What do seven years of setbacks, a calling rooted in faith, and the story of Ruth from the Bible have in common? They’re all part of the journey behind Ruth’s House, founded by Jeanne Korman to provide loving homes for single moms and their children.

This week on Mission CTRL, Ramon and Jorge sit down with Jeanne to explore how her own experience as a single mom of five - and the hardships, loneliness, and redemption that came with it - inspired her to create a refuge for women in crisis. Wanting to quit more often than continuing but finding strength in God through each obstacle, Jeanne shares the perseverance it took to move Ruth’s House from an idea to a thriving nonprofit with a waitlist of moms seeking stability and hope.

Jeanne opens up about the early days of balancing teaching with moonlighting at Ruth’s House, why patience and timing matter in building a sustainable mission, and how a strong board and community partners helped bring her vision to life without government funding. She also shares moving stories of transformation, like the first resident who went from escaping abuse to building a new life as a college student and mom.

Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a nonprofit leader, or simply someone who believes in redemption and second chances, this conversation is full of lessons on resilience, faith, and the power of community. If you’ve ever wondered how to turn personal struggle into a mission that helps others build safe, independent lives, this episode is for you.

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Find full episodes of Mission CTRL on Anchor, Apple Podcast, Spotify, and our website.

Mission CTRL aims to ignite the innovative spirit inside us all through providing budding and successful entrepreneurs and community leaders with a platform to share their stories and inspire others. Tune in every Wednesday and catch up with the team at Peralta Design as we unleash the origin stories behind some exceptional leaders, share marketing/branding insights, and navigate the ever-changing currents of pop culture.

Subscribe for more weekly branding and entrepreneurial content here! To learn more about Peralta Design's work visit peraltadesign.com.

#welaunchbrands #launchyourbrand #BrandU #missionctrl #mctrl #digitalagency #mbeagency #mbe #digital #branding #marketing #web #creative #contentcreator #contentstrategy #marketingstrategy #leadership #leader #entrepreneur #entrepreneurs #entrepreneurship #entrepreneurial #startup #startups #business #businessowner #businesstips #scalingyourbusiness #smallbusiness #w2 #fulltime #9to5 #office #officelife #corporate #podcast #podcasts #podcastshow #businesspodcast #lifestory #lifestories #personalstory #personalstories

What do Upward Bound Saturdays, a grandmother’s wisdom, and a suitcase full of robotics kits have in common? They’re all part of the story behind ACCESS Educational Services, founded by Gwen Brantley to expose underrepresented students to meaningful STEM opportunities.

This week on Mission CTRL, Ramon sits down with Gwen to explore how her journey from HR professional to nonprofit founder has empowered thousands of students over the past 20 years. From moonlighting on lunch breaks to taking the leap full-time in 2017, Gwen shares how personal loss, faith, and the drive to give her son opportunities shaped her mission to build confidence and career pathways for underserved youth.

Gwen opens up about chartering the first NSBE Jr. chapter in Bridgeport, partnering with organizations like NASCAR and FIRST Robotics, and why teaching by doing - through coding, robotics, eSports, and more - is the key to unlocking student potential. She also reflects on the realities of funding a nonprofit, the importance of accountability to donors, and why representation in STEM careers matters as much as exposure.

Whether you’re an educator, entrepreneur, or just someone who believes in the transformative power of opportunity, this conversation is packed with lessons on resilience, vision, and community. If you’ve ever wondered how to turn a side hustle into a 20-year movement that changes lives, this episode is for you.

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Find full episodes of Mission CTRL on Anchor, Apple Podcast, Spotify, and our website.

Mission CTRL aims to ignite the innovative spirit inside us all through providing budding and successful entrepreneurs and community leaders with a platform to share their stories and inspire others. Tune in every Wednesday and catch up with the team at Peralta Design as we unleash the origin stories behind some exceptional leaders, share marketing/branding insights, and navigate the ever-changing currents of pop culture.

Subscribe for more weekly branding and entrepreneurial content here! To learn more about Peralta Design's work visit peraltadesign.com.

#welaunchbrands #launchyourbrand #BrandU #missionctrl #mctrl #digitalagency #mbeagency #mbe #digital #branding #marketing #web #creative #contentcreator #contentstrategy #marketingstrategy #leadership #leader #entrepreneur #entrepreneurs #entrepreneurship #entrepreneurial #startup #startups #business #businessowner #businesstips #scalingyourbusiness #smallbusiness #w2 #fulltime #9to5 #office #officelife #corporate #podcast #podcasts #podcastshow #businesspodcast #lifestory #lifestories #personalstory #personalstories

What do Puerto Rican roots, a suitcase full of t-shirts, and a fearless approach to rejection have in common? They’re all woven into the brand story of Taino Golf, co-founded by entrepreneur, teacher, and golf pro Ricky Collado and his son Emil.

This week on Mission CTRL, Ramon sits down with Ricky to unpack how cultural pride and family entrepreneurship came together to launch a Latino-owned golf apparel brand. From testing his first “minimum viable product” on the streets of Puerto Rico to balancing mainstream styles with designs inspired by Taino heritage, Ricky shares how risk-taking, quick feedback, and staying close to his roots became the cornerstones of Taino Golf.

Ricky opens up about the messy reality of bringing a brand to market, why entrepreneurs shouldn’t fear rejection, and how building a business with his son has shaped both their journeys. He discusses marketing strategies from grassroots tournaments to influencer unboxings, and why visibility for people of color in golf is more important now than ever.

Whether you’re an entrepreneur eager to test your first idea, a golfer who believes representation matters, or simply someone inspired by culture-driven brands, this conversation is packed with insights on business, risk-taking, and family legacy. If you’ve ever wondered how to merge culture, entrepreneurship, and representation into a brand with impact - this episode is for you.

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Find full episodes of Mission CTRL on Anchor, Apple Podcast, Spotify, and our website.

Mission CTRL aims to ignite the innovative spirit inside us all through providing budding and successful entrepreneurs and community leaders with a platform to share their stories and inspire others. Tune in every Wednesday and catch up with the team at Peralta Design as we unleash the origin stories behind some exceptional leaders, share marketing/branding insights, and navigate the ever-changing currents of pop culture.

Subscribe for more weekly branding and entrepreneurial content here! To learn more about Peralta Design's work visit peraltadesign.com.

#welaunchbrands #launchyourbrand #BrandU #missionctrl #mctrl #digitalagency #mbeagency #mbe #digital #branding #marketing #web #creative #contentcreator #contentstrategy #marketingstrategy #leadership #leader #entrepreneur #entrepreneurs #entrepreneurship #entrepreneurial #startup #startups #business #businessowner #businesstips #scalingyourbusiness #smallbusiness #w2 #fulltime #9to5 #office #officelife #corporate #podcast #podcasts #podcastshow #businesspodcast #lifestory #lifestories #personalstory #personalstories

What do hibiscus tea, organic flour, and allergy-friendly meals have in common? They’re all part of the legacy of Claire’s Corner Copia, a beloved New Haven institution founded nearly 50 years ago by nurse-turned-restaurateur Claire Criscuolo.

This week on Mission CTRL, Ramon sits down with Claire to uncover the secret behind her half-century of success in a world dominated by national chains. From leading with empathy to refusing to compromise on quality, Claire has built more than a restaurant—she’s built a movement rooted in love, respect, and community. Between serving vegan dishes inspired by global flavors, paying dishwashers a living wage for nearly three decades, and decorating her restaurant with positive affirmations, Claire has always prioritized people over profit.

Claire opens up about her Worcester Street upbringing in a traditional Italian household, how her nursing career fueled her passion for nourishing others, and why she never franchised despite constant demand. She shares stories of early struggles (including almost shutting down after nine months), the faith of a distributor who told her to “pay the landlord first,” and how she’s kept her mission alive through fresh ingredients, diverse partnerships, and charitable giving from her bestselling cookbooks.

Whether you’re an entrepreneur searching for longevity in business, a foodie curious about New Haven’s culinary heart, or simply someone who believes good will always prevail, this conversation is packed with insights on resilience, empathy, and the power of staying true to your values. If you’ve ever wondered how love and quality can sustain a business for 50 years, this episode is for you.

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Find full episodes of Mission CTRL on Anchor, Apple Podcast, Spotify, and our website.

Mission CTRL aims to ignite the innovative spirit inside us all through providing budding and successful entrepreneurs and community leaders with a platform to share their stories and inspire others. Tune in every Wednesday and catch up with the team at Peralta Design as we unleash the origin stories behind some exceptional leaders, share marketing/branding insights, and navigate the ever-changing currents of pop culture.

Subscribe for more weekly branding and entrepreneurial content here! To learn more about Peralta Design's work visit peraltadesign.com.

#welaunchbrands #launchyourbrand #BrandU #missionctrl #mctrl #digitalagency #mbeagency #mbe #digital #branding #marketing #web #creative #contentcreator #contentstrategy #marketingstrategy #leadership #leader #entrepreneur #entrepreneurs #entrepreneurship #entrepreneurial #startup #startups #business #businessowner #businesstips #scalingyourbusiness #smallbusiness #w2 #fulltime #9to5 #office #officelife #corporate #podcast #podcasts #podcastshow #businesspodcast #lifestory #lifestories #personalstory #personalstories

What do a hand, a white golf glove, and Puerto Rican hospitality have in common? They’re all woven into the brand story of Buena Gente Golf, founded by empathy-driven creator and longtime UX/product designer Jon Madera.

This week on Mission CTRL, Ramon sits down with Jon to explore how a simple logo - traced from a photo of his own hand - sparked an unexpected wave of excitement online and launched a Latino-owned, diversity-focused golf apparel company with global reach. From Long Island to Puerto Rico, San Francisco to Southern Oregon, Jon’s journey blends culture, creativity, and connection, proving that storytelling can be just as important as the product itself.

Jon shares how his 18+ years in design shaped the brand’s look and feel and how golf streetwear’s popularity in Asia opened unexpected markets in Japan, Australia, and beyond. He opens up about bootstrapping the company while serving as VP of product design, the importance of differentiation in a crowded space, and how emotional resonance builds loyal brand ambassadors.

Whether you’re an entrepreneur eyeing your own niche market or just curious about how culture and sport can intersect, this episode is packed with insights on creativity, business, and representation. If you’ve ever wondered how a logo can move people - or how to merge passion, identity, and entrepreneurship into a global brand - this conversation is for you.

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Find full episodes of Mission CTRL on Anchor, Apple Podcast, Spotify, and our website.

Mission CTRL aims to ignite the innovative spirit inside us all through providing budding and successful entrepreneurs and community leaders with a platform to share their stories and inspire others. Tune in every Wednesday and catch up with the team at Peralta Design as we unleash the origin stories behind some exceptional leaders, share marketing/branding insights, and navigate the ever-changing currents of pop culture.

Subscribe for more weekly branding and entrepreneurial content here! To learn more about Peralta Design's work visit peraltadesign.com.

#welaunchbrands #launchyourbrand #BrandU #missionctrl #mctrl #digitalagency #mbeagency #mbe #digital #branding #marketing #web #creative #contentcreator #contentstrategy #marketingstrategy #leadership #leader #entrepreneur #entrepreneurs #entrepreneurship #entrepreneurial #startup #startups #business #businessowner #businesstips #scalingyourbusiness #smallbusiness #w2 #fulltime #9to5 #office #officelife #corporate #podcast #podcasts #podcastshow #businesspodcast #lifestory #lifestories #personalstory #personalstories

What do cloud backups, two-factor authentication, and “turn it off and back on again” have in common? They’re all part of the world Jose Velazquez navigates every day as co-owner of Carriage Trade Solutions, a Bridgeport-based managed services provider helping small and medium-sized businesses master the technology they need to thrive.

This week on MissionCTRL, Ramon and Jorge sit down with Jose to hear how he built a business around making IT simple, affordable, and accessible. From his early days in infantry and marksmanship instruction for the Marine Corps, to working his way through project management and IT support roles, Jose shares how his passion for technology - and a lot of hustle - paved the way for Carriage Trade Solutions, which he co-founded in 2018 with an equally driven business partner.

Jose opens up about why great IT isn’t just about fixing broken computers - it’s about education, empowerment, and bridging the massive “knowledge gap” many business owners face when it comes to tools like Microsoft Office and cloud services. He explains why cloud backups are non-negotiable, when it’s time to retire old hardware, and how Carriage Trade Solutions provides enterprise-level support - email management, hardware lifecycles, vendor relationships - at a price point small businesses can actually afford.

From music promotion roots to chamber of commerce networking, and from partnership challenges to delivering top-tier customer service (“we’re not here to fix issues - we’re here to help you succeed”), this conversation is packed with lessons for any entrepreneur looking to build a business that truly serves its clients.

If you’ve ever wondered what IT really means for your business - or how to turn a passion for tech into a mission-driven company - this episode is for you.

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Find full episodes of Mission CTRL on Anchor, Apple Podcast, Spotify, and our website.

Mission CTRL aims to ignite the innovative spirit inside us all through providing budding and successful entrepreneurs and community leaders with a platform to share their stories and inspire others. Tune in every Wednesday and catch up with the team at Peralta Design as we unleash the origin stories behind some exceptional leaders, share marketing/branding insights, and navigate the ever-changing currents of pop culture.

Subscribe for more weekly branding and entrepreneurial content here! To learn more about Peralta Design's work visit peraltadesign.com.

#welaunchbrands #launchyourbrand #BrandU #missionctrl #mctrl #digitalagency #mbeagency #mbe #digital #branding #marketing #web #creative #contentcreator #contentstrategy #marketingstrategy #leadership #leader #entrepreneur #entrepreneurs #entrepreneurship #entrepreneurial #startup #startups #business #businessowner #businesstips #scalingyourbusiness #smallbusiness #w2 #fulltime #9to5 #office #officelife #corporate #podcast #podcasts #podcastshow #businesspodcast #lifestory #lifestories #personalstory #personalstories

What do a perfectly packed lunch, a label maker, and a whole lot of hustle have in common? They’re all part of Rocio Lozada’s inspiring journey from cleaning homes to organizing lives - and launching one of Connecticut’s most recognizable Latina-owned businesses.

This week on MissionCTRL, Ramon and Jorge sit down en español with Rocio Lozada, founder of Rocio Organizer LLC, for a conversation that’s part telenovela, part business masterclass, and 100% motivational. Originally from Venezuela, Rocio arrived in the U.S. with little more than determination. She started by cleaning houses — but quickly realized her real gift was transforming chaos into calm through the power of home organization.

When she began sharing her ultra-organized lifestyle on social media - especially the flawless lunches she made for her husband - her brand took off. But behind the viral bento boxes is a savvy entrepreneur who’s built a thriving business, earned professional certifications, and now leads a growing team of organizing pros.

Rocio opens up about the mental and emotional side of clutter, why systems (not stuff) lead to peace of mind, and how she turned her natural talent into a profitable company. She also gives us the inside scoop on Latin Power, the community-focused event she created to uplift and unite Latino entrepreneurs across the state.

If you’re looking for inspiration, actionable branding tips, or just need a little push to clean out that closet - this episode is for you.

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Find full episodes of Mission CTRL on Anchor, Apple Podcast, Spotify, and our website.

Mission CTRL aims to ignite the innovative spirit inside us all through providing budding and successful entrepreneurs and community leaders with a platform to share their stories and inspire others. Tune in every Wednesday and catch up with the team at Peralta Design as we unleash the origin stories behind some exceptional leaders, share marketing/branding insights, and navigate the ever-changing currents of pop culture.

Subscribe for more weekly branding and entrepreneurial content here! To learn more about Peralta Design's work visit peraltadesign.com.

#welaunchbrands #launchyourbrand #BrandU #missionctrl #mctrl #digitalagency #mbeagency #mbe #digital #branding #marketing #web #creative #contentcreator #contentstrategy #marketingstrategy #leadership #leader #entrepreneur #entrepreneurs #entrepreneurship #entrepreneurial #startup #startups #business #businessowner #businesstips #scalingyourbusiness #smallbusiness #w2 #fulltime #9to5 #office #officelife #corporate #podcast #podcasts #podcastshow #businesspodcast #lifestory #lifestories #personalstory #personalstories

What do hacking attempts, dark web threats, and AI trickery have in common? They’re all part of the modern digital battlefield - and Darwin Lara is on the front lines. As the founder of EVO Corp, a premier cybersecurity and managed IT services firm, Darwin brings a unique blend of tech expertise, entrepreneurial grit, and sales savvy to his mission of protecting businesses from today’s digital threats.

This week on MissionCTRL, Ramon and Jorge sit down with Darwin to hear how a kid from Ecuador who dreamed of becoming a professional soccer player ended up running a cutting-edge tech company in Connecticut. After earning a spot on his national team and moving to the U.S. on a soccer scholarship, Darwin discovered a new passion - computers. But he didn’t want to just sit behind one. So he taught himself to sell, got certified in cybersecurity at MIT, and began building a business that’s now helping companies stay safe in an increasingly risky online world.

From email protection and infrastructure support to helping teams spot phishing scams before they click, Darwin shares why cybersecurity is about more than software - it’s about people, training, and staying one step ahead of the bad guys. He also opens up about the importance of constant learning, the power of networking, and how EVO Corp got its name from Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution: survival of the fittest.

If you’ve ever wondered what you can really do to protect yourself and your business - or how to turn a passion for tech into a thriving company - this episode is for you.

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Find full episodes of Mission CTRL on Anchor, Apple Podcast, Spotify, and our website.

Mission CTRL aims to ignite the innovative spirit inside us all through providing budding and successful entrepreneurs and community leaders with a platform to share their stories and inspire others. Tune in every Wednesday and catch up with the team at Peralta Design as we unleash the origin stories behind some exceptional leaders, share marketing/branding insights, and navigate the ever-changing currents of pop culture.

Subscribe for more weekly branding and entrepreneurial content here! To learn more about Peralta Design's work visit peraltadesign.com.

#welaunchbrands #launchyourbrand #BrandU #missionctrl #mctrl #digitalagency #mbeagency #mbe #digital #branding #marketing #web #creative #contentcreator #contentstrategy #marketingstrategy #leadership #leader #entrepreneur #entrepreneurs #entrepreneurship #entrepreneurial #startup #startups #business #businessowner #businesstips #scalingyourbusiness #smallbusiness #w2 #fulltime #9to5 #office #officelife #corporate #podcast #podcasts #podcastshow #businesspodcast #lifestory #lifestories #personalstory #personalstories

What happens when two longtime leaders are suddenly asked to steer a statewide organization through a global crisis? For Kelly Juleson, Co-President of The Governor’s Prevention Partnership (GPP), the answer was: lead with clarity, compassion, and connection.

This week on MissionCTRL, Ramon and Jorge sit down with Kelly to explore how she and her co-president Roland Harmon stepped into co-leadership just as the world shut down. After more than a decade each at GPP, the two were asked to take the helm on an interim basis after the sudden retirement of their CEO - just weeks before the COVID-19 pandemic began. With an uncertain future ahead, they proposed an 18-month trial period to the board and began navigating one of the most critical moments in the organization’s history.

From quickly moving mentoring and prevention programming to virtual platforms, to setting up weekly all-staff check-ins that prioritized both progress and people’s well-being, Kelly shares how they kept the mission alive while giving their team space to adapt, grieve, and grow.

If you’ve ever faced a moment where the path wasn’t clear and leadership meant improvising with heart, this episode will resonate. It’s a testament to what can happen when experience, trust, and shared purpose meet a defining moment - and rise to it.

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Find full episodes of Mission CTRL on Anchor, Apple Podcast, Spotify, and our website.

Mission CTRL aims to ignite the innovative spirit inside us all through providing budding and successful entrepreneurs and community leaders with a platform to share their stories and inspire others. Tune in every Wednesday and catch up with the team at Peralta Design as we unleash the origin stories behind some exceptional leaders, share marketing/branding insights, and navigate the ever-changing currents of pop culture.

Subscribe for more weekly branding and entrepreneurial content here! To learn more about Peralta Design's work visit peraltadesign.com.

#welaunchbrands #launchyourbrand #BrandU #missionctrl #mctrl #digitalagency #mbeagency #mbe #digital #branding #marketing #web #creative #contentcreator #contentstrategy #marketingstrategy #leadership #leader #entrepreneur #entrepreneurs #entrepreneurship #entrepreneurial #startup #startups #business #businessowner #businesstips #scalingyourbusiness #smallbusiness #w2 #fulltime #9to5 #office #officelife #corporate #podcast #podcasts #podcastshow #businesspodcast #lifestory #lifestories #personalstory #personalstories

What do commercial banking and community development have in common? According to Nick Sentementes, it’s all about relationships. After a 30-year career in commercial banking, Nick made a bold shift - from helping businesses grow capital to helping people grow stronger communities. Now serving as the Director of Development at Hall Neighborhood House in Bridgeport, Nick brings the same authenticity, hustle, and people-first mindset to nonprofit fundraising that he once brought to corporate finance.

This week on MissionCTRL, Ramon and Jorge sit down with Nick to explore how the principles of trust, likability, and character - core to his decorated banking career - are fueling his work in community service. From growing up in a hardworking immigrant family in Stamford to building an influential network across Connecticut’s business world, Nick shares how helping others has always come full circle.

They dive into his transition from the fast-paced world of finance to the more heart-centered space of nonprofit development, where smiles, hugs, and “thank yous” replace profit margins. Nick opens up about how his longstanding relationships with former clients and colleagues are now opening doors for donations, partnerships, and impact at Hall Neighborhood House - an intergenerational community center serving children, teens, and seniors alike.

If you’ve ever wondered what it looks like to pivot from profit to purpose without leaving behind what made you successful, this episode will inspire you. Nick’s story is a testament to doing business - and life - the right way: with integrity, generosity, and a genuine care for others.

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Find full episodes of Mission CTRL on Anchor, Apple Podcast, Spotify, and our website.

Mission CTRL aims to ignite the innovative spirit inside us all through providing budding and successful entrepreneurs and community leaders with a platform to share their stories and inspire others. Tune in every Wednesday and catch up with the team at Peralta Design as we unleash the origin stories behind some exceptional leaders, share marketing/branding insights, and navigate the ever-changing currents of pop culture.

Subscribe for more weekly branding and entrepreneurial content here! To learn more about Peralta Design's work visit peraltadesign.com.

#welaunchbrands #launchyourbrand #BrandU #missionctrl #mctrl #digitalagency #mbeagency #mbe #digital #branding #marketing #web #creative #contentcreator #contentstrategy #marketingstrategy #leadership #leader #entrepreneur #entrepreneurs #entrepreneurship #entrepreneurial #startup #startups #business #businessowner #businesstips #scalingyourbusiness #smallbusiness #w2 #fulltime #9to5 #office #officelife #corporate #podcast #podcasts #podcastshow #businesspodcast #lifestory #lifestories #personalstory #personalstories