Terence grew up everywhere and liked to make things. He discovered photography as a medium with endless creative possibilities and studied the craft at the Academy of Art University in San Francisco. “Now I try to figure out how to balance shooting ads and magazine work in between storytimes with my children and matching piles of socks that are endless,” says Terence, who photographed this month’s feature on young professionals, which involved a day-long studio shoot. “I wouldn’t choose any other man’s life over the one I live or any other career — each experience is part of the process.” For more, visit www.terenceduffy.com.
By this person
![Many of the companies profiled in the Startup of the Month column have grown well beyond starting up. (Shutterstock photo)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/startup.jpg?1583358264)
Startups of the Month: Where Are They Now?
Progress reports from five standout startups in the Capital Region
Since 2015, Comstock’s has spotlighted more than 60 regional startups in our Startup of the Month column. Here are five standouts from the column that are going stronger than ever.
![Pauline Torres launched the DapIt in 2018 with her husband, Cesar Torres. (Photo by Terence Duffy)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/0320_dept_startup_terenceduffy.jpg?1582580999)
Startup of the Month: DapIt
Digital gift cards give small businesses a boost
With gift cards continuing to soar in popularity, a Woodland-based startup aims to bring their convenience to small businesses while cutting down on plastic.
![Manvir Sandhu is one of Zennify’s three cofounders.](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/0220_dept_startup_terenceduffy.jpg?1580327273)
Startup of the Month: Zennify
Consulting firm guides companies through digital upgrade
With industries moving at the speed of the internet, many companies have trouble keeping pace. Zennify, a Sacramento-based cloud solutions and consulting firm, wants to help legacy businesses catch up.
![](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/0120_dept_startup_terenceduffy.jpg?1579220393)
Startup of the Month: Humaxa
A new model for employee-satisfaction surveys
Humaxa uses artificial intelligence and natural language processing to help employers boost productivity and satisfaction among their workforce.
![For Danielle Walters, who works remotely for a biotech company, the view from her 48-acre property south of Jackson outweighs any difficulties about living in a rural area.
For Danielle Walters, who works remotely for a biotech company, the view from her 48-acre property south of Jackson outweighs any difficulties about living in a rural area.](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/0120_feat_realestate_terenceduffy_lead.jpg?1578330866)
Rural Transplants Find Simpler Life — and Unique Challenges
Many dream of life in the country, but wildfires and economic barriers are making the transition harder than ever
For many, an understanding of rural living is less about population numbers and topography and more about a sense of being.
Part of this month’s Rural Living series.
Sponsored
![](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/_mg_7800.jpg?1577874530)
Improving Lives Through Education
United Way California Capital Region
United Way’s Square One Project aims to end poverty through early education and collaborating with schools, nonprofit organizations, businesses, government, and families to help kids attend class every day, achieve educational milestones, set high expectations, and have support for their families.
Sponsored
![](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/_mg_3858.jpg?1577874530)
Embracing Lives One Pregnancy at a Time
Sacramento Life Center
Sacramento Life Center offers a comprehensive array of resources and services to Sacramento-area women and teen girls, especially those who are pregnant with nowhere to turn. “It’s critical that our services are free because financial strain is one of the primary reasons so many pregnant women are in crisis,” notes Marie Leatherby, executive director.
Sponsored
![](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/_mg_32563.jpg?1577874530)
Sacramento Philharmonic and Opera
SAFE Credit Union Performing Arts Center opens in 2020
Established in 1912 and redeveloped in 2015, the Sacramento Philharmonic & Opera is a collaborative cultural pillar institution dedicated to serving the greater community — from youth music education in the classroom to main stage performances of orchestral and operatic music at the highest regional caliber — and contributing to the growth of Sacramento’s Creative Economy.
![](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/1119_dept_sotm_terenceduffy.jpg?1577874530)
Startup of the Month: TagCarts
A veteran-owned startup looks to improve medical carts for health care professionals
Medical carts are mobile storage units for health care equipment, supplies and medication, and may include workstations for access to electronic data.
![](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/1019_dept_sotm_terenceduffy.jpg?1577874530)
Startup of the Month: Sparck
If your manager tosses you a $200 gift card for reaching a milestone, it’s nothing personal — and according to Anna Straus, that’s a problem when it comes to employee retention and workplace productivity.
![](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/0919_dept_sotm_terenceduffy.jpg?1577874530)
Startup of the Month: PairAnything
A new age for wine
PairAnything, run by an eight-person team, won the $10,000 Food + Agriculture Sector Award at the 2019 Big Bang Business Competition at UC Davis.
Sponsored
![](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/_mg_1074.jpg?1577874530)
Funding An Array Of College Possibilities
Sponsored by Patrick K. Willis Company, Inc. for Future Sacramento
For students without family precedent, individual guidance and financial means, college can seem unattainable. Complex college applications and financial assistance paperwork complicate things further. Future Foundation of Sacramento identifies students who, despite these obstacles, show motivation and the ability to excel, and provides an array of resources to overcome the challenges.
Sponsored
![](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/_mg_9312_brighter_copy.jpg?1577874530)
College ready, career prepared.
Sponsored by Pacific Coast Building Products for Cristo Rey High School
Cristo Rey High School Sacramento provides a quality Catholic college-preparatory education to students who have limited financial resources, and a unique work-study component enriches students’ lives beyond their academic accomplishments. Every student works five days per month, gaining valuable experience in jobs at medical facilities, construction companies, law firms, lobbying firms, marketing and public relations businesses, local government, and more.
![](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/0819_dept_sotm_terenceduffy.jpg?1577874530)
Startup of the Month: AppA11y
Software developer creates games for visually impaired players
Before 2012, Nick Barbato was a software developer working in a cubicle, and he was miserable. He wanted more control over his life, so he left that job to start a company called Pangia Games. Not long after he and his cofounder, Lee Hobbs, released their first game, he received an email in 2013 from someone who played it.
![The Railyards, 244 acres of mostly undeveloped land north of the Sacramento Valley Station, features eight brick buildings from the 1860s. It’s also expected to be home to a Major League Soccer stadium, Kaiser Permanente medical center, Sacramento Superior Court building and up to 10,000 housing units. (Photo by Hector Amezcua)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/0819_blog_development_railyards_lead_hectoramezcua.jpg?1577874530)
At The Railyards, it’s Full Steam Ahead
Backed by the expected arrival of a Major League Soccer team, development is stirring at the long-dormant Railyards in downtown Sacramento
There’s a word that comes to mind for Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg regarding the largest infill project in his city, The Railyards. “The one word I would use to describe the state of where we’re at is ‘breakthrough,’” Steinberg says.
![](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/0519_feat_photojournal_terenceduffy_0.jpg?1577874530)
After the Fire
A muralist and photographer team up to paint and memorialize the ruins of the Camp Fire in Paradise
Artist Shane Grammer knew he had to paint the brick chimney the moment he saw a photo of it — the only part of a friend’s house in Paradise still standing after the Camp Fire devastated the town. The fire started tearing through the area on Nov. 8, 2018, becoming the deadliest and most destructive wildfire in California history.
![](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/0419_feat_cannabis_lead_td.jpg?1577874530)
Silver Stoners
Local dispensaries and senior living facilities respond to increased cannabis use among older generations
From senior discounts to Weed 101 workshops, dispensaries, delivery services and assisted living facilities in the Capital Region are navigating business and policy implications of the spike in interest among seniors.
![](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/0419_dept_fotm_terenceduffy.jpg?1577874530)
Startup of the Month: HealthSherpa
Guiding customers to health insurance coverage
When HealthCare.gov — the Affordable Care Act’s health insurance exchange website — went live in 2013, it was slow, buggy and hard to navigate — a digital mess. Two weeks later, three programmers in the Bay Area launched HealthSherpa.com, an alternative website to help online shoppers understand their options under the ACA and see plans and prices quickly.
![](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/0319_wilprofile_chrysa_terenceduffy_cropped.jpg?1577874530)
Women in Leadership: Chrysa Tsakopoulos Demos, AKT Investments
As part of our 2019 salute to women in leadership, we feature seven of the Capital Region’s most relevant and successful women leaders — here’s one of them.
![](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/0319_wilprofile_nicole_terenceduffy_cropped.jpg?1577874530)
Women in Leadership: Nicole Howard, SMUD
As part of our 2019 salute to women in leadership, we feature seven of the Capital Region’s most relevant and successful women leaders — here’s one of them.
![](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/0319_wilprofile_shannon_terenceduffy_cropped.jpg?1577874530)
Women in Leadership: Shannon Deary-Bell, Nor-Cal Beverage
As part of our 2019 salute to women in leadership, we feature seven of the Capital Region’s most relevant and successful women leaders — here’s one of them.
![](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/0319_wilprofile_joelle_terenceduffy_cropped.jpg?1577874530)
Women in Leadership: Joelle Terry, Sacramento Kings
As part of our 2019 salute to women in leadership, we feature seven of the Capital Region’s most relevant and successful women leaders — here’s one of them.
![Fatma Kaplan works in the greenhouse where she tests out Pheronym’s latest nontoxic pest control treatment.](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/0319_sotm_lead_terenceduffy.jpg?1577874530)
Startup of the Month: Pheronym
In the mood for pest control
Nematodes pose a conundrum to farmers. The worm-like microscopic creatures are everywhere. Some are parasitic, infecting plants and destroying crops — but others actually attack insect pests. The ability to target the “bad” while leaving the “good” unharmed would be a boon for agricultural production.
![](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/0319_wilprofile_angela_terenceduffy_cropped_1.jpg?1577874530)
Women in Leadership: Angela DePaoli, Bargas Environmental Consulting
As part of our 2019 salute to women in leadership, we feature seven of the Capital Region’s most relevant and successful women leaders — here’s one of them.
![](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/0319_feat_chamber_lead_td.jpg?1577874530)
The Voice of Capital Region Chambers Is Decidedly Female — Here’s What They Have to Say
There are roughly 50 chambers in the Capital Region, and we counted over 30 led by women. We asked a dozen of these leaders (doing our best to bring in a mix of voices) to tell us where they see the region headed.
![](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/0319_wilprofile_deitra_terenceduffy_cropped.jpg?1577874530)
Women in Leadership: Deitra Kenoly, San Joaquin Media Group
As part of our 2019 salute to women in leadership, we feature seven of the Capital Region’s most relevant and successful women leaders — here’s one of them.
![](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/0219_dept_fotm_terenceduffy_1.jpg?1577874530)
Startup of the Month: Robotics Evolution
Building robots for battle and jobs
Eric Sweet used to be a pilot, hauling cargo and flying corporate jets. Then he tried his hand at real estate. Now, through his Sacramento-based startup, Robotics Evolution, he’s focused on educating youth on robotics by offering special arenas where their robots can compete in various competitions.
![Coburn Crossing, currently under construction in Truckee, will be a multifamily housing complex of 138 market-rate rental apartments.](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/0119_feat_development_terenceduffy.jpg?1577874530)
Down to the Details
Can fee adjustments incentivize more affordable housing projects?
Fees and permitting are a vital tool for municipalities looking to address the housing shortage on a local level. We take a look at different strategies being employed in the region.
![](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/1218-startup-lead-cognivive-td.jpg?1577874530)
Startup of the Month: Cognivive
VR games for injured brains
Anybody who says video games are bad for your health hasn’t met Dr. Tony Simon.
![](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/img_647400001.jpg?1577874531)
10th Annual Miss California Latina and Miss Teen California Latina
The 10th Annual Miss California Latina and Miss Teen California Latina pageant was held Nov. 18 at Crest Theatre in downtown Sacramento. The Miss California Latina pageant and Miss Teen California Latina pageants provide personal and professional opportunities for young women to promote their voices in business, politics, the arts and service to the community.
![Kirk Hawkins, a former jet pilot with the U.S. Air Force, sits in the cockpit of a prototype in 2008. Hawkins launched his company ICON in 2005. Photo: Getty Images Mark Boster](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/1118_feat_veterans_lead_gettyimages_markboster.jpg?1577874530)
Life After Service
Expanded resources for veterans help pave the way toward business ownership
California has the highest number of veteran-owned businesses in the country. By contrast, there is a growing population of homeless veterans in Sacramento, and a declining percentage of the overall share of veterans who own businesses. But resources are on the rise.
![(Photo by Terrence Duffy)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/1118-startup-lead-newellsbotanicals-td.jpg?1577874530)
Startup of the Month: Newell’s Botanicals
Sacramento startup delivers cannabis-infused skin care products
The Sacramento-based startup makes cannabis-infused topical skin care products and for Chelsea Dudgeon, CEO and cofounder, her grandmother was “a tough sell” in the beginning.
![](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/1018_feat_education_lead_td.jpg?1577874530)
Born to Run
Youth entrepreneurship programs expand in the Capital Region
Education in entrepreneurialism grooms mini moguls and prepares students for the modern workforce. As demand rises, local programs are expanding to reach more youth and instill the lessons of smart business.
![](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/0918_startup_lead_stemtrunk_td.jpg?1577874530)
Startup of the Month: STEMtrunk
Yuba City-based company launches subscription service for educational toys
In 2017, Aaron Watkins launched a rental service called STEMtrunk because he doesn’t believe educational toys should be left behind. He calls his Yuba City-based startup “Netflix for learning toys” because it works with the same subscription-based concept.
![](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/0918_feat_leadership_lead2.jpg?1577874530)
The Way We Work
Six Sacramento executives give us a glimpse into a day in their (very busy) lives.
We tracked the routines of six business executives and paired that data with organizational management insights. Here’s how they tame the chaos.
![](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/0918_startup_lead_anusnacks_td.jpg?1577874530)
Startup of the Month: Anu Snacks
Crafting a snack bar from spent grain
Anu Snacks produces snack bars from spent beer grain, mixed with dried fruit and nuts with various coatings. The idea was a hit, winning $17,500 in prizes this year at the UC Davis Big Bang! competition for entrepreneurship.
![](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/0818_startup_lead_terenceduffy.jpg?1577874530)
Startup of the Month: Rhombus Systems
Virtually-managed cameras help secure physical buildings
With Rhombus Systems cameras, customers can view and share livestreams, manage unlimited locations from one console and set up other features.
![](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/0818_feat_wellness_lead_td.jpg?1577874530)
Pour Me Another
How one writer’s quest to go coffee-free brought him back to the beverage he loves
We all have a morning routine, and for 62 percent of American adults it involves coffee. But is it healthy? Our writer Kicked his caffeine habit for 10 days — here’s what he learned.
![](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/0718_feat_leadership_lead_td_1.jpg?1577874530)
Entrepreneur Showcase
16 founders with the skills to make it work
We asked readers to submit their picks for the Capital Region’s top entrepreneurs —and you answered. Our editorial team vetted almost 100 nominations, looking for innovative business ideas, interesting backstories, unique products and services and that ineffable “it” factor. And here they are…
![](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/0718_startup_lead_terenceduffy.jpg?1577874530)
Startup of the Month: Gray Mountain Sports Drinks
Nephrologist develops magnesium-rich thirst-quencher
Full of electrolytes, this drink supports light to strenuous activity levels, repleting and rehydrating the body without excess sugars and calories.
![](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/0718_feat_education_lead_ss.jpg?1577874530)
MBA Makeover
As enrollment in MBA programs drops nationwide, area universities adapt their offerings for the modern student
With interest in MBAs flat or falling across the nation, can modernization help programs keep up with student interest? We take a look at how the region’s education programs are innovating their offerings.
![](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/0618_feat_environment_lead_terenceduffy.jpg?1577874530)
Plastic of the Future
Bioplastics may offer one solution to the plastic predicament — and a West Sacramento company is leading the way.
Origin Materials is part of a small but growing bioplastics market. Regulation, recycling and changing consumer behavior have proven ineffective in curbing the environment impacts of plastic. With plastic production projected to double over the next 20 years, Origins founders think the key solution lies in the bottles themselves.
![](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/0618_sotm_lead_terenceduffy.jpg?1577874530)
Startup of the Month: Kili Medical Drain Carrier
A mesh apron device designed for surgical patients
She’s a four-time breast cancer survivor who has been through nine surgeries. But for Cinde Dolphin, the post-surgery process has always been a pain, specifically the drain bulbs.
![](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/0618_crc_success_terenceduffy.jpg?1577874530)
Family Fundamentals
One young mother set her family up for success at the Tubman House
As 18-year-old Margaret Gomez was about to complete her final GED exam, she started having contractions. She rushed from the room before finishing, though would go on to reschedule and pass. In May 2006, Gomez spoke at graduation to her 50-person class. Her 2-year-old daughter, Julyza, and weeks-old son, Junior, were in the crowd.
![](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/0618_feat_mcclatchy_lead_terenceduffy.jpg?1577874530)
Breaking News
With a 161-year old legacy to protect, McClatchy is doubling down on media's digital future
The rise, fall and future of a media empire: McClatchy and the Sacramento Bee have a 161-year legacy in Sacramento. As the newspaper industry struggles nationally, executives say investments in virtual and augmented reality will see the business thrive once again.
![](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/0518_dept_fotm_lead_terenceduffy.jpg?1577874530)
Startup of the Month: Trifecta
Going door to door with healthy ready-made meals
Even though 76 percent of Americans think fast food is “not too good” or “not good at all for you,” almost half say they eat fast food at least weekly, according to a 2013 Gallup poll.
![Nikky Mohanna of Mohanna Development Co. at the 19J project site.](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/0518_feat_rre_lead_terenceduffy.jpg?1577874530)
Small Wonders
19J’s microunits are a gamble — but will demand for downsized living make the project a winner?
Picture 350 square feet. That’s 11 queen-sized beds. It’s the inside of a school bus with an extra row or two of seats. It’s a little smaller than the average two-car garage. And it’s the size of 25-year-old Rachel Vaney’s apartment in Midtown Sacramento.
![Nar Bustamante is consolidating his Carmichael and El Dorado Hills locations into one in East Sacramento.](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/0418_feat_design_lead_td.jpg?1577874530)
Destination in Design
Capitalizing on recent momentum, East Sacramento designers set sights on creating a new design district
Hoping to capitalize on the revitalization of Sacramento’s downtown core, Nar Bustamante is moving his offices to the burgeoning design scene in East Sacramento off Elvas Avenue. Along with local talent already in place, these designers hope to help solidify Sacramento’s place as a new urban hotspot.
![](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/0318_feat_wil_lead_elements-ss.jpg?1577874530)
Wonder Women
Comstock’s celebrates six extraordinary women of influence who are redefining leadership on their own terms.
We’re highlighting six of the Capital Region’s most influential female leaders who are blazing trails in their respective industries.
![](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/0218_feat_permitting_td.jpg?1577874530)
Codes of Conduct
When it comes to crafting stronger permitting processes, communication is key
Permitting can be a logistical mess for developers, while the future of economic development depends on this process. Efforts to improve the process find that enhanced communication trumps speed in terms of efficiency.