The third installment of Making it in America, an event series spotlighting Irish entrepreneurs and professionals in the Bay Area, took place recently, drawing an engaged crowd eager to hear stories of perseverance, risk, and success. Hosted in Ireland House, this event featured three accomplished panelists who shared their journeys and insights. The panel was moderated by INBA board member Regina O’Connor, who helped guide an enlightening discussion with Brian Sheehy of Future Bars, Maire Walsh, a tech investor, and Ian Sweeney, founder of a digital tipping platform, Bepo. Each shared valuable lessons, underscoring resilience, the power of the Irish community, and the importance of giving back.
Brian Sheehy: Building a Legacy with Future Bars
Brian Sheehy, son of a sheep farmer, grew up in Kerry with a strong work ethic and a hands-on education from his family. He moved to San Francisco after learning the hotel trade with Mariott in the Boston area. He runs 2 successful hospitality companies, including Future Bars Group.
Starting with a boat party business on the Bay with a business partner from Armagh, Brian learned to pivot quickly and test his ideas on a small scale. His first bar, a modest and imperfect space, was built with the help of the Irish community. Brian’s story is one of resilience and community, and he underscores how kindness—to neighbors, janitors, and tourists alike—has been integral to his success.
A notable piece of wisdom he shared: “If you’re getting five-star reviews, it’s time to step back and move on to the next challenge.” Brian stays connected to his Irish roots through watching the Irish news each night with his family—reminding him of where he came from as he continues to build his business in San Francisco.
Maire Walsh: Investing with Gratitude and Grit
Maire Walsh is a driving force in the world of investment, particularly in European tech startups as the Managing Partner at Belayer. She recalls being one of Uber’s initial testers—a decision she half-jokingly regrets not capitalizing on further by investing. Yet her career is defined by more than just strategic decisions; it’s shaped by her steadfast philosophy on relationships.
Maire spoke about the importance of never leaving on bad terms and always saying thank you, a lesson she’s carried throughout her career. In her experience, she has found that the most successful people are often not those in high-level tech but rather those in building trades—a surprising but inspiring observation that reinforces her belief in practical hard work. An athlete at heart, Maire has a passion for soccer, which she played for 12 years, and now cycles 35 miles every weekend with a group of women, a reminder that resilience applies as much to the body as it does to the mind.
Ian Sweeney: Innovating for Service Workers
Ian Sweeney, founder of the digital tipping startup Bepo, is passionate about making financial equity accessible for service workers. His journey has taken him through the landscape of regulation crowdfunding, from friends and family contributions to institutional investors, all in an effort to build a platform where service workers can invest in a tool they regularly use. For Ian, the journey to success is marked by patience and endless curiosity.
He emphasizes the importance of having as many conversations as possible, believing that kindness, curiosity, and reciprocity can open doors. His platform’s users are not just customers; they’re co-investors in his mission, adding a layer of meaning to his work. Like Maire, Ian is an athlete and coaches kids’ soccer—a pursuit that lets him give back to his community and stay grounded.
A Community of Grit, Growth, and Generosity
Each of these entrepreneurs brings a unique approach to their respective industries, but they share a common thread of community support, resilience, and generosity. From Brian’s insistence on kindness to neighbors to Maire’s advice to leave relationships on good terms, and Ian’s emphasis on curiosity, their stories are woven with the values that make the Irish community in the Bay Area so strong.
The Making it in America series continues to celebrate Irish resilience and success, offering inspiration and practical advice for budding entrepreneurs across the Bay Area and beyond. We look forward to bring you more of the same events in 2025!
