Meet Our Members

Paul De La Torre

Founder & CEO

Paul De La Torre is a dedicated entrepreneur and business consultant with a passion to help small business thrive! He founded Capitol Business connection 11 years ago, driven by his commitment to assist small businesess in their growth and development.

One of his proudest moments is when he played a significant role in the success of the struggling Nana’s Cafe located in a Sacramento business park. Through his efforts, an event called “On Location with Capitol Business Connection” was organized, and attracted over 100 people between 7:00 AM and 9:00 AM. This event contributed to the cafe’s success and lead to the opening of another location, showing Paul’s impact on local small businesses!

Paul is not only an accomplished entrepreneur, but also a coauthor of the best-selling series “The Power of Leadership,” which has earn recognition on prominent networks such as NBC and FOX. With 23 years of experience in helping small businesses grow, Paul brings valuable insights into the challenges and strategies in their development.

His dedication to assisting small businesses is evident through the testimonials of other entrepreneurs who have benefited from his expertise, which can be found on his website. Paul is known for exceptional team building-skills and is often referred to as a “Servant Leader.”

He plans on leveraging these skills to enhance Capitol Business Connection and its Referral Network, making it a valuable resource for your small business!

Daron Whitley

President, Referral Network

Daron’s background and expertise certainly makes him a valuable asset to Capitol Business Connection and its Referral Network in their efforts to expand in the Sacramento region. His journey from Pasadena to Santa Cruz and his education at the University of California receiving his Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Arts demonstrates his adaptability and commitment to personal growth.

His impressive tenure at Kellogg’s Snacks, where he managed 25 accounts and generated over 42 million in regional revenue while handling the toughest rout in Northern California, speaks to his managerial and sale skills. Winning ‘Territory Manager of the Year’ twice during his time there highlights his exceptional performance and dedication!

Daron’s decision to bring his beautiful wife and two wonderful sons and leave San Francisco to take the role of Publisher for East Elk Grove Living in Elk Grove, California, shows his commitment to community involvement and his ability to connect with a local audience. His position as Board Member and partner of Capitol Business Connection and its Referral Network, combined with his experience as a regional sales manager and involvement in the Elk Grove Rotary, make him well-suited to help the network grow and provide valuable exposure for its members.

It’s clear that Daron brings a wealth of expertise and dedication to his new role, which will contribute significantly to the network’s success!

Susan Sontra, Board Member

Susan is an Inspirational Speaker and Writer on creativity. She brings her passion for sparking creativity in others in her coaching as well.

Susan has been friends with creativity since she was young as she was always involved in some type of creative project-

Digital Technology Contributor: Jason Crowson

It’s wonderful to have Jason part of Capitol Business Connection’s Referral Network! His company Crowson Digital Technology has had a tremendous impact on the Capitol region through his digital creation services and contributions to various events and organizations. Jason’s involvement…

Lisa Lemons

We are thrilled to welcome Lisa to Capitol Business Connection’s Referral Network (CBCRN). Lisa’s extensive experience in referral groups, particularly her involvement in several BNI chapters, make her a valuable addition to our network. Her insights and knowledge of how these groups work and operate will undoubtedly benefit all CBCRN members…(more)

Keith Ward

Keith just kicked off another company called Agile Peak Performance where they will be helping small and medium businesses save time and money with

Kristen Bahler

Kristen is an information professional who excels in helping people find the information that they require to make informed decisions with. Whether it is personal or business, serious or silly, Kristen can find information….(more)

Brian Batista

Brian Batista, owner of Batista Financial and Life Insurance Services, is a financial services representative and proud father of two extraordinary daughters. He is passionate about educating and empowering his clients to make informed decisions about…(more)

Paul Doyle

Paul is dedicated and community-oriented individual with a passion for clean comedy. He comes to Capitol Business Connection Referral Network as its residents comedian. Paul is part of STAB! A Clean Comedy Show Theater group known as SQUEAK! in Sacramento. (more)