2024 Semi-Finalists
Established Business Category
David VanCleave
County
Rustic Konocti LLC
Adriana Marquez
Lakeport
Glowing Smiles Dental Hygiene Practice
Maureen Brasier
2nd Prize Winner
Jitter Bean Coffee Lakeport
Start-up Business Category
Rustic Konocti LLC
Name: David VanCleave
Location: County
Business Type: Established
With every piece he creates, David brings warmth, nostalgia, and a touch of nature into homes, making Rustic Konocti a beloved fixture in the woodworking and home decor market.
David, the visionary behind Rustic Konocti, has channeled his 25 years of carpentry experience and deep love for woodworking into creating a business that embodies quality, craftsmanship, and a connection to nature.
From his home shop in Kelseyville Riviera, he crafts unique, handcrafted rustic items that blend traditional techniques with modern design.
His dedication to sustainable practices and responsible sourcing reflects his commitment to preserving natural beauty while catering to eco-conscious consumers.
Despite challenges, David’s passion and entrepreneurial spirit have driven him to expand Rustic Konocti’s presence, aiming for a storefront in Kelseyville to foster community engagement and showcase his artistry.
Glowing Smiles Dental Hygiene Practice
Name: Adriana Marquez
Location: Lakeport
Business Type: Established
With over 27 years of experience serving Lake and Mendocino counties, Adriana has dedicated her career as a Registered Dental Hygienist in Alternative Practice (RDHAP) to improving oral health within her community.
Graduating from The University of the Pacific Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry, Adriana specialized in treating complex patients, including those with special needs.
Her practice on Main Street in Lakeport, CA, is driven by a mission to make preventive dental care accessible to all, especially underserved populations.
Passionate about education, Adriana visits schools to teach children about oral health and supports dental assistant students by offering internship opportunities. With a vision to create employment opportunities in dentistry and become the leading provider of accessible and compassionate dental care in Lake County, Adriana exemplifies dedication to her community’s well-being and oral health.
Mountain High Coffee and Books
Name: Allison Berlogar
Location: County
Business Type: Established
With backgrounds in education, aerospace engineering, fine arts, and real estate, Allison and her family bring a wealth of experience to their establishment. They run a business, serve on the MUSD Board of Trustees, and actively contribute to community initiatives.
Allison and her husband have cultivated more than a coffeehouse, café, and bookshop in Lake County—they’ve nurtured a beloved community hub.
For over two decades, they’ve baked fresh pastries and bread, served delicious homemade meals, and curated a diverse range of local products, from art and music to toys and farm-fresh goods. Their commitment to supporting local vendors is matched only by their dedication to fostering genuine human connections through art, music, books, and excellent coffee.
Their vision is clear: to promote community well-being, nurture relationships, and provide a welcoming space where everyone can enjoy good food, enriching experiences, and a sense of belonging.
Briggs Enterprises LLC
Name: Daniel Ray Briggs
Location: Clearlake
Business Type: Start-Up
Daniel Ray Briggs is a dedicated environmental steward and handyman with five years of construction experience who has been actively contributing to the maintenance of Clearlake’s docks, piers, and boat lifts for the past two years.
Passionate about preserving the natural beauty of Clearlake, which he has enjoyed his whole life, Daniel is now channeling his expertise and love for the lake into a mission to improve its environmental health.
He is renovating a specialty boat to create a mobile unit for removing invasive aquatic vegetation, working with private residents and homeowner associations to maintain lakefront properties and canals.
Daniel aspires to collaborate with Lake Bed Management to further his impact, promoting recreational use and tourism while ensuring homeowners can fully enjoy their pristine waterfronts.
Roll With The Good Times
Name: Michael Tray Maddox
Location: County
Business Type: Start-Up
Michael’s vision is to simplify event hosting while ensuring a fantastic experience for all, making Roll With The Good Times the go-to choice for those looking to elevate their gatherings with style and ease.
Michael’s innovative business, Roll With The Good Times, brings a unique and convenient mobile tap bar experience to events everywhere.
Inspired by a costly wedding rental, Michael and his partner transformed a 1995 camper trailer into a fully renovated mobile bar unit, complete with a four-tap system, a cozy lounge area, and even a photobooth. This all-in-one mobile bar is designed to serve any beverage of choice, from cocktails to chocolate milk, making it a versatile addition to any celebration.
With additional amenities like a kitchen, bathroom, and a s’mores station, Roll With The Good Times stands out as a cost-effective, fun, and memorable solution for event drink service.
The Chique Lounge
Name: Johanna Anderson
Location: Clearlake
Business Type: Established
With a strong social media presence and a commitment to continual growth, Johanna’s vision for The Chique Lounge extends far beyond beauty — nurturing dreams and enhancing community vitality, one client and one apprentice at a time.
Johanna embodies the spirit of entrepreneurial drive and community empowerment.
With a passion ignited during her time at Lytles Beauty College and further honed through advanced certifications in eyelash extensions and business studies at Woodland Community College, Johanna set out to revolutionize local beauty services.
Her salon, now a bustling hub with five talented stylists and a growing clientele, is a testament to her dedication to bringing luxury services closer to home.
Beyond offering a wide array of beauty treatments and retail options, Johanna is focused on expanding educational opportunities within Clearlake. Her plans include launching high-quality training programs and apprenticeships, aiming to foster local talent and eliminate the need for lengthy commutes to distant beauty schools.
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