Adam Rochon is the co-owner of Sequoia Employee Benefits & Insurance Solutions, an insurance agency in Exeter, California that specializes in implementing benefit plan models and business solutions for companies of all sizes. Mr. Rochon followed his mother, and now business partner, Belinda Roberts, into the insurance and benefits industry and today they have a collective 28 years of insurance experience. 

Mike Roach is a seasoned entrepreneur who has co-owned Paloma Clothing in Portland, Oregon since 1975. The 1,500-square-foot retail store has 15 employees and sells a wide variety of women's apparel, jewelry and accessories. In addition to co-owning his business, Mike has been president of the Hillsdale Business and Professional Association for 25 years and sits on the board of the Alliance of Portland Neighborhood Business Associations. 

A small business owner residing in Las Vegas, Nevada, Ron Nelsen took full ownership of his family’s small company, Pioneer Overhead Door, in 1998. He employs five workers full time. Ron began his career in the family business at their Nebraska branch, which opened in the mid 1960s. Since the Las Vegas Valley location opened in 1978, Pioneer Overhead Door has been well known for its commitment to running an honest business, and offering quality garage doors and accessories.

In 2009, Tracy duCharme’s extensive background in illustration and design inspired her to open a paint your own pottery studio, Color Me Mine, in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Over the past few years, Tracy has become an incredibly vocal advocate for small business issues at both the state and national levels. Tracy has spoken out on behalf of Color Me Mine’s nine employees, as well as her fellow entrepreneurs, on issues like minimum wage, employment nondiscrimination and healthcare.

Zachary Davis is the co-owner of The Glass Jar, a farm to table restaurant group based in Santa Cruz, California, with a focus on the nexus between sustainable food and community. The group formed in 2010 with the opening of The Penny Ice Creamery, an ice cream manufacturing and retail business dedicated to the use of organic, locally sourced and seasonal ingredients.

Nancy Clark has owned Drive Brand Studio, a branding and advertising agency since 1997. Her firm's clients include medium-size and small businesses from Maine to Colorado, as well as nonprofits and government agencies.

In 1992, after working for large retailers throughout college, small business owner Mike Brey knew he understood the ins and outs of professionalizing the retail workforce. Mike believes a successful retail business takes employees who know the product, are happy with their job and provide excellent customer service. This combination proved to be a recipe for success. Hobby Works has two locations in Maryland with 24 employees.