The Local Success Podcast

In today’s episode, I am joined by a man who is driven by a passion, and his mission is to share his message with the world. It is a pleasure to have on today, Dr. Luis Luacra. He has a PhD in leadership and organizational change. With two books out and as a keynote speaker, Dr. Luacra has spent the last 20 years consulting for some of the nation's leading CEOs on how to be effective leaders and create a culture that retains employees. Dr. Luacra shares his philosophy on how a leader should behave, and we also talk about the current hot topic of the post-Covid work environment. Dr. Luacra shares his thoughts on why employees are hesitant to come back to the office, as well as the benefits that come from it. Dr. Luacra is an infinite box of knowledge when it comes to human psychology in the workplace, and his knowledge deserves to be spread to the masses. If you’re interested in Dr. Luacra’s message and would like to have him speak to your group, please contact the links below. https://luisluarcaphd.com/optin1594842356392. Booking: rmflores.v@outlook.com --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ricardo-flores659/support

Terry Pillow is a true pioneer of the fashion industry, and in this conversation, he takes us on a wonderful journey through his life. He starts with stories from his childhood in Arkansas, his first encounters with fashion, and how he ended up working for and leading fashion giants such as Ralph Lauren, Giorgio Armani, Adidas, and eventually becoming the CEO of the globally known brand, Tommy Bahamas. All of Terry's experience has led him to start his latest fashion venture, a fine leather goods store, made in the United States in beautiful Montecito, California. He shares his vision for the brand and store and how proud he is of what is to come. Terry's life story is an amazing reminder to stay true to what you love and are passionate about. Terry decided to follow his love for fashion, and the doors always opened at the right time. He shares incredible stories about working with legends in fashion, such as being a merchandiser for Ralph Lauren and working directly with Giorgio Armani in none other than the fashion capital of the world, Milan. Terry also talks about the importance of being on the same page when it comes to collaborating with others, emphasizing that it is crucial to surround yourself with individuals with ambition and a similar mindset as you. It was such a pleasure getting insight from Terry when it comes to the fashion industry and life in general. I truly hope you all enjoy this talk and visit his store in Montecito. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ricardo-flores659/support

In today's episode, I have the honor of speaking with screenwriter and author Cristofa Kay, who is here to talk about his brand new book, "Flash Point: Nowhere to Run". Chris is a truly admirable person, having been born in Harlem, New York and spending the last 20 years in Santa Barbara, CA working in higher education. He is currently one of the deans at the prestigious Santa Barbara City College and spends a lot of his time preparing the next generation for the world. Besides his accomplishments in the education sector, Chris has always had a passion for writing. He has written multiple screenplays and three books thus far. In this conversation, Chris talks about his life as a teenager in New York, his college years, his move to Santa Barbara, and his current life there. He also promotes his newest book, "Flash Point: Nowhere to Run", a novel he is proud of and hopes people will enjoy reading as much as he enjoyed writing it. I had the pleasure of getting to know Chris on a deeper level and talking to him about important life topics. I have no doubt that his life journey up to this point will inspire others to follow their dreams, and I cannot wait to see the success his new book will bring him. Enjoy the talk, and if you wish to check out the book, click on the link below. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ricardo-flores659/support

I am fascinated by success stories, but of course, success means something different to everyone. Today, I have the pleasure of speaking with Rosario Zapata, owner of Queen of Clean Service, about her views on success and life in general.Rosario grew up on a beautiful ranch in Mexico, surrounded by family, animals, and nature. She considers those years some of the best of her life, but decided to move to the United States when she was 18 with great ambitions. She started cleaning homes in Montecito, California, which was intimidating at first, considering she had zero experience cleaning houses. However, she was determined to make something of herself.Fast forward 20 years, and Rosario is the proud owner of Queen of Clean Service, a 25 employee, 12 van operation. She runs the company with love and care for everyone involved. Rosario shares stories about her time at the ranch, how the business got its name, her vision for the company, and so much more about her incredible life so far.This story is nothing short of inspiring. It shows that with enough passion and determination, anything can be achieved. I hope you enjoy it and share it! ESPAÑOL: A mi me fascinan las historias de éxito, pero por supuesto, el éxito significa algo diferente para cada persona. Hoy, tengo el placer de conversar con Rosario Zapata, dueña de Queen of Clean, Inc., sobre sus opiniones acerca del éxito y de la vida en general.Rosario creció en un hermoso rancho en México, rodeada de familia, animales y naturaleza. Ella considera esos años como algunos de los mejores de su vida, pero decidió mudarse a Estados Unidos cuando tenía 18 años con grandes ambiciones. Empezó limpiando casas en Montecito, California, lo cual era intimidante al principio, considerando que no tenía ninguna experiencia limpiando hogares. Sin embargo, ella estaba determinada en salir adelante en su nuevo país.Ya han sido 20 años, y Rosario es la dueña de Queen of Clean, Inc., una empresa de 25 empleados y 12 vans. Ella dirige la compañía con cariño y respeto con todos los empleados. Rosario comparte historias sobre su tiempo en el rancho, cómo la empresa obtuvo su nombre, su visión para la empresa y mucho más acerca de su vida increíble hasta ahora.Para mi esta historia es el perfecto ejemplo que como con suficiente pasión y determinación, todo se puede lograr en esta vida. Espero que la disfruten y si se sienten inspirados, que la compartan. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/ricardo-flores659/support

I love laughing. If I could laugh all day, I would. This is one of the many reasons why this conversation with stand-up comedian Chris Williams is already one of my favorite ones so far.  Chris and I connected over social media and I was deeply inspired by his pursue of his dream and vision; to be a stand-up comedian who brings value to the world. Chris shares his first experiences with comedy, a few not-so happy stories that eventually he would learn were just life lessons and a reminder to never give up on his dream, his upcoming goals and his overall vision for this carreer.  Besides being hilarious, Chris is also a very deep man with a clear head and goal. As a comedy fan myself, it was a pleasure to speak to someone so well versed in the field. On top of performing all over the state, Chris also started his own company, Let Loose Comedy.                                       Let Loose Comedy was created with the goal to provide a safe and fun space for comedians to perform and perfect their craft. Chris and his company put on weekly shows in beautiful Santa Barbara, California in many restaurants and bars across town.  This conversation was not only funny but also deep and thougt provoking. I had a blast learning about Chris and his passion and I have no doubt he will accomplish all of his goals and more.                                                                                                                                                                                                       I hope this episode allows you to Admire, Get Inspired and Take Action.  Follow Chris’s instagram @crwspeaks and his company @letloosecomedysb --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/ricardo-flores659/support

What a pleasure to be joined by Sunstone Winery‘s President, Director and Co-Owner, Teddy Cabugos in today’s episode. I have been visiting Sunstone Winery for over 2 years and have loved every single time I go up there and was able to have an amazing conversation with Teddy regarding his life journey, his acquisition of Sunstone Winery and the vision he has for this incredible winery.                                      Teddy takes us on a complete journey from leaving his home town, exploring careers and others areas in the country and eventually making a much anticipated return to Santa Barbara to own and run this highly unique and gorgeous winery in the beautiful Santa Ynez Valley.  Teddy is hugely inspirational indiviso who is following a vision he had in life. He does so by being a humble, hard working and caring boss, which it is rare to see now a days. We discus the challenges of owning and operating such a large type of business, what drew him to it in the first place and how he plans to accomplish so many awesome projects this winery has in store for the community. I truly enjoyed this conversation and I hope you all do as well! Now lets Admire, Get Inspired and Take Action! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/ricardo-flores659/support

In today’s episode I’m joined by a man I truly admire and I hope will inspire you all.  Chris Gocong is a 7 year NFL veteran who played most of his career with the Philadelphia Eagles and the Cleveland Browns. Chris had a successful career and he shares some incredible stories about his time in Philly, what it meant to go to the NFL for him, the importance of goal-setting and, so many other topics. Chris opens up about life after football, he gets real about the physical toll the sport had on his body and how he was able to find other passions that bring fulfillment to his life.  This was a deep conversation with someone extremely talented and passionate about life. Chris shares his view on success and how it has changed over the years. He talks about how he wants to be remembered once he is gone. I had an amazing time with this conversation and it served and a reminder to always keep in mind what really matters in life. I thanks Chris for time and I truly hope it inspires you as much as it inspired me. I hope you enjoy this talk Follow Chris and his art on instagram at: @Chrisgocong  --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/ricardo-flores659/support

WINE! I love wine. I love smelling it, I love drinking it and, I love talking about it. There is something so refreshing about talking about something you love with a real expert on the subject. In today’s episode I have the pleasure to have a conversation about wine with a true expert on this field, Daniel Berman. Daniel has been around wine since a very young age and has turned his passion into a business. We talk about when his love for wine began, the influence his dad had on it, his first professional encounters with it and, of course his new company: Rincón Wine Group. Daniel shares why he had the idea to start this in the first place and where he sees this company going. He also talks about the importance of having a teammate in life and people that believe in your same vision. I had such an awesome time with this conversation and I hope you join me so you too can admire Daniel’s journey, get inspired by his story and, take action on your own dreams. Enjoy the talk! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/ricardo-flores659/support

WINE! I love wine. I love smelling it, I love drinking it and, I love talking about it. There is something so refreshing about talking about something you love with a real expert on the subject.  In today’s episode I have the pleasure to have a conversation about wine with a true expert on this field, Daniel Berman. Daniel has been around wine since a very young age and has turned his passion into a business. We talk about when his love for wine began, the influence his dad had on it, his first professional encounters with it and, of course his new company: Rincón Wine Group. Daniel shares why he had the idea to start this in the first place and where he sees this company going. He also talks about the importance of having a teammate in life and people that believe in your same vision. I had such an awesome time with this conversation and I hope you join me so you too can admire Daniel’s journey, get inspired by his story and, take action on your own dreams. Enjoy the talk!

Entrepreneurship isn’t easy. It is something many want but, not at all are willing to put in the work to make things happen. And some people just have ”IT”, Angie Esparza is one of those people. The owner of Highly Favored Beauty Studio in beautiful downtown Santa Barbara has found her calling in the beauty industry and she is just getting started. Angie shares what her vision for this studio is, how she plans to get there and gives us an insight of her life and how she got to this point. We talk about habits that have positively changed her life, the importance of sorounding yourself with like-minded individuals and, her future plans for the business.  I truly admire Angie and the way she has paved her own destiny. I hope you all get some value out of this and join me to Admire, Get Inspired and Take Action! Follow Highly Favored on Instagram:  https://instagram.com/highlyfavoredxbeauty?igshid=Zjc2ZTc4Nzk=

We are starting 2023 with a heavy hitter. I am so excited to be joined today by Sheralyn Baltes, she is the Senior VP of Digital Media & Business Operations for the upcoming professional soccer team, the Santa Barbara Sky Football Club. As a futbol fanatic myself, I’m delighted to have this conversation with Sheralyn. We will talk about her role in this upcoming team, what it means to the city, the vision for this team in the future and many other life topics. I hope you enjoy enjoy the talk.

Owning and running a restaurant is no easy feature. It takes time, effort, knowledge and, most importantly an amazing team. Nadia Ajlouni, owner of the very famous restaurant The Blue Owl joins me today to talk about achieving her goal of owning a restaurant and living her dream at the same time. Nadie shares what techniques in life she has found helpful to help her accomplish anything she wants. Nadia talks about the importance of being kind to others, and it truly shows in the way she is running her restaurant. She shares how crucial having the right team around you is, the obstacles of running a business and what she loves about it.  She was recently approached by the Food Network and she was able to fulfill another life dream to be on that exact TV show. This conversation served as a true source of admiration and inspiration for me and I hope it does the same for you! 

Today I am joined by Dr.Chris Funk. Dr.Funk the Director of the Climate Hazards Center (CHC) at UC Santa Barbara. He works with an international team of Earth scientists to inform weather and famine-related disaster responses. And, he is the co-author of the book Drought, Flood, Fire; How Climate Change Contributes to Catastrophes.  Dr.Funk shares his passion of helping others by trying to protect the earth we live in. He gives tips and advices on how to achieve success while staying true to yourself and having a well balanced life of family, job, and personal life. 

Today I am joined by Amanda Cuevas, co-owner and former dancer of the legendary Maria Bermudez Flamenco Performing Arts Studio. Amanda grew up dancing there as a young child and now as an adult, is running the studio sharing ownership of it and wished to fulfill the vision she has for it. We talked about when her passion for dancing developed and she shares some incredible stories about her dancing experience in Spain where she moved to in order top absorb that culture as much as possible.

In today’s episode I am joined by gym owner and personal trainer Jordan Kuykendall. Jordan is the owner of the incredible gym Superior Fitness In Santa Barbara, California.  Jordan shares his journey of getting into fitness at a very young age and what helped him stayed discipline in order to follow his dreams. He shares his view on discipline and explains just how important it is to have it for everyone in pursuit of a certain goal.  We talk about some of the obstacles life throws at us that might impede us from reaching out full potential and how to overcome them. Jordan shares his insight on what success is and his vision for the gym’s future. Superior Fitness is not only a gym to get in shape but also a community where people come together and build each other up.  This conversation was truly inspiring to me and I hope it is for you too. Listen with an open mind and get ready to ADMIRE, GET INSPIRED, AND TAKE ACTION! 

Today I am joined by Director Craig Borders. Craig is one of the pioneers of the reality TV industry, producing and having major roles in some of the most iconic reality TV shows of all time such as The Real World, Laguna Beach, and many others. In this conversation Craig opens up about the TV and film industry, his dreams of becoming a film maker which started at a really young age, and he shares stories involving rock stars which are must-listens.   And then, he gets real about the most important aspect of his life, being a father. Craig shares how no matter what happens in his professional career, his kids always come first. He explains how success is an ever-changing and evolving aspect of life that changes as your life does as well.  This was a fun and in depth conversation about a man who followed his dreams, accomplished them and, is not stopping any time soon. Hope you enjoy it!

And we are live!  In this inaugural episode of the podcast, I am joined by Dr.Margaret Briggs. She is a speech pathologist who specializes in working with kids with autism and has been doing so for 50 years.  We talk about her journey in her career, obstacles she had to overcome and an overall view on success. Dr.Margaret explains the power of having positive habits in one’s life. She gives some advice on things we can do to better our confidence and she challenges everyone to be curious and adventurous. I gained so much from this conversation and I can only hope it does the same for you! ADMIRE. GET INSPIRED. TAKE ACTION. 

Welcome to my podcast! I have been so lucky to have met some incredibly inspiring people in my life and I want to share their stories. Thank you for listening and get ready to Admire, Get Inspired and Take Action.

This podcast is greatly inspired by this beautiful quote. The people I will be interviewing lead by example and have achieved success in a much deeper meaning.