I still remember the first time I sat across from David Zumaya at a networking breakfast. I was brand new to this scene—tucked behind my notebook, clutching a cup of coffee, trying not to feel invisible.

David leaned forward and asked a question that stopped me in my tracks: “What are you doing to grow your business?”

I nervously answered, “I’m trying.”

He smiled, shook his head, and said:
“No—you’re not trying. You ARE doing.”

That phrase turned my mindset upside down. In that moment, I felt seen. It became a turning point for me, and one of many moments where David poured life and encouragement into others—myself included.

Who Is David Zumaya?

David Zumaya wears many hats, but his through-line is always community.

• TEDx Speaker and recognized Latino Leader of Influence by the San Diego Business Journal.

• Founder of My San Diego North County and Cafecito Business Networking, both dedicated to amplifying local businesses and nonprofits.

• Organizer of the North County Business Expo & Mega Mixer, which just celebrated its 10th anniversary this September.

• SBDC Business Consultant, guiding entrepreneurs toward sustainability and growth.

• Executive Leadership Team member with the Alzheimer’s Association San Diego/Imperial, helping lead the Walk to End Alzheimer’s.

• Longtime advocate tied to the historic Spirit of the Barrio, honoring philanthropy and local roots.

David is more than a connector—he’s a catalyst. He understands that businesses don’t succeed in isolation; they thrive when the community around them does.

The 10th Annual North County Business Expo: More Than Networking

The 10th Annual North County Business Expo & Mega Mixer, hosted at the California Center for the Arts in Escondido, was a milestone moment.

With chambers from Poway, Oceanside, Vista, Carlsbad, Fallbrook, Encinitas, Escondido, and more gathered under one roof, the energy was undeniable. Over 400 attendees filled the space—business owners, nonprofit leaders, elected officials, and community champions. Vendor booths lined the hall. Conversations buzzed. Partnerships were born.

At 4:00 p.m., David and his team cut the ribbon, not just to mark an event, but to celebrate a decade of connection.

For me, walking the floor wasn’t just about meeting new clients. It was about seeing how deeply businesses and nonprofits are woven together here in North County. This Expo wasn’t about clout—it was about collaboration. It was about proving that when we come together, we multiply impact.

Hope on the Hard Road: The Why Behind My Work

As both a business owner and a board member of Hope on the Hard Road, I see firsthand what happens when businesses and nonprofits stand side by side.

Hope on the Hard Road’s mission:
“We are dedicated to helping connect and encourage families with children with special needs through programs designed to support the unique needs of the individual, the family, and the community.”

That’s not just a tagline—it’s a lifeline.

Through mom meetups, dad meetups, sibling days, inclusive festivals, and date nights for parents, Hope creates spaces where families like mine feel less alone. As a mom of a son with special needs, I know how vital that sense of belonging is. And thanks to platforms like the Expo, I can bridge my business world and my nonprofit world—helping families discover both practical services and the community support they need.

The Repair Tech: Community as a Business Model

My company, The Repair Tech Inc., is an HVAC and appliance business. On the surface, that sounds like fixing A/C units and refrigerators. But underneath, it’s about more than that—it’s about showing up when families need us most.

One summer, I got a call from a desperate dad whose air conditioning was out during a heatwave. His son, who is autistic, was struggling in a house that was nearly 90 degrees at 7 p.m. Other companies told him “tomorrow.” But I knew tomorrow wasn’t good enough. My husband and I went that night. We fixed it because it wasn’t just about comfort—it was about safety, dignity, and care.

That’s the heartbeat of our business. And it’s the same heartbeat that nonprofits like Hope on the Hard Road carry. Together, they align: practical support meets emotional support, and families win.

Why This Matters

The Expo showed me something powerful:

• Visibility & Credibility → Small businesses and nonprofits gain exposure side by side.

• Cross-Support → Nonprofits get resources; businesses gain trust.

• Shared Stories → People connect more deeply when they see you give back.

• Sustainability → Collaboration builds resilience—for businesses, nonprofits, and the families they serve.

This is why David Zumaya’s work matters. He doesn’t just host events. He builds ecosystems where everyone—business, nonprofit, family—rises together.

Final Word

David Zumaya is more than an organizer or influencer. He’s a builder of bridges. He’s the one who asks you the right question at the right time, and then hands you a platform to grow.

Because in his world—and in mine—business isn’t just about profit. It’s about purpose.

So here’s my question for you: How are you showing up for your community? Is your business just surviving—or is it helping others thrive too?

—
Andreina Leal-Carrillo
CEO • Mom • Community Advocate
The Repair Tech Inc.