Who Is a Groundbreaker?
An innovator, a pioneer, a person with an original idea
that makes change, growth and improvements happen in the world.
As Californians, we're used to the ground moving and shaking beneath our feet. We're also used to groundbreaking innovation happening all over the state. And as the capital of California, Sacramento is ground zero for a lot of that innovation, giving it a bounty of new and vibrant ideas, residents and places. Credit all that to a mix and a multitude of Groundbreakers -- inspiring people who are setting trends, starting movements, creating events and trying to improve things locally, regionally and statewide.
We’ve created a regular “gathering place” -- events rotating through Sacramento’s most interesting and lively places -- for California Groundbreakers to talk about what they’re doing, and for people to get enthused, inspired to help, and ready to turn their own idea into reality.
Meet the people behind California Groundbreakers (click on each photo for the bio).
Vanessa Richardson
During the day, I'm a a business writer and editor for publications like Entrepreneur, Money and the Sacramento Business Journal, and for companies like First Republic Bank, Intuit and Wells Fargo.
I grew up in Sacramento, and after high school, I left to see the world and thought I'd never return. Then I heard how Sacramento was changing and buzzing with a new vibrancy. After a visit to see if it was true, I moved back in Spring 2015, and like most new and returning residents, I'm happy with my decision.
While living in San Francisco, I headed up programming and eventsfor the Commonwealth Club in San Francisco, specifically forINFORUM, the division devoted tor members in their 20s and 30s. I got everyone from Spike Lee to King Abdullah of Jordan to come to town, sit down in a chair and talk about their projects and themselves.
I think there are plenty of people in Sacramento who would like to have stimulating conversations along with their craft beers and cocktails. And I think it's high time for Sacramento to host these conversations with Groundbreakers doing great things in town, the Capitol Region and statewide.
Vanessa Richardson
Executive Director
Nicole Grant Kriege
Nicole is a consultant and content/events curator helping brands to inspire their audiences. While working for the Commonwealth Club in San Francisco, she grew its young professionals division, INFORUM, from 500 to 2,500 members by hosting a compelling lineup of celebrity speakers and panel discussions. She played an early role at Yelp as a Community Manager, building SF's awareness of the brand, and helped found The Bold Italic, an online magazine celebrating all things SF. Nicole has worked with companies like Levi’s and Art.com, and consulted for IDEO, the legendary design firm. Her Commonwealth Club travels have taken her to China, Dubai, Russia, and Libya. You can find her at nicolegrantkriege.com
Nicole Grant Kriege
Board Member
J-E Paino
When he signed on as a board member, we asked J-E for a short bio. He gave us this: "Hop Grower w/ Ruhstaller Beer. Sacramentan since 2009. Occasional Pain-in-the-O. Generally a pretty nice guy . . . I don't like to talk much about myself." So we'll do it for him.
As owner of Ruhstaller Beer in Sacramento and Dixon, J-E has been a CA Groundbreakers supporter from the start, donating kegs to our very first event when we emailed him a meek request last summer, without even knowing who we were. He is also a big supporter of local organizations, including the Center for Land-Based Learning, M5Arts and the Sacramento Ballet.
He learned how to brew beer, grow hops and build a prosperous business, all from the ground up (he's currently building a new taproom in Downtown Sacramento and after that, a brewery in Dixon). His love for Sacramento and his passion to make it a better place mirrors ours. He has big goals for us, and we're excited that he's going to help us reach them.
I