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The DMV (Washington, DC | Maryland | Virginia) Business Show
By Otto SevillaBusiness
The DMV (Washington, DC | Maryland | Virginia) Business Show episodes
- 210 - Fighting Against Modern Day Slavery with Evelyn Chumbow of the Human Trafficking Legal Center
Join us on The DMV Business Show with Otto Sevilla as we share the journey of Evelyn Chumbow, an anti-trafficking advocate and survivor of child forced labor, who currently works with the Human Trafficking Legal Center. Evelyn shares her incredible journey from Cameroon to the United States, where she was trafficked at the age of nine. She describes her childhood in Cameroon, playing soccer, harvesting mangoes, and enjoying family life before being taken away under the false promise of education and a better future in America. Upon arriving in the DMV area, instead of living the life she'd seen on TV shows like Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Evelyn faced years of domestic servitude, physical abuse, and isolation, with her education and childhood stolen. She courageously recounts how she eventually escaped her trafficker, sought help at a church, and entered the foster care system, where she continued to face challenges, including attempted recruitment into sexual exploitation. Throughout the episode, Evelyn discusses the complexities of forced labor and human trafficking, highlighting how the media often overlooks labor trafficking in favor of sexual exploitation stories. She emphasizes the ongoing need for legal representation, social services, and the critical importance of financial and policy support for survivors. She also describes her advocacy work, including her role at the Human Trafficking Legal Center and the launch of the Harriet Tubman Fellowship, which provides education funding and leadership training for survivors of labor trafficking. The conversation touches on systemic issues, survivor resilience, and the responsibility of communities to recognize and report signs of trafficking. In closing, both Evelyn and I stress the importance of speaking out and raise awareness to help protect vulnerable populations. This episode is an eye-opening and emotional look at the realities of modern-day slavery and the urgent need for change, led by Evelyn's courageous advocacy and lived experience.
This episode is brought to you by: SEVI - The first commercial real estate company committed to the four C’s: Commercial Real Estate, Community, Content, and Culture
https://seviproperties.com/
LET'S CONNECT!
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/ottosevilla
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/theottosevilla
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/TheOttoSevilla
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@OttoSevilla
Email Me! [email protected]
Text Me! 240-706-7584
1 hr 6 min - 209 - Building Success Through People with Alec Baker of Tate Engineering
Join us on The DMV Business Show with Otto Sevilla as we share the journey of Alec Baker, President and CEO of Tate Engineering. Alec discusses his journey, leadership philosophy, and the evolution of a 100-year-old family business. He shares how Tate Engineering, originally founded by his great-grandfather, has transitioned from selling equipment to focusing on industrial services, particularly boilers, HVAC systems, and related mechanicals for the commercial and industrial sectors. Alec opens up about his winding path before joining the family business, from competitive biking and environmental science in college, to guiding whitewater rafts and flying professionally as a commercial pilot. After a career pivot spurred by personal changes and a key opportunity at Tate, he stepped into the company in 2014 and eventually took on the top leadership role by 2018. Alec candidly discusses the challenges of joining a family business without prior experience and how he immersed himself in the field, learning directly from service technicians. He talks about the company’s critical transition away from low-margin equipment sales towards higher-margin service work, emphasizing the importance of surrounding himself with the right people, building a strong leadership team, and fostering a healthy company culture. The conversation covers the impact of COVID-19, the company’s quick recovery, and current growth strategies, including targeting the rapidly expanding data center market in the Mid-Atlantic. Alec shares lessons learned about hiring and firing, making difficult decisions, trusting his instincts, and the value of mentorship and advisory boards. Throughout the episode, Alec stresses the importance of people, teamwork, and open communication. He reflects on his own leadership style, preferring to listen and learn, and the company’s commitment to its core values: growth, accountability, integrity, and teamwork. The episode wraps with Alec’s thoughts on success, ongoing personal growth, what excites him about the future, and his hobbies, from riding motorcycles to flying and quality time with his daughter. Overall, it’s a genuine, insightful conversation about family business, leadership evolution, and building lasting success grounded in culture and people.
This episode is brought to you by: SEVI - The first commercial real estate company committed to the four C’s: Commercial Real Estate, Community, Content, and Culture
https://seviproperties.com/
LET'S CONNECT!
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/ottosevilla
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/theottosevilla
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/TheOttoSevilla
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@OttoSevilla
Email Me! [email protected]
Text Me! 240-706-7584
51 min - 208 - Finding Healing And Hope with Christie Dondero Bettwy of Rock Recovery
Join us on The DMV Business Show with Otto Sevilla as we share the journey of Christie Dondero Bettwy, Executive Director of Rock Recovery, a mental health nonprofit dedicated to increasing access to eating disorder treatment and support across the DC, Maryland, and Virginia area. The conversation begins with Christie candidly sharing her personal journey. Growing up in Pennsylvania and Texas, her intense background as a ballerina, and how early challenges around body image and food relationships led to her own struggle with an eating disorder. She explains how a move at age 8 triggered issues of control and comfort that would later manifest as an eating disorder, a struggle she didn’t fully recognize until her early 20s. Christie describes how her own recovery journey inspired her passion for accessible treatment. Unable to ignore the deep disparities in who could access care, she joined Rock Recovery not as its founder, but as its first employee committed to growing the organization’s mission. She shares how Rock Recovery serves people of all backgrounds by offering affordable and accessible therapy, support groups, educational programming, and community workshops. She reflects on the importance of breaking the stigma, the dangers of common misconceptions (such as the idea that only visibly underweight people struggle with eating disorders), and the power of community and group healing. The conversation is rich with practical advice for parents on what signs to look for in their kids, the challenge of fundraising in the nonprofit world, and the realities of leading a small but passionate team. Christie opens up about setbacks, including one particularly tough year where the organization was on the brink of closing and how persistence, small victories, and support from her mentors got her and her team through. The episode also touches on strategies for combating negative self-talk, building healthy habits, and the importance of aligning daily life with personal values. Christie discusses Rock Recovery’s ongoing growth, including new pilots in under-served communities and her hope for scaling nationally in the future. The show wraps up as Christie shares insights on work-life balance, lessons learned from leadership, and the grounding influence of family and supportive mentors. This episode offers an honest exploration of recovery, resilience, and the ongoing fight for mental health access, filled with practical wisdom for anyone living with or working around eating disorders.
This episode is brought to you by: SEVI - The first commercial real estate company committed to the four C’s: Commercial Real Estate, Community, Content, and Culture
https://seviproperties.com/
LET'S CONNECT!
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/ottosevilla
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/theottosevilla
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/TheOttoSevilla
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@OttoSevilla
Email Me! [email protected]
Text Me! 240-706-7584
48 min - 207 - Championing Women Through Birth and Beyond with Kaitlyn Wozniak "The Fit Doula"
Join us on The DMV Business Show with Otto Sevilla as we share the journey of Kaitlyn Wozniak also known as "The Fit Doula". In this insightful conversation, Kaitlyn shares her journey from Baltimore County to becoming a well-known wellness entrepreneur in the DMV area, specializing as a birth doula, intimacy educator, and embodiment coach. The episode delves into her early life, struggles with body image and eating disorders, and how formative experiences like pageants helped her step out of her shell and build confidence. Kaitlyn discuss the misconceptions around doulas, especially in the DMV area where hospital births are more common than home births. She explains the role of a doula as a birth coach and advocate, emphasizing emotional and physical support, education, and safeguarding the birthing experience amidst systemic medical challenges. The conversation covers Kaitlyn’s transition from psychology and mental health work to fitness and eventually specializing in pre and postnatal care. She highlights the lack of infrastructure to support women moving from eating disorder recovery into fitness and, similarly, the importance of guidance and support throughout pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum recovery. Kaitlyn shares practical advice for expectant mothers, stressing the value of independent childbirth education and critical consumption of social media content. Motherhood played a significant role in Kaitlyn's personal and professional evolution, teaching her resilience and confidence, despite societal narratives about motherhood diminishing identity. She reflects on the challenges of burnout and the importance of boundaries in business, as well as her desire to help more women by envisioning a brick-and-mortar space to recreate a “village” of perinatal support in metropolitan areas. From a business perspective, Kaitlyn notes that Instagram continues to drive most of her traffic, thanks to her authentic sharing and refusal to adopt a salesy approach. The episode closes with her advice to aspiring entrepreneurs: don’t be afraid to be different, embrace authenticity, and lean into the unique vision that drives you. You are left inspired by Kaitlyn’s passion for community, personal transformation, and her drive to support women throughout their motherhood journey.
This episode is brought to you by: SEVI - The first commercial real estate company committed to the four C’s: Commercial Real Estate, Community, Content, and Culture
https://seviproperties.com/
LET'S CONNECT!
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/ottosevilla
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/theottosevilla
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/TheOttoSevilla
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@OttoSevilla
Email Me! [email protected]
Text Me! 240-706-7584
1 hr 2 min - 206 - Empowering Seniors And Building Community with Maria Teresa McPhail of Vida Senior Centers
Join us on The DMV Business Show with Otto Sevilla as we share the journey of Dr. Maria Teresa McPhail, President and CEO of Vida Senior Centers. She shares her inspiring journey from El Salvador to leading Vida Senior Centers, a vital nonprofit serving the Latino senior community in Washington, DC. She discusses the origins of Vida, founded over 56 years ago by Carlos Rosario to support immigrant seniors, particularly those from Spanish-speaking backgrounds. The organization operates two centers, providing holistic, free services ranging from nutrition, health promotion, and behavioral health to recreational and social activities to over 1,800 members, many of whom are low-income and facing chronic health and housing challenges. Dr. McPhail delves into her own story of emigrating from El Salvador after the civil war, her background as a physician, and her transition into healthcare technology and nonprofit leadership after moving to the U.S. She reflects on the cultural richness and diversity within the DMV area and the sense of community she’s found both professionally and personally. A major point of discussion is the importance of community involvement and volunteer support, something crucial for Vida, which operates with a small staff but a robust volunteer base. Dr. McPhail encourages listeners to get involved, emphasizing that even small acts of service make a huge impact on the seniors they serve. The conversation also touches upon the practical challenges Vida faces, such as space constraints, limited funding (especially unrestricted funds), and the ongoing need to expand services into neighboring Maryland and Virginia due to high demand. Listeners get a personal glimpse into Dr. McPhail’s life, including her dedication to her family, her passion for service, and her hope for the future expanding care for more seniors across the DMV and ensuring that elders in the community age with dignity, respect, and connection. The episode is a blend of personal storytelling, organizational overview, and an inspiring call to action for the community to support and uplift its seniors.
This episode is brought to you by: SEVI - The first commercial real estate company committed to the four C’s: Commercial Real Estate, Community, Content, and Culture
https://seviproperties.com/
LET'S CONNECT!
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/ottosevilla
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/theottosevilla
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/TheOttoSevilla
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@OttoSevilla
Email Me! [email protected]
Text Me! 240-706-7584
1 hr 6 min - 205 - Botox Benefits with Macy Bosshard of Bosstox Med Spa
Join us on The DMV Business Show with Otto Sevilla as we share the journey of Macy Bosshard, the Owner of Bosstox Med Spa in Chantilly, Virginia. Macy shares her journey from growing up in Reading, Pennsylvania, and her background in sports, to eventually moving into the medical field as a physician assistant with experience in orthopedics. After nearly eight years, her passion for aesthetics and helping people feel confident led her to take the leap into opening her own med spa. The conversation dives into the benefits of Botox, debunking the myth that it’s just for wrinkles. Macy discusses its uses for enhancing smiles, treating TMJ, migraines, and even hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating). She breaks down the process, costs, and how she ensures natural-looking results for clients. On the business side, Macy talks candidly about starting her own practice, the challenges of marketing in a competitive space, and relying on tools like word-of-mouth, social media ads, and even Groupon to build her clientele. She credits supportive peers and mentors with helping her navigate the business side of the med spa world, and highlights how embracing learning, from ChatGPT to Canva made the transition smoother. Personal fulfillment is a theme throughout the episode. Macy explains how entrepreneurship has given her more flexibility and happiness, especially as a parent. She speaks about the importance of quality of life, instilling confidence in her clients, and her excitement for the future whether that means expanding, creating a chain, or simply enjoying her current success. Overall, this episode is a blend of personal motivation, business insights, and practical knowledge for anyone interested in healthcare, aesthetics, or starting their own venture.
This episode is brought to you by: SEVI - The first commercial real estate company committed to the four C’s: Commercial Real Estate, Community, Content, and Culture
https://seviproperties.com/
LET'S CONNECT!
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/ottosevilla
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/theottosevilla
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/TheOttoSevilla
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@OttoSevilla
Email Me! [email protected]
Text Me! 240-706-7584
43 min - 204 - From Ghana to Car Rental Success with Alex Ofosu of Car Rental Pro
Join us on The DMV Business Show with Otto Sevilla as we share the journey of Alex Ofosu, Owner of Car Rental Pro based in Baltimore, Maryland. Alex shares his entrepreneurial journey, beginning with his roots in Ghana and moving to Maryland at age 11. Driven by a familial entrepreneurial spirit, especially inspired by his mother, Alex learned the value of business from a young age. Alex details how Car Rental Pro fills a unique gap in the gig economy by providing affordable, well-maintained vehicles primarily to gig workers such as Uber, Lyft, and DoorDash drivers. He discusses the distinctions between traditional car rental agencies, Turo (peer-to-peer car sharing), and his own direct rental-to-driver model, which offers added services like included insurance and maintenance to make things easier for his clients. Throughout the episode, Alex gives a wealth of practical insights about the business. From startup capital, preferred car models (like Toyota Corolla and Honda Accord), and risk management (installing trackers and kill switches), to managing late payments and repossessions. He’s candid about his failures and setbacks, including losing his job and having multiple cars out of commission, which ultimately cemented his resilience and commitment. Alex emphasizes the importance of mentorship, networking, and having a strong risk management system for success in car rentals. He also explains the rapid ROI (return on investment) possible in this business, why it's not for everyone (stress tolerance and business mindset matter), and how he mentors others who want to start their own car rental business. In the final part, Alex shares his personal interests, like playing semi-pro soccer and traveling abroad and his long-term vision to create an “Enterprise or Hertz of his own.” This episode is packed with actionable advice for budding entrepreneurs and anyone interested in launching a car rental operation focused on the gig economy. Overall, it’s an inspiring conversation about grit, strategic thinking, and building a business that serves a growing segment of the economy.
This episode is brought to you by: SEVI - The first commercial real estate company committed to the four C’s: Commercial Real Estate, Community, Content, and Culture
https://seviproperties.com/
LET'S CONNECT!
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/ottosevilla
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/theottosevilla
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/TheOttoSevilla
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@OttoSevilla
Email Me! [email protected]
Text Me! 240-706-7584
57 min - #Classic - Cleaning Up Success with Ana Chicas McNamara and Illissa Figueroa of Preferred Capitol Cleaning
Dive into the inspiring journey of Ana Chicas McNamara and Illissa Figueroa, the dynamic duo behind Preferred Capitol Cleaning with offices in Washington, DC! Discover the secrets behind their rise from a side hustle to full-time entrepreneurship, as they share their challenges, triumphs, and the impact of COVID-19 on their janitorial empire. Join The DMV Business Show hosts as they unravel the keys to success, including building a diverse and skilled team, navigating the pandemic, and the entrepreneurial wisdom gained along the way. Explore the fascinating world of post-construction cleaning, janitorial services, and commercial cleaning with these powerhouse entrepreneurs. Get ready for insights, advice, and a dash of humor as Ana and Illissa spill the suds on their cleaning business brilliance! Don't miss this exclusive interview on entrepreneurship, growth, and the sweet taste of success.
LET'S CONNECT!
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/ottosevilla
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/theottosevilla
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/TheOttoSevilla
YouTube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCp3fOa-IgbYwiQfgkB3SbaQ
Email Me! [email protected]
Text Me! 240-706-7584
59 min - 203 - Empowering Health Through Lifestyle Medicine and Nutrition Education with Dr. Ritu Saluja-Sharma
Join us on The DMV Business Show with Otto Sevilla as we share the journey of Dr. Ritu Saluja-Sharma, a double board-certified ER and lifestyle medicine physician, mom, and author with over 20 years of experience in the medical field.The conversation kicks off by tracing Dr. Ritu Saluja-Sharma's childhood in Erie, Pennsylvania, her formative years in North Carolina, and her medical training journey through UNC Chapel Hill, Wake Forest, and emergency residency in inner-city Philadelphia. She shares why she moved to D.C., what it's like working in various local hospitals, and her eventual shift from ER medicine to building her own impactful wellness business.A major highlight is Dr. Ritu's candid discussion on the challenges she sees in our healthcare and food systems, emphasizing how the current system prioritizes disease management over prevention and true health transformation. She shares powerful stories of patients reversing chronic diseases, like type 2 diabetes and hypertension through her lifestyle medicine programs.The episode also explores her journey as a children's author. Motivated by a lack of positive nutrition education, she wrote three books designed to empower kids and families: The Wonder of What We Eat, its accompanying workbook, and a kid-friendly cookbook filled with practical, nutritious recipes.You will get actionable advice on healthy eating for families, including easy breakfast ideas for kids, the importance of whole foods and balanced nutrition, and quick lifestyle changes anyone can make. Dr. Ritu outlines her corporate wellness program, describing how she partners with organizations to boost both employee health and workplace morale.The episode wraps up with reflections on Dr. Ritu’s proudest achievements, ongoing challenges in scaling her message, and her hopes for the future, especially in making nutrition education a foundational part of school curricula.Whether you’re a parent, business leader, or someone seeking inspiration on health transformation, this episode delivers insight, actionable tips, and genuine passion for empowering people to live healthier lives.
This episode is brought to you by: SEVI - The first commercial real estate company committed to the four C’s: Commercial Real Estate, Community, Content, and Culture
https://seviproperties.com/
LET'S CONNECT!
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/ottosevilla
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/theottosevilla
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/TheOttoSevilla
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@OttoSevilla
Email Me! [email protected]
Text Me! 240-706-7584
1 hr - 202 - Building a Business by Design with Sara Hillery of Sara Hillery Interior Design
Join us on The DMV Business Show with Otto Sevilla as we share the journey of Sara Hillery, Principal of Sara Hillery Interior Design. In this engaging conversation, Sara Hillery shares her journey from aspiring doctor to accomplished interior designer and business owner. She discusses how her early fascination with science eventually gave way to a passion for art and design, inspired in part by her entrepreneurial father’s influence and encouragement. After earning a degree at University of Virginia, Sara doubled down on design, even moving to Texas to gain industry experience before starting her own firm. The conversation explores her business’s evolution, from launching in Houston to relocating back to Richmond, VA, where she now focuses primarily on residential interior design with some commercial work. She speaks candidly about the challenges of building a client base in a new city, the importance of marketing (including hiring a publicist and leveraging Instagram), and why community and face-to-face connections still matter in the digital age. Sara highlights her business philosophy: knowing your boundaries, being thoughtful about growth, and learning from experience, especially when it comes to building and managing a team. She details the value of time-blocking, embracing mentorship, and the lessons learned from “favorite failures,” like ordering a sectional the wrong way. The episode also offers actionable advice for those considering interior design as a career or business, stressing networking, ongoing learning, and self-awareness. From the realities of juggling business with parenthood to the satisfaction she finds in creating spaces that improve her clients’ lives, she brings warmth and practical wisdom. The episode wraps up with a look ahead at her plans for the firm, an upcoming fabric launch, and a renewed focus on meaningful, right-sized growth. Interested in the intersection of creativity, entrepreneurship, and personal fulfillment, especially in design, you will find plenty of insight and inspiration in this episode!
This episode is brought to you by: SEVI - The first commercial real estate company committed to the four C’s: Commercial Real Estate, Community, Content, and Culture
https://seviproperties.com/
LET'S CONNECT!
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/ottosevilla
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/theottosevilla
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/TheOttoSevilla
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@OttoSevilla
Email Me! [email protected]
Text Me! 240-706-7584
48 min
About The DMV (Washington, DC | Maryland | Virginia) Business Show
From the publisher's feed
The DMV (DC, Maryland, Virginia) Business Show takes you inside the world of local business and community leaders in the DMV area. Join our host, Otto Sevilla as he unpacks their story and how they…
got there. You can expect to hear advice and learn about their journey.