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Meet Our Mentors
Meet Our Mentors

SCORE is comprised of volunteers who have had successful careers as professionals, executives, and business owners. Volunteers will meet with you individually to define and analyze your needs, then develop solutions. Schedule an appointment by clicking below or give us a call at call 760-773-6507.

Schedule an Appointment

Find a mentor with the expertise that you’re looking for and schedule a free appointment at your convenience.

Our Expertise

  • Accommodation & Food Services 
  • Accountability/Goal Setting/Time Management
  • Agriculture
  • Arts, Entertainment & Recreation
  • Banking/Financial Services
  • Business Acquisition
  • Business Finance/Accounting
  • Business Operations
  • Business Start-Up
  • Business Strategy/Planning
  • Buying or Selling a Business
  • Clothing/Apparel
  • Construction
  • Consulting, Research & Business Services
  • Consumer Products, Manufacturing & Distribution
  • Customer Relations
  • Educational Services
  • Employee Relations
  • Franchising
  • Forestry
  • Fishing
  • Fund Raising
  • Government Contracting
  • Grants
  • Health Care
  • Hunting
  • Human Resources & Internal Communications
  • Imports/Exports
  • Insurance
  • International Trade
  • Legal Issues
  • Logistics
  • Logistics & Warehousing
  • Manufacturing & Product Development
  • Marketing Advertising & Creative Services
  • Marketing/ Public Relations
  • Media & Communications
  • Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction
  • Non-Profits
  • Online Mentoring
  • Patents/Copyrights/Intellectual Properties
  • Professional Services Businesses
  • Public & Professional Organizations
  • Real Estate Leasing/Site Acquisition
  • Real Estate, Rental Services & Leasing
  • Restaurants/Hospitality
  • Retail & Wholesale Trade
  • Sales
  • Supply Chain Management
  • Tax Planning
  • Technical & Scientific Services
  • Technology & IT Services
  • Technology & Web-Based Services

Juan Modesto - Location: Palm Desert

Career Summary: Sixteen years of experience leading teams in manufacturing, payroll, IT, retail, hospitality, and food service.  Experience includes small business consulting.  Started businesses from the ground up and have also been very involved with HR, training, and development.

My commitment to “YOU” as a SCORE mentor, is to ensure the most effective guidance, so your business can prosper and you as a business owner can achieve the American Dream.  My aim is to provide guidance, but also focus on your learning and development as a business owner.

Education:  Master’s in Business Administration, Bachelor’s in Business Management, Associates Degree in Computer Network, and Doctor of Management – Organizational Leadership (Attending)

Con mas de 15 años de experiencia en administracion de empresas, estoy aqui para ayudarle en iniciar su negocio, crecer su negicio, finanzas y todo lo referiente en el negocio! No espere as una cita conmigo hoy!

Expertise: Business Acquisition, Business Finance, and Accounting, Business Operations, Business Strategy and Planning, Clothing and Apparel, Consulting, Research, and Business Services, Educational Services, Employee Relations, Human Resources, and Internal Communications, Logistics, Logistics and Warehousing, Marketing Advertising and Creative Services, Marketing/Public Relations, Non-Profits, Public and Professional Organizations, Restaurants/ Hospitality, Retail and Wholesale Trade, Sales, Technology and IT Services, Technology and Web-Based Services

John Harris - Location: Palm Desert

Career Summary: Spent over 30 years in the banking industry, primarily as a Regional Manager overseeing teams of commercial lenders providing business loans and other banking services.  Specialized in trade finance (providing services to importers/exporters).  Managed business development and marketing programs.  Background in accounting and financial analysis,  

Education:  Bachelors of Arts Degree in Philosophy from University of California, Santa Barbara.  Accounting and Financial Analysis classes/seminars.  Commercial Lending classes/seminars.

Expertise: Banking and Financial Services, Business Acquisition, Business Finance, and Accounting, Business Strategy and Planning, Fund Raising, Imports/ Exports, International Trade, Marketing/Public Relations, Real Estate/Leasing/Site Acquisition, Sales

Steve Baker – Location: Palm Desert

Career Summary: My background is in sports management and marketing, and non-profit management.  I consider myself a business generalist who can assist business owners with all aspects of their business.  As a college professor, I taught entrepreneurship, economics, and international business.

Education:  MS in Finance, University of Denver, MBA, Kellogg Graduate School of Management, Northwestern University

Industry Experience:  Sports, Insurance, Financial Services

Expertise:  Business Operations, Business Strategy/Planning, Business Startup, Employee Relations, Fund Raising, Human Resources, and Internal Communications, Insurance, Marketing Advertising and Creative Services, Market/Public Relations, Media and Communications, Non-Profits.

Liz Hauer – Location: Palm Desert

Career Summary: I have 30+ years of experience as a senior leader in the retail industry, with positions at Macy’s, Duty-Free Shops Hong Kong, Gap, Old Navy, and Forever 21.  I am passionate about retail and can provide guidance on most aspects of retail to help clients manage a successful and profitable retail business. As an inventory management expert, I am able to assist clients in deciding strategies for buying and assortment strategy, and then managing this inventory for maximum return on investment. I have managed teams of 100+ people so I am able to assist with human resource questions including how to hire, train and retain team members. I have always been extremely focused on customer service so can also provide guidance on how to attract and grow a loyal customer following. 

Expertise:  Business Operations, Business Strategy/Planning, Business Startup, Clothing/Apparel, Employee Relations, Human resources and Internal Communications, Manufacturing and Product Development, Marketing/Public Relations, Retail and Wholesale Trade, Sales; Logistics; Consumer Products, Manufacturing & Distribution; Customer Relations.

Gregg Arends – Location: Palm Springs

Career Summary: Twenty-nine years of consumer marketing experience to help you establish and/or grow your business.  He has successfully established and grown brands while in senior marketing positions with startups to Fortune 500 Companies, including Jim Beam, Con Agra, Hansen Beverage, and Omnicom.   He currently works part-time as an Adjunct Professor of Marketing at Cal Poly Pomona where is teaches undergrad and MBA classes.  Gregg can help you identify business opportunities, develop and launch new products and services, establish marketing communications and advertising strategies and profitably expand your brand. 

Education:  MBA from Kellogg Graduate School of Management at Northwestern University

Expertise:  Business Strategy/Planning; Consulting, Research, and Business Services; Consumer Products, Manufacturing and Distribution; Educational Services; International Trade; Manufacturing and Product Development; Marketing Advertising & Creative Services; Marketing/Public Relations; Media and Communications; Online Mentoring; Retail and Wholesale Trade; Sales

Loren Liesemeyer – Location Palm Desert

Career Summary:  I can help you in the areas of Finance and Banking, developing and implementing a business plan along with a sales and marketing strategy. I was in the wealth management business for 32 years. I worked with business owners, professionals, and individuals, advising clients in the areas of cash flow analysis, tax strategies, risk management, strategic planning, and sales and marketing plan implementation.

Expertise:  Banking/Financial Services; Business Finance/Accounting; Business Operations; Business Strategy/Planning; Business Startup; Consulting, Research, and Business Solutions; Insurance; Marketing Advertising and Creative Services; Marketing/Public Relations; Real Estate, Rental Services, and Leasing; Sales

Brian Wachs – Location:  Palm Desert

Career Summary:  I have been a CPA since 1975. I have advanced through the ranks to Partner in several of the largest accounting firms in the world.  I have also worked as a CFO in private industry for a small business, where I had hands-on experience, dealing with day-to-day problems.  I have taught accounting and taxation at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. I possess a master’s degree in taxation.

I spent the most recent part of my career acquiring and managing my own CPA firm here in the Coachella Valley. Over the last 15 years, I have broadened my experience. In addition to the technical challenges of the profession and client relations, I was involved with human resources, marketing, and management. Having all small business clients, I have helped them over the years in a myriad of ways, including tax planning, budgeting, cash flow analysis, and understanding accounting reporting as a planning tool.

Education:  B.A. California State College at Fullerton -1973; M.S. in Taxation Golden Gate University -1982

Expertise:  Business Acquisition; Business Finance/Accounting/Tax; Business Strategy/Planning; Consulting Research and Business Services; Construction; Fund Raising; Non-Profits; Professional Services Businesses; Real Estate Rental Services and Leasing.

Ron Stirpe – Location:  Palm Desert

Career Summary:  I am an action-oriented sales/marketing executive with 30+ years of creating innovative ‘out-of-the-box’ customer focus initiatives for startups, turnarounds, and high-growth companies with an emphasis on e-marketing strategies.  Sixteen years as a Professor of Marketing and Management with the University of Phoenix.

Education:  B.S. in Business Administration from State University of New York at Albany, MBA from Pepperdine University

Expertise:  Business Operations; Business Strategy and Planning, Manufacturing and Product Development; Marketing and Public Relations; Non-Profit; Sales; Technology and IT Services, Business Plans/Start-Up Assistance, Consulting, Research & Business Services, Marketing Advertising & Creative Services, Media & Communications

Panayot “PT” Tomov – Location:  Palm Desert

Career Summary:  The name Panayot Tomov (PT) has become synonymous with Elite Real Estate; Luxury properties and investments all over Greater Palm Springs.  Graduating with an International Business and Global Marketing Degree from one of the best universities in California has set an exceptional standard and an incredibly innovative business approach.  Saying “yes” to strategic market placement, evaluation, and creative global marking.  As an acknowledged business owner, Tomov has managed his family business successfully over the timeframe of 10 years.  He’s helped to increase their assets substantially and established a successful model for the future.  His “newcomer approach” combined with an “old-timer” mentality creates an atmosphere for success from the get-go.  Passion, involvement, curiosity, and diligence are some of the ingredients that Tomov believes make a business owner successful.

Education:  International Business and Global Marketing Undergraduate Degree, Cal Poly Pomona

Expertise:  Business Finance and Accounting; Business Operations; Business Operations; Business Strategy/Planning; Marketing and Public Relations; Sales; Accountability/Goal Setting/Time;  Management; Arts, Entertainment & Recreation; Business Plans/Start-Up Assistance; Media & Communications

Kevin Kellerman – Location: Palm Desert

Career Summary: I owned my own service business for over thirty years, and would like to share my experience and knowledge with others. SCORE has an amazing reputation for mentoring both small business owners and those people considering going into business. My company included consulting within the Automotive Industry. We provided teaching workshops on starting a business, complying with State and local regulations, compliance issues, marketing, and methods for growth and development. My dealership education program was a first of its kind in California, setting the standard for success through education. After retiring from that industry, I entered the world of real estate, aiding buyers and sellers in the residential market. My years of experience made the transition much easier and within a short period of time, I was training others using basic business skills. It is extremely satisfying mentoring others, helping people use their full potential, and enjoying their own success.

Education: UCLA Bachelor of Arts

Expertise: Educational Services; Real Estate, rental, and leasing; Business planning and Startup assistance; Marketing and customer relations; Public Relations, Sales, and Strategy and Planning.

Peter Holland – Location: Palm Desert

Career Summary: I am currently ‘semi-retired’ transitioning from many years in business and owning my own real estate, construction, and other businesses. I enjoy helping others succeed and think my past experience could be very helpful to others.

Education: University of Arizona – Real Estate and Finance Major – LEED certified AP, Licensed Real Estate Broker, Licensed General Contractor.

Expertise: Accountability/Goal Setting/Time Management; Business Operations; Business Strategy/Planning; Construction; Marketing/Public Relations; Real Estate Leasing/Site Acquisition; Real Estate Rental and Leasing; Sales.

Paul Hosking – Location: Palm Desert

Career Summary: Over the past 30+ years I have gained international experience in large B2B corporations serving Aerospace and Oil & Gas markets. I am most passionate about “moving the needle” and connecting Strategy, Product Management, and Product Development to accelerate business growth. 

During my career, I have held various senior roles in Business Unit Management, Business Development, Product Management, Program Management, and Manufacturing Management. I am also the co-inventor of several international patents relating to the Internet of Things. As a result, I can offer guidance across a wide range of business opportunities and issues.

I am also well positioned to provide expertise on businesses ranging from large to small having most recently championed a global startup “business within a business” providing highly engineered solutions to mitigate Greenhouse Gas Emissions. 

In summary, I am excited to share my expertise and lessons learned to help you build and grow your business and achieve your dreams.

Education: M.A. Advanced Manufacturing, University of Cambridge; B.A. Production Engineering, University of Cambridge

Expertise: Accountability/Goal Setting/Time Management; Business Operations; Business Strategy/Planning; Business Plans/Start-Up Assistance; Government Regulations and Contracting; International Trade; Logistics; Manufacturing and Product Development; Marketing/Public Relations; Mining, Quarrying/Oil and Gas Extraction; Patents/Copyrights/Intellectual Properties; Public and Professional Organizations

Mark Edmead – Location – Palm Desert

Career Summary:  Since 1982, I have been providing training and consulting in the areas of strategic planning (both for business and IT), business analysis, organizational analysis, and business improvement services. I work with organizations that want to align information technology with business goals to drive bottom-line performance and growth. I can help SCORE clients streamline operations to become more effective and efficient. I've worked as a management and technical consultant for IBM, KPMG, Ernest, and Young. In 1988 I was a finalist in the Entrepreneur of the Year award in San Diego.

Education:  MBA, Bachelor of Information Technology, Post-graduate courses in finance, strategic thinking, and strategy from Tuck School of Business.

Expertise:  Business Plans/Start-Up Assistance; Business Operations; Business Strategy and Planning; Consulting, Research, and Business Services; Government Regulations and Contracting; Manufacturing and Product Development; Technology.

Patricio Ortiz – Location:  Palm Desert

Career Summary:  My expertise is in the agricultural industry. I've done research and development for multinational corporations looking to expand their portfolios in the United States. I worked with international companies to manage exports and production while also raising capital from institutional investors for agricultural operations. As a result, I am confident in my abilities to help you navigate the agricultural industry and get started, as well as answer any questions you may have.

Mi experiencia es en la industria agrícola. He realizado investigación y desarrollo para corporaciones multinacionales que buscan expandir su alcance en los Estados Unidos. Trabajé con empresas internacionales para gestionar las exportaciones y la producción. Recaude fondos de capital de inversores institucionales para operaciones agrícolas. Como resultado, confío en mis habilidades para ayudarlo a navegar la industria agrícola y comenzar, así como para responder cualquier pregunta que pueda tener.

Education:  Bachelors of Science in Agronomy; Crop and Soil Sciences from Brigham Young University, Idaho.

Expertise:  Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing, and Hunting; Business Plans/Start-Up Assistance; Business Operations; Business Strategy and Planning; International Trade.

Marina Vitek – Location:  Palm Desert

Career Summary:  Attorney with 25-plus years of experience.  I can assist with employment law issues including wage and hour compliance, employee versus independent contractor classifications, and compliance with harassment and discrimination training.

Education:  Undergraduate degree from Occidental College; Law degree from the University of La Verne.

Expertise:  Employee Relations; Human Resources & Internal Communications; Insurance;  Legal Issues; Professional, Scientific & Technical Services

CONNECT
73-733 Fred Waring Dr,
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Palm Desert, CA 92260
(760) 773-6507

Copyright © 2024 SCORE Association, SCORE.org

Funded, in part, through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. All opinions, and/or recommendations expressed herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the SBA.

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