The Catalyst

For the past several weeks, we’ve sat down with restaurant owners, retailers, fitness entrepreneurs, service providers, and business leaders from across Long Beach as part of our Small Business Resiliency Series . Although every business has a different story, one thing became clear. Many are facing the same challenges and discovering many of the same solutions. In this special recap episode, Stua...

How do you know if your business is truly the right fit for a community? In this final episode of the Small Business Resiliency Series, Stuart Takehara talks with Joseph Michael Gray from HOTWORX Long Beach about what it takes to open a new fitness studio in a competitive market. Joseph shares how the HOTWORX team evaluated Long Beach as a location, what factors mattered most in choosing the Sprin...

Customer behavior has changed, and restaurants that want to survive need to change with it. In this episode of the Small Business Resiliency Series, Stuart Takehara talks with Caprice Kindgren, Director of Marketing for Urbane Cafe, about how the fast casual brand grew from one location in Ventura to 44 locations across California and Las Vegas, including two in Long Beach. Caprice shares how Urba...

Can you successfully open a business in an industry you’ve never worked in? Jax Diener did exactly that. With no hospitality experience, no restaurant background, and plenty of people telling her it was a bad idea, Jax launched Watch Me Sports Bar, California’s first women’s sports bar. Two years later, the business continues to grow, evolve, and adapt in one of the most challenging economic envir...

What happens when a delivery business becomes more than a delivery business? In this episode of the Small Business Resiliency Series, Stuart Takehara sits down with Robb Smith, founder of Alley Cat Deliveries, a Long Beach-based personal errand, delivery, shuttle, and logistics service built around one simple idea: people over profit. Robb shares how Alley Cat started on a bike after a major life...

What do you do when life forces you to hit pause? After emergency heart surgery left him unable to work, travel, or continue his fast-paced hospitality career, BC Hoffman found himself searching for a creative outlet. What started as homemade Italian ice made from fruit growing in his backyard eventually became BC’s ICs, one of Long Beach’s newest artisan food brands. In this episode of the Small...

What happens when customers love your business, but they use it differently than you expected? In this episode of the Small Business Resiliency Series, Stuart Takehara talks with Leonard Chan, owner and founder of Midnight Oil in Downtown Long Beach, about building a bar and restaurant concept in one of the city’s most active and competitive neighborhoods. Leonard shares how Midnight Oil came toge...

In this episode, Dave Garden, CEO of Kiwi, discusses the challenges faced by small businesses post-COVID, the impact of big tech, and how Kiwi's demand engine helps local businesses thrive by aligning their success with their customers' profits. Key Topics Impact of COVID-19 on small businesses Challenges posed by big tech to local businesses Kiwi's demand engine and fair revenue model The importa...

What happens when you build something special, but your neighborhood is not yet known as a destination? In this episode of the Small Business Resiliency Series, Stuart Takehara talks with Thea from The Wicked Wolf, a cocktail lounge, teahouse, and community gathering space in Long Beach’s Wrigley neighborhood. Thea shares the honest reality of opening a bar after the pandemic, running a small hosp...

What happens when local customers alone are not enough to sustain every business in town? In this episode of the Small Business Resiliency Series, Stuart Takehara talks with Dan Lipton, founder of Beach Cities Media, about how small businesses can stay visible, reach new audiences, and adapt when customer spending changes. Dan shares how Beach Cities Media launched as a hospitality-focused publica...

In this episode, trademark attorney Joachim Roe shares essential insights for small business owners on how to protect their brand through trademarks, the importance of conducting proper searches, and the process of registration. Learn how trademarks can be a valuable asset and safeguard your business from legal conflicts. Key Topics Importance of trademarks for small businesses How to conduct a tr...

In this episode of The Catalyst, host Stuart Takehara interviews Jenna Markley, the principal of BRR Architecture's Long Beach office. Jenna shares her journey from San Francisco to Long Beach, discussing the strategic decision to open a new office in a city rich with architectural talent and community spirit. She emphasizes the importance of collaboration in architecture, the unique culture of Lo...

In this episode of The Catalyst, Stuart Takehara discusses the importance of maximizing your membership in the Long Beach Chamber of Commerce. He emphasizes the value of networking, building relationships, and actively participating in events to grow your business. Stuart shares personal anecdotes and insights on how consistent engagement can lead to significant opportunities, especially with the...

In this episode of The Catalyst, host Stuart Takahara discusses the critical topics of talent recruitment, retention, and employee lifestyle with guests Kirsten Stromberg and Walter Saper from Venture. They explore the concept of building a magnetic employer brand, the importance of company culture, and the steps organizations can take to attract and retain top talent. The conversation also delves...

Declutter Your Business Message: The Art of Less Is More Imagine trying to serve 10 different cuisines at once... chaotic, right? That's your business messaging when you're trying to be everything to everyone. This episode is your crash course in decluttering your brand, making your message clear, focused, and irresistible to the right audience. In this episode: Why aiming to be all things to all...

Most small business owners are still stuck in the old SEO days, but AI has hit the scene and flipped the game upside down. Kris Gregson from Local Lenz AI reveals how AI now acts as your new best friend (or worst nightmare) in local search. Think Google’s answer box on steroids, no more relying solely on keywords or backlinks. If your website isn’t optimized for AI’s new intelligence, you might as...

Most nonprofits think a big budget is what makes a compelling video. Mike Bauch and Philip Redd reveal why storytelling — not spending — is your secret weapon to turn viewers into supporters. Ready to see how a 3-minute video can change lives and boost your cause? This episode dives into the magic behind creating videos that resonate, whether for a gala or social media. Mike shares his insider tip...

Most small businesses are throwing away big branding advantages by thinking it’s just a logo or a catchphrase. Turns out, your brand is more like a secret sauce; consistent, memorable, and insanely powerful. If you know how to serve it right. Matt Bardocz from the figure agency drops truth bombs on how even a tiny coffee cart or local restaurant can create a brand experience that customers trust,...

This Lunch and Learn session focused on the theme of marketing for small businesses in 2026, covering various aspects such as public relations, organic social media, video marketing, local SEO, and the importance of storytelling. The panelists shared insights on common marketing mistakes, how to measure success, and the significance of customer engagement through reviews. They emphasized the need...

Summary In this episode of the Catalyst podcast, host Stuart Takehara welcomes Matt Bardocz, a seasoned creative director and entrepreneur, to discuss the essential yet challenging questions that business owners must confront. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding the foundational reasons behind starting a business, the evolution of passion, and the necessity of a brand refre...

This conversation covers significant changes in California employment laws, including minimum wage updates, new regulations on wage theft, and the implications of AI on the workforce. Audrianne Adams Lee discusses various laws affecting employers and employees, emphasizing the importance of compliance and awareness of rights. The discussion also touches on the need for proper record-keeping and th...

The Catalyst - COMING JANUARY 2026 www. LBChamber.com/TheCatalyst