A podcast about #agencylife, entrepreneurship, creativity, and overcoming
SandovalAgency, Joshua Ledezma, Mani Sandoval, Gil Sandoval, Dan Sandoval
#21: Origin Stories with Yoalli Sánchez Welcome back to Origin Stories, an ongoing series within the Bench Players podcast that shares the stories, backgrounds, and creative journeys of Sandoval team members. Today on the show we are so excited to have with us Digital Marketing Specialist, Yoalli Sánchez. Yoalli grew up and studied graphic design in Cancun, Mexico. After getting her degree she worked as a graphic designer in Mexico City for 8 years before moving to Arizona and switching her career to marketing with Sandoval Agency. In this episode Yoalli shares her story of how she worked her way up in design and eventually made the shift from design to marketing. Yoalli, Mani and Gil discuss what it means to “fake it til' you make it,” the importance of keeping yourself open to new opportunities, and the key to success: work your ass off and have confidence in yourself. Yoalli also touches on the importance of mental health and having a good work life balance. Yoalli is not only a huge asset to Sandoval Agency and the marketing team, but she's also a great friend with an amazing sense of humor, immense talent, and a warm, inviting energy. We are so lucky to have her on our team! We hope you enjoy this episode of Bench Players: Origin Stories! And don't forget to give Yoalli a follow on Instagram @yoalli.sanchez Check out more from Sandoval Agency: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesandovalagency Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sandoval.agency/ Website: https://www.sandovalagency.com
Episode #20 – In today's episode, Gil, Mani and Josh sit down to discuss grind culture and the social pressure to constantly hustle. This is a hot topic these days as people are advocating to cancel hustle culture and the glamorization of the grind. Instead, we should glamorize getting adequate sleep, taking sick days, taking care of our mental health, and working hard when you're at work and resting hard when you're not. Success shouldn't be found in always being on and available or busy and booked. It should be found in a work-life balance. Giving your time purpose in and outside of the office. Please enjoy this episode of the Bench Players Podcast! Check out more from Sandoval Agency: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesandovalagency Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sandoval.agency/ Website: https://www.sandovalagency.com
Welcome back to Origin Stories, an ongoing series within the Bench Players podcast that shares the stories, backgrounds, and creative journeys of Sandoval Agency team members. Today on the show is talented musician and graphic designer, Evan Yuen. Evan has an extensive background in music starting out playing for Church, to joining his first band in high school, then eventually traveling internationally opening for bands like Bon Jovi and The Afters. The people he met within the music industry eventually led to him getting a job in social media management at Sandoval Agency, and then working his way into graphic design. Now, he’s not only a gifted musician, still occasionally traveling with bands today, but a brilliant graphic designer as well. On top of all of his talents, he’s an easy going, humble, and bright person who we are so lucky to have on our team. Please enjoy this episode of Bench Players: Origin Stories! Check out more from Sandoval Agency: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesandovalagency Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sandoval.agency/ Website: https://www.sandovalagency.com
At Sandoval Agency our mission is this: We strive to create work we’re proud of with people who care enough to stand out. Behind Sandoval Agency is a diverse, creative, and incredibly talented team of individuals that make that mission possible. Our team is full of risk taking, hard working, passionate creatives that strive every day to create remarkable work. And now we want to share their stories with you. This is Origin Stories, an ongoing series within the Bench Players podcast, that shares the stories, backgrounds, and creative journeys of Sandoval team members. In this episode, part one of Origin Stories, you’ll hear from Dan and Gil as they share the origin story of Sandoval Agency as well as their own stories before the agency was born. Please enjoy this episode of Bench Players: Origin Stories! Check out more from Sandoval Agency: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesandovalagency Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sandoval.agency/ Website: https://www.sandovalagency.com
Episode #17 – To celebrate one year of the Bench Players podcast, partners Mani and Gil sit down with podcast producer, Denzell, to answer YOUR questions! Listen in to find out how three brothers are able to run a business together, what they have learned from their first year of podcasting, how "a boy from the hood" became a CEO, and so much more. Thank you to everyone who has listened in and supported the Bench Players podcast. We hope you enjoy this episode. Be sure to follow Sandoval Agency on social media to submit your questions for Q&A episodes in the future! Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesandovalagency Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sandoval.agency/ Website: https://www.sandovalagency.com
Episode #16 – Welcome back to our three part series on what it takes to get into the creative industry, whether it’s as a graphic designer, web developer, copywriter, animator or whatever it is you aspire to become. In part three you’ll hear from Mani and Gil Sandoval as they share their advice and guidance for aspiring creatives on how to go from passion to paid (phrase coined from the talented hand letterer, Lauren Hom). They share advice on how to read the room when you interview for a gig and how to respond to tough questions. They provide a new (and maybe controversial) perspective on working for free when you’re first starting out. You can expect several dramatic pauses, and plenty of good laughs and insights in this episode of the Bench Players. We hope you enjoy! Don’t forget to rate, review and subscribe to the Bench Players Podcast. Check out more from Sandoval Agency: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesandovalagency Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sandoval.agency/ Website: https://www.sandovalagency.com
Episode #14 – Welcome back to the second part of our three part series on what it takes to get into the creative industry, whether it’s as a graphic designer, web developer, copywriter, animator or whatever it is you aspire to become. In this series the Sandoval partners (except Mani) share their advice and guidance for aspiring creatives on topics from learning the craft to scoring clients or getting a job in the industry. In part one (ep #14) Gil, Dan and Josh discussed the beginning phases of becoming a creative, from discovering your why to learning the craft. In today’s episode they’ll be discussing how to share, showcase, and sell your work in order to get your name out there and your foot in the door. Please enjoy this episode of Bench Players! Check out more from Sandoval Agency: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesandovalagency Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sandoval.agency/ Website: https://www.sandovalagency.com
Episode #14 – We’re excited to be breaking this conversation down into a three part series. In this series, the partners will discuss what it takes to get into the creative industry, whether it’s as a graphic designer, web developer, copywriter, animator or whatever it is you aspire to become. The partners share their advice and guidance for aspiring creatives on topics from learning the craft to scoring clients or getting a job in the industry. We will always be students, always learning from those around us, but there comes a point in everyone’s journey when it’s your turn to become the teacher, to teach others what you have learned along the way. We have always been passionate about teaching others, whether it be about leadership, graphic design, entrepreneurship or just life in general. So we hope you enjoy part one: Getting Started as a Creative. Check out more from Sandoval Agency: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesandovalagency Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sandoval.agency/ Website: https://www.sandovalagency.com
Episode #13 – In today’s episode, the partners sit down to discuss what they’ve learned from leading through a crisis. They share tips on how to prepare for and respond to major change, what to do and what not to do as a leader leading through crisis, and their own learnings from the past year. Please enjoy this episode of the Bench Players Podcast! Check out more from Sandoval Agency: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesandovalagency Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sandoval.agency/ Website: https://www.sandovalagency.com
Episode #12 – In the industry of marketing and advertising there is no hard-and-fast rule to getting the results that you want. All creative work should be rooted in strategy, and strategy is never a template or formula that can be applied to every client, brand or audience. Instead, it’s a framework to create from. So with that being said, there is no cookie cutter approach to client work or creative projects. Now more than ever consumer’s bullshit meters are fine-tuned and they know when they’re being manipulated. The biggest mistake you can make in any creative industry really, is believing that if you follow a formula, you’ll be guaranteed success. It’s a myth. We’re in the business of people, brands want to build long term relationships with their audiences, and using a formula won’t help you create those authentic relationships you need for success. In this episode of Bench Players, the guys discuss this idea that one size does not fit all, that strategy needs to be adapted to each client, brand and audience, and the countless ways that standardization is killing creativity. Most importantly they give advice and tips to avoid this formulaic approach to your work. Please enjoy this episode of the Bench Players Podcast! Check out more from Sandoval Agency: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesandovalagency Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sandoval.agency/ Website: https://www.sandovalagency.com
Episode #11 – First, a moment of silence for the movie theatres that have closed due to the pandemic… The famous American pastime may never be the same. It’s no question that the COVID-19 pandemic has had a substantial impact on the film industry. Theatres have closed down, release dates have been postponed, and big-budget movies are releasing directly to streaming services. Along with all of this change, movie-goers themselves have fallen into new habits with access to blockbuster movies and high-quality TV shows in the comfort of their homes, all for a monthly subscription (or multiple). In this episode of Bench Players, the partners discuss the questions: Is the movie theatre experience dead? And will movie-goers go running back to the theatres when it’s safe to do so? They share their observations on how the movie industry has changed over time and how streaming services have played a role in that change. Please enjoy this episode of the Bench Players Podcast! Check out more from Sandoval Agency: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesandovalagency Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sandoval.agency/ Website: https://www.sandovalagency.com
Episode #10 – How do you define perfection? The dictionary defines perfection as “conforming to the description or definition of an ideal type,” which leaves it up to us to determine our own interpretation of perfection. Even if you look at the synonyms of the word perfection it shows words like “excellent” and “impeccable,” but something that’s excellent in your eyes may not be “perfect” in another’s. At the end of the day, whatever your version of perfection is, is it beneficial to strive for that ideal? Like most things in life: it depends. In this episode of Bench Players, the Sandoval partners explore the idea of striving for perfection in personal endeavors and professional projects. While each partner may have different interpretations of what perfection, they each agree on one thing. In the words of Gil’s MMA coach, “We aren’t looking for perfection, we’re looking for improvement.” Check out more from Sandoval Agency: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesandovalagency Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sandoval.agency/ Website: https://www.sandovalagency.com
Episode #09 – If we’ve learned anything this year, it’s the importance of being adaptable. Sandoval Agency, like most businesses, has had to adapt to change, make sacrifices, and deal with some major uncertainty. In this episode, the partners talk about how Sandoval Agency has been able to tackle tough issues this year by being adaptable. They discuss how the agency has handled change and uncertainty, the importance of transparency, and the necessity for being adaptable. Each partner observes the positive ways that they have seen the agency adapt, as well as areas that could have used some improvement. We hope you enjoy the last episode of 2020, and thank you for listening and supporting Bench Players. Cheers to a new year! Please enjoy this episode of the Bench Players Podcast. Check out more from Sandoval Agency: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesandovalagency Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sandoval.agency/ Website: https://www.sandovalagency.com
Episode #08 – Storytelling is a powerful tool in marketing and advertising. It breathes life into brands. It creates stronger connections with audiences. It informs, inspires and motivates. Stories drive action. But how do you implement storytelling in your marketing? How do you connect with your audience? How do you move people? Start by understanding your audience and understanding their needs. What connects them to your product or service? Find your audience where they are and apply your story there. In this episode of Bench Players, Gil, Mani, and Dan discuss examples of powerful storytelling in marketing. They share why it’s important to connect with your audience as well as tips on how to tell a compelling story. The takeaway? Don’t underestimate the power of storytelling. Please enjoy this episode of the Bench Players Podcast! Check out more from Sandoval Agency: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesandovalagency Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sandoval.agency/ Website: https://www.sandovalagency.com
Episode #07 – How do you spend your life doing what you love while helping others at the same time? Finding your purpose may seem like a daunting task. Kind of like searching for the meaning of life. Heavy stuff. It’s a lot less intimidating when you realize that you don’t necessarily need to find your purpose right away, you just need to start living your life with purpose. Once you find purpose in everything you do, then finding what you’re called to do will come more naturally. In this episode of Bench Players, the Sandoval brothers talk action steps and mindsets that will help you discover your purpose. They discuss what each of their journeys have looked like, how they pursue a life of meaning, and lessons they’ve learned along the way. Enjoy this episode of the Bench Players Podcast! Check out more from Sandoval Agency: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesandovalagency Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sandoval.agency/ Website: https://www.sandovalagency.com
Episode #06 – At Sandoval Agency, we believe that when you surround yourself with great people, great things are bound to happen. That’s why we take our work culture seriously. But how does an organization go about building a strong work culture? What are the benefits? The Sandoval Agency partners sit down to talk all things work culture, from how a positive environment allows your team to perform better, to why you should define, from the very beginning, what you want your work culture to look like. It takes time to create a culture of encouragement and grace, and sometimes it takes a little outside help. Sandoval Agency would like to thank Horst Schulze for his support through developing a strong mission and vision statement so that the Sandoval team could align and all be a part of the same vision, together. Learn more about Horst Schulze and his book, Excellence Wins, at his website: https://horstschulze.com Please enjoy this episode of the Bench Players Podcast! Check out more from Sandoval Agency: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesandovalagency Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sandoval.agency/ Website: https://www.sandovalagency.com
Episode #05 – How do you define creativity? Is it the use of imagination or the generation of unique ideas? Is it something you’re born with or something you learn? Everyone experiences creativity differently, and everyone is creative in their own way. Regardless of how we approach creativity, we all have to put in the work to make our ideas a reality, challenge ourselves, and experiment in new ways. In this episode of Bench Players, the Sandoval Agency partners sit down to discuss how they each approach creative challenges differently. With each partner playing different roles, from animation director to CEO, they all have completely different experiences with creativity and unique perspectives to share. Enjoy this episode of the Bench Players Podcast! Check out more from Sandoval Agency: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesandovalagency Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sandoval.agency/ Website: https://www.sandovalagency.com
Episode #04 – As creatives, it’s tempting to dive head first into the design and execution of every project as your mind is flooded with great ideas. But it is absolutely crucial that the first step is always strategy. Before you come up with creative ideas, you must first build a solid framework to create from. Business objectives should drive your creative work, not just creative ideas. In this episode of the Bench Players Podcast, the Sandoval Agency founders sit down to discuss the importance of taking a strategic approach to all creative projects. They analyze the benefits of having a sound strategy, from projects that are on brand and on message to having confidence when you pitch your work to clients. On the other hand, they examine why creative without strategy doesn’t succeed in accomplishing business objectives and appealing to the target audience. Please enjoy this episode of the Bench Players Podcast! Check out more from Sandoval Agency: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesandovalagency Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sandoval.agency/ Website: https://www.sandovalagency.com
Episode #03 – Receiving criticism on a professional or personal level is challenging for anyone, let alone entrepreneurs who are trying to create something unique and original. Co-founder and CCO of Palette Collective, Seth Wells, is one of those entrepreneurs and has received his fair share of criticism throughout the erection of his business, a fully customizable studio space that offers attainable commercial real estate to passionate small business owners. In this episode of the Bench Players Podcast, the Sandoval Agency founders and Seth Wells discuss their experiences with criticism as entrepreneurs, musicians, and individuals. Before you let it build you up or tear you down, it’s important to assess who is giving you criticism and what their motive is. Are they being constructive, or critical for the sake of being critical? Along the way Seth shares the origin story of Palette Collective, the marketing process, and how he uses criticism to motivate him and his business. Please enjoy this episode of the Bench Players Podcast! Check out more from Sandoval Agency: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesandovalagency Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sandoval.agency/ Website: https://www.sandovalagency.com
In this episode, we chat with photographer/Editor Austin Gavin, about how to build confidence and taking advantage of your "bench" moments.
1. What is the Podcast about?2. How Brands are showing generosity in these hard times3. Advice for small business navigating these turbulent times4. Hope and thoughts for these tough times