Small Business Sit-Down

Katie Melendez was sworn in as Vista City Council member in December of 2020, at only 26 years old! She strives to represent her constituents as best as she can, and makes herself readily available and responsive to her community. On this episode of the SBSD podcast, we dive into Katie's upbringing and her role as a social worker, and how that all led to her running for city council.

Committed to her community, Corinna has always emphasized the need to give back and provide for her community. Wanting to do her part, Corinna found herself running for the city council. In 2018, she was elected as Vista City Council member and continues to do her part to represent Vista's people. She shares with us the struggles and obstacles she had to face on her path to become a council member and how that process has shaped her as a person.

An early interest in skateboarding and filming led Mike Bricke and his brother to partner up and open their own skate shop.

The House of Vista is a skate shop by skateboarders, for skateboarders.

From a young age, Cherise has been an entrepreneur, never shying away from new work opportunities.  Her range of work includes music, dog grooming, and cross-fit training. She runs Tranquil Trims, a dog grooming rehab business that focuses on difficult dogs. She's also a talented performer who goes by the stage name Lady Ivy.

Paige McWey Acers, Executive Director of the San Diego Brewers Guild, joined us for episode 10 of the Small Business Sit -Down.

The San Diego Brewers Guild is the go-to source for breweries, tradespeople, restaurants, and craft beer aficionados across San Diego County. Since 1997, the Guild has sought to promote SD breweries and create an open communication line among local breweries. \\

Jeff is joined by Glen of Beleaf In Fatherhood to discuss his path towards YouTube success. Glen started Beleaf In Fatherhood in order to motivate. educate, and inspire his audience to become better parents. His journey has been a long one only achieved through proper planning and setting clear goals. Listen to his story today!

David Knoll of the Helen Knoll Foundation sits down with us to talk about the challenges young women face when it comes to breast cancer. The Helen Knoll Foundation believes women have a chance at fighting back before it's too late through preventative practices.

Chris Jerome from the Jerome Supercuts Group joins us on our return episode to talk all about the franchise model and what it takes to branch out on your own. Topics covered include college education vs on-the-job experience, the benefits behind the brand identity of a franchised entity, and the impact covid-19 had on the hair salon industry over the past few months.

Jeff is joined by Jesse Richardson, co-owner of Ebullition Brew Works in Vista and Carlsbad. They discuss the challenges associated with the current pandemic, and how important it is for businesses to remain adaptable to any situation.

Jeff sits down with friend Christopher Williams, a man with an impressive background that could fill a book! Jeff and Christopher discuss the challenges of creating a successful film, changes to the film industry, and the challenges of working with Hollywood.

Lawyer/Comedian Joe Samo joins Jeff Fox on episode 4 of the Small Business Sit-Down. Jeff and Joe discuss the challenges of working under others, what it takes to brand yourself and market your business, and how comedy and authenticity can help minimize prior prejudice.

We sit down with agent/broker Zeke Corley on this week's episode of the Small Business Sit-Down to discuss the rewards and challenges of family run businesses, as well as the transforming landscape of the insurance industry amidst national and international events.

Grandma LuLu’s mission is to ensure the homeless and food insecure across San Diego get the nutrition they need. We sit down with Grandma LuLu's founder, Cindy Steele, to talk about the formation of this non-profit and her plans for the future.

Jeff sits down with video producer and business man Jim Ellis to discuss the history behind Inspired Image Studios and the events that lead to the creation of The Film Hub.  

Join us for our first episode of Small Business Sit-Down, a weekly podcast where we sit down with local business owners to talk about their business and their personal stories.