Diego Torres-Palma - Host

Diego leads his companies with a forward-thinking, no-fear mentality, creating markets through proactive innovations. Diego’s layered expertise includes both a civil engineering degree and an MBA. Diego brings real-world business experience as the host of Startup To Storefront. Some of his most significant projects were as an angel investor and founder of a fashion/tech company, a data analytics company, and currently a real estate development company.

Growing up Peruvian, there was a lack of successful role models and mentors from Peru. That motivated Diego to be a mentor, not only for the younger Peruvian generation but for all those with an entrepreneurial spirit. With a personal mission to create more jobs by supporting entrepreneurs, Diego is an advisor, mentor, and investor to many startup founders who come on Startup To Storefront.

Since moving his base to Los Angeles, Diego has launched Ventana Ventures, a real estate company that lives and breathes the Startup To Storefront mentality. Investing in companies, purchasing the location, and overseeing the build-out is a model that sets Ventana Ventures apart and is a literal example of Startup To Storefront. Diego has quickly become known as a developer who creates a sense of community through his projects. His most recent development Benny Boy Brewing in Los Angeles showcases Ventana Ventures’ mission -- Founded with a fearless and forward-thinking spirit, we build community through inspiring and empowering entrepreneurs.

Fun Facts: 

  • Coffee obsessed

  • May convince you to start a company or offer you a glass of Pisco

  • Tennis addict

 

Nick COnrad - Host/Creative Director

Nick was a national-level swimmer, and only after he retired from competition did he ponder life outside the pool. Law school seemed like a good idea, so he began preparing for the LSAT, which quickly revealed that the legal profession wasn’t everything that movies and television had made it out to be. Then came the epiphany that it was really television and movies that were his true life calling. So with the same vigor and dedication that led him to become an elite athlete, he threw himself into learning all things filmmaking.

Relocating to LA, he learned from some of the best in the industry while working on major productions like Hell’s Kitchen, America’s Next Top Model, and the Oscar-award-winning movie Vice. After being mentored by industry titans, he compiled that knowledge and experience and ventured out on his own, co-founding Blue Crab Productions, a full-service film, photography, and podcasting production company. Always looking to get the best shot, Nick also holds his FAA remote pilot license, allowing him to get that compelling drone footage.

Nick has a Bachelor of Arts in political science from the University of Connecticut.

Fun Facts

  • First time surfing was in a hurricane (0/10 would recommend)

  • He has a green thumb from his days working at the USDA

  • Is an avid woodworker

 

Natalya Cappellini - Host

Natalya is a unicorn in her field as a licensed general contractor with a degree in architecture, the CEO of Curato Design/Build, a TV personality, and a startup founder and investor. 

As a general contractor, she is recognized for her innovative integration of infrastructure, architecture, function, and aesthetics. Her notable projects include residential, retail, and office. She is a role model for all women looking to dominate the construction industry. 

As a television personality, you may have seen her on Animal Cribs, a show on Animal Planet where areas of a person’s home are renovated to make them more pet friendly. Note: these pets included HUGE snakes, bearded dragons, and chinchillas. Most recently, she was featured on HGTV on “Unspouse my House.”  

Born in Falmouth, Massachusetts, Natalya attended Wentworth Institute of Technology, where she received a B.S. in Architecture.

Fun Facts

  • A pro at flea market finds

  • A true sauce-boss (thinks food is a vessel for any sauce)

  • Holds the record for fastest permitted ADU Conversion in L.A.

 

owen Cappellini - video producer

Owen has a passion for storytelling. For him, the authentic story always comes first because that is what drives the best outcome. With results always at the forefront, Owen has worked with Lufthansa, ESPN, and Teddy Baldassarre. He grew Teddy Baldassarre from 13,000 to 170,000 subscribers, making them a leader in their market as one of the largest watch channels on YouTube.

The high-end video content that Owen produces has become a significant part of the Startup to Storefront brand. His work is distinguished by his innate ability to help businesses tell their story in an engaging way through video. Always savvy with the latest influential trends, his content significantly moves the needle for companies looking to establish and grow their brand. Guests on the podcast have the added value of having their business featured in one of Owen’s productions.

Fun Facts

  • Owen produced a television show for PBS

  • He has shot several music festivals with headlining acts, including the X Ambassadors, Daya, and A Day to Remember

 

Lexi Jameson - Head of Social media

As the social media director for Startup to Storefront, Lexi brings her expertise as a branding photographer and videographer to create compelling social media campaigns for the podcast. Offering social media collaborations with the companies that come on the podcast gives guests access to a social media expert to tell their brand story.

With an in-depth understanding of social media, Lexi is in touch with the pulse of the ever-changing digital landscape. Her strategic social media campaigns have elevated the social profile of Startup To Storefront and the brands that have been guests on the show. Lexi is the founder of The Creator Code, a content-driven social media agency for enthusiastic brands seeking to grow their communities and online presence.

An innovator at heart, Lexi has implemented her strategies cross-platform while working collaboratively with brands such as PBS, ESPN, Chobani, Cat Footwear, Xiao Chi Jie, CAKES Body, and R+Co. haircare products. Her content production is results-driven, understanding the strategy of building a brand through social media.

Fun Facts

  • She loves traveling and capturing her adventures through her camera

  • Obsessed with interior design

  • Is a Stranger Things fanatic

  • Has a goal to photograph New York Fashion Week