Panel: Scaling Bridges: Real Stories of Business Growth
San Francisco entrepreneurs share the real stories behind how their businesses evolved—through expansion, reinvention, and sometimes unexpected setbacks. Panelists Alissa Anderson (Foggy Notion), Eric Ehler and Peter Dorrance (Outta Sight Pizza), Nicole Schwieterman (Fleetwood SF) and Vandor Hill (Whack Donuts) reflect on the decisions, risks and opportunities that shaped their journeys, offering an honest look at what it means to grow a business while staying rooted in community. Moderated by Cynthia Huie, panelists explore how creativity, resilience and collaboration can help entrepreneurs scale new bridges toward the future.
Cynthia Huie is a San Francisco–based entrepreneur and community leader. She is the founder and co-owner of On Waverly, a bookshop, gift store and community space in Chinatown celebrating Asian American stories and creativity. Currently serving as President of the San Francisco Small Business Commission, Huie champions local entrepreneurship and neighborhood revitalization across the city.
Alissa Anderson is the founder of Foggy Notion, a San Francisco-based brand known for its thoughtfully designed goods and strong storytelling. Through retail activations, including a pop-up at San Francisco International Airport, Anderson has expanded her business while maintaining a focus on craftsmanship and brand integrity. Her work highlights how strategic partnerships and nontraditional retail spaces can open new pathways for growth while staying true to a creative vision.
Eric Ehler & Peter Dorrance are the co-founders of Outta Sight Pizza, a San Francisco favorite that grew from a pandemic-era pop-up into two brick-and-mortar locations. Known for their inventive approach to classic pizza and strong brand identity, Ehler and Dorrance have navigated rapid growth while staying rooted in quality and community. Their journey includes leveraging small business resources such as the Small Business Development Center and innovative funding models like small business bonds, demonstrating how creative strategies can support sustainable expansion.
Nicole Schwieterman is the founder of Fleetwood SF, a screen-printing studio and retail space that highlights goods by local makers. What began as a creative production space has grown into a vibrant storefront, offering custom printing alongside a thoughtfully curated selection of apparel, accessories and art. After relocating from the Tenderloin to Clement Street, Schwieterman has continued to expand Fleetwood’s presence through collaborations, community events and participation in neighborhood art walks, building a business that bridges creative production with retail and local connection.
Vandor Hill is the founder of Whack Donuts, a vibrant and unconventional donut brand that blends bold flavors with a strong visual identity. Emerging through San Francisco’s pop-up scene and programs like Vacant to Vibrant, Hill has built Whack Donuts through collaboration, experimentation and a deep connection to local culture. His work reflects a willingness to take risks and reimagine what a food business can be, using partnerships and creative activation to grow his presence across the city.
Connect
Foggy Notion - Website | Foggy Notion - Instagram
Outta Sight Pizza - Website | Outta Sight Pizza - Instagram
Fleetwood - Website | Fleetwood - Instagram
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