Founders Advisory

The Founders Advisory Table is an exclusive, high-impact in-person event designed specifically for entrepreneurs and business owners who are in their first two years of operation. Stepping into the early stages of business ownership brings a unique wave of triumphs and hurdles, often leaving new leaders navigating a maze of operational, financial, and strategic decisions alone.

This gathering bridges that crucial gap by connecting early-stage founders directly with seasoned professionals across key business disciplines, including bookkeeping, tax preparation, business strategy, marketing, and finance. Rather than sitting through a passive seminar, attendees step into an interactive, supportive environment where real-time problem-solving takes center stage.

The Founders Advisory Table is built with a long-term vision to foster genuine professional relationships, encouraging founders and advisors to stay in touch long after the event. By establishing these vital connections early in their business journey, entrepreneurs gain a trusted circle of advisors they can turn to as their companies scale, pivot, and mature. It is more than a workshop; it is the foundation for an enduring support network designed to help new businesses survive, thrive, and reach their full potential.

Founders

To qualify as a "Founder" for the event, participants must be operating a business that is two years old or younger, capturing entrepreneurs who are currently navigating the foundational challenges of early-stage growth.

Advisors

On the other side of the table, qualifying as an advisor requires a minimum of four years of dedicated professional experience in a specialized business discipline such as bookkeeping, tax preparation, business strategy, marketing, or finance. This ensures that every founder receives seasoned, expert guidance from established professionals who have a deep understanding of market dynamics and practical industry execution.

Meet the Advisory Board

Chloekae Nepomuceno

Chloekae Nepomuceno

Owner · Bookkeeping With Chloekae · Diamond Bar, California

About

No extended bio provided yet.

Advisor

Bookkeeping With Chloekae

Raymond Joel Stellhorn-Tavera

Raymond Joel Stellhorn-Tavera

Financial Advisor · AlpenWeis · Newport Beach, California

Business Summary

AlpenWeis Financial & Insurance Solutions is a boutique wealth advisory and risk management firm headquartered in Newport Beach, California. Founded by Ray Stellhorn-Tavera, a credentialed ChFC and FSCP holder, the practice operates on a straightforward philosophy: while life inevitably brings complex financial choices, individuals and families should never have to navigate them alone. By combining personalized strategy with deep industry expertise, AlpenWeis acts as a trusted copilot for client

About

No extended bio provided yet.

Advisor

AlpenWeis

Andrew Degner

Andrew Degner

Attorney · Lattice Legal · Pasadena, California

Outside General Counsel Support; Complex Contract Review and Negotiation; Internal Process and Procedure Guidance; Contract Template Creation and Implementation; Master Service Agreements & Statements of Work; Advertising and Marketing Agreements; Major Media/Content/Technology/SaaS Platform Agreements and Terms of Service; Independent Contractor and Vendor Agreements; Creative Production Agreements; Corporate Governance and Ownership Interests; Intellectual Property Strategy

Business Summary

Andrew Degner is a graduate of Columbia Law School and former in-house counsel with extensive experience advising high-growth companies, including Microsoft, Mattel, and Wpromote. He serves as a proactive, business-first legal partner focused on complex contracts, internal operations, and practical risk mitigation that supports growth rather than slowing it down. His work spans building legal departments and advising leadership as an embedded strategic partner and fractional general counsel.

About

As the founder of Lattice Legal, I leverage my experience as a former business litigator and in-house counsel for Mattel, Microsoft, and Wpromote to provide fractional legal counsel to large and small businesses - helping them scale with contract templates, streamlined workflows, and risk-aware business strategy.

I regularly support clients by drafting and negotiating client, advertising, SaaS, platform, and vendor agreements; advising on policies, operations, and growth initiatives; and bringing a practical, business-minded legal approach that saves time, minimizes risk, and protects revenue.

If you know someone who might benefit from proactive and strategic legal support, Lattice Legal is here to help.

Advisor

Lattice Legal

Mike Gavigan

Mike Gavigan

CPA and Consultant · Gavigan & Co · Pasadena, California

Business Summary

Gavigan & Co is a dedicated accounting and business advisory firm providing comprehensive financial services tailored to the unique needs of individuals and growing businesses. We offer accounting, tax, payroll, and business consulting services from a small firm of dedicated professionals who make it their business to listen to your needs and provide personalized solutions for you at an affordable price.

About

No extended bio provided yet.

Advisor

Gavigan & Co

James Alewine III

James Alewine III

Finance & Insurance, Life and Disability Insurance · Modern Woodmen · Arcadia, California

Business Summary

I can help you review your needs and plan for your financial future throughout life. Finance & Insurance, Life and Disability Insurance, Life and Disability Insurance I help families and business owners protect what matters most through strategic life insurance planning. By utilizing life insurance as a financial tool, I help clients create financial security, protect loved ones, preserve their legacy, and prepare for life's unexpected challenges. Whether it's income protection, estate plannin

About

No extended bio provided yet.

Advisor

Modern Woodmen