Entrepreneur. Connector. Coach. Host of Marshall’s Mic.

Born in the hallway of Mercy Hospital in Sacramento in 1962—yep, didn’t even make it to the birthing table—Marshall Williams has been moving fast and thinking even faster ever since.

His earliest days were spent in Jackson, California, where his grandfather ran a local car dealership. That’s where Marshall first fell in love—with cars, people, and the thrill of figuring things out. Whether it was playing in the showroom, washing cars, or just soaking up the energy of a busy business, Marshall grew up wired for hustle and connection.

By high school, he was already a water polo competitor— plus the ski slopes, and the tennis courts. Today, it’s golf, skiing, and a new obsession: pickleball. Wherever there’s movement, competition, and camaraderie, you’ll find Marshall.

Professionally, he’s done just about everything. Thirty years in the car business—sales, management, ownership, marketing. Ten years in the restaurant industry—front of house, back of house, building teams and creating experiences. His secret weapon? A deep love for people, and a gift for helping them succeed.

He’s led teams, built businesses, raised a family, and mentored dozens along the way. Whether he’s managing a crew or coaching a startup, Marshall shows up with energy, empathy, and no-nonsense wisdom. He believes in discipline, laughter, and the power of a good story.

Now, with Marshall’s Mic, he’s taking all that experience and channeling it into a new mission: to spotlight local entrepreneurs, share real-world business insights, and help others build their version of success—right here on California’s Central Coast.

When he’s not behind the mic or meeting with business owners, you’ll find Marshall planning his next ski trip, swinging a 7-iron, or chasing his grandkids around the yard. Retirement? Not quite. He’s just shifting gears—doing what he loves, giving back, and helping others rise.

Early Beginnings in California

My name is Marshall Kent Williams, born in 1962 in Sacramento, California. My entry into the world was fast and furious — legend has it my dad sped in a Camaro demo from my grandfather’s dealership just to make it in time. My early childhood was in Jackson, CA, where I vaguely remember riding my tricycle to my grandfather’s dealership to sweep the parts department and play in showroom cars. It was my first love — cars.

Growing Up in Davis

We later moved to Davis, California, where I stayed from first grade through high school graduation. Davis was a quiet town, but I made it fun with my buddy Rob Blankenship. We were mischievous, adventurous, and entrepreneurial — teaching swimming lessons, collecting bottles, and biking all over town. Life was simple: you just had to be home by the time the streetlights came on.

High School Adventures

In junior high and high school, I joined the ski team, became a solid water polo and tennis player, and enjoyed popularity, sports, and the lifestyle that came with having a cool car — courtesy of my dad, a car dealer like my grandfather. Davis gave me community, confidence, and a good time.

Post-High School Moves

After graduation, my dad arranged for me to work in Colorado in construction, where I met a fun girl but realized manual labor wasn’t for me. That experience fueled my interest in people, in learning from others, and in shaping my future based on relationships.

Finding My Place in San Luis Obispo

I moved to San Luis Obispo, trying out Cuesta College but gravitated more toward work. Starting as a dishwasher at the Elks Lodge, I later became a floor manager at the Custom House. I loved the town’s vibe and climate — it reminded me of Davis. My time in hospitality deepened my passion for people and service.

A Taste of Entrepreneurship

Back in Sacramento, I worked at Alhambra Fuel and Transportation, where I admired a creative entrepreneur who kept a one-car showroom. That sparked something in me. Soon after, I moved to Squaw Valley, sold lift tickets briefly, and then — boom — I bought a coffee shop at the foot of the 1960 Olympic site. There, I met incredible, eccentric people who molded my thinking and spirit. That café was more than a business; it was a lesson in listening, mentorship, and personal growth.

Back to San Luis Obispo – The Car Business Chapter

Returning to San Luis Obispo, I joined a local Ford dealership, where my high school buddy handed me “the answers to the test” and said to sell cars. I stayed for 17 years, rising from salesman to manager. Though I wanted to move up more, I didn’t want to leave the area. By then, I had a family: my wife Elaine, stepsons Christian and Travis, and later, our son Cobe.

Family, Sports, and Speed

Cobe and I did everything together — basketball, golf, go-kart racing. I also golfed competitively and was the 2010 San Luis Obispo Country Club Champion. In 2002, I raced Porsches, earning “Rookie of the Year.” These hobbies weren’t just pastimes — they were part of me creating myself.

Business Ventures & Self-Reinvention

Later, I became a minority owner of a BMW/VW dealership. After a divorce and some big life shifts, I bought a coffee shop in Shell Beach, met even more inspiring people, and molded myself again. Then came a burger joint in San Luis Obispo, which I ran for 2.5 years. Every business molded me further — into someone who listens more, thinks deeper, and lives louder.

Reflection and Future Vision

After selling the burger business, I took time to re-evaluate. I looked back at all I’ve done and realized what matters: family, fun, purpose, and helping others. I’m ready for the next chapter — to create something that helps people grow, make money, and enjoy the ride. I’m a strong, caring, giving, fun-loving, wild individual, and I’m ready to rock and roll.