Velocity – Vista Chamber Podcast – Season 2
Vista Chamber of Commerce CEO Rachel Beld interviews the movers, shakers & changemakers that are moving Vista forward. New episodes every other Wednesday. Check out recent episodes below!
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Season 2
Episode 20 - John Conley, Vista City Manager
John Conley was appointed as Vista City Manager in March 2023 after serving the City in a variety of roles for 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 is entailed in the role of City Manager and what’s next for Vista.
Episode 19 - Nadeem Haddad, SVN Vanguard
SVN Vanguard was selected as the Heroes of Vista 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! Nadeem is a natural NetWeaver and builds relationships by sharing his expertise. Check out this episode today!
Episode 18 - Denisse Barragan, J&R Auto Body and Paint
Denisse Barragan is the 2023 Heroes of Vista Businessperson of the Year! Denisse is the co-owner of J&R Auto Body and Paint, a complete automobile collision repair and paint service shop in Vista. Denisse sits down with Rachel to share what she has learned as a strategic, creative businesswoman in a men-dominated field. Her story of resilience and success after a personal loss is an inspiration to all! Check out the latest episode today.
Episode 17 - Brooke Gibbons, Sunny Days Sunshine Center
Sunny Days Sunshine Center provides The Sunshine Center, 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.
Episode 16 - Rudy Moreno, HERO INC and Heroes of Vista Veteran of the Year
Master Sergeant Rudy Moreno, USAF (Ret.) is the 2023 Heroes of Vista Veteran of the Year. He served in the Air Force for 20 years. After retirement he started HERO, Inc. a boxing program for youth. Listen today to learn more about Rudy, his service, how boxing saved his life and how it is shaping the futures of countless kids in Vista.
Episode 15 - Adam Brooks, Alchemy Print Co
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!
Episode 14 - Colin Tappe, Standards Record Store
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
Episode 13 - Patrick Sanchez, Vista Irrigation District
Vista Irrigation District has been reliably serving water to the Vista community for 100 years, since 1923.
Join Rachel and Patrick Sanchez, VID District Director, as they discuss the role and scope of VID, the challenges and opportunities of the District, and what’s next in the world of water! Have the recent rains ended the drought? Find out more in this episode!
Episode 12 - Vanessa Ruiz, San Diego Food Bank
Vanessa Ruiz is the Vice President of Operations for the San Diego & North County Food Bank. A San Diego native, Vanessa oversees programs and external partnerships for the Food Bank. The San Diego and North County Food Banks provide food and resources to San Diego County families either at the San Diego or Vista locations or through the various partnerships in the County. The Food Bank is doing amazing work to support our neighbors and friends.
Episode 11 - Cliff Kaiser, Strategic IT Group
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!
Episode 10 - Julie Wootton and Traci Hagan, SDHR Consulting
For this informative episode, Rachel sits down with CEO Julie Wootton and HR Lead Traci Hagan from San Diego Human Resources Consulting to discuss new laws that every employer needs on their radar in 2023. Are you in compliance with all the changes this year? Listen in as these experts walk through all you need to know. And you'll learn a little about these two HR rockstars, too!
Episode 9 - Jason Roberts, Frontline Careers
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.
Join Rachel and Jason as they discuss everything from the value of employees, current employment trends, and employee turnover. They get real about mental health and much more. Check out this impactful episode today!
Episode 8 - Matt Koumaras, Boys & Girls Club of Vista
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
Episode 7 - Rochelle McLean, Babies in Bloom
Rochelle McLean was born for birth. From a young age, Rochelle was highly interested in all things related to birth, babies, and young children and thought she would be an OBGYN. But, life and love took her on a different path which led her exactly where she should be - serving pregnant families with education, services and lots of support. Rochelle now owns Babies in Bloom in downtown Vista, a baby boutique which offers carefully curated products and everything growing families need to feel confident, supported and ready for the most miraculous time of their lives.
Rochelle is also passionate about being a small business owner and has wisdom and advice for others. Check out this interview today!
Episode 6 - Aaron Byzak, Tri-City Medical Center
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!
Episode 5 - CEO Julie Lowen, Children's Paradise Preschool
Julie Lowen is the 2022 Vista Chamber Business Person of the Year! As CEO of Children’s Paradise, Julie connected her passion with her skills to find her purpose –helping kids and families succeed! Children’s Paradise offers more than childcare and education, this full service program helps connect families to whatever they need. Listen in to learn all about the work of Children’s Paradise, what’s next for the organization and how Julie is leading the way in a blue ocean of opportunity.
Episode 4 - Superintendent Kevin Humphrey, Guajome Schools
Kevin Humphrey is a 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!
Episode 3 - Dave Baldwin, LS Investment Management
This week's guest is Author, Financial Advisor, and Vista Chamber of Commerce Chairman Dave Baldwin. Dave shares how he found his passion for helping others navigate personal finance and how focusing on others brought him to the Vista Chamber. Is that latte really keeping you from your retirement goals? Find out from Dave Baldwin, LS Investment Management.
Episode 2 - Joey Hill, Norway Hall Foundation
Joey Hill from the Norway Hall Foundation joins Rachel this week to discuss the upcoming Vista Viking Festival, which will be held on Sept 17&18. Hear all about the Festival, now in its 20th year and the work of the Sons of Norway, a fraternal organization dedicated to promotion Norwegian and Scandinavian history and culture in the local community. Put down your axe, grab a pint of mead and settle in for a meaty chat!
Episode 1 - Assembly Member Tasha Boerner Horvath, 76th California Assembly District
Join Rachel Beld as she sits down with Assembly Member Tasha Boerner Horvath. Tasha represents the 76th CA Assembly District which includes Vista, Oceanside, Camp Pendleton, Carlsbad and Encinitas. Learn more about her work in the State Assembly, the recently adopted State Budget, and the Vista projects which have received recently received State funding. You’ll also hear how a stop-sign launched Tasha’s career in public service. Season 2 of Velocity is shaping up to be informative and fun! Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.