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Controller
Sheila has an extensive background as an accountant, auditor, CPA and controller for a broad range of companies. With over 20 years of experience in the field, she provides expert level accounting services specifically tailored to the individual client’s needs. Sheila helps businesses streamline and run more efficiently by being the gatekeeper for all business activities. She has negotiated with the IRS, handled EDD audits, hired and worked with attorneys and handled public and private audits from beginning to end. Sheila has provided accounting services for a variety of companies ranging from KPMG, independent auditing, Frontier Airlines, marketing/manufacturing, real estate and various fitness companies.
Sheila is a CPA and has a Bachelor of Science degree from UCLA with a focus in the areas of mathematics and applied science (emphasis in operations research). Her specializations also include computer science and business administration.
Fractional CFO
Michael A. Russell, “Mike,” has over twenty-five years of experience as a CFO – principally with rapidly growing, technology-based, manufacturing and software companies. He has been associated with both private and public companies, gaining experience in nearly every role in a financial department. These responsibilities have included functions in accounting, credit, and collections, treasury, financial planning and budgeting, information systems and human resources over the course of his career.
Mike’s record of equity financing speaks for itself, having participated in rasing over $70 million. As a consultant and advisor to emerging companies, he has significant experience in the development of financial strategy and direction, monitoring and explaining performance versus the agreed-to plan. As a CFO for companies in the startup phase, Mike is able to span the requirements of a financial management position from day-to-day detail to assessing the overall view of the strategic direction of the organization. he has developed and maintained relationships with bankers, investors and shareholders.
Mike attended UCLA, where he received a BSEE and MBA in Finance.
Founder & CEO
Tyler is a serial entrepreneur, startup coach, early stage PT CFO and trusted advisor to numerous founders. He is passionate about helping entrepreneurs start companies that matter. Tyler has helped launch over 200 companies, non-profits and social enterprises.
The first company he started and sold is VAVi Sport & Social Club which grew to over 25,000 members in six years, and was recognized as San Diego’s 30th & 32nd fastest growing private company in 2006-2007 by the San Diego Business Journal and sold for over 25 times the capital investment.
Prior to launching VAVi, Tyler served as the Deputy Campaign Manager for Tim Kane for Congress, where he crafted and managed all aspects of launching and managing a United States Congressional Campaign. He was responsible for the fundraising plan creation & execution, staff volunteer recruitment & management, as well as marketing plan design & implementation. The design and production of campaign promotional materials and other creative marketing initiatives led to substantially increased name recognition and voter support.
Tyler has served as a trusted advisor on numerous Non-Profit and Corporate Board of Directors. He was born in Virginia and spends his free time stand up paddle boarding and building furniture.
DOMAGMA
Mario is a Business Analyst for The Startup Garage. In addition to his educational background, Mario is also passionate in sustainable energy and renewable transportation, noted by his experience working with Tesla Motors. He brings an entrepreneurial bend to his work and a unique perspective to his clients that is tailored to their market.
Community Development Manager
Danielle Greenhouse is the Operations Manager at The Startup Garage. Prior to joining the TSG team, Danielle worked in the financial services industry with a focus on Operations, Community/Business Development and Meeting & Event Planning. Earlier in her career Danielle worked as a trader and Relationship Manager at Fidelity Investments and she also gained administrative and operational experience working in the Hedge Fund industry. Additional experience includes a background in Early Childhood Development.
Danielle now lives in the San Diego, CA area with her husband of 14 years and her two daughters. She is a graduate of the University of Connecticut and enjoys spending time outdoors with her family and 13-year-old Boston Terrier Roxy. Other hobbies include recently learning to ski, attending regular fitness classes and baking.
Danielle also serves as a Parent Volunteer for the North County Consortium for Special Education (NCCSE). NCCSE is a Special Education Local Planning Area (SELPA) whose goal is to ensure that every eligible child receives appropriate special education services within their school district.
Degree/Certifications: B.A., Arts & Science from The University of Connecticut (concentration: English, Women’s Studies). Additional studies: Mira Costa College (concentration: Early Childhood Education).
Managing Partner
Early in his career Mark built his own business with over 120 employees; he has also operated a franchise company with 300 offices and 3,000 sales agents. Mark works with venture funds, private equity funds and commercial real estate developers. He serves on numerous boards of directors, has started up dozens of new companies, has worked with investment banks as a FINRA registered representative and has traveled to and worked with companies all over world on complex business projects.
Mark operates his consulting company, Meyerdirk Consulting Group, Inc., which specializes in capital formation strategies for emerging companies, franchising and is the co-founder of the Alternative Investment Forum designed to connect high net worth investors, family offices and private equity firms with early stage companies.
Mark lives in the Kansas City area with his wife of 41 years and has 4 children and 5 grandchildren. He is a graduate of the University of Colorado – Boulder and Washburn University School of Law.
PRESIDENT
Lauren M. Diaz, CPA, is the President at The Startup Garage, joining the team in 2016.
Lauren worked as a Director of Finance for CSX, a Fortune 250 Transportation Company, based in Jacksonville, FL. During her six-year career at CSX, Lauren held multiple Finance and Marketing roles, gaining valuable experience in financial modeling, pricing analytics, market valuation and capital strategy. Prior to CSX, Lauren spent two years at a Public Accounting firm in Miami, FL.
Lauren is a passionate cyclist and triathlete and is the CFO and Director of Sponsor Strategy for DelaFina Racing, a not-for-profit women’s cycling team and club. DelaFina Racing seeks to empower women and build confidence through the sport of cycling.
Community Operations Manager
Lacie Ward is the Community Operations Manager at The Startup Garage. Prior to joining the TSG team, Lacie worked in the Brand Development industry with a focus on Public Relations, Community/Business Development and Social Media Management. Lacie attended California State University San Marcos where she studied Communications with an emphasis in Mass Media and was involved with the Peer Mentorship Program, Greek Life and was an Orientation Team leader.
Lacie was born and raised in San Diego, CA and doesn’t plan on leaving anytime soon. She enjoys spending time outdoors and is an animal rights activist. Other hobbies include cooking, gardening and spending time at the beach.
Lacie also serves as a volunteer for Kitchens For Good. Kitchens for Good aims to break the cycles of food waste, poverty and hunger through innovative programs in workforce training, healthy food production, and social enterprise.
Fractional CFO
Victoria possesses over fifteen years of experience in finance, capital raising, marketing and sales, and operations development, including experience at a top 10 global private equity firm and in founding and selling her own company. She has participated in raising over $2.5 billion for various alternative investments.