About Us
Who We Are
At Schenk Venture Investments, we pride ourselves on being more than just a company; we are a dynamic collective of creative minds and skilled professionals united by a common goal: to drive transformative change across industries. Our team is a rich tapestry of diverse talents, each bringing unique expertise in fields such as technology, design, marketing, and business strategy.
What truly sets us apart is our robust network of professionals and collaborators. We’ve cultivated strong relationships with industry leaders, innovative startups, and academic institutions, allowing us to stay at the forefront of emerging trends and technologies. This extensive network not only enhances our capabilities but also fosters an environment of continuous learning and growth.
Collaboration is at the heart of our operations. Our team thrives on sharing insights, brainstorming ideas, and leveraging the collective intelligence of our network to deliver exceptional solutions for our clients. Whether we’re tackling a complex project or exploring new business opportunities, we harness the power of our connections to ensure success.
At Schenk Venture Investments, we believe that great ideas flourish in a collaborative ecosystem. With our strong team and expansive professional network, we are well-equipped to navigate challenges and seize opportunities, driving innovation and excellence in everything we do.
James Kingdon
James is a dedicated entrepreneur with a strong passion for helping businesses achieve success. His experience in the U.S. Army honed his management, critical thinking, and discipline, skills he readily imparts to those around him. He has lived across several states and worked in diverse industries, including construction, medical, security, real estate, technology, human resources, and theater entertainment.
James successfully led a private real estate investment firm to a 900% growth within three years. He has also driven remarkable results for other companies, achieving over $40,000 in increased monthly revenue within six months, recovering $250,000 in missed billing and accounts receivables in under four months, and identifying operational savings exceeding $15,000 monthly.
A visionary leader, James excels in communication, fostering strong relationships and teams. His expertise in goal-setting, issue investigation, solution development, and creating measurable milestones consistently drives business growth and success.
Natalia Stapf
Natalia Stapf is an accomplished finance and operations leader based in San Ramon, CA, with extensive experience in finance and leadership roles. Currently the Director of Finance and Operations at a prominent mental health services organization in California, she has implemented strong internal controls, identified process gaps, and achieved nearly $1 million in savings.
She has also introduced new accounting solutions and improved financial reporting, enhancing the company's financial health. Additionally, Natalia has renegotiated contracts to reduce operational costs and oversees contract compliance and efficiency.
Known for her ability to lead teams in meeting ambitious goals under tight deadlines, Natalia demonstrates exceptional leadership and management skills. She holds an MBA and Bachelor's Degree in Accounting and an MBA in Business Administration from Metropolitan State University.
Outside of her professional career, Natalia is a dedicated mother, successfully balancing her career and family responsibilities. Her broad expertise and commitment to excellence make her a valuable asset to any organization.
Steve Patek
Steve is a seasoned entrepreneur, storyteller, writer, and filmmaker, originally from Cincinnati, Ohio. A graduate of Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast (2013), Stephen's early career included working with Apple and other IT firms before shifting focus to project management and marketing for startups.
Stephen became a partner with Friday Brands LLC, a baby products company, and played a pivotal role in its acquisition by Dongguan Wellbest in 2021. Over the years, he has had the opportunity to mentor under notable figures like George C. Romero in entertainment management, David Gannon (US Bank) and Justin Waggoner (American Pool and Spa) in business operations and finance, and Chris Zack (IBM) in identifying industry trends.
Now residing in Kentucky, Stephen enjoys the serene beauty of the Appalachian Mountains while continuing his entrepreneurial and creative endeavors.