In The Weeds Show

On this episode we sat down with serial entrepreneur Sean Evans and talked about the massive weeds he's fought through to build the successful companies he operates today. Sean began his entrepreneurial career at a young age in college. Eventually selling that first business and enjoying a short-lived retirement in his 20's! He continued on to his next venture and discussed with us the importance of having "stretch goals" in place. He even shared a couple of his own, one of which includes a half billion dollars in annual sales for his company gloves.com! Get out your pen & paper so you can be sure to take notes on this episode! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode we sat down with San Diego County Supervisor Jim Desmond. Jim has been involved in politics for nearly 20 years. Eight of which were spent as the Mayor of San Marcos and his most recent years as the District 5 Supervisor in San Diego. Throughout the pandemic Jim has fought for small businesses all over the county. His battle against California’s draconian policies has created what he described as “the most challenging year of his life.” This was a very unique story of being in the weeds, but it’s one of the hardest jobs we’ve seen someone take on! Enjoy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of our continued series “Surviving The Pandemic”, we sat down with Andy Davis and Justin Jachura. Both of these men are successful entrepreneurs who own & operate a portfolio of restaurants and bars in the North County area of San Diego. Though technically their companies are competitors, it has not stopped Andy and Justin from working together during the most challenging times in each of their 20 years in the business. Even developing a movement known as #CommunityCommitted that has brought all business owners in Carlsbad together. With the help of a local law firm, they have reopened many of the struggling venues in Carlsbad as a daily peaceful protest against the unrealistic State and Federal policies. They spare no detail in explaining the toll this past year has taken on their businesses and their hundreds of employees. Enjoy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of our continued series “Surviving the Pandemic” we sat down with Derek Marso, the owner of Valley Farms Market. Derek is a third generation owner with a jam packed resume! He holds an impressive athletic career, playing football at Kansas State University and eventually making his way to the NFL. But he knew early on there was going to be more to his story than “Derek the football player.” Since taking over the business, he’s grown the Valley Farms brand ten fold. Adding their second location a year ago with plans to open two other new stores in 2021! He’s a no-nonsense owner with a supreme level of empathy and drive. Derek is also a dedicated father, husband, fellow podcaster, and even a certified cicerone! We discussed the initiatives his company took as an “essential business” during the pandemic, to help support their community and the many struggling small businesses in San Diego. His perspective on leadership and his commitment to spreading love is a much needed message everyone should hear. Enjoy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this new format of our show "Surviving The Pandemic" - we sat down with PJ Busalacchi, the owner of Barbusa - a Modern Sicilian restaurant that has become a staple destination of Little Italy in downtown San Diego! The Busalacchi family are true pioneers in the hospitality industry and have been opening successful restaurants since the 1980's! PJ walked us through the toll the pandemic has taken on Barbusa, their other restaurants, and his 120+ employees. Some of which have worked for his family for over 30 years. Enjoy! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this new format of our podcast, we visited business owner Artem Sharoshkin to discuss how the 2020 pandemic has impacted him and his company. The first most noticeable observation is we were sitting inside his EMPTY multi-million dollar gym located in the heart of downtown San Diego. Artem is the CEO of The Boxing Club, which has 3 locations in San Diego, employing 100+ people. He held nothing back when discussing the toll this has taken on his business, his employees, and himself. We hope this helps bring attention and humanize the people suffering as collateral damage to the covid-19 pandemic. Enjoy! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode we sat down with CJ Martin - Founder and CEO of one of the fastest growing CrossFit brands - Invictus! CJ took us back to his early days of inheriting resiliency through his family, and how it has ultimately played a role in building a powerful online and in-person brand. He shared his experience as an athlete, an attorney, a coach, a husband, father, and entrepreneur. His success definitely did not happen overnight or without a lot of hard work! Enjoy! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode we sat down with Johan Engman, who has quite literally reinvented the way breakfast is served in Southern California! Starting his entrepreneurial journey in true "burn the boats" fashion. Johan opened his first restaurant in 2008 with a shoe-string budget of his own money saved from previous years washing dishes and serving tables. We retraced his steps that led to today, where he now operates one of the largest restaurant groups, Rise & Shine Hospitality, built from that first location. Enjoy! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode we sat down with Alex Montoya. Originally born in Colombia with a birth defect that left him missing both his arms and right leg, Alex was faced with adversity from literally day one. But his resume and list of accomplishments shows the true mantra he lives by, "Don't focus on what you're missing in life, focus on what you have." Alex earned a degree from Notre Dame, and was entered into the San Diego Unified School District Hall of Fame! He has gone on to become a successful author with five published books, as well as a motivational speaker - with speaking engagements in front of massive stages including Google, Harvard, Nasa, TedX and many others. This was an inspiring conversation we hope you all enjoy! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode we sat down with Edwin Paredes, who's work schedule typically places him in a new part of the globe every week! Edwin is the President, and one of the original members of DJCity - the world's leading subscription-based digital record pool. We discussed the many businesses & partnerships he's cultivated over the years, while also enjoying many of his crazy stories that came with building a brand that has changed the music industry! Enjoy! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode we sat down with Will Senn, the Founder of California's leading cannabis retail brand - Urbn Leaf. As an entrepreneur who's had to fight through nearly two decades of legal & political red tape to build the empire he's built, Will came bearing stories of his journey that will keep you on the edge of your seat! We covered everything from battling meningitis, getting kicked out of middle school, failing his first business in Cabo San Lucas, to now employing 400+ people and growing everyday! Turn the volume way up on this one! Enjoy! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode we sat down with Sumeet Parekh, who has built one of California's largest commercial real estate investment firms. With offices in San Diego, Oakland, and Los Angeles, he's grown the business from his very first deal, to now exceeding 75 major acquisitions. We discussed his glory days in New York, his current days in quarantine, and how he even made one of his best purchases with a handshake and napkin! Sumeet served on the Board of Directors for San Diego Downtown Partnership, and is extremely committed to the well being of the city, as he is one of the few natives left. His perspective on the past, present, and future outlook of our state & country is one everybody should hear. Enjoy! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode we sat down with DJ Gay, a San Diego sports legend who's name is proudly held inside the SDSU Hall Of Fame. We covered DJ's entire sports career, back to his first time picking up a basketball. And even talked about a sport few people know he competed in - Muay Thai! DJ currently operates the largest youth basketball program in San Diego -- called The Bulldogs. And recently accepted the Head Coach position for the prestigious La Jolla Country Day Varsity basketball team. He is a living example of how hard work & discipline can get you to any finish line! Enjoy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode we sat down with Jason Conforti - a Top 100 Criminal Defense Attorney in America. His passion for every single client's future livelihood is what separates Jason from the pack, and we go into great detail on how involved he gets. Outside the courtroom, Jason has two children that keep him on his toes, an incredible teammate and wife who is also a respected lawyer, and a podcast he is growing more everyday. His ambition & drive truly is contagious! Enjoy! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode we sat down with Marco Champion, a young successful entrepreneur with one of the most unique stories on how he launched his first business. Marco endured a life-changing accident at age 15 that doctors told him would leave him in a wheelchair the rest of his life. Defying all odds, he dove headfirst into his physical & mental recovery, eventually getting back on his feet, and in his recovery birthed his first business - Motiv. He’s gone on to launch his newest business, iLegendz, while also engaging in public speaking, and is even working on his first book. Enjoy! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode we sit down with Matt Faulk - the founder and CEO of Basic Agency. Year after year Basic has consistently taken home awards at the annual Webby Awards -- which is the leading international award honoring excellence on the Internet. Matt and his team have been working with big brand clients like Google, Nixon, REI, Airbnb, Apple, Under Armour, Patagonia, Beats by Dre, and many many others. We went back in the weeds and talked about his early days of couch surfing, being kicked out of school, riding bmx bikes professionally, and even how he secured one of their first big clients by helping a stranger parallel park their car. These are the stories we built this show for! Hope you enjoy! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode we sit down with Steve Kramer. Originally from Georgia, "Kramer" has reached the top of radio airwaves in Florida, Arizona, and eventually right here in San Diego. But now he's stepped into the podcast world and launched his own show, Certified Mama's Boy, sharing the stage with his own mother and quickly earning 250k downloads and #15 rank in the country on Podcast Mag's Hot 50 charts! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode we sit down with Billy Moore, a lifelong leader in the community and President/CEO of Anybody Can Youth Foundation. His charity has worked with inner-city youths since the 1960's, while he also works personally with our local police department. He shared his thoughts on our current world's issues from the BLM movement, police reform, and general inequalities. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode we welcome on Aljamain Sterling - one of the top fighters in the UFC. Aljo has fought his way through the entire Bantamweight division and his next scheduled fight will be for the world championship belt. Growing up as one of 20 siblings & half siblings in Long Island NY, he shared his challenging journey to get where he is today - a professional athlete, entrepreneur, investor, role model, and student of the game! Enjoy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode we sit down with Arizona native Ryan Anderson. Ryan is a 16 year veteran of the Phoenix Fire Department. We discussed the amount of growing he's experienced after years of working as a firefighter, and managing all the things you see on the job. But we really dove into the incredible amount of knowledge he's gained in human optimization, consciousness, and balancing a healthy mind & body outside of work. Ryan's perspective on life is absolutely one of a kind. Enjoy! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.