Awarepreneurs

Is it possible that the heart of social entrepreneurship beats just as strongly in a stadium as in a startup? This is just one of the provocative questions we explored with Ron Patel on the latest Awarepreneurs podcast episode, hosted by our very own Paul Zelizer. Bio: Ron Patel is President of New Mexico United, the USL professional soccer club in Albuquerque. He co-founded the club in 2018 with Majority Owner/CEO Peter Trevisani and, as VP of Sales, helped drive league-leading attendance and merchandise while shaping a strong community brand. After leading a sports & entertainment group in McAllen, TX, he returned to New Mexico in 2021, became Chief Business Officer in 2022, and was named President in January 2024. Earlier, he founded “Just Dine In” (2006), expanded it through mergers to seven Western markets, and exited after its 2015 acquisition by Grubhub. Patel also founded Albuquerque Sol (2013) and helped lay the groundwork for New Mexico’s first professional soccer franchise in United. This epis

Bio: John E. Harmon, Sr. is the Founder, President, and CEO of the African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey (AACCNJ), the state’s leading organization advocating for Black-owned businesses and economic empowerment. A former chairman of the National Black Chamber of Commerce and a current board member of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Harmon has spent more than 27 years building bridges between government, corporate leaders, and entrepreneurs to advance equity and opportunity. He is the host of the award-winning Pathway to Success TV show and The Empowerment Hour radio program, and author of Power Moves: The Life and Legacy of a Black Chamber Executive. This episode is sponsored by the coaching company of the host, Paul Zelizer. Consider a Strategy Session if you can use support growing your impact business. Resources mentioned in this episode include: African American Chamber of Commerce of NJ site Power Moves book John E. Harmon on LinkedIn Paul's Strategy Sessions Pitch an Awarepreneurs

BIO: Scott Gates is the Co-Founder and CEO of Awake Window & Door Co., a luxury window and door manufacturer specializing in building windows and door at massive sizes, with minimal frames, to maximize views in luxury custom homes. But even more important, the business focuses on its mission to reduce recidivism by providing meaningful second chance employment to those formerly incarcerated. This episode is sponsored by the coaching company of the host, Paul Zelizer. Consider a Strategy Session if you can use support growing your impact business. Resources mentioned in this episode include: Awake Window & Door site Awarepreneurs interview with Tom Vozzo of Homeboy Industries Awarepreneurs Interview with Rose Velasquez on Second Chance Hiring Paul's Strategy Sessions Pitch an Awarepreneurs episode

Bio: Jim Fruchterman is a leading social entrepreneur, author, MacArthur Fellow, recipient of the Skoll Award for Social Entrepreneurship, and Distinguished Alumnus of Caltech. After starting two successful for-profit AI companies, he went on to found Benetech, the award-winning tech nonprofit, building tools for people with disabilities and human rights defenders document and analyze abuses.  His current nonprofit projects at Tech Matters include Aselo, a shared modern contact center for the crisis response field; Terraso, software for the people on the front line of the climate crisis; and the Better Deal for Data, a data governance reform movement.    This episode is sponsored by the coaching company of the host, Paul Zelizer. Consider a Strategy Session if you can use support growing your impact business. Resources mentioned in this episode include: Benetech site Bookshare site Aselo site Terrasoul site Tech for Good book Paul's Strategy Sessions Pitch an Awarepreneurs episode

Bio: Josh Dorfman is a climate entrepreneur, author, and media personality. He is the CEO and host of Supercool, a media company covering real-world climate solutions that cut carbon, increase profits, and enhance modern life. Josh was previously the co-founder and CEO of Plantd, a carbon-negative building materials manufacturer, which was named to Fast Company’s list of the World’s Most Innovative Companies in 2024. He has founded two modern design sustainable furniture companies, directed Vine.com, an Amazon e-commerce business specializing in natural and organic products, and served as the CEO of The Collider, the nation’s first innovation center for climate resilience and adaptation. Additionally, Josh was previously known as The Lazy Environmentalist, a media brand he developed into an award-winning television series on Sundance Channel, a daily radio show on SiriusXM, and two popular books.  His work has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, Forbes, TechCrunch, Fast Company,

Lawrence Chavez is a passionate innovator focused on meaningful innovation. Lawrence has been on both sides of the table and understands the demands of the investor and the needs of the founder. Most recently as CEO & Founder of EveryDay Contacts. Previously, Lawrence co-founded Lotus Leaf Coatings, an advanced materials company in 2011. Prior to 2011 he served as a Venture Partner with Flywheel Ventures and managed the NM Gap Fund I, a seed investment fund, as well as serving as Interim CFO at Astria Semiconductor. Lawrence also served on the boards of ABQid Fund I and Arrowhead Innovation Fund, both focused on seed and early stage investing in New Mexico. This episode is sponsored by the coaching company of the host, Paul Zelizer. Consider a Strategy Session if you can use support growing your impact business. Resources mentioned in this episode include: EP 354 with Rep. Andrea Romero on New Mexico’s Permanent Fund Lawrence on LinkedIn Scarcity, Abundance & New Mexico’s Permanent Fund: Part

Paul Zelizer is the host of Awarepreneurs, the world’s longest running social entrepreneur podcast, the co-founder of NM Tech Talks and a business coach/consultant for social entrepreneurs and cleantech startups for the past 18 years. This episode is sponsored by the coaching company of the host, Paul Zelizer. Consider a Strategy Session if you can use support growing your impact business. Resources mentioned in this episode include: Rudy Parra episode NM Tech Talks site Paul's Strategy Sessions Pitch an Awarepreneurs episode

Anthony Fleg is a family medicine physician at UNM in the Department of Family and Community Medicine. Originally from Baltimore, Anthony grounds his healing work in undoing racism, health equity, movement as medicine, and with a focus on strengths and holistic health. He co-founded the Native Health Initiative (NHI) and its Running Medicine program, a unique approach to wellness through movement. He is a proud father of 4 children, an avid runner, and is about to release his second book, "Writing to Heal: The Journey Continues." This episode is sponsored by the coaching company of the host, Paul Zelizer. Consider a Strategy Session if you can use support growing your impact business. Resources mentioned in this episode include: Running Medicine site Native Health Initiative What is founders syndrome? NM Tech Talks site Dr. Fleg’s email Paul's Strategy Sessions Pitch an Awarepreneurs episode

In a political climate that is more partisan and polarized than ever, the idea of working together for the common good seems impossible. State Representative Meredith Dixon has a different view.  Her approach - one which is focused on bringing people together - is getting results for the people of Albuquerque and all of New Mexico. Rep. Dixon is one of the founders of New Mexico Women Lead, the organization that sponsors the Building an Advanced Energy Ecosystem conference.  This year it takes place on September 15-16 at the Sandia Resort & Casino near Albuquerque, NM. 

Rudy Parra is a Mechatronics & Lab Technician at GridFlow, where he supports the development of next-generation lithium-sulfur flow batteries. He specializes in IoT integration, rapid prototyping, and lab operations, helping bridge the gap between R&D and real-world energy solutions. With a background in robotics and automation, Rudy is passionate about building systems that are efficient, scalable, and safe for the grid of tomorrow. This episode is sponsored by the coaching company of the host, Paul Zelizer. Consider a Strategy Session if you can use support growing your impact business. Resources mentioned in this episode include: Rudy Parra on LinkedIn CNM Ingenuity Deep Dive Bootcamps GridFlow site NM Tech Talks site Atomic 66 site Techqueria New Mexico NMClimate on LinkedIn Black in Tech site VetsinTech site Rubber Ducks NM on LinkedIn Paul's Strategy Sessions Pitch an Awarepreneurs episode

Dr. David Gruder is a Corporate Counsel who is a 12-award-winning multi-bestselling clinical and organizational psychologist. As an Executive Team Orchestrator and Culture Catalyst, he makes integrity profitable by equipping socially responsible businesses with missing mindsets, skillsets, and procedures to actualize their unique calling in helping humanity’s most elevated future emerge. As President of Integrity Culture Systems™ and director of the Center for Enlightened Self-Sovereignty™, he provides keynotes, training programs, executive consulting, writing, and media interviews. He also hosts the “Reimagining Humanity’s Future and Yours” show. His main website is DrGruder.com. This episode is sponsored by the coaching company of the host, Paul Zelizer. Consider a Strategy Session if you can use support growing your impact business. Resources mentioned in this episode include: Dr. David Gruder’s site Reimaging Humanity’s Future show Dr. David Gruder’s books Article on the Transformation Economy

Former attorney turned space advocate, Bryce Kennedy is the Executive Director of SpaceValley Foundation and Space Connectivity Officer under the International Telecommunication Union and UN. He works with emerging economies to ensure that they have a place in space. This episode is sponsored by the coaching company of the host, Paul Zelizer. Consider a Strategy Session if you can use support growing your impact business. Resources mentioned in this episode include: SpaceValley Foundation site International Telecommunication UnionSunrun solar AI for Good initiative New Space Nexus Space Force Owen Barrett on LinkedIn White Sands Test Facility New Mexico Space Trail Q Station Atomic 66 Bryce Kennedy on Linkedin Paul's Strategy Sessions Pitch an Awarepreneurs episode

Owen, a former Global Energy Manager at a Fortune 500 company, implemented $60M in clean technology before founding lumeo, a niche ESCO that hit eight figures in three years. After a successful exit, he launched ZNE Capital to decarbonize commercial real estate, acquiring 654 units worth $75M. Frustrated by solar deployment challenges, he founded Shine—now a leading turnkey solar solution for multifamily properties. Shine is set to decarbonize 200,000 apartment units with onsite solar by 2030, accelerating clean energy adoption where it’s needed most. This episode is sponsored by the coaching company of the host, Paul Zelizer. Consider a Strategy Session if you can use support growing your impact business. Resources mentioned in this episode include: ZNE Capital site Shine Multifamily Solar Sunrun solar Garmin Connect+ controversy Positive Energy Solar interview AI usage stats Owen Barrett on LinkedIn Paul's Strategy Sessions Pitch an Awarepreneurs episode

Sona Khosla, Chief Impact Officer at Benevity, has worked with mission-driven organizations for over 15 years. As Chief Impact Officer, she is responsible for infusing impact into Benevity’s business and culture and overseeing the company’s own impact and inclusion initiatives. At the helm of Benevity Impact Labs, an incubator and resource hub, Sona and her team bring cutting-edge data, research, insights and best practices to help organizations and individuals maximize their impact and authentically live their purpose. As the host of Benevity's podcast, Speaking of Purpose, she interviews top ESG, impact, culture, DEI&B leaders who are focused on using business as a force for good. This episode is sponsored by the coaching company of the host, Paul Zelizer. Consider a Strategy Session if you can use support growing your impact business. Resources mentioned in this episode include: Benevity site Speaking of Purpose podcast Positive Energy Solar interview Target boycott article Paul's Strategy S

Benjamin Gardner is the Chief Executive Officer of Dekker Designs and a working principal of the D/P/S commercial group, Benjamin is dedicated to improving the built environment using skills acquired from combined backgrounds in architecture, construction, and construction management. Benjamin has been with Dekker/Perich/Sabatini since 2001, and has led multiple project teams through all phases of planning, design, and construction administration. His years with D/P/S have given him a breadth of project experience that informs his unique understanding of the issues faced by developers, educators, and the communities in which the firm does business. Benjamin also has a long history of developing his family-owned properties, including hotels, a Montessori preschool and elementary academy that serves over 200 students, which he co-founded with his wife. They have recently developed a 78 bed senior living facility that is adjacent to the schools and it provides an intergenerational experiences for both seniors an

Once called a “unicorn” for her entrepreneurial approach, Vicki Apodaca is a seasoned marketer, entrepreneur, and philanthropist. Vicki has been a founding member of several tech startups (Phalanx, StellarFi, Joust, and Soply), and have also been through two exits (Joust acquired by ZenBusiness, Starship HSA acquired by Optum). Her passion in go-to-market and marketing strategy has led her to now be a Fractional CMO and Advisor across several startups worldwide. A native Burqueña, Vicki co-founded the New Mexico chapter of Techqueria – a Latinx in tech 501(3)(c) nonprofit – and NMClimate – a community for climate and energy-focused entrepreneurs. She lives in a cozy home with her partner and two Pekingese who run their house. Links NM Lottery Program FiatVentures Advisors site Phalanx site Techqueria New Mexic0 site Atomic 66 site Q Station site SpaceValley Foundation site CNM Ingenuity site nDigitize site Vicki on LinkedIn 

Paul Zelizer is the host of the Awarepreneurs Podcast, the world’s longest running social entrepreneur podcast, and has been a Business Coach who specializes in working with social entrepreneurs and climate tech founders for the past 18 years. This episode is sponsored by the coaching company of the host, Paul Zelizer. Consider a Strategy Session if you can use support growing your impact business. Resources mentioned in this episode include: Market research episode NMClimate newsletter Four Corners Clean Tech Accelerator Paul's Strategy Sessions Pitch an Awarepreneurs episode

  Manuela Guzmán is the Head of Network at Top Tier Impact (TTI), a global ecosystem of 600+ investors, founders, and corporates dedicated to solving the world’s most pressing challenges. She leads TTI’s network strategy, fostering high-impact connections that drive investments, deal flow, and partnerships across key hubs like London, New York, San Francisco, Paris, Singapore, Bali, and Dubai. A systems thinker with a strategic and creative approach, she excels at simplifying complexity and enabling collaboration. Passionate about sustainability, regeneration, and conscious leadership, Manuela is committed to scaling solutions that create a more equitable and thriving world. Links Top Tier Impact site Nomads Giving Back site Alyssa Berg, Top Tier Impact Founder Top Tier Impact events Manuela Guzman on LinkedIn

David Reiling is the President and CEO of Sunrise Banks, a mission-driven, values-based bank with locations in Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota and Sioux Falls, South Dakota. David has worked in the community development banking industry for more than 25 years. He is a social entrepreneur and innovator who strives to forge meaningful partnerships, drive sustainable economic growth and create financial empowerment for all.   Sunrise Banks site Social Venture Network site Self Online Credit Builder Program David’s email Paul's Strategy Sessions Pitch an Awarepreneurs episode

For four decades, Rebecca “Puck” Stair has built teams to tackle complex, high-profile, high-dollar projects. In 2023, she came to the New Mexico state energy office after two decades in the New Mexico film industry, where she worked as a producer and location manager on over a hundred films, television shows, commercials and other media projects, including podcasts and conferences for the Franciscan monk Father Richard Rohr. In 2020, she ran for NM Senate, and subsequently served as a policy analyst for our House of Representatives Consumer & Public Affairs Committee. For two years, Stair served as president of New Mexico’s largest film crew union, IATSE Local 480. Stair graduated Cum Laude from Amherst College with a BA in English Literature, and completed some graduate study in linguistics at Georgetown University. Between championing clean-energy projects for the state, she rides horses, skis, races triathlons, and other questionable activities that require helmets. This episode is sponsored by t