The Capital Collective

Meet Kevin Sena, the Entrepreneur Disrupting Cybersecurity with Decept10 Cyber threats are evolving, so is the way we fight them. Founded 2.5 years ago by Kevin Sena, Decept10 is an innovative, fast growing cybersecurity company proving that Kevin’s approach to deception-based security is changing the game. Kevin is no stranger to launching successful ventures. He is also the mastermind behind Viperline Solutions, a cybersecurity powerhouse that was built from the ground up with zero outside investors. Before launching two thriving companies, Kevin’s journey started at Dell Computers, where he gained firsthand experience in the fast-moving tech industry. A Lee University graduate, he combined his passion for technology with his entrepreneurial grit, creating solutions that protect businesses from ever-growing cyber threats. With Decept10, Kevin is redefining cybersecurity, one smart, stealthy move at a time.

Contreras Forestry is more than a business, it’s a family legacy built on hard work, vision, and deep-rooted dedication to the land. Founded in 2015 by Gilberto Contreras, the company embodies more than 30 years of his expertise in reforestation and right-of-way vegetation maintenance across Alabama and the Southeast. Originally from Mexico, Gilberto came to the United States in pursuit of a better life, bringing with him a passion for agriculture that has been the driving force behind the company’s success. Now, a new chapter is unfolding. His daughter, Yazmin Contreras, who has been an integral part of the business for the past decade, is poised to lead Contreras Forestry into its next phase of growth. A 2013 graduate of UAB with degrees in International Studies and Political Science, Yazmin is committed to honoring her father’s legacy while planting the seeds for the future. With a strong foundation and a bold vision, she is ready to scale the company, ensuring Contreras Forestry continues to thrive as a trusted leader in the utility, industrial, and commercial sectors.

Meet Avanti Paul! Avanti is our Executive Director in Birmingham and brings over 20 years of experience in leading global operations, building large-scale strategic programs, and developing high-performing teams. She has a track record of transforming underperforming divisions largely by instilling an equitable and team-based culture. Previously, she served as the Chief Operating Officer at Southern Research Institute in Birmingham and held various leadership roles at S&P Global including Head of Global Operations, Head of Strategic Initiatives, Head of Business Management, Lean Coach and Public Finance Credit Analyst. Recently she designed the compliance component for Innovate Alabama’s SSBCI debt and equity capital access programs. She is now keen to continue her work in the capital access space. She lives in Birmingham with her husband and two children.

What an amazing night! Tuesday night, we were joined by the Beyond the Middle participants for this spring. We spent time getting to know each other and during a networking round robin, we took the opportunity to demystify business issues, talk about building business synergies, and work on things that were top of mind for our group.

This #TeamTuesday, meet one of our powerhouse co-founders, Tamika Tyson! Tamika has accumulated over 25 years of deep investment, risk management, strategy, and transaction experience across five different economic cycles. Tamika’s career spans from being the co-founder of TGC Impact Fund to being the Global Head of Credit at Noble Energy (former Fortune 500), where she managed a $5 billion portfolio and completed over 100 transactions, and having significant roles at Koch Industries, Exelon, and Shell. Her career is distinguished by extensive experience in underwriting, structuring, risk management, and portfolio management on the buy-side and sell-side of deals. Tamika enjoys traveling (have been to 6 out of 7 continents) reading, and puzzles!

We're so excited to introduce the participants in the Beyond the Middle Intensive! First up, meet Meredith Ray Calhoun of Tessa Commercial Real Estate. With over 20 years of experience in commercial real estate, Meredith has been instrumental in transforming Birmingham’s urban landscape through adaptive reuse and historic redevelopment projects. Her expertise in these areas has established her as a key figure in preserving Birmingham’s architectural heritage. As the founder of Tessa Commercial Real Estate, Meredith has successfully brokered over $100M in transactions, representing owners and investors in high-impact projects. Her leadership in the commercial real estate sector has shaped Birmingham’s growth, and she continues to drive innovation and wealth creation through her work. Meredith’s business acumen was further honed in May 2024 when she completed the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses National Cohort through Babson College, equipping her with advanced strategies in business management and financial planning. Her forward-thinking approach to the industry matches her commitment to real estate excellence. She is a recognized leader in Birmingham’s business community, having been named one of the Birmingham Business Journal’s Top 40 Under 40 of the Decade and, in 2024, one of the city’s Power 60 by the Birmingham Business Journal. Additionally, her recent appointment to the Industrial Development Board of the City of Birmingham underscores her role in shaping the city’s economic future. Outside of her professional life, Meredith enjoys traveling, outdoor activities, and spending time with her husband, Wesley

At The Capital Collective, we understand that scaling a business isn't just about working harder; it's about working smarter and creating systems that enable sustainable growth. That's why we were thrilled to host a transformative leadership session with Kim Denney, whose extensive experience in the environmental and petrochemical sectors brought a fresh perspective to one of the challenges our members have: the art of strategic delegation. Kim shared a fundamental truth that resonated deeply with our community: "If you get the right one, they will empower you to do so much more." This simple yet powerful insight strikes at the heart of what often holds business owners back—the reluctance to let go of day-to-day tasks that, while important, prevent them from focusing on higher-value activities that drive real growth. Throughout the session, Kim guided our members through the intricacies of building high-performing teams: - How to design organizational structures that align with business goals - The art of behavioral-based interviewing to ensure cultural fit - Strategies for effective delegation that empower both leaders and teams - Systems thinking to remove operational bottlenecks - Leadership approaches that maintain team engagement while driving results What's this week's key takeaway? The recognition that many business owners are spending valuable time on administrative tasks when they could focus on strategic initiatives that scale their companies. The impact was immediate and tangible. By the session's end, members were already mapping out plans for executive support roles, crafting detailed job descriptions, and reimagining their organizational structures. This is exactly the kind of transformation we aim to catalyze at The Capital Collective—turning insights into action that drives business growth. As business owners, we all face the challenge of letting go to grow. The Capital Collective exists to provide the frameworks, expertise, and support needed to help these business owners succeed. Where is your time best spent in your business? Are you ready to delegate and focus on higher-value activities? What tasks are holding you back from scaling your business? Share in the comments—we’d love to hear your thoughts! #WomenInBusiness #BusinessGrowth #LeadershipDevelopment #TheCapitalCollective #SmallBusinessSuccess

Today is #TeamTuesday at The Capital Collective! Today, we're introducing our dynamic co-founder, Emily Halpern! Emily draws on her over 25 years of experience in the investment and transaction sectors, focusing on lower middle-market and small business investing. Her career includes being a co-founder of TGC Impact Fund to significant roles at Brightwood Capital Advisors (SBIC), JPMorgan Asset Management, and RSM Private Equity Services, and she is the founder of VUE Partners. Emily’s track record includes over $200 million in capital deployed. Her career experience ranges in funding from CDFIs to SBICs. She brings extensive investment knowledge, capital networks, and, experience in capital raising and sourcing for businesses on their journey to the middle market. Emily enjoys golfing, spending time on the water, and keeping up as a foodie.

At The Capital Collective, we know that growth doesn’t happen by accident—it requires intentional strategy, deep industry insight, and a clear understanding of market dynamics. That’s why we were thrilled to host a discussion with Paul Feeko, a retired partner from Ernst & Young, who shared invaluable lessons from his career in corporate development and strategic transactions. Paul emphasized a fundamental truth: whether a business grows by building, buying, or partnering, success depends on asking the right questions. Should you expand geographically? Diversify your offerings? Invest in an acquisition or pursue strategic alliances? Every option comes with risks and rewards, and the key is to develop a growth narrative that aligns with both market conditions and business goals. What's this week's key takeaway? The importance of due diligence—not just in financials, but in understanding the operational, cultural, and leadership dynamics that can make or break a deal. He also highlighted the tremendous power of advisory boards, strategic alliances, and internal teams prepared to act on opportunities when they arise. As business owners, we all face pivotal decisions. The Capital Collective is here to help navigate those choices, providing the insights, expertise, and network needed to turn growth aspirations into reality. How is your business approaching growth in 2025? Are you focused on organic expansion, acquisitions, or partnerships? Let’s discuss in the comments! #GrowthStrategy #BusinessDevelopment #MergersAndAcquisitions #Entrepreneurship #StrategicPartnerships #TheCapitalCollective

One of the unique value propositions of the “Beyond the Middle” Capital Intensive is our partnership with TXN Advisors. This investment bank works alongside our 12 selected businesses to create their capital pitch decks and craft their capital growth story telling. We are leveling the playing field by bringing the resources of bigger businesses to the “Missing Middle.” TXN emphasized to our 12 Intensive participants that?investors are investing in YOU. Knowing who the founder is, their vision, and the skills they possess to execute the vision are of the utmost importance compared to having a fine-tuned pitch deck.? ? What is the key difference between a company’s story and its capital story? A)???A company’s story builds emotional connections, while a capital story focuses on financial performance. B)???Both are focused on attracting investors and showcasing profitability. C)???A company’s story highlights leadership, while a capital story explains the company’s mission and vision. D)???There is no difference; they serve the same purpose. Share your answers or thoughts with us.