restaurants survive and thrive.

Her previous 13 years of GGRA Board of Directors experience, plus her 20+ years of experience owning/operating restaurants in San Francisco, made this a perfect fit for Thomas. Prior to becoming a restaurateur, she earned a BS in Industrial Engineering from Stanford University, an MBA from Harvard Business School, and held senior management positions at several enterprise software companies in Silicon Valley. When she is not working or eating in her restaurants, Thomas is committed to giving back to the San Francisco community.

In July 2019, Thomas joined the SF Travel Association Board, which works to promote San Francisco as a top travel destination. She is a member of the honorary board of Meals on Wheels, an SF non-profit focused on feeding the elderly, and was a founding member of the Friends of Larkin Street, a sub-board of Larkin Street, focused on fundraising for at-risk youth. She also volunteers for non-profits through the HBS Community Partners. In her spare time, Thomas enjoys skiing, hiking, and traveling with her husband, golden retriever, and rescue cat. Interested in learning what drives Laurie's work? Episode 11 from our special Covid-19 series is where you'll find those answers.

Shannon Walter

Born in Ohio. Shannon attended and graduated from the school of Ohio State University. There, she met many friends, artists and musicians, and scientists alike...Shannon found her way to San Francisco after driving on tour with her band. The beautiful geography of San Francisco asked her to stay. Shannon met Cory and JT (Blue Plate owners), and they have enriched Shannon's life and our community with inspiration and love.

Shannon left the Blue Plate in 2023, and here's what JT posted on Instagram.

Wow! It’s difficult to fathom.. After 15 years of being the heart, soul, and smiling face of Blue Plate, Shannon “Shanager” Walter is moving on to explore the next chapter of her life. She has created a position within the restaurant that only she could do. Greeting every person that walks in our front door with a warm smile and a hug while handing out glasses of sparkling pink champagne has made every night in the last decade and a half feel special. Night in and night out, Shannon would have tables feeling as if they were at a dinner party in Shannon‘s own home.We feel blessed & are beyond grateful to have had her with us for so many years. New Year’s Eve will be her final evening in our dining room. Please go to episode 20 of our Covid 19 special series to find out more about Shannon’s work to keep Blue Plate going during a pandemic.

Jeff Trenam

I met my business partner, Cory Obenour, at UCSB, where I graduated with a BA in Environmental Studies and Botany. After college, Cory and I both moved to San Francisco where I worked for the City and County of San Francisco's Rec and Parks Department in the Laborer's Union as a gardener. For five years, I had gardening beats throughout the city, from Sharps Park in Pacifica to McLaren Park, to Golden Gate Park. I left the city job to start Blue Plate with Cory in 1998. Our doors opened in 1999. I constructed our outdoor garden and I oversee all of the operations of the front-of-the-house. To hear the full story behind Jeff's work at the Blue Plate be sure to catch episode 20 of our special Covid-19 series.

Michelle Pusateri

Michelle started Nana Joes Granola in 2010 to bring all-natural, whole-food ingredients back to the grocery store shelves. The road to success has been filled with so many highs and the lowest of lows, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Beginning with blissful and messy pasta and pizza-making sessions with my father, comfort, for me, could always be found in the kitchen. The kitchen is where I have always felt 100% myself and at peace.

The Polaroid you see on each bag of granola is a photograph of my parents in 1968, laughing after a home-cooked meal. They taught me that good food is about wholesome ingredients prepared with love and care and shared with family and friends. If you're intrigued by what you've heard so far, discover more about Michelle's work to operate a food business in episode 22 and our Digital Marketing & Small Business Panel in episode 84 of our Covid-19 special series.

Andrea Baker

Andrea Baker is the visionary behind the work and success of En2Action. She believes that vibrant, empowered communities are at the center of a just and thriving economy. Through her leadership, she transforms this belief into action, fostering economic empowerment and engagement in Black and BIPOC communities. The results are tangible, visible, and quantifiable. Andrea not only develops strategic plans—she builds hope, revitalizes commercial corridors intentionally, and works to harness the spirit of entrepreneurship in the communities En2Action serves. Before founding En2Action, Andrea served as Principal at Andrea Baker Consulting and Project Manager in the Mayor’s Office of Economic & Workforce Development in San Francisco. Ready to go behind the scenes of Andrea's work? Everything you need is in episode 23 of our special Covid-19 Series.

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