In The Weeds Show

On this episode we sat down with serial entrepreneur Sean Evans and talked about the massive weeds he's fought through to build the successful companies he operates today. Sean began his entrepreneurial career at a young age in college. Eventually selling that first business and enjoying a short-lived retirement in his 20's! He continued on to his next venture and discussed with us the importance of having "stretch goals" in place. He even shared a couple of his own, one of which includes a half billion dollars in annual sales for his company gloves.com! Get out your pen & paper so you can be sure to take notes on this episode!

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!

On this episode we sat down with Johan Engman, who has quite literally reinvented the way breakfast is served in Southern California! Starting his entrepreneurial journey in true "burn the boats" fashion. Johan opened his first restaurant in 2008 with a shoe-string budget of his own money saved from previous years washing dishes and serving tables. We retraced his steps that led to today, where he now operates one of the largest restaurant groups, Rise & Shine Hospitality, built from that first location. Enjoy!

On this episode we sat down with Alex Montoya. Originally born in Colombia with a birth defect that left him missing both his arms and right leg, Alex was faced with adversity from literally day one. But his resume and list of accomplishments shows the true mantra he lives by, "Don't focus on what you're missing in life, focus on what you have." Alex earned a degree from Notre Dame, and was entered into the San Diego Unified School District Hall of Fame! He has gone on to become a successful author with five published books, as well as a motivational speaker - with speaking engagements in front of massive stages including Google, Harvard, Nasa, TedX and many others. This was an inspiring conversation we hope you all enjoy!