Just Ask Upland

In this episode of the  Just Ask Upland Podcast , host Amy Valdivia sits down with John Lewis of Ovation School for the Performing Arts. Hear John share his journey in the performing arts, the story behind Ovation, and how the school is inspiring creativity while making a lasting impact in the Upland community. Whether you're passionate about the arts, education, or supporting local organizations,...

Welcome to the Just Ask Upland Podcast, presented by the Upland Chamber of Commerce in Upland, California! In this episode, host Amy Valdivia sits down with Joey Mancuso, owner of Barcuso Social Club in Downtown Upland, for a conversation about entrepreneurship, community, and building a local business from the ground up. Joey shares the story behind launching Barcuso Social Club, the challenges a...

Join host Amy Valdivia as she sits down with Laura Acosta from Foglesong Towing for an inside look at one of the businesses helping keep our community moving. In this episode, we'll get to know Laura, hear the story behind Foglesong Towing, and learn more about the important services they provide throughout the region. From roadside assistance to the day-to-day realities of the towing industry, La...

In this episode, we sit down with Arif Taj, owner of Sport Clips in Upland, CA. Arif shares his journey as a small business owner, the importance of community connection, and how Sport Clips continues to deliver more than just great haircuts—it's about creating an experience. Tune in to hear Arif's insights on entrepreneurship, customer care, and why Upland is the perfect place to grow a business.

Welcome to the Just Ask Upland Podcast , hosted by Amy Valdivia . In today's episode, we sit down with Melba Buenafe-Rey from Chino Commercial Bank . Melba shares her inspiring life story and the incredible journey that led her to become the branch manager at one of the community's most trusted local banks. From overcoming challenges to pursuing her passion for helping others, Melba's story is one...

On this episode of the Just Ask Upland Podcast, host Amy Valdivia sits down with the talented Frank Familari of HQ Headquarters for an inspiring and entertaining conversation. From his early days behind the chair to becoming a local legend in hair styling, Frank shares the passion, creativity, and personal journey that shaped his career and his unique approach to beauty. Amy dives deep into the ma...

This week on the Just Ask Upland Podcast , host Amy Valdivia sits down with the unstoppable Sonja Coffee of Sonja Coffee Real Estate, RE/MAX Champions. ✨ From humble beginnings and unwavering faith to building a powerhouse real estate brand, Sonja shares her incredible journey of grit, grace, and growth. 💬 Discover the mindset behind her success, the challenges she's overcome, and her top tips f...

In this episode of the Just Ask Upland Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Robert Rothbard, better known as Dr. Bob, from Rancho Cucamonga Optometric Center. We dive into: 👀 The diverse landscape of optometry and how the industry is evolving 🤝 The power of networking and community connections in business 🏡 His upbringing and family background that shaped his journey 📍 Insights into doing business in...

Welcome to this month's episode of the Just Ask Podcast , presented by the Upland Chamber of Commerce and hosted by Amy Valdia! This time, we're sitting down with David Powers from Powers Records to explore his incredible journey—one that's taken him from a passion for music to a successful career in the mortgage industry and right back to his musical roots. Join us as we dive into his past, prese...

Welcome to another exciting episode of the Just Ask Upland Podcast, hosted by Amy Valdivia! Today, we're thrilled to have Dori Ferranto from Ferranto Fields Insurance Services joining us.  In this episode, we dive into the story behind Ferranto Fields Insurance Services , a trusted name in Downtown Upland. With over 35 years of experience, Dori Ferranto and her husband Santo have been guiding loca...

Welcome to another exciting episode of the Just Ask Upland Podcast, hosted by Amy Valdivia! Today, we're thrilled to have Jason Van Noy and Shelley Van Noy from Van Noy Real Estate joining us. Tune in as we dive into the journey of this successful husband and wife team, exploring how they've risen to the top of their field. We'll also discuss the challenges they face in the current housing market...

Get ready for an exciting episode of the Just Ask Upland Podcast! This time, we're thrilled to have David Lamb from Signarama as our special guest. Signarama Ontario is your one-stop destination for all your signage needs. From cutting-edge technology to top-quality materials, they're dedicated to creating custom signs that perfectly represent your business. Whether you need eye-catching banners,...

Get ready for an enlightening episode of the Just Ask Upland Podcast! Join us as we sit down with John Chapman, President and CEO at San Antonio Regional Hospital, and Michelle Stoddard, President at San Antonio Hospital Foundation. We're diving deep into this incredible facility right in our city's backyard. Tune in as we uncover all the fantastic things happening at the hospital and explore the...

Susie Fraize explains all the positives of having an electric bike and how much fun it is!    Find more of Susie Fraize and Pedego Bikes Upland Here: susie@pedegoupland.com 909-660-5666 https://www.facebook.com/pedegoupland/ Thank you to Kids Sports News Network for their amazing recording and post-production work on the Just Ask Upland Podcast. Follow the Upland Chamber of Commerce Facebook: @upl...

Dr. Doug McKown, Samaritan Counseling Center, shares how theology and science are important parts of mental health care, and how the pandemic impacted Americans mental health.   Find more of Dr. Doug and Samaritan Counseling Center Here:  samaritancounselingupland.org (909) 985-0513 facebook.com/SamaritanCounselingCenterUpland   Thank you to Lamonta Amos and Uptown Avenue Recording Studio for allo...

Rene Nowell, owner and founder of RSL Aquatics, shares how swim lessons save lives and how she grew her business from a backyard business to a booming success and Small Business of the Year!   Find more of Rene and RSL Aquatics Here:  rslaquatics.com (909) 851-3491 facebook.com/RSLAquatics instagram.com/RSLAquatics/ tiktok.com/@rslaquatics   Thank you to Lamonta Amos and Uptown Avenue Recording St...

Nancy Turnage, dog behaviorist and trainer and Bark Busters franchise owner, talks about training people and their pets on creating boundaries and maintaining focus.   Find more of Nancy and Bark Busters here: barkbusters.com (909) 969-3699 https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057325545234   Thank you to Lamonta Amos and Uptown Avenue Recording Studio for allowing the Just Ask Upland Podcast...

Aaron Steinmetz, CEO and Founder of Crystal Clear Images, shares his journey to success as a young entrepreneur, advice for new entrepreneurs, and how he shifted his business focus during the Covid-19 pandemic.   Find more of Aaron and Crystal Clear Images here: mytonersite.com | crystalclearimagesinc.com (909) 948-7167 https://www.facebook.com/CrystalClearImagesInc   Thank you to Lamonta Amos and...

Stephen Parker, Upland Assistant City Manager, gives us all the information on the Discover Upland Gift Card Program as well as some of the challenges facing the city now. Purchase your Discover Upland Gift Cards here: https://app.yiftee.com/gift-card/city-of-upland-ca   Follow the Upland Chamber of Commerce Facebook: @uplandchamberofcommerce / @shopupland Instagram: @uplandchamber / @shopupland T...