Filipina Pate is an engaging, thoughtful and compassionate entrepreneur and leader with over 9 years of hands-on experience developing profitable products and creating a company culture that encourages innovation and brings out the best in employees.  She is a former professional sushi chef and is currently exploring the local slow food and urban gardening communities here in Denver. Ben Pate is a drummer, black belt, and software developer who has worked with technology since his shiny new Apple II computer. She passionately believes that everyone has creative potential and choosing to live a creative life in a courageous act. When she’s not cooking, she loves to go on hikes with Ben and their two amusing children. He's passionate about making simple, usable technology that makes a positive difference in people's lives. In 2006, Filipina and Ben left their boring jobs, co-founded and bootstrapped to create Zen Planner, an online service for martial artists, gyms, and trainers.  Together, after two rounds of funding and a private equity buyout, Zen Planner grew from a two-person startup to a growing company that currently serves 3,000+ CrossFit coaches, martial arts teachers and studio owners worldwide. Zen Planner now serves over 3000 businesses around the world, helping more people to earn black belts, get in shape, and become better members of their community In 2013, Zen Planner was recognized as one of the Colorado Companies to Watch and as the #2 nationally ranked Best Place to Work by Outside Magazine. In October, Mainsail Partners invested $10 million to support Zen Planner’s inspiring mission and record-breaking growth.