SALT 2024 was one for the books!
Wow. Just wow.
To everyone who joined us at the SALT Leadership Conference, you didn’t just show up - you showed out! Your energy, engagement, and passion for growth blew us away. Whether you were networking, learning from the incredible speakers, or sharing your own insights, YOU made this event the unforgettable experience it was.
To those who missed it… well, let's just say you missed something BIG. The stories, connections, and breakthroughs that happened at SALT are hard to put into words. Watch the recap video below to get a glimpse of the magic that unfolded.
And for both our attendees and those who weren’t able to make it this time: Keep your eyes peeled for future SALT mixers and conferences.
The fire that was lit at this event is just the beginning.
To everyone who attended, THANK YOU for your presence and passion. Your commitment to leadership, creativity, and growth left us inspired and excited for what’s next. Together, we’re building a community that’s going to make waves, and we can’t wait to see where this journey leads us all.
Event Recap
SALT 2024 | the practice of passion
The 2024 SALT Conference was designed for you, as leaders, to (re) discover your passion.
People follow passion. People buy passion. People believe in passion.
Whatever you do. Do it with passion. Customers, supporters, and advocates will find you.
It’s time to leave the comfort of “just-fine”, to ignite the flame that fuels you. To abandon the safety nets and guardrails we put in place, keeping us from the danger of the unknown. It’s the unruliness of uncharted territory that called us. Will we continue to follow?
Why did you start your business, begin creating art? What led you to follow the path of a leader-of-people, teams and projects? What audacity. What a risk. We love(d) it.
SALT conferences are for artists, creatives, business owners, entrepreneurs, directors, managers, dreamers, pioneers, and forward thinkers. For leaders who forge ahead with heart & soul. Leaders who recognize the privilege they have to make the lives of their teammates better. Richer. More flavorful.
Our October 4th, 2024 at Worksphere in Downtown Tacoma was a full-day immersive conference co-hosted by Bryson Foster of the Tacoma based creative marketing and community-building agency, Foster’s Creative; and Bryan Reynolds, CEO and co-founder of the legendary Anthem Coffee Company, the home of heroic hospitality. The conference featured unique breakout sessions, creative performances, and a Q&A panel with a wide array of voices, perspectives, and backgrounds.
Proudly Sponsored By
Event Details
WHERE Worksphere
WHEN October 4th, 2024 | Doors open at 8:30am, conference | 9:00 am - 5:00 pm.
WHAT Keynote Speakers, Breakout Sessions, Community Q&A Panel, Live Performances from Local Artists, Raffle & Give-Aways and More!
HOSTED BY Bryson Foster & Bryan Reynolds
Keynote Speakers
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Bryson Foster grew up in eastern Washington - the son of a blues musician, who taught him a love for music, and a Mexican-American mother who taught him a love for culture and community. He started making hip-hop music at thirteen, and produced his first album by 15.
In 2014, he married his wife, Kristin, and together they moved to Tacoma to be closer to his family. They fell in love with this city, and began investing in the arts and music scene out of a deep respect for those communities. Their business, Foster’s Creative, was born out of that respect - a creative agency that would help Tacoma organizations to do good, and document that good through great marketing.
Bryson has three children, all of whom were born in Tacoma’s Hilltop neighborhood.
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Bryan Reynolds is Co-Founder & CEO of ANTHEM Coffee.
He’s a purpose driven team builder and has a great ability for helping businesses develop great brands and culture. He was honored as one of the “40 Under 40” in Business by South Sound Business Magazine in 2018.
Over the past 17 years, Bryan and his family have built ANTHEM Coffee into 7 locations around the South Puget Sound providing “Heroic Hospitality” to each community they serve.
Bryan is also a business success coach and consultant helping business leaders and owners overcome their biggest pain points and obstacles in order to scale their businesses.
He’s been blissfully married to his middle school sweetheart Alicia for almost 20 years and has 3 boys: 11, 13, and 17.
businesscoachbryan.com
instagram.com/bryanreynolds
facebook.com/bryanreynolds
Featuring
VICTORIA FRAGOSO | Performing Artist
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Victoria Fragoso is a piano-based singer-songwriter from Tacoma, Washington. She draws inspiration from her Hispanic roots, classical piano training, church choir harmonies, and musical theater background. Her music is sure to resonate with fans of Vanessa Carlton, Sia, and Regina Spektor with its diverse range of influences and emotional vocals.
As a graduate of Chapman University's Creative Writing program and a lover of special effects makeup, Fragoso uses her artistry and imagination to bring her music to life through online content and music videos. Throughout the pandemic, she has connected with other artists and music lovers through live stream shows and her weekly talk show "Tuesday with Toya," where she interviews independent artists and showcases her songs on keys and ukulele.
AMY LEWIS | Visual Artist
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Amy Lewis paints snapshots of ordinary life glamorized. Lewis is inspired by fashion editorials and historic paintings of aristocracy. She pairs everyday subjects with rich backgrounds to create a juxtaposition between the ordinary and the luxurious. Her representational watercolor and oil paintings, rich in color and detail, draw attention to the things we take for granted.
Lewis is a self taught artist from Tacoma, Washington who paints to cultivate joy and an appreciation for the beauty that is all around us.
In 2023, she was featured in Gita Joshi’s Art Seen magazine and organized her own group pop-up exhibition in Seattle.
Breakout Sessions
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Bryson Foster is the CEO & Co-Founder of Foster's Creative.
Bryan Reynolds is Co-Founder & CEO of ANTHEM Coffee.
#2 KRYSTLE EDWARDS | Grit City Women
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Krystle Edwards, South Sound Business Magazine’s 2019 “Top 40 Under 40”, is a visionary supporter of female forward businesses that distinguishes Tacoma as a mecca of grit, creativity, and progressive ideas. She brings formal education in developmental psychology and human biology and her leadership experience to the creation of Grit City Women. In addition, Krystle is the entrepreneur, founder, and president of Liz Rocks; a non-profit organization which provides opportunities for underrepresented youth to participate in mountain activities. Under her leadership, Liz Rocks raised significant funds to build a permanent rock climbing wall and provide youth scholarships. Liz Rocks was awarded the Best Community Organization of 2015 by the Greater Metro Parks Foundation. The Liz Rocks wall, slated to break ground in 2023, will provide a safe space for youth to reach new peaks in the new Scott and Sis Names Family YMCA.
As an avid outdoors person, Krystle has summited Mt. Rainier, Mt. Baker, Mt. Adams and Mt. Saint Helens. She is also a world traveler, having visited 23 countries in Europe, Asia, South America, and Africa. As a writer, Krystle has been published in an academic case studies textbook and a scientific journal. Krystle served as the vice-chair of the Community Police Advisory Committee in Tacoma for four years where she worked with city officials/staff, the Tacoma Police Department, and community leaders on myriad issues. In addition, she was invited by Tacoma’s Mayor Victoria Woodards to be a core team member of Mayor Woodards’ Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Initiative. Krystle served 12 years federally as a Radiological Controls Branch Head and as co-lead of the Hispanic Employee Resource Group (HERO) at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard where she was recognized as a 2020 Employee of the Year. In 2023 Krystle joined a community of executive women in the South Sound area as a mentor for the Milgard Women’s Initiative (MWI) where she provides mentorship to Tacoma Milgard School of Business graduate students. She was awarded the 2023 Women in Leadership Award by the Junior League of Tacoma. Recently, Krystle has changed career paths to serve as a Certified Change Management Practitioner for the Department of Health’s implementation of the Washington State 988 Behavioral Health Crises Response and Suicide Prevention System.
#3 KATHI RENNAKER | Almond Roca
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Kathi Rennaker is a dynamic and dedicated marketing professional currently serving as the Director of Marketing at Brown & Haley, a distinguished name in the confectionery industry. With over two decades of experience in strategic marketing and brand management, Kathi has been instrumental in driving growth and innovation at Brown & Haley, ensuring the brand remains a beloved household name.
As a seasoned leader, Kathi is known for her visionary approach and her unwavering commitment to excellence. She actively fosters a collaborative and inclusive work environment, empowering her team to reach their full potential. Kathi’s relentless pursuit of constant improvement and her ability to inspire her colleagues have earned her a reputation as a truly transformative leader in the marketing field. Her strategic insights and passion for her craft continue to propel Brown & Haley toward new heights of success.
#4 MARI GRIFFIN | Black Night Market
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The Black Night Market LLC was founded by a Tacoma Native, Mari Griffin. A local artist, community worker, mentor and business owner.
Inspired by the lack of economic opportunities and representation for Black Owned Businesses, Mari produced the Black Night Market, The First Annual Black Business Brunch and Poetry After Dark.
BNM is now considered a production company that highlights and empowers businesses and performing artists!
The BNM experience is like one big family gathering, where we come to network, celebrate, rejoice and support Black culture and community.
Our events are curated by us, for us.
100% Black and women owned & operated.
Click here to follow Mari G on Instagram.
#5 BRIAN HIBBARD | Field Bar Tacoma
Q&A Panel
JENNIFER ENGLISH | Spaceworks
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Jennifer English
Program Director | SpaceworksJennifer facilitates the learning and professional development of creative entrepreneurs and artists with plans for long term creative/innovative businesses that benefit Tacoma’s culturally vibrant community. Jennifer is a Spaceworks incubator program graduate from 2014 and is the co-owner of SPUN Clay Arts Studio. She was the Hilltop Business Association Vice President for 5 years and continues to be involved in her community. She attended Cornish College of the Arts, Clover Park Technical College, and the Evergreen State College. She holds a graphic design degree and studied Asian Culture and Art. With a passion for collaboration, creativity, and helping creatives and entrepreneurs ‘get out there’, Jennifer started the Hilltop Art Walk that allows visual artists and musicians to show their work for no fee. Jennifer believes that everyone should have the opportunity to share their passion with the world and tries to limit those barriers that keep people from doing so.
TYLER & LAUREN | Promo Originals
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Meet Tyler Sandland & Lauren Robertson
Tyler started printing t-shirts back in 2010 out of a garage in Orting, WA. Teaching by day and printing shirts by night, Promo Originals quickly grew to more than just a side hustle. Things really took off when Tyler met Lauren, PO’s other half, and they merged their skills and love for the industry. With Lauren’s back-ground in fashion, and Tyler’s knowledge of apparel decorating, they decided to go full time to pursue their dream. After hearing too many times “I ordered from a company I found online and the quality was sh*t," they both agreed there was an opportunity for a local print shop that offered high quality, retail ready, custom apparel. Together they have created a space where people know they will never be “surprised” (not in a good way) by the final product. There is a real focus on expertise, customer experience and attention to detail - whether you are a school, organization or clothing brand.
DR. JOHN GAINES | PUSH for Dreams
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Dr. John “Push” Gaines is a highly successful and much sought-after CEO, founder of the non-profit organization PUSH for Dreams, best-selling author and renowned speaker, leadership consultant, and mentorship advocate. He is celebrated for his organic, kind-hearted approach and heartfelt enthusiasm in connecting with audiences and tackling important issues with positivity.
Dr. Gaines is dedicated to motivating students, teachers, administrators, professionals, and communities through his personal experiences, trauma, and unique challenges, inspiring them to push through obstacles and be their best selves.
He has been named one of Yahoo News’ “Top 10 Most Influential People of 2020” for his ability to relate to and inspire his audiences to imagine greater possibilities. Dr. Gaines holds degrees in Business and Leadership and exemplifies personal and professional excellence.
He finds his greatest joy in being a loving husband to Emily and devoted father to his children, Anorah Annette & Benny Bishop.
MARQUITA EVANS | Intentions Juice Bar
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Marquita Evans is the owner of A-List Nanny Services, Intentions Juice and Smoothie Bar, A-List Notary, and Intentional Consulting. With a life mantra of being inspired to serve, Marquita is continuously looking for ways to help others and serve her community.
Marquita spent the first 10 years of her career in Early Childhood education working in preschools and as a Nanny. In an effort to further her education and combine her two passions she became a Surgical Technologist. Marquita spent 10 years working at a Center of Excellence before beginning the journey of a full time mom and entrepreneur.
A-List Nanny Services was structured in 2008. Marquita has been noted as being dedicated, punctual, responsible, trustworthy, and extremely fun to work with. All of these attributes culminated together has led her to become one of the most requested
Nanny’s in the greater Puget Sound area. Clientele includes Seattle Seahawks, Seattle Kraken, Google, and many more!
Intentions Juice & Smoothie Bar was created in 2020 with the goal to challenge one's mind on being intentional about what they feed their body. What began as a home endeavor to create a healthier lifestyle evolved into creating a space for the community to be intentional. Navigating through opening during a pandemic led Marquita to seek solutions vs see problems. Intentions is currently in the process of opening their second location in Seattle with a third scheduled to open in Downtown Tacoma this fall.
In 2023, Marquita began facilitating for the PCBA (Pierce County Business Accelerator Program) where she provided in person instruction for entrepreneurs located in Pierce County. This endeavor also offered Business coaching to participants in which Marquita has to date worked closely with 26 small businesses.
Building multiple businesses from the ground up has given Marquita a range of expertise including but not limited to business licensing, business coaching, LLC formation, personal credit education, building meaningful business relationships, and conflict resolution.
ABE FOX | Wooden City
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I was raised in the restaurant industry with some of my earliest memories coming from the views of the places my mom worked to support my brother and I as single parent in Port Townsend, Wa. I was able to witness genuine, small town hospitality on a regular basis and my first job was washing dishes and bussing tables in one of those restaurants. After college without any clue as to what I actually wanted to do with my life I spent my 20s behind many bars while saving money for various trips around the world.
After the birth of my first daughter I kept coming back to the thought of a restaurant that emulated those ideas of comfort and hospitality I saw as kid in all of the places my mom worked. My business partner had a similar childhood working with his mom in restaurants and together we came up with what Wooden City would eventually be. We don’t always get it exactly right but we will forever be trying to recreate the nostalgia and hospitality of our childhood restaurant experiences.
Along with the Tacoma location we have restaurants in Spokane, Chattanooga, Seattle and Birmingham. I live in Tacoma with my partner Niina and our blended family of four amazing kids!
Grab lunch at Taco Street’s Taco Cart!
They offer authentic and tasty food from the Chihuahua region of Mexico.
Everything from their Tacos to the Chilaquiles are made with a passion for creating delicious food.
A conference for you, by you.
In August we invited business owners, entrepreneurs, organizational leaders and creatives to join us for 2 pre-conference mixers at Anthem Coffee. (Puyallup and Tacoma locations.) Our main goal was to listen to the pain-points of the community and learn about your unique challenges.
We took that information, and we crafted a conference for you.
Thank you to all who came out and shared! Thank you for being bright.
SALT Conferences are about building community with other leaders. It’s always been about journeying with each other. We know the leadership journey is often a lonely one.
Remember, that you may feel lonely. But, you're not alone.
LISTEN. WATCH.
During the mixers, we also set up a camera and asked the attendees to answer one simple, random question to encourage others.
Here are those videos. Enjoy!
Small Business Workshop: Grow Your Business by Caring for Your City.
11/10/2021 @ Worksphere