Latest news with #ScottClark
Yahoo
a day ago
- Yahoo
Bring Scott Clark's Pre-Surf Fire Cider To The Beach This Weekend
Scott Clark knows a little about being on the coast. His restaurant, Dad's Luncheonette, is a train caboose parked on the Pacific Coast Highway in Half Moon Bay. This casual destination, which serves simple but thoughtfully prepared sandwiches, bowls of soup, and slices and pie, overlooks the Pacific Ocean. 'That's the water I'm in every day of my life, fishing and kayaking, foraging and surfing,' Clark writes in his recent cookbook Coastal: 130 Recipes from a California Road Trip. It is a decidedly different life than the one he was leading as chef de cuisine of Saison in San Francisco, a restaurant with three Michelin stars and ranked 27 on the list of the World's 50 Best Restaurants while he was there. The grueling workload of fine dining doesn't leave much time for surfing in the Pacific Ocean or, as the name of his train caboose restaurant suggests, being a parent. The recipes in Coastal illustrate Clark's decision to leave behind fine dining in 2017 and embrace a more casual lifestyle with his family, without forgetting the knowledge and skills that made him a great chef. (MORE: Kick Off The First Days Of Summer With A Tomato Sandwich) This recipe, which Clark calls 'Pre-Surf Fire Cider' shows both sides of his personality. It's the perfect companion to an early-morning beach trip, when you need a sip of something to warm you up and get you ready to dive into the cold waters of the Pacific Ocean. It's also a sophisticated, cheffy spin on the health-conscious fire cider trend, which leans on insights from folk medicine to boost the immune system. 'This is a digestive, immune-boosting ripper. I go nuts for it. I chug a hefty pour before surfing because it gets me loose,' Clark writes. 'You can also slam it into cold water, pour it over ice, make a tea with it, whisk it into salad dressing, or if you're feeling real frisky, blend it into a Bloody Mary. But beware: It's not the easy sipper you're looking for; it's a shot of nature's high-octane fuel.' Pre-Surf Fire Cider Ingredients 2 cups unfiltered raw apple cider vinegar ½ cup unpeeled, chopped fresh ginger ½ cup peeled, chopped fresh horseradish root ½ cup garlic cloves, peeled and smashed ¼ cup peeled, chopped turmeric 3 Tbsp honey, plus more as needed 2 serrano chiles, halved lengthwise Peel of 1 lemon, preferably Meyer, pith removed Peel of 1 navel orange, pith removed Peel of 1 grapefruit, pith removed ½ tsp black peppercorns ½ tsp pink peppercorns ¼ tsp fine salt, such as Maldon Instructions In a large mason jar, combine all the ingredients. Use a wooden spoon to push the solids down to submerge them in the vinegar. Crank a lid on the jar, give it a good shake, and store it somewhere dark and cool for 4 weeks. Pour the cider through a fine-mesh strainer lined with cheesecloth into a clean mason jar. Discard the solids. Taste the cider and add more honey, as needed, 1 teaspoon at a time, until it's perfect for you. The cider keeps, in the fridge, for a few months. Excerpted from Coastal: 130 Recipes from a California Road Trip by Scott Clark with Betsy Andrews, © 2025. Published by Chronicle Books. MORE ON - Think Spring With This Pasta Primavera - Feeling Spicy? Make This Thai Chili Oil - Refreshing Spring Sips
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Freedom Bank Hires Scott Clark as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Seasoned Financial Leader Joins Freedom Bank to Drive Strategic Growth and Operational Excellence FAIRFAX, Va., June 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Freedom Financial Holdings, Inc. (OTCQX: FDVA) ("the Company") is pleased to announce the appointment of Scott Clark as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company and of The Freedom Bank of Virginia ("the Bank"). With over two decades of experience in community banking and a proven track record of leadership in finance, Mr. Clark brings a wealth of expertise to the role, further strengthening the bank's commitment to providing exceptional service to its clients, its community, and ensuring sustainable growth. As CFO, Mr. Clark will oversee all financial operations, including budgeting, financial reporting, asset liability management, investment performance, regulatory compliance and investor relations. His expertise will also be critical in steering the bank through the challenges of a rapidly changing financial environment, positioning it for continued growth and profitability. "We are excited to welcome Scott Clark to our leadership team. His expertise will enhance our experience as we continue to grow in both size and complexity. His proven track record at larger banks, forward-thinking approach, and commitment to community banking align perfectly with our values. I am confident that under Scott's leadership, our financial strategy will continue to progress, enhancing both operational efficiency and balance sheet management. I am equally grateful to David Sanders for serving as our Interim CFO and continuing as our Chief Accounting Officer and key partner to Scott in his new role," said Joe Thomas, President and CEO, Freedom Bank. "I am thrilled to join Freedom and to work alongside such a talented and dedicated team. I look forward to leveraging my experience to contribute to the Bank's strategic vision, ensuring we continue to build on our strong foundation and maintain the highest standards of financial excellence. My goal is to support the Company's long-term success while delivering value to our customers and shareholders and expanding opportunities for our team members and the community we serve," said Scott Clark, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Freedom Bank. Mr. Clark has held significant roles throughout his career, including serving as Treasurer for Sandy Spring Bank and EagleBank, where he played a pivotal role in financial strategy, regulatory compliance, and capital management. His extensive background in managing financial operations, coupled with his focus on building shareholder value with long-term sustainability and customer satisfaction, makes Scott uniquely qualified to guide Freedom as it continues to grow and adapt to the evolving economic landscape. About Freedom Bank The Freedom Bank of Virginia is a next-generation community bank, headquartered in Fairfax, Virginia, offering commercial banking, personal banking, and mortgage banking solutions using banker expertise and innovative technology to build lead relationships with clients. Focusing on businesses, real estate owners, and professionals, Freedom Bank concentrates on key industry verticals to deliver unique, sector-specific solutions to help clients meet their goals and empower their dreams. Freedom Bank has locations in Fairfax, Vienna, Reston, Manassas, and Chantilly, VA. For information about Freedom Bank, visit our website at Contact:Joseph J. ThomasPresident & Chief Executive OfficerPhone: 703-667-4161Email: jthomas@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE The Freedom Bank of Virginia
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
The True Life Companies (Elite Fund III, LLC) Sells Texas Housing Parcel to Homebuilder
The recent deal from the Denver-based investment and development firm will bring new homes to Austin, TX—a region experiencing significant housing market challenges. AUSTIN, Texas, May 16, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The True Life Companies, LLC ("TTLC"), the Denver-based real estate investment and development firm specializing in attainable for-sale housing (along with its subsidiaries, The True Life Companies Elite Fund I, LLC ("EFI"); and The True Life Companies Elite Fund III, LLC ("EFIII"), collectively the "Funds"), has announced a land parcel sale in Austin, TX. The transaction involved a 15-acre parcel entitled for development of up to 45 detached single-family homes. This property, acquired by Tri Pointe Homes, will contribute to the expansion of for-sale housing in the Austin metro area. "This achievement underscores our commitment to addressing the housing shortage in high-demand markets," said Scott Clark, CEO of The True Life Companies, after completion of the deal. "Our strategic approach to urban infill has allowed us to optimize the property development in accordance with local zoning requirements, which we believe benefits both the community and our investors. We're committed to our ongoing strategy to create and unlock value for investors by capitalizing on high-potential land in key markets." TTLC completed the deals via its usual strategy: by negotiating a purchase and sale agreement with the parcel's original landowner, designing a site plan for the property, and then selling that plan to a public homebuilding company. The Funds utilized purchase and sale agreements without taking title to the land, which served as a risk management strategy for the company and its investors. This exit is just the latest example of the TTLC's continued mission: to bring attainable for-sale housing to constrained metro markets across the U.S., helping the next generation of young homebuyers achieve their piece of the American Dream. To learn more about TTLC and its projects, contact The True Life Companies at 720.210.9970 or info@ About The True Life Companies The True Life Companies (TTLC) is a Denver-based firm that seeks to repurpose urban infill real estate into residential development opportunities with a repeatable and effective process. TTLC acts as a supply-chain provider to homebuilders in metro markets across the U.S., using data to identify infill properties with high potential, assuming control over those properties with purchase-and-sale agreements, entitling and designing site plans for new communities, and finally selling the shovel-ready parcels to builders. With offices in nine regions nationwide, TTLC is on a mission to solve the supply/demand imbalance in the housing market for the next generation of home buyers. No Offer or Solicitation Securities offered through Orchard Securities, LLC. Member FINRA/SIPC. The True Life Companies is not affiliated with Orchard Securities. There are no assurances that the objectives or results outlined by The True Life Companies in its investment strategy can be achieved. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. This press release is not an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy securities for the Funds particularly EFIII . An offer to sell the Units of the EFIII may be made only pursuant to the Amended and Restated Private Placement Memorandum dated October 15, 2022, as amended and supplemented (the "Memorandum"). The information contained herein is qualified in its entirety by the Memorandum. The offering of Units (the "Offering") is being made by means of the Memorandum only to accredited investors as defined under Rule 501 of Regulation D of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. The Offering will not be registered under the Securities Act of 1933 or the securities laws of any state and is being offered and sold in reliance on exemptions from the registration requirements of such laws. Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any other federal or state agency has passed upon the merits of or given their approval to the Units, the Offering or the Memorandum. View source version on Contacts Gretchen Fuog / Kovach MarketingGretchen@
Business Wire
16-05-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
The True Life Companies (Elite Fund III, LLC) Sells Texas Housing Parcel to Homebuilder
AUSTIN, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The True Life Companies, LLC ('TTLC'), the Denver-based real estate investment and development firm specializing in attainable for-sale housing (along with its subsidiaries, The True Life Companies Elite Fund I, LLC ('EFI'); and The True Life Companies Elite Fund III, LLC ('EFIII'), collectively the 'Funds'), has announced a land parcel sale in Austin, TX. 'This achievement underscores our commitment to addressing the housing shortage in high-demand markets,' said Scott Clark, CEO of The True Life Companies, after completion of the deal. Share The transaction involved a 15-acre parcel entitled for development of up to 45 detached single-family homes. This property, acquired by Tri Pointe Homes, will contribute to the expansion of for-sale housing in the Austin metro area. 'This achievement underscores our commitment to addressing the housing shortage in high-demand markets,' said Scott Clark, CEO of The True Life Companies, after completion of the deal. 'Our strategic approach to urban infill has allowed us to optimize the property development in accordance with local zoning requirements, which we believe benefits both the community and our investors. We're committed to our ongoing strategy to create and unlock value for investors by capitalizing on high-potential land in key markets.' TTLC completed the deals via its usual strategy: by negotiating a purchase and sale agreement with the parcel's original landowner, designing a site plan for the property, and then selling that plan to a public homebuilding company. The Funds utilized purchase and sale agreements without taking title to the land, which served as a risk management strategy for the company and its investors. This exit is just the latest example of the TTLC's continued mission: to bring attainable for-sale housing to constrained metro markets across the U.S., helping the next generation of young homebuyers achieve their piece of the American Dream. To learn more about TTLC and its projects, contact The True Life Companies at 720.210.9970 or info@ About The True Life Companies The True Life Companies (TTLC) is a Denver-based firm that seeks to repurpose urban infill real estate into residential development opportunities with a repeatable and effective process. TTLC acts as a supply-chain provider to homebuilders in metro markets across the U.S., using data to identify infill properties with high potential, assuming control over those properties with purchase-and-sale agreements, entitling and designing site plans for new communities, and finally selling the shovel-ready parcels to builders. With offices in nine regions nationwide, TTLC is on a mission to solve the supply/demand imbalance in the housing market for the next generation of home buyers. No Offer or Solicitation Securities offered through Orchard Securities, LLC. Member FINRA/SIPC. The True Life Companies is not affiliated with Orchard Securities. There are no assurances that the objectives or results outlined by The True Life Companies in its investment strategy can be achieved. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. This press release is not an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy securities for the Funds particularly EFIII . An offer to sell the Units of the EFIII may be made only pursuant to the Amended and Restated Private Placement Memorandum dated October 15, 2022, as amended and supplemented (the 'Memorandum'). The information contained herein is qualified in its entirety by the Memorandum. The offering of Units (the 'Offering') is being made by means of the Memorandum only to accredited investors as defined under Rule 501 of Regulation D of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. The Offering will not be registered under the Securities Act of 1933 or the securities laws of any state and is being offered and sold in reliance on exemptions from the registration requirements of such laws. Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any other federal or state agency has passed upon the merits of or given their approval to the Units, the Offering or the Memorandum.
Forbes
24-03-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Mind The (Confidence) Gap: Why AI Testing Is Crucial To Success
Scott Clark is the Cofounder and CEO of Distributional, which helps make AI safe, secure and reliable through adaptive testing. Generative AI is one of the most exciting opportunities today, and 2025 is shaping up to be a pivotal year, with 67% of early adopter organizations planning to increase their investments. Executives are eager to see returns, but many GenAI projects are dying on the vine. According to Gartner, nearly 1 in 3 of these GenAI projects will be abandoned after proof of concept by the end of 2025. What's halting progress? While it is easy to cite issues in performance, the real problem is actually much larger and more complex. It's the lack of confidence in the behavior of AI over time. Closing this confidence gap will require a new approach to proactively and adaptively test these applications to ensure desired behavior. Taking an adaptive, behavioral approach to testing AI can ensure enterprises have full confidence in their production AI applications while accelerating their pace of innovation. Overfocusing on performance is something I can relate to. My first company, SigOpt, was focused on helping some of the most sophisticated organizations in the world optimize their complex traditional AI and ML models using Bayesian optimization so that they could squeeze the most performance possible out of them. After Intel acquired SigOpt in 2020, I led the AI and High Performance Computing team for Intel's Supercomputing Group. It was there that I realized that despite SigOpt's success, I was focusing on the wrong problem. Worse, people were starting to make the same mistake I did with these more powerful GenAI systems. People don't stay up at night wishing they could overfit an eval function by another half a percent. They're worried their model will go off the rails and cause harm to their business by not behaving as desired. The real pain with enterprise AI isn't performance—it's the AI confidence gap. No matter how many manual spot checks or performance benchmarks are run, organizations simply don't have the confidence that their AI applications will actually behave as desired in production, preventing them from pursuing higher-value AI use cases. Testing has provided confidence in software behavior for decades, so why does it break down with AI? In traditional testing, code is static and engineers look for bugs by asserting that a specific input always returns a specific output. But AI applications are non-deterministic—the same input can return many different potential outputs. For testing AI, this means they can't just rely on fixed datasets tied to specific outputs (also known as golden datasets) and instead need to be able to analyze the distribution of outputs and behaviors of the app. Plus, AI applications are constantly shifting, with changes in usage, updates to prompts, new underlying models or shifting dependencies on upstream APIs, pipelines and services. Proper AI testing needs to adaptively keep up with these changes and inherent model non-stationarity. AI applications are only getting more complex, especially with agents. Undesired behavior can propagate throughout the interconnected systems and be challenging to trace back to the original source. AI testing needs to look at the entire application, including intermediate data, not just performance metrics on input/output pairs. Traditional testing isn't capable of addressing these characteristics of AI applications. This is why I often hear from customers that AI is impossible to test, so they push it live and hope for the best. If traditional testing doesn't work, what are teams doing instead? During the development process, teams often rely on vibe checks to get an app to 'good enough' performance. Vibe checks are inherently subjective and don't scale. They also mask behavioral issues rather than guide teams to the understanding required to quantify and resolve underlying issues. As teams mature, they may define thresholds on performance using evals. But performance metrics alone will never capture the full picture and will miss more subtle shifts in behavior. When there is a performance drop, teams don't have enough information to understand what is causing the change and resolve the issues. These solutions are too incomplete, limited and static for AI systems. Instead, AI testing needs to focus on the entirety of app behavior, not just performance. By taking into account distributions of all behavioral properties, users get a more complete definition of desired behavior over time. By identifying macro behavioral changes and tying those to the testable quantitative properties that are causing the changes, they can further refine this definition over time. Ultimately, this leads to an adaptive testing methodology to understand where and how behavior shifts so they can catch and resolve underlying issues. With AI, model and production usage will always change. Unlike traditional software, teams are not climbing a static peak toward test coverage. Instead, they need to adaptively surf a wave of behavioral test depth as business needs and usage change over time to stay confident. Now is a fun time to be in AI. The opportunity feels limitless, especially in the enterprise. But there is a rub. These AI systems can be either powerfully good or bad. As I mentioned earlier, nearly 1 in 3 AI applications are abandoned after development, and even fewer make it into production. In production, these systems can achieve world-class performance one day and harmfully poor behavior the next—exposing companies to financial, reputational or, increasingly, regulatory risk. An adaptive approach to AI testing helps you define and ensure desired behavior continuously, giving you the confidence to productionalize more and fully realize AI's potential. How can you get started? First, collect usage data so you can be ready to test even before production. Next, implement an adaptive testing solution to understand and quantify the desired behavior. And test these applications for behavioral shifts in production, not just during development. I'm excited for 2025 to be the year of productionalizing and getting real business value out of AI through AI testing. Forbes Technology Council is an invitation-only community for world-class CIOs, CTOs and technology executives. Do I qualify?
