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Our mission

Advice should come from someone who's actually done it. Not a coach who's read about it. Not a consultant who's advised it from the outside. Someone who started a company, made the calls, and lived with what happened next.

Founder

Founder

Advice should come from someone who's actually done it.

We started California Founders because we kept having the same conversation ourselves sitting across from someone who'd actually built a company, getting more out of one hour with them than a month of anything else we'd tried.

We wanted that hour to be something anyone could book, not something you got by knowing the right person at a dinner party. So we built a place where the only qualification to be listed is having done the thing you're advising on.

That's still the whole idea. Everything else the conference, the community is just more ways to be in a room with the same roster.

Naja Faysal

Founder, California Founders

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What we believe

What we believe

A few things we won't compromise on.

Not a coach who's read about it. Not a consultant who's advised it from the outside. Someone who started a company, made the calls, and lived with what happened next.

Experience beats credentials

A founder who built one company and lived through it knows more about your problem than someone with ten certifications and no company of their own.

Experience beats credentials

A founder who built one company and lived through it knows more about your problem than someone with ten certifications and no company of their own.

An hour should be enough

You don't need a retainer to get useful advice. One focused hour with the right person beats months of check-ins with the wrong one.

An hour should be enough

You don't need a retainer to get useful advice. One focused hour with the right person beats months of check-ins with the wrong one.

Real names, real companies

Every founder here is attached to a company you can look up. If we can't verify what they built, they're not on the roster.

Real names, real companies

Every founder here is attached to a company you can look up. If we can't verify what they built, they're not on the roster.

Founders you can book this week.

Get real-world business advice from founders who have built companies, overcome challenges, and experienced what it takes to build a business.

Get real-world business advice from founders who have built companies, overcome challenges, and experienced what it takes to build a business.

Blue Flower

Chris Markarian, Esq.

Founder, Markarian Law Group

Chris Markarian, Esq., is the Founder and Principal Attorney of Markarian Law Group, a personal injury law firm serving California’s Inland Empire. A former U.S. Navy service member with a background in engineering and national security, Chris brings a unique perspective, discipline, and strategic approach to his legal practice. Since establishing his firm in 2013, he has focused on representing individuals and families affected by accidents and serious injuries. Deeply committed to his community, Chris is actively involved in local organizations, public safety initiatives, and educational programs, with a mission to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

Naja Faysal

Naja Faysal

Founder, Parrots Lab

Naja Faysal is the Founder and CEO of Parrots Lab Media, bringing over 15 years of experience in marketing, business strategy, and digital innovation. With a background in senior marketing roles across the Middle East and a Master's degree in Information Systems Technology, he combines marketing expertise with a strong interest in technology and AI. Through Parrots Lab, Naja helps businesses grow through strategic marketing, digital content, personal branding, and technology-driven solutions. He is passionate about helping entrepreneurs build stronger brands, connect with their audiences, and achieve sustainable business growth.

John Heaton

John Heaton

Owner & Business Development, Heaton & Associates

John Heaton is the Owner of Heaton & Associates, a Redlands-based business solutions firm helping small and growing businesses manage risk, commercial insurance, employee benefits, HR support, and payroll. Since launching the firm in 2011 with Teresa Heaton, John has focused on practical, client-first solutions that help business owners protect their companies and support long-term growth.

Blue Flower

Shelby Wilson

Founder, HyperGrowth26

With over 30 years of experience leading teams, training professionals, and driving powerful business results, Shelby brings unmatched energy and expertise to every company he serves.

Blue Flower

Chris Markarian, Esq.

Founder, Markarian Law Group

Chris Markarian, Esq., is the Founder and Principal Attorney of Markarian Law Group, a personal injury law firm serving California’s Inland Empire. A former U.S. Navy service member with a background in engineering and national security, Chris brings a unique perspective, discipline, and strategic approach to his legal practice. Since establishing his firm in 2013, he has focused on representing individuals and families affected by accidents and serious injuries. Deeply committed to his community, Chris is actively involved in local organizations, public safety initiatives, and educational programs, with a mission to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

Naja Faysal

Naja Faysal

Founder, Parrots Lab

Naja Faysal is the Founder and CEO of Parrots Lab Media, bringing over 15 years of experience in marketing, business strategy, and digital innovation. With a background in senior marketing roles across the Middle East and a Master's degree in Information Systems Technology, he combines marketing expertise with a strong interest in technology and AI. Through Parrots Lab, Naja helps businesses grow through strategic marketing, digital content, personal branding, and technology-driven solutions. He is passionate about helping entrepreneurs build stronger brands, connect with their audiences, and achieve sustainable business growth.

John Heaton

John Heaton

Owner & Business Development, Heaton & Associates

John Heaton is the Owner of Heaton & Associates, a Redlands-based business solutions firm helping small and growing businesses manage risk, commercial insurance, employee benefits, HR support, and payroll. Since launching the firm in 2011 with Teresa Heaton, John has focused on practical, client-first solutions that help business owners protect their companies and support long-term growth.

pink dining table with four chairs inside room

READY WHEN YOU ARE

Find your founder.

Book the Hour

Explore vetted founders by industry, experience, and expertise. Find someone who understands the challenges you're facing and book time directly with them.

pink dining table with four chairs inside room

READY WHEN YOU ARE

Find your founder.

Book the Hour

Explore vetted founders by industry, experience, and expertise. Find someone who understands the challenges you're facing and book time directly with them.

pink dining table with four chairs inside room

READY WHEN YOU ARE

Find your founder.

Book the Hour

Explore vetted founders by industry, experience, and expertise. Find someone who understands the challenges you're facing and book time directly with them.

pink dining table with four chairs inside room

READY WHEN YOU ARE

Find your founder.

Book the Hour

Explore vetted founders by industry, experience, and expertise. Find someone who understands the challenges you're facing and book time directly with them.