I Love VB Podcast

The unimaginable has rocked our world this month and I wanted to share a glimpse into our story with all of you. Among the very long list of things I am grieving the loss of, participating in this podcast is high up there. I believe it is only for a moment in time but regardless of how long our recovery will take would you join us in praying for healing and for a beautiful redemption story to be b...

Episode 9 - Josh Adler is the owner and founder of Adler Therapy Group - a practice specializing in physical, occupational and speech therapy. Growing up, Josh observed both his mother and father serving others in their professions and was inspired to choose a career path where he, too, could help people in need. Josh has been practicing occupational therapy for over 20 y ears and has expanded Adl...

Episode 8 - In the heart of Great Neck, Polish Boutique opened it's doors for business in 2022 and hit the ground running. More than a beautiful clothing boutique, Polish is a hub for community, a place to experience friendship while shopping, and a vessel for women to encourage one another. The heartbeat of Polish exists in co-owners Ashley Knox and Sarah Winstead who have both spent over a decad...

Episode 7 - This episode is a story of what once was a young girl's dream being made into a reality. Pinup Coffee Co. was founded in Virginia Beach by Steph and Bryce Wein. With roots in the pacific northwest, Steph knew a thing or two about amazing coffee and set out to discover just what makes the perfect cup of coffee. Pinup Coffee Co. is a specialty coffee roaster in Virginia Beach with a devo...

Community Spotlight: Mike Provost founded VDRF in 2021 in an effort to help our Virginia waterways achieve sustainable health. Most locals have seen or noticed an abandoned or derelict vessel at some point in our waterways but have you ever considered what or who actually cleans them up? Check out this episode as an introduction to Mike Provost and learn about what he is doing to make change for t...

Episode 6 - Kaizen Athletics is a functional fitness gym located in the heart of The Vibe District. It's a gym known for its community centric atmosphere and its most compassionate and inspirational founder. Emily Kramer Throckmorton started this business with a deep knowing in her soul that her purpose was to make a difference in the health and fitness realm. Her genuine desire to help change peo...

Episode 5 - Lolly's Creamery was the very first business we interviewed for the podast back in 2019. Founders Joey and Jacklyn Launi sat down with us four years ago to share the story of their beloved ice cream shop but so much growth has happened to Lolly's since that day - we had to bring them back on to tell all! The Launis share some fun insiders details on what we can look forward to from one...

Episode 4 - Bob Roberts is the owner and founder of Redwood Smoke Shack, a Texas inspired BBQ joint in Norfolk and Virginia Beach. Bob takes us through life growing up on a farm where hard work runs through his veins, to his unexpected job out of college, to brew clubs and front yard BBQs and a food truck the blew all expectations out of the water. Redwood Smoke Shack was born out of a series of m...

Episode 3 - Tony DiSilvestro opened his first restaurant, Ynot Italian, in Virginia Beach in 1993. Ynot is a beloved neighborhood restaurant with delicious, homemade food yet Tony's influence has spread much wider than just in the food service industry.  As of today, he has pioneered 33 different businesses and calls himself a serial entrepreneur. Tony is a Forbes author and released his first boo...

Episode 2 - Chesapean Outdoors represents a quintessential part of life in Virginia Beach - the ability to explore nature, experience dolphins, kayak on the ocean, go hiking, fishing - all in your own backyard. 27 years ago, Matt Redford had a vision for turning one of his passions into a business that everyone could enjoy. Chesapean Outdoors began as kayak dolphin tours but over the decades has e...

April 24th-26th the Business Scaling Experience will be at the Sandler Center in Virginia Beach. 3 Days of learning from some of the top minds in the business world - Magic Johnson, David Meltzer, VB's own Tony DiSilvestro and many more!    Grab your tickets at: www.bsevirginia.com A standard ticket is only $97 for all three days or you can use the promo code "ilovevbpodcast" for 50% off any Selec...

Episode 1 - Thirteenwinks was created by Carla Ryan turning her love of art into a full time business. As an elementary school teacher turned digital creator, Carla is recognized for making skyline art in the form of stickers, paper goods, and gifts of all kinds. Thirteenwinks is in retail stores all over the US and you can check out her designs on her website: www.thirteenwinks.com Instagram Face...

Community Spotlight: The YMCA of South Hampton Roads' President and CEO, Anthony Walters, shares with us the incredible role that our region's YMCA plays in our local community. They serve over 250,000 people in our area and provide countless programs for youths and adults all while creating a sense of belonging for every individual.  Website: www.ymcashr.org Instagram Facebook YouTube

Community Spotlight: The YMCA of South Hampton Roads' President and CEO, Anthony Walters, shares with us the incredible role that our region's YMCA plays in our local community. They serve over 250,000 people in our area and provide countless programs for youths and adults all while creating a sense of belonging for every individual.  Website: www.ymcashr.org Instagram Facebook YouTube

Episode 7 - Ace and Ariana Foster are the founders of Foster Beauty Fashion Show. The Foster Beauty Fashion Show is a platform for local talent and creatives such as models, designers, artists, and many more. This event was created in 2020 and has already seen massive growth in the beginning stages. In this episode, the Fosters share their story of how it all began and give us a glimpse into how t...

Episode 6 - Victoria DiSilvestro is a young and driven business owner who has grown her brand - Airotciv by Victoria - to a national level. As a second generation entrepreneur, Victoria grew up learning from the best. She allowed her parents' wisdom to guide her business building decisions and, mixed in with her own courage and creativity, it has proven to be a recipe for success.   www.airotcivby...

Community Spotlight: Virginia Beach Friends School was established in 1955 and has faithfully served as our areas only private Quaker school. Head of School, Mike Barclay, shares the school's history, core values and goals with us in this community spotlight.  www.vbfschool.org Instagram

Episode 5 - First Landing Seafood Company was brought to life by three brothers coming together to revive a decades old family business. Raised on the Lynnhaven River, the McLaughlin Family grew up loving and caring for the oysters that are native to our region. America's First Oysters™ are arguably the best oysters in the world and this company's mission to ensure that everyone in Virginia Beach...

Community Spotlight: Lauren Kiger, Director of Philanthropy at Children's Hospital of The King's Daughters, and Matt Fanghella, who sits on the Future Generations Board, share with us the history and mission of CHKD. They share their experiences with us as well as highlight the ways in which our community helps meet the needs of the Children's Hospital. www. CHKD.org www. CHKD.org/donate Instagram

Episode 4 - Chris Hall is a full time musician and recording artist known as Chris Keys. His incredible talent is highlighted in his piano playing and flawless vocals. Chris has been singing and performing since he was a child and is clearly living out his life's passion today. You can catch his solo act or his duo, LittKeys, in popular restaurants and stages around town. In 2021, Chris Keys relea...

Community Spotlight: We check in with past guest, Antwain Britt, to get an update on his gourmet cookie business and hear about his latest venture with business partner, Brittany Augustine. Hiit House is a one of kind workout with a unique twist.  Check it out at: www.hiithouse.com Juggernaut Cookie Co. Find the full Juggernaut Cookie story in Season 2 Episode 9 of the I Love VB Podcast! 

Episode 3 - Owen Van Syckle takes us though his journey of over 21 years in the consulting business as the founder of Van Syckle Group. The Van Syckle Group is a sales results organization that founded the Sales Acceleration Academy. They work with companies all over the country and have seen tremendous success with their clients.   The growth of the company led naturally to the next step of creat...

Episode 2 - VB Rescue is the nation's largest volunteer-based emergency medical services system and has been serving our city for over 80 years. In this episode, the Executive Director of the Virginia Beach Rescue Squad Foundation, Gina Benefiel, shares about the mission of VB Rescue and what makes our local rescue squads so unique. Visit their website: www. VBRescue.org  

Episode 1 - Krystal Henry is the owner of the The Key Salon - a hair salon focused on bringing you the highest quality products, service and style while pampering you and making you feel like part of her family. After twelve years in the industry, Krystal opened her own business in 2020 and has continued to grow and expand. Her story is full of determination, courage, and success as she persevered...

Episode 14 - Steff Speirs is the owner of Sunshine and Sweet Pea's Coastal Decor - a bright and colorful shop filled with art, decor, jewelry and all things coastal inspired. In 2018 Steff took her passion and knack for business and opened a retail space where art is center stage. Steff's story includes lessons from operating previous businesses and overcoming unexpected life challenges time and t...