Thanks for checking out the Awarepreneurs podcast! My name is Paul Zelizer and I am passionate - you could say obsessed - about the intersection of 3 things: a) conscious business, b) social impact and c) awareness practices. I believe these 3 movements are some of the most dynamic movements on our planet at this time. Around the world. people are discovering how to lead with compassion and create businesses that truly are a force for good. Each week, I do a deep dive interview with a thought…
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Bio: Scott Lopez is the Founder and CEO of the New Mexico Nuclear Alliance, where he advances New Mexico's nuclear energy ecosystem through advocacy, policy, and economic development. He is also the Founder and CEO of Vida Mejor Capital and one of the principal organizers of the annual New Mexico Energy Policy Symposium, now in its third year, bringing together policymakers, industry leaders,…
BIO: Paul Zelizer has been a business coach for social entrepreneurs and cleantech companies for the past 18 years, the host of the Awarepreneurs podcast and co-founder of NM Tech Talks and NMClimate. A growing portion of my work is as a fractional VP of Business Development for cleantech startups and mission driven companies. This episode is sponsored by the coaching company of the host, Paul…
BIO: Tim Shaler is the CEO of 639 Solar & 639 Cloud. His 30 year career has focused on client retention, ESG investing, valuation work and investing in electricity and gas companies to help manage a solar & battery -powered datacenter business. This episode is sponsored by the coaching company of the host, Paul Zelizer. Consider a Strategy Session if you can use support growing your impact…
BIO: For the past 20 years, Paul Zelizer has been a coach and consultant for mission driven entrepreneurs and businesses. You can find out more about his services at PaulZelizer.com This episode is sponsored by the coaching company of the host, Paul Zelizer. Consider a Strategy Session if you can use support growing your impact business. Resources mentioned in this episode include: Episode 390:…
Bio: Riley Neugebauer is a licensed residential electrician and solar tradeswoman based in Colorado. She works as a technical trainer with Unirac, a solar racking manufacturer, and founded a non-profit, Solar for Women, to help create community, training opportunities, and advocacy for solar tradeswomen across the U.S. This episode is sponsored by the coaching company of the host, Paul Zelizer.…
Over the last two decades, Eric Ries's ideas about continuous innovation, long-term thinking, governance, and market reform have reshaped company building and management practices. He is the creator of the Lean Startup method, and the author of the New York Times bestseller The Lean Startup; The Leader's Guide; and The Startup Way. As a founder, he has put his own ideas into practice with The…
Bio: Paul Zelizer is the host of Awarepreneurs, the world's longest running social entrepreneur podcast, and a coach and consultant who works with clean energy companies and climatetech startups. My latest role is Fractional VP of Business Development for Pii Energy, a plug-in solar startup. This episode is sponsored by the coaching company of the host, Paul Zelizer. Consider a Strategy Session if…
Bio: Cole Hoover has spent 17 years designing the spaces where social impact leaders learn together. He's built fellowships, cohort programs, and learning communities serving over 1,500 changemakers globally—from social entrepreneurs in Ghana to corporate partners navigating sustainability transitions. His work focuses on community infrastructure: the peer networks, shared analysis, and…
Bio: Elyse Cherry has served as the CEO of BlueHub Capital since 1997. Under Cherry's leadership, BlueHub has invested over $3.2 billion, leveraged an additional $16.1 billion, and built a national tax credit practice to: finance affordable housing, health centers, schools and other community facilities; create jobs; benchmark and drive down energy and utility costs. This episode is sponsored by…
Bio: Matthew Britt is driven by a lifelong passion for innovation and connection. He brings more than two decades of entrepreneurial experience to his work redefining how individuals and communities live. As Chief Execution Officer of The Food Biome and a leader in strategy and partnerships, Matthew helps homeowners, companies, builders, and communities integrate smart, regenerative systems for…
Bio: Paul Zelizer has been a business coach and consultant for social entrepreneurs and cleantech companies for the past 18 years, the host of the Awarepreneurs podcast and co-founder of NM Tech Talks and NMClimate. A growing portion of his work is as a fractional VP of Business Development and Strategic Partnerships for cleantech startups and mission driven companies. This episode is sponsored by…
Bio : Kurt Avery is the founder and president of Sawyer Products , a company at the forefront of innovation in outdoor protection and humanitarian aid. With a background in marketing for Fortune 500 companies and an MBA from Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management, Kurt launched Sawyer with a mission to develop practical, life-saving solutions—most notably in water filtration and…
Bio: Lauren "L2" Howard is a telehealth program operator, mental health advocate, and women's champion who believes, above all, that isolation lies —it's not just you, and help is available. She is the CEO of LBee Health, a virtual mental health treatment program that supports people recovering from burnout, toxic work environments, and trauma, while also providing full-spectrum mental health care…
Bio: Kolaiah "Fuzzy" Jardine, co-founder of HUI Mastermind, empowers Native Hawaiians and locals to build generational wealth through real estate in their homeland, the Pono Way. A former drug addict and dealer who spent time in federal prison, Fuzzy built a multi-million dollar real estate portfolio, including 100+ affordable homes and a $6 million rental portfolio. He uniquely teaches investing…
Bio: Adam Baruchowitz, Chief Recycling Officer at Return to Vendor, is a pioneer in textile recycling. He began collecting and recycling clothing as a personal project and has now recycled over 35 million lbs. of clothing and textiles. He began his career as a day trader, building and managing a team of 15 people. In 2001, he co-founded HEEB Magazine, one of the highest circulated Jewish culture…
BIO: I've been a business coach for social entrepreneurs and cleantech companies for the past 18 years, the host of the Awarepreneurs podcast and co-founder of NM Tech Talks and NMClimate. This episode is sponsored by the coaching company of the host, Paul Zelizer. Consider a Strategy Session if you can use support growing your impact business. Resources mentioned in this episode include: Paul's…
BIO: Brian Thompson is the Founder and Financial Planner of Brian Thompson Financial LLC, where he helps LGBTQ+ and mission-driven entrepreneurs build profitable businesses that reflect who they are and support the impact they want to make. As a financial advisor, business strategist, and host of the Mission Driven Business podcast, Brian works with service-based founders who are building more…
Bio: Philip Krim is the Co-Founder and CEO of Montauk Climate. Previously he founded early-stage investment firm Montauk Ventures. He also co-founded, led, and served as Chairman of Casper Sleep, scaling it to over $500M in revenue, taking it public on the NYSE, and overseeing its eventual sale. Mr. Krim is a Director of the Travis Manion Foundation and on the Leadership Council of the Robin Hood…
Clark is an Albuquerque native and the state investment officer for the New Mexico State Investment Council, which manages a $67 billion portfolio—one of the nation's three largest sovereign wealth funds and on track to become the largest within 5–7 years. The SIC's returns are projected to surpass oil and gas as the biggest contributor to the state's general fund by 2043 and already provide over…
Paul Zelizer is the host of Awarepreneurs, the world's longest running social entrepreneur podcast, the co-founder of NM Tech Talks, the co-founder of NMClimate and a business coach/consultant for social entrepreneurs and cleantech startups for the past 18 years. This episode is sponsored by the coaching company of the host, Paul Zelizer. Consider a Strategy Session if you can use support growing…
What if the path to climate resilience was not found in glass and steel — but in earth, craft, and community? This is just one of the provocative questions we explored with Daniel Parra on the latest Awarepreneurs podcast episode, hosted by our very own Paul Zelizer. Bio: Daniel Parra is a Colombian architect and was born in Soccorro, Santander - a small town with a rich history. He is the leader…
Is it possible that the heart of social entrepreneurship beats just as strongly in a stadium as in a startup? This is just one of the provocative questions we explored with Ron Patel on the latest Awarepreneurs podcast episode, hosted by our very own Paul Zelizer. Bio: Ron Patel is President of New Mexico United, the USL professional soccer club in Albuquerque. He co-founded the club in 2018 with…
Bio: John E. Harmon, Sr. is the Founder, President, and CEO of the African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey (AACCNJ), the state's leading organization advocating for Black-owned businesses and economic empowerment. A former chairman of the National Black Chamber of Commerce and a current board member of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Harmon has spent more than 27 years building bridges…
BIO: Scott Gates is the Co-Founder and CEO of Awake Window & Door Co., a luxury window and door manufacturer specializing in building windows and door at massive sizes, with minimal frames, to maximize views in luxury custom homes. But even more important, the business focuses on its mission to reduce recidivism by providing meaningful second chance employment to those formerly incarcerated. This…
Bio: Jim Fruchterman is a leading social entrepreneur, author, MacArthur Fellow, recipient of the Skoll Award for Social Entrepreneurship, and Distinguished Alumnus of Caltech. After starting two successful for-profit AI companies, he went on to found Benetech, the award-winning tech nonprofit, building tools for people with disabilities and human rights defenders document and analyze abuses. His…
Bio: Josh Dorfman is a climate entrepreneur, author, and media personality. He is the CEO and host of Supercool, a media company covering real-world climate solutions that cut carbon, increase profits, and enhance modern life. Josh was previously the co-founder and CEO of Plantd, a carbon-negative building materials manufacturer, which was named to Fast Company's list of the World's Most…
Lawrence Chavez is a passionate innovator focused on meaningful innovation. Lawrence has been on both sides of the table and understands the demands of the investor and the needs of the founder. Most recently as CEO & Founder of EveryDay Contacts. Previously, Lawrence co-founded Lotus Leaf Coatings, an advanced materials company in 2011. Prior to 2011 he served as a Venture Partner with Flywheel…
Paul Zelizer is the host of Awarepreneurs, the world's longest running social entrepreneur podcast, the co-founder of NM Tech Talks and a business coach/consultant for social entrepreneurs and cleantech startups for the past 18 years. This episode is sponsored by the coaching company of the host, Paul Zelizer. Consider a Strategy Session if you can use support growing your impact business.…
Anthony Fleg is a family medicine physician at UNM in the Department of Family and Community Medicine. Originally from Baltimore, Anthony grounds his healing work in undoing racism, health equity, movement as medicine, and with a focus on strengths and holistic health. He co-founded the Native Health Initiative (NHI) and its Running Medicine program, a unique approach to wellness through movement.…
In a political climate that is more partisan and polarized than ever, the idea of working together for the common good seems impossible. State Representative Meredith Dixon has a different view. Her approach - one which is focused on bringing people together - is getting results for the people of Albuquerque and all of New Mexico. Rep. Dixon is one of the founders of New Mexico Women Lead, the…
Rudy Parra is a Mechatronics & Lab Technician at GridFlow, where he supports the development of next-generation lithium-sulfur flow batteries. He specializes in IoT integration, rapid prototyping, and lab operations, helping bridge the gap between R&D and real-world energy solutions. With a background in robotics and automation, Rudy is passionate about building systems that are efficient,…
Dr. David Gruder is a Corporate Counsel who is a 12-award-winning multi-bestselling clinical and organizational psychologist. As an Executive Team Orchestrator and Culture Catalyst, he makes integrity profitable by equipping socially responsible businesses with missing mindsets, skillsets, and procedures to actualize their unique calling in helping humanity's most elevated future emerge. As…
Former attorney turned space advocate, Bryce Kennedy is the Executive Director of SpaceValley Foundation and Space Connectivity Officer under the International Telecommunication Union and UN. He works with emerging economies to ensure that they have a place in space. This episode is sponsored by the coaching company of the host, Paul Zelizer. Consider a Strategy Session if you can use support…
Owen, a former Global Energy Manager at a Fortune 500 company, implemented $60M in clean technology before founding lumeo, a niche ESCO that hit eight figures in three years. After a successful exit, he launched ZNE Capital to decarbonize commercial real estate, acquiring 654 units worth $75M. Frustrated by solar deployment challenges, he founded Shine—now a leading turnkey solar solution for…
Sona Khosla, Chief Impact Officer at Benevity, has worked with mission-driven organizations for over 15 years. As Chief Impact Officer, she is responsible for infusing impact into Benevity's business and culture and overseeing the company's own impact and inclusion initiatives. At the helm of Benevity Impact Labs, an incubator and resource hub, Sona and her team bring cutting-edge data, research,…
Benjamin Gardner is the Chief Executive Officer of Dekker Designs and a working principal of the D/P/S commercial group, Benjamin is dedicated to improving the built environment using skills acquired from combined backgrounds in architecture, construction, and construction management. Benjamin has been with Dekker/Perich/Sabatini since 2001, and has led multiple project teams through all phases of…
Once called a "unicorn" for her entrepreneurial approach, Vicki Apodaca is a seasoned marketer, entrepreneur, and philanthropist. Vicki has been a founding member of several tech startups (Phalanx, StellarFi, Joust, and Soply), and have also been through two exits (Joust acquired by ZenBusiness, Starship HSA acquired by Optum). Her passion in go-to-market and marketing strategy has led her to now…
Paul Zelizer is the host of the Awarepreneurs Podcast, the world's longest running social entrepreneur podcast, and has been a Business Coach who specializes in working with social entrepreneurs and climate tech founders for the past 18 years. This episode is sponsored by the coaching company of the host, Paul Zelizer. Consider a Strategy Session if you can use support growing your impact…
Manuela Guzmán is the Head of Network at Top Tier Impact (TTI), a global ecosystem of 600+ investors, founders, and corporates dedicated to solving the world's most pressing challenges. She leads TTI's network strategy, fostering high-impact connections that drive investments, deal flow, and partnerships across key hubs like London, New York, San Francisco, Paris, Singapore, Bali, and Dubai. A…
David Reiling is the President and CEO of Sunrise Banks, a mission-driven, values-based bank with locations in Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota and Sioux Falls, South Dakota. David has worked in the community development banking industry for more than 25 years. He is a social entrepreneur and innovator who strives to forge meaningful partnerships, drive sustainable economic growth and create…
For four decades, Rebecca "Puck" Stair has built teams to tackle complex, high-profile, high-dollar projects. In 2023, she came to the New Mexico state energy office after two decades in the New Mexico film industry, where she worked as a producer and location manager on over a hundred films, television shows, commercials and other media projects, including podcasts and conferences for the…
Paul Zelizer is the host of the Awarepreneurs Podcast, the world's longest running social entrepreneur podcast, and has been a Business Coach who specializes in working with social entrepreneurs and climate tech founders for the past 18 years. This episode is sponsored by the coaching company of the host, Paul Zelizer. Consider a Strategy Session if you can use support growing your impact…
Dana Koller is President and CEO of Kactus Brewery, a highly community active brewing company and the Executive Director of UN-17. UN-17 is on track to be the #1 resource within New Mexico to help guide businesses and governments to accomplishing the 17 goals of sustainable development set by the United Nations. With a proven track record of success and quality business management, Dana is turning…
Ben Shultz is a dedicated product/marketing manager at Aqua Membranes, where he combines his background in environmental planning and design with strong relationship-building and event-planning skills to drive innovative water treatment and provide clear messaging to customers and investors alike. Having started as a production technician, Ben quickly demonstrated his ability to adapt and excel,…
Kristy Drutman, otherwise known as "Browngirl Green" is a speaker, consultant, media producer, and environmental educator passionate about working at the intersections between media, diversity, and environmentalism. As a young entrepreneur, Kristy has educated hundreds of thousands of people across the globe about modern-day environmental issues through speeches and media content as well as…
Paul Zelizer is the host of the Awarepreneurs Podcast, one of the world's longest running social entrepreneur podcasts, and has been a Business Coach for social entrepreneurs and climate tech startups for over 17 years. This episode is sponsored by the coaching company of the host, Paul Zelizer. Consider a Strategy Session if you can use support growing your impact business. Resources mentioned in…
As CEO of Mango Automotive, Jesse's vision is not just to lead but to revolutionize the automotive repair industry. They are ambitiously scaling towards a $100 million empire in the EV repair and maintenance domain, balancing this with their expertise in traditional gasoline-powered vehicles. This journey is fueled by a commitment to sustainable business practices and creating an inclusive…
Representative Andrea D. Romero is a daughter of New Mexico. After attending the Santa Fe Public Schools, Andrea graduated from Stanford University with a degree in Political Science and received her J.D. from the University of New Mexico School of Law. She has dedicated herself to the growth of Northern New Mexico's community, economic, and environmental vitality through her small business and…
Welcome to another episode of Awarepreneurs with your host, Paul Zelizer. In today's special solo episode, Paul dives into three critical topics that will shape the landscape for social entrepreneurs and climate tech founders as we head into 2025. We'll explore the game-changing $58 billion New Mexico Permanent Fund and its impact on the state's thriving start-up ecosystem, the anticipated…
Rose Velasquez is the CEO of Hiring Hub, an executive recruitment firm specializing in helping high-performing companies find top talent. With over a decade of experience, Rose is passionate about matching individuals with roles that align with their true strengths. She believes the right job can transform lives and drive organizational success. A native of Arizona, Rose relocated to Albuquerque,…
