SONNY MAYUGBA

Entrepreneur, published author, and an early internet adopter. As EVP of Digital Strategy of the California-based marketing and communications agency AugustineIdeas, I build wired marketing strategies for select companies such as Naturipe Berries, Blue Diamond Almonds, Napa, CA and many more. In 1993, I launched my own company Heckler Magazine and Heckler.com, and published digital content on UseNet. After the Heckler publications were acquired by TransWorld Media/Times-Mirror in 1996, I continued to run the magazine until 2003 when I left to lead market development, digital strategy, social media marketing and artist promotions for international music retailer Tower Records. In 2007, I launched BiteClub.com, the world’s first niche social network for the restaurant service industry (Pete Cashmore even reviewed it!). Next, I helped launch the community contributor-driven hyperlocal news and information site SacramentoPress.com, driving all the revenue. I am an occasional speaker and panelist and do some consulting. I am on the Founders Board of Snowcial, a great tech conference based in Lake Tahoe and we have speakers from Google, Facebook, Walmart Labs and more. Aa an entrepreneur, I am co-founder of a successful restaurant/bar concept called The Red Rabbit Kitchen and Bar. I live in Sacramento, CA with Wifey and my two foodie kids.

Select Previous Speaking Engagements:
Online News Association, 6 in 60 Start Up Challenge, San Francisco, CA, 2010 (Competitor, Ultimate Winner)
Fresh Produce and Floral Council Luncheon, Pleasanton, CA, 2012 (Keynote)
United Fresh/FMI, Dallas, TX, 2012 (Keynote)
Drexel University, Sacramento, CA, 2012 (Panelist)
Metro EDGE - EDGEucational Forum, Sacramento, CA, 2012 (Keynote)
Snowcial Technology Conference, Lake Tahoe, CA 2012
California Downtown Association Annual Summit, Sacramento, CA, 2012 (Keynote)
Superior Farms Lamb Annual Sales Summit, Tucson, AZ, 2013

Board Seats:
The Hacker Lab, Board Member, 2012 - present

AdClub, Sacramento, Membership Chair, 2012/13