September 25th
You can be driven. Many are.
But if your drive is fueled by the need to prove yourself—by fear, resentment, or the pressure to constantly measure up—it burns hot, fast, and destructive. That kind of fuel might give you short-term wins, but it destroys your life’s engine in the process.
FUEL is about choosing something better.
The kind of fuel that sustains your vision.
The kind that helps you build a business without losing yourself.
The kind that develops your leadership, sharpens your mind, and strengthens your life.
That’s the mission behind FUEL, created by serial entrepreneur Thom Guerrero (The Mortgage Doctor, The Twisted Pig, Fuzio Bistro, Oakmont Catering) and local business owner Hashim Makki. What started as small quarterly masterminds has grown into a full-scale movement, now joining forces with the Central Valley Business Expo and partnering with organizations across the Valley dedicated to leadership and entrepreneurial growth.
Hosted at the iconic Graffiti Museum, FUEL will feature national-level speakers and a local leadership panel, bringing both fresh outside perspectives and homegrown voices to the stage. Together, these collaborations are designed to equip Central Valley entrepreneurs, business owners, and aspiring leaders with the tools they need to thrive—not just in business, but in life.
FUEL is your chance to break free from destructive motivation, ignite your vision, and connect with the leaders shaping the Central Valley’s future.
about our founders
FUEL was created by Hashim Makki and Thom Guerrero with a simple mission: help leaders find the right fuel to grow without burning out.
Hashim comes from the fast-paced world of social media, working with some of the biggest real estate leaders in the country. He’s passionate about helping people grow their influence while staying true to who they are.
Thom is a respected business leader in Modesto, running multiple companies and serving on the Downtown Improvement District. After surviving a deadly car crash, Thom is committed to living with purpose—pouring into his family and volunteering his time to develop young leaders in the community.
Together, Hashim and Thom saw a need for a premier Central Valley conference to inspire young lenders and business leaders—something that would help people grow their business, mind, and soul all in one place.
That’s how FUEL was born.
If you’re ready to build your business without losing yourself along the way, join us at FUEL.
