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