Interview

Jessica and Jerry Conti are the driving force behind the West Coast chapter of Board of Advisors, known as BA.X. With a long track record in building high-impact communities and producing global events, they recognized the need for a space on the West Coast where founders could connect with intention, beyond the noise of typical networking scenes. What began with a small, curated group quickly evolved into a powerful hub for entrepreneurs looking for honest conversations, strategic growth, and meaningful relationships.

In this interview, they open up about how BA.X West Coast has grown, what makes the energy in these rooms different, and the kinds of founders it attracts. They also reflect on the personal experiences and values that shaped the way they lead — both through Legacy Capital Professionals and Beyond The Hustle. It’s a look inside a community built on clarity, action, and a shared drive to make something that truly lasts.

Q: What inspired you to expand the BA Community to the west coast?

Jessica Conti: Over the last eight years, Board of Advisors has become more than just a mastermind for us—it’s our business family. From the beginning, our goal has been to build real ecosystems of trust, where things move at the speed of relationship.

Jerry Conti: On the West Coast, we didn’t just find entrepreneurs—we found a mindset. A way of showing up that’s unapologetically bold, future-obsessed, and grounded in purpose. These founders aren’t waiting for permission. They’re experimenting in public, building with urgency, and reimagining what’s possible—on their terms.

We knew they’d resonate with the BA culture, which is all about contribution, strategic growth, deep relationships, and execution that happens. Expanding it to the West Coast wasn’t just strategic—it felt like a calling.

Q: What sets BA West Coast apart from the national event?

Jessica Conti: The national event is electric, high energy and packed with powerful people. But BA West Coast has its own distinct vibe. It’s more intimate, more curated, and deeply focused on trust.

Jerry Conti: Here, people go deeper. It’s not just about pitching, it’s about real conversations. Sometimes uncomfortable ones. You think you’ve got it figured out, until someone in the room who’s scaled 10x more drops a perspective that changes everything. That kind of clarity hits hard.

BA West Coast is where ideas evolve—and egos dissolve. You walk in sharp, and leave even sharper—but also more connected, more grounded, and more aligned.

“It’s our business family. From the beginning, our goal has been to build real ecosystems of trust, where things move at the speed of relationship.”

Q: How has the west coast chapter grown since launch?

Jessica Conti: We started with just 15 people in the room. No guarantees, just a lot of belief in what we were building.

Jerry Conti: By our third event, we had 42 attendees. Now, we’ve got founders flying in from all over. Things took off fast. Deals are happening quicker. Relationships are forming strongly. And people don’t just see it as another event; they see it as a turning point.

That tells us we’re building something real.

Q: What types of individuals are getting involved—Founders, Investors, Creators, or Others?

Jerry Conti: It’s a mix, but they all have one thing in common: they’re serious players. We’ve got founders with multiple exits, capital allocators, fast-scaling CEOs, creatives, and high-net-worth investors.

Jessica Conti: Most of them already have success under their belt, but they’re not done. They’re looking for proximity, bigger impact, and rooms where they don’t have to explain why they think differently. They come for the network, but stay because the connection is real.

Q: What are some powerful connections or transformations you’ve seen at BA West Coast?

Jerry Conti: We’ve seen capital committed on the spot. One founder received $100K within hours.

People have met future board members, formed JV partnerships, and completely reimagined their businesses based on a single dinner conversation. And it’s not just about the deals.

Jessica Conti: We’ve seen people come in drained and leave recharged. We’ve seen fractured partnerships begin to heal. When the room feels safe, people open up. That’s when everything shifts.

Q: What’s the most meaningful feedback someone’s shared with you?

Jerry Conti: One founder told us, “I’ve done every mastermind out there. But this is the first time I felt truly understood—not just for what I do, but for who I am.”

Another shared, “This is the first time I’ve been in a room where everyone genuinely wants to contribute to each other’s success—freely offering advice, connections, even their best-kept secrets.”

And one woman joined BA after attending her first West Coast event—then generated $85K in new business at the national event just a week later.

That kind of alignment—that’s what we’re here to create. 

Q: What have been some of the most powerful moments at BA West Coast events?

Jessica Conti: The most impactful moments often happen off script—like that fireside chat with BA Advisor Sarah Sullivan, where she broke down how to scale with capital step-by-step, no fluff. People pay tens of thousands for that kind of insight—and she gave it away freely.

Jerry Conti: Or when an investor stood up and said, “I came here to put money to work—and I’m writing a check today.” It doesn’t get more real than that.

“BA West Coast is where ideas evolve—and egos dissolve. You walk in sharp, and leave even sharper—but also more connected, more grounded, and more aligned.”

Q: You’ve run events around the world. How has that experience shaped BA West Coast?

Jerry Conti: We’ve been doing this a long time—from the U.S. to Monaco to Dubai. We’ve learned how to create experiences that feel elevated but grounded.

Jessica Conti: BA West Coast reflects that balance: world-class execution with a ton of heart. It’s not about more information—it’s about curating moments that shift people.

Q: What’s one moment you’ll never forget?

Jessica Conti: There was a founder who stood up during a session—tears in his eyes—and just let it all out. Total vulnerability. And the room didn’t flinch. They leaned in. People showed up with introductions, offers, and real support.

That reminded us why we’re doing this. That kind of honesty creates real change.

Q: What’s your role in Legacy Capital Professionals, and what drives you?

Jerry Conti: I serve as Managing Partner of Legacy Capital Professionals and Fund Manager of the Visionary Growth Fund, leading capital strategy and investor relations. Jessica is also a partner in the firm, leading culture and operations.

We match visionary founders with visionary investors. Our focus is helping founders build companies that outlive them—while offering investors privileged access to high-potential companies at strategic early-growth stages.

After founding over a dozen companies, we know what it’s like to be underestimated, to go all in, and take the hits. And we also know how it feels when it finally clicks. That’s what drives us—to make capital raising more intelligent, aligned, and founder-focused.

Q: How do Legacy Capital and Beyond the Hustle tie into what you’re building at BA?

Jerry Conti: At Legacy Capital Professionals, our mission is to create rooms where visionaries connect, collaborate, and grow. With over three decades of experience producing high-level events, we know how to design environments that accelerate relationships and results.

Jessica Conti: I lead culture and experience—and I believe my ability to hold space has helped attract more women founders and CEOs to BA West Coast. Through the Beyond the Hustle brand, I support high-achieving women with transformational adventure retreats and a private sisterhood. When women walk into these rooms—still often filled with male founders—they feel seen. And that changes everything.

Q: What’s next for BA West Coast?

Jerry Conti: We’re leveling up. We’re introducing a refundable “seat deposit” model so new guests can experience BA without pressure. If it’s a fit, they’ll be invited to explore the national event in Dallas.

Jessica Conti: We’re also planning private investor dinners, founder circles, and bringing the experience to cities like Palo Alto, Park City Utah, and Vegas.

Q: As BA grows, how do you see your roles evolving?

Jessica Conti: Our job is to protect the culture and stay close to the vision.

Jerry Conti: As we scale, we’ll train new hosts and ensure the magic of BA West Coast doesn’t get diluted. This isn’t about doing more events—it’s about deeper impact and building something that lasts.

Q: Anything you’d like to say to someone thinking about joining?

Jessica Conti: Whether you’re a founder or ready to scale or simply seeking your next evolution—this is your room.

Jerry Conti: It’s not about having it all figured out. It’s about surrounding yourself with people who’ve built bigger, been further, and know how to multiply momentum.

You’re one deal, one partner, or one investor away from turning your vision into a scalable, funded, wealth-producing business—and this is where it happens. It’s the most valuable room a CEO can be in.