OC Talk Radio

SBDC Business Consultant Troy Small on his extensive work with Veterans and Government Contracting. Following his own extensive career in the Marines (including procurement) and later military contracting. And how he now helps veterans start small businesses and take advantage of all the special programs that the government has put in place to help vets get certified for (and secure) government contracts. On this week's PROFIT TALKS podcast. Brought to you by your Orange County/Inland Empire Small Business Development Center (OCIE SBDC). Funded in part by the U.S. Small Business Administration and the California Office of the Small Business Advocate.

Mihai Pătru (Executive Director of the Caravanserai Project) and Carolina Rosas-Saavedra (Director of the Small Business Development Center's new CARAVAN CENTER opening Feb. 15 in Palm Springs). Talking about this new partnership between the CARAVANSERAI PROJECT and the SBDC (funded in part by the US Small Business Administration and the State of California). Designed to foster and grow more Hispanic Entrepreneurs and startups within this community. "Circling the wagons" (as it were) and helping each other along the way (in true "caravan" fashion). Training these startups and "wannabe Entrepreneurs" thru each stage of this journey. And protecting them from making the type of mistakes so many "solo entrepreneurs" make along the way. Providing a special place for Hispanic entrepreneurs to gather and grow TOGETHER. With education, mentorship and access to financing and capital as well for this very specific group of entrepreneurs. A group not often targeted by other Entrepreneurial Centers. On this week's PROFIT TALKS podcast. Brought to you by your Orange County/Inland Empire Small Business Development Center (OCIE SBDC). Funded in part by the U.S. Small Business Administration and the California Office of the Small Business Advocate.

Manal Richa, Director of the OC IE SBDC Global Trade Center discusses their upcoming Trade Mission to South Korea March15-24, 2024. Where participants pay for the cost of the trip and the SBDC will prepare them with research into specific opportunities that might match their product or service. And then actually set up meetings with prospective partners in Korea. As well as government officials who might help make this partnership a reality. On this week's PROFIT TALKS podcast. Brought to you by your Orange County/Inland Empire Small Business Development Center (OCIE SBDC). Funded in part by the U.S. Small Business Administration and the California Office of the Small Business Advocate.

Restaurant expert Jay Allis talks about his 25 years working both "in the front of the house" and the "back of the house" and the work he does with restaurant clients here at the Orange County/Inland Empire Small Business Development Centers (SBDC).On this week's PROFIT TALKS podcast. Brought to you by your Orange County/Inland Empire Small Business Development Center (OCIE SBDC). Funded in part by the U.S. Small Business Administration and the California Office of the Small Business Advocate.

Meet SBDC Media Consultant Pam Coleman. Who discusses the work of the special MARKETING CENTER (the only one of its kind in the whole national Small Business Development Network). Hosted at the Santa Ana College Digital Media Center.On this week's PROFIT TALKS podcast. Brought to you by your Orange County/Inland Empire Small Business Development Center (OCIE SBDC). Funded in part by the U.S. Small Business Administration and the California Office of the Small Business Advocate.

With the huge National Association of Music Merchandisers (NAMM) at the Anaheim Convention Center all week for their massive music industry trade show, hear about another important aspect of this non-profit's work to support music programs at the local level. As we talk about NAMM's recent "Day of Service" here in Anaheim (ahead of their multi-day trade show).Happening two days before The NAMM Show, the world’s largest global gathering of the music industry, the hands-on service event supports the organization’s year-round efforts to provide every child in the district with the opportunity for a well-rounded education that includes music. Sunkist Elementary (K-6) has been chosen as this year’s host location for a day of high- energy, mixed genre, constructive musical learning opportunities. In addition to serving the community and students, NAMM will present a $10,000 check to support the continued growth of music making in Anaheim.

Edwin Rivera-Cortez, Chief Development and Communications Officer at Latino Health Access on expanded Medical Eligibility for the community.

Veronica Herrara, Director of Core Credit Services and a Credit Ambassador for EXPERIAN. Helping provide credit education to consumers and small businesses alike. With some amazing tips on starting BUSINESS CREDIT that you won't want to miss!

Meet Feli Michada, Senior Field Engineer and Brand Ambassador for for a large IT firm MANAGED SOLUTION. About the tremendous need (and opportunity) for Hispanic students to enter and succeed in the ever growing area of Internet Technology (IT). And how his parents (in particular) sacrificed everything to move from a rural village in Mexico to offer their son the opportunity to be all he could be. And how he works to mentor other young Hispanics to be the same.

Privileged today to have "the man who wrote the book" on today's new minimally invasive, image guided surgeries. As Dr. Patrick Sewell joins us to talk about his pioneering work in this field. And how he himself recently struggled to find a qualified surgeon who could perform his own procedure on him when he discovered that he had kidney cancer. "The usual procedure," explains Dr. Sewell, "is to go in and cut the whole kidney out. But in this newer procedure, we insert a tiny probe (with a camera) and simply freeze or burn or cut out the tumor itself." Which can be done on an outpatient basis with far less cost, risk and recovery time. He goes on to explain, however, that it's still extremely rare to find anyone trained in this procedure. "It's not that the procedures aren't known or proven,"explained Dr. Sewell. "I invented this KIDNEY CRYOBLATION SURGERY where we freeze the tumor 25 years ago. It's fully FDA approved. But that for a variety of reasons (like the need for newer skills or the fact that it takes far less time and therefore generates far less profit for the hospital...or simply that surgeons like all experts simply get stuck in their old ways) it's unfortunately still hard to find someone who'll use these less invasive surgery procedures". But the benefit is clear. In his own case, he was able to find someone he'd trained to freeze just the cancerous parts of his kidney (without removing the entire organ) in an hour (on an outpatient basis). At a fraction of the cost, time and impact of traditional surgeries. Without the extensive recovery time and risks of infections or other side effects created when you cut into the body and remove a major organ. Which is why he's here at UCI's Beall Applied Innovation Center working with one of the University Lab Partners to see if he can't improve this situation. It's a "cutting edge" story (without all the "cutting") you'll want to hear. On this week's OC SPOTLIGHT, here on Orange County's only community radio station, OC TALK RADIO.

Join our Sales Coach Ashley V as she looks back at the first year of her show. And talks about all the amazing guests who've joined her here at OC TALK RADIO. And learn from them their secrets to sales success.

Santa is in the house! As real life, professional Santa Kevin Scott joins us to discuss how he got into this world and the joy he gets out of it...

Dr. Chris Lowe, Dir of the Cal State Long Beach (CSLB) Shark Lab discusses his work studying sharks. And helps to dispel many myths around their behavior. Pointing out the rarity of shark attacks and their importance in our ecosystem.

Patricia Rae-actress/activist on her long, successful career as working actress in countless films and TV shows. And how she continues to "sell herself" everyday to sustain her career and uncover new opportunities. (like producing her podcast

Elvis Impersonator Scott Robertson joins us to discuss his career (and his day job as a banker).

Join us as Celebrity dog trainer Vlad from So Cal Dog Training joins us to talk about his strategies to "treat a dog like a dog" (otherwise they will treat YOU like a dog!). Along with stories from his appearances on David Letterman and other shows.

Magician Fantastic Fig, featured on America's Got Talent, joins us to discuss his change in career, and how he continues to sell himself as a magician.

Gary Golding from NAKED AND AFRAID joins us to discuss his amazing journey and current career as a motivational speaker mixing nature awareness and business survival.

Mariah Hanson, Founder of the world renowned Dinah Weekend in Palm Springs. On her life and love of producing one of the most iconic parties and events in Palm Springs.

Former NBA/MLB/NFL Executive Cory Shakarian joins us to discuss his wide background in Sports Markting and Sales for Major League Basketball, Baseball and Football.

Former professional dancer and author Marissa Alma Nick (REBEL IN VENUS) joins us to discuss her journey. And her unique new fictional story aimed at the queer community she's a part of. Including those in Florida (where she lives).

Hear about the unlikely path of Brian Thornton (owner off Thornton Quarter Horses here in Huntington Beach, CA) to becoming a noted horse trainer and breeder. And how he continues to thrive and grow his business here in the heart of surf culture and suburban sprawl.

Musician Dan Stean joins us to discuss his musical journey and how he makes a business of it.

Join us as we enter the REAL WORLD OF SALES. Discussing the real opportunities and challenges today. Along with the technology that should make thinks simpler (and often makes it more confusing). So ride along as we enter the REAL WORLD OF SALES with our Sales Pro, Ashley V and her friends.

George Mulak from TecKnowCare IT joins us to discuss the world of Managed IT Services. And the need to a "tech expert" on your team with the growing complexities and problems in cyber security, AI and the emerging "internet of things" where everything will soon be connected to the Internet.

Hear my own journey installing solar panels on my house here in South Orange County. Including the initial confusion, concerns and uncertainty I had (until I found the right company, OC SOLAR). And hear from the owner himself, Vincent Curcie about what makes them different and special. Learn more than you ever wanted to know about this confusing industry and the many changes that keep it a constant "guessing game" for many SoCal homeowners.The kind of "real guide" I wish I had heard before I installed my home solar system. And why (ultimately) I was so happy with my choice.On this week's OC SPOTLIGHT, here on OC TALK RADIO. Orange County's only community radio station, streaming live from our studio here at the University of California Irvine's Beall Applied Innovation Center.

Meet Monique Claudio, founder of OC LUXURY BAGS and hear all about her business reselling luxury handbags LIVE on TikTok. And how she got started in this business and what happens during her live shows featuring these rare, hard-to-find and collectible high-end handbags.

Roy Osorio, OSORIO GROUP, Coldwell Banker, Global Luxury joins us to discuss their unique PRESALE RENOVATION STRATEGY that allows you to create more profit in less time than the traditional real estate model. By having them provide the capital needed to fix up your home. Leading to quicker sales and higher profits.

Chris Meyer, Owner of Expedia Cruises here in OC joins us to discuss the booming cruise business. And Expedia's role in that market, particularly with their brick and mortar franchises (like his here in Orange County).

Chef Antonio Cardenas from CALIFORNIA DINING discusses his life as a private chef for celebrities, private parties and anyone looking to have a memorable experience. Discussing his love of cooking (starting when he was just a kid) and the authentic Mexican flavors, aromas and recipes he absorbed from his mother and grandmother (passed down thru generations). To his modern training in "fusion" food like the Peruvian restaurant he originally trained at (a cuisine that famously blends lots of different elements and cultures together from Latin American flavors to Japanese ingredients and dishes). Similar to the flavors and influences he absorbed living in the heavily Asian San Gabriel valley. He does it all! And shares many of those culinary journeys and experiences on this week's OC SPOTLIGHT, here on Orange County's only community radio station, OC TALK RADIO. Streaming live from our studios here at the University of California Irvine's Beall Applied Innovation Center.

Hear from the amazing Howard Leonhardt (with his 21 U.S. patents for products for treating cardiovascular disease) on his latest venture, LIONHEART HEALTH. Pioneering a new category of "Longevity and Wellness" MedSpas (with the first one slated to open here in Orange County, CA). All built around the new possibility of both improving a patient's overall quality of life and dramatically extending it as well. All based upon his breakthrough studies here at UCI's BEALL APPLIED INNOVATION CENTER on electrostimulation and the proteins that may hold the key to regenerating major organs and extending life itself. All part of an overall portfolio of medical startups under his LEONHARDT VENTURES that includes a company focused on using vibrational energy to prevent clots, plaque and calcification (currently in the R&D phase) and another company working on actual heart valve regeneration (now in Clinical Phase 1). It's an amazing tale of the future (and how it's being created today). All told by a proven pioneer in medical technologies who's built his career combating cardiovascular disease.

Meet Lauren Franco. Founder and Executive Director of GIRLS WHO GATHER, a non-profit that seeks to bring women who are in their early/mid-career into the community and build women leaders. Marketing Lead at WME Fashion, on the team that puts on New York Fashion Week. And OCSA and NYU Alumni, Actress and Producer.

Meet Yesenia Ochoa, CEO of MECCA (Multi-Ethnic Collaborative of Community Agencies) and Board Chair, Orange County Community Housing Corporation-STEPPING UP

Karina Fawzy, President and Co-Owner of California Marketing and Sales joins us to discuss their plumbing supply business, where they represent more than 40 manufacturers nationwide in the plumbing industry.

Join PR guru Betty Martinez Franco as she shares her amazing journey from coming to the US and working the fields to getting her education at OCC, Cal State Fullerton and then a Masters at USC. After which she founded her own PR firm here in Orange County, CA. Where she now serves as the representative for FORD MOTOR COMPANY overseeing their Hispanic Communications Outreach efforts here on the West Coast.

Meet Edgar Adame (Broker/Owner) and Hugo Pompa (Managing Director) with local real estate group Remax/NewDimension, with 2100+ homes sold and counting

Jesse Bejarano, CEO Bejarano Group, joins us to discuss MANUFACTURED HOUSING here in Southern California. Including the time and cost savings of buying a pre-built home and attaching it to your land either permanently as real estate (in which case in appreciates over time like any regular home) or temporarily like a mobile home (in which case it depreciates over time like a trailer or car or any other movable personal property).

Meet singer ALISSA VILLA who uses her talent to amplify important causes and foster a more compassionate world. Particularly for veterans like her husband.

Karla Gonzalez, Director of the SBDC's CENTER FOR CONTRACTING talks about the endless opportunities to secure a government contract from local, state and Federal agencies and the mandates they have to "spread the wealth" by guaranteeing that a certain percentage of those contracts get awarded to qualified small businesses (particularly certain subcategories like minority owned, woman owned or veteran owned small businesses). It's money for the asking. With the Small Business Development Center's CENTER FOR CONTRACTING providing you the expertise and training to find, qualify and apply for these contracts. All at no cost to you. Why not call them at 800-616-7232 and see what's available and what you might qualify for?On this week's PROFIT TALKS podcast. Brought to you by your Orange County/Inland Empire Small Business Development Center (OCIE SBDC). Funded in part by the U.S. Small Business Administration and the California Office of the Small Business Advocate.

Cherie Edilson, Founder of the SBDC's online marketplace for small business owners, CALIFORNIA SHOP SMALL talks about this amazing program (and her own personal journey starting it). Creating a place for small "makers" and "creators" to move from the Farmer's Markets and Swap Meets in their local communities and sell their wares online as well. From custom hairbows (like Cherie once made and sold) to all sorts arts and crafts and handcrafted foods and other one-of-a-kind items, CALIFORNIA SHOP SMALL has it all.An SBDC's initiative that empowers new entrepreneurs to transform their ideas into market-ready products within six weeks ('Start to Cart'). The program offers a supportive cohort system, hands-on learning experiences, and personalized coaching for getting products online. What sets it apart is its culmination, offering participants a platform to showcase and sell their products as a free resource for 6 months as well as continued direct 1-1 support. As we approach Small Business Saturday and the launch of the latest cohorts, it's a great time to delve into the impact of such initiatives and the importance of shopping small this holiday season. On this week's Profit Talks Podcast. Brought to you by your Orange County/Inland Empire Small Business Development Center (OCIE SBDC). Funded in part by the U.S. Small Business Administration and the California Office of the Small Business Advocate.

Dennis Kause discusses his amazing journey from being a consultant for Bio Orthopedic Lab (maker of custom shoe inserts) to being an investor in the company. And helping right the ship after it sailed into choppy waters following the sudden death of one of its founders. Successfully sailing the company into new directions (like their new direct-to-consumer store in Las Vegas, NV.)On this week's PROFIT TALKS podcast. Brought to you by your Orange County/Inland Empire Small Business Development Center (OCIE SBDC). Funded in part by the U.S. Small Business Administration and the California Office of the Small Business Advocate.

Here's a sweet story (literally!) of a young immigrant entrepreneur who took a leap of faith and started a family run "sweet shop" which he calls The Chocolate Bar in Ontario, CA. With no real background in preparing or selling food (beyond their years working for large nut and fruit wholesaler in sales and accounting), this determined husband and wife team (and two teenage daughters) built a dedicated customer base by creating some addictive treats (like their full line of authentic Mexican crepes)and treating every customer with "kindness, love and care" (as they call it).It's this determination to succeed and build a generational business for these immigrants from Mexico, along with their overall faith and commitment to serve and give back to the community (like already starting a non-profit to share food and clothing with those in need) that has already made their dream succeed. And allowed them (thru the help of the OCIE Small Business Development Center) to open their second location in Highland, CA as well.So if you're looking for sweet story of hard work, faith, family and success for the holidays, this is it! On this week's PROFIT TALKS podcast. Brought to you by your Orange County/Inland Empire Small Business Development Center (OCIE SBDC). Funded in part by the U.S. Small Business Administration and the California Office of the Small Business Advocate.

David Friedman, Chairman, TECH COAST ANGELS, joins us to discuss his work with this prominent "angel investor" group. His prior years in Corporate America with Senior Roles at places like US CELLULAR and BOEING. And his "giveback" work with the Small Business Development at Corporation (SBDC) where he counsels a wide range of small to medium sized companies from startups to established firms. All for free (courtesy of funding from the US Small Business Administration and the OC IE SBDC. Where else do you to get FREE ACCESS to top tier advisors and real life investors like this?Only at the SBDC and their Profit Talks Podcast. Brought to you by your Orange County/Inland Empire Small Business Development Center (OCIE SBDC). Funded in part by the U.S. Small Business Administration and the California Office of the Small Business Advocate.

Katie Rucker is the co-founder of Next Gen Collaborative, a personal growth coaching business focused on Next Gen Family Business leaders. She has a true passion for empowering and championing Next Gen leaders and fully understands the ups and downs of what working with family is like as she has been navigating her own family business journey for 15 years. Katie is a G2 co-owner and co-president with her twin sister of her family’s customer insights consulting firm, Mackenzie. A firm they took over from their father.And while working with family can be a wild ride, Katie truly believes that the experience is a whole lot more enjoyable when you can bring your authentic self into the family business. Through Next Gen Collaborative, Katie offers 1:1 coaching and VIP days to help Next Gen’s craft their own personal legacy plans, leveraging their F.A.M.I.L.Y Framework as a foundational piece to get started.The journey of family business can feel highly emotional and overwhelming. But with consultants like Katie and her sister, you don’t have to navigate the process alone. Here on The Profit Talks Podcast. Brought to you by your Orange County/Inland Empire Small Business Development Center (OCIE SBDC). Funded in part by the U.S. Small Business Administration and the California Office of the Small Business Advocate.

Our Dazed or Blazed boys did it last week. But can they do it again? As they dissect Week 10 of NFL Football. And give us their insights and predictions for all the teams you love and follow. Chiefs, Eagles. Bills? Bucs? Rams or Raiders? Or my favorite Vikings? See how they all match up. But beware! Our conversation gets a bit rough and raw at times. Your comfy couch may catch fire. But heck, Fantasy Football is a rough and tumble sport.

Meet Monique Claudio, founder of OC LUXURY BAGS and hear all about her business reselling luxury handbags LIVE on TikTok. How she turned a passion into a business and what happens during her live shows featuring these rare, hard-to-find and collectible high-end handbags.

Roy Osorio, OSORIO GROUP, Coldwell Banker, Global Luxury joins us to discuss their unique PRESALE RENOVATION STRATEGY that allows you to create more profit in less time than the traditional real estate model. By having them provide the capital needed to fix up your home. Leading to quicker sales and higher profits.

Craig Russom, Finance Consultant for the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) joins us to discuss the murky world of small business finances and sourcing capital. And his own background from studying aeronautical engineering to opening his own chain of sporting goods stores in Colorado. And then onto California where he earned all his financial licenses and began his own consulting practice specializing in Strategic financial planning, cash flow analysis, projections, project management, QuickBooks, P&L, Balance sheet analysis, debt financing and securing loans.As we continue to highlight the many skills and backgrounds of our extensive network of SBDC consultants. Here on The Profit Talks Podcast. Brought to you by your Orange County/Inland Empire Small Business Development Center (OCIE SBDC). Funded in part by the U.S. Small Business Administration and the California Office of the Small Business Advocate.

Meet this week's Small Business Development Center (SBDC) consultant Lisa Napolitano. And hear her amazing story of being hired as the only employee of a failing trade association at 23. How 15 years later, she turned it around and grew it into a global organization with lots of other employees. Leaving to start her own high powered, sales strategy firm working with big companies she'd met from her years with this sales association like UPS and Pfizer And how she now spends part of her time mentoring and guiding small startups and SMBs (ie-small-to-midsize businesses) thru her work with the SBDC. As she continues to grow her own "small business". You'll particularly enjoy how she answer some age old sales questions we put to her like "is raising sales the only goal that matters for most sales organization?" And "when might it actually do more harm than good?" As we continue to highlight the many skills and backgrounds of our extensive network of SBDC consultants. Here on The Profit Talks Podcast. Brought to you by your Orange County/Inland Empire Small Business Development Center (OCIE SBDC). Funded in part by the U.S. Small Business Administration and the California Office of the Small Business Advocate.

Join SBDC Leasing Consultant Karie Armstrong as she looks back at her 25 year career in major mall management (including her last stint overseeing the huge Brea Mall). And her recent 13 year career as a Small Business Development Center consultant (working out of their Cal State Fullerton center). Helping small businesses and retail startups from restaurants to stores navigate the difficult world of commercial leasing. From finding the right location to negotiating the best lease and all that follows from securing financing to securing all the needed permits and licenses needed to open your business (and everything in between). Taking you through the countless obstacles and hurdles to opening a "brick and mortar" business on THE PROFIT TALKS today.Brought to you by your Orange County/Inland Empire Small Business Development Center (OCIE SBDC). Funded in part by the U.S. Small Business Administration and the California Office of the Small Business Advocate.