The DMV (Washington, DC | Maryland | Virginia) Business Show

Join us on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The DMV Business Show⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ with ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Otto Sevilla⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ as we share the journey of Dr. Armando Retana, who is both an MD and DDS, as well as the Chief Medical Director at Capital Center in Washington, D.C. The conversation dives into Dr. Retana’s unique career path, spanning both medicine and dentistry, and how that led him to specialize in body contouring and maxillofacial surgery. He shares the story of Capital Center, a practice offering facial and body cosmetic surgery, maxillofacial surgery, and a medical spa run by his wife. Dr. Retana describes his passion for body contouring, emphasizing the emotional impact it has on patients and the fulfillment he feels helping people regain their confidence. He shares insights on why Latin America, particularly Colombia, Brazil, and Mexico, leads the world in innovative body contouring techniques, and how openness and hospitality in those countries have allowed him to bring advanced procedures to the DMV area. The episode also covers Dr. Retana’s personal journey, emigrating from Costa Rica at 15, overcoming immigration and educational hurdles, and the pivotal role his parents’ sacrifices played in his ambition. He gives honest advice about balancing family life with entrepreneurship and the importance of valuing time and relationships as his career progresses. On the business side, Dr. Retana discusses how social media, especially Instagram, is the biggest driver of Capital Center’s growth, particularly after the pandemic changed patient habits. He’s transparent about the challenges facing his practice, from space limitations to business management, and highlights how continuous learning through books, conferences, and leading a staff book club on customer service keeps him focused on growth. Dr. Retana closes with advice for aspiring surgeons, the importance of shadowing professionals, and what potential patients should look for when selecting a cosmetic surgeon. His genuine, client-centered approach and his dedication to quality, safety, and results set him and Capital Center apart in the world of cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. Get the inside scoop on Dr. Retana’s life outside of work, including family time, golf, and his approach to parenting and personal growth. Overall, this episode offers both inspiration and practical wisdom for those interested in entrepreneurship, medicine, or the unique journey of a first-generation professional striving for excellence.

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

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Text Me!  240-706-7584

Join us on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The DMV Business Show⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ with ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Otto Sevilla⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ as we share the journey of Andrew Rose, an agricultural futurist, founder, CEO of Chesapeake Sun, advisor, and speaker. Andrew provides an in-depth look at what it means to be an agricultural futurist, focusing on ensuring food and resource security for generations to come by combining capital, innovation, and strategic planning. He shares insights from his time at Farm Credit, where he financed innovative agricultural projects and learned to assess risk and longevity in emerging ag sectors like algae and seaweed production. Andrew discusses his transition from banking into consulting, highlighting his work in both agriculture and energy. A significant part of his recent efforts involves the cyber resiliency of the agriculture supply chain, helping organizations and farmers build response strategies for cyberattacks that could endanger food production and distribution. Growing up in eastern North Carolina shaped Andrew’s love for the outdoors but didn’t immediately direct him toward agriculture. His career path zigzagged through culinary and retail management, digital marketing, and accounting before landing in agricultural finance and, eventually, founding Chesapeake Sun. He emphasizes the importance of curiosity, finding niches, and doing deep research when making career changes or evaluating business opportunities. Andrew also touches on his role in launching a nonprofit leadership program, the characteristics of great business leaders, and the unique challenges of due diligence in consulting. He’s passionate about exploring novel proteins like duckweed and insects for food, feed, and industrial uses, as well as sustainable energy solutions such as hydro and nuclear. Throughout, he advises listeners to start with identifying genuine problems before developing solutions, and to be authentic and open to mentorship. Outside work, Andrew is an avid mountain climber, hiker, and former ultimate frisbee player. He encourages networking, curiosity, and servant leadership, leaving us with insights on resilience, future-focused problem-solving, and the importance of embracing one's unique path.

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/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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Email Me!  [email protected]

Text Me!  240-706-7584

Join us on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The DMV Business Show⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ with ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Otto Sevilla⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ as we share the journey of Matthew Veland, President of the Philippine-American Chamber of Commerce of Metro Washington D.C. Matt shares insights into the Chamber’s 31-year history, its mission to uplift and empower Filipino and Filipino American business owners in the DMV area, and the vibrant diversity of its membership, from small eateries and bakeries to professionals in real estate, healthcare, and finance.

Matt explains the Chamber’s core focus on monthly networking mixers and expanding programming, such as mastermind groups and partnerships. He highlights the Chamber’s upcoming marquee event, the “Future Forward Business Summit” on September 20th, 2024, at Hilton Tyson’s Corner in McLean, as the largest event they've organized in years, aiming to foster new connections, education, and resources for members and the broader community.

Beyond Chamber business, Matt opens up about his personal journey as the son of a Navy veteran and Filipino immigrant, growing up in Virginia Beach, and eventually moving to the DMV area for more opportunities. He discusses his career evolution, ultimately finding fulfillment as a financial advisor serving a diverse clientele, particularly in healthcare and the Filipino community.

The conversation also touches on the challenges and realities of entrepreneurship, the impact of supportive partnerships (especially with his wife), and the importance of balancing volunteer leadership with personal and family life. Matt shares some of his own strategies for productivity, wellness, and leadership, as well as the ongoing efforts to grow the Chamber’s membership and presence in the region.

The episode wraps up with Matt’s reflections on mentorship, community, and the vital role the Chambers play in helping immigrant and minority-owned businesses find their footing and thrive. Listeners are invited to connect with the Chamber and attend the upcoming summit for valuable networking and learning opportunities.

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!

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Email Me!  [email protected]

Text Me!  240-706-7584

Join us on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The DMV Business Show⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ with ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Otto Sevilla⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ as we share the journey of George Carrillo, Co-Founder and CEO of the Hispanic Construction Council opens up about the Council’s mission. They act as a national think tank and advocacy organization to amplify the Hispanic voice in the U.S. construction industry. He explains the Council’s unique approach: providing free data and resources to over 500,000 subscribers, promoting collaboration and opportunity rather than competition, and supporting small business owners through their philanthropic foundation.George shares his personal journey, from growing up in Chicago as the son of Ecuadorian immigrants, to serving in the U.S. Marines, working as a sheriff, and ultimately building a career in government service, all while passionately driving change in the construction sector. Despite the Council’s significant impact and rapid growth (with features in over 1,900 media articles in under a year), he reveals that all their work is currently volunteer-based, highlighting the dedication of the Hispanic community.A major focus of the conversation is the labor force crisis facing construction, exacerbated by immigration challenges. George discusses the ground-breaking “Building America Stronger Act,” legislation he and the Council are championing to provide legal work status for immigrants contributing to the industry. He also stresses the economic benefits, potentially $50 billion in new tax revenue, and the urgent need for bipartisan support.On a personal note, George reflects on the challenges and sacrifices of balancing his day job, family, and nonprofit leadership. He shares heartfelt stories about his upbringing, his love for sports and family, and the importance of creating opportunities for others. George expresses hope for the Council’s continued influence, the passage of meaningful legislation, and the celebration of Latino contributions to the nation’s infrastructure.You will come away with a deeper understanding of the Hispanic Construction Council’s pivotal role, and the personal passion fueling its growth and national reach.

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/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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Email Me!  [email protected]

Text Me!  240-706-7584

Join us on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The DMV Business Show⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ with ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Otto Sevilla⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ as we share the journey of Shirley Diaz, Managing Attorney of Diaz Vidales, to dig into her professional and personal journey from Southern California to her thriving law practice in Washington, DC. Shirley shares the story of her upbringing as a first-generation American, detailing her family’s entrepreneurial background, from running a laundromat to her mother’s bold purchase of a bakery after her parents’ divorce. These formative experiences sparked Shirley’s own interest in business and law early on. Listeners learn about Shirley’s academic path, beginning with her studies at the University of Nevada and evolving through a stint in economics at graduate school, her work at Goldman Sachs, and eventually law school in California. Shirley offers candid insights into the ultra-competitive world of “big law,” describing her work in securities litigation and high-stakes investigations and how networking played a pivotal role in her career progression.The conversation shifts to Shirley’s current passion: estate planning and helping everyday people, especially other entrepreneurs and new parents get their affairs in order. She demystifies estate planning in simple, accessible terms, explaining essential concepts like wills, trusts, power of attorney, and the importance of planning ahead, particularly for business owners and young families. Shirley shares practical advice, typical costs, and why it’s a crucial but often overlooked responsibility, especially within immigrant and minority communities. Shirley talks about the leap from big law to starting her own firm, Diaz Vidales, and the challenges and rewards that have come with entrepreneurship. She highlights the importance of networking, social media, and staying hands-on in all aspects of her business, from market research to client service. The episode wraps up with Shirley’s reflections on life in DC, her love for D.C. United soccer, and the habits and mindset that have fueled her career. She encourages other aspiring business owners to plan strategically, build strong networks, and have confidence in their abilities. Whether you’re a business owner, new parent, or just starting out on your professional journey, this episode offers valuable lessons on resilience, planning for the future, and building a business rooted in service.

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!

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Text Me!  240-706-7584

Join us on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The DMV Business Show⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ with ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Otto Sevilla⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ as we feature Colin Fraser, CEO and President of Upling, a tech-driven cannabis delivery service based in the DMV area. Upling operates similarly to Uber Eats or DoorDash but specifically for cannabis products, connecting customers with local dispensaries and handling delivery from store to doorstep.
Colin shares the origin story behind Upling, explaining how the company name was invented, and the personal journey that led him to start the business. Growing up in Guyana and later moving to Maryland, Colin developed an early fascination with technology, building with Legos and computers alongside his architect father. His career path, however, took several dramatic turns: after spending time involved in the illicit cannabis trade, being shot eight times in a drug transaction gone wrong, and serving two years incarcerated as a young adult, Colin found new purpose through faith and community work. He later got involved in prison ministry, striving to help returning citizens reintegrate into society.
Colin’s inspiration to create Upling was deeply personal, his mother’s battle with stage four cancer, and her struggles to access both traditional and alternative medicine. Witnessing the lack of cannabis delivery options for those who needed it most, like his mother, Colin used his technical skills to build the Upling app and fight for the necessary business licenses, turning his own adversities into a mission-driven company.
Beyond delivery, Upling is also committed to creating second chances for formerly incarcerated individuals.  Colin’s team actively partners with local organizations to hire and train returning citizens in tech and entrepreneurship. He emphasizes how important community, relationships, and adaptability have been in both his personal and business journey, sharing insights about networking, overcoming legal hurdles, and staying mission-focused.
We also touch on the considerable challenges that come with cannabis regulation and tech start-up life, from app store approval difficulties to ever-changing legal landscapes. Colin discusses how Upling partners with dispensaries, pivots with industry changes, and stays ahead by focusing on technology and data.
Looking ahead, Colin is excited about incorporating AI-driven cannabis recommendations into the app, continuing to expand nationally, and further supporting those impacted by cannabis-related incarceration. He ends by reflecting on the satisfaction he gets from driving and giving back and offers aspiring entrepreneurs the advice to stay flexible and build strong relationships.
For anyone interested in entrepreneurship, tech, or the changing landscape of cannabis businesses, especially in the DMV area this episode is packed with insight, inspiration, and practical advice.

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

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Excited to introduce ⁠Dr. Minnie Cruz-Tolentino⁠, the Founder and Medical Director of ⁠My Wellness Physicians⁠, a weight loss clinic in Leesburg, Virginia on ⁠The DMV Business Show⁠ with ⁠Otto Sevilla⁠ this week. Dr. Cruz-Tolentino's unique approach to weight loss combines physical health with chronic issues and patient goals, providing a holistic solution for those seeking a healthier lifestyle. We will delve into her personal background, cultural heritage, and experiences as a Filipino doctor living in the United States.Dr. Cruz-Tolentino's childhood was marked by her move from the Philippines to Connecticut at the age of 8. She lived with her grandparents, who taught her to speak Tagalog fluently, a skill she still uses today. Her grandparents' conservative upbringing had a significant impact on her life, shaping her values and perspective. Dr. Cruz-Tolentino's husband, also Filipino, often teases her about her language skills, and she has three daughters, including a 21-year-old senior in college.Dr. Cruz-Tolentino's family has faced its share of challenges, including the time her husband got a job in Connecticut while she was in residency in upstate New York. They navigated a long-distance relationship, with Dr. Cruz-Tolentino's husband driving from Connecticut to Utica every Friday and back on Sundays for three years. When she finished her residency, they moved to Maine, where her husband did consultancy work before joining her in her residency program. Their experiences in Maine and later in Virginia have been filled with triumphs and lessons learned.As the founder of My Wellness Physicians, Dr. Cruz-Tolentino's clinic takes a holistic approach to weight loss, considering the interconnectedness of physical health, chronic issues, and patient goals. Her experiences with medical missions in the Philippines have given her a unique perspective on healthcare and a desire to continue making a difference in the future.

This episode is sponsored by:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠SEVI⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - The first commercial real estate company committed to the four C’s: Commercial Real Estate, Community, Content, and Culture

⁠⁠⁠https://seviproperties.com/⁠⁠⁠

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Text Me!  240-706-7584

Join us on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The DMV Business Show⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ with ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Otto Sevilla⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ as we share the journey of Michelle Reese-Wiseman, Owner and Principal Mortician of Wiseman Funeral Home and Chapel. Michelle shares her journey from growing up in Landover, MD, to becoming a master barber and eventually finding her calling in mortuary science, a profession she describes as truly a “calling” rather than just a career.

Michelle discusses what sets Wiseman Funeral Home apart as a full-service provider serving Maryland, DC, and Virginia, offering burial, cremation, and even international shipping of remains. She emphasizes the importance of preplanning for end-of-life services and forming relationships with local funeral professionals before a crisis occurs.

Listeners gain an inside look at what it takes to become a mortician, the challenging nature of mortuary school, and the critical qualities needed for the profession. Michelle shares her entrepreneurial journey, from the challenges of starting her own funeral home in 2008 and struggling to get just a handful of calls per month, to gradually growing the business through networking, referrals, and community involvement. She is candid about the ten-year timeline it took for her business to become steady and successful.

Michelle outlines the financial realities of the funeral industry, including costs, payment challenges families face, and the necessity of life insurance or savings for end-of-life expenses. The conversation also covers the significance of ethical service, strong reputation, and the importance of community outreach.

She opens up about her personal growth, the key role family plays in her business, and the importance of cash flow, persistence, and adaptability as a business owner. Michelle also talks about her biggest current challenge: finding experienced morticians, drawing a parallel to the nursing shortage in the healthcare field.

Looking ahead, Michelle is excited about the prospect of eventual retirement, traveling, and spending more time golfing. She leaves listeners with advice about resilience, expertise, and believing in yourself when pursuing entrepreneurship.

For those interested in learning more or connecting with Michelle, she invites them to visit the Wiseman Funeral Home website or reach out directly, highlighting her dedication to being a “friendly neighborhood mortician.”

This episode is packed with practical advice for aspiring business owners, a candid behind-the-scenes look at funeral service, and a testament to perseverance and community service.

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

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Join us on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The DMV Business Show⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ with ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Otto Sevilla⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ as we share the journey of Panos Kostopoulos, Founder and CEO of Proxy Foods. Hear the story behind his journey from Athens, Greece, to starting an innovative food tech company in Washington, D.C.
Panos shares his early fascination with engineering and his path from breaking and building things as a child to studying chemical engineering and biotechnology. Inspired by the importance of food in health, sustainability, and global culture, he set out to revolutionize food and beverage product development by integrating artificial intelligence.
Proxy Foods is an AI-powered platform that helps food and beverage companies quickly create and optimize recipes—from snacks and yogurts to cocktails—taking into account everything from nutritional values to regulatory compliance. The system can analyze and iterate on recipes digitally, dramatically streamlining traditional R&D processes.
Panos describes how his move to the U.S. and studies at Georgetown were pivotal, leading to the founding of Proxy Foods after realizing the powerful application of AI to food systems. He recounts winning the Bark Tank competition at Georgetown, which brought crucial funding and introduced key mentors and co-founders to the business, including his CTO and an industry leader.
The conversation touches on the challenges of starting a company, the sacrifices required, and the joy of seeing impactful innovation unfold. Panos emphasizes his motivation: building something that truly matters and could help feed a growing world population sustainably.
The episode also explores topics like company growth, finding the right talent, tackling the hurdles of being a founder, and practical life habits, such as taking long walks for problem-solving and jotting down ideas in a traditional notepad.
Panos reflects on future possibilities—personalized nutrition, healthier and tastier food options, and a better, more sustainable global food system. He also gives some thoughtful recommendations on TV shows and shares a bit about what he enjoys outside of work.
Listeners interested in food tech, entrepreneurship, or the intersection of AI and industry will find Panos’s story both informative and inspirational.

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

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Text Me!  240-706-7584

Join us on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The DMV Business Show⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ with ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Otto Sevilla⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ as we feature Josh Goulding, CFA, CFP, and Co-Founder of 4J Wealth Management shares the story behind the firm’s unique name—originating from its four founders, all with names starting with “J”—and dives into their client-first, comprehensive approach to wealth management. Rather than focusing just on investments, 4J builds holistic financial plans that cover everything from cash flow and taxes to estate planning.
Josh recounts his personal and professional journey, from growing up in Bethesda, Maryland, to his early curiosity about finance (sparked by a conversation with his father about Microsoft stock), and his academic path through Georgetown University, first as a pre-med major before realizing his passion for financial planning rooted in human psychology. He discusses the tough early years in the business—barely making ends meet and learning the importance of always putting relationships first, even when sales didn’t pan out.
A major turning point came when Josh and his partners adopted an educational, team-based client approach, hosting in-depth retirement classes in the community. This strategy not only helped them build their practice, but also allowed them to attract clients serious about long-term planning. The importance of trust and providing peace of mind stands out as a driving force in his work.
Josh also reflects on major transitions, including founding 4J Wealth Management to maximize independence and client trust, and weathering the difficult loss of one of the original partners, Jamie, who remained a vital part of their firm’s legacy.
Looking to the future, Josh is passionate about building a lasting firm that supports both clients and the next generation of advisors. He speaks candidly about the challenges of running a business, especially compliance and managing new advisors, but embraces it as part of his mission. For those considering a career in wealth management, Josh encourages finding a team-based culture focused on mentorship rather than the outdated cold-calling grind.
Throughout, Josh offers practical advice for both aspiring advisors and potential clients—emphasizing transparency, fee-only advisory models, and the power of long-term relationships. He shares some of his own routines, like daily meditation, for staying centered through the inevitable ups and downs of both the markets and running a business.
When he’s not working, Josh enjoys spending time with his family and playing tennis. He’s deeply motivated by helping clients achieve lasting security for generations to come and is excited about a future where 4J Wealth continues to be a trusted partner for families in the DMV area and beyond.

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/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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