Orange County Business Success

In this episode, Chris talks with Sue Rudolph, owner of Absolutely Amazing Travel, a travel agency that specializes in exotic travel and action adventures.

Sue has been engaging with diverse cultures,  creating experiential travel custom itineraries, and planning active adventures since 1994. To raise funds and to advance her advocacy in protecting wildlife, Sue also organizes international marathons.

Chris and Sue discuss the importance of finding your niche, choosing your support system, and being resilient when faced with uncertainties in business.

“It has not been an easy time, but I keep pushing down. I’ve always wanted to be successful. And, so I've always worked on it, trying to figure out ways to keep the business going.” ~ Sue Rudolph

Main takeaways 

Finding your niche and properly capitalizing on it can ensure your company’s longevity. There is no blueprint, so dive into new opportunities, assess the market, and narrow them down until you find the perfect one for you.

Career satisfaction is a great indicator of success. It’s easier to move up the ladder and make a name for yourself in your field if you’re happy with what you’re doing.

Detach from negative people and stay connected to those who are positive and supportive of your journey.

Business owners must be resilient. Learn to pivot and adapt when unforeseen catastrophes happen.

Links

Sue Rudolph on Linkedin

Absolutely Amazing Travel Official Website

Absolutely Amazing Travel on Facebook

Absolutely Amazing Travel on Instagram

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In this episode, Chris talks with David Hanacek, Owner of CanCoverIt and EcoCycle Solutions.

David is a prolific inventor and he holds patents on different DIY and eco-friendly products. With expertise in engineering and manufacturing, David is passionate about creating and designing sustainable solutions for the yet unmet needs of the market.

Chris and David discuss the significance of effective problem-solving, capital funding, and the disruptive innovation in physical products-based businesses.

“That's what is really critical about any product. It's not just one aspect of it; It's a user experience that goes along with it. That's why, obviously, as much as I can, I do planning. I love it because the complexity of it will definitely keep you thinking and alert even in my old age.” ~ David Hanacek

Main takeaways 

Always remember that the pacesetters in an industry are not the top companies, but the consumers. Do extensive market research and look at consumer behavior instead of scrutinizing competitors’ moves.

Introduce simple solutions for complex problems. Design a product/service that is efficient, intuitive, and not too rigid.

Fix the way that capital and thinking go together. As ideas keep coming, you have to keep funding coming in, too. It’s the only way companies innovate and expand.

Links

David Hanacek on LinkedIn

CanCoverit

EcoCycle Solutions

LA Times

3M

Sherwin-Williams 

Coinbase

Bitcoin

Facebook

Tesla

Azure

GE

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In this episode, Chris talks with Jason Blackmore, Owner of JJAB Design, LLC, an architectural design firm based in Newport Beach. 

Jason’s firm creates spaces for families, individuals, and entrepreneurs that not only fit their needs but also bring style and comfort to their everyday lives. Before JJAB Design, Jason worked for the design and planning firm EwingCole, where he learned the ins and outs of a thriving architectural firm.

Chris and Jason discuss the importance of humanizing your brand, the benefits of having a seamless onboarding process in a small business, and exceeding your customers’ expectations.

“I was working hard, keeping going, and I never changed my frame of mind from a struggling business owner to a successful business owner.” ~ Jason Blackmore

Main takeaways 

Humanize your brand. Create an approachable online presence so it’s easy for you to connect with customers.

Creating family-friendly policies can increase workplace productivity and promote customer retention.

Consider outsourcing parts of your life and work so you can focus on your core business. Make sure that newly-onboarded team members fully understand the company’s objectives and the duties at hand before they interact with your clients.

The only way you can provide great service is by truly listening to your customers. When the customers think they are appreciated and their needs are being met, they stick with you over the long-term. 

Links

Jason Blackmore on LinkedIn

JJAB Design, LLC on Facebook

Craigslist

AutoCAD Software

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In this episode, Chris talks with Bonnie Shaver Troup, Founder of Lexend and the Creator of the Lexend fonts.

10 years before Bonnie created Lexend, her six-month-old baby was diagnosed with cancer. The doctors told her it was inoperable. It was a painful and overwhelming experience, but set Bonnie on a path toward educational therapy, with a focus on dyslexia and reading. 

Chris and Bonnie discuss the impact of Lexend fonts, creating the perfect typographic system for struggling readers, and changing how the world sees dyslexia. 

“It’s not dyslexia; it’s print sensitivity. We’re all sensitive to print. We are all sensitive to typographical factors. Those with dyslexia struggle with what we traditionally offer. And we can change that by changing the typographical factors. It happens in real-time, and it’s not delayed evidence.’” ~ Bonnie Shaver-Troup

Main takeaways 

For Bonnie, it’s all about changing how the world reads and improving the outcome. There are legible fonts, but the world needs more tools that can reduce visual stress.

The priority when setting up a typographic system is to be readable for everyone—including the people with impairments. Things like reducing cognitive noise, increasing scaling, and expanding character spacing are important.

Dyslexia and struggles with reading can be significantly improved if traditional typographical factors change.

Links

Bonnie Shaver-Troup on LinkedIn

Lexend

Google Fonts

US Department of Education

Microsoft365

Quicksand – Google Font

Variable Fonts

BMW

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In this episode, Chris talks with Kristen Del Dosso, owner of KDD Nutraceuticals. Since launching her business mid-pandemic, Kristen has created a family of products aimed at helping others overcome nausea and enjoy life to the fullest.  

In one year, Kristen’s mother was diagnosed with cancer, her father had hip replacement surgery, and the stress of her corporate job had Kristen’s doctor worried she’d have a stroke at any moment. With a new understanding of life’s fragility, Kristen decided it was time for a change. She had two big goals on her bucket list: leave her professional track and hike Mount Whitney. Eventually, Kristen found herself achieving both simultaneously – earning an MBA while training to hike the infamous peak. 

Unfortunately, Kristen’s twenty-hour hike was derailed by motion sickness and the sugar-filled protein bars in her back pocket only made things worse. The top of her mountain didn’t look at all like she’d imagined or trained so hard for. Inspired by her plight and the entrepreneurship courses at UC Irvine, Kristen began the process of launching an all-natural, anti-nausea chew with the support of her classmates, friends, and family.

Chris and Kristen discuss building a personal brand, finding a support system, and the one crucial step rising entrepreneurs, small businesses, and large corporations always forget. 

“Even though I keep seeing the money go out, I keep getting these positive testimonials back. That is honestly what’s fueling me to keep on going. It’s not a, ‘I want to create a company,’ it’s, ‘I have to create a company because my chews help people feel better.’” ~ Kristen Del Dosso

Main takeaways 

Analyzing the economic cost of leaving your day job for entrepreneurship can feel agonizing. Instead, break larger goals into smaller chunks and work backward. 

Find a support system that’s like-minded, on a similar trajectory, and wants to see you succeed. They will help you celebrate wins and learn from missteps along the way.

As an entrepreneur, creating a personal brand is just as important as building your business brand. Even your personal social media accounts are a reflection of your business.

You should feel valued and cherished in your professional life. If you don’t, find someplace that will appreciate your unique skill set. 

Don’t dip your toes into entrepreneurship. Jump in head-first, ideally backed by a strong support system. 

Links

Kristen on LinkedIn

KDD Nutraceuticals

KDD Nutraceuticals on Instagram

UCI Paul Merage School of Business

The Six-Pack of Peaks Challenge 

I-Corps

UCI Beall Applied Innovation

UCI New Venture Competition 

1 Million Cups

1 Million Cups Irvine

Microsoft Excel

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In this episode, Chris talks with Reza Mir, engineer and owner of Care Patrol, a service helping senior citizens and their families understand their care needs and options. 

Care Patrol comes from a place of personal experience. Reza lived through his grandmother’s illness and the incredible emotional and financial stress it brought to his mother and the rest of their family who suddenly became caretakers. When Reza eventually immigrated to the United States and began school, an academic advisor suggested Reza consider entrepreneurship. After working as an engineer for several medical device companies, Reza took his advice and built a business around senior care to help families like his own in times of need. 

Reza’s experience at a startup solidified his entrepreneurial backbone and his background in academia instilled a love for education that he imparts to every client. Reza always strives to help struggling families truly understand their options. 

Chris and Reza discuss preparing for business ownership, managing high stress, and the importance of building authentic relationships with the people you serve. 

“You need to focus and keep working hard to get the result. Keep flying the airplane. My instructor used to tell me: ‘focus on flying the airplane, don’t get distracted.’ It would be, focus, work hard, and the reward will come to you.” ~ Reza Mir

Main takeaways 

Before starting a business, you must consider all of the risk factors and the unknown unknowns.

Focus on value-first and consider taking an education-based approach to your business. The free value will reflect in your reviews, referrals, and customer loyalty. 

Education can be key to improving client value and easing your life as a business owner. 

Remember to keep a positive attitude and, of course, work hard. If you can stay focused on serving your clients, the rest will come to you.

Links

Reza on LinkedIn

Care Patrol

Siemens

Meals On Wheels

Hike For Alzheimer’s

Alzheimer's Orange County

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In this episode, Chris talks with Lu Ross, owner of Lu Ross Photography. Lu’s art has been selected by the Wildling Museum of Art & Nature for their Centennial celebration and featured in several galleries and art shows. 

Lu has always had a passion for creativity. After 14 years as a web developer, Lu realized how much she missed making art. So she went back to school for photography and started a business. Lu’s mission is to use her artwork to help everyone feel connected to, at peace with, and respectful of the natural world around them.

More than just a photographer, Lu has used her passion to generate multiple streams of income. Aside from selling her pieces and working with interior designers, she’s taught professionally and even published a book. 

Chris and Lu discuss life as a professional artist, the key relationships that drive entrepreneurial success, overcoming impossible hurdles, and the final wins that make it all worth it.

“Focus on the value that you offer to your clients, create from the heart, and don’t worry about the outcome.” ~ Lu Ross

Main takeaways 

Starting a business comes with a few key first steps. You have to have a clear mission, and a target audience to sell to. 

Developing relationships with everyone is so important. And it’s not just about building bonds with clients and vendors. Develop relationships with your CPA, your designers, and your printing labs. 

Building an audience and a customer base is incredibly hard and can take much longer than you anticipate. Patience and persistence are key.

Links

Lu Ross Photography 

Lu Ross on Instagram

Lu Ross on Facebook

Lu Ross on LinkedIn 

Wildling Museum of Art & Nature 

Nature First

Give Back To Nature

New York Institute of Photography

Esterley Designs

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In this episode, Chris talks with Laurel Enright, owner of Natural Glow Aesthetics in Fullerton, CA. 

As a teenager, Laurel observed first-hand the benefits, challenges, and freedoms that come with entrepreneurship as she watched her mother start a business. While climbing the ranks at Ulta as an aesthetician, Laurel learned what she could, earning licenses and using paychecks to stock up on supplies. After careful planning, Laurel followed in her mother’s footsteps and started her own beauty business from the ground up.

Within months of starting her business, the pandemic put Laurel to the ultimate test. She used the time to build up affiliate programs, expand her skill set, offer new services, and boost her online presence. 

Chris and Laurel discuss making the best of business downfalls, sourcing free tools, and knowing your “why” as an entrepreneur. 

“Be patient, trust the process, lean on the people that are supporting you if you have them. And just take it one day at a time.” ~ Laurel Enright

Main takeaways 

[09:24] Great employees leave jobs because of toxic management. Entrepreneurship is a great way to avoid toxic work environments, become your own boss, and cultivate a positive work space.  

[27:25] Even when something like COVID strikes and you feel like you can’t make progress on your business, continue networking, invest your time in free products, and work toward improving your SEO. When you do your research and invest in free opportunities, it will serve your business in the future, if not immediately. 

[31:31] As a business owner, it’s important to slow down and remind yourself why you started. What was your original mission? How can your business help others? Always self-reflect. 

Links

Laurel on LinkedIn

Natural Glow Aesthetics

Natural Glow on Instagram

Natural Glow on Facebook

Ulta

Canva

Epionce

Fraicheur Ice Globes

Pinterest

Villa Del Sol

Zoom

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In this episode, Chris talks with Joe and Shelley Montoya, co-owners of Here Come The Blooms, a Garden Grove flower shop.  

Shelley always dreamed of owning a storefront. Once she discovered her love for flowers and eye for design, she put the pieces together and opened a flower shop. The idea began as a traveling flower truck, but Shelley and Joe realized that most flowers came from the 1-800 megastores while the mom and pop stores were few and far between. Wanting to push big business to the side, they opened a storefront. In 2019 Joe left his full-time job to join Shelley in the business. 

Little did they know that just a few short months after leaping into a full-time partnership, COVID would strike and they’d need to do what every great business owner does at some point or another — pivot. While many floral shops closed their doors permanently, Shelley and Joe began livestreaming and donating flowers to first responders for every flower purchased. They formed deeper relationships with the community they served rather than letting a pandemic diminish their success.

Chris, Shelley, and Joe discuss reaching customers as the underdog, going into business with your spouse, and the keys to surviving business ownership early on and for years to come.

I don’t think it matters where you’re at in life. If you have a dream I think it’s almost your responsibility to see that through. And be prepared for failure along the way but that will not be your end result. Your end result will definitely be success, I think, if you just keep at it day-to-day.” ~ Shelley Montoya

Main takeaways 

[11:26] When you’re a small business, you have to connect with your customers in a meaningful way. That connection is the key to becoming the local go-to for whatever it is you sell or provide. 

[24:40] Know your niche as a business owner. And understand what you’re not strong in so you can hire people to fill those gaps. 

[27:07] Balancing the stress of working with your spouse or partner as business partners may be your biggest business win. 

[39:58] Forging relationships with vendors and wholesalers is invaluable as a small business owner. Your business will rely on those relationships.

Links

Here Come The Blooms

Here Come The Blooms on Instagram

Join The Late Bloomers

Join The Late Bloomers Podcast

Shelley on LinkedIn

Joe on Linkedin

BloomNation

Etsy

Vanguard

BlackRock

State Street

Fidelity

TD 

Charles Schwab

California’s Starting A Business Checklist

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In this episode, Chris talks with Georgeana Ireland, owner and operator of Ethos Contemporary Art Gallery in Newport Beach. 

When Georgeana first saw her art in the window of a gallery, she was exhilarated. Unfortunately, that gallery closed and she was left with two options: give up or throw her hat in the ring. Georgeana chose the latter and leaned on mentors and ingenuity to forge and solidify her space in the art world. 

Goergeana’s drive comes from a passion for her work and a desire to help other artists when no one else would. She built an incredibly supportive team around her and throughout the pandemic, when many businesses closed their doors permanently, Georgeana empowered her employees and her artists to grow.

Chris and Georgeana discuss leaning on good advice, thriving during the impossible, and the one thing that’s helped Georgeana navigate the highs and lows of business ownership.

“My greatest assets are my mentors. And so I always go to my mentors. I only ask advice from people that are more successful than me. I will not listen to anyone. People can talk until they’re blue in the face — if they’re not more successful in whatever they’re talking about, I don’t hear a word that they say.” ~ Georgeana Ireland

Main takeaways 

[06:55] True entrepreneurs are pioneers. They go forward with no promise of a paycheck or a reward. They create their own drive. 

[09:32] No matter who you are or what you do, you won’t be successful without strong mentors and a strong team to back you up and help you navigate the highs and lows of entrepreneurship. 

[12:19] The sign of a great entrepreneur is someone who can pivot quickly. COVID-19 is a great example of having your business model washed away and somehow managing to continue on. 

Links

Ethos Contemporary Art Gallery

Georgeana on LinkedIn

Amber Goldhammer

Gen Art

Gray Matter Museum of Art

Ethos on Instagram

Lido House

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