In The Weeds Show

On this episode we sat down with San Diego County Supervisor Jim Desmond. Jim has been involved in politics for nearly 20 years. Eight of which were spent as the Mayor of San Marcos and his most recent years as the District 5 Supervisor in San Diego. Throughout the pandemic Jim has fought for small businesses all over the county. His battle against California’s draconian policies has created what he described as “the most challenging year of his life.”This was a very unique story of being in the weeds, but it’s one of the hardest jobs we’ve seen someone take on!Enjoy. 

On this episode of our continued series “Surviving The Pandemic”, we sat down with Andy Davis and Justin Jachura. Both of these men are successful entrepreneurs who own & operate a portfolio of restaurants and bars in the North County area of San Diego. Though technically their companies are competitors, it has not stopped Andy and Justin from working together during the most challenging times in each of their 20 years in the business. Even developing a movement known as #CommunityCommitted that has brought all business owners in Carlsbad together. With the help of a local law firm, they have reopened many of the struggling venues in Carlsbad as a daily peaceful protest against the unrealistic State and Federal policies. They spare no detail in explaining the toll this past year has taken on their businesses and their hundreds of employees. Enjoy. 

On this episode of our continued series “Surviving the Pandemic” we sat down with Derek Marso, the owner of Valley Farms Market. Derek is a third generation owner with a jam packed resume! He holds an impressive athletic career, playing football at Kansas State University and eventually making his way to the NFL. But he knew early on there was going to be more to his story than “Derek the football player.”Since taking over the business, he’s grown the Valley Farms brand ten fold. Adding their second location a year ago with plans to open two other new stores in 2021! He’s a no-nonsense owner with a supreme level of empathy and drive. Derek is also a dedicated father, husband, fellow podcaster, and even a certified cicerone!We discussed the initiatives his company took as an “essential business” during the pandemic, to help support their community and the many struggling small businesses in San Diego. His perspective on leadership and his commitment to spreading love is a much needed message everyone should hear.Enjoy.

On this new format of our show "Surviving The Pandemic" - we sat down with PJ Busalacchi, the owner of Barbusa - a Modern Sicilian restaurant that has become a staple destination of Little Italy in downtown San Diego! The Busalacchi family are true pioneers in the hospitality industry and have been opening successful restaurants since the 1980's! PJ walked us through the toll the pandemic has taken on Barbusa, their other restaurants, and his 120+ employees. Some of which have worked for his family for over 30 years. Enjoy!

On this new format of our podcast, we visited business owner Artem Sharoshkin to discuss how the 2020 pandemic has impacted him and his company. The first most noticeable observation is we were sitting inside his EMPTY multi-million dollar gym located in the heart of downtown San Diego. Artem is the CEO of The Boxing Club, which has 3 locations in San Diego, employing 100+ people. He held nothing back when discussing the toll this has taken on his business, his employees, and himself. We hope this helps bring attention and humanize the people suffering as collateral damage to the covid-19 pandemic. Enjoy!

On this episode we sat down with CJ Martin - Founder and CEO of one of the fastest growing CrossFit brands - Invictus!  CJ took us back to his early days of inheriting resiliency through his family, and how it has ultimately played a role in building a powerful online and in-person brand. He shared his experience as an athlete, an attorney, a coach, a husband, father, and entrepreneur. His success definitely did not happen overnight or without a lot of hard work! Enjoy!