Velocity - Vista Chamber Podcast

The Boys & Girls Club of Vista is ensuring great futures for the youth of Vista! Led by CEO Matt Koumaras since 2007, the Club has grown to multiple sites and serves over 800 hundred kids aged 5-18 each year. The Club offers support in homework help, emotional and personal growth, music and sports programs, career exploration and much more!   It was an honor to sit down with Matt, Ve...

Rochelle McLean was born for birth. From a young age, Rochelle was highly interested in all things related to birth, babies, and young children and thought she would be an OBGYN. But, life and love took her on a different path which led her exactly where she should be - serving pregnant families with education, services and lots of support. Rochelle now owns Babies in Bloom, a baby boutique which...

Aaron Byzak is the Chief External Affairs Officer for Tri-City Medical Center. In his role he oversees the marketing, communications, government affairs, community relations, and patient transportation for the District and the Medical Center. But Aaron is so much more than the role he serves at Tri-City Medical Center. He's a devoted husband and father, volunteer, mental health and drug reform adv...

Julie Lowen is the founder and CEO of Children's Paradise Preschool and Infant Centers.  Julie, fueled by her personal experience and loss, founded the first Children's Paradise in 1993 and now operates five centers with several more coming on-line in the next year. Her intentional and unique approach to childcare encompasses the whole family and their needs.  Julie also founded the Smar...

Kevin Humphrey is an husband, father and long-time educator. He's also the Superintendent of Guajome Schools,  which includes Guajome Park Academy and Guajome Learning Center. Kevin sits down with Rachel to talk about his experience as an educator, why today's students approach learning differently, and the issue of student mental health. Kevin also explain what makes Guajome different than o...

Dave Baldwin is an author, financial advisor, and certified financial planner. He helps his clients understand the psychology behind spending and lives to help others achieve their financial goals. His heart for service is rooted prior Navy experience and continues today with his commitment to our community via his participation in North Coast Church and his volunteerism, including currently servi...

The Vista Viking Festival Returns! A chat with Joey Hill from Norway Hall Foundation and Sons of Norway who gives an advanced look at the 20th anniversary Viking Festival which raises funds for Multiple Sclerosis research. Show Notes: Norway Hall Foundation Sons of Norway vistavikingfestival.com Walk MS Valkyrie - The Women of the Viking World The Independents - Baby Doll Ray Reifel Flooring Thank...

Tasha Boerner Horvath represents the 76th CA Assembly District which includes Vista, Oceanside, Camp Pendleton, Carlsbad and Encinitas. The need for a stop-sign near a neighborhood elementary school launched Tasha into public service and she served as a City Council Member prior to her election to the State Assembly in 2018 and re-election in 2020. Join Rachel for the Season 2 Velocity Vista Podca...

David Zumaya is the 2022 Nick Ljubic Chamber Champion! Named after former Vista Chamber Chair of the Board, this award honors an individual who gives of themselves to the Chamber and its members. David is a true Chamber Champion. He is a skilled connector and creative innovator who uses his abilities to lift up others. In addition to teaching film and digital media marketing, he is also the founde...

San Diego County Supervisor Jim Desmond represents District 5 which covers more than 2,100 square miles and 700,000 residents. But what exactly does a County Supervisor do? Listen in as Supervisor Desmond sits down with Rachel Beld to share the role of County vs Cities and talks about the attributes, challenges, and what's next for North County San Diego.  Supervisor Desmond also shares about...

In this episode go behind the keg to learn the story of The Steeping Giant, manufacturer of delicious cold brew coffee. Joe Henschel, CEO, shares the history of the company and his personal journey as an entrepreneur. Learn how his leap of faith led The Steeping Giant through the pandemic - but don't call it a pivot. The Steeping Giant is what it set out to be - high quality cold brew coffee unlik...

Alexis Panchevre is a proud cat lady. She's also an artist and a trash blaster. She's Secretary for the BackFence Society and manages the Only Losers Litter community clean-up program. Join Rachel Beld as she sits down with Alexis for a chat about growing up in Vista, big boy cats, the intersection of art and trash, and how cleaning up trash is the very first step in caring about our planet. Happy...

Direct Professional Cleaning Services is Heroes of Vista 2022 Small Business of the Year! Owner Andrea Ruano shares her personal journey into this industry, her passion for her clients and her commitment to empowering others. Join Rachel in this conversation about making your own future and the power of helping others. Show Notes/Links: Direct Professional Cleaning Services Heroes of Vista Small B...

Terry Woods is the founder and editor of North County Daily Star, where North County San Diego gets local news. A Veteran of the Vietnam War, Terry and his wife Kathy ended up in Vista in 1986 for an extended vacation and never left! He's been involved in nearly every aspect of life in Vista over the past 35+ years and dedicates his time to lifting up the community. Take a listen and learn a bit m...

Join Rachel as she sits down with recently retired City of Vista Economic Development Director, Kevin Ham. Kevin spent over 20 years with the City and during his tenure was involved in the expansion of the Vista Business Park, the development of Vista Village and the growth of the historic Downtown as well as the development of two strategic plans which helped to foster the craft beer industry. Jo...

Dive into this tasty episode featuring Don Hein, owner of Little Cakes Cupcake Kitchen. Little Cakes is a two-time winner on the hit TV show Cupcake Wars. In this interview hear about the sweet (and not so sweet) parts of entrepreneurship, advice for business owners looking to expand, and the reason why Vista was Little Cakes secret ingredient in the recipe for success. No matter how you choose to...

Lisette Hart opened Vista's first yoga studio and now owns and operates Yoga Branch Vista. In this episode of Velocity, Rachel and Lisette sit down to discuss her background, how she found yoga, and why Yoga Branch represents Vista's unique vibe. Learn how Lisette showed flexibility of body and mind during COVID and has weathered the storm to emerge stronger than ever.   Show notes/links&nbsp...

Paige McWey Acers, a life-long Vistan, is the Executive Director of the San Diego Brewers Guild, a membership organization supporting all businesses connected to the brewing industry. In this episode, learn about the Guild's work to support local craft beer, current and future struggles and how the San Diego Brewers Guild became essential to its members during the pandemic.  Show notes/links...

Mike Levin is US Representative for CA 49th District which includes southern Orange County and north County San Diego, including Vista. In this episode of Velocity Rachel sits down with Congressman Levin to talk about what led him to public office, legislative priorities for the district and why democracy matters.  He also shares why his work to support Veteran's opportunities is important an...

Join host Rachel Beld for a special episode of Velocity featuring her holiday shopping recommendations and some special announcements.  Show notes/links:   Babies in Bloom  Pair A Dice Games  Wave Waterpark  Moonlight Stage Productions  Alta Vista Botanical Gardens  Antique Gas & Steam Engine Museum  Cat & Craft  RV Rent CA  Vacations...

Peppertree Frosty is a Vista institution. The Villaseñor family has been serving up tasty treats and savory snacks out of this charming snack shack since the 1950s. Join Rachel and Peppertree owner Danny Villaseñor for a conversation about Peppertree's iconic menu (it's HUGE!) and learn Danny's favorite item. Danny also shares the family's connection to the Vista community, inspiring the workforce...

In this episode of Velocity, Vista Chamber CEO Rachel Beld sits down with Whit Rigali, co-founder of Misadventure & Company. Whit and his business partner, Samuel Chereskin, created Misadventure Vodka, which is the world’s first carbon negative consumer good and also the first and only spirit made from excess baked goods. This means every drink of Misadventure takes a stand against food waste,...

In this episode of Velocity (recorded just after school began in August), Vista Chamber CEO Rachel Beld sits down with Dr. Matt Doyle , Superintendent, Vista Unified School District. Dr. Doyle shares how he became an educator and what inspires him. Join us for a discussion about the important work of educating students with a focus on equity, navigating the COVID-19 pandemic, connecting students t...

In this episode of Velocity, Vista Chamber CEO Rachel Beld enjoys a thoughtful chat with Lev Gershman, Founder and Managing Partner of Tideline Partners. Heavily invested in Downtown Vista, Lev discusses why Vista was the right choice for several projects, why art matters, and the importance of the legacy we leave behind. Join us for a thought provoking discussion about change, growth, and the Bar...

In the first-ever episode of Velocity, Vista Chamber CEO Rachel Beld sits down with Vista Mayor Judy Ritter to discuss her 23 year commitment to the City, what makes her proud, how she started in business, and what's next.  There is so much to discuss! Pour yourself a Diet Coke and settle in for a chat with Rachel & Judy.  Mayor Judy's shout-outs: The City of Vista Paseo Santa Fe Pro...