In this episode of Carlsbad People, Purpose, and Impact, host Bret Schanzenbach sits down with Dale Stein, CEO and partner at i-NETT, to unpack a lifetime of entrepreneurship, innovation, and service.

From childhood, Dale demonstrated an entrepreneurial spark—turning odd jobs into stepping stones toward a business mindset. By age 15, he was already running his town’s milk delivery route, and that drive eventually propelled him to build one of the nation’s largest privately owned home alarm companies. Retiring at 32, Dale quickly realized that achieving financial success didn’t guarantee happiness. His insight: fulfillment comes from striving toward meaningful goals.

He went on to transform struggling businesses into thriving enterprises, including selling a technology firm for $18 million. Eventually, he co-founded Technology Assurance Group (TAG), which has grown into a $1 billion consortium serving nearly a million small businesses across North America. TAG emphasizes “better practices” rather than static “best practices,” recognizing the constant evolution of technology.

As the flagship member of TAG,  i-NETT  exemplifies innovation in managed IT services. Dale and his team revolutionized the industry by rejecting long-term contracts, pioneering managed services, and partnering with Lloyd’s of London to offer genuine cybersecurity insurance. Beyond IT, i-NETT takes a holistic business approach, connecting clients to trusted partners in HR, shipping, payroll, and more—always seeking ways to deliver value beyond technology.

Passionate about mentorship and giving back, Dale is a frequent lecturer and workshop leader. He shares his philosophy rooted in seven attributes of success, highlighting two key principles: never stop learning and give more than you take. His workshops, hosted at the Carlsbad Chamber and beyond, empower business leaders to apply timeless wisdom to modern challenges.

At 77, Dale remains as energized as ever, using i-NETT as a testbed for future-focused solutions like AI certifications for employees. His journey underscores that entrepreneurship is less about reaching a finish line and more about continuously striving, sharing, and collaborating.

This episode is both a masterclass in entrepreneurship and a reminder that true impact comes from giving generously and adapting endlessly.

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Sponsor: This show is sponsored and produced by DifMix Productions. To learn more about starting your own podcast, visit www.DifMix.com/podcasting

In this episode of Carlsbad People, Purpose and Impact, host Bret Schanzenbach, President and CEO of the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce, sits down with Galina Marcus, founder and CEO of the San Diego Art Directory, to explore her journey from Moscow to San Diego and her mission to elevate the region’s art scene.

Galena shares her backstory, growing up in cosmopolitan Moscow and moving to the U.S. in 2015 to marry her husband, a San Diego native she met—unexpectedly—on LinkedIn. With a creative background in fashion design, Galena discovered her passion for marketing while working in Russia for global companies like Hitachi Power Tools and an aviation brokerage. After relocating to San Diego, she led marketing for a telecom firm before eventually stepping away to focus on her art.

The transition wasn’t easy, but she found painting—particularly abstract and surrealist portraiture—both healing and fulfilling. Covid-19 became a turning point: her solo show was canceled, but isolation inspired her to start a podcast called In the Art Scene. Through it, she connected with artists worldwide, uncovering common themes of imposter syndrome, perseverance, and the challenges of making a living through art.

Her conversations revealed how fragmented San Diego’s creative community was, despite its vibrancy. Learning that the county had only recently established an Arts and Culture Commission, she decided to act. She launched the San Diego Art Directory, a grassroots, Yelp-like hub for arts and culture across the county. The platform now hosts thousands of listings, newsletters, and social media outreach, becoming a trusted resource for both artists and residents seeking performances, exhibits, and creative opportunities.

Beyond the directory, Galena and her team curate programs like Activated Spaces, which partners with businesses to rotate local art on their walls, and the San Diego Artist Network, a job-matching platform connecting artists with businesses needing creative services. Importantly, her work advocates for artists to be paid fairly—countering the “work for exposure” mentality.

The conversation highlights her newest endeavor, Homegrown Artbeat, a multidisciplinary arts festival debuting September 6 at Union Hall Gallery. Designed as an immersive experience, the event will feature live painting, music, dance, workshops, and visual art, showcasing San Diego’s creative talent while ensuring participating artists receive stipends.

Ultimately, Galena’s story blends resilience, entrepreneurship, and a passion for community impact. Through the San Diego Art Directory, she is helping transform perception of San Diego from “not cultural enough” into a thriving, interconnected arts hub that contributes over a billion dollars annually to the local economy.

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Sponsor: This show is sponsored and produced by DifMix Productions. To learn more about starting your own podcast, visit www.DifMix.com/podcasting

In this episode, Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce CEO Bret Schanzenbach sits down with Lisa Carroll, president of Number Crunching, Inc., to explore her unique career path and specialized expertise in uncovering financial deception.

Lisa shares her journey from humble beginnings in accounts payable and receivable to becoming a sought-after Certified Fraud Examiner. Initially recognized for her knack for unraveling messy financial records, she found her calling when an attorney asked her to testify in court on a fraud case. Encouraged by a judge who supported her despite lacking formal certification at the time, Lisa pursued and obtained her fraud examiner credentials, adding to decades of bookkeeping and accounting experience.

She explains how her upbringing in a family of attorneys sharpened her ability to handle courtroom pressure with confidence. Today, she specializes in forensic bookkeeping—uncovering financial fraud in both divorce proceedings and business disputes. From identifying fraudulent personal expenses buried in company books to exposing multimillion-dollar embezzlements, Lisa thrives on what she describes as solving “financial puzzles.”

Lisa emphasizes that her analyses are always “court-ready.” She tailors her reports so judges—who aren’t accountants—can understand them clearly while ensuring every conclusion is backed by documentation. In some cases, she even serves as a neutral third-party appointed by the court to provide unbiased findings. Her role bridges investigative accounting with courtroom clarity, offering attorneys and clients confidence in the integrity of her work.

Beyond business and family disputes, Lisa is passionate about protecting seniors from fraud. She highlights a staggering rise in financial scams targeting older adults, with estimated losses reaching nearly $20 billion annually. Drawing on her expertise, she partners with the FBI’s Elder Justice Task Force and local law enforcement to present workshops at senior centers and community events, educating attendees about tactics such as AI-driven voice cloning scams. Her advice is straightforward: hang up, verify directly with loved ones, and always file reports with police and the FBI’s IC3 system, even if the money seems unrecoverable.

Throughout the interview, Lisa’s enthusiasm for her work shines through. She describes each fraud case as a puzzle waiting to be solved and views her role as not only protecting financial integrity but also empowering individuals and businesses to take action when something feels wrong. For those seeking help—whether business owners, attorneys, or families—she encourages reaching out through her website, numbercrunchinginc.com, or by phone.

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Sponsor: This show is sponsored and produced by DifMix Productions. To learn more about starting your own podcast, visit www.DifMix.com/podcasting

Ever wondered how the digital marketing landscape is transforming with the rise of AI? Or how video content is reshaping client engagement? In episode 154 of Carlsbad: People, Purpose, and Impact, I sit down with Gwen Beren, the brilliant mind behind Illuminus Marketing. This episode is a treasure trove of insights as Gwen shares her fascinating journey from corporate burnout to entrepreneurial success.

Gwen, a Rancho Penasquitos native, takes us through her educational journey at the Savannah College of Art and Design and her early career in web design and SEO. She reveals how her experiences at United Webworks and Internet Matrix paved the way for the creation of Illuminus Marketing in 2013.

We dive deep into the evolving world of SEO, exploring how AI tools like Perplexity are revolutionizing user search behaviors. Gwen’s passion for video marketing shines through as she discusses its power in building trust and engagement. Plus, she shares an impressive case study where her agency achieved a whopping 927% ROI for a client!

Join us as Gwen also highlights the importance of curiosity and creative problem-solving in crafting tailored marketing strategies.

Gwen Beren Bio
Gwen Beren is CEO & Founder of Illuminous Marketing, Inc, a digital marketing firm in Carlsbad, CA focused on helping purpose-driven businesses shine online with data-backed and results-driven marketing strategies.  Gwen founded the company in 2012 with a strong focus on SEO which continues to be a core offering of the agency. She is a knowledgeable and engaging speaker and has spoken at Surge 2020, several Hera Hub locations & many other marketing events around Southern California. Gwen holds a certification in AI for Business Applications from MIT and has been Google Analytics and Adwords certified.

Connect with Gwen
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Sponsor: This show is sponsored and produced by DifMix Productions. To learn more about starting your own podcast, visit www.DifMix.com/podcasting

Ever wondered how a career in industrial engineering can lead to a thriving podcast empire? Or how breaking into Apple's supply chain can take over two years of relentless dedication? Join me, Bret Schanzenbach, as I chat with Jim Miller, the mastermind behind Bold Leadership Stories Media. From his roots at Cal Poly to navigating the world of technical sales with giants like 3M and Hewlett Packard, Jim’s journey is a rollercoaster of perseverance and innovation.

Discover how the pandemic catalyzed Jim’s transformation into a health enthusiast, shedding 50 pounds and launching the Wealthy Healthy Life Show. We dive into his passion for storytelling, the power of networking, and the lessons he's learned from startups to personal wellness. Tune in for an episode brimming with insights for entrepreneurs and anyone eager to make a meaningful impact in their community. Don’t miss it!

Find Bold Leadership Stories on YouTube and explore Jim’s journey today!

Jim Miller's Bio
I have a marketing and sales background in high tech. My customers were Apple, Microsoft, HP and Google. I'm a dad of two beautiful daughters and PapaJim to my grand daughter. I'm currently working on building an audience for my girlfriend, Lisa Loree and am a video podcast host. My focus in life right now is learning and applying strategies for longevity health and generational wealth.

Connect with Jim
YouTube: @boldleadershipstories
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/jimcmiller1

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Sponsor: This show is sponsored and produced by DifMix Productions. To learn more about starting your own podcast, visit www.DifMix.com/podcasting

Ever wondered how a life-threatening wildfire could inspire a thriving business? In episode 152 of the Carlsbad: People, Purpose, and Impact podcast, I sit down with Rachel Arbuckle, the remarkable owner of 2000 Paces Photo Organizing. From her childhood as a Navy brat, through her service as a neuropsychiatric technician, to her entrepreneurial journey, Rachel shares her fascinating story and the pivotal moment that led to the creation of her company.

Join us as we explore how Rachel transformed the anxiety of nearly losing precious photo memories during the 2014 Cocos Fire into a mission to help others preserve their cherished moments. Discover the innovative services 2000 Paces offers, from digitizing and organizing photos to creating personalized photo books that reconnect clients with their memories in meaningful ways.

Rachel also sheds light on the emotional power of photos, sharing heartwarming stories of clients finding solace in their organized collections. Plus, learn about the cutting-edge technology her company employs to streamline the organization process, making it easier than ever to create keepsakes for the future.

Tune in to uncover how Rachel’s passion for preserving memories can help you focus on what truly matters, even during life’s most challenging times.

Rachel's Bio
Rachel Arbuckle is the Founder and CEO of 2000 Paces Photo Organizing—a company born from a personal crisis turned into a passion for preserving memories. In 2014, when a series of fierce fires roared through San Diego County—with the largest igniting on the mountain behind her home—Rachel’s instinct to protect her family’s cherished photos was put to the test. Amid the chaos of scattered boxes, picture frames, and albums, she realized that her precious memories were vulnerable. This pivotal moment not only solidified her commitment to safeguarding her family’s legacy but also inspired her to establish a service that would help others secure their own irreplaceable moments.

At 2000 Paces Photo Organizing, Rachel and her dedicated, experienced team understand that many of us have at least a few shoeboxes or legal boxes filled with treasured yet disorganized family photos, memorabilia, and home videos stored on outdated media. Their approach is simple yet effective: they listen carefully to each client’s unique photo organizing goals and provide personalized suggestions and solutions that transform overwhelming piles into beautifully organized archives.

With print and digital photo organizing services designed to help you easily locate and enjoy your memories, along with digitization services that convert physical items into digital files for long-term preservation and accessibility, Rachel and her team are passionate about reconnecting people with their memories and history. The commitment to protecting and sharing your stories drives every project, ensuring that each memory is treasured for years to come.

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Sponsor: This show is sponsored and produced by DifMix Productions. To learn more about starting your own podcast, visit www.DifMix.com/podcasting

What role did women's clubs play in shaping modern society? How did the Women's Club of Carlsbad leave an indelible mark on their community over the last century? Dive into episode 151 of the Carlsbad: People, Purpose, and Impact podcast, where I, Bret Schanzenbach, have the pleasure of chatting with Kae Gernandt and Edith Broyles from the Women's Club of Carlsbad.

We're celebrating the club's rich history as they gear up for their 100th anniversary in 2025. From advocating for road safety and education to their pivotal role during the Great Depression and World War II, this club has been a powerhouse of change. Today, they continue their legacy through philanthropy, supporting local charities, and offering scholarships. Curious about their journey and how you can get involved? Tune in to discover the past, present, and future of this incredible organization. Don’t miss it!

Kae Gernandt Bio
I joined WCC (Juniors club) in 1997 to participate in community service and to meet like-minded, compassionate women. Being a busy mom/wife and my work life as a deposition court reporter was fulfilling and challenging, but the rewards of helping others is so gratifying. I've served on the Board as president, VP Fundraising, treasurer, and publicity director in addition to serving on committees too numerous to name. I co-founded our Carlsbad Holiday Market in 2014, which continues to this day, and is our biggest fundraiser of the year.

Edith Broyles Bio
I have been a member of the Woman's Club of Carlsbad since 2015. I was drawn to it because of the numerous philanthropic opportunities, which focus on our Carlsbad community as well as local neighboring communities. Along the way I have also enjoyed the friendships and camaraderie with other women that believe in the importance of giving back and supporting various charitable organizations. We have a rich history in Carlsbad and are currently celebrating our Centennial Anniversary.

Connect with the Women's Club of Carlsbad
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Don't forget to vote for them for the Nonprofit of the Year!

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Sponsor: This show is sponsored and produced by DifMix Productions. To learn more about starting your own podcast, visit www.DifMix.com/podcasting

Ever thought about ditching your routine for an adventure halfway across the globe? In episode 150 of Carlsbad: People, Purpose and Impact, host Bret Schanzenbach chats with Ian Scott and Kathy Steffen about the transformative power of travel. Ian, President and Chief Architect of Discovery at Quest Voyager, recounts his journey from an electrical engineer in the UK to a travel industry leader. Meanwhile, Kathy, the Director of Fun at the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce, shares how group travel programs can turn strangers into a community of explorers.

Want to know what makes these trips unique? From cultural immersions to behind-the-scenes tours of family-run businesses, these meticulously organized adventures promise unforgettable experiences. And if Croatia is on your bucket list, you’re in luck! Join the Chamber's upcoming trip to the Dalmatian Coast in October 2025. Tune in to discover how you can embark on this journey and snag an early bird discount. Ready to pack your bags? Let's travel!

For more details, contact Kathy at [email protected] or visit carlsbad.org.

Ian Scott Bio
Ian Scott is a seasoned travel professional with a lifelong passion for exploration. Born in Yorkshire, England, he has traveled across every continent and gained expertise in all aspects of the travel industry, including reservations, operations, product planning, and sales. With a deep understanding of chamber travel needs, Ian brings a global perspective and industry insight to every journey.

Connect with Ian
Cell: 760-576-0905
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: https://www.questvoyager.com/

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Sponsor: This show is sponsored and produced by DifMix Productions. To learn more about starting your own podcast, visit www.DifMix.com/podcasting

Ever wondered how a musician's journey from a small town led to a thriving business in the heart of San Diego? In episode 149 of "Carlsbad: People, Purpose, and Impact," I sit down with the dynamic Chris Swimley, owner of Machine Print Shop, to uncover his incredible story. From the highs of record deals to the lows of band breakups, Chris's tale is one of resilience and reinvention.

Join us as Chris shares his transition from the music industry to mastering the art of merchandise and graphic design. Discover how his experiences in Austin and a pivotal move to San Diego shaped his entrepreneurial path. Chris reveals the challenges he faced, from layoffs to the pandemic, and how these hurdles inspired innovation and growth.

We delve into the heart of Carlsbad's community spirit, exploring Chris’s involvement with local charities and the impact of chamber of commerce connections. With a focus on custom branded merchandise and community engagement, Chris Swimley’s story is a testament to adaptability and the power of local networks.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation about music, business, and making a difference right here in North County.

Chris Swimley's Bio:
Chris Swimley is the owner of Machine Print Shop, a local company that specializes in Custom Branded Merchandise. A few of their local clients include: Tony Hawk, Blink 182, the San Diego Symphony, and Hollandia Dairy. Chris has over 15 years of experience in the decorated apparel industry and sells to clients nationally.   

Special Offer:
Listeners can mention that they heard about us via the podcast and get 10% off on their first order.

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Check out our "Kindness Matters" T-shirt: https://web.carlsbad.org/events/Kindness-T-Shirts-4037/details

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Sponsor: This show is sponsored and produced by DifMix Productions. To learn more about starting your own podcast, visit www.DifMix.com/podcasting

How do you balance career ambitions with family life? What role does networking play in business success? Join me as I dive into these questions and more with Laura Bashore, franchise owner of Team Referral Network San Diego, on this episode of Carlsbad: People, Purpose, and Impact.

Laura's journey from Clovis to San Diego is nothing short of inspiring. With a rich background in career coaching and a passion for community, Laura's story is a testament to the power of networking and entrepreneurship. We explore her transition from managing career centers to establishing her own successful business, and how the birth of her first son sparked her entrepreneurial spirit.

Discover how Laura's involvement with Team Referral Network has not only advanced her career but also strengthened the business community in San Diego. With multiple chapters supporting local nonprofits, Laura's work exemplifies the synergy between business and community impact.

Plus, we chat about her podcast, Scale Up Strategies, and her roles in various community organizations. Whether you're a business owner, a career coach, or simply curious about the art of networking, this episode offers valuable insights and inspiration. Tune in and connect with Laura on LinkedIn to continue the conversation!

Laura Bashore's Bio:
Laura Bashore is the founder of Anew Resume and Career Services. A sought-after career coach, certified AI specialist, and public speaker, Laura provides valuable tools and professional insight to help aspiring managers and executives take their careers to the next level. 

 A proud small business owner, Laura and her husband own a 6-figure e-Commerce business, Classic Transmission Solutions.

As the Franchise owner for TEAM Referral Network San Diego County– a category-exclusive professional networking organization, Laura helps small business owners and entrepreneurs build valuable relationships to strengthen their businesses and communities.

She’s the co-host of a weekly podcast – Scale Up Strategies: The Business Growth Podcast for Coaches, Consultants, and Speakers.

Laura is an active member of the National Resume Writers’ Association, Board of Director for the North San Diego Business Chamber, Board of Director for Classics 4 Kids, Cal State San Marcos Mentor and contributor to local non-profits. 

Her family consists of husband of 12+ years, two boys under the age of 10, and a dog Misty.

In her spare time, she attends concerts, music festivals, art exhibitions, likes to travel, practices yoga, and enjoys reading.

Coach Laura B. believes the key to success is setting high objectives and achieving them through the strategic execution of smaller goals.

Special Offer from Laura:
Check out one of our meetings and see how we can build your business through the right combination of referral partners and community. Anyone who joins and mentions this podcast will receive $50 off their membership! Use our Eventbrite to find a chapter near you:
https://linktr.ee/teamreferralsd

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Linktr.ee
Team Referral Network

Eventbrite

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Sponsor: This show is sponsored and produced by DifMix Productions. To learn more about starting your own podcast, visit www.DifMix.com/podcasting