On today’s episode, Marshall sits down with Carrol Pruett, former CEO of Mid State Bank. Caroll was born on a farm in Missouri and moved to the Central Coast in 4th grade, where he’s been ever since. He was a founding member of Mid State Bank in Arroyo Grande, later becoming the CEO. Carrol shares his story of starting the bank, and wisdom he’s acquired from of 50 years of being in banking.

You’ll hear about:

* Carrol’s family selling their farm in Missouri and moving to California

* Carrol’s early days and meeting his wife

* Starting and growing Mid State Bank* Becoming the CEO at age 29

* His hobbies including hiking and restoring typewriters* Daily habits of success

* The importance of finding a local community bank

Carrol is a Central Coast legend and has a lot of wisdom to share. Enjoy today’s episode!

Timestamps

00:00 - Welcome

00:49 - Carrol’s upbringing and background

04:46 - Carrol’s first job, advancing in the workforce and getting into banking

12:18 - Carrol’s mentors over the years and what kept him inspired

17:24 - Starting and growing Mid State Bank

22:28 - Things they did differently

24:22 - How does Carrol define success today, importance of contributing to the community

31:45 - Carrol’s frugal living, hobbies, evolution of banking technology

40:31 - Carrol’s advice for others, hiking stories, staying active

51:54 - Importance of finding a local community bank, closing thoughts

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#MarshallsMic #MarshallsMicPodcast #CarrolPruett #SLO #SanLuisObispo #ArroyoGrande #SLOCounty #CentralCoast #businesspodcaast #MidStateBank

We’re back! On today’s episode, the roles are reversed - instead of Marshall interviewing a guest, we figured that you should get to know Marshall a bit better. Mark Velten, one of Marshall’s close friends will be our host today and ask Marshall some questions.

You’ll hear about:

• Marshall’s early days in Jackson, CA living above his grandfather’s car dealership
• His later years in Davis, CA
• Importance of family and traditional values
• Bridging the divide between the generations and the importance of strong relationships
• What inspired Marshall to start Marshall’s Mic, and his plans for the future

We’re excited to be back, and excited to see how Marshall’s Mic will continue to grow and evolve! The mic is on baby.

Timestamps

00:00 - Welcome

01:43 - What inspired Marshall’s Mic?

06:00 - Marshall’s background and upbringing, how work was instilled in hi at a young age

13:47 - Marshall’s take on education, showing respect, reaching different generations

20:29 - Defining right and wrong, new age technology,

27:52 - Collaborating with people you disagree with, relationships, mentors

35:10 - How to get through challenges, how to live well, Marshall’s spiritual side

43:11 - Marshall’s advice to younger generations, blending old school values with new school living

On today’s episode, Marshall sits down with an old friend, Randy Salas. Randy grew up in San Luis Obispo, was a talented athlete in high school, a successful car salesman and collector, and now owner of his family’s longtime furniture business. Randy has been through many ups and downs in life and shares a wealth of wisdom of what he’s learned throughout his journey.You’ll hear about:* Randy’s early days as a high school athlete and having a child early on* His days as a car salesman, the many mentors he had along the way, and now collecting cars* Helping run and grow his family’s furniture business* Beating stage 4 cancer* What makes a goos salesman, and how sales translates to other areas of life* Advice for others and giving back to the communityDespite everything that Randy has been through, he’s built incredible success for himself, always has a smile on his face, and is a joy to listen to. Everyone can get something out of this episode.Timestamps00:00 - Welcome00:28 - How Randy and Marshall met02:35 - Randy’s background and upbringing, stories from growing up in SLO, How Randy got into cars06:19 - Randy’s first jobs, What sports taught Randy, Early mentors17:55 - What keeps Randy going, Importance of failure, Growing the family furniture business, Stories from the car business35:35 - What Randy does differently, Traits of a good salesman, Importance of a greeting41:17 - How Randy defines success, Beating stage 4 cancer, Giving back, Importance of attitude49:04 - The impact that Randy’s old coach had on him, Things Randy does everyday, What recharges him54:31 - Giving back, Advice for others-#MarshallsMic #MarshallsMicPodcast #RandySalas #SLO #SanLuisObispo #SLOCounty #CentralCoast #businesspodcaast #stage4cancer #carcollector #carsalesman #furniture

On today’s episode, Marshall sits down with Ralph Gorton of Just Looking Gallery in downtown San Luis Opisbo, California. Ralph has done it all - he was a highly successful college athlete, worked as a nuclear engineer, and scaled mountains - which ultimately led him to the art business and starting his art gallery. Ralph has stories to tell and advice to others are inspired by his story.

You’ll hear about:

- Ralph's early days as a high school and collegiate athlete

- His days as a nuclear engineer

- How scaling Mt. Hood and seeing the eruption of Mt. St. Helens ultimately led him to pursue a career in the art business

- His relationship with Patrick Nagel and his collection of his work

- Starting and scaling his art gallery

- Advice for others who are inspired

Timestamps

00:00 - Welcome

00:33 - How Ralph and Marshall met, Ralph’s background and introduction into the art business

08:59 - Ralph’s investment in Patrick Nagel and opening the gallery

10:59 - Ralph’s introduction to art galleries as a kid, Ralph’s first job

15:54 - Early lessons Ralph’s mom instilled in him

19:22 - Ralph’s days as a high school and collegiate athlete and later as a coach

29:15 - What keeps Ralph going

35:27 - What Just Looking Gallery does different, the story behind the name, what success means to Ralph

38:08 - Ralph’s biggest failures and how he learned from them, daily habits, importance of a good diet

43:39 - What Ralph does when he needs to recharge, what SLO used to be vs now

49:16 - Mentoring others, advice for others starting a business, life after the gallery

Check out Just Looking Gallery!

https://www.justlookinggallery.com/

https://www.instagram.com/justlookinggallery

https://www.facebook.com/JustLookingGallery/

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#MarshallsMic #MarshallsMicPodcast #RalphGorton #PatrickNagel #JustLookingGallery #businesspodcast #artgallery #SLO #SanLuisObispo #SLOCounty

On today’s episode, Marshall sits down with Justin Jurgens of British Sports Cars in downtown San Luis Opisbo, California. Growing up in a family that immigrated from England, Justin was immersed in British cars and culture from day one. You’ll hear about his love for cars and bicycles, how his Dad inspired him and paved the way for him, how his business has evolved over the years, and what it takes to run a successful business that’s been standing for 45 years.You’ll hear about:

• Justin growing up in the shop and learning from his Dad
• Things that he learned early on from people around him
• Tools to run a successful business that’s stood for 45 years
• The coolest cars that he’s ever worked on
• Advice for others inspired by his story

Whether you're in the car business or not, this episode provides knowledge and experience that everyone can take something from.Timestamps00:00 - Welcome01:30 - How Marshall got introduced to British Sports Cars, The coolest cars that Justin has worked on03:25 - Justin’s background and family history06:49 - Justin’s first jobs and what they taught him, Justin’s bike collection13:46 - Justin’s role models and mentors18:13 - What keeps Justin inspired, hobbies outside of work23:48 - Tools to make a good business, harnessing the internet, Everything is sales28:17 - What’s fueled Justin’s growth, What makes them different, Importance of greetings and communication, Constantly learning31:49 - What success means, Justin’s daily rituals and non-negotiables, Biggest mistakes and learning from them42:13 - Giving back to the community, Learning as a team, Advice for othersCheck out British Sports Cars!https://www.britishsportscars.com/https://www.instagram.com/britishsportscars/https://www.facebook.com/BritishSportCars/https://x.com/justinbsc/-#MarshallsMic #MarshallsMicPodcast #JustinJurgens #BritishSportsCars #SanLuisOpisbo #CentralCoast #SLOCounty

On today’s episode, Marshall sits down with longtime educator, principal, and friend Chuck Fiorentino to reflect on a lifetime of lessons in hard work, mentorship, and purpose. From shining shoes at age five to becoming a respected school principal, Chuck shares the values that shaped his journey—discipline, honesty, responsibility, and the power of showing up.You’ll hear about:

• Chuck’s early entrepreneurial spirit and blue-collar work ethic
• The mentors who saw leadership potential in him before he saw it in himself
• Why management, not micromanagement, helped him build thriving school communities
• His take on raising resilient kids both at home and at school
• Retirement wisdom, the importance of community, and how slowing down can lead to deeper connection

Whether you're an educator, parent, entrepreneur, or just someone looking for old school wisdom, this episode offers takeaways on what it really means to live a meaningful, successful life.Timestamps00:00 - Welcome00:39 - Chuck’s background, First job, and Early lessons04:05 - Chuck’s path to teaching, Early mentors, and Experiences at different schools09:42 - How Marshall and Chuck met, Work/life balance, Trusting your gut11:11 - How Chuck funded his way through school, Leading vs managing, Building a good staff15:20 - Chuck’s daily rituals, Value of good health, Importance of good community18:56 - Setting an example for his son, Giving back to the community, Learning from elders25:32 - Learning from mistakes, Taking advice, Difficulties of being a Principal30:40 - Giving back, Coaching others, Current state of the school system33:41 - Daily routines, Showing up early and staying late, Chuck’s love for running-#MarshallsMic #MarshallsMicPodcast #ChuckFiorentino #schoolleadership #educationalleadership #schoolprincipal #communityleadership #businesspodcast #lifelessonspodcast #schoolprincipalstories #sanluisopisbo #slocounty #centralcoast

Today, Marshall sits down with Chris Richardson, a Central Coast entrepreneur whose path to real estate started long before his first sale. With deep family roots in the industry - from his father to his grandfather - Chris grew up around the business, but carved out a journey that’s uniquely his own.This conversation is honest, surprising, and full of wisdom you won’t get from a highlight reel. Chris opens up about early struggles in sales, the rejection that almost made him quit, and the moment he realized he had to slow down to truly succeed.You’ll learn:- How legacy shaped Chris’s approach to leadership and business- Why rejection is the best teacher if you’re willing to stay in the game- What every entrepreneur needs to hear about burnout and balance- How owning your mistakes builds more trust than perfection ever could- The one mindset shift that changed Chris’s entire businessWhether you’re starting something new or trying to stay grounded while growing, Chris’s story is a reminder that success isn’t about shortcuts — it’s about showing up, staying consistent, and keeping your values at the center.