Ventures (Seed 2 Growth) representatives on stage. The pre-event publicity noted that the start-up companies were competing for a $250,000 equity investment, with the caveat that S2G was not obligated to reach an on-the-spot agreement with the winner. After some negotiations, S2G did offer and mobius accepted a $500,000 equity investment. S2G representatives indicated that they were interested in being long- term partners. (See separate story in this issue profiling mobius). AgSharks, which launched in 2017 to help budding agtech startups bring their inventions from development to market, was the first agtech event to offer real-time investment opportunities in front of a live audience. Shark Tank’s Daymond John Another highlight of the Annual Meeting was the fast-paced, multi-media, keynote presentation by Daymond John during the Chairman’s Lunch. John is a judge on the popular Shark Tank series and is a successful entrepreneur as the CEO/founder of FUBU, a well-known lifestyle brand, which he launched with innovative and cutting edge marketing schemes. He kept the audience at rapt attention for more than an hour as he detailed the rise of his FUBU brand, which
initially targeted fans of hip hop. John brazenly asked stars to pose wearing his attire. Many of the photos and videos went viral, making his clothes “must-have” items in that community. The Shark Tank star outlined his unlikely career path as he is truly a self- made businessman coming from humble beginnings who has succeeded where many others have failed. Of course, one of
the keys to his success is that he does not recognize failure. He finds all efforts to be learning experiences. His specific steps for success are setting a goal, creating a good work/home balance, love what you do, remember you are your brand and keep swimming upstream regardless of the obstacles. Reagan’s Economist Arthur Laffer Known as the supply-side economist of President Ronald Reagan’s tax overhaul, Arthur Laffer entertained the audience during the annual Political Action Committee luncheon with his uncompromising view that virtually no wealth should be redistributed but rather should be left in the hands of those who make it. He believes there is no value in increasing income tax and claims that history has proven that any state that has ever raised taxes has experienced an economic decline in the years that follow. Laffer’s remarks were mostly met with delight by the audience of ag entrepreneurs. However, he did raise some eyebrows with his declaration that Reagan and Bill Clinton were the best presidents in history and also noted he greatly admires former California Governor Jerry Brown. Of course, Laffer admits to being non- partisan with a politician’s economic views being the one characteristic by which he judges. In that regard, he loved Brown’s flat tax when he ran for president, and also advocated for Clinton’s tax policy during his tenure in office.
Neill Callis, Frank Maconachy and Craig Reade listen to a pitch.
26 Western Grower & Shipper | www.wga.com JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2020
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