CV Hustle

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In this episode of CV Hustle, hosts Robert Meraz and Fina Meraz introduce Dr. Mike Jerez, a chiropractor with a fascinating backstory. Dr. Jerez discusses his upbringing in Brooklyn, his Dominican heritage, and his family's immigration journey. He shares his experiences as a combat medic in the U.S. Navy and Marines, detailing the challenges and dangers he faced during deployments in Iraq. Dr. Jerez explains how his military service led to a calling in chiropractic care, inspired by personal injuries and the positive effects of chiropractic treatments. He discusses his education, the transition to civilian life, and the establishment of his chiropractic practice in the Coachella Valley. Dr. Jerez offers advice to aspiring medical professionals and underscores the importance of networking and finding one's passion.

00:00 Introduction and Special Guest Announcement

00:36 Brooklyn Roots and Cultural Diversity

03:16 Military Service and Personal Sacrifices

06:45 Combat Medic Training and Experiences

15:03 Deployment and Life in Iraq

30:20 Reflections on Military Life and Injuries

33:18 Transitioning to Administrative Roles

33:26 A Divine Calling to Chiropractic

33:44 Struggles with Pain Management

34:41 Pursuing Education While Serving

35:57 Adjusting to Civilian Life

36:51 The Impact of Military Service

42:50 Discovering Chiropractic Benefits

44:46 Chiropractic Education and Training

49:16 Starting a Chiropractic Practice

53:16 Networking and Mentorship

57:15 Adapting During the Pandemic

01:02:43 Final Thoughts and Advice

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#rodeo #desertrodeo #stagecoachweeekend

Desert Rodeo info & tickets @ www.desertrodeo.com

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Dave and Carrie Isen share their journey from managing high-end vacation properties through Locale Concierge to launching Desert Rodeo, a Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association sanctioned event taking place during Stagecoach weekend in Thermal, CA. Their entrepreneurial spirit and deep connections to the desert community drive their mission to fill a gap in festival season entertainment.

• Dave returned to the Coachella Valley after college to raise his family in his hometown
• Carrie built Locale Concierge from the ground up, managing nine luxury vacation properties
• The couple identified a need for daytime entertainment during Stagecoach weekend
• Desert Rodeo will feature eight professional rodeo events with PRCA-sanctioned competitors
• The three-day event (April 25-27) will run from 1:00-3:30 PM at Desert International Horse Park
• Major sponsors include Bud Light, Tito's Vodka, Boot Barn, Wrangler, and Stetson
• Multiple ticket tiers available from midway passes to premium rodeo boxes with VIP amenities
• A portion of proceeds will benefit LA County Fire Department and childhood cancer initiatives
• The event expects 8,000 attendees daily and will be broadcast on the Cowboy Channel

Visit desertrodeo.com for tickets and event information. Military and first responder discounts available.

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What happens when an artist takes up the straight razor? Meet Ian Gerald, owner of Palm Desert Barbershop and two-time winner of Barbershop of the Year in the Coachella Valley. His unexpected journey from professional BMX rider to master barber began with a devastating diagnosis of multiple sclerosis at age 18, forcing him to reimagine his future.

In this candid conversation, Ian reveals how discovering the traditional barbershop culture sparked a new passion. Unlike many in his field, he learned his craft through apprenticeship rather than conventional schooling, immersing himself in the time-honored traditions of hot towel shaves and precise cuts. When fate offered him the chance to purchase a shop after working there just one month, he transformed it into a haven of craftsmanship and connection.

The magic of Palm Desert Barbershop lies in its unique atmosphere—thirteen vintage guitars line the walls, an old jukebox plays in the corner, and complimentary beer awaits clients. But beneath these distinctive touches lies Ian's core philosophy: "Outcome Over Income." This mantra guides his approach to business, prioritizing quality over quantity and genuine relationships over rapid turnover. As he explains, "We sit down, we'll talk to you and keep the conversation going and really be interested in what you have to say."

Beyond barbering, Ian pursues diverse artistic endeavors from leather crafting to preserved butterfly art, even trading Pokémon cards for guitars. His home reflects this creative spirit with coffin bookshelves and black-and-white striped walls. For aspiring barbers and entrepreneurs, his advice remains steadfast—do it for passion, not profit, and create something you're genuinely proud to share with your community.

Visit Palm Desert Barbershop at the corner of Gerald Ford and Cook Street in Palm Desert, or follow Ian's creative journey on Instagram at @thebarbershoppd and @dybs_art.

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Margaret Clark and Ashley Skarin share the inspiring journey of building The Body Deli, a locally-made natural skincare brand that has become a Coachella Valley success story. Through determination and innovative thinking, they've grown from kitchen experiments to owning two retail locations while maintaining their commitment to quality and sustainability.

• Margaret's entrepreneurial spirit emerged at age 8, selling grapefruit and rocks from roadside stands
• Chemical allergies from cosmetology work led Margaret to research and create natural healing balms
• The business started after a wealthy client found relief from skin issues and ordered 50 gift baskets
• Business partner David Parker helped transform Blue Lotus into The Body Deli with a "food for your skin" concept
• They operate two distinct stores - a local-friendly shop on Highway 111 and a luxury boutique on El Paseo
• All products are manufactured locally in the Coachella Valley, creating jobs and supporting the local economy
• Free skin consultations and samples ensure customers find products that work before making purchases
• Customer relationships are prioritized with phone support and personalized service
• Their Vital C Repair Serum uses special imported Robosome C to address sun damage and stimulate collagen
• The company maintains long-term employees, with some team members working there for 15-30 years

Visit thebodydeli.com to explore their complete line of fresh, natural skincare products made right in the Coachella Valley.

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When Shay Moraga found a lump in her breast at 38, doctors dismissed her concerns: "You're too young for breast cancer." That dismissal led to a delayed diagnosis of aggressive stage three cancer and a grueling treatment journey. But the real challenge came after she was declared cancer-free.

"Everyone celebrates and helps you through treatment," Shay explains. "Then you say 'I'm cancer-free,' and it's like a stop sign—a dead stop." She found herself alone with third-degree burns, physical changes, and the constant fear of recurrence, discovering a critical gap in cancer care: robust support exists during treatment, but little is available for survivors navigating life afterward.

Drawing from her entrepreneurial background (she owned her first home at 23 and built a successful property management business spanning Minnesota and California), Shay partnered with fellow survivor Eileen Alvarez to create Shay's Warriors. Their nonprofit offers fully-funded retreats where cancer survivors find understanding, healing, and community among peers who truly comprehend the psychological aftermath of cancer.

What began as a women's breast cancer retreat has expanded to include programs for male survivors ("Yo Bro, I'm Brave Too"), recognizing that men face unique challenges expressing vulnerability after cancer. Now partnering with the Ritz-Carlton for their signature four-day retreats, Shay's Warriors provides a transformative space where survivors can process their experiences and rediscover themselves.

Shay's story reminds us that sometimes our greatest challenges become our most meaningful contributions. By creating connection for those experiencing the isolation of cancer survivorship, she's turning her personal trauma into healing for countless others. As she puts it, "If I was paid to do this, I would be paid to do this because it's amazing to get somebody's testimonial back and say, 'literally you saved my life.'"

Ready to support this vital work or know someone who could benefit? Visit ShaysWarriors.org to learn about upcoming events or nominate a cancer survivor for their retreat program.

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Amir Afshar, a prominent Coachella Valley attorney, shares his unconventional journey from USC rejection to becoming a respected business and real estate lawyer with his own practice spanning 16 years.

• Early social media adoption for law practice marketing when traditional advertising was cost-prohibitive
• Turning educational rejection into motivation after being denied USC admission despite meeting requirements
• Balancing immigrant parents' high expectations with personal career aspirations
• Transitioning from working at a small firm to establishing his own successful practice
• Teaching entrepreneurship at Cal State San Bernardino to help students understand business realities
• Volunteering as an auctioneer for local school fundraisers
• Debunking the myth that argumentativeness makes good lawyers, emphasizing problem-solving skills instead
• Explaining the critical difference between technical skills and business acumen for entrepreneurs
• Maintaining separate business and personal finances to preserve corporate legal protections
• Finding creative outlets beyond legal practice to express different aspects of personality

Find Amir on social media or at AfsarLaw.com for legal assistance with business and real estate matters.

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Meet Amos Greenwood, the dynamic force behind My Party Rental Guys and Pest Protect 360, whose journey from poverty to entrepreneurship embodies the spirit of determination and grit that defines the Coachella Valley business community.

Abandoned by his mother at 17 with limited reading abilities and no high school diploma, Amos refused to let circumstances define his future. Through sheer determination, he secured housing, worked multiple jobs, and eventually taught himself to read through YouTube videos—a platform that would later become his business education center. His early struggles, which he once viewed as embarrassing, have transformed into his greatest strengths and most powerful teaching tools.

After climbing the corporate ladder in the pest control industry, Amos experienced a pivotal moment when he substantially increased company profits but received minimal recognition. This disconnect sparked his entrepreneurial awakening: "I can't just sit here and enrich this corporation." When poor service from local rental companies left him scrambling for a tent for his daughter's baby shower, he identified a market gap that became the foundation for My Party Rental Guys.

What began in his garage has expanded into a comprehensive event service business growing at 150% annually for three consecutive years. Rather than outsourcing, Amos has methodically brought everything in-house—from basic rentals to bartending services, floral arrangements, and even wine tours. His commitment to being "for locals, by locals" has resonated deeply in a market dominated by impersonal corporate alternatives.

Building on his industry experience, Amos recently launched Pest Protect 360, applying his technical certifications and management expertise to a second successful venture. Despite running multiple businesses, he credits his ADHD as both his "kryptonite" and "superpower," allowing him to balance demanding schedules while prioritizing family.

Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur facing obstacles or an established business looking for inspiration, Amos's story demonstrates that with persistence, continuous learning, and the courage to bet on yourself, extraordinary success is possible regardless of where you begin. Connect with Amos on social media or visit MyPartyRentalGuys.com and PestProtect360.com to learn more about his growing business empire.

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Join us for an eye-opening conversation with financial expert Kyle Bryant about the importance of financial literacy and wealth-building strategies. Kyle shares insights on life insurance, investments, and practical tips for modern money management.

• The significance of financial education 
• Kyle’s personal journey into financial advisory 
• Responsibilities and benefits of life insurance 
• Understanding different investment strategies 
• Insights on cryptocurrency investments 
• The enduring value of investing in gold 
• Key takeaways for young investors 
• Importance of keeping an open mind in finance 
• Where to follow Kyle for expert advice 

Call to Action: Follow Kyle Bryant on YouTube and Instagram at Desert Advisors for daily insights on cryptocurrency and financial tips!

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Fina Meraz shares her entrepreneurial journey as she prepares to launch a new slab studio in Palm Desert, aiming to offer unique and innovative design solutions that the Coachella Valley lacks. The episode touches on risks, community connections, and the exciting future of local entrepreneurship. 
• Fina introduces her new slab studio and its offerings 
• Focus on customizing options for clients and designers 
• Plans to host events and foster community engagement 
• Robert discusses the new podcast studio and its purpose 
• Future plans for season two and highlighting local entrepreneurs

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We reflect on the lessons learned from Season One of CV Hustle, shining a light on the diverse journey of local entrepreneurs. Insights range from the surprising value of stability and contentment in business to the many paths that lead people to entrepreneurship. 
• Reflecting on shared stories and experiences from local entrepreneurs 
• Emphasis on the importance of stability over relentless growth 
• Unique backgrounds and surprising talents revealed 
• Plans for including diverse industries in upcoming episodes 
• Invitation for audience participation in future discussions