Treasure Valley SBDC

How do your colleagues describe you?

"Andrea fosters a positive and supportive work environment and empowers her staff to pursue their own ideas and accomplish their goals."

Why do you do what you do?

"The work I do is all about relationships, people and helping them accomplish their goals. It’s about listening, teaching, offering key advice and providing them tools to be successful. I'm passionate and excited about business. Being successful as a business adviser is my greatest contribution to my community. Our clients generate amazing economic results that ultimately benefits our whole community ways."

Bio:

Andrea Testi is director of the Center for Business, Workforce and Community Learning at Treasure Valley Community College. Andrea has a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Masters of Science in Library and Information Science. She has been a university librarian and has owned and managed businesses across multiple states. Having been a small business owner herself, Andrea understands the hard work that comes with starting and running a small business. She has been the TVCC SBDC Director since 2000 and shares her depth of business expertise with her team and clients daily.

How do your colleagues describe you?

"High energy, fun-loving, team player " "Work hard, play hard" "Love's people, and business"

Why do you do what you do?

I am a successful retired entrepreneur and want to teach others to have success as well. I have experienced the stress of failure and the joy of winning. I have learned so much from both, and love sharing this information. I love to work with people and business and the combination of the two is amazing.

Bio:

Darin has built and run several small businesses from startups to multi-million dollars. He has purchased over 15 companies himself and sold a handful of them over the last 20 years in the service industry.

How do your colleagues describe you?

"Chris is... very eclectic."

Why do you do what you do?

In my early business dealings, I struggled without mentorship, learning by trial and error. The SBDC discovered me providing free mentorship to a limited group of clients, and offered me the tools and support to take it to the next level. I don't know what I'd do if I couldn't do this.

Bio:

Chris's education has been mainly out of the classroom, on the front lines of diverse businesses and in his own entrepreneurial endeavors, primarily in publishing and sales.

How do your colleagues describe you?

"Senior adviser, problem solver, and dedicated to helping our local small businesses!"

Why do you do what you do?

"It’s the relationship building I get with those people who come in with a need. I enjoy helping them. Seeing them succeed is sometimes something that couldn't happen without our help."

Bio:

Michael is an experienced CPA, with a Master's in Accountancy and Taxation from Boise State University. He has worked for several public and private accounting offices. Michael is a senior adviser at the Treasure Valley SBDC and teaches QuickBooks, Excel and accounting. He is well versed in financial topics in both Idaho and Oregon and helps our clients who own businesses in both states. He is our liaison to the Veteran business community and facilitates our monthly VSBM cohort group; providing our Veterans with guidance to grow vibrant businesses in our community.

How do your colleagues describe you?

"Jimsie is passionate about her work. She is highly organized, hard-working, results-oriented, and trustworthy."

Why do you do what you do?

I love helping people achieve their dreams.

Bio:

Jimsie received an Office Specialist Certificate from Treasure Valley Community College. She has more than 15 years of experience with office work and has been with the SBDC at TVCC for three years collectively. Jimsie provides support for the Director and advisers and helps clients with research, computer programs, and more. Jimsie takes care of the behind the scenes work to keep our workshops and center running smooth.

When Jimsie is not at work, she enjoys spending time outdoors hunting and fishing with her husband. She also loves spending time with her granddaughter and two grown sons.

How do your colleagues describe you?

Christina is a bundle of passionate energy filled with amazing ideas to help motivate and excel people to the next steps of development.

Why do you do what you do?

I love to stimulate people to bring their creative ideas to the surface and help them realize their goals of small business ownership. Helping people succeed is a passion of mine.

Bio:

Christina Grace specializes in several areas of business advising, including start-ups and growing existing businesses responsibly. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Business Management and studied Alternative Holistic Healing through the Society of Ortho-Bionomy International. Christina has more than 20 years of experience in owning and operating successful family businesses. She is bilingual and bicultural and has traveled to South America and other Latin countries to bring back new business insights.

How do your colleagues describe you?

"Roy is a reliable person who can be counted on to deliver solutions in crunch times."

Why do you do what you do?

"I enjoy assisting individuals who want to start up a business because I know that it is going to be a journey that will change their life. I find the most satisfaction when I'm able to offer a practical solution to a problem that the client thought was insurmountable."

Bio:

Roy has extensive experience in mediation and other HR disciplines. His depth of experience in farm labor management is significant and provides our community with a steady resource to facilitate communications with our vibrant farm business community. Roy's bilingual advising and understanding of the Latino culture has expanded the scope of the SBDC here at TVCC.

How do your colleagues describe you?

Why do you do what you do?

Bio:

Ron has a Bachelor of Science from Montana State University, and completed Western Credit Union Management at Pomona College, Claremont, California. Ron has roots back to a Montana farm and ranch, planned an engineering career, but later turned to commercial business lending, and then credit union CEO. Living in the Treasure Valley since 1987, Ron has a network of professional associates who are resources when seeking information. He is a focused learner with diverse interests in photography, construction, private pilot, and touring 27 countries and 49 states.

How do your colleagues describe you?

Why do you do what you do?

Bio:

Poppy is an experienced CPA, with a master's in Accountancy with emphasis on Taxation from Boise State University. She has worked for three public accounting offices and has had her own firm since 2008. Poppy has worked for several large agribusiness companies in the Treasure Valley of Idaho and has taught individual and corporate taxation as well as training staff in those areas. She is also experienced with QuickBooks, Excel and other accounting software. Poppy is licensed in both Idaho and Oregon and helps clients who own businesses in both states. When not working, Poppy loves to hunt, fish, camp, hike and most of all hang out with her five grandkids!