Velocity - Vista Chamber Podcast

Donnell Hilliard is the owner/operator of Kingdom Kutz on Indiana in downtown Vista. Originally from New Orleans and raised in Oceanside, Donnell is an Army Veteran who has been working the clippers since he was a teenager. Now, his shop’s bold presence in downtown Vista is making an impact – one so big, Kingdom Kutz was recently named Vista’s New Business of the Year at the Heroes of Vista Celebration event. Join Rachel for a conversation about the power of dreams and importance of teams. Show Notes:

When Vista Community Clinic first opened in 1972, they set out to provide quality health care to anyone who walked through our doors. Today, over 50 years later, they have helped redefine the community clinic model by pioneering innovative models of primary care delivery. With twelve state-of-the-art clinics treating more than 70,000 patients every year, VCC is a key health provider for the Southern California region.

Join Rachel and she sits down with Dr. Diana Ponsford and NP Joanne Goode to discuss their areas of specialty at VCC. These two compassionate providers are defining what it means to be medical practitioners in today's world.

Luis Gomez is the owner/operator of Chick Fil A Vista. If you've met Luis, you recognize his warm and authentic smile. His unique path to being a Chick Fil A owner/operator is an inspiration! Join guest host Kent Leithold as he sits down with Luis to talk about community service, investing in team members, and that Chick-Fil-A sauce! Also, learn how your community group can partner with Chick-Fil-A.

Vista Fire Chief Washington joined the City of Vista in August of 2023 after 32 years of fire service. He sits down with Rachel to talk about his background, passion for developing talent pipelines, and what's next for the Vista Fire Department. Enjoy this insightful and inspiring conversation with Chief Washington!

Rachel and Kent from the Chamber have a special announcement surrounding this year's Vista Christmas Parade!

The Vista Chamber will host the 65th Annual Vista Christmas Parade on Saturday, December 2nd at 1pm in Downtown Vista. Presented by Barnicle's Express with support from the City of Vista, Children's Paradise, Tideline Partners, Freddie's Place and EDCO this year's Grand Marshal is Danny Villasenor from Peppertree Frosty!

Handel's Homemade Ice Cream is a true community partner. Join a sweet conversation with Rachel, Shawnta Fleming and Jennifer Vu who work with six Handel's locations, including Vista. These dedicated ladies help Handel's invest in the future, whether that's through fundraising efforts supporting local schools and nonprofit orgs or by hiring local employees - many of them for their very first job! The Handel's team sprinkles love and community support onto every scoop! Check out this convo today.

Glen Henry, also known as Beleaf, is an online influencer who shares content about parenting on his website Beleaf in Fatherhood. With millions of followers on multiple platforms, Beleaf aims to equip fathers, bring hope to mothers, and inspire children. His hope is that real stories of fatherhood will bring connection and healing to people everywhere. He sits down with Rachel to talk about finding hope, inspiration, marriage, parenting, and so much more. He also shares tips for content creators everywhere. Check out this conversation today!

Show Notes

John Franklin has served as Mayor of Vista since 2022, previously serving on the City Council for eight years. Originally from Kansas, Mayor Franklin was drawn to public service as a college student. After serving as a Congressional aide in Washington DC, Franklin chose Vista as his permanent home due to the size of community, quality of life, and the great weather. Mayor Franklin is focused on addressing homelessness.

Join Rachel for a candid conversation about public service and Mayor Franklin's approach to this critically important issue impacting the Vista community.

Don Stump is a lifelong helper. After growing up in Texas and attending school in Boston, an internship with a juvenile court diversion program changed the course of his life, leading him to a career in non-profit leadership. After 30 years as a non-profit leader, and sixteen as CEO for Lifeline Community Services, Don is now preparing to retire. As Lifeline celebrates 50 years on community impact, the organization readies for the next generation of leadership. Join Rachel for a conversation about non-profit leadership, the importance of helpers, and what's next for Lifeline. About Lifeline Community Services: Lifeline Community Services is a community-based human services organization that serves low-income and underserved populations in San Diego County. Every year Lifeline serves more than 5,000 members of our community through clinically-strong and evidence-based programs that focus on positive youth development, child abuse prevention and domestic violence intervention, housing and self-sufficiency, behavioral health, and human trafficking victim and survivor services.
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Dr. Star Rivera-Lacey is the President & Superintendent of Palomar College and is the first Latina to serve in this role. She was born and raised in Oceanside, California and is proud to have started her post-secondary education at a community college. In addition, to a bachelor’s degree in Liberal Studies from California State University, San Marcos, and a master’s degree in Education, with an emphasis in multicultural counseling, from San Diego State University, Dr. Rivera-Lacey earned her Ph.D. in Education from the San Diego State/Claremont Graduate University joint doctoral program.

Her journey is an inspiration! Learn more about Dr. Rivera-Lacey and all the ways that Palomar College is changing lives for students in this season premiere episode!

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John Conley was appointed as Vista City Manager in March 2023 after serving the City in a variety of roles over 25 years, most recently as the Director of Community Development & Engineering. Join Rachel for the final episode of season two as she learns more about Mr. Conley, what does a City Manager do and what's next for the City of Vista.

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SVN Vanguard was selected as the Vista Chamber of Commerce New Business of the Year for 2023! Join Rachel as she sits down with Nadeem Haddad to learn about his work in the commercial real estate industry, what's new in his field and why he is a Vista Chamber enthusiast! At his core, Nadeem is a problem solver and welcomes the challenge of his industry. Learn more about Nadeem and SVN Vanguard in this episode.

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Sunny Days Sunshine Center provides The Sunshine Center is a pediatric provider offering academic, social, emotional, and behavioral services. The Sunshine Center was selected as the Small Business of the Year for 2023! Brooke Gibbons is the Center Supervisor and brings expertise and passion for Center patients and staff in a way that really makes a difference. Learn more about Sunny Days Sunshine Center and the ways they are making the future brighter; one child at a time.

Born and raised in Vista, Adam Brooks was born to be an entrepreneur. With Adam's vision and drive, Alchemy has become Vista's go-to print shop. A lifelong learner and teacher, Adam continues to expand his business, train and retain employees and share his talents at the Vista Chamber. He served as Chairman of the Board for the Vista Chamber from 2021-2022 and is the youngest person to ever serve in this role. This episode is full of great advice for anyone looking to start or grow a business. Check it out today! Show Notes:

Colin Tappe owns Vista's only record store. Standards has become, well, a Vista standard for music lovers and vinyl enthusiasts. In this interview Colin shares his early musical influences, how Standards was born when he was barely 30, and why you won't find tchotchkes in his shop. He also talks about the importance of the right partnerships, the connection between hardcore music and the Yellow Deli's veggie burgers, why being useful is what matters. This episode is totally thoughtful and slightly random, just like Standards! Check it out. Note: This episode has some PG 13 language. Show Notes

Is your business safe from cyber security threats? In this episode, Rachel sits down with Cliff Kaiser from Strategic IT Group to talk about the changing IT needs of businesses, cyber security concerns that impact us all, and the secret to the perfect password(s).  Cliff's background in the Navy and his passion for engineering and the tech world aligns perfectly with his goal to support San Diego County small businesses in all their IT efforts. Did you know Cliff also helped start the Vista Strawberry Festival? Learn more about Cliff Kaiser and Strategic IT Group today!

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Jason Roberts is co-founder and CEO of Frontline Careers, a social impact startup on a mission to connect frontline employees looking for more, with companies that offer more. The startup’s proprietary Frontline Friendly℠ Assessment and Certification process enables frontline job seekers, customers, and investors to better identify those companies that truly value and invest in their frontline staff. In addition, Frontline Careers offers a job site exclusive only to companies offering benefits and perks beyond pay to their frontline employees.

Prior to launching Frontline Careers, Jason spent nearly 20 years in leadership roles across multiple industries from manufacturing and business consulting, to wholesale energy and waste management. And it was his experience in Corporate America, running large-scale frontline operations which was the genesis behind Frontline Careers.

Dive-in with Rachel and Jason as they discuss the role of frontline workers, why employers need to offer more and why mental health is so very important. 

Show Notes

The Boys & Girls Club of Vista is ensuring great futures for the youth of Vista! Led by CEO Matt Koumaras since 2007, the Club has grown to multiple sites and serves over 800 hundred kids aged 5-18 each year. The Club offers support in homework help, emotional and personal growth, music and sports programs, career exploration and much more!   It was an honor to sit down with Matt, Velocity's self-proclaimed "Biggest Fan." In this interview Matt shares about his background and why he is so passionate about supporting Vista youth. Listen in and you'll understand why BGC Vista has been ensuring great futures for nearly 60 years.   

Show Notes 

Aaron Byzak is the Chief External Affairs Officer for Tri-City Medical Center. In his role he oversees the marketing, communications, government affairs, community relations, and patient transportation for the District and the Medical Center. But Aaron is so much more than the role he serves at Tri-City Medical Center. He's a devoted husband and father, volunteer, mental health and drug reform advocate, and mentor. He's also a life-long learner and overcame incredible life obstacles to achieve big things for himself, his family, and his community. 

Aaron sits down with Rachel to share about his story, his work at the hospital, and why Tri-City's COASTAL Commitment is impacting the lives of residents in the Tri-City area. If you love a full circle moment, this episode is for you!

Julie Lowen is the founder and CEO of Children's Paradise Preschool and Infant Centers.  Julie, fueled by her personal experience and loss, founded the first Children's Paradise in 1993 and now operates five centers with several more coming on-line in the next year. Her intentional and unique approach to childcare encompasses the whole family and their needs. 

Kevin Humphrey is an husband, father and long-time educator. He's also the Superintendent of Guajome Schools,  which includes Guajome Park Academy and Guajome Learning Center. Kevin sits down with Rachel to talk about his experience as an educator, why today's students approach learning differently, and the issue of student mental health. Kevin also explain what makes Guajome different than other public school experiences. This episode is just like Kevin Humphrey - informative, sentimental, inspirational, and a super fun time! Check it out!

Show Notes/Links

Dave Baldwin is an author, financial advisor, and certified financial planner. He helps his clients understand the psychology behind spending and lives to help others achieve their financial goals. His heart for service is rooted prior Navy experience and continues today with his commitment to our community via his participation in North Coast Church and his volunteerism, including currently serving as Vista Chamber Chairman of the Board.

Dave sits down with Rachel to share his unique perspective on financial management, why so many people struggle to budget, and how his personal experiences led him to help others.

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Tasha Boerner Horvath represents the 76th CA Assembly District which includes Vista, Oceanside, Camp Pendleton, Carlsbad and Encinitas. The need for a stop-sign near a neighborhood elementary school launched Tasha into public service and she served as a City Council Member prior to her election to the State Assembly in 2018 and re-election in 2020. Join Rachel for the Season 2 Velocity Vista Podcast kick-off as she sits down with Tasha to learn more about her work at in the State Assembly, including her role on several committee as well as how Tasha's varied experiences have influenced her as a public servant. 

Show Notes/Links

San Diego County Supervisor Jim Desmond represents District 5 which covers more than 2,100 square miles and 700,000 residents. But what exactly does a County Supervisor do? Listen in as Supervisor Desmond sits down with Rachel Beld to share the role of County vs Cities and talks about the attributes, challenges, and what's next for North County San Diego. 

Supervisor Desmond also shares about his journey to public service, how he supports the work on District 5 non-profits (including the Vista Chamber), and the hardest part of his job. Join Rachel and Jim as they discuss all things North County!

Alexis Panchevre is a proud cat lady. She's also an artist and a trash blaster. She's Secretary for the BackFence Society and manages the Only Losers Litter community clean-up program. Join Rachel Beld as she sits down with Alexis for a chat about growing up in Vista, big boy cats, the intersection of art and trash, and how cleaning up trash is the very first step in caring about our planet. Happy Earth Day!

Direct Professional Cleaning Services is Heroes of Vista 2022 Small Business of the Year! Owner Andrea Ruano shares her personal journey into this industry, her passion for her clients and her commitment to empowering others. Join Rachel in this conversation about making your own future and the power of helping others.

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Terry Woods is the founder and editor of North County Daily Star, where North County San Diego gets local news. A Veteran of the Vietnam War, Terry and his wife Kathy ended up in Vista in 1986 for an extended vacation and never left! He's been involved in nearly every aspect of life in Vista over the past 35+ years and dedicates his time to lifting up the community. Take a listen and learn a bit more about this man of mystery!

Show Notes

Join Rachel as she sits down with recently retired City of Vista Economic Development Director, Kevin Ham. Kevin spent over 20 years with the City and during his tenure was involved in the expansion of the Vista Business Park, the development of Vista Village and the growth of the historic Downtown as well as the development of two strategic plans which helped to foster the craft beer industry. Join two long-time colleagues as they discuss economic development in the City of Vista.  

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Dive into this tasty episode featuring Don Hein, owner of Little Cakes Cupcake Kitchen. Little Cakes is a two-time winner on the hit TV show Cupcake Wars. In this interview hear about the sweet (and not so sweet) parts of entrepreneurship, advice for business owners looking to expand, and the reason why Vista was Little Cakes secret ingredient in the recipe for success. No matter how you choose to enjoy it, this episode is extra sweet.

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Lisette Hart opened Vista's first yoga studio and now owns and operates Yoga Branch Vista. In this episode of Velocity, Rachel and Lisette sit down to discuss her background, how she found yoga, and why Yoga Branch represents Vista's unique vibe. Learn how Lisette showed flexibility of body and mind during COVID and has weathered the storm to emerge stronger than ever.  

Show notes/links 

Paige McWey Acers, a life-long Vistan, is the Executive Director of the San Diego Brewers Guild, a membership organization supporting all businesses connected to the brewing industry. In this episode, learn about the Guild's work to support local craft beer, current and future struggles and how the San Diego Brewers Guild became essential to its members during the pandemic. 

Show notes/links

Mike Levin is US Representative for CA 49th District which includes southern Orange County and north County San Diego, including Vista. In this episode of Velocity Rachel sits down with Congressman Levin to talk about what led him to public office, legislative priorities for the district and why democracy matters.  He also shares why his work to support Veteran's opportunities is important and deeply personal. Join us as we learn more about Congressman Mike Levin.

Join host Rachel Beld for a special episode of Velocity featuring her holiday shopping recommendations and some special announcements.  Show notes/links:  

Babies in Bloom 

Pair A Dice Games 

Wave Waterpark 

Moonlight Stage Productions 

Alta Vista Botanical Gardens 

Antique Gas & Steam Engine Museum 

Cat & Craft 

RV Rent CA 

Vacations by Andrea 

TJ Crossman Auto Repair 

Golden Wrench 

J&R Auto Body and Paint 

The Computer Factory 

Pure Project 

Five Suits Brewing 

Guadalupe Brewery 

Backstreet Brewing/Lamppost Pizza 

Prohibition Brewing Co 

Belching Beaver Tavern 

Booze Brothers 

Misadventure Vodka 

117 West Spirits 

Local Roots Kombucha 

Twisted Horn 

Grafted Cellars 

Barrel & Stave 

Frazier Farms 

Bleu Oak Charcuterie 

Shakarian Fine Jewelers 

Beads, Crystals, & More 

Re-Find Off Main 

Deja Vu Love Boutique 

Best Pizza & Brew 

Madera Kitchen of Mexico 

Little Cakes Cupcake Kitchen 

Peppertree Frosty 

Frogy's Donuts 

Cold Stone Creamery 

Dunkin 

Sunset Bay Candy Co 

Embroidery Image 

Alchemy Print Co 

Support Vista's Non Profits this Giving Tuesday! 

Peppertree Frosty is a Vista institution. The Villaseñor family has been serving up tasty treats and savory snacks out of this charming snack shack since the 1950s. Join Rachel and Peppertree owner Danny Villaseñor for a conversation about Peppertree's iconic menu (it's HUGE!) and learn Danny's favorite item. Danny also shares the family's connection to the Vista community, inspiring the workforce of the future, and why he is deeply committed to the Boys & Girls Club of Vista.  There are some insights into Vista history, as well! Kick back and dig into this sweet conversation. Peppertree Frosty feels like home. 

Show notes/links

In this episode of Velocity, Vista Chamber CEO Rachel Beld sits down with Whit Rigali, co-founder of Misadventure & Company. Whit and his business partner, Samuel Chereskin, created Misadventure Vodka, which is the world’s first carbon negative consumer good and also the first and only spirit made from excess baked goods. This means every drink of Misadventure takes a stand against food waste, growing landfills, and the myth that we can’t have fun while saving the world!  Join us for a thought provoking discussion about food waste, family, and the misadventures along the path to creating award-winning vodka.

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