Fred Talk with Freddy Vasquez

I have a hard time saying no. I am often asked to attend events, contribute to community efforts, or simply give money, and the first word out of my mouth is always, Yes! But this time, it was almost more of a benefit to me than the actual organization asking for help.

I had the amazing opportunity to interview Candace Nelson at the 2023 Greater Reading Chamber Alliance Dinner because she requested it be in that type of format. She had no interest in just showing up and speaking, so that opened the door for me to be that guy.

Putting myself in an uncomfortable position put the fear of god in me. I was terrified. I stood up in front of over 800 people and had to be me. Freddy Vasquez. The guy with the white beard isn't afraid of anything.

Well, this evening, that was being put to the test.

GRCA: https://greaterreading.org/ Social Clover Marketing: https://socialclovermarketing.com/ Candace Nelson: https://candace-nelson.com/

Website: https://fxvdigital.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fxv-digital-design/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fxvdigital/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@fxvdigital

Jack Gombach is a relentless optimist and an advocate for Reading, PA, and its surrounding communities.

I only met Jack a couple of times around town, but I love his vibe. He always has a smile on his face and is all about making his community better - one of my favorite traits! It was entertaining and informative being able to sit down with Jack and discuss Reading, PA, how the community can come together and make it better, and what may come. There's been so much talk about improvements, especially about the potential of having the train back in town and we try and break down what needs to happen to make it a reality.

Learn More About Jack Gombach

LinkedIn: @Jack-Gombach-for-PA Facebook: @JackForPA Website: McNees Wallace & Nurick

Connect with FXV Digital Design

Website: FXV Digital Design LinkedIn: @fxv-digital-design Instagram: @fxvdigital TikTok: @fxvdigital

Show Notes

Produced By: Joseph Alexander Media Music By: Beats by Dai

Visiting Charleston, SC was definitely an eye-opening experience. What I originally thought was going to be a trip full of overeating and complaints about walking, ended up being more than I could ever expect. Charleston was built on slave labor for almost two centuries. It was a key port for slavery, so much so that 80% of African Americans can potentially trace a relative that lived there. Even though the last remaining slave port in the US still resides in Charleston as a museum, most slaves were bought and sold right on the dock as they walked off the boats. When visiting Boone Hall Plantation, I realized slavery was real. I know it sounds like a dumb statement, but all I ever knew of slavery was from books in elementary school. To be on a piece of land that housed slavery was surreal. I visited slave homes as seen in the photo above. They were smaller than my office and housed 21 slaves. They were also a sign of wealth for the plantation owners. We can't forget history. I know this now that I visited Charleston and saw the horrors of slavery. Do yourself a favor and visit Charleston if you can. I guarantee it will leave a mark. Show Notes Poogan's Porch: https://www.poogansporch.com/ Brown Dog Deli: https://browndogdeli.com/ Boone Hall Plantation: https://www.boonehallplantation.com/ Connect with FXV Digital Design Website: https://fxvdigital.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fxv-digital-design/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fxvdigital/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@fxvdigital

Anthony Matz is the photographer and eye behind Berks County Views and one of my go-to photographers for FXV Digital Design. I was asked to participate in Career Day for Wyomissing Schools a year or so ago and I saw a gentleman with the same style in eyewear that I have. After chatting for a bit, I found out he was a freelance photographer and was pretty new to the game. Fast forward a few months and a few chance encounters, Anthony and I worked on our first project together and he let me in on the news that he was the eye behind Berks County Views. Learn More About Anthony Matz Website: Berks County Views Facebook: @BerksCountyViews Instagram: @BerksCountyViews TikTok: @BerksCountyViews Connect with FXV Digital Design Website: FXV Digital Design LinkedIn: @fxv-digital-design Instagram: @fxvdigital TikTok: @fxvdigital Show Notes Produced By: Joseph Alexander Media Music By: Beats by Dai

Brian Adams is the owner of The Art Room in West Reading, PA, and one of my most valued allies when it comes to philanthropy and making change. I met Brian two years ago when he contacted me to participate in The Awesome Toy Drive. Since then, we've always had the best conversations in his shop. We talk about small business, spill the tea on the avenue, and what we need to succeed in life. What I loved about this episode was our discussion about religion. It's refreshing to hear from a man who is technically not welcome in certain areas of the catholic church but still has faith. Oh, and before I forget, Brian was a personal shopper to the glamorous in New York City and even shopped for the hit movie Creed. Learn More About Brian Adams Website: The Art Room Facebook: @TheArtRoomWR Instagra,: @TheArtRoom_WR Connect with FXV Digital Design Website: FXV Digital Design LinkedIn: @fxv-digital-design Instagram: @fxvdigital TikTok: @fxvdigital Show Notes Produced By: Joseph Alexander Media Music By: Beats by Dai

Aaron Simser is the owner of Artistic Visions Wildlife in Douglassville, PA, and a badass United States Marine. Aaron was introduced to me by a friend of mine in the restaurant business. I was ignorant to the world of hunting and taxidermy, but I received a quick education when I was asked to visit Artistic Visions Wildlife. Words can't even begin to describe the creativity and art that goes into every piece that enters Aaron's shop. It's easy to jump to conclusions and pass judgment when you don't understand the lifestyle of a hunter. But befriending Aaron has taught me there's more to it than just killing an animal. The stories, relationships, and actual benefits to hunting and taxidermy are all right here from the master himself. Learn More About Aaron Simser Website: Artistic Visions Wildlife Facebook: @ArtisticVisionsTaxidermy Instagra,: @ArtisticVisionsWildlife Connect with FXV Digital Design Website: FXV Digital Design LinkedIn: @fxv-digital-design Instagram: @fxvdigital TikTok: @fxvdigital Show Notes Produced By: Joseph Alexander Media Music By: Beats by Dai

English Bradley is a passionate, overly-organized community member, and Administrative Manager at BCTV in Reading, PA. I met English a few years back at a networking event and we've been friends ever since. Her passion for community and outgoing positive attitude make it easy to have her in your circle of friends that help lift you to higher levels of success. She truly loves people and makes it a point to ensure she is at her best when she schedules to meet anyone. She literally schedules naps for self-care and for you! Learn More About English Bradley Website: BCTV LinkedIn: English Bradley Connect with FXV Digital Design Website: FXV Digital Design LinkedIn: @fxv-digital-design Instagram: @fxvdigital TikTok: @fxvdigital Show Notes Produced By: Joseph Alexander Media Music By: Beats by Dai

Brad Coley is an agent with Goosehead Insurance located in Reading, PA. Brad was a successful insurance agent with a local company when he started to see signs that the times were a changin'. To his dismay, he was let go and was a man with "no home, " only armed with years of insurance industry experience. Brad describes being upset, shocked and compared it to a divorce. "Shit Happens!" is a direct quote, but after the initial grief period, he knew this would be the perfect time to take care of himself. Eating right, mentally getting stronger, and getting his "geese" in a row opened a brand new door to a better opportunity. Brad Coley's reputation precedes him, and I personally knew he would come out on top, ready to rock and roll like always. Learn More About Brad Coley Website: Goosehead Insurance LinkedIn: Brad Coley Connect with FXV Digital Design Website: FXV Digital Design LinkedIn: @fxv-digital-design Instagram: @fxvdigital TikTok: @fxvdigital Show Notes Produced By: Joseph Alexander Media Music By: Beats by Dai

John Whitehall is an entrepreneur and sales consultant with over 35 years of experience coaching high-performing and winning sales organizations in a variety of industries. When John and I get together, the stars align. The amount of knowledge he encompasses is astronomical and I always leave our conversations with more nuggets that help me with my day-to-day business strategies. It almost feels like stealing because the knowledge he bestows upon me is priceless. In this episode we discuss emotions in sales, and how it is pretty much the foundation of all of our decision-making. We also discuss role-playing and how practicing just about anything in life makes you better when it times to shine. Learn More About John Whitehall LinkedIn: John Whitehall Connect with FXV Digital Design Website: FXV Digital Design LinkedIn: @fxv-digital-design Instagram: @fxvdigital TikTok: @fxvdigital Show Notes Produced By: Joseph Alexander Media Music By: Beats by Dai

Beth McCormick is the owner and operator of Tri-Boba Food Truck, a small business she started to give her autistic son a chance. When her son turned 16, Beth decided to try and help her son get involved in the workforce. To her dismay, there weren't many vocational opportunities for not only her son but other kids with disabilities. With her vocational background and dream of being an entrepreneur, Beth decided to start Tri-Boba Food Truck. She retired early, started to sling bubble tea, and gave her son an opportunity. But her passion did not go unnoticed. Once word got out about her true mission behind Tri-Boba, other parents asked how their children could get involved. Now Beth is on her way to having 14 employees this season and who knows how far she can go? Beth is definitely a rockstar in our community. Learn More About Beth McCormick Website: Tri-Boba Food Truck Facebook: @TriBobaTruck Instagram: @TriBobaTruck Connect with FXV Digital Design Website: FXV Digital Design LinkedIn: @fxv-digital-design Instagram: @fxvdigital TikTok: @fxvdigital Show Notes Produced By: Joseph Alexander Media Music By: Beats by Dai