Hutto's Business Retention and Expansion program, or BizThrive is hosting its first event! Make your way to Historic Downtown Hutto on May 1 at 6 pm at for The Cornerstones of Small Business, a night to learn and network. This session is open to local small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs. During the panel discussion, experts will discuss actionable takeaways about business marketing, commercial real estate, legal business matters, and financial opportunities to place your business on a path to success. You will also have an opportunity to network with the panelists and attendees!
The Cornerstones of Small Business
Date: Wednesday, May 1, 2024
Time: 6 pm to 7 pm Networking from 7 to 7:30 pm
Location: Forty4 Design, 107 East Street, Hutto, TX
Limited Spaces; RSVP Required.
Learn about your expert panel:
Felix Jaimes
Founder & Creative Director and Muralist
Forty4 Design
www.forty4.design
Born and raised in Austin, Texas, Felix Jaimes is the Founder and Creative Director of Forty4 Design - A Minority-owned Creative Agency seamlessly integrating graphic design, web development, and digital marketing to provide comprehensive solutions that drive brand engagement and growth for SMBs. Felix has led his company to the forefront of the design industry, crafting memorable brand experiences for clients across various sectors. Beyond his professional endeavors, Felix is deeply committed to nurturing the art culture and fostering community engagement. He serves as a board member of the Hutto Arts & Entertainment Commission, member of the Hutto Chamber of Commerce, Chamber Ambassador, as well as the Hutto Hispanic Initiative, where he works to empower the Hispanic community through education, networking, and advocacy. His influence in the design world extends to academia, where he serves as an advisor for the Web Development and Design Statewide Advisory Committee at Texas State Technical College (TSTC). In this capacity, he contributes his industry insights and expertise to help shape the curriculum and guide the next generation of designers and developers, ensuring they are equipped with the skills and knowledge to thrive in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
Felix proudly stands as not just a visual designer but also a mural artist whose vibrant creations have attracted attention from industry giants like SXSW, Live Nation, and Austin FC. His murals, bursting with lively colors and engaging narratives, not only enhance Austin's streets but also captivate audiences globally. With a friendly touch and a sense of pride, Felix masterfully combines Austin's unique vibe with the worldwide appeal of these famous brands, crafting murals that are visually striking and full of character.
Nik Sallie
Managing Attorney
Tastemakers Legal, PLLC
www.tastemakerslegal.com
Nik Sallie is an award-winning Intellectual Property attorney based in Austin, Texas. During her decade-long tenure at Facebook/Meta Platforms, Inc., she not only helped design and implement the global IP reporting system but also served on special interest teams for counterfeit prevention, quality control, escalations and Attorneys General matters, managed the Team's contractor workforce and personally processed over 4,000 cases. As an advertising Account Executive, she helped build the Healthcare Team, advised Fortune 500 brands such as United Healthcare and BetterHelp, and generated over $100M in ad revenue during her sales career.
Nik established her boutique trademark law firm in 2014 to help visionary founders register trademarks so they can own, protect and profit from their brands. She focuses on trademark prosecution, including for cannabis brands. This year she also founded Malachite & Moon, a transformational business consulting firm that helps founders launch personal brands and more.
She's held multiple leadership positions in the Texas State Bar IP Section, including serving on its Council and founding the Women in IP Austin Chapter 10 years ago. Nik also earned numerous awards and honors for her marketing and legal expertise, including Austin Monthly Top Attorney.
Victor L. Henry, MSA
Commercial Tenant Representative
Don Quick & Associates
www.donquick.com
Victor L. Henry holds a Real Estate license in the state of Texas. Victor previously worked in the Insurance industry from 2001 until 2009. He started his real estate career in 2006. He currently works with Don Quick & Associates as a Commercial Tenant Representative in the Central Texas region.
In 2009, Victor began working in commercial real estate in the Austin area. He has represented a variety of clients to include churches, software companies, daycares, a food prep business, and a men’s group home. His expertise is working on behalf of tenants, helping them locate and negotiate new leases and renewals.
Victor was raised in Port Arthur, Texas and graduated from Abraham Lincoln High School in 1988. He attended Rice University where he was a member of the football team and graduated in 1993 with a B.A. in Political Science and a B.A. in Human Performance and Sports Sciences. He earned his Master of Accountancy through the University of Phoenix in 2012.
Victor is also the owner of LearnBrary Social, a professional development curriculum provider. He has authored Commercial Leasing: A Tenant's Perspective, a Texas Real Estate Commission continuing education course on Tenant Representation.
Victor has volunteered with the National Black MBA-Austin Chapter’s Leaders of Tomorrow program for high school students and was a Classroom Coach in Austin I.S.D.
Victor has served on the Austin Human Resources Management Association’s (AHRMA) Diversity Committee and has been recognized as Volunteer of the Month. He has served on his church’s Financial Ministry and has been on local and internet radio broadcasts discussing a variety of topics including business and social issues. He has been a guest on KAZI 88.7’s The Wake-Up Call with Ms. Natomi Austin. He is the former Co-host of RealEstateOnAir .com (1060 AM – Austin). He is also an instructor/presenter with BigAustin and has been a presenter for Relationship and Information Series for Entrepreneurs (R.I.SE.).
Victor was a member of the Astrodome Rotary from 2003 to 2007 and served as Club President in 2005-2006. He has been a member of the Austin Chapter of 100 Black Men since 2019.
Victor is active in the community where he lives in Hutto, Texas. He is formerly a member of that Hutto Economic Development Board of Directors. He and his wife work with voter registration initiatives as Volunteer Deputy Registrars.
Victor is married to Vanessa. They have three daughters, Avauna (35), Andranique (32), Alyssa (15), and one son, Andreas (11).
Victor states that in his current journey through life, he has learned more how to incorporate Biblical teachings into his daily travels, maintaining a steady and directly purposeful course.
Jeff Croy
President & CEO
Croy Growth Advisors
www.croygrowthadvisors.com
Jeff Croy is President & CEO of Croy Growth Advisors. Jeff’s experience as an entrepreneur and his background in corporate finance ignited his interest in management consulting for small and mid-sized businesses. Jeff has led many small companies to scale and exit with strategic focus on distribution and go-to-market initiatives. As a private equity investor, operator and finance officer Jeff has identified the most important aspects for companies to achieve sustainable growth in challenging and competitive markets.
From Jeff’s early days in corporate finance and asset management Jeff has provided leadership in product development, corporate strategy and distribution. Jeff’s most satisfying business accomplishments involve building purpose-driven corporate cultures, successfully managing client and distribution relationships. Jeff has diverse business experience including management consulting, manufacturing, financial services, private equity and technology.
In addition to many smaller companies, Jeff has contributed to the success of Hallmark Cards, MFS Investment Management, Cultivate Advisors, and Yo-Fi Wellness. Jeff holds an MBA from Washington University and has received numerous professional awards for corporate cultural contributions and sales excellence. Jeff is married to his wife of 38 years and their family of four enjoys world travel, fly fishing, golf and the arts when they get together.
