Celebrating Five Years of The North Atlanta Venture Mentoring Service With Mentor Mark Caldwell
July marked the five-year anniversary for North Atlanta Venture Mentoring Service (NAV) – an organization making serious waves in the entrepreneurship space. What makes NAV special is that they provide free team-based mentoring to startups in the North Atlanta area. All thanks to NAV’s principles, methods, and a ton of guidance from MIT’s Venture Mentoring Service, they’ve become the first of their kind in Georgia. More than a handful of startups have benefited from NAV’s services so far and it’s plain to see: they’re making a pretty solid difference.
NAV’s Record So Far
Located in Woodstock, over the past five years, they’ve helped 31 new businesses get their legs in the industry. These startups have gone on to do cool things like open extra locations and create new jobs. We’re talking companies like Bethany Steel Supply, Alma Coffee, American Pillar Growers, Bizarre Coffee, and Eden Smoothies – the list goes on and on. It’s no surprise Clint Ober from American Pillars Growers is jazzed about their experience with NAV, saying “NAV helped motivate me to get focused, be strategic and be intentional in my business. I don’t know how to say the gratitude and thanks for what my mentors and NAV have given in value.”
Meet One of The Original Mentors: Mark Caldwell
Now let’s talk about one of NAV’s original mentors. Meet Mark Caldwell, a serial entrepreneur who’s been there, done that and now brings all that experience to NAV. He started out like many of us, not really knowing what he wanted to do career-wise. All he knew was that he wanted to make money. So, he hustled, studied Computer Science at the University of Michigan, and braved the startup world.
Mark Caldwell’s Entrepreneurial Journey
His first stint was with a small software startup, and as luck would have it, that’s where he had his Aha! moment. Large corporations? Not his jam. He yearned for a sense of belonging, a personal connection that was missing in the corporate world. And that’s exactly why he moved on to start several companies of his own.
Just like everyone else, Mark made his fair share of mistakes along the way. That’s where the importance of mentorship came into play. He credits his own mentor, Jay Chaudry, for teaching him about the value of ownership and building one’s own future.
Caldwell’s Journey With NAV
Mark was one of the first mentors to join NAV when it launched, drawn by the idea of giving back to aspiring entrepreneurs. Now he primarily focuses on helping new businesses hash out strategies, lending his invaluable practical experience. In addition, he thoroughly enjoys the exchanges between the mentors especially when they disagree – a learning experience for all.
Final Word
NAV continues to seek skilled mentors as they keep growing. Mark encourages potential mentors to give it a shot, stating “It’s worth the time and effort. I’m thrilled to see where NAV is going. I’m happy I got involved.” Head over to northatlantavms.com if you are interested in giving back to the business community.
Misti Martin, President & CEO of the Cherokee Office of Economic Development (COED), expressed her appreciation for the mentors and the role they’ve played in the success of NAV. She highlighted that these mentors are not just supporting businesses but also embodying the spirit of servant leadership and offering a platform for individuals to give back.
If you are interested in fostering the next generation of ventures and shaping the entrepreneurial community, apply today. Join in the fun and start guiding new entrepreneurs at northatlantavms.com.
