Vicariously

With roughly a year of interviewing skills under my belt, it felt like Master and Apprentice when I sat down with Ms. Holly Gleason to discuss being an entrepreneur, how her new book came to fruition and general life lessons. With over 30 years of experience in the music industry, this icon has articles published in Rolling Stone, Playboy, Creem, LA Times, Spin and more. She has also written music under her alias "Lady Goodman", she's been a publicist for some of Rock and Country's biggest stars and at one point ran a major music label.Holly clearly has the resume when it comes to being an entrepreneur and making her own path, but our conversation also extends into discussing her upbringing, thoughts on feminism in today's society and randomly, if she were stuck on an island with only one album or one song, what would they be.To order Woman Walk The Line, follow the link: http://a.co/gPIaxVyIf you'd like to see more of our interview, stop by www.VicariouslyPodcast.com  

Good beer brings good people together for good times and good works. This statement might be your own personal belief that has lingered in the back of your mind since college days or your first backyard BBQ, but it genuinely is the philosophy behind Union Craft Brewing. Founded in 2011 just outside of Baltimore Maryland, Adam Benesch, Kevin Blodger and Jon Zerivitz took the leap of faith to be entrepreneurs in the craft beer space. In a short amount of time they have gained a good foothold in the Delmarva region, they've almost tripled operations and they are now successfully distributing to restaurants, bars and liquor stores in keg and can form.We sit down to hear all the moving parts of how Union Craft Brewing got off the ground and even sneak in a couple random stories like what new collaborations Kevin is working on launching and how Adam enjoys working alongside his 98yr old grandfather...probably the oldest brewery employee in the world.For more information, go to www.UnionCraftBrewing.com and if you're interested in watching the video of our sit down, go to www.VicariouslyPodcast.com

Whether you're an atrocious golfer or you're competing for a spot on the PGA pro circuit, everyone can agree that lining up in front of a little white innocent golf ball and crushing it into the ocean, bay, river or pond with no regard, is a beautiful thing. This week we sit down with one of three co-founders of Biodegradaball, LLC who started a company predicated on just that. They currently have 5 locations around Baltimore, Maryland and are looking to expand quickly across a number of other waterfront metropolitan areas. They specialize in company functions, partnering with waterfront bars or restaurants and catering to just about anyone that wants to add fun to their grounds. Dan and his partners are only 11-months into this venture right now, so enjoy hearing how this business came to fruition and what they have planned for the near future.For more information, go to their website www.SplashCityGolf.com and stop by www.VicariouslyPodcast.com for our video episodes.

For 30 years Stevie Bear has called Austin, TX home. She has witnessed it morph into an eclectic and trendy city mixed with a revamped skyline and bustling corporate downtown making it very diverse. She has also watched hurricanes, tornados, floods and other natural disasters rip through Texas over those years dismantling its progress.With a degree in social work, it may seem odd why this entrepreneur manages 5 different businesses ranging across real estate, community investing, corporate funding, modular home building and her own philanthropic concert venue. However, within the first couple minutes of this conversation you'll understand how putting people first has led to so many successful business ventures. The one that takes center stage is Make it Modular, which uses shipping containers to build residential homes and commercial spaces such as bars, coffee shops, yoga studios and more.Hear how Stevie and her passion project plan to grow this specific business sector and even help the neighboring town of Houston, who just endured the most devastating storm in U.S. history. Please visit www.MakeItModular.com for more info and stop by www.VicariouslyPodcast.com to see video of our interview which includes a walk-through of several show homes.

Have you ever had a career plan or lifestyle change all figured out, but then none of it happens the way you thought it would? Jason Macy-Moore was working in the hotel/restaurant/tourism field when a group of entrepreneurs sent him to Costa Rica to explore their new business opportunity. After one quick look, he knew it wasn't something he wanted to be a part of, but he did fall in love with the country. So, he packed his things and moved to Costa Rica to start his own venture instead, The Shack Restaurant & Bar. Now that he has several years under his belt as the owner, he sits down with us to share all the moving parts of how this came to fruition and how he sustains a business as an expat.

Understanding that you need to pivot and change your current professional path is one thing, but to act on it is another. Both Greg Peyser and Russell Radebaugh each had their defining moments where they had enough of their mundane office jobs. Ironically they both wound up in San Diego at Suja Juice, the cold pressed organic fruit and vegetable juice company. After witnessing first hand the fast paced rise to success and eventual sale to Coca-Cola for $90-million, they decided they were equipped to launch their own company. Some blind optimism, mixed with a little luck, paired with a very strong product, Russ and Greg launched an overnight oats packaged breakfast food called Brekki. Just 7-months in, they have roughly 30 accounts, 21 of which are Whole Foods locations who notoriously hold their brands to a higher standard and only work with high integrity companies using quality ingredients. Please visit www.Brekki.com where they will soon be launching an e-commerce option in case Brekki is not available in stores near you. Also check out www.VicariouslyPodcast.com for our video version of the interview.

Boyfriend and girlfriend of only a couple months, Jason Serres and Sandra Scheller packed up their small apartment in Philly and moved out to San Diego on a whim. As they settled into their new city, they realized it was lacking a good, local coffee shop. A little market research and some family help to develop a business plan, they were on their way to open a 3rd wave coffee shop in East Village, a trendy up-and-coming neighborhood with a ton of potential. Sandra shares what it takes to start a coffee shop, the secrets to surviving the competition and the most rewarding aspects of being a lifestyle entrepreneur. Check out their website www.SDBeanBar.com and stop by www.VicariouslyPodcast.com to see the video version of this episode.

Jon Carder started his first online business at the age of 19 when he was a sophomore in college. So it wasn't a huge surprise that by 27 and three businesses later, he was a retired millionaire. His company ClientShop sold for more than $10million which posted him on beaches around the world simply enjoying the surf life. Unsatisfied though, this serial entrepreneur started several more companies over the years and is now Co-Founder and CEO to Empyr and Mogl, both of which are reinventing how consumers earn cashback, rewards and other incentives for everyday online and offline spending. Jon's vision, charisma and relentless tenacity definitely shine through in this sit down, making it easy to understand why the valuations of his current companies are in the hundreds of millions. Check out Empyr.com and Mogl.com for more information. If you like what you see, download the Mogl app and start earning. For a video version of our podcast, please visit www.VicariouslyPodcast.com

Entrepreneurs Neftali and Tammy Lemus seem to have San Pedro, Belize tourism dialed in with their business ventures. We sit down with Tammy to hear her story of packing up her life in Colorado to move to Belize where she and her husband now own and operate several businesses. Their first venture is Island Tackle Bar & Restaurant, a well known local bar situated at the end of a pier overlooking the gorgeous ocean. On their pier just outside of the restaurant are several boats for their other company, Xsite Belize Sailing & Adventures that offers snorkeling and diving trips with Sharks, Stingrays, Barracudas and tons of colorful fish found in the Belizean reefs. To round out the duo, they are also heavily vested in residential real estate sales on the island that, as you guessed it, has been steadily climbing for years. Visit their site at www.xsitebelizesailing.com and check out www.VicariouslyPodcast.com to see a video we made showcasing Belize's island beauty.

Whether you own a giant mansion or rent a shoebox sized apartment, the desire to hang artwork and pictures on your walls will always be there. Wyatt Harrison founded a unique printing company several years after college that focuses on printing photos on wood planks. A Marine Biology major, he had zero college courses in business, but now operates a lucrative e-commerce business shipping wood, acrylic and aluminum prints all over the globe. His small idea has expanded into commercial signage, restaurant menus & table toppers, participation and recognition awards and a multitude of other fully customizable environmentally sustainable items. Please visit www.PlakThat.com to see the full line of services and printing capabilities. Also, if you would like to see a video version of the interview, go to: www.VicariouslyPodcast.com

49 million Americans struggle to put food on the table everyday, which is about 1 out of every 6 people. The USDA defines this as "food insecurity" which means it is not lack of food, but rather the continued prevalence of poverty and inability to provide for ones family. Evan Lutz, CEO of Hungry Harvest, is taking a completely new approach in order to solve this problem. Yes, I know that is a monumental task and a bold statement to claim, but after you listen to this episode you'll become a believer in his movement. At 24 years old, Evan has already grown his business exponentially and plans to be activated in 25 cities within a year. His drive and determination are off the charts, which makes it clear why Forbes honored him with the coveted 30 under 30 for Social Entrepreneurs and he was featured on ABC's Shark Tank, Season 7 Episode 13, where Shark Robert Herjavec agreed to sign on with Evan as a partner. Learn more at www.HungryHarvest.net and follow their social media channels. If you'd like to see our interview on video, go to www.VicariouslyPodcast.com

Potentially the most unique story to be on Vicariously so far, Danny Robinson was featured in the film "Blood, Sweat & Beers" where viewers followed along his journey of starting a brewery in Ocean City, Maryland, but was derailed due to a trademark lawsuit for the name "Shorebilly". Without giving away the movie's ending, Danny shares the stressful turn of events in this podcast and how after the lawsuit was settled, his creative juices sparked back up to form a new venture called Hoop Tea. This organic malt beverage featuring alcoholic tea flavored drinks like White Tea with Mango, Black Tea with Lemon, Peach Tea Lemonade and Watermelon Mint Tea have this entrepreneur scrambling to keep up with the demand, while also looking to expand as fast as possible. After several years of just plain bad luck, his new summertime/every time drink is selling out of control and we couldn't be happier for him. Enjoy Danny's story of perseverance, grit and passion which will probably leave you reaching for a cold glass of Hoop Tea yourself. Visit www.HoopTea.com to find out more and also check out the video version of this podcast at: www.VicariouslyPodcast.com

Imagine leaving an exemplary career in the United States Marine Corps to start a gym out of your garage. Now pretend things are "going well" because you've secured 10 memberships and you're home garage/gym is officially at capacity. What happens next? Clearly the logical answer is to extend yourself with a loan exceeding $2-million dollars to build a new 50,000 sqft facility that will hopefully take your gym to the next level. Steve Pinkerton and his wife, Jessica, had a vision and they went full speed ahead to follow not only their entrepreneurial passion, but the healthy lifestyle they were looking to educate others about. This captivating sit down highlights personal stories, life lessons and of course, Steve's roller coaster ride in building his massive CrossFit Vitality facility. Learn more about Steve and CrossFit Vitality at: www.CrossfitVitality.com Also, check out the video version of this podcast at: www.VicariouslyPodcast.com

For over 40 years South Coast Surf Shops has been the neighborhood standard for all of your apparel, surf gear and anything that goes with hanging at the beach. With 5 stores and a thriving online business, South Coast is the go-to spot for each of the beach towns in Southern California, but that doesn't mean they don't still have the need to constantly evolve and adapt. President, Heather Shields and COO, Steve Cowan, sit down with us to share their 20+ years in the business and what keeps them relevant and popular in the ever evolving world of retail. Please checkout their website at: www.SouthCoast.com If you'd like to see video of our interview, it is posted on our website: www.VicariouslyPodcast.com

Spend life savings of $10,000, check. Paint a catchy name on the side of a van for marketing, check. Learn how to be a small business owner and entrepreneur completely on the fly, check. Breanna Frazier shares her story of how she built a transportation and tour company to provide an alternative to the outdated world of taxi services. Two years into her successful business venture, Uber and Lyft took away significant market share almost overnight and Breanna was challenged to quickly pivot her business plan. Now, eight years in, her company is one of the premier transportation and tour options in Southern California and continues to grow. Visit www.TheVanService.com for more info about tours, weddings, wine tasting, concert outings, bachelorette parties and more. Please also stop by www.VicariouslyPodcast.com for video versions of our podcasts and behind the scenes about our upcoming travels.

Not many people opt to take on City Council and ask them to break the mold in which they operate. Furthermore, it's generally not done by three grad school students with no money in their pockets asking to take over city owned property. Philip Auchettl, Jason Grauten and David Loewenstein did just that and it kickstarted their architecture design and development company, RAD Lab. Four years later, what began as a school project, now has them designing, developing and operating a multitude of projects around the country, such as custom shipping container homes, a beer garden park, homeless shelter pods and most notably, their San Diego based Quartyard. This urban development of an unused city block was transformed into a dog park, coffee shop, restaurant, concert stage and all around community hang out, which is also where we recorded this episode. Check out more at www.RADLABSD.com and if you'd like to see video of our podcast, they are always posted at www.VicariouslyPodcast.com

CNBC recently featured Charlie Ferer on their show, Blue Collar Millionaires. We bypassed their cookie cutter questions and sat down with Charlie to understand the details of how he started his residential and commercial turf company, Paradise Greens. We also discussed his newest venture, Armageddon Tactical Solutions and ATACSOL Precision Rifles which includes elite tactical training for government agencies, law enforcement, military, etc. and involves live gun fire, dropping from helicopters, building takeover situations and other badass extremes. Charlie gives great insights on the financial undertaking, persistent work ethic and constant challenges of working for yourself, as well as the benefits, payoff and freedoms it can bare. Please stop by www.ParadiseGreens.com if you are interested in discussing franchising opportunities. Also check out our website, www.VicariouslyPodcast.com, just because.

What if I told you that you could start a business for $500 and your product would not only sustain over the next decade, but it would sell millions of units across the globe and target every demographic from children to grandmothers and Snoop Dogg to Natalie Portman. Well, Adam "Ace" Moyer started that simple venture, developing an affordable, classic style sunglass company back in 2005 and has grown dramatically in size and credibility. Knockaround sunglasses have even showcased collaboration shades with brands like Pepsi, Mattel, Discovery Channel, Paramount Pictures, various craft breweries and more. Ace exemplifies the Vicariously mantra and this episode has countless takeaways for all walks of life. Definitely visit www.Knockaround.com Please stop by our website for more info and the video version of this episode at: www.VicariouslyPodcast.com

Bobbi Brink was already a successful entrepreneur as a restaurant owner in Texas, but that wasn't her true calling. After witnessing first hand the ugly, harsh realities of the exotic animal trade, she decided to take action. Bobbi picked up and moved to Alpine, CA purchasing 93-acres of land to start an exotic animal rescue sanctuary. For fifteen years now, Bobbi has been managing all aspects of providing for their 60+ animals, as well as organizing and executing countless rescue missions across the country to relocate various animals to other sanctuaries, all while continuing to fight for local, state and federal legislative changes. Her story, outlook on life and what she encounters on the daily makes this a must listen to episode! To see our interview and pictures of their animals, visit our video version at www.VicariouslyPodcast.com To donate, please visit www.LionsTigersAndBears.org

What started with a naive college kid posting old surf boards for sale on eBay, has now morphed into the premier surfboard and stand up paddle board company not only in San Diego, but arguably one of the best in the entire industry. ISLE Surf and SUP Co-founder, Marc Miller, shares how the company began as a two man operation in a small garage 13 years ago. For more than a decade, Marc and partner Doug Pate, have managed to grow their business, evolve and expand their product lines and learn how to market to an ever changing niche demographic of consumers, all of which we discuss in this episode. For more information or to watch the video version, please visit: www.VicariouslyPodcast.com. Also, follow the host on Instagram for upcoming episodes at LukeWiattGilbert

Starting a company is not easy. Leaving a high paying job that you're doing well at to start that company is even more difficult. Mike Halow took that leap in 2009 and found himself almost 16 months into the venture without closing his first deal. Things eventually turned for Premia Capital and the one employee operation, to where they have now purchased and developed over $400-million of Class A and creative office property on the San Francisco Peninsula. Still remaining lean with only six full-time employees, Premia provides all construction management, leasing and asset management services and has grown tremendously in credibility, expertise and portfolio diversity. In this episode, Mike shares the steps and mindset it has taken him to get to where he is today. For more information and to watch the video version, please go to our website: www.VicariouslyPodcast.com Thank you for tuning in and please follow the host on Instagram for more updates at LukeWiattGilbert

The deli sandwich game has stiff competition in most markets around the country. However, Rubicon Deli has made quite the impact in Reno, Nevada and Southern California where their four stores annually gobble up all sorts of awards and accolades for serving stellar sandwiches. The list is long on what makes them different, but free range chicken, Harris Ranch beef and two tons of California local produce served last year alone is a great start. Besides the hearty portions, quality local ingredients and creative pre-made combinations like the Rich Boy, Dom Pastram, Super Mario and Whales Veg, Rubicon Deli could be most known for their giant loaves of daily baked bread that come in 7 different flavors including bleu cheese, pesto, dutch crunch, jalapeno jack and garlic cheese. Are you hungry yet? Tune into to the entire podcast and hear how Rubicon Deli is now planning to franchise and expand because of their success. Check out more on our website, www.VicariouslyPodcast.com and make sure to follow the host on Instagram at LukeWiattGilbert.

Taylor Simmers has worked in the education field for nearly 20 years. His idea to spearhead the development of a different kind of school finally came to fruition in 2011. With a small, likeminded crew, they launched Tahoe Expedition Academy. The Pre-K through 12th grade school is founded on engaging academics with real world adventures. Taylor explains in the podcast how the adolescent brain responds better when leaving it's comfort zone and how their curriculum empowers students to reach their full potential while cultivating intellectual growth, character and confidence.

Remote.com is the product of several companies merging this past November and relaunching with a clear objective in place. Nick Macario, Co-founder and CEO, has a mission to make work more efficient and bring career opportunities to people all over the world. The old career sites are outdated and a thing of the past. Remote.com streamlines the process by connecting freelance specialists all over the globe with employers. Additionally, the platform allows individuals to showcase previously completed projects to further validate their skill sets, rather than a traditional resume.

Mark and Dylan are the co-founders, designers and builders at Black Bird Tiny Homes. Based out of Calgary, Canada, they have mastered the art of building affordable, unique, customized, efficient tiny homes ranging from 240 to 480 square feet in size. The challenging environment and harsh elements they are tasked to overcome in Canada prove their homes to be significantly more insulated and durable than the average US built tiny home. Add the generous exchange rate from Canada to US and these homes are an extremely attractive new means of housing for just about anyone. See pictures of our interview and their homes at www.VicariouslyPodcast.com

Rick Chapman is not just a highly acclaimed professional photographer, but he is the epitome of why I started the Vicariously Podcast. Rick is most commonly known for his work featured in the National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian Institution highlighting ESPN's ESPY award winners. These unique portraits include some of Americas most iconic sports legends including Muhammad Ali, Cal Ripken, Lebron James, Kobe Bryant, Serena Williams and more. Rick's accomplishments and diverse portfolios are not solely dedicated to sports, they spread across a wide variety of genres and styles, encapsulating the true essence of photography and the stories behind the picture. Please tune in as Rick shares solid career advice, entrepreneurial wisdom and how to take control of your own life and story.

Mr. Sherman Townsend has been in the same professional field for over 35 years. This is a rare feat in today's society, but being that he has worked as a financial advisor and watched first hand the rise and fall of several of the nations top institutions, is even more impressive. Tune in as Sherman shares the importance of honesty, loyalty, accountability and the challenge of being unique within a crowded space. His demeanor and wisdom shine through in our conversation, making it clear why he is so successful in what has been a roller coaster of a profession. Please visit our website or YouTube channels to see pictures and video with our guests at: www.VicariouslyPodcast.com and https://www.youtube.com/dashboard?o=U

Standing 6'6" before Alicia Jay even thinks about slipping on her heels or boots for the day, noticeable is an understatement. Alicia's beauty and elegance already attract attention, but her height has inspired her to launch the brand TallSWAG. Currently working at the Golden State Warriors, Alicia discusses her entrepreneurial venture and how she aims to help women around the world be more confident in themselves, one fashion piece at a time. Check out more, including videos of our interviews at VicariouslyPodcast.com

Have you seen Tom Brady and Jeff Bridges in the UGG Boots "Do Nothing" commercials? Maybe the Super Bowl ad for Outpost.com when gerbils were shot from a cannon? How about the long running Little Cesar's "Pizza Pizza"? If not, you've been living under a rock. Regardless, Roger Camp has helped produce each of those commercials along with a wide array of print media, TV commercials and social media campaigns for over 25 years now. This week we sit with Roger to understand how he fell in love with this profession, where his creative juices flourish from and how he has managed to form is own, extremely successful agency. Check out more, including videos of our interviews at VicariouslyPodcast.com

Jimmy Langley is the quintessential entrepreneur. Our interview starts with his first business venture, what it took, how he almost quit and exactly how he is now partner at a commercial real estate company, owner in multiple restaurants, bars, car washes, Starbucks properties and most notably, a founder at Resident Brewing, the fastest growing craft brewery in San Diego. Check out more, including videos of our interviews at VicariouslyPodcast.com