Inside the Empire: Recent Episodes
Marketing Empire Group
Inside the Empire gives you the unique perspective of business owners and entrepreneurs that reveal what it takes to build and grow your own business. Learn about the hardships and challenges that come with the territory, as well as tips and tricks on how to come out on top of your competitors. If you're an entrepreneur, small business owner, or just interested in learning more about the inner workings of successful businesses, then this is the podcast for you.
Ken Smith's journey from sorting beer bottles at a young age to building a business empire epitomizes the American entrepreneurial spirit. Growing up as the son of a schoolteacher in Chicago's suburbs, Ken learned early that work wasn't just an obligation, it was opportunity. While neighborhood kids received allowances, he created his own income stream through paper routes, restaurant jobs, and even selling plasma in college despite his full wrestling scholarship.
This hustler's mentality led Ken to California in 1976, where he purchased his brother's distribution route using money from property he'd bought in seventh grade. That small business, renamed Southwest Traders, became the cornerstone of his success, evolving into a powerhouse that now services major chains like Starbucks and Panera across three states with 500 employees. Ken attributes this growth to two foundational principles: financial sustainability and intentional culture-building. "Teamwork makes the dream work isn't just a slogan," he explains, "it's real."
What truly distinguishes Ken's business philosophy is his approach to property acquisition and development throughout Temecula Valley. Beginning with Galway Downs in 2010, he's specialized in revitalizing distressed properties with historical significance—what he calls "legends reborn." From Cross Creek Golf Course to Native Falls and wine country properties, his mission remains consistent: preserve the region's heritage while creating spaces where families build lasting memories.
Ken sees himself not as an owner, but as a "caretaker" of these properties, responsible for ensuring they remain financially viable while honoring their cultural significance. His latest ventures focus on farm-to-table experiences that celebrate agricultural traditions without the chemicals and negative environmental impacts of commercial farming.
Have you visited these revitalized Temecula gems yet? From equestrian events at Galway Downs to the hidden oasis at Native Falls, Ken Smith's legacy of opportunity, teamwork, and community stewardship continues to shape the valley's future while honoring its past.
Johnny Leon's path from paperboy to winery owner reveals how life's harshest moments often lead to our most authentic callings. As the current owner of Oak Mountain Winery, Johnny shares the remarkable story of resilience that brought him to Temecula Valley's wine country.
Growing up in a three-bedroom house with six siblings in Chula Vista, Johnny developed a strong work ethic early. His entrepreneurial journey began at 12 as a paper boy, waking at 3:30 AM to deliver newspapers up steep hills. This first taste of independence taught him customer service, collections, and relationship-building—foundations that would serve him throughout his career.
Johnny's professional path wound through hospitality at prestigious establishments like Hotel Del Coronado, where he served celebrities and even President Clinton, before finding what seemed like permanent success in real estate during the early 2000s boom. Then came the devastating 2008 financial crisis, which Johnny describes as watching his income "vaporize into thin air." With everything tied to real estate, he lost nearly everything overnight.
This collapse became the catalyst for Johnny's entry into the wine industry. Starting from the bottom as a tasting room server, he quickly rose through the ranks, becoming top in sales despite being viewed as a rookie. His unprecedented success came from pure determination: "When you're backed into a corner with bills to pay, you'd be surprised what you can accomplish."
After years of helping other winery owners fulfill their dreams, Johnny finally pursued his own vision during COVID. Guided by his late mother's wisdom to never "squander opportunity," he finalized his business plan and purchased Oak Mountain Winery with its unique features—caves, distillery, rolling hills, and restaurant.
Now 13 months into ownership, Johnny is elevating Oak Mountain with expanded offerings, premium wines aged in French oak barrels, and upscale dining options while maintaining the welcoming atmosphere that makes Temecula Valley special. His goal? Creating a place where wine enthusiasts of all experience levels can simply have a good time while helping establish Temecula as a world-class wine region.
Ready to experience Johnny's vision? Visit Oak Mountain Winery and taste the fruits of resilience that transformed economic disaster into wine country dreams.
Join us on the Inside the Empire podcast as we embark on a fascinating journey with our esteemed guest, Mark Anthony Mark, a titan in the film industry. Starting his career by creating a film budget, Mark has evolved into a successful film mogul, navigating the intricate film industry maze with finesse. We deep dive into his early life, his values, and how these factors shaped his approach to his career. From his humble beginnings to his meteoric rise, Mark Anthony Mark's story is a testament to perseverance and dedication.
Our second chapter explores communication and money handling, two essential components in the film industry. Discover how a key mentorship experience shaped Mark's approach to these crucial aspects, and how this transformed him into the influential person he is today. We also discuss the seismic shift to streaming and its impacts on major studios, with Mark sharing invaluable insights from his wealth of experience. The conversation continues as we examine the role of diversity and risk-taking in the film industry, touching on some of the most crucial factors influencing the current cinematic landscape.
Lastly, we pull back the curtain on some captivating stories from behind the scenes. You'll get a rare glimpse into the actor's world, the challenges they face, and what goes into perfecting a scene. Hear about Decapio’s struggles on set during the shooting of Django, and how his fellow actors came to his rescue. Mark also demystifies film investing, offering priceless advice to potential investors. All this and more, only on the Inside the Empire podcast. Tune in to get enlightened and entertained as we dissect the fascinating world of filmmaking with Mark Anthony Mark.
Join us in this inspiring episode of "Inside The Empire" as we delve into the life and business journey of Benito, the owner of Deborah's Cleaning and Bella's Bedding. Growing up in California, Benito witnessed his parents' entrepreneurial struggles, which fueled his determination to create a thriving business and a better life for himself. From his mission trip to Cambodia to rebranding his mom's cleaning company, Benito shares valuable insights on building connections, fostering a strong work ethic, and overcoming adversity. Discover the power of community, faith, and perseverance in transforming dreams into reality. Tune in now for a captivating conversation!
Tags: Benito, Deborah's Cleaning, Bella's Bedding, entrepreneurship, small business, community, work ethic, overcoming adversity, success stories, inside the empire, podcast, Temecula
Welcome to "Inside The Empire", the podcast where we explore the stories of entrepreneurs who are making a difference in their communities. In this episode, we sit down with Jason White, a former military man who found his calling in helping the elderly. Jason is the owner of Great Life Senior Care, a business that provides support and care for the elderly. Menifee Personal Home Care, Companion & Care Management Services.
During our conversation, we dive into Jason's background and his journey from military service to entrepreneurship. How he's part author in a book named "A Veteran's Story Courage and Honor: True stories of Strength, Triumph, and Inspiration" He shares his experiences of transitioning from the military how he broke his back, and how he discovered his passion for helping others. We also discuss the challenges and rewards of running an assisted living business, and how it has impacted his personal life.
Jason's dedication to his business and the elderly is truly inspiring. He has created a warm and welcoming environment for his residents, and his commitment to providing quality care is evident in everything he does. Tune in to this episode of "Inside The Empire" to learn more about Jason White and his incredible journey.
Nick Swizek is an impressive young entrepreneur with years of experience in sales and marketing, he is a Boila alumni (stay & listen to his story on graduation) and is currently working as a mortgage broker. Tune in to learn what it took for Nick to be successful - how he was able to hone his business skills at a such young age!
Apply some of the lessons he's learned into your own business/ life!
Thanks for listening!
Get an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at a Trendy chef's journey from gourmet cuisine to his newest project - Battered Up, where dishes are deep-fried in deliciousness!
We get to talk to Trendy Chef, Steven Moore is the Food Network Winner of Supermarket Stakeout Season 2, Episode 7 with Alex Guarnaschelli, Bobby Flay & Brooke Williamson!
He is also known for his viral deep-frying videos, hes done it all from watermelons to whole burgers, to believe it or not WATER! Yes he deep-fried water, on this episode we get to learn about his humble beginnings, how he got into culinary school, his early carreer as a celebrity catterer, him being a chef at michilen star resturaunt, and up till now his newest restaurant venture named Battered Up, which can be found in the Temecula Mall; and as he hinted in the episode there are new locations coming soon so be on the look out!
Tune in to hear his favorite dishes and the story behind his successes!
Former Pro Baseball Player who now pitches advertising & marketing campaigns. Author of Born Into Baseball. Husband & Father; Jim Campanis! We go inside of his empire and learn about his lineage of professional baseball, and how he got his start in the advertising and radio game. He also coaches high school baseball, and makes sure to teach them the mental approach, something he learned from the pros! Now he focuses on audio, and radio advertising and is dipping his feet into data mining and finding new ways to market to consumers!
If you like what you hear go check out his book "Born Into Baseball"
Thanks for listening!
In this episode of INSIDE THE EMPIRE we talk to Nick Lontajo! He and Kyle met while working at Paychex, the company culture provided the perfect environment for these two to thrive and learn the secrets of being a leader, mindset, and business! We then get to see a side of Nick that has changed for the better; his mindset! He speaks on how before he had his daughter he was lazy, low energy, and just getting by, but after he started waking up at 5:30 am, reading and bettering himself mentally and physically! We hope you listeners may take some inspiration from Nick and challenge your discipline this month. Change your mindset, read that book. listen to that podcast, get up early, grind, and create the life you want with hard work and dedication!
Thanks for tuning in! Share this podcast with 1 friend who can keep you accountable!
In this episode, we get to know Anthony Williams! He and Kyle Onstott have a great conversation in regard to business, how to manage your business, the importance of your mindset, and how to be a better leader not only at work but in your home as well! We then get some amazing stories from Anthony; as he expresses the importance of time, family & relationships! He also talks about when his daughter was born and how they didnt make it to the hospital.. tune in to hear the rest!
Ed Bush runs Memorial Funeral Services out of the inland empire!
He wasn't always in the funeral business, we get to dive 'Inside The Empire' he's built over his life; from where he was born to his career paths and even his life in ministry.
He now helps prepare people for the inevitable so if you are not ready, give Ed a call!
https://www.memorialfuneralservices.com/
1+(951) 357.2315
In this episode, we talk to Manny Jackson from Thread Haus! A brand whose 5 pillars are Community, Innovation, Creativity, Sustainability, & Education!
We dive deep and learn about how Manny got started in the fashion industry, his hustle, his perspective on life, where his brand fits within the industry, and the future of web 3. We learn about the beginnings of the brand and he gives advice to other designers and business owners! And the importance of sustainability in fashion.
"Passion Drives Success!"