Mission CTRL

This week on MissionCTRL, Lorraine Gibbons joins Ramon and the PD Flight Crew in the studio to share her story. Gibbons is the Executive Director at the Cardinal Shehan Center & McGivney Community Center in Bridgeport. At 14, Lorraine migrated from Jamaica to the United States, like many immigrants, in pursuit of the American Dream.

Lorraine is an experienced executive with a demonstrated history of working in both the nonprofit and for-profit industries. From an early age, Gibbons realized education could be a gateway out of poverty, which led her to pursue higher education. Lorraine holds a BA and an MBA from the University of New Haven. Tune in to hear how Gibbons made the transition from the corporate sphere to flourishing in the nonprofit space.  Before delving into Lorraine’s story, the PD Flight Crew explored the battle of design apps Adobe vs. Canva and discussed Bob Marley’s "One Love" movie.  As a bonus treat, Jorge rolled out a new introduction.

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This week on MissionCTRL, Ramon and the PD Flight crew sat down with the CEO and founder of Latin Financial, Sonia Alvelo. After graduating high school in Puerto Rico, Alvelo dreamed of living in the United States, a dream her aunt helped turn into reality. Alvelo landed in Bristol, Connecticut, and seized every opportunity afforded to her by attending ESL classes and practicing English through watching TV. Tune in to hear how Alvelo transitioned from working at Burger King to dominating the banking & mortgage industries. Wise beyond her years, when Sonia won the lottery, she opted for the 20-year payout instead of a lump sum and continued working.

While grateful for being in the land of opportunity, something inside Alvelo yearned for more. This feeling was exacerbated when she discovered a wage earning gap between herself and her male colleagues who were doing the same job. Rather than becoming bitter, she decided to get bigger and better. Tune in to hear how Sonia handled the loss of her home during the financial collapse, and closed her first deal in her living room. Alvelo built her business based on trust, starting with one pharmacy as a client and now has 98. She sits on the board of pharmacies in PR, providing funding for gas stations and restaurants with agents across the US. Before diving into the heart of Alvelo's story, Ramon and the PD Flight Crew discuss the rebranding of Lamborghini, Disney Plus, and Hulu logos; UCONN's Men's and Women's Basketball Teams both making it to the Final Four and Beyoncé's foray into country music.

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This week on MissionCTRL, Ramon and the PD Flight Crew sit down with Jermaine Brookshire Jr., Esq., an attorney at Wiggin and Dana LLP. Wiggin and Dana is a full-service law firm renowned for its highly talented, creative, and experienced lawyers who are dedicated to exceeding their clients' expectations daily. With offices in Connecticut, New York, Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., and Palm Beach, they represent clients across the United States and globally in a wide range of sophisticated and complex matters. From defending a Fortune 500 institution in “bet-the-company” litigation to helping the next generation of inventors bring new technology to market, to preserving the wealth that family businesses have worked so hard to create, Jermaine Brookshire Jr Esq delivers to his clients by offering value-driven solutions and results.

Despite facing many challenges growing up, Brookshire excelled as a student and he would arrive at school early and stay late. Unbeknownst to his teachers, there was a lot brewing under the surface at home that could have caused the average student to check out. However, Jermaine is far from average. In 2022 and 2023, he was honored as the “Star of the Year” by the Connecticut Bar Association for his continued service in various roles as an Executive Committee member. Jermaine is also the founder of The Great Expectations Movement (GEM), Inc., a non-profit motivational and personal development organization that inspires high school and college students, as well as young professionals, to pursue excellence in the face of adversity. Tune in to discover Brookshire's 5 Steps to Success. Before delving into Jermaine's story, Ramon and the Flight Crew will discuss wrestling and the WWE and The Rock's return to the ring.

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Ep. 130 Lessons in Living and Selling with Doug Rawady 

This week on MissionCTRL, Doug Rawady, a lifelong veteran sales professional, joined Ramon and the PD Fight Crew to share his personal development journey. Doug started his career in Westchester, New York, working in the family business. At an early age, Rawady learned he had a knack for using his charismatic personality to increase the size of his tips. Realizing that talent alone wouldn’t be enough, Rawady invested in his personal and professional training to develop his sales skills. Today, things have come full circle with Rawady serving as the Business Development Director and a Certified Sales Instructor at Sandler Training.

In his role, Rawady helps businesses realize their full performance and income potential through the discovery and activation of underutilized resources and assets, and the application of effective sales, marketing, and leadership strategies and best practices. Before diving into Rawady’s story, Ramon and the PD Fight Crew share their hot takes on Dune II and Daniel Craig’s replacement in the 007 franchise.

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This week on MissionCTRL, Ramon and the PD Flight Crew present an electrifying episode with Paul Brunson, accompanied by plenty of pre-wired electrical puns. Brunson, a licensed electrical contractor in the State of Connecticut, boasts over nine years in the construction industry.  Paul’s interest in becoming an electrician was sparked during a part-time gig, marking a non-traditional entry into the industry.  Although Brunson didn’t grow up wiring circuit boards, his exposure to the field was a positive charge that shifted the trajectory of his life.

Brunson holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Management.  Prior to obtaining his contractor's license, Paul worked with the US Airforce and Army Corps of Engineers.  Following advice from his mentor, he went on to establish Brunson Electric, specializing in troubleshooting, repair, residential lighting design, commercial retrofits, maintenance, and services for small to mid-sized facilities.  Before diving into the core of this episode, Ramon and the PD Flight Crew explore shocking news in the world of current events, including Boeing and Bigfoot, the grand opening of the new Shelton Jersey Mike’s, and the bipartisan agreement to ban TikTok.  Tune in to hear how Brunson sold his company and became a published author.

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On this episode of MissionCTRL, Ramon and the PD Flight Crew sit down with Thaddeus “Tad” Stewart, the managing principal at Integrated Design and Construction. Stewart was born and raised in Bridgeport, CT, and later relocated to Huntington, CT.  As a young man, Thaddeus was athletic, playing three sports; this competitive prowess proved valuable when he transitioned into business. Thaddeus was influenced by his father, a masonry contractor. He spent time with his dad on job sites, where he was bitten by the architectural bug.  Watching an architect on a construction site captivated young Thaddeus, leading him to decide that this was how he wanted to spend his life.  Stewart brings 18 years of practical architectural experience, combined with 10 years in Interior Design & Facility Planning and 12 years working with various construction types at diverse levels.

Before founding Integrated Design & Construction, Stewart worked at Turner Construction Company, both in the field and in the office, on many award-winning projects. Thaddeus holds a Bachelor of Architecture from Howard University and has completed additional coursework in Structural Engineering Analysis at the University of New Haven and Executive Business Management at the Tuck School of Business, Dartmouth.  Before diving into the heart of Stewart’s story, Ramon and the PD Flight Crew also survey the sports branding and entertainment landscape, discussing the Mike Tyson vs. Jake Paul fight, Netflix’s new strategy, the Full Swing series, F1 season 6, and how PRIME has overtaken Gatorade as Walmart’s most-sold hydration drink.

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Ramon and the PD Flight Crew sat down with Oliver Antigua, President of Pinnacle Basketball Group to talk all things sports and leadership in this episode of MissionCTRL. Antigua immigrated from the Dominican Republic to the Bronx with his mother, aunt, and two brothers. Sports played an integral part in Oliver’s childhood development and can be credited with keeping him on the straight and narrow in the rough and tumble Bronx neighborhood he grew up in. Tune in to learn how a kid from Fordham Rd made it as a walk-on at Pitt Basketball and later served as an Assistant Head Coach thanks to the help of many guardian angels along the way. Antigua’s Pinnacle Basketball Group, a sports and entertainment company is in the process of pitching a major NCAA basketball tournament to his homeland of the Dominican Republic.

Ramon and the PD Flight Crew tackle the latest NFL trades and March Madness, how the Giants let Saquon Barkley and Xavier McKinney walk, changing the face of the team’s leadership in the locker room and this upcoming season’s predictions before diving into Antigua’s story. 

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Ramon and the PD Flight Crew welcome strategic partner, colleague and former mentee Mercy Quaye back to MissionCTRL. Quaye has built a storied career spanning over a decade in journalism, communications, and public relations, both in New Haven and statewide. A New Haven native, Mercy holds an undergraduate degree in Journalism and a master's degree in Public Relations, Social Media, and Applied Communications, both from Quinnipiac University. After working in both the profit and nonprofit sectors and leading communications strategies across various industries, Quaye organized a community conversation on race and identity at a local coffee shop in New Haven. What began as a modest gathering of 60 attendees eager to explore the question, "Who controls the black narrative?" has flourished into The Narrative Project.

The Narrative Project is a full-service public relations and communications agency. It offers services such as communication research, earned media, paid media & support, social-media-first videos, graphic design, quantitative research, and DEI training. Before getting an update from Mercy on the latest developments at The Narrative Project, Ramon and the PD Flight Crew will discuss Apple's decision to discontinue their EV car project and the unveiling of the LA Clippers' new logo.

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Put your earbuds in and buckle up as Ramon and the PD Flight Crew take you on a “fast & furious” journey through MissionCTRL with special guest, professional race car driver and instructor, Elivan Goulart.  Shift gears right into the world of high-speed racing, entrepreneurial ventures, and personal achievements with a real-life racing legend. Originally from Brazil and now a proud dual citizen, Elivan embarked on his auto racing career in the United States at just 12 years old, starting with go-karts in 1993, then moved into cars in Formula 500 (2001 and 2002 SCCA National Runoff Champion), then transitioned to the new Formula SCCA in the Cooper Tires Championship and won a championship in 2004.  In 2011, Goulart won the SCCA National Championship in a spec Miata, and was the SCCA Presidents Cup winner that year as well.  In 2013 Elivan won the SCCA STU National Championship, and has also won the 2016 Pirelli World Challenge TCA Championship. In fact, Goulart has won over 45% of all career races entered since he started racing.

Elivan Goulart is also the owner and President of the SCDA, the Sports Car Driving Association.  Founded in 1995, the Sports Car Driving Association, LLC provides the driving enthusiast the opportunity to experience high performance driving in a controlled environment. SCDA, LLC events are strictly driver educational events, and are non-competitive. SCDA welcomes everyone from novices with no track experience, as well as seasoned track drivers.  Before drifting into Goulart's inspiring journey from a childhood passion to an entrepreneurial venture, Ramon and the crew discuss the latest in racing news: F1 Hamilton's switch from Mercedes to the Ferrari team.

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This heartwarming episode of Mission CTRL Ramon and the PD Flight crew sit down with half of the dynamic duo of Dusty Dudes Woodworks and The Bristol Bazaar, Care Verikas.  Care met the love of her life on Match.com, and after a 10-hour marathon first date she discovered Eric also had a furry friend named after food, and she thought to herself, “This must be fate!”  Eric, a skilled craftsman and Care, a marketing professional, became a power-couple even though their professions appear to be worlds apart.  Committed to finding common ground, the Verikas’ decided to create a “side hustle” that incorporated both of their passion for building things.  Eric uses wood and Care uses words, together these entrepreneurs are making an impact in the world.

Fast forward today, what started as a passion project grew into the Dusty Dude Woodworks, a thriving business allowing the couple to leave their day jobs. In addition to building Dusty Dudes Woodworks the Verikas’ created The Bristol Bazaar a space for makers and artisans to showcase their wares. Care and Eric's story is a testament to how diverse worlds can unite to create something extraordinary, making this episode a must-listen for anyone fascinated by the magic of entrepreneurial love stories.  Tune in to hear the full story behind Dusty Dudes Woodworks and discover the true identity of the “Dusty Dude.”  Their story exemplifies how merging diverse worlds can dovetail into something truly extraordinary, making this episode a must-listen. Before drilling into the heart of their story, Ramon and the Flight Crew discuss Popeyes latest marketing strategy as they venture into the chicken wing sector. 

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In this episode of Mission CTRL, Jahkeeva Morgan, Director of Programming at The Lab at ConnCorp joins Ramon and the PD Flight Crew to share her career journey of self discovery. The Lab at ConnCORP serves as a learning and knowledge center for new ideas, a community small business hub, and a place to exchange ideas about business ownership and entrepreneurship. Morgan, a dedicated professional, focuses on addressing inequalities and achieving equity in underserved communities. She has over a decade of experience working with non-profit community organizations, such as Goodwill Industries of Connecticut.

Morgan grew up with the best of both worlds: her dad was born in Kingston, Jamaica, and her mom hailed from South Carolina. This combination of rich cultural histories, both valuing hard work, significantly shaped her work ethic and character. After being accepted into an accelerated Physician’s Assistant program at St. John's University on a full scholarship, Jahkeeva was on her way to following in her parents' footsteps. But what do you do when external pressures pull you in one direction and your internal compass guides you down a different path? Tune in to hear how Morgan's story unfolds and the surprising direction it takes as she finds her purpose and follows her heart and now helps countless entrepreneurs and small businesses grow and scale.  Before diving into Jahkeeva’s story, Ramon and the crew look to finally settle the coffee vs. tea debate!

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During the episode of Mission CTRL Ramon and the PD Flight Crew sit down with engineer and educator Kia Huggan, the young, visionary founder behind Webquity.  Webquity is an innovative saas company dedicated to empowering neurodiverse learners with innovative accessibility tools.  Their first product, 'Digital Glasses,' allows users to tailor their online experience to their unique needs.  Webquity’s mission is to ensure equitable access to online education for neurodiverse learners through the development of innovative accessibility tools.  Huggan’s personal voyage began far from the tech hubs of Silicon Valley, in the vibrant borough of New York, above a Jamaican restaurant run by her grandparents. Here, amidst the aromas of home and the spirit of enterprise, Kia's parents laid the foundation for her future, instilling in her a profound appreciation for education as the golden ticket to a life beyond the attic's four walls. 

Huggan was 12 years old when she created “Roger,” a robot that could save people during a natural disaster from a robotics kit that her mother gave her. That insight and motivation fueled her passion to pursue higher education, particularly in the STEM field.  This creation wasn't just a child's experiment; it was a glimpse into Kia's future, one where her passion for engineering and education would intertwine. This passion lead her to the halls of UCONN and Harvard University. With degrees in Engineering and Education and a Masters in Entrepreneurship, Kia's academic journey is a testament to the belief that with knowledge, one can not only envision change but also enact it.  Before diving into the heart of our conversation with Kia, we also explore the latest in tech—the Vision Pro and Quest 3. These are not mere VR gadgets; they are gateways to understanding how technology can be harnessed to enhance our daily lives, a theme that resonates deeply with Webuity's mission.  Join us as we unravel Kia Huggan's story, from her roots in New York to the forefront of tech innovation, and how Webquity is carving a path for inclusivity in the digital age.

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In this episode of Mission CTRL, join Ramon and the PD Flight Crew as they share the joys and pains of inner city life, community service, and believing in yourself with Dr. Monette Ferguson, the CEO and Executive Director at Alliance for Community Empowerment (formerly ABCD) in Bridgeport, CT. Born in poverty to a single mom, Dr. Ferguson has dedicated her life to empowering others and serving the underserved. Dr. Ferguson benefited from the same social services that she now helps provide for others in her capacity leading Alliance, an anti-poverty agency for the Greater Bridgeport Area serving over 35,000 individuals through its broad range of services. 

Dr. Ferguson also serves as Vice Chair on the Governor’s Workforce Council Equity and Access Committee, and serves on the Board of Directors for Read to Grow and the Workplace.  Before diving into Monette’s inspiring origin story, Ramon and the PD Flight crew voraciously debate the pros and cons of the dreaded self-checkout lane, Elon Musk’s first brain chip implant, AI Drake and Amazon’s latest ad-free pay per view option.

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In this episode of Mission CTRL, join Ramon and the PD Flight Crew as they engage with Christopher Price, the CEO/Founder of Red Fox Multi-family. With over two decades of experience in business operations within the life sciences sector, Price has made significant contributions in the pharmaceutical industry, notably in facilitating access to life-saving medications. Price spent his formative years in Danbury CT.,  by way of Greensboro NC., where his dad was a chemistry professor at North Carolina A&T when his family moved to the northeast in pursuit of more opportunities.  

As a young man Price excelled at sports, but he admits his biggest accomplishments are his young family. He is married to his lovely wife Allison who he met as an undergraduate at Marist College. Together, they have 2 beautiful children, Zoey (11) and her little brother Caden (10). and together they founded a real estate investment company aimed at helping families create generational wealth.  Before diving into Christopher’s origin story, collegiate sports exploits, and pro sports pursuits, Ramon and the PD Flight crew tackle the Snoop Dogg Solo Stove debacle after the smoke settled, the Katt Williams podcast, and best practices for the EV car revolution during the winter. 

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This week on Mission CTRL Ramon and PD Flight Crew welcomed Fran Pastore, the Founder and CEO of the Women’s Business Development  Council (WBDC).  Back in 1997, Pastore, standing at a crossroads of necessity and fervor, had a vision for the Women's Business Development Council (WBDC).  Tune in to hear how Pastore divorced, with two small children, very little work experience and few prospects on the horizon, created a thriving organization that serves women across Connecticut, with offices in Stamford, New Haven, New London and Waterbury.  

Pastore is a pioneer in the women's entrepreneurial ecosystem movement; a devoted and passionate catalyst for economic equity, and a globally recognized expert on the issue of female entrepreneurship and equality. Leading bold and transformative action to create a seat at the table for women everywhere.  Before launching into the heart of this episode Ramon and Flight Crew discuss the Stanley Tumbler, the power of social influencers to impact a brand’s bottom line, and the most recent success of a past client Andre Sawnston and his latest venture with MLS Next Pro which is slated to bring professional soccer to Connecticut.  This episode is an exploration of how individual narratives intersect with larger societal themes, how personal struggles can morph into public triumphs, and how, sometimes, the most unassuming beginnings can lead to the most extraordinary outcomes. Welcome to a world where every story, no matter how small, has the power to inspire change.

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In Larry Janesky’s second segment of Mission CTRL, Ramon and the PD Flight Crew dive deeper into branding, team building, leadership, journaling, productivity tips and the origin behind Larry’s famous "all things basementy” branding. Other topics Larry covers in this episode include: The Top 3 Brand Strategies to help your business, revenue and reputation flourish; journaling tips for manifesting your best life, the four levels of delegation, and your role as the “Team Builder in Chief .”  Janesky is no stranger to hard work but he is opposed to long work. Tune in to hear why Larry believes if you can’t get it all done in a 50 hr work week you’re doing it wrong.  

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Ramon and the PD Flight Crew welcomed Larry Janesky to the Mission CTRL studios. A native of Bridgeport, Janesky's entrepreneurial journey to success spanned 40 years. He holds 32 patents and manages 40 companies under the Contractor Nation brand. Janesky's business model is straightforward: he assists contractors in growing their businesses by selling them products. More than just a businessman, Larry is a self-professed personal development enthusiast. He believes the goal of learning is to make a meaningful impact in the world, rather than just to showcase one's intelligence.

In this episode, Janesky discusses several significant failures he faced. Unlike many, these setbacks didn't deter him; instead, they fueled his determination. He thrives on challenging situations, pushing his limits, and stepping out of his comfort zone. Janesky is not only an entrepreneur but also an accomplished author of five books, a renowned speaker, an inventor, and a record-setting Baja 1000 Champion.

For over three decades, Janesky has been mentoring contractors, guiding them to grow as leaders, expand their businesses, and realize their aspirations. His School of Entrepreneurship provides programs and processes for achieving exceptional results. Tune in to discover how an ordinary 18-year-old from Bridgeport built a business empire with fearless determination and grit.

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This week on Mission CTRL, Ramon and the Flight Crew sat down with the Executive Director of CT Next, Onyeka “Ony” Obiocha.  Born and raised in Windsor Connecticut, Ony’s interest in entrepreneurship was sparked by his father who arrived home one evening with dozens of gum ball machines and announced he would be placing them in local barber shops throughout Connecticut.  Ony’s first foray into entrepreneurship failed fabulously but, if you’re not failing you’re not learning.  Upon graduating from the University of Connecticut, Ony became intrigued with the concept of using economic enterprises to solve social ills.  

Ony initially thought the idea of selling coffee beans and opening a brick and mortar shop was ludicrous, but that’s exactly what he ended up doing.  After only a year in business they were recognized by the National Retail Federation as one of the most innovative retail spaces in the country.  Ony’s work created an incredible buzz on Yale’s campus, prompting a professor to leave the hallowed halls of Yale University and visit “A Happy Life” coffee roasting company and offer him a position as a teaching ‘fellow’.  Ony consults for entrepreneurship service organizations in Budapest and Beijing, and his work has been featured in Fast Company, Stanford Social Innovation Review, and Take Magazine.  Tune in as Ramon and Ony launch into a fascinating discussion about the intersection of pop culture, content creation, innovation and using culture as the front door to entrepreneurship.

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This week on Mission CTRL Ramon and the PD Flight Crew had the pleasure of interviewing the host and executive producer of Melissa in the Morning at WICC.  In 2019 Connoisseur Media hired Sheketoff and by the spring of 2020 she took over the morning talk show as the first female and youngest host in WICC’s history.  Melissa is a dynamo with an infectious personality and a master storyteller.  Sheketoff produces all of the daily news content, presents multiple newscasts throughout the weekday show from 5am -10am and conducts live interviews each day, ranging from news-related guests to experts in different fields.  

During this episode Melissa shares a bit of her career path as a one woman band in television prior to transitioning to radio.  Melissa won several Press Club Awards for Connecticut and New York and was nominated for a New York Emmy following her coverage of homeless and jobless veterans in Bridgeport, CT.  Tune in to hear how Melissa manages to function at a high energetic level without coffee, made the successful transition from television to radio, and maintains her authenticity while staying grounded in faith.

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On this episode of Mission CTRL, Ramon and the flight Crew sat down with Paul S. Lavoie, the Chief Manufacturing Officer of Connecticut.  Lavoie was appointed by Governor Ned Lamont as the CMO in February 2022.  Connecticut is the only state that has a Chief Manufacturing Officer position.  When appointing him, Governor Lamont said “manufacturing is a key sector of our economy and having this position of chief manufacturing officer in my administration is important to letting these companies know that they have a seat at the table in my administration.”

Tune in to hear how Lavoie, a son from a blue collar family in Connecticut started his career in the supermarket industry, transitioned to business coaching/speaking, buying and selling a marketing company, to leading the reshoring and renewable energy efforts for Connecticut.  Before launching into Lavoine’s story Ramon shares an opportunity PD had to wrap the World Trade Center with the  Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.’s brand for the fraternity’s founders day, MCU’s move away from Kang and Johnathon Majors, McDonald’s entering the beverage market and Fryborg Donuts. 

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In this episode Ramon and the Mission CTRL flight crew unpack one the most strategic and culturally iconic recent  marketing campaigns that captured the hearts and minds of consumers from Gen Z to Boomers.  By leveraging Snoop Dogg’s personal brand, Solo Stove experienced a surge in its stock price following the news of their collaboration with Snoop.  Solo brands announced their third-quarter earning revealing 176% surge in net income compared to last year.

The year-end Marketing & Branding rundown also included the firing and subsequent rehiring of Sam Altman, the fastest settlement in history, RCS-(Rich Communication Services), The Nothing phone, Shirley Cesar & Red Lobster Commercial, LinkedIn positioning themselves as a home for content creators and Verizon’s Small Business Grant. 

As a champion for small businesses and startups, Peralta Design understands the struggles that entrepreneurs face and that’s why we produce Mission CTRL to amplify their voices and serve as a resource for the audience.

Verizon Small Business Digital Ready offers new grants, more free resources for small businesses application open until Dec 20, 2023

How to apply 

1. Registering on the Verizon Small Business Digital Ready portal. 

2. Completing at least two of the following, in any combination; courses, coaching or community events.

3. Fifty (50) Small businesses that complete the application will be eligible for consideration to receive a $10,000 grant.

This week’s Mission CTRL episode is an international adventure filled with history, mystery and intrigue.  Born in Asunción, Paraguay in 1989 under the dictatorship of Gen. Alfredo Stroessner, mom, author and entrepreneur, Amanda Mottola would find her way to the United States by way of adoption.  From an early age Amanda knew she was different as her classmates would ask: why don’t you look like your parents?  Mottola’s parents never hid the fact she was adopted and despite positive affirmations and being raised in a loving household, Amanda felt a curious void that needed to be filled.  

Armed with wholesome values and principles instilled by her parents, Amanda set out on a quest to Asunción, Paraguay, a self-funded journey through the collection of water bottles.  Mottola grew up in Connecticut and has a bachelor’s degree from the University of New Haven, she is also the CEO of Otraway, a New England-based marketing agency and author of Learning as a Lifelong Journey.  Tune in to hear how the Ambassador of Paraguay found out about Amanda’s persistence and resilience which led him to write a recommendation for her book.  Before launching into this week’s entrepreneurial adventure, Ramon and the flight crew share some scam prevention tips and discuss the Starbucks Red Cup Rebellion.

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In this episode, Dr. Noel Sepulveda discusses how he is passionate about making chiropractic services accessible to all.  A lifelong resident of Bridgeport with deep ties in the community, Dr. Sepulveda knew he wanted to be a doctor from an early age; he just had to figure out how he was going to make that happen.  Through grit and determination, Dr. Sepulveda served as a barber for four hours during the day, worked the graveyard shift at UPS till 4am and slept in his car so he’d be on time for class at the University of Bridgeport’s School of Chiropractic. 

At the University of Bridgeport, he studied under board certified neurologists, acupuncturists, nutritionists and orthopedic diplomates. Dr. Sepulveda specialties include neuromusculoskeletal conditions, rehabilitation, postural correction, orthotics, ergonomics, pain management, weight management programs, lifestyle management, nutritional intervention for chronic disease and other physical medicine practices. Prior to the podcast recording, Dr. Sepulveda was on site as part of Peralta Design's focus on corporate wellness by offering a 15 min chiropractic session for all PD associates.

Join Ramon and the PD Flight crew as they cover some of the common misconceptions and benefits of chiropractic services in this episode dedicated to corporate wellness.

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Our guest this episode of Mission CTRL is on a quest to return Connecticut to the economic powerhouse it once was.  Born and raised in Connecticut, Chris DiPentima has an affinity and a love for the nutmeg state.  DiPentima is the president and CEO of CBIA, Connecticut Business and Industry Association, a  leading business organization, with thousands of member companies, small and large, representing a diverse range of industries from every part of the state.  

Chris started his career as an attorney practicing in various areas of transaction law and litigation, including M&A, banking, and labor law.  DiPentima was intentional about not joining the family business, but after receiving an offer he couldn’t refuse he decided to step out of his comfort zone.  Tune in to hear how Chris acquired the business acumen necessary to transform Pegasus Manufacturing, position it for acquisition by a Fortune 500 company and continue his father’s legacy: all of which prepared him to lead the CBIA.  Before diving into this dynamic episode Ramon, Chris and the PD Flight Crew commiserate over Big Blue’s latest performance and discuss current events. 

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Stratford’s Samuel Diaz III is a fierce Karate World Champion with wins in South Africa, Germany, Austria and London. At the tender age of two years old the Bridgeport native was placed in a dojo and introduced to Karate by his mother. Listen in as Samuel joins Ramon and the Mission CTRL Flight Crew on his birthday to share his journey into entrepreneurship.  A man of many talents, Diaz is the Chief Strategy Officer at Southwest Community Health Center Inc. by day is a self-employed karate instructor by night. On the weekends, Samuel is an accomplished musician and has traveled the world and shared the stage with many international artists.  

With a $5,000 investment from his father, Samuel founded Stratford Shotokan Karate by subleasing a space in a dance studio and scaled his business as interest in the school grew.  Diaz credits his business acumen and hustle from his grandfather.  At 35yrs old Diaz was asked to fill some big shoes on Team Paul Mitchell, the longest running sponsored team in the history of martial arts sports.  Tune in to hear how Diaz merges his passion for karate and music to serve the Stratford and Bridgeport communities.  Before launching into this weeks mission Ramon and PD Flight Crew discuss Kim K’s partnership with NBA & WNBA with her SKIMS Brand valued at $4 Billion Dollars, the Bud Light & UFC Partnership, James Harden’s move the Clippers, and the Giants secure the record for having the most punts in a game in NFL history.

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This week’s Mission CTRL episode takes us behind the Blue Wall in Bridgeport.  David Daniels III is a Retired Lieutenant from the Bridgeport Police Department.  After serving the residents of Bridgeport for over 25 years he decided to call it quits.  Daniels was born and raised in the infamous P.T. Barnum Housing Projects and what he learned there prepared him for a lifetime of adversity.  What he had to deal with would cause the average person to throw in the towel.  Eight months after transitioning from corporate America to Bridgeport PD, Daniels experienced something that would change the trajectory of his career.  As an outspoken man of integrity he decided to live by his convictions instead of standing behind the Blue Wall.  

David was inspired by the late actor Richard Roundtree and at first blush one might think it’s because Roundtree played John Shaft while David was coming of age in the 70’s.  But, that doesn’t tell the whole story.  Daniels is the author of Black and Blue in Bridgeport and Founder of The Bridgeport Jazz Festival.  Tune in to hear how Daniels monetizes his habits during his retirement and get a peek behind the Blue Wall of Silence.  Before peeling back the layers of this episode, Ramon and the PD Flight crew discuss the NFL and recap NMSDC Conference in Baltimore. 

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Our next guest joins Mission CTRL from across the pond, East Yorkshire, England to be precise.  Hannah studied at Beverley College, where she earned a degree in childhood education and development.  From an early age Hannah developed a passion for art and helping children.  In 1999, Hannah left England to head to the U.S. where she became an Au Pair to follow her passion of working with children with special needs.  Hannah set her intentions on marrying her two interests, with no business plan or money, she opened her first studio in Shelton, CT.  Perry worked as a nanny by day and the director of her Art Studio by night.  

Hannah has won three Stevie® Awards making The Giggling Pig an award winning Art Studio. In 2017 she was the Gold Winner for Female Entrepreneur of the Year! In 2016 she took home 2 Silver awards — Female Entrepreneur of the Year and Maverick of the Year. Perry’s entrepreneurial journey wasn’t without adversity, so tune in to hear how she overcame a flood and fire to selling four franchises.  Before launching into Perry’s origin story, Ramon and the PD Flight Crew talk Gen Alpha, the Seagull Century Ride, and Caleb Williams’ demand for partial ownership of whichever NFL team drafts him.

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Celeste Tapia is our special guest this week on Mission CTRL in celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month.  Tapia immigrated from Argentina to South Florida and eventually to Connecticut the same year “Nemo” dumped over 2.5 feet of snow across the southern half of New England.  Celeste is the Business Relationship Coordinator for the CEDF (Community Economic Development Fund) and owner of Air Bounce Amusements.  Celeste’s path into entrepreneurship and leadership wasn’t linear, but she always had a passion for service, which was inspired by her mother who is a retired Social Worker.  

In high school, Tapia was an ambitious and active student who studied English, French, dance, music and served as a Scout.  Upon arriving in South Florida, Celeste carved out a niche for herself as a retail manager leading teams despite not being fluent in English.  Tune in to hear how Tapia’s entrepreneurial ambition and humility helped her navigate from a page in Wallingford Library to a Librarian, to being the owner of two businesses and to also helping entrepreneurs find funding and resources in her role as the Business Development Coordinator at the CEDF.  Before launching into the heart of the episode Ramon and the flight crew, lament yet another loss of the GMen but were able to take solace in the Cowboys getting smacked by the 49ers. 

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In honor of National Hispanic Heritage Month Ramon and our Mission CTRL Flight Crew had the honor of interviewing Dr Vilma Luz Caban.  Dr Caban is a proud educator of over 32 years, a world-trotting Humanitarian Researcher, Program Evaluator, Harley riding, self-proclaimed “Swifty” and the author of: The Heart of an Advocate.  In the early 2000’s, Dr. Caban was bitten by the equity bug and since then has found herself working for equality in places as far away as Egypt, Cambodia, and Vietnam.  

Caban’s research led her to defend the child brides in indigenous tribes in Kenya; examine child labor to get clean water in Nigeria; and travel throughout different regions in Morocco and Guatemala to understand the social forces that kept abandoned children in the streets.  Dr Caban was doing meaningful work when she realized she was running further away from the true reason she became a humanitarian advocate.  Tune in to find out what Dr Caban was trying to escape.  Before Ramon and the flight crew explore the heart of an advocate, they dive into the writers strike, AI and USA golf team’s behavior during the Ryders Cup.

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John Torres joins the PD Flight crew in celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month. John is the Co-founder of Bridgeport Caribe Youth Leaders. After Torres lost his Dad in 2003 to emphysema, John and his brother wanted to do something to honor his memory, from that desire BCYL was created to provide opportunities for the youth of Bridgeport to participate in a baseball league. Over the last 20 years, BCYL has served over 10,000 families in Bridgeport and awarded over $1.5 million dollars in college scholarships.

John’s journey to family & youth service’s wasn’t a linear progression, it was influenced by his early experiences with mentors and the values they poured into him that forged the foundation of his character. Before diving into the heart of today’s episode our flight crew mourns the latest loss of their beloved NY Giants and covers the Halo effect of Taylor Swift’s personal brand on the NFL. Tune in to discover how a potato chip triggered a dopamine hit that John Torres received at 6 years old, links back to his desire to serve the people of Greater Bridgeport.

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Fasten your seatbelts Mission CTRL Nation  Andrea Torres-Fodor is our  special studio guest in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month.  Andrea is the Relationship Marketing Manager at Newtown Savings Bank and serves as the President of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Greater Bridgeport.  

In 2000, Fodor migrated from Quito, Ecuador with her family to the United States and like most immigrant families in pursuit of the American Dream, she was a focused leader at an early age.  Andrea had a vision of graduating from college, owning her own home, car and living on her own.  Tune in to hear how she ventured out in a foreign land on her own at 17 yrs to turn her dreams into reality.  Before our flight crew dives into the heart of the episode they spend time in the end zone talking discussing Taylor Swift & Travis Kelce relationship and the power of personal branding to drive sales of Kelce’s Kansas City Chiefs jersey.

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This week’s Mission CTRL is special for two reasons: it represents our 100th show and 15 year anniversary of Peralta Design.  Thriving 15 years in business is a major milestone.  When Ramon was laid off from Walker Digital in 2008 during the Great Recession, he officially became a Reluctant Entrepreneur, and while his initial impulse was to get another job, he had no idea how big of a decision it would be to launch his own brand.  

What happened during those early days that changed the trajectory of PD?  With the stage set it’s only fitting we take time to reflect on the 15 year journey with the Fantastic Four, Amanda Jorge and Kevin join Ramon for a trip down memory lane.  If you’re a start up entrepreneur, small business owner looking to scale your operation and build your team, or just a supporter of everything PD, you won’t want to miss this show.

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Rhonda Vetere joins the Mission CTRL Flight crew to share wisdom from her worldwide travels, business and life adventures.  Rhonda Vetere is a seasoned global C-Suite executive who has worked in technology fields across industries.  Vetere is a global STEM Ambassador and change agent for digital transformation, she has led the way for growth with more than 23 mergers and acquisitions.  Rhonda is also the author of Grit & Grind: 10 Principles for Living an Extraordinary Life.

Rhonda is a congruent servant leader and a corporate athlete who used a combination of grit and grind to climb to the top of her field.  Vetere has worked in global executive positions at Estée Lauder Companies, AIG, HP Enterprise Services, Barclays, Lehman Brothers, Bank One and JPMorgan Chase.  She’s lived and worked internationally-in New York, Hong Kong, Singapore, London, Mumbai and across India-and has managed more than 20,000 people.  Tune in to hear how Rhonda stays focused and sharp.  Before launching into this week's mission, Ramon and the flight crew discuss Roark Capital’s acquisition of Subway, which has not changed hands since it was founded by two Connecticut families in 1965.

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Dr. Mark and Christina Konopka joined the PD flight crew, to share their spine tingling journey into the adventurous world of entrepreneurship, fitness, and wellness. The Konopka’s are the power couple behind OnPoint Chiropractic, Sports Medicine & Integrated Wellness and the newly launched OnPoint Pelvic Health. 

Growing up, Mark recalls his Mother suffering from back pain.  Mark would watch his Mom feeling helpless and unbeknownst to him, he’d soon develop an intimate relationship with pain himself after falling 10 feet off a porch.  Mark’s pain was so severe, it would cause pounding migraines. A drive by a chiropractic practice would change the trajectory of his life.  Tune in to hear how the Konopka’s grew their chiropractic practice over the last 8yrs and how Christina launched On Point Pelvic Health and Performance for Women.  Before launching into the episode Ramon offers a prayer of sorts for his beloved Giants and shares his experience from Munch’s ribbon cutting in Ansonia.  Prepare for takeoff.

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Our flight crew is joined today by Speech Pathology Group of CT’s founder Rachel Criscuolo, and Kayla Hawley, Marketing & Communication Director. In this episode, Rachel tells the inspiring story of when she first witnessed the impact of Speech Pathology while visiting her boyfriend’s grandfather in college. Rachel saw how quickly the therapist altered his state of mind and grumpy behavior and referred to the therapist as his “sunshine”. This drove Rachel to switch majors and find her true calling in Speech Pathology.

Rachel began her career working in the school system, but then found she wanted a job with more flexibility when she started to raise a family - so she created SPG, a business that met these needs and aligned with her mission. Tune in to hear how Rachel grew SPG from a Solopreneur to leading a team of 55 therapists with two locations and a third one on the way. Before our flight crew launched into the heart of this episode,  Jorge raised a question since Pumpkin Spice (everything) is in the air and Fall is almost here: Are you team Dunkin or team Starbucks?
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Join Ramon and the flight crew as they sit down with the co-founders of Blacc Bottle, Necas Collins and Ralph White.  Collins and White started out as work colleagues and through their shared passion and values, their relationship extended beyond the corporate playground.  Recognizing a need for financial literacy in the community, Collins and White started a podcast and their passion overflowed into the creation of Blacc Bottle, the first premium black-owned water bottle company. 

When Necas migrated from Jamaica to the United States on a Soccer scholarship his hunger for business drove him to pursue an MBA double major in Finance & Analytics Intelligence.  Collins did the heavy lifting for the idea of a stainless steel, purpose driven water bottle company during his Masters program at the University of Bridgeport and stacked up a few awards along his journey.  Before the crew launched into this week's Mission, they tackled an old debate: who’s the GOAT Jordan or Lebron? Tune in to find out how this dynamic startup trio secured a deal with the NBA and what B.L.A.C.C. really represents.

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With Hip Hop celebrating 50 years it's only fitting to have our next guest join Mission CTRL.  Before Ivan Lopez became DJ Ink DaVinci he was a skateboarder, a B-Boy and a graffiti artist.  Diminutive in size and inspired by a t-shirt in Trumbull Mall: “Chicks Love Tricks'', Ivan realized he was going to need a hook to help him stand out amongst his peers.  Creativity in fashion, music and photography became his differentiating factor and would later become key components of the Ink DaVinci Brand.  

In 2015 Ivan’s world would collapse, changes in the barbering industry caused him to lose his job and move back in with his parents.  Join this episode to hear how Lopez went from cutting hair in his parents basement to opening his own studio, becoming a realtor, serving as the Marketing Director for the NAHREP (National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals) and having his work featured on the cover of Connecticut’s Magazine.
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Our next guest is a local icon and spiritual leader in the Bridgeport community and beyond, referring to none other than Pastor Anthony T. Bennett.  Pastor Bennett joins our Mission CTRL launch crew by way of Los Angeles California and from an early age Bennett knew he was destined to be in the ministry. His father once said: “If you’re going to do that church thing, go beyond your church and yourself.”  Bennett would carry his father's admonition with him to Morehouse College and beyond.  

Upon graduating from Morehouse College in 1988, Pastor Bennett entered Union Theological Seminary and received a Masters of Divinity in 1991. While in seminary Pastor Bennett joined the ministerial staff at Saint Paul Community Baptist Church in Brooklyn, New York where he served under the leadership of Pastor Johnny Ray Youngblood from 1991-1994. 

Brooklyn is where Bennett would meet the love of his life, Donna Marie Thompson Bennett.  After his tenure at Saint Paul’s, he was called to serve Mount Aery Baptist Church in Bridgeport, Connecticut as its fifth pastor. 

Pastor Bennett truly is a man of faith and action.  Join us during this episode to hear how Pastor Bennett integrates his faith with a holistic vision of health and healing that extends beyond the borders of Bridgeport’s Mount Aery Baptist Church.

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This week's mission takes us to Antwerp, a port city in Belgium with a history dating back to the Middle Ages.  It’s the epicenter of the centuries-old Diamond District that houses thousands of diamond traders, cutters, and polishers.  But, you don’t have to travel to Belgium to dig for Diamonds, every year our next guest has a diamond dig in her location as a fundraising event for cancer research. Kate Marks is the founder of Marks of Design in Shelton.  

Kate’s soccer coach, who was also her Art Teacher, told her she’d never get into an Art School.  Ignoring the naysayers, Marks’ followed her intuition and used their words as fuel to earn a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree.  After college Kate worked for several brands and designers, but she was never one to settle for complacency.  In 1999, Kate followed her intuition once again and opened Marks of Design and stayed in that location until 2016 when she moved into a much larger location.  Kate is a savvy businesswoman and a highly respected servant-leader in the community who spearheads some incredible initiatives. We hope you enjoy ‘digging’ into this special episode!

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On this episode of Mission CTRL Ramon and the PD flight crew sat down with Sebastian Cardona, the Founder and CEO Papichulo Style.  Sebastian shares his secret to how he used $10 a day for 10 days on Facebook Ads to grow his audience from 600 to 14,000 followers in a day.  Papichulo Style is Sebastian’s deluxe hair care brand for men with unique packaging that honors the legacy of the “lucha libre” masked Mexican wrestlers. Before launching into Papichulo Style’s origin story, our Flight Crew covers Marvel’s Secret Invasion and Burger King’s latest brand refresh.

Sebastian started using hair gel to manage his naturally curly hair when he was just 8 years old. In 2008 he migrated to the United States from Columbia to study Graphic Design. He identified a pain point during his childhood that would nag at him during his formative years and throughout his college career.  While rushing to class one morning, Sebastian jumped out of the shower, got dressed and forgot to put product in his hair.  One of Sebastian’s friends, a Russian girl, said you left your “papichulo style” at home.  What’s fascinating is, he didn’t have a product line at the time, but he followed his gut and secured Papichulo and Mamichula domains.  Hear Sebastian’s inspiring story!

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In this episode of Mission CTRL Ramon and our PD Flight crew sat down with Bridgeport Mayoral candidate Lamond Daniels to discuss his vision for what Bridgeport can be.  Daniels moved to Bridgeport 30 years ago when he was in high school. Inspired by his grandmother’s commitment to helping the less fortunate,  he decided to pursue a career in social work. Daniels cut his political teeth working as a policy associate with Annie E. Casey Foundation in Bridgeport and the opportunity allowed him to traverse the nation learning about the systems and policies that impact children and families.

While Daniels is not a career politician, he’s not new to politics either, he was the director of neighborhood initiatives during the Finch administration and currently serves as Chief of Community Services in Norwalk, CT.  Before launching into Daniels’ vision for Bridgeport, the PD flight crew dives into billionaire expeditions, the Apple Vision Pro, Bridgeport’s logo rebrand and get this: Kevin goes on record praising Apple’s Hardware! This episode is not to be missed!

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During this episode, Ramon and the PD Flight Crew are joined by Maria Flores, the founder of Prumatt to discuss how she’s carving out a niche in the $330 Billion dollar athleisure industry by launching her own brand for the discerning woman who loves comfortable, high quality and affordable workout gear.  Born and raised in Peru, Maria dreamt of migrating to the United States in pursuit of the American dream, and despite falling into a deep depression after a tragic event at the age of 16, Maria never lost sight of her dream.

With only part of her dream realized Maria didn’t stop pressing toward her target, she confronted the challenges of finding work, learning a new language in a foreign country and going to school head-on, and during this process, she became a mom and a (CNA) Certified Nurses Assistant.  Before diving deeper into Maria’s remarkable startup journey, the PD crew discusses the PGA & LIV merger and the HBO Rebrand. Be sure to tune in to hear how Maria launched her fitness wear brand in the face of adversity, COVID and a tanking economy.

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This week's episode is with Dr. Mark Melendez the Founder of Cosmetic & Reconstructive Surgery Associates of Connecticut. Dr. Melendez talks about his story and how he became a doctor. Dr. Melendez discusses growing up in the Bronx in a close-knit Hispanic family and how he had to face many challenges but at the end of the day his family, God, mentors, and friends helped him stay sound and true to his well-being. He also talks about how the great education he was fortunate to receive and how his parents worked to set him up with the best opportunities.

Dr. Melendez shares that if you have a drive and passion for something you must persevere for it and if people try to put you down along the way you must keep going. He also discusses looking out for the well-being of his patients on all ends and providing life-altering reconstructive and cosmetic procedures to people who need them.

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During this episode of Mission CTRL our flight crew sat down with Silvia Rodriguez aka “Chef Sil”.  Sil serves as a ParaLegal by day, but on nights and weekends, she serves up delicious spicy vegan sushi.  Sil’s mother is a two-time cancer survivor, so after hearing the news of her father’s cancer diagnosis she started exploring healthier food alternatives and turned vegan cold turkey (no pun intended).  Eating healthy doesn’t have to be bland and tasteless, but that’s what she found was the case with sushi, so she made it her mission to infuse love and flavorful elements of her culture into her favorite traditional Japanese dish.  Also from a branding perspective, you don’t want to miss a brief recap about the movie Air.  Ramon’s beloved Knicks fell to the Heat in the playoffs and Jorge and Kevin weigh in on what they need to do to rebuild for next season.

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In this episode of Mission CTRL, Ramon and Jorge are joined by Dan Onofrio, President and CEO of the Bridgeport Regional Business Council (BRBC). Early in his career, Dan would find himself as the youngest person in the room - never one to stray away from a challenge.  So when the opportunity presented itself to serve Greater Bridgeport, he jumped at it. During this episode, Dan shares about his own experiences as a Rita’s Italian Ice franchisee, the current economic landscape and the role the BRBC is playing to foster manufacturing growth within Greater Bridgeport. Do not miss this revealing episode, which also includes a discussion of the issue with being a fan of bad sports teams.  

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In this episode of Mission CTRL, Ramon, Jorge, and Kevin are joined by Nate and Marlon Moran, the agency owner and CEO of Moran Insurance Agencies, respectively. The two discuss their journey from Puerto Rico to the States, where they moved to Connecticut as teenagers. They share how their parents’ hardworking nature inspired them to get certified as insurance brokers and grow in their respective companies before creating one of their own with their last name in the title to ensure their long-lasting legacy. Do not miss Nate and Marlon in this amazing episode, which also features discussions on the best and the worst of branding strategy and of course, the NY Knicks.

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In this episode of Mission CTRL, Ramon, Jorge, and Maggie, are joined by Liana Garcia, the Director of Gift Planning for the Community Foundation of Greater New Haven. Liana discusses the CFGNH’s Progreso Latino Fund, in which businesses can develop funds where the money can later be put back into developing Latino scholarships, programs, and services. It is also the 20th Anniversary of the fund, which means $100,000 in grants will be awarded over the next 2 years and gifts will be price-matched up to $2,000. Do not miss Liana in this inspiring episode, which also includes discussions of how PD gets involved in the nonprofit community, discussions about local theatre, and the show “The Servant.”

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