Alumni Spotlight

From the Bay to the Boardroom

Between classes at CSUMB, Garret Sutherland could often be found gliding across Monterey Bay, leading kayak tours and fishing trips as part of his off-campus job. Fast-forward a decade, and Sutherland now finds himself back on campus each year—this time in a suit, shaking hands with students at the Accounting Networking Event he once attended as a nervous transfer.

Today, he’s a partner at Van Ruler & Company, a growing CPA firm on the Central Coast, where he leads audits, manages client relationships, and mentors new accountants. The view may have changed from the ocean to the office—but the lessons that got him here started at CSUMB.

A Winding Path to the Coast

Sutherland grew up in Sacramento and studied at a community college right after high school. “I had that new sense of freedom,” he said with a laugh, “and I didn’t do too well.”

After two years living on the Oregon coast, working as a server and enjoying ocean life, he decided it was time to return to school. He enrolled at Sierra College in Rocklin, CA, took his studies seriously, and soon began searching for a university where he could stay near the ocean while pursuing accounting.

In 2014, he transferred to CSUMB’s College of Business and found the environment he had been looking for: small classes, dedicated faculty, and a strong sense of community.

Discovering a Passion for Accounting

Sutherland’s interest in accounting started early, helping his mom with spreadsheets as a kid. “It’s kind of like building a puzzle,” he said. “If I had to be in an office, accounting felt like a good fit.”

At CSUMB, that early spark turned into a professional calling—especially after his first tax course with Professor Froshman.

“[Professor Froshman] brought real-world experience into the classroom,” Sutherland said. “He even offered an honors option where we solved real problems after class. That’s where I really learned how to study—and that hard work paid off.”

Public speaking assignments, team projects, and friendly competition with classmates became turning points.

Pull Quote: “I used to hate presentations,” he admitted. “But at CSUMB, they made you do it—and it built the confidence I use every day as a professional.”

A Last-Minute Decision That Changed Everything

As graduation neared, Sutherland almost skipped CSUMB’s Annual Accounting Networking Event, where firms from across the region recruit students. “I didn’t even have a resume,” he said. “That morning, I went to Starbucks, wrote one up, and decided to go.”

That spontaneous decision led to multiple offers and a job with Ryan & McDonald, a Salinas-based CPA firm. Over the next several years, Sutherland’s firm merged with Moss Adams and later Baker Tilly, giving him experience with larger organizations and complex audits.

In 2022, he joined Van Ruler & Company on a partnership track—and by December 2024, he officially became a partner.

Pull Quote: “We were audited pretty hard—and came out perfect. We’re now an audit and tax firm.”

Paying It Forward

Sutherland stays closely connected to CSUMB as a regular participant in accounting networking events and as part of the Friends of Froshman alumni community. He’s noticed a significant shift in students’ professionalism and preparedness since his own graduation in 2015.

Pull Quote: “Every year, I see the growth,” he said. “Students show up more polished, more confident, and more career-ready. You can tell the programs—like Diamond Key and the Career Access Initiative—are really making a difference.”

Through Friends of Froshman, alumni also help fund outreach to local high schools and community colleges. “The outreach is working,” he said. “You can see the increase in students entering the accounting program.”

Mentorship and Momentum

Sutherland credits much of his career growth to mentorship—especially from Professor Froshman, who remains a trusted guide. “Anytime I have a big decision, he’s right there with his best advice,” Sutherland said.

He also values the community of fellow alumni and faculty who continue to stay connected and support the next generation. “It’s amazing how CSUMB fosters that ongoing sense of family,” he said. “It’s not just about getting a degree—it’s about being part of something that continues to grow.”

Words of Advice

For today’s students, Sutherland offers simple, hard-earned wisdom:

“Say yes to opportunities, even when you feel unprepared. Go to the networking event. Join the group project. Speak up in class. That’s where you build the confidence you’ll need later.”

And one more reminder, he adds with a grin: “Hard work really does pay off.”

Explore More

• Accounting Program Overview – CSUMB College of Business

• Diamond Key Professional Development Program

• Friends of Froshman and Alumni Engagement

A Journey of Determination and Purpose

Born on Cedros Island, located in the Pacific Ocean, off the western coast of Mexico's Baja California Peninsula, Laura is a proud mother of two and grandmother of two. She came to the United States at age 40, determined to build a better life for her family. Just two years later, she made a bold decision—to go back to school. “I wanted to be an example for my children,” she shared. “I wanted them to see that it’s never too late to learn, to grow, or to follow your dreams.”

Her path led her from Hartnell Community College to CSUMB, where she earned a B.S. in Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting. Financial accessibility, proximity to Salinas, and CSUMB’s strong reputation drew her in, but what she found was something even more valuable: opportunity, belonging, and community.

“As an immigrant woman returning to school later in life, I wanted a university that would not only challenge me academically but also support me personally,” Laura said. “CSUMB provided a welcoming environment where I felt seen, valued, and inspired to pursue my goals.”

Building KAFENS Café de Olla — More Than Coffee

Today, Laura leads KAFENS Café de Olla, a company that blends tradition, purpose, and social impact. Inspired by her Mexican roots, KAFENS offers organic coffee infused with real Ceylon cinnamon and unprocessed piloncillo, capturing the essence of authentic café de olla.

But KAFENS is more than a coffee brand—it’s a movement. “At KAFENS, our mission is rooted in tradition, dignity, and making a positive impact,” Laura explained. “We proudly support pregnant women in agricultural communities by creating economic opportunities through the art of coffee.”

Laura makes good on her commitment by donating 10% of KAFENS’ proceeds to support maternal wellness and community programs for farmworkers, turning every bag of coffee into a source of empowerment and hope.

Empowering Women and Giving Back

Laura’s business is also an extension of her service. As part of a nonprofit organization that supports women entrepreneurs, she mentors others—especially those seeking to develop financial literacy and leadership skills. One of her goals is to help more women pursue official bookkeeping training, empowering them to manage and grow their own ventures.

Academic Excellence and Community Leadership

At CSUMB, Laura was deeply involved in the Accounting Society, the Spanish Club, and the Diamond Key Program. Despite working more than 40 hours a week while earning her degree, she excelled academically and received the 2021 Service Learning Award for her outstanding contributions to the community.

Her service at Dorothy’s Kitchen taught her the value of compassion and leadership—lessons that inspired her to integrate social responsibility into her business model.

“The College of Business helped me see that business is not just about profit—it’s about people,” she said. “It taught me how to use business as a tool for positive change.”

Gratitude and Lifelong Impact

Laura credits many of her professors for shaping her success, including Jennifer Kuan, Maj-Britt Kimm, Amado Mabul, Mary Ann Majadillas, Shwadhin Sharma, and Chi-Chun Chou. She also expressed gratitude to Susan Harker (Diamond Key) and Jennifer Sarhadi (Academic Counselor) for their mentorship and encouragement.

“My experience at CSUMB’s College of Business was transformative and full of meaningful connections,” Laura said. “Every class and every professor helped me become a stronger leader and a purpose-driven entrepreneur.”

More Than Coffee — Es Tradición.

 Through her leadership and vision, Laura Salgado continues to show that it’s never too late to dream big, give back, and build a better future—one cup of coffee at a time.

📧 Contact: khofipourover@gmail.com

🌐 Follow KAFENS Café de Olla on Instagram @kafens_ for updates, stories, and ways to support their mission.