In this episode of What We Didn’t Learn in Business School, Matthew and Gloria sit down with Luke Kennedy, the ultimate insider and Front Desk Coordinator at Humboldt Startup. Luke is also the Programs Director for the North Coast SBDC and a proud Cal Poly Humboldt alum.

Tucked into a building on 7th Street in Arcata, Humboldt Startup is more than just a workspace — it’s a vibrant hub for entrepreneurial energy. It’s also home to the North Coast Small Business Development Center (SBDC), where countless local entrepreneurs, founders, and small business dreamers find support, mentorship, and community.

From the best-kept secrets of the startup world to how the vibe of a front desk can shape the culture of an entire organization, we explore the real-time evolution of Humboldt’s business scene. If you’re in Humboldt County and not connecting with the SBDC or dropping into the Humboldt Startup space, you’re missing out on one of the region’s most valuable resources for business growth.

Whether you’re looking for guidance, coworking connections, or just a little inspiration, this episode reminds you that sometimes success begins with a simple “hello” at the front desk.