BallstonConnect Podcast

Dan Deceder is the Founder and President of Deceder Group, an architectural design firm right here in Ballston. Deceder Group is a next-generation design firm that balances creativity with dependability and embraces the exploration of technology. Founded on the desire to bring personalized attention and service to the design process, Deceder group prioritizes expertise, work ethic, and vibrant company culture - demonstrated in the uniqueness of each project they deliver.

How does a Pittsburgh native relocate - and then reimagine workspaces in the national capital region? How has architecture changed with the modern workplace? And what does “Yinz” mean, anyways?

This year marks the 100th year Anniversary for the Arlington Chamber of Commerce, one of our business community’s most engaged advocates and invaluable assets. In addition to providing invaluable resources, programs, and advocacy benefitting its hundreds of member organizations - the Chamber has evolved over its century of history to meet a continuously evolving array of needs for our people, businesses, and charitable organizations… all to strengthen the business and economic environment for those who work, live, and do business in Arlington.

It’s our pleasure today to host OUR FIRST FOUR-TIME guest - someone who is certainly no stranger to members of the Ballston community and Arlington as a whole. Kate Bates is Chief Executive Officer of the Arlington Chamber of Commerce, and has served an integral role in advancing businesses in Ballston and across Arlington County.

Roy Phillips co-founded MarginEdge in 2015 to construct a creative solution to make running a restaurant easier. Now a leading restaurant management and bill payment platform, MarginEdge has been recognized on the INC 5000 list for two consecutive years and was named the 10th fastest growing company in the Greater Washington D.C. area.

How does a restauranteur pivot to creating management solutions for the entire industry? How does a company go from a 4-by-5-foot closet to the INC5000? And what about Ballston makes it such an enjoyable place for the food-centric?

We’re fortunate in Ballston to have an incredible array of neighborhood services – from coffee shops and eateries to bars and top-tier mixologists… but what if you could get all of that in the same place? Slipstream opened their Ballston location’s doors on March, Miranda Mirabella and Ryan Fleming’s fourth location in our area since bringing their passion for food and drink to us from the West Coast. A stylish cafe serving pour-over coffee by day & cocktails by night alongside small plates, Slipstream has quickly earned favor across the neighborhood.

How does a nurse trade in her stethoscope for a coffee grinder? What’s the secret to balancing great coffee and cocktail programs? And how can one perfect the ever-fashionable avocado toast?

Isa Seyran is the owner and operator of the Ballstonian, a mobile coffee cart serving Turkish coffee and pastries to the Ballston neighborhood He launched the Ballstonian earlier this spring after an illustrious and storied career in the upper echelons of Washington’s restaurant industry. He earned acclaim and local celebrity with his 2022 publication, Waiter: Reflections & Memories: A Brief History of Washington DC's World-Class Dining Scene. He’s been an active member of the Ballston community for 23 years and a staunch advocate for our community.

How does a Turkish playwright and poet end up serving coffees for world-renowned chefs? What’s it like to serve food critics and first ladies? And why are people lining up next to a red truck for their morning brew?

Carola McGiffert is the owner of 30 Minute Hit Arlington, a women’s kickboxing gym right here in Ballston. After working in public and private sectors on US-China relations, she bought into the 30 Minute Hit franchise during the uncertainty of COVID. Her passion for fitness and women’s empowerment led her to 30 Minute Hit, where she has developed a passionate and dedicated following in our district.

How does a US/China relations expert find her way into fitness? How does one launch a fitness brand during a pandemic? And what about Ballston speaks strongly to future entrepreneurs?

Denise Adams is the Ballston Branch Manager for Northwest Federal Credit Union, a full-service financial institution ranking among the largest credit unions in Virginia and in the top 60 credit unions in the nation. She has spent decades in the financial services industry, and brings a unique expertise in diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility to an already-decorated workplace culture.

What’s the difference between a credit union and a “conventional” bank? What can employers learn from DE&I and accessibility practices to improve their workplaces? And how does a girl growing up in New York City realize her dream of becoming a strong businesswoman right here in Virginia?

Lisa Fikes is the President & CEO of the Leadership Center for Excellence, the region’s trusted, non-profit resource for leadership development and civic engagement. Since 1998, the programs offered at the LCE and the network they nurture has helped people change themselves, businesses, and our community.

What skills do leaders need to develop to take themselves and their teams to the next level? What can we do to get more involved and give back more to our community? And how do 18 years at a church help prepare someone to educate and inspire the most impactful leaders of our region?

Christine Searle is the owner of Searle Business Solutions, and has spent more than three decades helping people and organizations navigate finances, taxes, and obstacles. After 24 years at the Red Cross, she served as an Audit Director responsible for internal audits of finance, supply chain, and disaster relief programs - all the while expanding her own business. Now, she uses her expertise in complex tax issues and tax law compliance for a variety of individual and business clientele.

What’s new for this year’s tax season? How might inflation be affecting returns? And what can we already start doing to help us with next year’s deadline?

Arlington is a true destination for businesses, talented employees, residents, visitors, and guests alike. Our proximity to the world’s most powerful city - combined with our own business community’s identity, forged over decades of hard work and innovation - makes Arlington an ideal location for talented people and impactful organizations to thrive and prosper. Despite all of our assets, amenities, and efforts… we’re not without obstacles; unprecedented circumstances in the post-covid era have created new challenges for us to navigate and presented opportunities to “refine and redefine” how we work to grow economically and support our businesses and workforce.

Ryan Touhill is the Director of Arlington Economic Development, bringing unique experience from neighboring Alexandria to our side of the fence in efforts to generate economic prosperity, collaborative partnerships, and inclusive development across all aspects of our community.