CV Hustle podcast

51:45

Send us a text What happens when an artist takes up the straight razor? Meet Ian Gerald, owner of Palm Desert Barbershop and two-time winner of Barbershop of the Year in the Coachella Valley. His unexpected journey from professional BMX rider to master barber began with a devastating diagnosis of multiple sclerosis at age 18, forcing him to reimagine his future. In this candid conversation, Ian reveals how discovering the traditional barbershop culture sparked a new passion. Unlike many in his field, he learned his craft through apprenticeship rather than conventional schooling, immersing himself in the time-honored traditions of hot towel shaves and precise cuts. When fate offered him the chance to purchase a shop after working there just one month, he transformed it into a haven of craftsmanship and connection. The magic of Palm Desert Barbershop lies in its unique atmosphere—thirteen vintage guitars line the walls, an old jukebox plays in the corner, and complimentary beer awaits clients. But beneath these distinctive touches lies Ian's core philosophy: "Outcome Over Income." This mantra guides his approach to business, prioritizing quality over quantity and genuine relationships over rapid turnover. As he explains, "We sit down, we'll talk to you and keep the conversation going and really be interested in what you have to say." Beyond barbering, Ian pursues diverse artistic endeavors from leather crafting to preserved butterfly art, even trading Pokémon cards for guitars. His home reflects this creative spirit with coffin bookshelves and black-and-white striped walls. For aspiring barbers and entrepreneurs, his advice remains steadfast—do it for passion, not profit, and create something you're genuinely proud to share with your community. Visit Palm Desert Barbershop at the corner of Gerald Ford and Cook Street in Palm Desert, or follow Ian's creative journey on Instagram at @thebarbershoppd and @dybs_art.…

CV Hustle

1
Ep#17-From Kitchen Experiments to Retail Empire: The Body Deli's Natural Skincare Journey 55:34

11 days ago55:34

55:34

Send us a text Margaret Clark and Ashley Skarin share the inspiring journey of building The Body Deli, a locally-made natural skincare brand that has become a Coachella Valley success story. Through determination and innovative thinking, they've grown from kitchen experiments to owning two retail locations while maintaining their commitment to quality and sustainability. • Margaret's entrepreneurial spirit emerged at age 8, selling grapefruit and rocks from roadside stands • Chemical allergies from cosmetology work led Margaret to research and create natural healing balms • The business started after a wealthy client found relief from skin issues and ordered 50 gift baskets • Business partner David Parker helped transform Blue Lotus into The Body Deli with a "food for your skin" concept • They operate two distinct stores - a local-friendly shop on Highway 111 and a luxury boutique on El Paseo • All products are manufactured locally in the Coachella Valley, creating jobs and supporting the local economy • Free skin consultations and samples ensure customers find products that work before making purchases • Customer relationships are prioritized with phone support and personalized service • Their Vital C Repair Serum uses special imported Robosome C to address sun damage and stimulate collagen • The company maintains long-term employees, with some team members working there for 15-30 years Visit thebodydeli.com to explore their complete line of fresh, natural skincare products made right in the Coachella Valley.…

CV Hustle

1
Ep #16-Surviving Cancer and Creating Community: The Story of Shay's Warriors 58:23

18 days ago58:23

58:23

Send us a text When Shay Moraga found a lump in her breast at 38, doctors dismissed her concerns: "You're too young for breast cancer." That dismissal led to a delayed diagnosis of aggressive stage three cancer and a grueling treatment journey. But the real challenge came after she was declared cancer-free. "Everyone celebrates and helps you through treatment," Shay explains. "Then you say 'I'm cancer-free,' and it's like a stop sign—a dead stop." She found herself alone with third-degree burns, physical changes, and the constant fear of recurrence, discovering a critical gap in cancer care: robust support exists during treatment, but little is available for survivors navigating life afterward. Drawing from her entrepreneurial background (she owned her first home at 23 and built a successful property management business spanning Minnesota and California), Shay partnered with fellow survivor Eileen Alvarez to create Shay's Warriors. Their nonprofit offers fully-funded retreats where cancer survivors find understanding, healing, and community among peers who truly comprehend the psychological aftermath of cancer. What began as a women's breast cancer retreat has expanded to include programs for male survivors ("Yo Bro, I'm Brave Too"), recognizing that men face unique challenges expressing vulnerability after cancer. Now partnering with the Ritz-Carlton for their signature four-day retreats, Shay's Warriors provides a transformative space where survivors can process their experiences and rediscover themselves. Shay's story reminds us that sometimes our greatest challenges become our most meaningful contributions. By creating connection for those experiencing the isolation of cancer survivorship, she's turning her personal trauma into healing for countless others. As she puts it, "If I was paid to do this, I would be paid to do this because it's amazing to get somebody's testimonial back and say, 'literally you saved my life.'" Ready to support this vital work or know someone who could benefit? Visit ShaysWarriors.org to learn about upcoming events or nominate a cancer survivor for their retreat program.…

CV Hustle

1
Ep #15-The Legal Side of Success: From SC Grad to Valley Titan-The Amir Afsar Story 55:51

25 days ago55:51

55:51

Send us a text Amir Afshar, a prominent Coachella Valley attorney, shares his unconventional journey from USC rejection to becoming a respected business and real estate lawyer with his own practice spanning 16 years. • Early social media adoption for law practice marketing when traditional advertising was cost-prohibitive • Turning educational rejection into motivation after being denied USC admission despite meeting requirements • Balancing immigrant parents' high expectations with personal career aspirations • Transitioning from working at a small firm to establishing his own successful practice • Teaching entrepreneurship at Cal State San Bernardino to help students understand business realities • Volunteering as an auctioneer for local school fundraisers • Debunking the myth that argumentativeness makes good lawyers, emphasizing problem-solving skills instead • Explaining the critical difference between technical skills and business acumen for entrepreneurs • Maintaining separate business and personal finances to preserve corporate legal protections • Finding creative outlets beyond legal practice to express different aspects of personality Find Amir on social media or at AfsarLaw.com for legal assistance with business and real estate matters.…

CV Hustle

1
Ep #14-Sink or Swim: A Story of Entrepreneurship Against All Odds with Amos Greenwood 56:49

5 weeks ago56:49

56:49

Send us a text Meet Amos Greenwood, the dynamic force behind My Party Rental Guys and Pest Protect 360, whose journey from poverty to entrepreneurship embodies the spirit of determination and grit that defines the Coachella Valley business community. Abandoned by his mother at 17 with limited reading abilities and no high school diploma, Amos refused to let circumstances define his future. Through sheer determination, he secured housing, worked multiple jobs, and eventually taught himself to read through YouTube videos—a platform that would later become his business education center. His early struggles, which he once viewed as embarrassing, have transformed into his greatest strengths and most powerful teaching tools. After climbing the corporate ladder in the pest control industry, Amos experienced a pivotal moment when he substantially increased company profits but received minimal recognition. This disconnect sparked his entrepreneurial awakening: "I can't just sit here and enrich this corporation." When poor service from local rental companies left him scrambling for a tent for his daughter's baby shower, he identified a market gap that became the foundation for My Party Rental Guys. What began in his garage has expanded into a comprehensive event service business growing at 150% annually for three consecutive years. Rather than outsourcing, Amos has methodically brought everything in-house—from basic rentals to bartending services, floral arrangements, and even wine tours. His commitment to being "for locals, by locals" has resonated deeply in a market dominated by impersonal corporate alternatives. Building on his industry experience, Amos recently launched Pest Protect 360, applying his technical certifications and management expertise to a second successful venture. Despite running multiple businesses, he credits his ADHD as both his "kryptonite" and "superpower," allowing him to balance demanding schedules while prioritizing family. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur facing obstacles or an established business looking for inspiration, Amos's story demonstrates that with persistence, continuous learning, and the courage to bet on yourself, extraordinary success is possible regardless of where you begin. Connect with Amos on social media or visit MyPartyRentalGuys.com and PestProtect360.com to learn more about his growing business empire.…

CV Hustle

1
Ep#13 -Discover the Secrets to Building Wealth with Kyle Bryan of Desert Advisors 1:02:15

6 weeks ago1:02:15

1:02:15

Send us a text Join us for an eye-opening conversation with financial expert Kyle Bryant about the importance of financial literacy and wealth-building strategies. Kyle shares insights on life insurance, investments, and practical tips for modern money management. • The significance of financial education • Kyle’s personal journey into financial advisory • Responsibilities and benefits of life insurance • Understanding different investment strategies • Insights on cryptocurrency investments • The enduring value of investing in gold • Key takeaways for young investors • Importance of keeping an open mind in finance • Where to follow Kyle for expert advice Call to Action: Follow Kyle Bryant on YouTube and Instagram at Desert Advisors for daily insights on cryptocurrency and financial tips!…

CV Hustle

1
What's Up With CV Hustle??!! 17:10

9 weeks ago17:10

17:10

Send us a text Fina Meraz shares her entrepreneurial journey as she prepares to launch a new slab studio in Palm Desert, aiming to offer unique and innovative design solutions that the Coachella Valley lacks. The episode touches on risks, community connections, and the exciting future of local entrepreneurship. • Fina introduces her new slab studio and its offerings • Focus on customizing options for clients and designers • Plans to host events and foster community engagement • Robert discusses the new podcast studio and its purpose • Future plans for season two and highlighting local entrepreneurs…

CV Hustle

1
Things That Surprised Us In Season #1 6:00

10 weeks ago6:00

6:00

Send us a text We reflect on the lessons learned from Season One of CV Hustle, shining a light on the diverse journey of local entrepreneurs. Insights range from the surprising value of stability and contentment in business to the many paths that lead people to entrepreneurship. • Reflecting on shared stories and experiences from local entrepreneurs • Emphasis on the importance of stability over relentless growth • Unique backgrounds and surprising talents revealed • Plans for including diverse industries in upcoming episodes • Invitation for audience participation in future discussions…

CV Hustle

1
Ep #12-Turning a Family Business into a Thriving Enterprise: Josh Willis' Carpet Care Success Story 47:01

46 weeks ago47:01

47:01

Send us a text What does it take to turn a family carpet cleaning business into a thriving enterprise amidst economic downturns and personal challenges? Join us on CV Hustle as we sit down with Josh Willis, owner of Carpet and Tile Care Company, who shares his incredible journey from Fontana to the Coachella Valley in the early '80s, and how he transformed his family's home-based operation into a successful company. Josh reflects on his formative years working for his family's business during high school summers, where he honed his skills in customer service and learned the ropes of running a home service-based enterprise. Discover the highs and lows of managing a family-owned business as Josh narrates his experiences of buying and growing the carpet cleaning business with the support of his family and innovative advertising strategies. We explore the impact of the 2008 financial crisis and how Josh's resilience and adaptability helped the business evolve. From a temporary move to Denver for health reasons to returning to Palm Desert, this journey highlights the significance of overcoming personal and professional obstacles to achieve success. In the final segment, Josh discusses the importance of diversifying services and seizing unexpected opportunities that come from saying "yes" to various job requests. He shares insights on the unique challenges of running a cleaning business during the COVID-19 pandemic, which surprisingly resulted in a surge in demand. Listen as Josh delves into the balancing act of work and family life, the complexities of expanding services, and maintaining reliable service for short-term rental properties. This episode is a treasure trove of practical advice and inspiring stories for entrepreneurs navigating their own paths.…

CV Hustle

1
Ep #11-Conquering Challenges: Charlie Ervin's Journey from Real Estate to School Board and Authorship 58:36

47 weeks ago58:36

58:36

Send us a text https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CTN6XYGT?ref=cm_sw_r_apan_dp_8KK4PE1WWY3JA85PF7ET&ref_=cm_sw_r_apan_dp_8KK4PE1WWY3JA85PF7ET&social_share=cm_sw_r_apan_dp_8KK4PE1WWY3JA85PF7ET&starsLeft=1 Have you ever wondered what it takes to bounce back from the brink, reinvent oneself, and grasp success in various arenas of life? Well, buckle up as Charlie Ervin, a powerhouse entrepreneur, school board member, and now an award-winning author, shares his riveting story. He takes us from a historical African-American community to conquering the real estate market, and beyond, teaching us the value of resilience, strategic planning, and community involvement. Charlie's deep roots in Palm Springs' Section 14 set the stage for a narrative that's as enlightening as it is inspiring. Crafting a business that stands the test of time isn't for the faint-hearted, and Charlie knows this all too well. He candidly recounts the evolution from a corporate banking job to launching KO Notary and Taxes, navigating the initial hurdles of entrepreneurship with grit and ingenuity. Not only did he build a flourishing business, but he also took his commitment to service to new heights through coaching and eventually, school board membership. Charlie's insights into the trials and triumphs of community service, especially in the educational domain, underscore the profound impact of dedicated civic engagement. In a creative twist, Charlie takes us through his extraordinary leap from business and community service to the literary world. His late-night musings blossomed into a children's book that champions equity, diversity, equality, and inclusion—a testament to the potential that lies in our dreams. The journey to publication wasn't smooth sailing, but armed with perseverance and a belief in his message, Charlie navigated the challenges of self-publishing, all while upholding his commitments as a school board member. His story is a powerful reminder that with passion, tenacity, and a bit of late-night inspiration, we can all turn our aspirations into reality.…

CV Hustle

1
Ep #10-From Freight Trains to Dental Chains: The Meraz Family Dental Story 1:18:02

48 weeks ago1:18:02

1:18:02

Send us a text When the tracks of life converge with family legacy and entrepreneurial spirit, incredible stories emerge. That's exactly what we unpack with Dr. Randolph Meraz and Dr. Michael Meraz, two of Coachella Valley's esteemed dentists from my own lineage. Embark on a ride from youthful adventures on freight trains to the foundation of a dental dynasty in Indio, a tale of resilience and resourcefulness. Witness the transformation of a practice from its humble beginnings to a cornerstone of local healthcare, weathering legal storms and the test of time. It's a family affair as we explore the intricate dance of managing a bustling dental office while nurturing a growing clan. Delve into the personal journeys that led each Meraz to dentistry, from journalism dreams to military scholarships, and the enduring influence of kinship on career choices. Listen closely as we peel back the layers of the military's Health Professions Scholarship Program, the financial acrobatics of dental education, and the trials of stepping confidently into the shoes of a family business amid a global crisis. Join us for an intimate reflection on the triumphs and tolls of entrepreneurship. We reflect on pivotal decisions shaped by my father's health struggles, the necessity of a supportive network, and the delicate equilibrium between personal well-being and professional ambition. In the pursuit of a fulfilling career, the wisdom of mentors becomes our northern star, guiding us through the fog of financial decisions and strategic goal setting. This conversation is an homage to the resilience imbued in those who choose to carve their own path, embracing the legacy of those before them while shaping the future with their own hands.…

CV Hustle

1
Ep #9-Elissa Galindo's Rise from Student to Business Phenom 57:02

49 weeks ago57:02

57:02

Send us a text Imagine stepping into the entrepreneurial arena before you've even tossed your graduation cap into the air. Elissa Galindo did just that, and her drive is nothing short of infectious. On CV Hustle, we're thrilled to have her unpack the journey of Liana's Lavish Cleaning, a testament to the grit of Coachella Valley's youth. From the influence of family roots to the shrewd use of social media, Elissa divulges the nuts and bolts of building a business with the heart of a lion and the budget of a cub. Elissa's tale weaves through the fabric of familial dedication and her own relentless spirit. Balancing textbooks and brooms, she navigated the complexities of academia and entrepreneurship, all while maintaining a stellar GPA. Her approach to business is as meticulous as her cleaning; creating a brand that resonates with luxury, strategy, and a personal touch. Join us as she reveals how she turned a thousand-dollar phone into a burgeoning enterprise, and why a family-centric team became her business cornerstone. In a world where personal connection is currency, Elissa's story is rich with insight. The episode shines a light on her unique blend of digital savvy and old-school work ethic, a combination that's cleaning up in the Coachella Valley. We also tackle the intriguing intersection of law enforcement ambitions and entrepreneurial drive. For anyone with a spark of hustle in their heart, Elissa's advice and experiences are as valuable as they are compelling. Don't miss out on her inspiring saga and the wisdom she has to offer—stream the full episode and witness the hustle turned into a lavish success.…

CV Hustle

1
Ep #8-Drafting Success: Crafting a Future in Design through Grit and Grace 1:02:22

50 weeks ago1:02:22

1:02:22

Send us a text When Mariano Ramirez swapped his warehouse ID for an architect's drafting table, he and Yvette, his partner in life and business, embarked on an entrepreneurial adventure that's nothing short of a blueprint for success. On CV Hustle, we're thrilled to welcome the founders of M Design Group, who share the exhilarating tale of their transformation from clocking in at a nine-to-five to crafting a flourishing residential design firm in Coachella Valley. They reveal the fortitude it takes to pivot passions into a thriving enterprise and the importance of a robust support network cheering you from the sidelines. Ever wondered what it takes to sketch your way from community college to the hallowed halls of architecture school? Mariano and Yvette take us through their educational odyssey, emphasizing the foundational importance of hand drafting and the character it builds. They recount the dedication needed to create a standout portfolio and the pivotal role networking plays within the architectural community, all while balancing the demands of academia and personal growth. Their story is a masterclass in perseverance, illustrating that with the correct measurements of grit and grace, one can draft their own future. As the architectural lines from paper to real-world projects begin to take shape, our guests map out the journey from employment to entrepreneurship with the precision of a finely calibrated compass. They recount how responses to a Craigslist ad laid the foundation for M Design Group and share the vision required to grow a business from a humble garage outfit to a corner office enterprise. Through their narrative, they convey the significance of cultivating client relationships, navigating the design process, and the art of balancing business growth with creative control. It's a conversation that constructs a framework of inspiration and practical advice for anyone looking to erect their entrepreneurial dreams.…

CV Hustle

1
Ep #7-Striking Twice: The Electrifying Tales of a Desert Dynasty's Culinary and Electrical Ventures 1:13:54

51 weeks ago1:13:54

1:13:54

Send us a text Picture the Coachella Valley, not just as a backdrop for music festivals, but as a canvas for the entrepreneurial dreams of Greg Rangel and Ruben Reyes. Greg, a self-made success in the electrical business, and Ruben, the culinary mind behind Gastrogrind Burgers, share their relentless pursuit of business innovation and the mouth-watering journey of a burger maestro. As we chat, you'll feel the warmth of their father-son connection and the fire of their ambitions, giving you a first-hand look at what it takes to build something from the ground up. Whoever said lightning doesn't strike twice never met the Rangels. Greg's transformation from a high school dropout to an electrical enterprise owner is electrifying, while Ruben's segue from home cook to culinary wunderkind is nothing short of magnetic. Together, they unpack the complexities of their industries, from the perils of trademarking to the grit it takes to keep a restaurant sizzling. Their candid tales are a rich blend of humor and wisdom, sure to ignite the entrepreneurial spark in anyone. Wrap up your headphones and get ready to absorb the kind of advice that can only come from those who have walked through the fire of entrepreneurship and emerged with their passion and humor intact. Greg and Ruben don't just share their success; they serve it up with a side of hard-earned insights on leadership, growth, and why treating your team like family is the secret sauce to a thriving enterprise. Tune in for an episode that promises to be as engaging as it is enlightening, with two guests whose stories are the real main course.…

CV Hustle

1
Ep #6-The Art of Capturing Moments: Chris Miller's Fusion of IT, Photography, and Innovation 53:36

52 weeks ago53:36