The Start-Up Spark

JANUARY 22, 2026
The Loft at Gray Goose | Janesville, WI

Presented By:

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The Start-Up Spark.
Igniting Your Entrepreneurial Journey.

Start-Up Spark Summit is a full-day event designed to ignite ideas and empower entrepreneurs with the tools and mindset needed for success. The morning sessions deliver expert insights on banking, legal, marketing, and accounting essentials, while the afternoon focuses on resilience and growth featuring real-world stories and strategies to cultivate a positive, abundance-driven mindset. Whether you’re launching your first venture or scaling within your first five years, this summit will spark the tools and inspiration to navigate challenges and keep your entrepreneurial journey moving forward.

Gain Insight From Guest Speakers

Learn from the experts in their respective fields

Jose Massas-Caraballo

Jose is a values-driven leader, entrepreneur, and public speaker based in Janesville, Wisconsin.

Grounded in empathy, accountability, and service, his leadership philosophy was shaped through nonprofit work and strengthened by leading businesses through uncertainty. Jose is the owner of Versatile DJ Entertainment, Bazinga!, Massas Investments, and Massas Transportation LLC.

Across every venture, he leads with integrity, people-first values, and long-term vision.

Tim Lindau

Tim Lindau, Managing Partner at Nowlan Law, is a business-focused attorney who helps entrepreneurs build, protect, and scale their companies with confidence.

He advises founders on entity formation, contracts, fundraising, and risk management—translating complex legal issues into practical, growth-oriented guidance.

Tim understands the realities of entrepreneurship and partners closely with clients to anticipate challenges before they become obstacles. Known for his strategic mindset and clear communication, he serves as a trusted legal advisor from startup through exit, enabling business owners to focus on innovation while knowing their legal foundation is secure.

Dave Holterman

Dave Holterman is the President of First Community Bank in Milton.  He is a banking professional with 29 years of experience serving the people and businesses throughout Southern Wisconsin.

His career began with a focus on retail banking at a large regional bank and has since had a focus on commercial lending for approximately the last 15 years.

Dave specializes in delivering the promise of a Community Bank – becoming a trusted advisor who helps clients achieve their personal and business goals. With expertise in credit analysis, risk management, and client service, Dave is driven to help his clients and his community grow and prosper.

Kristin Hodgkinson

Kristin is a career designer and brand specialist who thrives on building authentic, memorable brands through compelling narratives, impactful design, and insights that drive engagement. Her expertise spans brand identity development, campaign optimization, and cross-functional collaboration to ensure consistency across every touchpoint. 

Her process encompasses defining the brand positioning, voice, and messaging; creating visual identities; and maintaining consistency across channels.

She combines market research, storytelling, and performance analysis to deliver branding that connects emotionally and strategically. Kristin helps businesses stand out in competitive markets and build lasting relationships with their audiences.

Jon Ballard

Jon Ballard is the founder and CEO of Foremost Media, a Wisconsin-based digital marketing agency specializing in SEO, website development, and online advertising.

Over the past 20+ years, he’s grown the company from a one-man basement operation to a nationally recognized team of experts helping businesses build winning online strategies.

A frequent speaker and advisor, Jon is passionate about helping companies harness the power of AI, marketing, and technology to grow faster and smarter.

Scott Dabson

Scott Dabson brings over 20 years of proven success in sales across diverse industries, including IT, industrial supply, everyday services, and advertising/marketing. As part of the Contour Consulting team, Scott is focused on developing relationships and building business while being a true partner in the community.

Scott’s career also includes impactful work in educational funding and equity initiatives, where he leveraged relational sales strategies to build strong community partnerships and drive outreach programs. His experience in fundraising development further underscores his ability to create meaningful connections and deliver results in diverse environments.

Known for his ability to adapt and excel in varied markets, Scott combines strategic thinking with a people-first approach, making him a trusted advisor and mentor in the sales profession.

Mason Cook

Mason Cook is Founder and Managing Director of Mastercraft Ventures, a seed-stage venture capital fund.

He built Mastercraft Ventures after 10 years launching and scaling startups, working with entrepreneurs, and refining startup systems.

Previously, Mason was president of a $3M VC-backed AR starup, managing director of a nationally-ranked startup accelerator, an early employee at a $70M VC-funded fintech company, and owner of a house painting business. He graduated from Iowa State University and Columbia Business School.

Connie Holmes

Connie Jo Holmes is an accomplished leader whose career spans corporate leadership, entrepreneurship, and community service. With over 30 years of corporate experience, she built a reputation for excellence in project management, volunteer leadership, and community relations, holding senior roles focused on strategic planning and program development.

Today, Connie is the founder of Confidence with Connie and BU2BFULL Hypnosis and Coaching, where she combines her credentials as a master life coach, award-winning certified hypnotherapist, and NLP specialist to help people stop reacting to life and start owning it with confidence and courage. She lives this mission as a business owner, author, trainer, and keynote speaker.

Chris Barrett

Chris Barrett leads Midwest CPA, a modern accounting and advisory firm that has supported hundreds of business owners since inception.

The Midwest CPA team specializes in transaction advisory, tax and accounting services for small businesses giving entrepreneurs clarity and confidence at every stage of their business journey.

Scott Dabson

Scott Dabson brings over 20 years of proven success in sales across diverse industries, including IT, industrial supply, everyday services, and advertising/marketing. As part of the Contour Consulting team, Scott is focused on developing relationships and building business while being a true partner in the community.

Scott’s career also includes impactful work in educational funding and equity initiatives, where he leveraged relational sales strategies to build strong community partnerships and drive outreach programs. His experience in fundraising development further underscores his ability to create meaningful connections and deliver results in diverse environments.

Known for his ability to adapt and excel in varied markets, Scott combines strategic thinking with a people-first approach, making him a trusted advisor and mentor in the sales profession.

Mason Cook

Mason Cook is Founder and Managing Director of Mastercraft Ventures, a seed-stage venture capital fund.

He built Mastercraft Ventures after 10 years launching and scaling startups, working with entrepreneurs, and refining startup systems.

Previously, Mason was president of a $3M VC-backed AR starup, managing director of a nationally-ranked startup accelerator, an early employee at a $70M VC-funded fintech company, and owner of a house painting business. He graduated from Iowa State University and Columbia Business School.

Connie Holmes

Connie Jo Holmes is an accomplished leader whose career spans corporate leadership, entrepreneurship, and community service. With over 30 years of corporate experience, she built a reputation for excellence in project management, volunteer leadership, and community relations, holding senior roles focused on strategic planning and program development.

Today, Connie is the founder of Confidence with Connie and BU2BFULL Hypnosis and Coaching, where she combines her credentials as a master life coach, award-winning certified hypnotherapist, and NLP specialist to help people stop reacting to life and start owning it with confidence and courage. She lives this mission as a business owner, author, trainer, and keynote speaker.

Chris Barrett

Chris Barrett leads Midwest CPA, a modern accounting and advisory firm that has supported hundreds of business owners since inception.

The Midwest CPA team specializes in transaction advisory, tax and accounting services for small businesses giving entrepreneurs clarity and confidence at every stage of their business journey.

Engage With Our Panelists

Discuss with a variety of new and seasoned entrepreneurs

Alaina Davis

Dr. Alaina Davis, DPT, graduated from the Mayo Clinic in 2013 and brings over a decade of broad clinical experience to her practice.

Her background includes acute care, home health, orthopedics, neurological rehab, sports medicine, and emergency department physical therapy practice areas. In 2022, she founded her clinic in Janesville to deliver high-quality, concierge-style, 1:1 physical therapy services. The clinic offers dry needling, cupping, and hands-on bodywork, along with long-term neurological rehab, orthopedic rehab, specialized athletic care for individuals, and more.

As a local entrepreneur, Alaina believes that supporting and collaborating with local organizations is essential to strengthening community health, connection, and long-term impact.

Kimberly Elsen

Kimberly is an entrepreneur and the owner of Scarlett’s Charm, located in downtown Janesville. Her journey as an entrepreneur began in 2020, following her layoff just 2 weeks before she was scheduled to return from maternity leave.

Despite the uncertainty, she discovered a glimmer of hope when stumbling across a small, North Carolina based, business’ advertisement for decoupaged, gold-leafed oyster shell ring trays and ornaments. Being from North Carolina, the delicate treasures spoke to her on another level, empowering her to eventually start her own business.

Over the years, Scarlett’s Charm has grown from homemade crafts for family and friends to a brick and mortar store full of gifts, home decor, entertaining essentials and more!

Jacob Bradt

Have you ever gotten so mad at something that you decided to take action to change it? A Forbes article in 2013 smack talking Jacob’s hometown, Rockford, Illinois, was the tipping point for Jacob

 It was 2014 when Rockford Buzz was officially born. Since then, the business model has evolved and Jacob’s role has changed, but the mission has stayed the same. To promote positive local stories and help local businesses succeed and thrive.

In 2026 Rockford Buzz will transform into RockBuzz Network. We’re currently in 5 cities with a vision of impacting 100 communities by 2035!

Stephen Pickering

Stephen Pickering is the owner of Drywater Productions, a Wisconsin-based video production company.

Working alongside a dedicated team, he brings a background in docu-style storytelling, commercial video, and motion graphics to create authentic, people-focused films for nonprofits, businesses, and community organizations. His work centers on real stories and meaningful impact—whether documenting history, highlighting a mission, or helping organizations connect with their audiences.

Stephen leads with a collaborative, thoughtful approach, blending technical skill with a strong sense of narrative and purpose.

Jacob Bradt

Have you ever gotten so mad at something that you decided to take action to change it? A Forbes article in 2013 smack talking Jacob’s hometown, Rockford, Illinois, was the tipping point for Jacob

 It was 2014 when Rockford Buzz was officially born. Since then, the business model has evolved and Jacob’s role has changed, but the mission has stayed the same. To promote positive local stories and help local businesses succeed and thrive.

In 2026 Rockford Buzz will transform into RockBuzz Network. We’re currently in 5 cities with a vision of impacting 100 communities by 2035!

Stephen Pickering

Stephen Pickering is the owner of Drywater Productions, a Wisconsin-based video production company.

Working alongside a dedicated team, he brings a background in docu-style storytelling, commercial video, and motion graphics to create authentic, people-focused films for nonprofits, businesses, and community organizations. His work centers on real stories and meaningful impact—whether documenting history, highlighting a mission, or helping organizations connect with their audiences.

Stephen leads with a collaborative, thoughtful approach, blending technical skill with a strong sense of narrative and purpose.

Attend If You Want To…

Launch with Confidence
You’re planning to start a business and want expert guidance on banking, legal, marketing, and accounting essentials.

Grow with Purpose
You’re within your first five years of entrepreneurship and looking to strengthen your foundation for sustainable success.

Learn from the Best
You want practical strategies and real-world insights from industry leaders and successful entrepreneurs.

Master Your Mindset
You’re ready to develop resilience and an abundance-focused outlook to overcome challenges and keep moving forward.

Build Your Network
You value connecting with like-minded innovators and creating relationships that can spark future opportunities.

Event Details

Date: Thursday, January 22, 2026
Time: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Venue: The Loft at The Gray Goose (4th Floor)
Address: 207 N Academy Street | Janesville, WI

Summit Agenda

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Hosted by Contour Consulting
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Tickets

General Admission $149

Early Bird (ends 1/5/2026) $129

Group Tickets (members from the same organization)
5+ $129 per ticket
10+$125 per ticket
20+$117 per ticket

Please email contact@contourconsultinggroup.com to order Group Tickets

Students
Complimentary student registration is available on a limited basis.
Email contact@contourconsultinggroup.com to request a complimentary ticket.

Price Includes
All Sessions • Workbook • Refreshments • Lunch • Networking Reception

 

Tickets

Price: $129.00
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Price: $149.00
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Tickets are refundable or transferable up to 7 days before the event.Reach out to contact@contourconsultinggroup.com if adjustments are needed.

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