Mission CTRL: Recent Episodes
Peralta Design
Mission CTRL is Peralta Design’s podcast on all things branding, marketing and tech. Join our hosts Ramon Peralta and Jorge Pezo-Candelario as they share ideas with past clients, industry partners and the rest of the PD crew. Since 2008, Peralta Design has launched hundreds of brands using award-winning strategies for clients of all sizes; from start-up entrepreneurs to Fortune 500s. Learn more about PD’s work at peraltadesign.com
What do seven years of setbacks, a calling rooted in faith, and the story of Ruth from the Bible have in common? They’re all part of the journey behind Ruth’s House, founded by Jeanne Korman to provide loving homes for single moms and their children.
This week on Mission CTRL, Ramon and Jorge sit down with Jeanne to explore how her own experience as a single mom of five - and the hardships, loneliness, and redemption that came with it - inspired her to create a refuge for women in crisis. Wanting to quit more often than continuing but finding strength in God through each obstacle, Jeanne shares the perseverance it took to move Ruth’s House from an idea to a thriving nonprofit with a waitlist of moms seeking stability and hope.
Jeanne opens up about the early days of balancing teaching with moonlighting at Ruth’s House, why patience and timing matter in building a sustainable mission, and how a strong board and community partners helped bring her vision to life without government funding. She also shares moving stories of transformation, like the first resident who went from escaping abuse to building a new life as a college student and mom.
Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a nonprofit leader, or simply someone who believes in redemption and second chances, this conversation is full of lessons on resilience, faith, and the power of community. If you’ve ever wondered how to turn personal struggle into a mission that helps others build safe, independent lives, this episode is for you.
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Find full episodes of Mission CTRL on Anchor, Apple Podcast, Spotify, and our website.
Mission CTRL aims to ignite the innovative spirit inside us all through providing budding and successful entrepreneurs and community leaders with a platform to share their stories and inspire others. Tune in every Wednesday and catch up with the team at Peralta Design as we unleash the origin stories behind some exceptional leaders, share marketing/branding insights, and navigate the ever-changing currents of pop culture.
Subscribe for more weekly branding and entrepreneurial content here! To learn more about Peralta Design's work visit peraltadesign.com.
welaunchbrands #launchyourbrand #BrandU #missionctrl #mctrl #digitalagency #mbeagency #mbe #digital #branding #marketing #web #creative #contentcreator #contentstrategy #marketingstrategy #leadership #leader #entrepreneur #entrepreneurs #entrepreneurship #entrepreneurial #startup #startups #business #businessowner #businesstips #scalingyourbusiness #smallbusiness #w2 #fulltime #9to5 #office #officelife #corporate #podcast #podcasts #podcastshow #businesspodcast #lifestory #lifestories #personalstory #personalstories
What do Upward Bound Saturdays, a grandmother’s wisdom, and a suitcase full of robotics kits have in common? They’re all part of the story behind ACCESS Educational Services, founded by Gwen Brantley to expose underrepresented students to meaningful STEM opportunities.
This week on Mission CTRL, Ramon sits down with Gwen to explore how her journey from HR professional to nonprofit founder has empowered thousands of students over the past 20 years. From moonlighting on lunch breaks to taking the leap full-time in 2017, Gwen shares how personal loss, faith, and the drive to give her son opportunities shaped her mission to build confidence and career pathways for underserved youth.
Gwen opens up about chartering the first NSBE Jr. chapter in Bridgeport, partnering with organizations like NASCAR and FIRST Robotics, and why teaching by doing - through coding, robotics, eSports, and more - is the key to unlocking student potential. She also reflects on the realities of funding a nonprofit, the importance of accountability to donors, and why representation in STEM careers matters as much as exposure.
Whether you’re an educator, entrepreneur, or just someone who believes in the transformative power of opportunity, this conversation is packed with lessons on resilience, vision, and community. If you’ve ever wondered how to turn a side hustle into a 20-year movement that changes lives, this episode is for you.
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Find full episodes of Mission CTRL on Anchor, Apple Podcast, Spotify, and our website.
Mission CTRL aims to ignite the innovative spirit inside us all through providing budding and successful entrepreneurs and community leaders with a platform to share their stories and inspire others. Tune in every Wednesday and catch up with the team at Peralta Design as we unleash the origin stories behind some exceptional leaders, share marketing/branding insights, and navigate the ever-changing currents of pop culture.
Subscribe for more weekly branding and entrepreneurial content here! To learn more about Peralta Design's work visit peraltadesign.com.
welaunchbrands #launchyourbrand #BrandU #missionctrl #mctrl #digitalagency #mbeagency #mbe #digital #branding #marketing #web #creative #contentcreator #contentstrategy #marketingstrategy #leadership #leader #entrepreneur #entrepreneurs #entrepreneurship #entrepreneurial #startup #startups #business #businessowner #businesstips #scalingyourbusiness #smallbusiness #w2 #fulltime #9to5 #office #officelife #corporate #podcast #podcasts #podcastshow #businesspodcast #lifestory #lifestories #personalstory #personalstories
What do Puerto Rican roots, a suitcase full of t-shirts, and a fearless approach to rejection have in common? They’re all woven into the brand story of Taino Golf, co-founded by entrepreneur, teacher, and golf pro Ricky Collado and his son Emil.
This week on Mission CTRL, Ramon sits down with Ricky to unpack how cultural pride and family entrepreneurship came together to launch a Latino-owned golf apparel brand. From testing his first “minimum viable product” on the streets of Puerto Rico to balancing mainstream styles with designs inspired by Taino heritage, Ricky shares how risk-taking, quick feedback, and staying close to his roots became the cornerstones of Taino Golf.
Ricky opens up about the messy reality of bringing a brand to market, why entrepreneurs shouldn’t fear rejection, and how building a business with his son has shaped both their journeys. He discusses marketing strategies from grassroots tournaments to influencer unboxings, and why visibility for people of color in golf is more important now than ever.
Whether you’re an entrepreneur eager to test your first idea, a golfer who believes representation matters, or simply someone inspired by culture-driven brands, this conversation is packed with insights on business, risk-taking, and family legacy. If you’ve ever wondered how to merge culture, entrepreneurship, and representation into a brand with impact - this episode is for you.
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Find full episodes of Mission CTRL on Anchor, Apple Podcast, Spotify, and our website.
Mission CTRL aims to ignite the innovative spirit inside us all through providing budding and successful entrepreneurs and community leaders with a platform to share their stories and inspire others. Tune in every Wednesday and catch up with the team at Peralta Design as we unleash the origin stories behind some exceptional leaders, share marketing/branding insights, and navigate the ever-changing currents of pop culture.
Subscribe for more weekly branding and entrepreneurial content here! To learn more about Peralta Design's work visit peraltadesign.com.
welaunchbrands #launchyourbrand #BrandU #missionctrl #mctrl #digitalagency #mbeagency #mbe #digital #branding #marketing #web #creative #contentcreator #contentstrategy #marketingstrategy #leadership #leader #entrepreneur #entrepreneurs #entrepreneurship #entrepreneurial #startup #startups #business #businessowner #businesstips #scalingyourbusiness #smallbusiness #w2 #fulltime #9to5 #office #officelife #corporate #podcast #podcasts #podcastshow #businesspodcast #lifestory #lifestories #personalstory #personalstories
What do hibiscus tea, organic flour, and allergy-friendly meals have in common? They’re all part of the legacy of Claire’s Corner Copia, a beloved New Haven institution founded nearly 50 years ago by nurse-turned-restaurateur Claire Criscuolo.
This week on Mission CTRL, Ramon sits down with Claire to uncover the secret behind her half-century of success in a world dominated by national chains. From leading with empathy to refusing to compromise on quality, Claire has built more than a restaurant—she’s built a movement rooted in love, respect, and community. Between serving vegan dishes inspired by global flavors, paying dishwashers a living wage for nearly three decades, and decorating her restaurant with positive affirmations, Claire has always prioritized people over profit.
Claire opens up about her Worcester Street upbringing in a traditional Italian household, how her nursing career fueled her passion for nourishing others, and why she never franchised despite constant demand. She shares stories of early struggles (including almost shutting down after nine months), the faith of a distributor who told her to “pay the landlord first,” and how she’s kept her mission alive through fresh ingredients, diverse partnerships, and charitable giving from her bestselling cookbooks.
Whether you’re an entrepreneur searching for longevity in business, a foodie curious about New Haven’s culinary heart, or simply someone who believes good will always prevail, this conversation is packed with insights on resilience, empathy, and the power of staying true to your values. If you’ve ever wondered how love and quality can sustain a business for 50 years, this episode is for you.
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Find full episodes of Mission CTRL on Anchor, Apple Podcast, Spotify, and our website.
Mission CTRL aims to ignite the innovative spirit inside us all through providing budding and successful entrepreneurs and community leaders with a platform to share their stories and inspire others. Tune in every Wednesday and catch up with the team at Peralta Design as we unleash the origin stories behind some exceptional leaders, share marketing/branding insights, and navigate the ever-changing currents of pop culture.
Subscribe for more weekly branding and entrepreneurial content here! To learn more about Peralta Design's work visit peraltadesign.com.
welaunchbrands #launchyourbrand #BrandU #missionctrl #mctrl #digitalagency #mbeagency #mbe #digital #branding #marketing #web #creative #contentcreator #contentstrategy #marketingstrategy #leadership #leader #entrepreneur #entrepreneurs #entrepreneurship #entrepreneurial #startup #startups #business #businessowner #businesstips #scalingyourbusiness #smallbusiness #w2 #fulltime #9to5 #office #officelife #corporate #podcast #podcasts #podcastshow #businesspodcast #lifestory #lifestories #personalstory #personalstories
What do a hand, a white golf glove, and Puerto Rican hospitality have in common? They’re all woven into the brand story of Buena Gente Golf, founded by empathy-driven creator and longtime UX/product designer Jon Madera.
This week on Mission CTRL, Ramon sits down with Jon to explore how a simple logo - traced from a photo of his own hand - sparked an unexpected wave of excitement online and launched a Latino-owned, diversity-focused golf apparel company with global reach. From Long Island to Puerto Rico, San Francisco to Southern Oregon, Jon’s journey blends culture, creativity, and connection, proving that storytelling can be just as important as the product itself.
Jon shares how his 18+ years in design shaped the brand’s look and feel and how golf streetwear’s popularity in Asia opened unexpected markets in Japan, Australia, and beyond. He opens up about bootstrapping the company while serving as VP of product design, the importance of differentiation in a crowded space, and how emotional resonance builds loyal brand ambassadors.
Whether you’re an entrepreneur eyeing your own niche market or just curious about how culture and sport can intersect, this episode is packed with insights on creativity, business, and representation. If you’ve ever wondered how a logo can move people - or how to merge passion, identity, and entrepreneurship into a global brand - this conversation is for you.
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Find full episodes of Mission CTRL on Anchor, Apple Podcast, Spotify, and our website.
Mission CTRL aims to ignite the innovative spirit inside us all through providing budding and successful entrepreneurs and community leaders with a platform to share their stories and inspire others. Tune in every Wednesday and catch up with the team at Peralta Design as we unleash the origin stories behind some exceptional leaders, share marketing/branding insights, and navigate the ever-changing currents of pop culture.
Subscribe for more weekly branding and entrepreneurial content here! To learn more about Peralta Design's work visit peraltadesign.com.
welaunchbrands #launchyourbrand #BrandU #missionctrl #mctrl #digitalagency #mbeagency #mbe #digital #branding #marketing #web #creative #contentcreator #contentstrategy #marketingstrategy #leadership #leader #entrepreneur #entrepreneurs #entrepreneurship #entrepreneurial #startup #startups #business #businessowner #businesstips #scalingyourbusiness #smallbusiness #w2 #fulltime #9to5 #office #officelife #corporate #podcast #podcasts #podcastshow #businesspodcast #lifestory #lifestories #personalstory #personalstories
What do cloud backups, two-factor authentication, and “turn it off and back on again” have in common? They’re all part of the world Jose Velazquez navigates every day as co-owner of Carriage Trade Solutions, a Bridgeport-based managed services provider helping small and medium-sized businesses master the technology they need to thrive.
This week on MissionCTRL, Ramon and Jorge sit down with Jose to hear how he built a business around making IT simple, affordable, and accessible. From his early days in infantry and marksmanship instruction for the Marine Corps, to working his way through project management and IT support roles, Jose shares how his passion for technology - and a lot of hustle - paved the way for Carriage Trade Solutions, which he co-founded in 2018 with an equally driven business partner.
Jose opens up about why great IT isn’t just about fixing broken computers - it’s about education, empowerment, and bridging the massive “knowledge gap” many business owners face when it comes to tools like Microsoft Office and cloud services. He explains why cloud backups are non-negotiable, when it’s time to retire old hardware, and how Carriage Trade Solutions provides enterprise-level support - email management, hardware lifecycles, vendor relationships - at a price point small businesses can actually afford.
From music promotion roots to chamber of commerce networking, and from partnership challenges to delivering top-tier customer service (“we’re not here to fix issues - we’re here to help you succeed”), this conversation is packed with lessons for any entrepreneur looking to build a business that truly serves its clients.
If you’ve ever wondered what IT really means for your business - or how to turn a passion for tech into a mission-driven company - this episode is for you.
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Find full episodes of Mission CTRL on Anchor, Apple Podcast, Spotify, and our website.
Mission CTRL aims to ignite the innovative spirit inside us all through providing budding and successful entrepreneurs and community leaders with a platform to share their stories and inspire others. Tune in every Wednesday and catch up with the team at Peralta Design as we unleash the origin stories behind some exceptional leaders, share marketing/branding insights, and navigate the ever-changing currents of pop culture.
Subscribe for more weekly branding and entrepreneurial content here! To learn more about Peralta Design's work visit peraltadesign.com.
welaunchbrands #launchyourbrand #BrandU #missionctrl #mctrl #digitalagency #mbeagency #mbe #digital #branding #marketing #web #creative #contentcreator #contentstrategy #marketingstrategy #leadership #leader #entrepreneur #entrepreneurs #entrepreneurship #entrepreneurial #startup #startups #business #businessowner #businesstips #scalingyourbusiness #smallbusiness #w2 #fulltime #9to5 #office #officelife #corporate #podcast #podcasts #podcastshow #businesspodcast #lifestory #lifestories #personalstory #personalstories
What do a perfectly packed lunch, a label maker, and a whole lot of hustle have in common? They’re all part of Rocio Lozada’s inspiring journey from cleaning homes to organizing lives - and launching one of Connecticut’s most recognizable Latina-owned businesses.
This week on MissionCTRL, Ramon and Jorge sit down en español with Rocio Lozada, founder of Rocio Organizer LLC, for a conversation that’s part telenovela, part business masterclass, and 100% motivational. Originally from Venezuela, Rocio arrived in the U.S. with little more than determination. She started by cleaning houses — but quickly realized her real gift was transforming chaos into calm through the power of home organization.
When she began sharing her ultra-organized lifestyle on social media - especially the flawless lunches she made for her husband - her brand took off. But behind the viral bento boxes is a savvy entrepreneur who’s built a thriving business, earned professional certifications, and now leads a growing team of organizing pros.
Rocio opens up about the mental and emotional side of clutter, why systems (not stuff) lead to peace of mind, and how she turned her natural talent into a profitable company. She also gives us the inside scoop on Latin Power, the community-focused event she created to uplift and unite Latino entrepreneurs across the state.
If you’re looking for inspiration, actionable branding tips, or just need a little push to clean out that closet - this episode is for you.
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Find full episodes of Mission CTRL on Anchor, Apple Podcast, Spotify, and our website.
Mission CTRL aims to ignite the innovative spirit inside us all through providing budding and successful entrepreneurs and community leaders with a platform to share their stories and inspire others. Tune in every Wednesday and catch up with the team at Peralta Design as we unleash the origin stories behind some exceptional leaders, share marketing/branding insights, and navigate the ever-changing currents of pop culture.
Subscribe for more weekly branding and entrepreneurial content here! To learn more about Peralta Design's work visit peraltadesign.com.
welaunchbrands #launchyourbrand #BrandU #missionctrl #mctrl #digitalagency #mbeagency #mbe #digital #branding #marketing #web #creative #contentcreator #contentstrategy #marketingstrategy #leadership #leader #entrepreneur #entrepreneurs #entrepreneurship #entrepreneurial #startup #startups #business #businessowner #businesstips #scalingyourbusiness #smallbusiness #w2 #fulltime #9to5 #office #officelife #corporate #podcast #podcasts #podcastshow #businesspodcast #lifestory #lifestories #personalstory #personalstories
What do hacking attempts, dark web threats, and AI trickery have in common? They’re all part of the modern digital battlefield - and Darwin Lara is on the front lines. As the founder of EVO Corp, a premier cybersecurity and managed IT services firm, Darwin brings a unique blend of tech expertise, entrepreneurial grit, and sales savvy to his mission of protecting businesses from today’s digital threats.
This week on MissionCTRL, Ramon and Jorge sit down with Darwin to hear how a kid from Ecuador who dreamed of becoming a professional soccer player ended up running a cutting-edge tech company in Connecticut. After earning a spot on his national team and moving to the U.S. on a soccer scholarship, Darwin discovered a new passion - computers. But he didn’t want to just sit behind one. So he taught himself to sell, got certified in cybersecurity at MIT, and began building a business that’s now helping companies stay safe in an increasingly risky online world.
From email protection and infrastructure support to helping teams spot phishing scams before they click, Darwin shares why cybersecurity is about more than software - it’s about people, training, and staying one step ahead of the bad guys. He also opens up about the importance of constant learning, the power of networking, and how EVO Corp got its name from Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution: survival of the fittest.
If you’ve ever wondered what you can really do to protect yourself and your business - or how to turn a passion for tech into a thriving company - this episode is for you.
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Find full episodes of Mission CTRL on Anchor, Apple Podcast, Spotify, and our website.
Mission CTRL aims to ignite the innovative spirit inside us all through providing budding and successful entrepreneurs and community leaders with a platform to share their stories and inspire others. Tune in every Wednesday and catch up with the team at Peralta Design as we unleash the origin stories behind some exceptional leaders, share marketing/branding insights, and navigate the ever-changing currents of pop culture.
Subscribe for more weekly branding and entrepreneurial content here! To learn more about Peralta Design's work visit peraltadesign.com.
welaunchbrands #launchyourbrand #BrandU #missionctrl #mctrl #digitalagency #mbeagency #mbe #digital #branding #marketing #web #creative #contentcreator #contentstrategy #marketingstrategy #leadership #leader #entrepreneur #entrepreneurs #entrepreneurship #entrepreneurial #startup #startups #business #businessowner #businesstips #scalingyourbusiness #smallbusiness #w2 #fulltime #9to5 #office #officelife #corporate #podcast #podcasts #podcastshow #businesspodcast #lifestory #lifestories #personalstory #personalstories
What happens when two longtime leaders are suddenly asked to steer a statewide organization through a global crisis? For Kelly Juleson, Co-President of The Governor’s Prevention Partnership (GPP), the answer was: lead with clarity, compassion, and connection.
This week on MissionCTRL, Ramon and Jorge sit down with Kelly to explore how she and her co-president Roland Harmon stepped into co-leadership just as the world shut down. After more than a decade each at GPP, the two were asked to take the helm on an interim basis after the sudden retirement of their CEO - just weeks before the COVID-19 pandemic began. With an uncertain future ahead, they proposed an 18-month trial period to the board and began navigating one of the most critical moments in the organization’s history.
From quickly moving mentoring and prevention programming to virtual platforms, to setting up weekly all-staff check-ins that prioritized both progress and people’s well-being, Kelly shares how they kept the mission alive while giving their team space to adapt, grieve, and grow.
If you’ve ever faced a moment where the path wasn’t clear and leadership meant improvising with heart, this episode will resonate. It’s a testament to what can happen when experience, trust, and shared purpose meet a defining moment - and rise to it.
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Find full episodes of Mission CTRL on Anchor, Apple Podcast, Spotify, and our website.
Mission CTRL aims to ignite the innovative spirit inside us all through providing budding and successful entrepreneurs and community leaders with a platform to share their stories and inspire others. Tune in every Wednesday and catch up with the team at Peralta Design as we unleash the origin stories behind some exceptional leaders, share marketing/branding insights, and navigate the ever-changing currents of pop culture.
Subscribe for more weekly branding and entrepreneurial content here! To learn more about Peralta Design's work visit peraltadesign.com.
welaunchbrands #launchyourbrand #BrandU #missionctrl #mctrl #digitalagency #mbeagency #mbe #digital #branding #marketing #web #creative #contentcreator #contentstrategy #marketingstrategy #leadership #leader #entrepreneur #entrepreneurs #entrepreneurship #entrepreneurial #startup #startups #business #businessowner #businesstips #scalingyourbusiness #smallbusiness #w2 #fulltime #9to5 #office #officelife #corporate #podcast #podcasts #podcastshow #businesspodcast #lifestory #lifestories #personalstory #personalstories
What do commercial banking and community development have in common? According to Nick Sentementes, it’s all about relationships. After a 30-year career in commercial banking, Nick made a bold shift - from helping businesses grow capital to helping people grow stronger communities. Now serving as the Director of Development at Hall Neighborhood House in Bridgeport, Nick brings the same authenticity, hustle, and people-first mindset to nonprofit fundraising that he once brought to corporate finance.
This week on MissionCTRL, Ramon and Jorge sit down with Nick to explore how the principles of trust, likability, and character - core to his decorated banking career - are fueling his work in community service. From growing up in a hardworking immigrant family in Stamford to building an influential network across Connecticut’s business world, Nick shares how helping others has always come full circle.
They dive into his transition from the fast-paced world of finance to the more heart-centered space of nonprofit development, where smiles, hugs, and “thank yous” replace profit margins. Nick opens up about how his longstanding relationships with former clients and colleagues are now opening doors for donations, partnerships, and impact at Hall Neighborhood House - an intergenerational community center serving children, teens, and seniors alike.
If you’ve ever wondered what it looks like to pivot from profit to purpose without leaving behind what made you successful, this episode will inspire you. Nick’s story is a testament to doing business - and life - the right way: with integrity, generosity, and a genuine care for others.
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Find full episodes of Mission CTRL on Anchor, Apple Podcast, Spotify, and our website.
Mission CTRL aims to ignite the innovative spirit inside us all through providing budding and successful entrepreneurs and community leaders with a platform to share their stories and inspire others. Tune in every Wednesday and catch up with the team at Peralta Design as we unleash the origin stories behind some exceptional leaders, share marketing/branding insights, and navigate the ever-changing currents of pop culture.
Subscribe for more weekly branding and entrepreneurial content here! To learn more about Peralta Design's work visit peraltadesign.com.
welaunchbrands #launchyourbrand #BrandU #missionctrl #mctrl #digitalagency #mbeagency #mbe #digital #branding #marketing #web #creative #contentcreator #contentstrategy #marketingstrategy #leadership #leader #entrepreneur #entrepreneurs #entrepreneurship #entrepreneurial #startup #startups #business #businessowner #businesstips #scalingyourbusiness #smallbusiness #w2 #fulltime #9to5 #office #officelife #corporate #podcast #podcasts #podcastshow #businesspodcast #lifestory #lifestories #personalstory #personalstories
What does it really mean to be an entrepreneur in today’s world - and how do you monetize not just your skills, but your mindset? According to Flory Hiatrides, it’s not just about what you do, it’s about how you think. This week on MissionCTRL, Ramon and Jorge sit down with returning guest Flory Hiatrides - entrepreneur, retreat host, and mindset coach - for a deep dive into the evolving landscape of work, purpose, and personal growth. From the post-pandemic rise of virtual workplaces to the explosion of multi-hustle lifestyles, Flory breaks down why more people than ever are seeking meaning and autonomy beyond their traditional 9-5.
They discuss how Flory’s retreats are built on a powerful mix of inner work and practical business strategies - and why entrepreneurial thinking isn’t just for CEOs anymore. Whether you’re juggling a day job and side hustle, running multiple freelance gigs, or leading a team, cultivating an entrepreneurial spirit is the key to thriving in a world where flexibility and fulfillment go hand in hand.
Flory and Ramon also discuss their travels to Cuba, where they met with local established and aspiring entrepreneurs, who navigate limited resources with incredible resilience and ingenuity. In a country where power outages are common and markets range from repurposed to high-end goods, Cuban business owners are proving that creativity can thrive even under pressure.
This episode is a powerful reminder that success starts with mindset and that the future of work belongs to the bold. Whether you're looking to grow your business, find your next big idea, or just get inspired, don’t miss this one.
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Find full episodes of Mission CTRL on Anchor, Apple Podcast, Spotify, and our website.
Mission CTRL aims to ignite the innovative spirit inside us all through providing budding and successful entrepreneurs and community leaders with a platform to share their stories and inspire others. Tune in every Wednesday and catch up with the team at Peralta Design as we unleash the origin stories behind some exceptional leaders, share marketing/branding insights, and navigate the ever-changing currents of pop culture.
Subscribe for more weekly branding and entrepreneurial content here! To learn more about Peralta Design's work visit peraltadesign.com.
welaunchbrands #launchyourbrand #BrandU #missionctrl #mctrl #digitalagency #mbeagency #mbe #digital #branding #marketing #web #creative #contentcreator #contentstrategy #marketingstrategy #leadership #leader #entrepreneur #entrepreneurs #entrepreneurship #entrepreneurial #startup #startups #business #businessowner #businesstips #scalingyourbusiness #smallbusiness #w2 #fulltime #9to5 #office #officelife #corporate #podcast #podcasts #podcastshow #businesspodcast #lifestory #lifestories #personalstory #personalstories
What happens when a global pandemic disrupts your life plans and shuts down the company you’ve worked at for 16 years? If you’re Ann Casarella, you turn the pause into purpose—and open your own esthetics academy.
This week on MissionCTRL, Ramon, Jorge, and Maggie sit down with Ann Casarella, Founder of Glow And Grow Esthetics Academy in Danbury, CT. Ann shares how losing her corporate job and having to cancel her wedding during Covid became the catalyst for her greatest career pivot yet. With nothing but a pen, paper, and a dream, she and her husband mapped out what it would take to start a skincare school from scratch—and made it happen.
They unpack how Ann went from receptionist to national educator at a top spa chain, why Connecticut’s licensing changes opened the door for her business, and how she designed her academy to feel like home for her students. From choosing premium international skincare brands to building a curriculum that blends theory with real-world experience, Ann’s mission is clear: elevate the industry by empowering the next generation.
This episode is for anyone thinking about starting a business, changing careers, or finding new purpose in unexpected pauses. Ann keeps it real about the emotional and logistical challenges of entrepreneurship—and why your business plan needs to evolve like a living, breathing thing. Whether you’re in beauty, business, or just love a good comeback story, you’ll want to tune in for this inspiring, no-fluff conversation on resilience, reinvention, and glowing from the inside out.
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Find full episodes of Mission CTRL on Anchor, Apple Podcast, Spotify, and our website.
Mission CTRL aims to ignite the innovative spirit inside us all through providing budding and successful entrepreneurs and community leaders with a platform to share their stories and inspire others. Tune in every Wednesday and catch up with the team at Peralta Design as we unleash the origin stories behind some exceptional leaders, share marketing/branding insights, and navigate the ever-changing currents of pop culture.
Subscribe for more weekly branding and entrepreneurial content here! To learn more about Peralta Design's work visit peraltadesign.com.
welaunchbrands #launchyourbrand #BrandU #missionctrl #mctrl #digitalagency #mbeagency #mbe #digital #branding #marketing #web #creative #contentcreator #contentstrategy #marketingstrategy #leadership #leader #entrepreneur #entrepreneurs #entrepreneurship #entrepreneurial #startup #startups #business #businessowner #businesstips #scalingyourbusiness #smallbusiness #w2 #fulltime #9to5 #office #officelife #corporate #podcast #podcasts #podcastshow #businesspodcast #lifestory #lifestories #personalstory #personalstories
What does it mean to really lead with positivity? This week on MissionCTRL, Ramon and Jorge chopped it up with Tom Matthews, Managing Partner at M.C. Fence, to unpack how intentional optimism and emotional intelligence are reshaping the workplace.
Tom doesn’t just talk about leadership—he lives it. From fist bumps and thank-you notes to sharing tough truths with grace, he’s mastered the balance between being relentlessly encouraging and refreshingly real. In this episode, he breaks down the difference between regular positivity and toxic positivity, and why it’s crucial for leaders to set the right tone everyday in the office.
They dive into how sports coaching and business leadership overlap, why soft skills deliver hard results, and how to lead a multigenerational team. Tom shares actionable takeaways you can bring to your business right now, including how to promote progress, build trust, and eliminate gossip culture in the workplace.
With insights from decades of leadership, Tom shows us that great leadership isn’t about ego, it’s about empathy. Whether you’re a startup founder, a coach, or business owner, this episode is packed with strategies, actionable steps, and heart. Tune in and learn how to lead with humility, consistency, and trust.
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Find full episodes of Mission CTRL on Anchor, Apple Podcast, Spotify, and our website.
Mission CTRL aims to ignite the innovative spirit inside us all through providing budding and successful entrepreneurs and community leaders with a platform to share their stories and inspire others. Tune in every Wednesday and catch up with the team at Peralta Design as we unleash the origin stories behind some exceptional leaders, share marketing/branding insights, and navigate the ever-changing currents of pop culture.
Subscribe for more weekly branding and entrepreneurial content here! To learn more about Peralta Design's work visit peraltadesign.com.
welaunchbrands #launchyourbrand #BrandU #missionctrl #mctrl #digitalagency #mbeagency #mbe #digital #branding #marketing #web #creative #contentcreator #contentstrategy #marketingstrategy #leadership #leader #entrepreneur #entrepreneurs #entrepreneurship #entrepreneurial #startup #startups #business #businessowner #businesstips #scalingyourbusiness #smallbusiness #w2 #fulltime #9to5 #office #officelife #corporate #podcast #podcasts #podcastshow #businesspodcast #lifestory #lifestories #personalstory #personalstories
What does it take to turn a “no” into a movement? This week on MissionCTRL, Ramon and Kevin sit down with Lucas Pimentel, founder of Latinos for Educational Advocacy and Diversity (LEAD), to unpack how one man’s fight for educational equity sparked a statewide transformation.
Lucas was just a teacher when he decided to help a group of parents bring a charter school to Danbury, Connecticut—a city where 68% of students are Latino but lacked this crucial option. When the project was blocked by a legislator, something clicked. With no nonprofit experience, but a fire in his gut, he stepped into advocacy with nothing but a vision, a Canva logo, and a mission to unify Latino voices.
From drafting LEAD’s logo on a Starbucks napkin to opening a fully operational community center in Danbury in 2021, Lucas has grown the organization into a powerhouse with seven locations across Connecticut—and plans for more. LEAD provides everything from financial literacy to civic engagement workshops, ESL classes, and health education.
Born in the Dominican Republic, raised with political legacy and personal loss, Lucas’ story is one of passion, persistence, and purpose. He’s redefining what advocacy looks like—and proving that when you can’t get a seat at the table, you build your own.
Tune in as the MissionCTRL crew explores how grassroots activism, strategic storytelling, and relentless belief can create systems-level change. If you're fired up about education, entrepreneurship, and empowering underrepresented communities, this is an episode you can’t miss.
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Find full episodes of Mission CTRL on Anchor, Apple Podcast, Spotify, and our website.
Mission CTRL aims to ignite the innovative spirit inside us all through providing budding and successful entrepreneurs and community leaders with a platform to share their stories and inspire others. Tune in every Wednesday and catch up with the team at Peralta Design as we unleash the origin stories behind some exceptional leaders, share marketing/branding insights, and navigate the ever-changing currents of pop culture.
Subscribe for more weekly branding and entrepreneurial content here! To learn more about Peralta Design's work visit peraltadesign.com.
welaunchbrands #launchyourbrand #BrandU #missionctrl #mctrl #digitalagency #mbeagency #mbe #digital #branding #marketing #web #creative #contentcreator #contentstrategy #marketingstrategy #leadership #leader #entrepreneur #entrepreneurs #entrepreneurship #entrepreneurial #startup #startups #business #businessowner #businesstips #scalingyourbusiness #smallbusiness #w2 #fulltime #9to5 #office #officelife #corporate #podcast #podcasts #podcastshow #businesspodcast #lifestory #lifestories #personalstory #personalstories
What role do utilities play in strengthening small businesses and the economy? This week on MissionCTRL, Ramon and Kevin sit down with Frank Reynolds, President and CEO of United Illuminating, Southern Connecticut Gas (SCG), and Connecticut Natural Gas (CNG), to explore the critical connection between energy, entrepreneurship, and economic growth.
Frank shares insights into the Energize CT Small Business Energy Advantage Program (SBEA) which provides incentives to small businesses to make energy efficiency improvements, to help manage their monthly bills and reduce their carbon footprint. He highlights real-world examples, such as Duffy’s Tavern in West Haven benefited from the program, reinforcing the idea that when small businesses thrive, everyone does.
Beyond his corporate leadership, Frank’s journey is one of resilience and service. Born in Jamaica and raised in Connecticut, he navigated personal loss, military service, and career pivots to become a top executive in the utilities industry. From his time in the military - where he led teams while earning his degree - to his transition from manufacturing to energy, Frank’s leadership philosophy is shaped by experience, adaptability, and a commitment to progress.
Tune in as the MissionCTRL team dives into what makes a great leader, how utilities fuel business success, and why ensuring reliable energy is just as crucial at work as it is at home. If you’re interested in economic development, leadership, and the future of utilities, this is one episode you won’t want to miss!
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Find full episodes of Mission CTRL on Anchor, Apple Podcast, Spotify, and our website.
Mission CTRL aims to ignite the innovative spirit inside us all through providing budding and successful entrepreneurs and community leaders with a platform to share their stories and inspire others. Tune in every Wednesday and catch up with the team at Peralta Design as we unleash the origin stories behind some exceptional leaders, share marketing/branding insights, and navigate the ever-changing currents of pop culture.
Subscribe for more weekly branding and entrepreneurial content here! To learn more about Peralta Design's work visit peraltadesign.com.
welaunchbrands #launchyourbrand #BrandU #missionctrl #mctrl #digitalagency #mbeagency #mbe #digital #branding #marketing #web #creative #contentcreator #contentstrategy #marketingstrategy #leadership #leader #entrepreneur #entrepreneurs #entrepreneurship #entrepreneurial #startup #startups #business #businessowner #businesstips #scalingyourbusiness #smallbusiness #w2 #fulltime #9to5 #office #officelife #corporate #podcast #podcasts #podcastshow #businesspodcast #lifestory #lifestories #personalstory #personalstories #video #photography
What if giving back could be as seamless as online shopping? This week on MissionCTRL, Ramon and Kevin are diving into the intersection of philanthropy, technology, and entrepreneurship with Christina and Buddy Prete, the visionaries behind Shopping Anyway.
When her father passed away in 2022, Christina found herself continuing his decade-long legacy of charitable giving—handling donations to organizations like Beth-El Center and Wounded Warrior Project. But she quickly realized a gap: nonprofits often struggle with donor engagement and streamlined contribution methods. So, she built a solution.
In this episode, the PD crew explore her journey from creating a business plan to forming an LLC, bootstrapping without investors, and the power of app prototypes in bringing an idea to life. She shares insights on making nonprofit support more user-friendly, leveraging WordPress for web-based functionality, and incorporating Instacart-style delivery options to simplify donations. Plus, they discuss how organizations can use branding and notifications to engage donors on a subscription basis. If you're passionate about tech for positive impact, app development, and trusting the process you won’t want to miss this one!
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Find full episodes of Mission CTRL on Anchor, Apple Podcast, Spotify, and our website.
Mission CTRL aims to ignite the innovative spirit inside us all through providing budding and successful entrepreneurs and community leaders with a platform to share their stories and inspire others. Tune in every Wednesday and catch up with the team at Peralta Design as we unleash the origin stories behind some exceptional leaders, share marketing/branding insights, and navigate the ever-changing currents of pop culture.
Subscribe for more weekly branding and entrepreneurial content here! To learn more about Peralta Design's work visit peraltadesign.com.
welaunchbrands #launchyourbrand #BrandU #missionctrl #mctrl #digitalagency #mbeagency #mbe #digital #branding #marketing #web #creative #contentcreator #contentstrategy #marketingstrategy #leadership #leader #entrepreneur #entrepreneurs #entrepreneurship #startup #startups #business #businessowner #businesstips #scalingyourbusiness #smallbusiness #w2 #fulltime #9to5 #office #officelife #corporate #podcast #podcasts #podcastshow #businesspodcast #lifestory #lifestories #personalstory #personalstories
What if you could build something greater by forging the right relationships? If that idea excites you, you’ll love this week’s episode of MissionCTRL. Join Ramon and the PD Flight Crew as they dive into the power of strategic partnerships and entrepreneurship with Secundino "Sec" Paulino, Founder of Sector 3.
Born in the Dominican Republic as the youngest of 14, Sec’s journey is one of resilience, creativity, and vision. From a childhood spent picking rice to immigrating to New York at just six years old, he quickly learned that success comes from resourcefulness and perseverance. His love for art led him to study at Cooper Union, launching a career in graphic design that took him from corporate giants like Boehringer Ingelheim to ultimately founding his own company.
In this episode, Sec shares why trying to do everything in-house is a rookie mistake, the importance of brand-aligned partnerships, and how assembling the right team can turn your business into a powerhouse—just like a "Voltron" of strategic collaboration. Tune in to hear his insights on building long-term relationships, budgeting wisely, and positioning your business for sustainable growth. Don’t miss it!
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Find full episodes of Mission CTRL on Anchor, Apple Podcast, Spotify, and our website.
Mission CTRL aims to ignite the innovative spirit inside us all through providing budding and successful entrepreneurs and community leaders with a platform to share their stories and inspire others. Tune in every Wednesday and catch up with the team at Peralta Design as we unleash the origin stories behind some exceptional leaders, share marketing/branding insights, and navigate the ever-changing currents of pop culture.
Subscribe for more weekly branding and entrepreneurial content here! To learn more about Peralta Design's work visit peraltadesign.com.
welaunchbrands #launchyourbrand #BrandU #missionctrl #mctrl #digitalagency #mbeagency #mbe #digital #branding #marketing #web #creative #contentcreator #contentstrategy #marketingstrategy #leadership #leader #entrepreneur #entrepreneurs #entrepreneurship #entrepreneurial #startup #startups #business #businessowner #businesstips #scalingyourbusiness #smallbusiness #w2 #fulltime #9to5 #office #officelife #corporate #podcast #podcasts #podcastshow #businesspodcast #lifestory #lifestories #personalstory #personalstories
What if you could design your life with intention rather than living by default? If that idea speaks to you, you’ll love this week’s episode of MissionCTRL. Join Ramon and the PD Flight Crew as they explore the power of manifestation and personal growth with Flory Hiatrides, Founder of A Wakened Events (AWE).
After experiencing profound loss at 40—losing her father, her company, and suffering a miscarriage—Flory found herself searching for answers beyond traditional success formulas. Despite holding an undergraduate degree in Mathematics and an MBA in Finance, she realized there was no equation to solve life’s biggest challenges. Her journey led her to holistic counseling and nutrition, ultimately inspiring her to create AWE, where she now helps others build lives of purpose and intention.
Whether you’re navigating personal transformation, seeking clarity, or looking to take control of your future, this episode is filled with powerful insights to help you live a life by design, not default. Don’t miss it!
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Find full episodes of Mission CTRL on Anchor, Apple Podcast, Spotify, and our website.
Mission CTRL aims to ignite the innovative spirit inside us all through providing budding and successful entrepreneurs and community leaders with a platform to share their stories and inspire others. Tune in every Wednesday and catch up with the team at Peralta Design as we unleash the origin stories behind some exceptional leaders, share marketing/branding insights, and navigate the ever-changing currents of pop culture.
Subscribe for more weekly branding and entrepreneurial content here! To learn more about Peralta Design's work visit peraltadesign.com.
welaunchbrands #launchyourbrand #BrandU #missionctrl #mctrl #digitalagency #mbeagency #mbe #digital #branding #marketing #web #creative #contentcreator #contentstrategy #marketingstrategy #leadership #leader #entrepreneur #entrepreneurs #entrepreneurship #entrepreneurial #startup #startups #business #businessowner #businesstips #scalingyourbusiness #smallbusiness #w2 #fulltime #9to5 #office #officelife #corporate #podcast #podcasts #podcastshow #businesspodcast #lifestory #lifestories #personalstory #personalstories #manifestation #mindset
What if you could scale your business or non-profit with strategic solutions tailored just for you? If that idea excites you, you’ll love next week’s episode of MissionCTRL. Join Ramon and the PD Flight Crew as they dive into the world of business consulting with Kevin Patrick, CEO of Intelistra Financial Group.
With a rich background in corporate development, private equity investing, and financial analysis, Kevin shares his unique insights on increasing your business’s value. In this episode, he discusses how his experiences at Wharton Business, BlackWater Strategic Partners, and other top institutions have shaped his approach to driving growth.
Whether you’re looking to refine your business model, improve operational efficiencies, or master financial forecasting, this episode is packed with actionable insights. Tune in to learn how Kevin is helping businesses thrive—and how you can apply his strategies to your own organization. Don’t miss it!
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Find full episodes of Mission CTRL on Anchor, Apple Podcast, Spotify, and our website.
Mission CTRL aims to ignite the innovative spirit inside us all through providing budding and successful entrepreneurs and community leaders with a platform to share their stories and inspire others. Tune in every Wednesday and catch up with the team at Peralta Design as we unleash the origin stories behind some exceptional leaders, share marketing/branding insights, and navigate the ever-changing currents of pop culture.
Subscribe for more weekly branding and entrepreneurial content here! To learn more about Peralta Design's work visit peraltadesign.com.
welaunchbrands #launchyourbrand #BrandU #missionctrl #mctrl #digitalagency #mbeagency #mbe #digital #branding #marketing #web #creative #contentcreator #contentstrategy #marketingstrategy #leadership #leader #entrepreneur #entrepreneurs #entrepreneurship #entrepreneurial #startup #startups #business #businessowner #businesstips #scalingyourbusiness #smallbusiness #w2 #fulltime #9to5 #office #officelife #corporate #podcast #podcasts #podcastshow #businesspodcast #lifestory #lifestories #personalstory #personalstories
What if your favorite pair of sneakers could be a canvas for your creativity, blending art, culture, and personal style? If that idea excites you, you’ll love this week’s episode of MissionCTRL. We’re stepping into the world of custom sneaker design with Matthew Smith, founder and owner of Kicksmith Studio, where he’s reimagining the traditional paint-and-sip concept—this time, for sneaker enthusiasts.
With a background in financial services and banking, Matthew discovered a passion for entrepreneurship and turned it into a thriving business. In this episode, he shares how his corporate experience helped him master time management, location strategy, and building a scalable franchise model for Kicksmith Studio.
Tune in to learn how Matthew is painting a bold future for sneaker culture—and how you can step up your own entrepreneurial game. This is one conversation you won’t want to miss!
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Find full episodes of Mission CTRL on Anchor, Apple Podcast, Spotify, and our website.
Mission CTRL aims to ignite the innovative spirit inside us all through providing budding and successful entrepreneurs and community leaders with a platform to share their stories and inspire others. Tune in every Wednesday and catch up with the team at Peralta Design as we unleash the origin stories behind some exceptional leaders, share marketing/branding insights, and navigate the ever-changing currents of pop culture.
Subscribe for more weekly branding and entrepreneurial content here! To learn more about Peralta Design's work visit peraltadesign.com.
welaunchbrands #launchyourbrand #BrandU #missionctrl #mctrl #digitalagency #mbeagency #mbe #digital #branding #marketing #web #creative #contentcreator #contentstrategy #marketingstrategy #leadership #leader #entrepreneur #entrepreneurs #entrepreneurship #entrepreneurial #startup #startups #business #businessowner #businesstips #scalingyourbusiness #smallbusiness #w2 #fulltime #9to5 #office #officelife #corporate #podcast #podcasts #podcastshow #businesspodcast #lifestory #lifestories #personalstory #personalstories
(add other hashtags pertaining to the guest, including if they are #profit (459K videos • 77K158K videos • 33K channels channels 6/21/24) or #nonprofit )
In today’s digital age, protecting personal information is more important than ever. But what happens to your data after you trade in or dispose of an old device? In this episode, we dive into the fascinating world of secure data destruction with National E-Waste Services founders, Joe Perun and Rishi Patel, leaders in the field of electronic device sanitization.
Discover how this innovative company ensures that sensitive information doesn’t fall into the wrong hands by safely erasing or destroying data from smartphones, laptops, and other electronic devices. We’ll explore the latest technology behind secure data disposal, the environmental impact of e-waste, and tips for safeguarding your digital identity.
Whether you’re a tech enthusiast, business owner, or everyday device user, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you stay secure in a connected world. Don’t miss it!
Listen now on MissionCTRL and keep your digital footprint protected!
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Find full episodes of Mission CTRL on Anchor, Apple Podcast, Spotify, and our website.
Mission CTRL aims to ignite the innovative spirit inside us all through providing budding and successful entrepreneurs and community leaders with a platform to share their stories and inspire others. Tune in every Wednesday and catch up with the team at Peralta Design as we unleash the origin stories behind some exceptional leaders, share marketing/branding insights, and navigate the ever-changing currents of pop culture.
Subscribe for more weekly branding and entrepreneurial content here! To learn more about Peralta Design's work visit peraltadesign.com.
welaunchbrands #launchyourbrand #BrandU #missionctrl #mctrl #digitalagency #mbeagency #mbe #digital #branding #marketing #web #creative #contentcreator #contentstrategy #marketingstrategy #leadership #leader #entrepreneur #entrepreneurs #entrepreneurship #entrepreneurial #startup #startups #business #businessowner #businesstips #scalingyourbusiness #smallbusiness #w2 #fulltime #9to5 #office #officelife #corporate #podcast #podcasts #podcastshow #businesspodcast #lifestory #lifestories #personalstory #personalstories #technology #ewaste
Are great leaders made or born? If you are passionate about leadership and personal development then this episode is for you! Join host Ramon and the PD Flight Crew as they sit down with Christine A. Daniels, a transformational executive coach and leadership consultant with over 30 years of corporate experience, including executive roles on Wall Street and in private equity startups. Growing up outside of Chicago, Christine experienced a topsy-turvy childhood following her parents’ divorce. Her journey of grit and resilience shaped her into a leader who now helps others unlock their potential. In this episode, she shares her favorite tools for personal and organizational development, including DISC, CliftonStrengths, Enneagram, and the Energy Leadership Index—powerful frameworks she uses to help individuals and teams achieve their goals faster and more effectively.
Christine also discusses her path to becoming a John C. Maxwell Certified Coach and previews the highly anticipated Live2Lead Leadership Development Program, coming to the Valley on January 29, 2025. Featuring an all-star lineup of speakers like John C. Maxwell, Malcolm Gladwell, Michael Jr., Valorie Burton, and John Gordon, this event promises to inspire and equip leaders at every level. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, business owner, or aspiring leader, this episode offers actionable insights, practical tools, and a roadmap to elevate your leadership game. Tune in for a conversation that will motivate you to lead with impact and purpose!
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Find full episodes of Mission CTRL on Anchor, Apple Podcast, Spotify, and our website.
Mission CTRL aims to ignite the innovative spirit inside us all through providing budding and successful entrepreneurs and community leaders with a platform to share their stories and inspire others. Tune in every Wednesday and catch up with the team at Peralta Design as we unleash the origin stories behind some exceptional leaders, share marketing/branding insights, and navigate the ever-changing currents of pop culture.
Subscribe for more weekly branding and entrepreneurial content here! To learn more about Peralta Design's work visit peraltadesign.com.
welaunchbrands #launchyourbrand #BrandU #missionctrl #mctrl #digitalagency #mbeagency #mbe #digital #branding #marketing #web #creative #contentcreator #contentstrategy #marketingstrategy #leadership #leader #entrepreneur #entrepreneurs #entrepreneurship #entrepreneurial #startup #startups #business #businessowner #businesstips #scalingyourbusiness #smallbusiness #w2 #fulltime #9to5 #office #officelife #corporate #podcast #podcasts #podcastshow #businesspodcast #lifestory #lifestories #personalstory #personalstories
In this week’s episode of MissionCTRL, Ramon and the PD Flight crew are joined by the inspiring Vicar Centeno, founder of Viccen (pronounced Vixen as in “Fox”) Bookkeeping. Vicar’s journey into bookkeeping began in high school, where an early internship sparked her passion for managing finances. With the support of her father—a well-known pastor and community leader—she gained experience working for a local nonprofit, a role that deepened her skills and commitment to her craft.
In this episode you’ll learn about Vicar’s fascinating family legacy, stretching back to Puerto Rico, where her family owned a supermarket reminiscent of a Walmart. Tune in as Vicar shares valuable tips for entrepreneurs looking to take control of their finances, build strong business foundations, and avoid common pitfalls. Her story of dedication and legacy is not only inspiring but packed with practical advice for anyone in business.
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Find Mission CTRL on Anchor, Apple Podcast, Spotify, and our website.
Mission CTRL aims to ignite the innovative spirit inside us all through providing budding and successful entrepreneurs and community leaders with a platform to share their stories and inspire others. Tune in every Wednesday and catch up with the team at Peralta Design as we unleash the origin stories behind some exceptional leaders, share marketing/branding insights, and navigate the ever-changing currents of pop culture.
Subscribe for weekly branding and entrepreneurial content here! To learn more about Peralta Design's work visit peraltadesign.com.
welaunchbrands #digitalagency #mbeagency #mbe #digital #branding #marketing #web #startups #creative #BrandU #w2 #fulltime #leadership #contentcreator #contentstrategy #marketingstrategy #entrepreneurs #business #launchyourbrand
Join the MissionCTRL team and the PD Flight Crew for a spooky Halloween special! In this fun and festive episode, Ramon sits down with Jorge, Amanda, and Maggie for a lighthearted chat about all things Halloween. They dive into the creative process behind their costumes, sharing inspiration, construction hacks, and behind-the-scenes details that brought each look to life. Then, they reveal their favorite horror movies of all time—from chilling classics to modern thrillers that kept them up at night. And, of course, it wouldn’t be Halloween without candy!
The team ranks their top five candies, debating the best treats for trick-or-treaters. Whether you’re tuning in for costume tips, movie recs, or candy opinions, this episode is a Halloween treat you won’t want to miss! Get into the Halloween spirit with this episode packed with costume ideas, horror movie recommendations, and sweet candy nostalgia. Whether you’re a Halloween fanatic or just in it for the candy, this special edition of MissionCTRL has something for everyone!
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Find Mission CTRL on Anchor, Apple Podcast, Spotify, and our website.
Mission CTRL aims to ignite the innovative spirit inside us all through providing budding and successful entrepreneurs and community leaders with a platform to share their stories and inspire others. Tune in every Wednesday and catch up with the team at Peralta Design as we unleash the origin stories behind some exceptional leaders, share marketing/branding insights, and navigate the ever-changing currents of pop culture.
Subscribe for weekly branding and entrepreneurial content here! To learn more about Peralta Design's work visit peraltadesign.com.
welaunchbrands #digitalagency #mbeagency #mbe #digital #branding #marketing #web #startups #creative #BrandU #w2 #fulltime #leadership #contentcreator #contentstrategy #marketingstrategy #entrepreneurs #business #launchyourbrand
Joining Ramon and the PD Flight Crew in MissionCTRL studios is Marc Donald, a non-profit executive with expertise in education, social-emotional learning, restorative practices, social justice, and urban gun violence. Marc holds a BA in History from Hampden-Sydney College and an M.A.T. in English from the University of South Carolina. He serves as the President & CEO of Catalyst CT, formerly known as RYASAP. Over the past four decades, Catalyst CT has provided hope and support to underserved and marginalized youth, families, and neighborhoods.
Since 1985, the organization has positively impacted young people and their families by addressing mental health, addiction, gun violence, and workforce connections. They focus on community strengths, working with expertise in curriculum development, strategic planning, leadership coaching, social-emotional learning, urban gardening, fundraising, and media and technology. In this episode, Marc shares his journey from being an educator in the Bronx to leading the rebranding effort of RYASAP to Catalyst CT. Tune in to learn more about what drives Marc to work with the underserved communities and how he spearheads Catalyst CT’s core mission: building on the strength of the community by working alongside it.
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Find Mission CTRL on Anchor, Apple Podcast, Spotify, and our website.
Mission CTRL aims to ignite the innovative spirit inside us all through providing budding and successful entrepreneurs and community leaders with a platform to share their stories and inspire others. Tune in every Wednesday and catch up with the team at Peralta Design as we unleash the origin stories behind some exceptional leaders, share marketing/branding insights, and navigate the ever-changing currents of pop culture.
Subscribe for weekly branding and entrepreneurial content here! To learn more about Peralta Design's work visit peraltadesign.com.
welaunchbrands #digitalagency #mbeagency #mbe #digital #branding #marketing #web #startups #creative #BrandU #w2 #fulltime #leadership #contentcreator #contentstrategy #marketingstrategy #entrepreneurs #business #launchyourbrand
Did you know that 74% of podcast listeners tune in with headphones? This means your voice isn’t just background noise—it’s directly in their ears, making every breath and every word crystal clear. In such an intimate space, great audio quality is essential. It’s the difference between your message resonating or your audience hitting pause. Joining Ramon and the PD Flight Crew in the MissionCTRL Studios for this episode is Curtis Subryan, a Sergeant in the Mount Vernon Police Department by day and the Lead Audio Engineer at Iceolated Productions by night. Curtis is responsible for editing the MissionCTRL podcast. Subryan holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Bridgeport and grew up in a Guyanese household in the Mount Vernon section of New York.
Curtis began his career in social services but realized it wasn’t the right fit. He pivoted to pursue his childhood fascination with DJ equipment and enrolled in the Institute of Audio Research. This led to prime internships at Sirius XM, where he worked on Martha Stewart’s Radio and Shaila Scott’s show on 98.7 Kiss FM. Now, as an independent songwriter and producer in New York, Curtis performs under the name IceO. He has written, produced, and recorded his first solo project, “Uncertainty,” which is available on all streaming platforms. Uncertainty, an album Curtis created during a difficult time in his life, features lush pads and melodic lyrics, creating a reflective vibe for anyone going through a period of uncertainty. Tune in to hear Curtis Subryan’s inspiring story and learn about the critical role audio quality plays in retaining podcast listeners.
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Find Mission CTRL on Anchor, Apple Podcast, Spotify, and our website.
Mission CTRL aims to ignite the innovative spirit inside us all through providing budding and successful entrepreneurs and community leaders with a platform to share their stories and inspire others. Tune in every Wednesday and catch up with the team at Peralta Design as we unleash the origin stories behind some exceptional leaders, share marketing/branding insights, and navigate the ever-changing currents of pop culture.
Subscribe for weekly branding and entrepreneurial content here! To learn more about Peralta Design's work visit peraltadesign.com.
welaunchbrands #digitalagency #mbeagency #mbe #digital #branding #marketing #web #startups #creative #BrandU #w2 #fulltime #leadership #contentcreator #contentstrategy #marketingstrategy #entrepreneurs #business #launchyourbrand
What if your mattress could be as unique as your fingerprint, tailored to your body’s needs and improve your sleep quality? If you value a good night’s sleep as much as we do, you owe it to yourself to learn more. This week on MissionCTRL, we’re diving into the future of personalized sleep technology with Robert Zukowski, co-founder and President of Custom Sleep Technology, a custom sleep technology company that is anything but dozing off. Zukowski’s journey is not your random founder’s journey — he started in aerospace then shifted to the cosmetics industry after a fire decimated their latex manufacturing plant. Robert considered himself a self-taught engineer who’s on a mission to revolutionize the mattress industry.
In this episode, Zukowski shares how his frustration as a Talalay Latex salesman fueled his curiosity and led him to create CST’s patented Performance Line mattresses, which use the cutting-edge Color Comfort Sleep System™. These mattresses are custom-designed to fit your exact height, weight, and sleeping style, and even adapt to alleviate issues like back, shoulder, and hip pain. With free post-delivery modifications, your mattress evolves with you over time. Tune in to discover how optimizing your sleep can transform your productivity, focus, and overall health as an entrepreneur or business owner. Robert’s insights into the science of sleep will show you why a good night’s rest might just be the secret weapon you’ve been missing.
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Find Mission CTRL on Anchor, Apple Podcast, Spotify, and our website.
Mission CTRL aims to ignite the innovative spirit inside us all through providing budding and successful entrepreneurs and community leaders with a platform to share their stories and inspire others. Tune in every Wednesday and catch up with the team at Peralta Design as we unleash the origin stories behind some exceptional leaders, share marketing/branding insights, and navigate the ever-changing currents of pop culture.
Subscribe for weekly branding and entrepreneurial content here! To learn more about Peralta Design's work visit peraltadesign.com.
welaunchbrands #digitalagency #mbeagency #mbe #digital #branding #marketing #web #startups #creative #BrandU #w2 #fulltime #leadership #contentcreator #contentstrategy #marketingstrategy #entrepreneurs #business #launchyourbrand
What happens when a seasoned antitrust attorney turns his attention to the digital giants of our age? In this week’s episode of MissionCTRL, Ramon and the PD flight crew sit down with Gene Burrus, a man whose career has taken him from being an antitrust attorney at American Airlines, Microsoft and Spotify to championing fairness in the app marketplace. Gene joined us from his home in Oregon to share with us some landmark cases and battles he continues to fight to keep things fair for the independent developer. This isn’t just a discussion about legalities—it’s a deep dive into leveling the playing field for the little guys: app software developers and small businesses. Burrus hasn’t merely observed the changing tides of the tech industry; he’s been at the helm, challenging monopolistic practices and pushing for a fair terrain to compete.
If you’ve ever wondered how antitrust laws affect the mobile apps you use every day—or if you’re a creator looking to survive in a market dominated by giants—this episode is for you. Gene takes us behind the scenes of his work at appfairness.org, an organization he founded to give small developers a fighting chance. Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation that blends legal insight with the drive for innovation, and discover why fairness in tech is not just an industry issue—it’s a societal one.
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Find Mission CTRL on Anchor, Apple Podcast, Spotify, and our website.
Mission CTRL aims to ignite the innovative spirit inside us all through providing budding and successful entrepreneurs and community leaders with a platform to share their stories and inspire others. Tune in every Wednesday and catch up with the team at Peralta Design as we unleash the origin stories behind some exceptional leaders, share marketing/branding insights, and navigate the ever-changing currents of pop culture.
Subscribe for weekly branding and entrepreneurial content here! To learn more about Peralta Design's work visit peraltadesign.com.
welaunchbrands #digitalagency #mbeagency #mbe #digital #branding #marketing #web #startups #creative #BrandU #w2 #fulltime #leadership #contentcreator #contentstrategy #marketingstrategy #entrepreneurs #business #launchyourbrand
With Q4 officially underway, the sad reality is that very soon most people will prematurely begin to hang Christmas decorations, skipping right over Halloween and Thanksgiving. For many, 2024 is a wrap and they will coast through the next three months on autopilot. The diets are given up on, the workouts fall off, and the sales pipeline begins to dry up. The lie they’ll tell themselves is that they’ll kick into gear in 2025. But you’re not average, and neither are our next guests joining Ramon in the MissionCTRL studios: Christopher J. Wirth from No Quit Living, Christian Palmer of Relentless Fitness & Nutrition, and Denzel Robinson of Inner Quest Coaching. Now is the time to keep your foot on the gas if you want to “Finish 2024 Strong” plan on attending Finish Strong a Personal & Professional Development Conference on Tuesday October 22, 2024 at the Norwalk Inn from 5:00pm - 9:30pm. Now is the time to keep your foot on the gas if you’re planning on "Finishing Strong."
If you’re planning to FINISH 2024 STRONG, surrounding yourself with like-minded individuals is a key component. In this action-packed episode, you’ll discover the importance of a growth mindset versus a fixed mindset in achieving your goals. We’ll dive into branding, networking, and collaboration, as well as how relationships and masterminds can accelerate success. You’ll also learn how four entrepreneurs turned their passions into thriving brands, covering everything from fitness and nutrition to developing effective habits and accountability systems. Plus, we’ll explore critical topics like testosterone health, building focus, and maintaining your leadership as a coach. Whether you're looking to launch a brand, refine your coaching approach, or simply crush your fitness and business goals, this episode offers actionable insights for finishing the year strong.
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Find Mission CTRL on Anchor, Apple Podcast, Spotify, and our website.
Mission CTRL aims to ignite the innovative spirit inside us all through providing budding and successful entrepreneurs and community leaders with a platform to share their stories and inspire others. Tune in every Wednesday and catch up with the team at Peralta Design as we unleash the origin stories behind some exceptional leaders, share marketing/branding insights, and navigate the ever-changing currents of pop culture.
Subscribe for weekly branding and entrepreneurial content here! To learn more about Peralta Design's work visit peraltadesign.com.
welaunchbrands #digitalagency #mbeagency #mbe #digital #branding #marketing #web #startups #creative #BrandU #w2 #fulltime #leadership #contentcreator #contentstrategy #marketingstrategy #entrepreneurs #business #launchyourbrand
Is entrepreneurship an innate trait, or is it a skill that can be learned and developed? Can you think like an entrepreneur even as an employee? Are we in control of our circumstances or just in how we respond to them? These are the questions our next guest, Maria Colon, wrestled with, leading her to take bold action in making a drastic career shift into business ownership. Maria Colon, founder of EFS Digital, joins Ramon and The PD Flight Crew at MissionCTRL studios this week to share her inspiring journey. At just 17 years old, Maria migrated from the Dominican Republic to the United States after facing multiple rejections for her visa application—a hurdle that would have discouraged many. But Maria's determination was a pivotal factor that fueled her persistence. Destined for greatness, Maria initially followed the traditional path in pursuit of the American Dream.
It wasn’t until Maria realized that the ladder she was climbing was leaning against the wrong building that she decided to change course. In this episode, you’ll hear how Maria rewired her brain, as a self-proclaimed life-long learner, launched EFS Digital. Now, she helps business owners connect with people and generate consistent revenue through sustainable and proven digital marketing systems. Tune in to learn how the contributing factors in Maria’s journey reshaped her career and led her to entrepreneurial success!
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Find Mission CTRL on Anchor, Apple Podcast, Spotify, and our website.
Mission CTRL aims to ignite the innovative spirit inside us all through providing budding and successful entrepreneurs and community leaders with a platform to share their stories and inspire others. Tune in every Wednesday and catch up with the team at Peralta Design as we unleash the origin stories behind some exceptional leaders, share marketing/branding insights, and navigate the ever-changing currents of pop culture.
Subscribe for weekly branding and entrepreneurial content here! To learn more about Peralta Design's work visit peraltadesign.com.
welaunchbrands #digitalagency #mbeagency #mbe #digital #branding #marketing #web #startups #creative #BrandU #w2 #fulltime #leadership #contentcreator #contentstrategy #marketingstrategy #entrepreneurs #business #launchyourbrand
If you’re a golf fan and love entrepreneurial startup stories with unexpected plot twists, we’ve got you covered. This week on MissionCTRL, Ramon and the PD Flight Crew are joined by Ken Burns, founder of Bigga Balls, and Joe Ward, the company's Digital Marketing Manager. Burns started as a caddy at 12 and had his sights set on being a rock star but eventually joined the family construction business. Burns Construction, founded by his dad, Ken Sr., in 1957 started as a residential paving company, but has since expanded its services to include utility companies and municipalities under Ken Jr’s leadership.
So how does someone with a background in construction pave a path into entrepreneurship and launch his very own golf brand? Ramon and the PD Flight Crew had plenty of questions, which Ken and Joe were eager to answer. Burns is a man with a grand vision and knows how to seize opportunities when they present themselves. To say Ken is a “Bigga Thinka” is an understatement! Tune in to also hear how Ken turned a simple request to park a food truck in the Burns Construction parking lot into the revitalization of the Cricket Car Hop, a Stratford community staple since 1949. This entrepreneurial journey is sure to inspire you to pull out the driver and go for the green!
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Find Mission CTRL on Anchor, Apple Podcast, Spotify, and our website.
Mission CTRL aims to ignite the innovative spirit inside us all through providing budding and successful entrepreneurs and community leaders with a platform to share their stories and inspire others. Tune in every Wednesday and catch up with the team at Peralta Design as we unleash the origin stories behind some exceptional leaders, share marketing/branding insights, and navigate the ever-changing currents of pop culture.
Subscribe for weekly branding and entrepreneurial content here! To learn more about Peralta Design's work visit peraltadesign.com.
welaunchbrands #digitalagency #mbeagency #mbe #digital #branding #marketing #web #startups #creative #BrandU #w2 #fulltime #leadership #contentcreator #contentstrategy #marketingstrategy #entrepreneurs #business #launchyourbrand
If you're a lover of words, board games, and what was once considered nerdy geek culture, you'll feel right at home with our next guest. Joining Ramon and the PD Flight Crew in the studio is Kelly de la Rocha. De la Rocha is a poet, journalist, and founder of Poem Renovation. Forty years ago, as a distraught teenager dealing with her parents' separation, Kelly turned to poetry to help make sense of her turbulent emotions. During the pandemic, De la Rocha once again felt her world falling apart and found new meaning in her old poems by rearranging their words. That experience became the foundation for Poem Renovation, an online word game that is picking up steam.
Poem Renovation is a catalyst for creativity and a tool that aids in literacy. It's also used to help people sort through and communicate their thoughts and feelings. The initiative has found a home in schools, where students are still struggling to overcome the effects of COVID-19 on their mental health and academic performance. There's also immense potential for Poem Renovation to benefit the mental health and continuing care communities. Tune in to hear how Kelly transformed her old poems into an online platform without any coding experience. In this episode, you'll learn how De la Rocha used the same creative tools as J. Cole to unleash her creativity, as well as how she used her command of the written and spoken word to attract her tribe. To learn more about Poem Renovation, watch their video
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Find Mission CTRL on Anchor, Apple Podcast, Spotify, and our website.
Mission CTRL aims to ignite the innovative spirit inside us all through providing budding and successful entrepreneurs and community leaders with a platform to share their stories and inspire others. Tune in every Wednesday and catch up with the team at Peralta Design as we unleash the origin stories behind some exceptional leaders, share marketing/branding insights, and navigate the ever-changing currents of pop culture.
Subscribe for weekly branding and entrepreneurial content here! To learn more about Peralta Design's work visit peraltadesign.com.
welaunchbrands #digitalagency #mbeagency #mbe #digital #branding #marketing #web #startups #creative #BrandU #w2 #fulltime #leadership #contentcreator #contentstrategy #marketingstrategy #entrepreneurs #business #launchyourbrand
This week on MissionCTRL, the PD Flight Crew is flying solo without Ramon, but the mission remains the same as Jorge steers the conversation alongside Kevin and Maggie in the studio. In this episode, the Flight Crew explores the challenges and best practices of networking, based on the practical principles they’ve applied over the years while building Peralta Design. Whether you’re an introvert or an extrovert, having the ability to win friends and influence people will directly impact your career and personal life. It’s no secret that people do business with those they like, know, and trust.
Tune in to this episode for tips on honing your networking skills. You’ll learn that networking is more than just handshakes and exchanging business cards—you need to have a method, process, and system for follow-up to get the most out of any event. Be sure to stay tuned until the end, where Jorge and the Flight Crew share upcoming networking events for you to implement the best practices discussed during this episode.
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Find Mission CTRL on Anchor, Apple Podcast, Spotify, and our website.
Mission CTRL aims to ignite the innovative spirit inside us all through providing budding and successful entrepreneurs and community leaders with a platform to share their stories and inspire others. Tune in every Wednesday and catch up with the team at Peralta Design as we unleash the origin stories behind some exceptional leaders, share marketing/branding insights, and navigate the ever-changing currents of pop culture.
Subscribe for weekly branding and entrepreneurial content here! To learn more about Peralta Design's work visit peraltadesign.com.
welaunchbrands #digitalagency #mbeagency #mbe #digital #branding #marketing #web #startups #creative #BrandU #w2 #fulltime #leadership #contentcreator #contentstrategy #marketingstrategy #entrepreneurs #business #launchyourbrand
Our guest this week on MissionCTRL is Gary Wallace, the owner and founder of Hall of GraFX, a full digital six color imaging center located in Providence, RI . Wallace joins Ramon and the PD Flight Crew to share his entrepreneurial journey, starting from his days as a B-Boy growing up with Ramon inProvidence, RI. Gary’s curiosity for technology and passion for art from an early age, combined with his street hustle entrepreneurial mindset, have afforded him the opportunity to travel around the world.
So how did a kid from the South Side of Providence manage to work with brands like GAP, Old Navy, Banana Republic, AMEX, Reebok, Timberland, L'Oreal, Ann Taylor, VH1, FUBU, POLO, DKNY, Louis Vuitton, HBO, and Showtime, just to name a few? Before diving into Wallace’s personal story of how he transitioned from employee to employer operating his own very successful large format print shop, Ramon and the PD Flight Crew explore the controversy behind the breakdancing segment of the Olympics with expert commentary from Gary, one of the original TC5 crew members. His refreshing perspective is sure to make your headspin!
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Find Mission CTRL on Anchor, Apple Podcast, Spotify, and our website.
Mission CTRL aims to ignite the innovative spirit inside us all through providing budding and successful entrepreneurs and community leaders with a platform to share their stories and inspire others. Tune in every Wednesday and catch up with the team at Peralta Design as we unleash the origin stories behind some exceptional leaders, share marketing/branding insights, and navigate the ever-changing currents of pop culture.
Subscribe for weekly branding and entrepreneurial content here! To learn more about Peralta Design's work visit peraltadesign.com.
welaunchbrands #digitalagency #mbeagency #mbe #digital #branding #marketing #web #startups #creative #BrandU #w2 #fulltime #leadership #contentcreator #contentstrategy #marketingstrategy #entrepreneurs #business #launchyourbrand
If you’re an entrepreneur or small business owner looking to get a handle on your business or seeking capital to scale, you won’t want to miss this episode. This week on MissionCTRL, Ramon and the PD Flight Crew are joined in the studio by Valerian Gomez. Gomez is a veteran entrepreneur and business advisor with a master's degree in organizational leadership, skilled in applying Lean Six Sigma principles. Valerian grew up in the Bronx, New York, and majored in accounting. Although he excelled in the industry, he realized it was time to pivot. The work paid the bills, but it didn’t feed his spirit. Gomez decided to leave corporate America and enter the world of entrepreneurship, where he ran a successful Merry Maids franchise. After five years, he sold the business back to the franchise.
Gomez has successfully directed both nonprofit and for-profit operations and has experience working within corporate settings as both an employee and entrepreneur. His diverse work experience gives him a unique perspective in serving clients at the Connecticut Small Business Association (CSBA), where he assists new and existing Connecticut entrepreneurs with their businesses. The CSBA provides a range of services, including startup assistance, scaling existing businesses, exploring capital access options, and applying Lean Six Sigma methodologies to improve operational efficiency.
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Find Mission CTRL on Anchor, Apple Podcast, Spotify, and our website.
Mission CTRL aims to ignite the innovative spirit inside us all through providing budding and successful entrepreneurs and community leaders with a platform to share their stories and inspire others. Tune in every Wednesday and catch up with the team at Peralta Design as we unleash the origin stories behind some exceptional leaders, share marketing/branding insights, and navigate the ever-changing currents of pop culture.
Subscribe for weekly branding and entrepreneurial content here! To learn more about Peralta Design's work visit peraltadesign.com.
welaunchbrands #digitalagency #mbeagency #mbe #digital #branding #marketing #web #startups #creative #BrandU #w2 #fulltime #leadership #contentcreator #contentstrategy #marketingstrategy #entrepreneurs #business #launchyourbrand
Christopher J. Wirth joins Ramon and the PD Flight Crew in the MissionCTRL studios to share his No Quit story and inspire the audience. Wirth is the founder and president of No Quit Living (NQL), a speaking, coaching, and training company that focuses on culture, leadership, mindset, and accountability. No Quit Living works with individuals, teams, and corporations to help improve profitability, accountability, and effectiveness. NQL was the rainbow Christopher created after going through a stormy divorce.
Christopher aims to motivate and inspire his clients to never give up on themselves, their dreams, or their goals. He is a sought-after keynote speaker. After playing both basketball and tennis in college, Christopher began his coaching career as an AAU basketball coach (Amateur Athletic Union), collegiate basketball coach, and high school basketball coach. Before diving into Christopher’s journey into entrepreneurship, Ramon and the PD Flight Crew review the Olympic highlights.
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Find Mission CTRL on Anchor, Apple Podcast, Spotify, and our website.
Mission CTRL aims to ignite the innovative spirit inside us all through providing budding and successful entrepreneurs and community leaders with a platform to share their stories and inspire others. Tune in every Wednesday and catch up with the team at Peralta Design as we unleash the origin stories behind some exceptional leaders, share marketing/branding insights, and navigate the ever-changing currents of pop culture.
Subscribe for weekly branding and entrepreneurial content here! To learn more about Peralta Design's work visit peraltadesign.com.
welaunchbrands #digitalagency #mbeagency #mbe #digital #branding #marketing #web #startups #creative #BrandU #w2 #fulltime #leadership #contentcreator #contentstrategy #marketingstrategy #entrepreneurs #business #launchyourbrand
This week on MissionCTRL, Ramon and the PD Flight Crew are joined by Joshua “Josh” Paiz, a fellow artist, auto enthusiast and founder of JPaiz Studios, for a riveting conversation about cars and his own personal evolution as a muralist. Paiz discovered his interest in art when his mother, a domestic worker, would bring home discarded scrap paper, which he used to create and entertain himself. As he immersed himself in the creative process, a passion started burning within him. Paiz faced the same frustration with the educational system that Sir Ken Robinson described as stifling students through a one-size-fits-all approach instead of nurturing their unique talents and creativity. Paiz was fortunate to be surrounded by educators who fanned the flames of his passion and a mother who sacrificed by working odd jobs and collecting cans to place him in specialized art classes.
Though he was bullied as a kid, he discovered that his artistic talent gave him street credibility. Josh’s path to becoming a full-time freelance artist wasn’t without challenges. Josh's journey mirrors that of Frank Shepard Fairey, the founder of Obey, who also took significant artistic risks along his path. Fairey's bold and unconventional approach to street art challenged societal norms and established him as a pioneering figure in the art world. Like Paiz, Fairey faced obstacles but leveraged his creativity to make a lasting impact. Tune in to hear how Josh’s passion allowed him to travel the world, painting over 60 murals worldwide and counting
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Find Mission CTRL on Anchor, Apple Podcast, Spotify, and our website.
Mission CTRL aims to ignite the innovative spirit inside us all through providing budding and successful entrepreneurs and community leaders with a platform to share their stories and inspire others. Tune in every Wednesday and catch up with the team at Peralta Design as we unleash the origin stories behind some exceptional leaders, share marketing/branding insights, and navigate the ever-changing currents of pop culture.
Subscribe for weekly branding and entrepreneurial content here! To learn more about Peralta Design's work visit peraltadesign.com.
welaunchbrands #digitalagency #mbeagency #mbe #digital #branding #marketing #web #startups #creative #BrandU #w2 #fulltime #leadership #contentcreator #contentstrategy #marketingstrategy #entrepreneurs #business #launchyourbrand
What makes the difference between someone who succeeds and someone who continues to struggle? How do you define success? What’s the differentiating factor? What separates leaders from followers? In this episode of MissionCTRL, Ramon and the PD Flight Crew host Jessica Rivera, Executive Business Coach and Mindset Master, who together, set out to answer these questions. Believe it or not, a lot has to do with the stories we’ve been told and continue to tell ourselves — in a word, mindset. Rivera had her first child at 19 and was determined not to become a typical teen mom statistic which catapulted her onto a journey of self improvement and professional development.
Before launching her executive coaching business, Rivera was climbing the corporate ladder in a competitive industry for a top-five international bank. During her tenure, she led a team that brought in approximately 4 billion dollars in originations annually, which was by far the most in the company. In this episode, Jessica shares her secrets to leading high-performing teams and individuals: spoiler alert it was coaching, not managing, people. Tune in to hear a lively, deeply personal discussion on how Rivera led her team to attain their goals and cultivate meaningful relationships with each other and their clients.
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Find Mission CTRL on Anchor, Apple Podcast, Spotify, and our website.
Mission CTRL aims to ignite the innovative spirit inside us all through providing budding and successful entrepreneurs and community leaders with a platform to share their stories and inspire others. Tune in every Wednesday and catch up with the team at Peralta Design as we unleash the origin stories behind some exceptional leaders, share marketing/branding insights, and navigate the ever-changing currents of pop culture.
Subscribe for weekly branding and entrepreneurial content here! To learn more about Peralta Design's work visit peraltadesign.com.
welaunchbrands #digitalagency #mbeagency #mbe #digital #branding #marketing #web #startups #creative #BrandU #w2 #fulltime #leadership #contentcreator #contentstrategy #marketingstrategy #entrepreneurs #business #launchyourbrand
Our next guest on MissionCTRL has a name that bears a striking resemblance to the call letters of a radio station, which is ironic because Lidj Lewis started his career at WWRL as an intern with Sonny Taylor. Lewis was born in Harlem and grew up in Brooklyn. He holds a BA in English/Communications from The City College of New York, an MBA from Pace University, and an MA in Secondary Inclusive Education from Teachers College, Columbia University.
Lidj is the Founder of The Trip Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization that funds domestic and international field trips for public high schools in low-income areas. Tune in to hear how Lewis transitioned from the world of media broadcasting to education and into running a nonprofit. Before diving into Lewis’ story, Ramon and the PD Flight Crew tackle some amazing stories of BIPOC athletes in non-traditional sports, such as Lewis Hamilton in F1 and Biniam Girmay in the Tour de France.
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Find Mission CTRL on Anchor, Apple Podcast, Spotify, and our website.
Mission CTRL aims to ignite the innovative spirit inside us all through providing budding and successful entrepreneurs and community leaders with a platform to share their stories and inspire others. Tune in every Wednesday and catch up with the team at Peralta Design as we unleash the origin stories behind some exceptional leaders, share marketing/branding insights, and navigate the ever-changing currents of pop culture.
Subscribe for weekly branding and entrepreneurial content here! To learn more about Peralta Design's work visit peraltadesign.com.
welaunchbrands #digitalagency #mbeagency #mbe #digital #branding #marketing #web #startups #creative #BrandU #w2 #fulltime #leadership #contentcreator #contentstrategy #marketingstrategy #entrepreneurs #business #launchyourbrand
Today's MissionCTRL show is special because it’s not every day that Ramon and the PD Flight Crew host a power business lunch, book launch, and record an episode with the same client/guest, Chris Jarvis. Jarvis is more than a client and guest; he’s Ramon’s high school buddy. Chris joined Ramon and the PD Flight Crew in the MissionCTRL studios to share his story and promote his latest book: Be The Giraffe: 14 Paths to Reach Higher in Business and Life. Chris Jarvis is a corporate coach, financial fixer, and stirring speaker. Jarvis helps you see differently, so you can business differently, money differently, and life differently. For decades, Chris has helped hundreds of successful entrepreneurs and wealthy families build, protect, and transfer significant wealth.
After being kicked out of a company he built and sold, Chris found himself at a crossroads, questioning his purpose, dealing with the death and grief of a parent and sibling, and undergoing spinal surgery. When life starts lifing, you need an elevated perspective. Tune in to hear how Jarvis turned his trials along his journey into a testimony, a map of sorts to help you navigate out of your wilderness and stand out while reaching the highest levels of success. As a bonus treat for our listeners, Jarvis shares a FREE code for a 19-page personality assessment. The Wild Factor is a unique tool that focuses on your actual behaviors and feelings that you are experiencing right now – not on general preferences. By comparing your actions to your desired outcomes, the Wild Factor gives practical tips to help leverage your strengths and improve other areas of your life. Animal guides offer powerful visualization and memorable mantras for the customized recommendations that will help you on your journey to the Wild Factor!
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Find Mission CTRL on Anchor, Apple Podcast, Spotify, and our website.
Mission CTRL aims to ignite the innovative spirit inside us all through providing budding and successful entrepreneurs and community leaders with a platform to share their stories and inspire others. Tune in every Wednesday and catch up with the team at Peralta Design as we unleash the origin stories behind some exceptional leaders, share marketing/branding insights, and navigate the ever-changing currents of pop culture.
Subscribe for weekly branding and entrepreneurial content here! To learn more about Peralta Design's work visit peraltadesign.com.
welaunchbrands #digitalagency #mbeagency #mbe #digital #branding #marketing #web #startups #creative #BrandU #w2 #fulltime #leadership #contentcreator #contentstrategy #marketingstrategy #entrepreneurs #business #launchyourbrand
This week on MissionCTRL, Sarah Taylor joins Ramon and the PD Flight Crew to share her unintentional entrepreneurial journey. After nearly a decade working within NYC Foster Care and Child Protective Services, Taylor suffered extreme burnout. Faced with the exorbitant housing costs associated with living in NYC and wanting to continue doing good in the world, Taylor decided to move back to Connecticut. Sarah found healing and light at the end of the tunnel through beeswax candles. With a bachelor's in psychology and a master's in social work, Taylor didn’t originally set out to be a beekeeper.
Tune in to hear how a quest for a local beeswax supplier for candles gave birth to the Huneebee Project, which started as an LLC in 2018 and is now a certified nonprofit. Since its inception, they’ve graduated 8 cohorts from their 15-week Beekeepers in Residence therapeutic job skills training program and educated over 2,000 children and adults on the importance of pollinators. They maintain 40 honey bee colonies and over 20 pollinator-friendly garden plots across 9 sites in New Haven and Bridgeport. Before Ramon and the PD Flight Crew get to the heart of Taylor’s origin story, they cover the ongoing trend of social capitalism and consumers' expectation that the companies they support are making a difference in the world.
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Find Mission CTRL on Anchor, Apple Podcast, Spotify, and our website.
Mission CTRL aims to ignite the innovative spirit inside us all through providing budding and successful entrepreneurs and community leaders with a platform to share their stories and inspire others. Tune in every Wednesday and catch up with the team at Peralta Design as we unleash the origin stories behind some exceptional leaders, share marketing/branding insights, and navigate the ever-changing currents of pop culture.
Subscribe for weekly branding and entrepreneurial content here! To learn more about Peralta Design's work visit peraltadesign.com.
welaunchbrands #digitalagency #mbeagency #mbe #digital #branding #marketing #web #startups #creative #BrandU #w2 #fulltime #leadership #contentcreator #contentstrategy #marketingstrategy #entrepreneurs #business #launchyourbrand
Pitch & Pixel, also known as Maggie, PD’s Marketing Associate and George, PD veteran staffer and interactive designer, join Ramon and the PD Flight Crew this week in the MissionCTRL studio for a special Tiny Desk performance. Maggie is PD’s resident triple-threat entertainer, and George is a semi-professional musician with over 40 years of experience as a guitarist. As the PD Flight Crew prepares for the next iteration of MissionCTRL on YouTube, they encounter a musical snafu that gave birth to this episode.
Ramon and Kevin, the man of few words on the soundboard, share some of the challenges they encountered prior to launching MissionCTRL on YouTube, along with the valuable lessons they learned along the way. Before diving into Pitch & Pixel’s Tiny Desk performance, Ramon and the Flight Crew share keys for finding fulfillment in life while holding down a 9-5 job or being an entrepreneur. Sharing your gifts and passion can be the keys to happiness.
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Find full episodes of Mission CTRL on Anchor, Apple Podcast, Spotify, and our website.
Mission CTRL aims to ignite the innovative spirit inside us all through providing budding and successful entrepreneurs and community leaders with a platform to share their stories and inspire others. Tune in every Wednesday and catch up with the team at Peralta Design as we unleash the origin stories behind some exceptional leaders, share marketing/branding insights, and navigate the ever-changing currents of pop culture.
Subscribe for more weekly branding and entrepreneurial content here! To learn more about Peralta Design's work visit peraltadesign.com.
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Up next on MissionCTRL with Ramon and the PD Flight Crew is Dr. Marlon Gray, a young, energetic, and passionate social entrepreneur. Dr. Gray is not the kind of doctor you’d call in an emergency to perform an operation, but rather a PhD, one that is serving families and communities within the behavioral healthcare world. Marlon built a successful startup and then sold the business after growing it for 10 years. Dr. Gray is a first-generation Guyanese-American whose family settled in “Homicide” Hollis, Queens, after migrating to the United States.
Dr. Gray received his Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Leadership from Fordham University, his Master’s degree in Management: Strategy & Leadership from Michigan State University, and his Doctor of Education in Organizational Change and Leadership from the University of Southern California. Dr. Gray is a proud father who serves as the CEO and founder of Empower U, a learning and service organization that seeks to empower individuals affected by behavioral health challenges. Before launching into Dr. Gray’s origin story, Ramon and the PD Flight Crew share some branding insights from one of the world’s biggest social media tech influencers, who just happened to share an office incubator with our distinguished guest.
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Find Mission CTRL on Anchor, Apple Podcast, Spotify, and our website.
Mission CTRL aims to ignite the innovative spirit inside us all through providing budding and successful entrepreneurs and community leaders with a platform to share their stories and inspire others. Tune in every Wednesday and catch up with the team at Peralta Design as we unleash the origin stories behind some exceptional leaders, share marketing/branding insights, and navigate the ever-changing currents of pop culture.
Subscribe for weekly branding and entrepreneurial content here! To learn more about Peralta Design's work visit peraltadesign.com.
#welaunchbrands #digitalagency #mbeagency #mbe #digital #branding #marketing #web #startups #creative #BrandU #w2 #fulltime #leadership #contentcreator #contentstrategy #marketingstrategy #entrepreneurs #business #launchyourbrand
This week on MissionCTRL, Ramon and the PD Flight Crew are joined by Nelson Merchan from the Connecticut Small Business Development Center, where he serves as a Business Advisor. Born in Bogota, Colombia, Merchan, like many, migrated to the United States in pursuit of the American Dream. Nelson holds a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Universidad del Rosario and an MBA in Marketing from Georgia State University.
Merchan shares a bit of his entrepreneurial journey that landed him at the CTSBDC (Small Business Development Center). Nelson’s career spans over fourteen years in marketing, marked by success in mastering access to challenging market segments, with notable success in mobilizing the Hispanic community and producing bottom-line results through creative implementation of both cost-containing and revenue-generating strategies. Merchan has successfully established businesses in Costa Rica and internationally and has been hired to speak in Chile and El Salvador. Put your seat belts on as we launch into this episode filled with solid small business tips.
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Find Mission CTRL on Anchor, Apple Podcast, Spotify, and our website.
Mission CTRL aims to ignite the innovative spirit inside us all through providing budding and successful entrepreneurs and community leaders with a platform to share their stories and inspire others. Tune in every Wednesday and catch up with the team at Peralta Design as we unleash the origin stories behind some exceptional leaders, share marketing/branding insights, and navigate the ever-changing currents of pop culture.
Subscribe for weekly branding and entrepreneurial content here! To learn more about Peralta Design's work visit peraltadesign.com.
welaunchbrands #digitalagency #mbeagency #mbe #digital #branding #marketing #web #startups #creative #BrandU #w2 #fulltime #leadership #contentcreator #contentstrategy #marketingstrategy #entrepreneurs #business #launchyourbrand
Guy A. Fortt joins Ramon and the PD Flight Crew in the MissionCTRL Studio to share his adventurous journey into entrepreneurship. After witnessing a traumatic murder at 18 years old, Fortt made a vow to dedicate his life to serving others. This decision led to a 28-year career as a Firefighter/EMT. Fortt holds a Bachelor's in Organizational Leadership from the University of Bridgeport and a Master's in Sports Management from Columbia University. You may recognize him from his unique acting style on Broadway in Oprah Winfrey’s The Color Purple or from Law & Order: SVU. Guy's contributions to the entertainment industry have earned him a membership in the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, New York City chapter, where he also serves as a judge for the Emmy Awards.
So, how does a firefighter manage to carve out time to earn an advanced degree, raise four amazing children who are academically sound athletes, cultivate a loving relationship with his wife, launch an acting career, and become a founding investing partner in Eleven86 Real Artesian Water? Before diving into this episode and quenching your curiosity, Ramon and the crew share several networking cheat codes to ensure you’ll get a follow up and other tips for making a positive, memorable impression.
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Find Mission CTRL on Anchor, Apple Podcast, Spotify, and our website.
Mission CTRL aims to ignite the innovative spirit inside us all through providing budding and successful entrepreneurs and community leaders with a platform to share their stories and inspire others. Tune in every Wednesday and catch up with the team at Peralta Design as we unleash the origin stories behind some exceptional leaders, share marketing/branding insights, and navigate the ever-changing currents of pop culture.
Subscribe for weekly branding and entrepreneurial content here! To learn more about Peralta Design's work visit peraltadesign.com.
welaunchbrands #digitalagency #mbeagency #mbe #digital #branding #marketing #web #startups #creative #BrandU #w2 #fulltime #leadership #contentcreator #contentstrategy #marketingstrategy #entrepreneurs #business #launchyourbrand
This week on MissionCTRL, Sean Rabinowitz, President of Procyon Partners, joins Ramon and the PD Flight Crew in the studio to share his servant leadership journey. Rabinowitz is no stranger to being on air; he started his first broadcasting adventure with "In a Pinch Call Pete Finch." However, broadcasting was not in the cards for Sean. Rabinowitz grew up in Trumbull, CT, and holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Health/Health Care Administration/Management and Insurance. He is passionate about helping organizations attract and retain top talent through benefits products and services. He also specializes in property and casualty insurance and was named a Top Producer by Insurance Business of America.
Sean is an active community volunteer who enjoys paying it forward through various organizations. He is a past Chairman of the Board of Directors President for the McGivney Community Center and is a board member for The Jimmy McGrath Foundation. Additionally, he is a Special Olympics Head Coach and serves on the State of Connecticut Special Olympics board and the Fighting Angels Association Board. When you live a life in service to others, how do you lead when faced with a personal family crisis that challenges your faith? Rabinowitz opens up about a crisis that galvanized his family, faith, and reinvigorated his commitment to serving. Before diving into Sean’s story, Ramon and the PD Flight Crew share critical email marketing strategies.
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Find Mission CTRL on Anchor, Apple Podcast, Spotify, and our website.
Mission CTRL aims to ignite the innovative spirit inside us all through providing budding and successful entrepreneurs and community leaders with a platform to share their stories and inspire others. Tune in every Wednesday and catch up with the team at Peralta Design as we unleash the origin stories behind some exceptional leaders, share marketing/branding insights, and navigate the ever-changing currents of pop culture.
Subscribe for weekly branding and entrepreneurial content here! To learn more about Peralta Design's work visit peraltadesign.com.
welaunchbrands#digitalagency#mbeagency#mbe#digital#branding#marketing#web#startups#creative#BrandU#w2#fulltime#leadership#contentcreator#contentstrategy#marketingstrategy#entrepreneurs#business#launchyourbrand
Martha Alejandro-Bird (the original “Marty Bird”) joins Ramon and the PD Flight Crew on this episode of MissionCTRL to share her journey from the inner-city pitfalls to becoming a Naval Officer. Alejandro-Bird is now an Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner. Martha began following her gut instincts as a student at Bridgeport’s Bassick High School. The "brain in her gut" led her to connect with mentors who were instrumental in changing the trajectory of her life. When her gut prompted her to join the Navy, it wasn’t because she was looking for assistance with college tuition, she was simply driven to serve.
Tune in to hear how Martha tapped into the enteric nervous system (ENS), also known as the “brain in your gut” or “second brain,” to pursue a career in Adult-Gerontology. As a recent graduate of the Duke University School of Nursing MSN program, coupled with 30 years of nursing experience, she has developed expert clinical, communication, and critical thinking skills. Her experience ranges from step-down trauma, critical care, and outpatient specialty to military service and supervision, demonstrating the importance of teamwork, collaboration, and flexibility. Before launching into Martha’s story, Ramon and the PD Flight Crew cover the Knicks' playoff run, the fundamentals of website domain renewals, and web hosting services. Marty’s journey is sure to inspire!
This week on MissionCTRL, Lorraine Gibbons joins Ramon and the PD Flight Crew in the studio to share her story. Gibbons is the Executive Director at the Cardinal Shehan Center & McGivney Community Center in Bridgeport. At 14, Lorraine migrated from Jamaica to the United States, like many immigrants, in pursuit of the American Dream.
Lorraine is an experienced executive with a demonstrated history of working in both the nonprofit and for-profit industries. From an early age, Gibbons realized education could be a gateway out of poverty, which led her to pursue higher education. Lorraine holds a BA and an MBA from the University of New Haven. Tune in to hear how Gibbons made the transition from the corporate sphere to flourishing in the nonprofit space. Before delving into Lorraine’s story, the PD Flight Crew explored the battle of design apps Adobe vs. Canva and discussed Bob Marley’s "One Love" movie. As a bonus treat, Jorge rolled out a new introduction.
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Find Mission CTRL on Anchor, Apple Podcast, Spotify, and our website.
Mission CTRL aims to ignite the innovative spirit inside us all through providing budding and successful entrepreneurs and community leaders with a platform to share their stories and inspire others. Tune in every Wednesday and catch up with the team at Peralta Design as we unleash the origin stories behind some exceptional leaders, share marketing/branding insights, and navigate the ever-changing currents of pop culture.
Subscribe for weekly branding and entrepreneurial content here! To learn more about Peralta Design's work visit peraltadesign.com.
welaunchbrands #digitalagency #mbeagency #mbe #digital #branding #marketing #web #startups #creative #BrandU #w2 #fulltime #leadership #contentcreator #contentstrategy #marketingstrategy #entrepreneurs #business #launchyourbrand
Mark Lazarus joins Ramon and the PD Flight Crew this week in the MissionCTRL studios to share his 20-year journey in IT and discuss how IT programs are transforming lives. Lazarus serves as the Program Manager of Information Technology at The Workplace’s Tech Ready Career Training Program. In high school, Mark was an avid athlete, participating in basketball, track, and martial arts. After an injury, his guidance counselor recommended pursuing a career in IT. Following this advice, Lazarus earned an Associate Degree in Computer and Information Systems Security and Information Assurance from Norwalk Community College, followed by a Bachelor’s Degree in Information Technology with a minor in Sociology from UConn.
Mark's extensive real-life experience makes him the ideal advocate for serving the Bridgeport community by bridging the gap between job seekers and employers’ demands. The Tech Ready Career Training Program focuses on accessibility, designing courses that equip participants with the skills and certifications needed to excel in the dynamic field of technology. In the "Tech Ready Career Training" segment, participants will have the opportunity to take classes covering a wide range of essential IT skills: CompTIA A+, CompTIA Network+, CompTIA Security+, CompTIA Server+, SQL, Project Management, AWS Cloud, Google Cloud, Python, and IC2 Cybersecurity. Before we dive into today’s main discussion, Ramon recaps his recent trip to Arizona, the PD Flight Crew shares updates on changes in web cookies that businesses need to be aware of, and we celebrate the Knicks making it to the second round of the playoffs.
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Find Mission CTRL on Anchor, Apple Podcast, Spotify, and our website.
Mission CTRL aims to ignite the innovative spirit inside us all through providing budding and successful entrepreneurs and community leaders with a platform to share their stories and inspire others. Tune in every Wednesday and catch up with the team at Peralta Design as we unleash the origin stories behind some exceptional leaders, share marketing/branding insights, and navigate the ever-changing currents of pop culture.
Subscribe for weekly branding and entrepreneurial content here! To learn more about Peralta Design's work visit peraltadesign.com.
welaunchbrands #digitalagency #mbeagency #mbe #digital #branding #marketing #web #startups #creative #BrandU #w2 #fulltime #leadership #contentcreator #contentstrategy #marketingstrategy #entrepreneurs #business #launchyourbrand
This week on MissionCTRL, Ramon and the PD Flight crew sat down with the CEO and founder of Latin Financial, Sonia Alvelo. After graduating high school in Puerto Rico, Alvelo dreamed of living in the United States, a dream her aunt helped turn into reality. Alvelo landed in Bristol, Connecticut, and seized every opportunity afforded to her by attending ESL classes and practicing English through watching TV. Tune in to hear how Alvelo transitioned from working at Burger King to dominating the banking & mortgage industries. Wise beyond her years, when Sonia won the lottery, she opted for the 20-year payout instead of a lump sum and continued working.
While grateful for being in the land of opportunity, something inside Alvelo yearned for more. This feeling was exacerbated when she discovered a wage earning gap between herself and her male colleagues who were doing the same job. Rather than becoming bitter, she decided to get bigger and better. Tune in to hear how Sonia handled the loss of her home during the financial collapse, and closed her first deal in her living room. Alvelo built her business based on trust, starting with one pharmacy as a client and now has 98. She sits on the board of pharmacies in PR, providing funding for gas stations and restaurants with agents across the US. Before diving into the heart of Alvelo's story, Ramon and the PD Flight Crew discuss the rebranding of Lamborghini, Disney Plus, and Hulu logos; UCONN's Men's and Women's Basketball Teams both making it to the Final Four and Beyoncé's foray into country music.
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Find Mission CTRL on Anchor, Apple Podcast, Spotify, and our website.
Mission CTRL aims to ignite the innovative spirit inside us all through providing budding and successful entrepreneurs and community leaders with a platform to share their stories and inspire others. Tune in every Wednesday and catch up with the team at Peralta Design as we unleash the origin stories behind some exceptional leaders, share marketing/branding insights, and navigate the ever-changing currents of pop culture.
Subscribe for weekly branding and entrepreneurial content here! To learn more about Peralta Design's work visit peraltadesign.com.
welaunchbrands #digitalagency #mbeagency #mbe #digital #branding #marketing #web #startups #creative #BrandU #w2 #fulltime #leadership #contentcreator #contentstrategy #marketingstrategy #entrepreneurs #business #launchyourbrand
This week on MissionCTRL, Ramon and the PD Flight Crew sit down with Jermaine Brookshire Jr., Esq., an attorney at Wiggin and Dana LLP. Wiggin and Dana is a full-service law firm renowned for its highly talented, creative, and experienced lawyers who are dedicated to exceeding their clients' expectations daily. With offices in Connecticut, New York, Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., and Palm Beach, they represent clients across the United States and globally in a wide range of sophisticated and complex matters. From defending a Fortune 500 institution in “bet-the-company” litigation to helping the next generation of inventors bring new technology to market, to preserving the wealth that family businesses have worked so hard to create, Jermaine Brookshire Jr Esq delivers to his clients by offering value-driven solutions and results.
Despite facing many challenges growing up, Brookshire excelled as a student and he would arrive at school early and stay late. Unbeknownst to his teachers, there was a lot brewing under the surface at home that could have caused the average student to check out. However, Jermaine is far from average. In 2022 and 2023, he was honored as the “Star of the Year” by the Connecticut Bar Association for his continued service in various roles as an Executive Committee member. Jermaine is also the founder of The Great Expectations Movement (GEM), Inc., a non-profit motivational and personal development organization that inspires high school and college students, as well as young professionals, to pursue excellence in the face of adversity. Tune in to discover Brookshire's 5 Steps to Success. Before delving into Jermaine's story, Ramon and the Flight Crew will discuss wrestling and the WWE and The Rock's return to the ring.
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Find Mission CTRL on Anchor, Apple Podcast, Spotify, and our website.
Mission CTRL aims to ignite the innovative spirit inside us all through providing budding and successful entrepreneurs and community leaders with a platform to share their stories and inspire others. Tune in every Wednesday and catch up with the team at Peralta Design as we unleash the origin stories behind some exceptional leaders, share marketing/branding insights, and navigate the ever-changing currents of pop culture.
Subscribe for weekly branding and entrepreneurial content here! To learn more about Peralta Design's work visit peraltadesign.com.
welaunchbrands #digitalagency #mbeagency #mbe #digital #branding #marketing #web #startups #creative #BrandU #w2 #fulltime #leadership #contentcreator #contentstrategy #marketingstrategy #entrepreneurs #business #launchyourbrand
Ep. 130 Lessons in Living and Selling with Doug Rawady
This week on MissionCTRL, Doug Rawady, a lifelong veteran sales professional, joined Ramon and the PD Fight Crew to share his personal development journey. Doug started his career in Westchester, New York, working in the family business. At an early age, Rawady learned he had a knack for using his charismatic personality to increase the size of his tips. Realizing that talent alone wouldn’t be enough, Rawady invested in his personal and professional training to develop his sales skills. Today, things have come full circle with Rawady serving as the Business Development Director and a Certified Sales Instructor at Sandler Training.
In his role, Rawady helps businesses realize their full performance and income potential through the discovery and activation of underutilized resources and assets, and the application of effective sales, marketing, and leadership strategies and best practices. Before diving into Rawady’s story, Ramon and the PD Fight Crew share their hot takes on Dune II and Daniel Craig’s replacement in the 007 franchise.
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Find Mission CTRL on Anchor, Apple Podcast, Spotify, and our website.
Mission CTRL aims to ignite the innovative spirit inside us all through providing budding and successful entrepreneurs and community leaders with a platform to share their stories and inspire others. Tune in every Wednesday and catch up with the team at Peralta Design as we unleash the origin stories behind some exceptional leaders, share marketing/branding insights, and navigate the ever-changing currents of pop culture.
Subscribe for weekly branding and entrepreneurial content here! To learn more about Peralta Design's work visit peraltadesign.com.
welaunchbrands#digitalagency#mbeagency#mbe#digital#branding#marketing#web#startups#creative#BrandU#w2#fulltime#leadership#contentcreator#contentstrategy#marketingstrategy#entrepreneurs#business#launchyourbrand
This week on MissionCTRL, Ramon and the PD Flight Crew present an electrifying episode with Paul Brunson, accompanied by plenty of pre-wired electrical puns. Brunson, a licensed electrical contractor in the State of Connecticut, boasts over nine years in the construction industry. Paul’s interest in becoming an electrician was sparked during a part-time gig, marking a non-traditional entry into the industry. Although Brunson didn’t grow up wiring circuit boards, his exposure to the field was a positive charge that shifted the trajectory of his life.
Brunson holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Management. Prior to obtaining his contractor's license, Paul worked with the US Airforce and Army Corps of Engineers. Following advice from his mentor, he went on to establish Brunson Electric, specializing in troubleshooting, repair, residential lighting design, commercial retrofits, maintenance, and services for small to mid-sized facilities. Before diving into the core of this episode, Ramon and the PD Flight Crew explore shocking news in the world of current events, including Boeing and Bigfoot, the grand opening of the new Shelton Jersey Mike’s, and the bipartisan agreement to ban TikTok. Tune in to hear how Brunson sold his company and became a published author.
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Find Mission CTRL on Anchor, Apple Podcast, Spotify, and our website.
Mission CTRL aims to ignite the innovative spirit inside us all through providing budding and successful entrepreneurs and community leaders with a platform to share their stories and inspire others. Tune in every Wednesday and catch up with the team at Peralta Design as we unleash the origin stories behind some exceptional leaders, share marketing/branding insights, and navigate the ever-changing currents of pop culture.
Subscribe for weekly branding and entrepreneurial content here! To learn more about Peralta Design's work visit peraltadesign.com.
welaunchbrands #digitalagency #mbeagency #mbe #digital #branding #marketing #web #startups #creative #BrandU #w2 #fulltime #leadership #contentcreator #contentstrategy #marketingstrategy #entrepreneurs #business #launchyourbrand
On this episode of MissionCTRL, Ramon and the PD Flight Crew sit down with Thaddeus “Tad” Stewart, the managing principal at Integrated Design and Construction. Stewart was born and raised in Bridgeport, CT, and later relocated to Huntington, CT. As a young man, Thaddeus was athletic, playing three sports; this competitive prowess proved valuable when he transitioned into business. Thaddeus was influenced by his father, a masonry contractor. He spent time with his dad on job sites, where he was bitten by the architectural bug. Watching an architect on a construction site captivated young Thaddeus, leading him to decide that this was how he wanted to spend his life. Stewart brings 18 years of practical architectural experience, combined with 10 years in Interior Design & Facility Planning and 12 years working with various construction types at diverse levels.
Before founding Integrated Design & Construction, Stewart worked at Turner Construction Company, both in the field and in the office, on many award-winning projects. Thaddeus holds a Bachelor of Architecture from Howard University and has completed additional coursework in Structural Engineering Analysis at the University of New Haven and Executive Business Management at the Tuck School of Business, Dartmouth. Before diving into the heart of Stewart’s story, Ramon and the PD Flight Crew also survey the sports branding and entertainment landscape, discussing the Mike Tyson vs. Jake Paul fight, Netflix’s new strategy, the Full Swing series, F1 season 6, and how PRIME has overtaken Gatorade as Walmart’s most-sold hydration drink.
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Find Mission CTRL on Anchor, Apple Podcast, Spotify, and our website.
Mission CTRL aims to ignite the innovative spirit inside us all through providing budding and successful entrepreneurs and community leaders with a platform to share their stories and inspire others. Tune in every Wednesday and catch up with the team at Peralta Design as we unleash the origin stories behind some exceptional leaders, share marketing/branding insights, and navigate the ever-changing currents of pop culture.
Subscribe for weekly branding and entrepreneurial content here! To learn more about Peralta Design's work visit peraltadesign.com.
welaunchbrands #digitalagency #mbeagency #mbe #digital #branding #marketing #web #startups #creative #BrandU #w2 #fulltime #leadership #contentcreator #contentstrategy #marketingstrategy #entrepreneurs #business #launchyourbrand
Ramon and the PD Flight Crew sat down with Oliver Antigua, President of Pinnacle Basketball Group to talk all things sports and leadership in this episode of MissionCTRL. Antigua immigrated from the Dominican Republic to the Bronx with his mother, aunt, and two brothers. Sports played an integral part in Oliver’s childhood development and can be credited with keeping him on the straight and narrow in the rough and tumble Bronx neighborhood he grew up in. Tune in to learn how a kid from Fordham Rd made it as a walk-on at Pitt Basketball and later served as an Assistant Head Coach thanks to the help of many guardian angels along the way. Antigua’s Pinnacle Basketball Group, a sports and entertainment company is in the process of pitching a major NCAA basketball tournament to his homeland of the Dominican Republic.
Ramon and the PD Flight Crew tackle the latest NFL trades and March Madness, how the Giants let Saquon Barkley and Xavier McKinney walk, changing the face of the team’s leadership in the locker room and this upcoming season’s predictions before diving into Antigua’s story.
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Find Mission CTRL on Anchor, Apple Podcast, Spotify, and our website.
Mission CTRL aims to ignite the innovative spirit inside us all through providing budding and successful entrepreneurs and community leaders with a platform to share their stories and inspire others. Tune in every Wednesday and catch up with the team at Peralta Design as we unleash the origin stories behind some exceptional leaders, share marketing/branding insights, and navigate the ever-changing currents of pop culture.
Subscribe for weekly branding and entrepreneurial content here! To learn more about Peralta Design's work visit peraltadesign.com.
welaunchbrands #digitalagency #mbeagency #mbe #digital #branding #marketing #web #startups #creative #BrandU #w2 #fulltime #leadership #contentcreator #contentstrategy #marketingstrategy #entrepreneurs #business #launchyourbrand
Ramon and the PD Flight Crew welcome strategic partner, colleague and former mentee Mercy Quaye back to MissionCTRL. Quaye has built a storied career spanning over a decade in journalism, communications, and public relations, both in New Haven and statewide. A New Haven native, Mercy holds an undergraduate degree in Journalism and a master's degree in Public Relations, Social Media, and Applied Communications, both from Quinnipiac University. After working in both the profit and nonprofit sectors and leading communications strategies across various industries, Quaye organized a community conversation on race and identity at a local coffee shop in New Haven. What began as a modest gathering of 60 attendees eager to explore the question, "Who controls the black narrative?" has flourished into The Narrative Project.
The Narrative Project is a full-service public relations and communications agency. It offers services such as communication research, earned media, paid media & support, social-media-first videos, graphic design, quantitative research, and DEI training. Before getting an update from Mercy on the latest developments at The Narrative Project, Ramon and the PD Flight Crew will discuss Apple's decision to discontinue their EV car project and the unveiling of the LA Clippers' new logo.
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Find Mission CTRL on Anchor, Apple Podcast, Spotify, and our website.
Mission CTRL aims to ignite the innovative spirit inside us all through providing budding and successful entrepreneurs and community leaders with a platform to share their stories and inspire others. Tune in every Wednesday and catch up with the team at Peralta Design as we unleash the origin stories behind some exceptional leaders, share marketing/branding insights, and navigate the ever-changing currents of pop culture.
Subscribe for weekly branding and entrepreneurial content here! To learn more about Peralta Design's work visit peraltadesign.com.
welaunchbrands #digitalagency #mbeagency #mbe #digital #branding #marketing #web #startups #creative #BrandU #w2 #fulltime #leadership #contentcreator #contentstrategy #marketingstrategy #entrepreneurs #business #launchyourbrand
Put your earbuds in and buckle up as Ramon and the PD Flight Crew take you on a “fast & furious” journey through MissionCTRL with special guest, professional race car driver and instructor, Elivan Goulart. Shift gears right into the world of high-speed racing, entrepreneurial ventures, and personal achievements with a real-life racing legend. Originally from Brazil and now a proud dual citizen, Elivan embarked on his auto racing career in the United States at just 12 years old, starting with go-karts in 1993, then moved into cars in Formula 500 (2001 and 2002 SCCA National Runoff Champion), then transitioned to the new Formula SCCA in the Cooper Tires Championship and won a championship in 2004. In 2011, Goulart won the SCCA National Championship in a spec Miata, and was the SCCA Presidents Cup winner that year as well. In 2013 Elivan won the SCCA STU National Championship, and has also won the 2016 Pirelli World Challenge TCA Championship. In fact, Goulart has won over 45% of all career races entered since he started racing.
Elivan Goulart is also the owner and President of the SCDA, the Sports Car Driving Association. Founded in 1995, the Sports Car Driving Association, LLC provides the driving enthusiast the opportunity to experience high performance driving in a controlled environment. SCDA, LLC events are strictly driver educational events, and are non-competitive. SCDA welcomes everyone from novices with no track experience, as well as seasoned track drivers. Before drifting into Goulart's inspiring journey from a childhood passion to an entrepreneurial venture, Ramon and the crew discuss the latest in racing news: F1 Hamilton's switch from Mercedes to the Ferrari team.
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Find Mission CTRL on Anchor, Apple Podcast, Spotify, and our website.
Mission CTRL aims to ignite the innovative spirit inside us all through providing budding and successful entrepreneurs and community leaders with a platform to share their stories and inspire others. Tune in every Wednesday and catch up with the team at Peralta Design as we unleash the origin stories behind some exceptional leaders, share marketing/branding insights, and navigate the ever-changing currents of pop culture.
Subscribe for weekly branding and entrepreneurial content here! To learn more about Peralta Design's work visit peraltadesign.com.
welaunchbrands #digitalagency #mbeagency #mbe #digital #branding #marketing #web #startups #creative #BrandU #w2 #fulltime #leadership #contentcreator #contentstrategy #marketingstrategy #entrepreneurs #business #launchyourbrand
This week on MissionCTRL, Dr. Chaka Felder-McEntire joined Ramon and the PD Flight Crew to share what she’s been up to at Higher Heights since making the leap to being its full time Executive Director.. On Saturday, March 23, from 9:00 am to 11:30 am, Higher Heights will host an Educational Summit at the Canal Dock Boathouse in New Haven. In 2003, Dr. Felder-McEntire started Higher Heights as a social side hustle while working as a school counselor. The mission of Higher Heights Youth Empowerment Programs, Inc. is to change the lives of under-represented college-bound students by empowering, encouraging, and equipping them to obtain a post-secondary education. Chaka started her college career with ambitions of becoming an interior designer. However, after just a week, she realized it wasn’t a good fit, so she recalibrated and charted a course more aligned with her purpose and passion.
Dr. Felder-McEntire is a 20+ year educational administrator with expertise in leadership, diversity and equity, school counseling, and college & career readiness. Born and raised in Harlem, Chaka's dad was an NYC Police Officer, her mother was an NYC Public school teacher, and her grandmother was a social worker who worked with Percy Sutton and Shirley Chisholm. Tune in to hear how Dr. Felder-McEntire turned her social side hustle, with an astounding 100% high school graduation rate and 95% college enrollment rate, into her main mission. Before launching into Chaka’s story, Ramon and the PD Flight Crew cover UCONN Basketball, Caitlin Clark’s history-making season, and the backlash over Wendy’s surge pricing.
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Find Mission CTRL on Anchor, Apple Podcast, Spotify, and our website.
Mission CTRL aims to ignite the innovative spirit inside us all through providing budding and successful entrepreneurs and community leaders with a platform to share their stories and inspire others. Tune in every Wednesday and catch up with the team at Peralta Design as we unleash the origin stories behind some exceptional leaders, share marketing/branding insights, and navigate the ever-changing currents of pop culture.
Subscribe for weekly branding and entrepreneurial content here! To learn more about Peralta Design's work visit peraltadesign.com.
welaunchbrands #digitalagency #mbeagency #mbe #digital #branding #marketing #web #startups #creative #BrandU #w2 #fulltime #leadership #contentcreator #contentstrategy #marketingstrategy #entrepreneurs #business #launchyourbrand
This heartwarming episode of Mission CTRL Ramon and the PD Flight crew sit down with half of the dynamic duo of Dusty Dudes Woodworks and The Bristol Bazaar, Care Verikas. Care met the love of her life on Match.com, and after a 10-hour marathon first date she discovered Eric also had a furry friend named after food, and she thought to herself, “This must be fate!” Eric, a skilled craftsman and Care, a marketing professional, became a power-couple even though their professions appear to be worlds apart. Committed to finding common ground, the Verikas’ decided to create a “side hustle” that incorporated both of their passion for building things. Eric uses wood and Care uses words, together these entrepreneurs are making an impact in the world.
Fast forward today, what started as a passion project grew into the Dusty Dude Woodworks, a thriving business allowing the couple to leave their day jobs. In addition to building Dusty Dudes Woodworks the Verikas’ created The Bristol Bazaar a space for makers and artisans to showcase their wares. Care and Eric's story is a testament to how diverse worlds can unite to create something extraordinary, making this episode a must-listen for anyone fascinated by the magic of entrepreneurial love stories. Tune in to hear the full story behind Dusty Dudes Woodworks and discover the true identity of the “Dusty Dude.” Their story exemplifies how merging diverse worlds can dovetail into something truly extraordinary, making this episode a must-listen. Before drilling into the heart of their story, Ramon and the Flight Crew discuss Popeyes latest marketing strategy as they venture into the chicken wing sector.
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Find Mission CTRL on Anchor, Apple Podcast, Spotify, and our website.
Mission CTRL aims to ignite the innovative spirit inside us all through providing budding and successful entrepreneurs and community leaders with a platform to share their stories and inspire others. Tune in every Wednesday and catch up with the team at Peralta Design as we unleash the origin stories behind some exceptional leaders, share marketing/branding insights, and navigate the ever-changing currents of pop culture.
Subscribe for weekly branding and entrepreneurial content here! To learn more about Peralta Design's work visit peraltadesign.com.
welaunchbrands #digitalagency #mbeagency #mbe #digital #branding #marketing #web #startups #creative #BrandU #w2 #fulltime #leadership #contentcreator #contentstrategy #marketingstrategy #entrepreneurs #business #launchyourbrand
In this episode of Mission CTRL, Jahkeeva Morgan, Director of Programming at The Lab at ConnCorp joins Ramon and the PD Flight Crew to share her career journey of self discovery. The Lab at ConnCORP serves as a learning and knowledge center for new ideas, a community small business hub, and a place to exchange ideas about business ownership and entrepreneurship. Morgan, a dedicated professional, focuses on addressing inequalities and achieving equity in underserved communities. She has over a decade of experience working with non-profit community organizations, such as Goodwill Industries of Connecticut.
Morgan grew up with the best of both worlds: her dad was born in Kingston, Jamaica, and her mom hailed from South Carolina. This combination of rich cultural histories, both valuing hard work, significantly shaped her work ethic and character. After being accepted into an accelerated Physician’s Assistant program at St. John's University on a full scholarship, Jahkeeva was on her way to following in her parents' footsteps. But what do you do when external pressures pull you in one direction and your internal compass guides you down a different path? Tune in to hear how Morgan's story unfolds and the surprising direction it takes as she finds her purpose and follows her heart and now helps countless entrepreneurs and small businesses grow and scale. Before diving into Jahkeeva’s story, Ramon and the crew look to finally settle the coffee vs. tea debate!
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Find Mission CTRL on Anchor, Apple Podcast, Spotify, and our website.
Mission CTRL aims to ignite the innovative spirit inside us all through providing budding and successful entrepreneurs and community leaders with a platform to share their stories and inspire others. Tune in every Wednesday and catch up with the team at Peralta Design as we unleash the origin stories behind some exceptional leaders, share marketing/branding insights, and navigate the ever-changing currents of pop culture.
Subscribe for weekly branding and entrepreneurial content here! To learn more about Peralta Design's work visit peraltadesign.com.
welaunchbrands #digitalagency #mbeagency #mbe #digital #branding #marketing #web #startups #creative #BrandU #w2 #fulltime #leadership #contentcreator #contentstrategy #marketingstrategy #entrepreneurs #business #launchyourbrand
During the episode of Mission CTRL Ramon and the PD Flight Crew sit down with engineer and educator Kia Huggan, the young, visionary founder behind Webquity. Webquity is an innovative saas company dedicated to empowering neurodiverse learners with innovative accessibility tools. Their first product, 'Digital Glasses,' allows users to tailor their online experience to their unique needs. Webquity’s mission is to ensure equitable access to online education for neurodiverse learners through the development of innovative accessibility tools. Huggan’s personal voyage began far from the tech hubs of Silicon Valley, in the vibrant borough of New York, above a Jamaican restaurant run by her grandparents. Here, amidst the aromas of home and the spirit of enterprise, Kia's parents laid the foundation for her future, instilling in her a profound appreciation for education as the golden ticket to a life beyond the attic's four walls.
Huggan was 12 years old when she created “Roger,” a robot that could save people during a natural disaster from a robotics kit that her mother gave her. That insight and motivation fueled her passion to pursue higher education, particularly in the STEM field. This creation wasn't just a child's experiment; it was a glimpse into Kia's future, one where her passion for engineering and education would intertwine. This passion lead her to the halls of UCONN and Harvard University. With degrees in Engineering and Education and a Masters in Entrepreneurship, Kia's academic journey is a testament to the belief that with knowledge, one can not only envision change but also enact it. Before diving into the heart of our conversation with Kia, we also explore the latest in tech—the Vision Pro and Quest 3. These are not mere VR gadgets; they are gateways to understanding how technology can be harnessed to enhance our daily lives, a theme that resonates deeply with Webuity's mission. Join us as we unravel Kia Huggan's story, from her roots in New York to the forefront of tech innovation, and how Webquity is carving a path for inclusivity in the digital age.
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Find Mission CTRL on Anchor, Apple Podcast, Spotify, and our website.
Mission CTRL aims to ignite the innovative spirit inside us all through providing budding and successful entrepreneurs and community leaders with a platform to share their stories and inspire others. Tune in every Wednesday and catch up with the team at Peralta Design as we unleash the origin stories behind some exceptional leaders, share marketing/branding insights, and navigate the ever-changing currents of pop culture.
Subscribe for weekly branding and entrepreneurial content here! To learn more about Peralta Design's work visit peraltadesign.com.
welaunchbrands#digitalagency#mbeagency#mbe#digital#branding#marketing#web#startups#creative#BrandU#w2#fulltime#leadership#contentcreator#contentstrategy#marketingstrategy#entrepreneurs#business#launchyourbrand
On this special edition of Mission CTRL Ramon and the PD Flight Crew are joined by a self-proclaimed member of the Swiftie Camp, PD’s Marketing Assistant, Maggie Kruse, to recap Super Bowl LVIII and this year’s Best and Worst Commercials. The PD crew discusses how Patrick Mahomes led the Kansas City Chiefs to victory in overtime, handing the 49ers the “almost” M&M’s ring which MARS, Inc. featured in this year’s iconic Super Bowl commercial. Kruse is set to star in Oklahoma this month and you can catch her performance at the Center Stage Theater in Shelton.
Tune in to hear who some of this year's winners & losers are according to our Mission CTRL Crew. In case you missed the big game you can get a ranking of the commercials from the 36th Annual USA TODAY Ad Meter competition, over 160,000 people registered to vote for their favorite spot. Before diving into the elements of a great Super Bowl spot, Ramon and the PD Flight Crew share their insights from the game and Usher’s steamy Half-Time performance with Alicia Keys.
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Find Mission CTRL on Anchor, Apple Podcast, Spotify, and our website.
Mission CTRL aims to ignite the innovative spirit inside us all through providing budding and successful entrepreneurs and community leaders with a platform to share their stories and inspire others. Tune in every Wednesday and catch up with the team at Peralta Design as we unleash the origin stories behind some exceptional leaders, share marketing/branding insights, and navigate the ever-changing currents of pop culture.
Subscribe for weekly branding and entrepreneurial content here! To learn more about Peralta Design's work visit peraltadesign.com.
welaunchbrands #digitalagency #mbeagency #mbe #digital #branding #marketing #web #startups #creative #BrandU #w2 #fulltime #leadership #contentcreator #contentstrategy #marketingstrategy #entrepreneurs #business #launchyourbrand
In this episode of Mission CTRL, join Ramon and the PD Flight Crew as they share the joys and pains of inner city life, community service, and believing in yourself with Dr. Monette Ferguson, the CEO and Executive Director at Alliance for Community Empowerment (formerly ABCD) in Bridgeport, CT. Born in poverty to a single mom, Dr. Ferguson has dedicated her life to empowering others and serving the underserved. Dr. Ferguson benefited from the same social services that she now helps provide for others in her capacity leading Alliance, an anti-poverty agency for the Greater Bridgeport Area serving over 35,000 individuals through its broad range of services.
Dr. Ferguson also serves as Vice Chair on the Governor’s Workforce Council Equity and Access Committee, and serves on the Board of Directors for Read to Grow and the Workplace. Before diving into Monette’s inspiring origin story, Ramon and the PD Flight crew voraciously debate the pros and cons of the dreaded self-checkout lane, Elon Musk’s first brain chip implant, AI Drake and Amazon’s latest ad-free pay per view option.
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Find Mission CTRL on Anchor, Apple Podcast, Spotify, and our website.
Mission CTRL aims to ignite the innovative spirit inside us all through providing budding and successful entrepreneurs and community leaders with a platform to share their stories and inspire others. Tune in every Wednesday and catch up with the team at Peralta Design as we unleash the origin stories behind some exceptional leaders, share marketing/branding insights, and navigate the ever-changing currents of pop culture.
Subscribe for weekly branding and entrepreneurial content here! To learn more about Peralta Design's work visit peraltadesign.com.
welaunchbrands #digitalagency #mbeagency #mbe #digital #branding #marketing #web #startups #creative #BrandU #w2 #fulltime #leadership #contentcreator #contentstrategy #marketingstrategy #entrepreneurs #business #launchyourbrand
In this episode of Mission CTRL, join Ramon and the PD Flight Crew as they engage with Christopher Price, the CEO/Founder of Red Fox Multi-family. With over two decades of experience in business operations within the life sciences sector, Price has made significant contributions in the pharmaceutical industry, notably in facilitating access to life-saving medications. Price spent his formative years in Danbury CT., by way of Greensboro NC., where his dad was a chemistry professor at North Carolina A&T when his family moved to the northeast in pursuit of more opportunities.
As a young man Price excelled at sports, but he admits his biggest accomplishments are his young family. He is married to his lovely wife Allison who he met as an undergraduate at Marist College. Together, they have 2 beautiful children, Zoey (11) and her little brother Caden (10). and together they founded a real estate investment company aimed at helping families create generational wealth. Before diving into Christopher’s origin story, collegiate sports exploits, and pro sports pursuits, Ramon and the PD Flight crew tackle the Snoop Dogg Solo Stove debacle after the smoke settled, the Katt Williams podcast, and best practices for the EV car revolution during the winter.
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Find Mission CTRL on Anchor, Apple Podcast, Spotify, and our website.
Mission CTRL aims to ignite the innovative spirit inside us all through providing budding and successful entrepreneurs and community leaders with a platform to share their stories and inspire others. Tune in every Wednesday and catch up with the team at Peralta Design as we unleash the origin stories behind some exceptional leaders, share marketing/branding insights, and navigate the ever-changing currents of pop culture.
Subscribe for weekly branding and entrepreneurial content here! To learn more about Peralta Design's work visit peraltadesign.com.
welaunchbrands #digitalagency #mbeagency #mbe #digital #branding #marketing #web #startups #creative #BrandU #w2 #fulltime #leadership #contentcreator #contentstrategy #marketingstrategy #entrepreneurs #business
This week on Mission CTRL Ramon and PD Flight Crew welcomed Fran Pastore, the Founder and CEO of the Women’s Business Development Council (WBDC). Back in 1997, Pastore, standing at a crossroads of necessity and fervor, had a vision for the Women's Business Development Council (WBDC). Tune in to hear how Pastore divorced, with two small children, very little work experience and few prospects on the horizon, created a thriving organization that serves women across Connecticut, with offices in Stamford, New Haven, New London and Waterbury.
Pastore is a pioneer in the women's entrepreneurial ecosystem movement; a devoted and passionate catalyst for economic equity, and a globally recognized expert on the issue of female entrepreneurship and equality. Leading bold and transformative action to create a seat at the table for women everywhere. Before launching into the heart of this episode Ramon and Flight Crew discuss the Stanley Tumbler, the power of social influencers to impact a brand’s bottom line, and the most recent success of a past client Andre Sawnston and his latest venture with MLS Next Pro which is slated to bring professional soccer to Connecticut. This episode is an exploration of how individual narratives intersect with larger societal themes, how personal struggles can morph into public triumphs, and how, sometimes, the most unassuming beginnings can lead to the most extraordinary outcomes. Welcome to a world where every story, no matter how small, has the power to inspire change.
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Find Mission CTRL on Anchor, Apple Podcast, Spotify, and our website.
Mission CTRL aims to ignite the innovative spirit inside us all through providing budding and successful entrepreneurs and community leaders with a platform to share their stories and inspire others. Tune in every Wednesday and catch up with the team at Peralta Design as we unleash the origin stories behind some exceptional leaders, share marketing/branding insights, and navigate the ever-changing currents of pop culture.
Subscribe for weekly branding and entrepreneurial content here! To learn more about Peralta Design's work visit peraltadesign.com.
welaunchbrands#digitalagency#mbeagency#mbe#digital#branding#marketing#web#startups#creative#BrandU#w2#fulltime#leadership#contentcreator#contentstrategy#marketingstrategy#entrepreneurs#business#launchyourbrand
In Larry Janesky’s second segment of Mission CTRL, Ramon and the PD Flight Crew dive deeper into branding, team building, leadership, journaling, productivity tips and the origin behind Larry’s famous "all things basementy” branding. Other topics Larry covers in this episode include: The Top 3 Brand Strategies to help your business, revenue and reputation flourish; journaling tips for manifesting your best life, the four levels of delegation, and your role as the “Team Builder in Chief .” Janesky is no stranger to hard work but he is opposed to long work. Tune in to hear why Larry believes if you can’t get it all done in a 50 hr work week you’re doing it wrong.
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Find Mission CTRL on Anchor, Apple Podcast, Spotify, and our website.
Mission CTRL aims to ignite the innovative spirit inside us all through providing budding and successful entrepreneurs and community leaders with a platform to share their stories and inspire others. Tune in every Wednesday and catch up with the team at Peralta Design as we unleash the origin stories behind some exceptional leaders, share marketing/branding insights, and navigate the ever-changing currents of pop culture.
Subscribe for weekly branding and entrepreneurial content here! To learn more about Peralta Design's work visit peraltadesign.com.
welaunchbrands #digitalagency #mbeagency #mbe #digital #branding #marketing #web #startups #creative #BrandU #w2 #fulltime #leadership #contentcreator #contentstrategy #marketingstrategy #entrepreneurs #business #launchyourbrand
Ramon and the PD Flight Crew welcomed Larry Janesky to the Mission CTRL studios. A native of Bridgeport, Janesky's entrepreneurial journey to success spanned 40 years. He holds 32 patents and manages 40 companies under the Contractor Nation brand. Janesky's business model is straightforward: he assists contractors in growing their businesses by selling them products. More than just a businessman, Larry is a self-professed personal development enthusiast. He believes the goal of learning is to make a meaningful impact in the world, rather than just to showcase one's intelligence.
In this episode, Janesky discusses several significant failures he faced. Unlike many, these setbacks didn't deter him; instead, they fueled his determination. He thrives on challenging situations, pushing his limits, and stepping out of his comfort zone. Janesky is not only an entrepreneur but also an accomplished author of five books, a renowned speaker, an inventor, and a record-setting Baja 1000 Champion.
For over three decades, Janesky has been mentoring contractors, guiding them to grow as leaders, expand their businesses, and realize their aspirations. His School of Entrepreneurship provides programs and processes for achieving exceptional results. Tune in to discover how an ordinary 18-year-old from Bridgeport built a business empire with fearless determination and grit.
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Find Mission CTRL on Anchor, Apple Podcast, Spotify, and our website.
Mission CTRL aims to ignite the innovative spirit inside us all through providing budding and successful entrepreneurs and community leaders with a platform to share their stories and inspire others. Tune in every Wednesday and catch up with the team at Peralta Design as we unleash the origin stories behind some exceptional leaders, share marketing/branding insights, and navigate the ever-changing currents of pop culture.
Subscribe for weekly branding and entrepreneurial content here! To learn more about Peralta Design's work visit peraltadesign.com.
welaunchbrands #digitalagency #mbeagency #mbe #digital #branding #marketing #web #startups #creative #BrandU #w2 #fulltime #leadership #contentcreator #contentstrategy #marketingstrategy #entrepreneurs #business #launchyourbrand
This week on Mission CTRL, Ramon and the Flight Crew sat down with the Executive Director of CT Next, Onyeka “Ony” Obiocha. Born and raised in Windsor Connecticut, Ony’s interest in entrepreneurship was sparked by his father who arrived home one evening with dozens of gum ball machines and announced he would be placing them in local barber shops throughout Connecticut. Ony’s first foray into entrepreneurship failed fabulously but, if you’re not failing you’re not learning. Upon graduating from the University of Connecticut, Ony became intrigued with the concept of using economic enterprises to solve social ills.
Ony initially thought the idea of selling coffee beans and opening a brick and mortar shop was ludicrous, but that’s exactly what he ended up doing. After only a year in business they were recognized by the National Retail Federation as one of the most innovative retail spaces in the country. Ony’s work created an incredible buzz on Yale’s campus, prompting a professor to leave the hallowed halls of Yale University and visit “A Happy Life” coffee roasting company and offer him a position as a teaching ‘fellow’. Ony consults for entrepreneurship service organizations in Budapest and Beijing, and his work has been featured in Fast Company, Stanford Social Innovation Review, and Take Magazine. Tune in as Ramon and Ony launch into a fascinating discussion about the intersection of pop culture, content creation, innovation and using culture as the front door to entrepreneurship.
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Find Mission CTRL on Anchor, Apple Podcast, Spotify, and our website.
Mission CTRL aims to ignite the innovative spirit inside us all through providing budding and successful entrepreneurs and community leaders with a platform to share their stories and inspire others. Tune in every Wednesday and catch up with the team at Peralta Design as we unleash the origin stories behind some exceptional leaders, share marketing/branding insights, and navigate the ever-changing currents of pop culture.
Subscribe for weekly branding and entrepreneurial content here! To learn more about Peralta Design's work visit peraltadesign.com.
welaunchbrands#digitalagency#mbeagency#mbe#digital#branding#marketing#web#startups#creative#BrandU#w2#fulltime#leadership#contentcreator#contentstrategy#marketingstrategy#entrepreneurs#business#launchyourbrand
This week on Mission CTRL Ramon and the PD Flight Crew had the pleasure of interviewing the host and executive producer of Melissa in the Morning at WICC. In 2019 Connoisseur Media hired Sheketoff and by the spring of 2020 she took over the morning talk show as the first female and youngest host in WICC’s history. Melissa is a dynamo with an infectious personality and a master storyteller. Sheketoff produces all of the daily news content, presents multiple newscasts throughout the weekday show from 5am -10am and conducts live interviews each day, ranging from news-related guests to experts in different fields.
During this episode Melissa shares a bit of her career path as a one woman band in television prior to transitioning to radio. Melissa won several Press Club Awards for Connecticut and New York and was nominated for a New York Emmy following her coverage of homeless and jobless veterans in Bridgeport, CT. Tune in to hear how Melissa manages to function at a high energetic level without coffee, made the successful transition from television to radio, and maintains her authenticity while staying grounded in faith.
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Find Mission CTRL on Anchor, Apple Podcast, Spotify, and our website.
Mission CTRL aims to ignite the innovative spirit inside us all through providing budding and successful entrepreneurs and community leaders with a platform to share their stories and inspire others. Tune in every Wednesday and catch up with the team at Peralta Design as we unleash the origin stories behind some exceptional leaders, share marketing/branding insights, and navigate the ever-changing currents of pop culture.
Subscribe for weekly branding and entrepreneurial content here! To learn more about Peralta Design's work visit peraltadesign.com.
welaunchbrands#digitalagency#mbeagency#mbe#digital#branding#marketing#web#startups#creative#BrandU#w2#fulltime#leadership#contentcreator#contentstrategy#marketingstrategy#entrepreneurs#business#launchyourbrand
On this episode of Mission CTRL, Ramon and the flight Crew sat down with Paul S. Lavoie, the Chief Manufacturing Officer of Connecticut. Lavoie was appointed by Governor Ned Lamont as the CMO in February 2022. Connecticut is the only state that has a Chief Manufacturing Officer position. When appointing him, Governor Lamont said “manufacturing is a key sector of our economy and having this position of chief manufacturing officer in my administration is important to letting these companies know that they have a seat at the table in my administration.”
Tune in to hear how Lavoie, a son from a blue collar family in Connecticut started his career in the supermarket industry, transitioned to business coaching/speaking, buying and selling a marketing company, to leading the reshoring and renewable energy efforts for Connecticut. Before launching into Lavoine’s story Ramon shares an opportunity PD had to wrap the World Trade Center with the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.’s brand for the fraternity’s founders day, MCU’s move away from Kang and Johnathon Majors, McDonald’s entering the beverage market and Fryborg Donuts.
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Find Mission CTRL on Anchor, Apple Podcast, Spotify, and our website.
Mission CTRL aims to ignite the innovative spirit inside us all through providing budding and successful entrepreneurs and community leaders with a platform to share their stories and inspire others. Tune in every Wednesday and catch up with the team at Peralta Design as we unleash the origin stories behind some exceptional leaders, share marketing/branding insights, and navigate the ever-changing currents of pop culture.
Subscribe for weekly branding and entrepreneurial content here! To learn more about Peralta Design's work visit peraltadesign.com.
welaunchbrands#digitalagency#mbeagency#mbe#digital#branding#marketing#web#startups#creative#BrandU#w2#fulltime#leadership#contentcreator#contentstrategy#marketingstrategy#entrepreneurs#business#launchyourbrand
In this episode Ramon and the Mission CTRL flight crew unpack one the most strategic and culturally iconic recent marketing campaigns that captured the hearts and minds of consumers from Gen Z to Boomers. By leveraging Snoop Dogg’s personal brand, Solo Stove experienced a surge in its stock price following the news of their collaboration with Snoop. Solo brands announced their third-quarter earning revealing 176% surge in net income compared to last year.
The year-end Marketing & Branding rundown also included the firing and subsequent rehiring of Sam Altman, the fastest settlement in history, RCS-(Rich Communication Services), The Nothing phone, Shirley Cesar & Red Lobster Commercial, LinkedIn positioning themselves as a home for content creators and Verizon’s Small Business Grant.
As a champion for small businesses and startups, Peralta Design understands the struggles that entrepreneurs face and that’s why we produce Mission CTRL to amplify their voices and serve as a resource for the audience.
Verizon Small Business Digital Ready offers new grants, more free resources for small businesses application open until Dec 20, 2023
How to apply
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Registering on the Verizon Small Business Digital Ready portal.
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Completing at least two of the following, in any combination; courses, coaching or community events.
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Fifty (50) Small businesses that complete the application will be eligible for consideration to receive a $10,000 grant.
Here’s the Verizon Portal:
Verizon partnered with LISC
Shirley Cesar Red Lobster Commercial
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Find Mission CTRL on Anchor, Apple Podcast, Spotify, and our website.
Mission CTRL aims to ignite the innovative spirit inside us all through providing budding and successful entrepreneurs and community leaders with a platform to share their stories and inspire others. Tune in every Wednesday and catch up with the team at Peralta Design as we unleash the origin stories behind some exceptional leaders, share marketing/branding insights, and navigate the ever-changing currents of pop culture.
Subscribe for weekly branding and entrepreneurial content here! To learn more about Peralta Design's work visit peraltadesign.com.
welaunchbrands#digitalagency#mbeagency#mbe#digital#branding#marketing#web#startups#creative#BrandU#w2#fulltime#leadership#contentcreator#contentstrategy#marketingstrategy#entrepreneurs#business#launchyourbrand
This week’s Mission CTRL episode is an international adventure filled with history, mystery and intrigue. Born in Asunción, Paraguay in 1989 under the dictatorship of Gen. Alfredo Stroessner, mom, author and entrepreneur, Amanda Mottola would find her way to the United States by way of adoption. From an early age Amanda knew she was different as her classmates would ask: why don’t you look like your parents? Mottola’s parents never hid the fact she was adopted and despite positive affirmations and being raised in a loving household, Amanda felt a curious void that needed to be filled.
Armed with wholesome values and principles instilled by her parents, Amanda set out on a quest to Asunción, Paraguay, a self-funded journey through the collection of water bottles. Mottola grew up in Connecticut and has a bachelor’s degree from the University of New Haven, she is also the CEO of Otraway, a New England-based marketing agency and author of Learning as a Lifelong Journey. Tune in to hear how the Ambassador of Paraguay found out about Amanda’s persistence and resilience which led him to write a recommendation for her book. Before launching into this week’s entrepreneurial adventure, Ramon and the flight crew share some scam prevention tips and discuss the Starbucks Red Cup Rebellion.
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Find Mission CTRL on Anchor, Apple Podcast, Spotify, and our website.
Mission CTRL aims to ignite the innovative spirit inside us all through providing budding and successful entrepreneurs and community leaders with a platform to share their stories and inspire others. Tune in every Wednesday and catch up with the team at Peralta Design as we unleash the origin stories behind some exceptional leaders, share marketing/branding insights, and navigate the ever-changing currents of pop culture.
Subscribe for weekly branding and entrepreneurial content here! To learn more about Peralta Design's work visit peraltadesign.com.
welaunchbrands#digitalagency#mbeagency#mbe#digital#branding#marketing#web#startups#creative#BrandU#w2#fulltime#leadership#contentcreator#contentstrategy#marketingstrategy#entrepreneurs#business#launchyourbrand
In this episode, Dr. Noel Sepulveda discusses how he is passionate about making chiropractic services accessible to all. A lifelong resident of Bridgeport with deep ties in the community, Dr. Sepulveda knew he wanted to be a doctor from an early age; he just had to figure out how he was going to make that happen. Through grit and determination, Dr. Sepulveda served as a barber for four hours during the day, worked the graveyard shift at UPS till 4am and slept in his car so he’d be on time for class at the University of Bridgeport’s School of Chiropractic.
At the University of Bridgeport, he studied under board certified neurologists, acupuncturists, nutritionists and orthopedic diplomates. Dr. Sepulveda specialties include neuromusculoskeletal conditions, rehabilitation, postural correction, orthotics, ergonomics, pain management, weight management programs, lifestyle management, nutritional intervention for chronic disease and other physical medicine practices. Prior to the podcast recording, Dr. Sepulveda was on site as part of Peralta Design's focus on corporate wellness by offering a 15 min chiropractic session for all PD associates.
Join Ramon and the PD Flight crew as they cover some of the common misconceptions and benefits of chiropractic services in this episode dedicated to corporate wellness.
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Find Mission CTRL on Anchor, Apple Podcast, Spotify, and our website.
Mission CTRL aims to ignite the innovative spirit inside us all through providing budding and successful entrepreneurs and community leaders with a platform to share their stories and inspire others. Tune in every Wednesday and catch up with the team at Peralta Design as we unleash the origin stories behind some exceptional leaders, share marketing/branding insights, and navigate the ever-changing currents of pop culture.
Subscribe for weekly branding and entrepreneurial content here! To learn more about Peralta Design's work visit peraltadesign.com.
welaunchbrands #digitalagency #mbeagency #mbe #digital #branding #marketing #web #startups #creative #BrandU #w2 #fulltime #leadership #contentcreator #contentstrategy #marketingstrategy #entrepreneurs #business #launchyourbrand
Our guest this episode of Mission CTRL is on a quest to return Connecticut to the economic powerhouse it once was. Born and raised in Connecticut, Chris DiPentima has an affinity and a love for the nutmeg state. DiPentima is the president and CEO of CBIA, Connecticut Business and Industry Association, a leading business organization, with thousands of member companies, small and large, representing a diverse range of industries from every part of the state.
Chris started his career as an attorney practicing in various areas of transaction law and litigation, including M&A, banking, and labor law. DiPentima was intentional about not joining the family business, but after receiving an offer he couldn’t refuse he decided to step out of his comfort zone. Tune in to hear how Chris acquired the business acumen necessary to transform Pegasus Manufacturing, position it for acquisition by a Fortune 500 company and continue his father’s legacy: all of which prepared him to lead the CBIA. Before diving into this dynamic episode Ramon, Chris and the PD Flight Crew commiserate over Big Blue’s latest performance and discuss current events.
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Find Mission CTRL on Anchor, Apple Podcast, Spotify, and our website.
Mission CTRL aims to ignite the innovative spirit inside us all through providing budding and successful entrepreneurs and community leaders with a platform to share their stories and inspire others. Tune in every Wednesday and catch up with the team at Peralta Design as we unleash the origin stories behind some exceptional leaders, share marketing/branding insights, and navigate the ever-changing currents of pop culture.
Subscribe for weekly branding and entrepreneurial content here! To learn more about Peralta Design's work visit peraltadesign.com.
welaunchbrands #digitalagency #mbeagency #mbe #digital #branding #marketing #web #startups #creative #BrandU #w2 #fulltime #leadership #contentcreator #contentstrategy #marketingstrategy #entrepreneurs #business #launchyourbrand
Stratford’s Samuel Diaz III is a fierce Karate World Champion with wins in South Africa, Germany, Austria and London. At the tender age of two years old the Bridgeport native was placed in a dojo and introduced to Karate by his mother. Listen in as Samuel joins Ramon and the Mission CTRL Flight Crew on his birthday to share his journey into entrepreneurship. A man of many talents, Diaz is the Chief Strategy Officer at Southwest Community Health Center Inc. by day is a self-employed karate instructor by night. On the weekends, Samuel is an accomplished musician and has traveled the world and shared the stage with many international artists.
With a $5,000 investment from his father, Samuel founded Stratford Shotokan Karate by subleasing a space in a dance studio and scaled his business as interest in the school grew. Diaz credits his business acumen and hustle from his grandfather. At 35yrs old Diaz was asked to fill some big shoes on Team Paul Mitchell, the longest running sponsored team in the history of martial arts sports. Tune in to hear how Diaz merges his passion for karate and music to serve the Stratford and Bridgeport communities. Before launching into this weeks mission Ramon and PD Flight Crew discuss Kim K’s partnership with NBA & WNBA with her SKIMS Brand valued at $4 Billion Dollars, the Bud Light & UFC Partnership, James Harden’s move the Clippers, and the Giants secure the record for having the most punts in a game in NFL history.
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Find Mission CTRL on Anchor, Apple Podcast, Spotify, and our website.
Mission CTRL aims to ignite the innovative spirit inside us all through providing budding and successful entrepreneurs and community leaders with a platform to share their stories and inspire others. Tune in every Wednesday and catch up with the team at Peralta Design as we unleash the origin stories behind some exceptional leaders, share marketing/branding insights, and navigate the ever-changing currents of pop culture.
Subscribe for weekly branding and entrepreneurial content here! To learn more about Peralta Design's work visit peraltadesign.com.
welaunchbrands #digitalagency #mbeagency #mbe #digital #branding #marketing #web #startups #creative #BrandU #w2 #fulltime #leadership #contentcreator #contentstrategy #marketingstrategy #entrepreneurs #business #launchyourbrand
This week’s Mission CTRL episode takes us behind the Blue Wall in Bridgeport. David Daniels III is a Retired Lieutenant from the Bridgeport Police Department. After serving the residents of Bridgeport for over 25 years he decided to call it quits. Daniels was born and raised in the infamous P.T. Barnum Housing Projects and what he learned there prepared him for a lifetime of adversity. What he had to deal with would cause the average person to throw in the towel. Eight months after transitioning from corporate America to Bridgeport PD, Daniels experienced something that would change the trajectory of his career. As an outspoken man of integrity he decided to live by his convictions instead of standing behind the Blue Wall.
David was inspired by the late actor Richard Roundtree and at first blush one might think it’s because Roundtree played John Shaft while David was coming of age in the 70’s. But, that doesn’t tell the whole story. Daniels is the author of Black and Blue in Bridgeport and Founder of The Bridgeport Jazz Festival. Tune in to hear how Daniels monetizes his habits during his retirement and get a peek behind the Blue Wall of Silence. Before peeling back the layers of this episode, Ramon and the PD Flight crew discuss the NFL and recap NMSDC Conference in Baltimore.
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Find Mission CTRL on Anchor, Apple Podcast, Spotify, and our website.
Mission CTRL aims to ignite the innovative spirit inside us all through providing budding and successful entrepreneurs and community leaders with a platform to share their stories and inspire others. Tune in every Wednesday and catch up with the team at Peralta Design as we unleash the origin stories behind some exceptional leaders, share marketing/branding insights, and navigate the ever-changing currents of pop culture.
Subscribe for weekly branding and entrepreneurial content here! To learn more about Peralta Design's work visit peraltadesign.com.
welaunchbrands #digitalagency #mbeagency #mbe #digital #branding #marketing #web #startups #creative #BrandU #w2 #fulltime #leadership #contentcreator #contentstrategy #marketingstrategy #entrepreneurs #business #launchyourbrand
Our next guest joins Mission CTRL from across the pond, East Yorkshire, England to be precise. Hannah studied at Beverley College, where she earned a degree in childhood education and development. From an early age Hannah developed a passion for art and helping children. In 1999, Hannah left England to head to the U.S. where she became an Au Pair to follow her passion of working with children with special needs. Hannah set her intentions on marrying her two interests, with no business plan or money, she opened her first studio in Shelton, CT. Perry worked as a nanny by day and the director of her Art Studio by night.
Hannah has won three Stevie® Awards making The Giggling Pig an award winning Art Studio. In 2017 she was the Gold Winner for Female Entrepreneur of the Year! In 2016 she took home 2 Silver awards — Female Entrepreneur of the Year and Maverick of the Year. Perry’s entrepreneurial journey wasn’t without adversity, so tune in to hear how she overcame a flood and fire to selling four franchises. Before launching into Perry’s origin story, Ramon and the PD Flight Crew talk Gen Alpha, the Seagull Century Ride, and Caleb Williams’ demand for partial ownership of whichever NFL team drafts him.
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Find Mission CTRL on Anchor, Apple Podcast, Spotify, and our website.
Mission CTRL aims to ignite the innovative spirit inside us all through providing budding and successful entrepreneurs and community leaders with a platform to share their stories and inspire others. Tune in every Wednesday and catch up with the team at Peralta Design as we unleash the origin stories behind some exceptional leaders, share marketing/branding insights, and navigate the ever-changing currents of pop culture.
Subscribe for weekly branding and entrepreneurial content here! To learn more about Peralta Design's work visit peraltadesign.com.
welaunchbrands#digitalagency#mbeagency#mbe#digital#branding#marketing#web#startups#creative#BrandU#w2#fulltime#leadership#contentcreator#contentstrategy#marketingstrategy#entrepreneurs#business#launchyourbrand
Celeste Tapia is our special guest this week on Mission CTRL in celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month. Tapia immigrated from Argentina to South Florida and eventually to Connecticut the same year “Nemo” dumped over 2.5 feet of snow across the southern half of New England. Celeste is the Business Relationship Coordinator for the CEDF (Community Economic Development Fund) and owner of Air Bounce Amusements. Celeste’s path into entrepreneurship and leadership wasn’t linear, but she always had a passion for service, which was inspired by her mother who is a retired Social Worker.
In high school, Tapia was an ambitious and active student who studied English, French, dance, music and served as a Scout. Upon arriving in South Florida, Celeste carved out a niche for herself as a retail manager leading teams despite not being fluent in English. Tune in to hear how Tapia’s entrepreneurial ambition and humility helped her navigate from a page in Wallingford Library to a Librarian, to being the owner of two businesses and to also helping entrepreneurs find funding and resources in her role as the Business Development Coordinator at the CEDF. Before launching into the heart of the episode Ramon and the flight crew, lament yet another loss of the GMen but were able to take solace in the Cowboys getting smacked by the 49ers.
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Find Mission CTRL on Anchor, Apple Podcast, Spotify, and our website.
Mission CTRL aims to ignite the innovative spirit inside us all through providing budding and successful entrepreneurs and community leaders with a platform to share their stories and inspire others. Tune in every Wednesday and catch up with the team at Peralta Design as we unleash the origin stories behind some exceptional leaders, share marketing/branding insights, and navigate the ever-changing currents of pop culture.
Subscribe for weekly branding and entrepreneurial content here! To learn more about Peralta Design's work visit peraltadesign.com.
welaunchbrands#digitalagency#mbeagency#mbe#digital#branding#marketing#web#startups#creative#BrandU#w2#fulltime#leadership#contentcreator#contentstrategy#marketingstrategy#entrepreneurs#business#launchyourbrand
In honor of National Hispanic Heritage Month Ramon and our Mission CTRL Flight Crew had the honor of interviewing Dr Vilma Luz Caban. Dr Caban is a proud educator of over 32 years, a world-trotting Humanitarian Researcher, Program Evaluator, Harley riding, self-proclaimed “Swifty” and the author of: The Heart of an Advocate. In the early 2000’s, Dr. Caban was bitten by the equity bug and since then has found herself working for equality in places as far away as Egypt, Cambodia, and Vietnam.
Caban’s research led her to defend the child brides in indigenous tribes in Kenya; examine child labor to get clean water in Nigeria; and travel throughout different regions in Morocco and Guatemala to understand the social forces that kept abandoned children in the streets. Dr Caban was doing meaningful work when she realized she was running further away from the true reason she became a humanitarian advocate. Tune in to find out what Dr Caban was trying to escape. Before Ramon and the flight crew explore the heart of an advocate, they dive into the writers strike, AI and USA golf team’s behavior during the Ryders Cup.
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Find Mission CTRL on Anchor, Apple Podcast, Spotify, and our website.
Mission CTRL aims to ignite the innovative spirit inside us all through providing budding and successful entrepreneurs and community leaders with a platform to share their stories and inspire others. Tune in every Wednesday and catch up with the team at Peralta Design as we unleash the origin stories behind some exceptional leaders, share marketing/branding insights, and navigate the ever-changing currents of pop culture.
Subscribe for weekly branding and entrepreneurial content here! To learn more about Peralta Design's work visit peraltadesign.com.
welaunchbrands#digitalagency#mbeagency#mbe#digital#branding#marketing#web#startups#creative#BrandU#w2#fulltime#leadership#contentcreator#contentstrategy#marketingstrategy#entrepreneurs#business#launchyourbrand
John Torres joins the PD Flight crew in celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month. John is the Co-founder of Bridgeport Caribe Youth Leaders. After Torres lost his Dad in 2003 to emphysema, John and his brother wanted to do something to honor his memory, from that desire BCYL was created to provide opportunities for the youth of Bridgeport to participate in a baseball league. Over the last 20 years, BCYL has served over 10,000 families in Bridgeport and awarded over $1.5 million dollars in college scholarships.
John’s journey to family & youth service’s wasn’t a linear progression, it was influenced by his early experiences with mentors and the values they poured into him that forged the foundation of his character. Before diving into the heart of today’s episode our flight crew mourns the latest loss of their beloved NY Giants and covers the Halo effect of Taylor Swift’s personal brand on the NFL. Tune in to discover how a potato chip triggered a dopamine hit that John Torres received at 6 years old, links back to his desire to serve the people of Greater Bridgeport.
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Find Mission CTRL on Anchor, Apple Podcast, Spotify, and our website.
Mission CTRL aims to ignite the innovative spirit inside us all through providing budding and successful entrepreneurs and community leaders with a platform to share their stories and inspire others. Tune in every Wednesday and catch up with the team at Peralta Design as we unleash the origin stories behind some exceptional leaders, share marketing/branding insights, and navigate the ever-changing currents of pop culture.
Subscribe for weekly branding and entrepreneurial content here! To learn more about Peralta Design's work visit peraltadesign.com.
welaunchbrands #digitalagency #mbeagency #mbe #digital #branding #marketing #web #startups #creative #BrandU #w2 #fulltime #leadership #contentcreator #contentstrategy #marketingstrategy #entrepreneurs #business #launchyourbrand
Fasten your seatbelts Mission CTRL Nation Andrea Torres-Fodor is our special studio guest in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month. Andrea is the Relationship Marketing Manager at Newtown Savings Bank and serves as the President of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Greater Bridgeport.
In 2000, Fodor migrated from Quito, Ecuador with her family to the United States and like most immigrant families in pursuit of the American Dream, she was a focused leader at an early age. Andrea had a vision of graduating from college, owning her own home, car and living on her own. Tune in to hear how she ventured out in a foreign land on her own at 17 yrs to turn her dreams into reality. Before our flight crew dives into the heart of the episode they spend time in the end zone talking discussing Taylor Swift & Travis Kelce relationship and the power of personal branding to drive sales of Kelce’s Kansas City Chiefs jersey.
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Find Mission CTRL on Anchor, Apple Podcast, Spotify, and our website.
Mission CTRL aims to ignite the innovative spirit inside us all through providing budding and successful entrepreneurs and community leaders with a platform to share their stories and inspire others. Tune in every Wednesday and catch up with the team at Peralta Design as we unleash the origin stories behind some exceptional leaders, share marketing/branding insights, and navigate the ever-changing currents of pop culture.
Subscribe for weekly branding and entrepreneurial content here! To learn more about Peralta Design's work visit peraltadesign.com.
welaunchbrands#digitalagency#mbeagency#mbe#digital#branding#marketing#web#startups#creative#BrandU#w2#fulltime#leadership#contentcreator#contentstrategy#marketingstrategy#entrepreneurs#business#launchyourbrand
This week’s Mission CTRL is special for two reasons: it represents our 100th show and 15 year anniversary of Peralta Design. Thriving 15 years in business is a major milestone. When Ramon was laid off from Walker Digital in 2008 during the Great Recession, he officially became a Reluctant Entrepreneur, and while his initial impulse was to get another job, he had no idea how big of a decision it would be to launch his own brand.
What happened during those early days that changed the trajectory of PD? With the stage set it’s only fitting we take time to reflect on the 15 year journey with the Fantastic Four, Amanda Jorge and Kevin join Ramon for a trip down memory lane. If you’re a start up entrepreneur, small business owner looking to scale your operation and build your team, or just a supporter of everything PD, you won’t want to miss this show.
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Find Mission CTRL on Anchor, Apple Podcast, Spotify, and our website.
Mission CTRL aims to ignite the innovative spirit inside us all through providing budding and successful entrepreneurs and community leaders with a platform to share their stories and inspire others. Tune in every Wednesday and catch up with the team at Peralta Design as we unleash the origin stories behind some exceptional leaders, share marketing/branding insights, and navigate the ever-changing currents of pop culture.
Subscribe for weekly branding and entrepreneurial content here! To learn more about Peralta Design's work visit peraltadesign.com.
welaunchbrands#digitalagency#mbeagency#mbe#digital#branding#marketing#web#startups#creative#BrandU#w2#fulltime#leadership#contentcreator#contentstrategy#marketingstrategy#entrepreneurs#business#launchyourbrand
Rhonda Vetere joins the Mission CTRL Flight crew to share wisdom from her worldwide travels, business and life adventures. Rhonda Vetere is a seasoned global C-Suite executive who has worked in technology fields across industries. Vetere is a global STEM Ambassador and change agent for digital transformation, she has led the way for growth with more than 23 mergers and acquisitions. Rhonda is also the author of Grit & Grind: 10 Principles for Living an Extraordinary Life.
Rhonda is a congruent servant leader and a corporate athlete who used a combination of grit and grind to climb to the top of her field. Vetere has worked in global executive positions at Estée Lauder Companies, AIG, HP Enterprise Services, Barclays, Lehman Brothers, Bank One and JPMorgan Chase. She’s lived and worked internationally-in New York, Hong Kong, Singapore, London, Mumbai and across India-and has managed more than 20,000 people. Tune in to hear how Rhonda stays focused and sharp. Before launching into this week's mission, Ramon and the flight crew discuss Roark Capital’s acquisition of Subway, which has not changed hands since it was founded by two Connecticut families in 1965.
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Find Mission CTRL on Anchor, Apple Podcast, Spotify, and our website.
Mission CTRL aims to ignite the innovative spirit inside us all through providing budding and successful entrepreneurs and community leaders with a platform to share their stories and inspire others. Tune in every Wednesday and catch up with the team at Peralta Design as we unleash the origin stories behind some exceptional leaders, share marketing/branding insights, and navigate the ever-changing currents of pop culture.
Subscribe for weekly branding and entrepreneurial content here! To learn more about Peralta Design's work visit peraltadesign.com.
welaunchbrands#digitalagency#mbeagency#mbe#digital#branding#marketing#web#startups#creative#BrandU#w2#fulltime#leadership#contentcreator#contentstrategy#marketingstrategy#entrepreneurs#business#launchyourbrand
Dr. Mark and Christina Konopka joined the PD flight crew, to share their spine tingling journey into the adventurous world of entrepreneurship, fitness, and wellness. The Konopka’s are the power couple behind OnPoint Chiropractic, Sports Medicine & Integrated Wellness and the newly launched OnPoint Pelvic Health.
Growing up, Mark recalls his Mother suffering from back pain. Mark would watch his Mom feeling helpless and unbeknownst to him, he’d soon develop an intimate relationship with pain himself after falling 10 feet off a porch. Mark’s pain was so severe, it would cause pounding migraines. A drive by a chiropractic practice would change the trajectory of his life. Tune in to hear how the Konopka’s grew their chiropractic practice over the last 8yrs and how Christina launched On Point Pelvic Health and Performance for Women. Before launching into the episode Ramon offers a prayer of sorts for his beloved Giants and shares his experience from Munch’s ribbon cutting in Ansonia. Prepare for takeoff.
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Find Mission CTRL on Anchor, Apple Podcast, Spotify, and our website.
Mission CTRL aims to ignite the innovative spirit inside us all through providing budding and successful entrepreneurs and community leaders with a platform to share their stories and inspire others. Tune in every Wednesday and catch up with the team at Peralta Design as we unleash the origin stories behind some exceptional leaders, share marketing/branding insights, and navigate the ever-changing currents of pop culture.
Subscribe for weekly branding and entrepreneurial content here! To learn more about Peralta Design's work visit peraltadesign.com.
welaunchbrands#digitalagency#mbeagency#mbe#digital#branding#marketing#web#startups#creative#BrandU#w2#fulltime#leadership#contentcreator#contentstrategy#marketingstrategy#entrepreneurs#business#launchyourbrand
Our flight crew is joined today by Speech Pathology Group of CT’s founder Rachel Criscuolo, and Kayla Hawley, Marketing & Communication Director. In this episode, Rachel tells the inspiring story of when she first witnessed the impact of Speech Pathology while visiting her boyfriend’s grandfather in college. Rachel saw how quickly the therapist altered his state of mind and grumpy behavior and referred to the therapist as his “sunshine”. This drove Rachel to switch majors and find her true calling in Speech Pathology.
Rachel began her career working in the school system, but then found she wanted a job with more flexibility when she started to raise a family - so she created SPG, a business that met these needs and aligned with her mission. Tune in to hear how Rachel grew SPG from a Solopreneur to leading a team of 55 therapists with two locations and a third one on the way. Before our flight crew launched into the heart of this episode, Jorge raised a question since Pumpkin Spice (everything) is in the air and Fall is almost here: Are you team Dunkin or team Starbucks?
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Find Mission CTRL on Anchor, Apple Podcast, Spotify, and our website.
Mission CTRL aims to ignite the innovative spirit inside us all through providing budding and successful entrepreneurs and community leaders with a platform to share their stories and inspire others. Tune in every Wednesday and catch up with the team at Peralta Design as we unleash the origin stories behind some exceptional leaders, share marketing/branding insights, and navigate the ever-changing currents of pop culture.
Subscribe for weekly branding and entrepreneurial content here! To learn more about Peralta Design's work visit peraltadesign.com.
welaunchbrands#digitalagency#mbeagency#mbe#digital#branding#marketing#web#startups#creative#BrandU#w2#fulltime#leadership#contentcreator#contentstrategy#marketingstrategy#entrepreneurs#business#launchyourbrand
Join Ramon and the flight crew as they sit down with the co-founders of Blacc Bottle, Necas Collins and Ralph White. Collins and White started out as work colleagues and through their shared passion and values, their relationship extended beyond the corporate playground. Recognizing a need for financial literacy in the community, Collins and White started a podcast and their passion overflowed into the creation of Blacc Bottle, the first premium black-owned water bottle company.
When Necas migrated from Jamaica to the United States on a Soccer scholarship his hunger for business drove him to pursue an MBA double major in Finance & Analytics Intelligence. Collins did the heavy lifting for the idea of a stainless steel, purpose driven water bottle company during his Masters program at the University of Bridgeport and stacked up a few awards along his journey. Before the crew launched into this week's Mission, they tackled an old debate: who’s the GOAT Jordan or Lebron? Tune in to find out how this dynamic startup trio secured a deal with the NBA and what B.L.A.C.C. really represents.
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Find Mission CTRL on Anchor, Apple Podcast, Spotify, and our website.
Mission CTRL aims to ignite the innovative spirit inside us all through providing budding and successful entrepreneurs and community leaders with a platform to share their stories and inspire others. Tune in every Wednesday and catch up with the team at Peralta Design as we unleash the origin stories behind some exceptional leaders, share marketing/branding insights, and navigate the ever-changing currents of pop culture.
Subscribe for weekly branding and entrepreneurial content here! To learn more about Peralta Design's work visit peraltadesign.com.
welaunchbrands#digitalagency#mbeagency#mbe#digital#branding#marketing#web#startups#creative#BrandU#w2#fulltime#leadership#contentcreator#contentstrategy#marketingstrategy#entrepreneurs#business#launchyourbrand
With Hip Hop celebrating 50 years it's only fitting to have our next guest join Mission CTRL. Before Ivan Lopez became DJ Ink DaVinci he was a skateboarder, a B-Boy and a graffiti artist. Diminutive in size and inspired by a t-shirt in Trumbull Mall: “Chicks Love Tricks'', Ivan realized he was going to need a hook to help him stand out amongst his peers. Creativity in fashion, music and photography became his differentiating factor and would later become key components of the Ink DaVinci Brand.
In 2015 Ivan’s world would collapse, changes in the barbering industry caused him to lose his job and move back in with his parents. Join this episode to hear how Lopez went from cutting hair in his parents basement to opening his own studio, becoming a realtor, serving as the Marketing Director for the NAHREP (National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals) and having his work featured on the cover of Connecticut’s Magazine.
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Find Mission CTRL on Anchor, Apple Podcast, Spotify, and our website.
Mission CTRL aims to ignite the innovative spirit inside us all through providing budding and successful entrepreneurs and community leaders with a platform to share their stories and inspire others. Tune in every Wednesday and catch up with the team at Peralta Design as we unleash the origin stories behind some exceptional leaders, share marketing/branding insights, and navigate the ever-changing currents of pop culture.
Subscribe for weekly branding and entrepreneurial content here! To learn more about Peralta Design's work visit peraltadesign.com.
welaunchbrands #digitalagency #mbeagency #mbe #digital #branding #marketing #web #startups #creative #BrandU #w2 #fulltime #leadership #contentcreator #contentstrategy #marketingstrategy #entrepreneurs #business #launchyourbrand
Our next guest is a local icon and spiritual leader in the Bridgeport community and beyond, referring to none other than Pastor Anthony T. Bennett. Pastor Bennett joins our Mission CTRL launch crew by way of Los Angeles California and from an early age Bennett knew he was destined to be in the ministry. His father once said: “If you’re going to do that church thing, go beyond your church and yourself.” Bennett would carry his father's admonition with him to Morehouse College and beyond.
Upon graduating from Morehouse College in 1988, Pastor Bennett entered Union Theological Seminary and received a Masters of Divinity in 1991. While in seminary Pastor Bennett joined the ministerial staff at Saint Paul Community Baptist Church in Brooklyn, New York where he served under the leadership of Pastor Johnny Ray Youngblood from 1991-1994.
Brooklyn is where Bennett would meet the love of his life, Donna Marie Thompson Bennett. After his tenure at Saint Paul’s, he was called to serve Mount Aery Baptist Church in Bridgeport, Connecticut as its fifth pastor.
Pastor Bennett truly is a man of faith and action. Join us during this episode to hear how Pastor Bennett integrates his faith with a holistic vision of health and healing that extends beyond the borders of Bridgeport’s Mount Aery Baptist Church.
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Find Mission CTRL on Anchor, Apple Podcast, Spotify, and our website.
Mission CTRL aims to ignite the innovative spirit inside us all through providing budding and successful entrepreneurs and community leaders with a platform to share their stories and inspire others. Tune in every Wednesday and catch up with the team at Peralta Design as we unleash the origin stories behind some exceptional leaders, share marketing/branding insights, and navigate the ever-changing currents of pop culture.
Subscribe for weekly branding and entrepreneurial content here! To learn more about Peralta Design's work visit peraltadesign.com.
welaunchbrands #digitalagency #mbeagency #mbe #digital #branding #marketing #web #startups #creative #BrandU #w2 #fulltime #leadership #contentcreator #contentstrategy #marketingstrategy #entrepreneurs #business #launchyourbrand
This week's mission takes us to Antwerp, a port city in Belgium with a history dating back to the Middle Ages. It’s the epicenter of the centuries-old Diamond District that houses thousands of diamond traders, cutters, and polishers. But, you don’t have to travel to Belgium to dig for Diamonds, every year our next guest has a diamond dig in her location as a fundraising event for cancer research. Kate Marks is the founder of Marks of Design in Shelton.
Kate’s soccer coach, who was also her Art Teacher, told her she’d never get into an Art School. Ignoring the naysayers, Marks’ followed her intuition and used their words as fuel to earn a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. After college Kate worked for several brands and designers, but she was never one to settle for complacency. In 1999, Kate followed her intuition once again and opened Marks of Design and stayed in that location until 2016 when she moved into a much larger location. Kate is a savvy businesswoman and a highly respected servant-leader in the community who spearheads some incredible initiatives. We hope you enjoy ‘digging’ into this special episode!
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Find Mission CTRL on Anchor, Apple Podcast, Spotify, and our website.
Mission CTRL aims to ignite the innovative spirit inside us all through providing budding and successful entrepreneurs and community leaders with a platform to share their stories and inspire others. Tune in every Wednesday and catch up with the team at Peralta Design as we unleash the origin stories behind some exceptional leaders, share marketing/branding insights, and navigate the ever-changing currents of pop culture.
Subscribe for weekly branding and entrepreneurial content here! To learn more about Peralta Design's work visit peraltadesign.com.
welaunchbrands #digitalagency #mbeagency #mbe #digital #branding #marketing #web #startups #creative #BrandU #w2 #fulltime #leadership #contentcreator #contentstrategy #marketingstrategy #entrepreneurs #business #launchyourbrand
On this episode of Mission CTRL Ramon and the PD flight crew sat down with Sebastian Cardona, the Founder and CEO Papichulo Style. Sebastian shares his secret to how he used $10 a day for 10 days on Facebook Ads to grow his audience from 600 to 14,000 followers in a day. Papichulo Style is Sebastian’s deluxe hair care brand for men with unique packaging that honors the legacy of the “lucha libre” masked Mexican wrestlers. Before launching into Papichulo Style’s origin story, our Flight Crew covers Marvel’s Secret Invasion and Burger King’s latest brand refresh.
Sebastian started using hair gel to manage his naturally curly hair when he was just 8 years old. In 2008 he migrated to the United States from Columbia to study Graphic Design. He identified a pain point during his childhood that would nag at him during his formative years and throughout his college career. While rushing to class one morning, Sebastian jumped out of the shower, got dressed and forgot to put product in his hair. One of Sebastian’s friends, a Russian girl, said you left your “papichulo style” at home. What’s fascinating is, he didn’t have a product line at the time, but he followed his gut and secured Papichulo and Mamichula domains. Hear Sebastian’s inspiring story!
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Find Mission CTRL on Anchor, Apple Podcast, Spotify, and our website.
Mission CTRL is Peralta Design’s podcast on all things business, tech, and marketing. Join our host Ramon Peralta and the PD Flight Crew, Jorge Pezo-Candelario and Kevin Atterberry, as they share ideas with past clients and industry partners. Since 2009, Peralta Design has launched hundreds of brands using award-winning strategies for clients of all sizes; from start-up entrepreneurs all the way up to Fortune 500s.
Subscribe for weekly branding and entrepreneurial content here! To learn more about Peralta Design's work visit peraltadesign.com.
welaunchbrands #digitalagency #mbeagency #mbe #digital #branding #marketing #web #startups #creative #BrandU #w2 #fulltime #leadership #contentcreator #contentstrategy #marketingstrategy #entrepreneurs #business #launchyourbrand
During this episode of Mission CTRL Ramon and the PD flight crew sat down with Dalaise Hickey, the Founder and CEO of BabyDonna, a consciously formulated sunscreen product for black and brown babies. Dalaise was born and raised in the Boogie Down Bronx and she is a recent transplant to Connecticut who is a social worker, mother of two children and wife. You might be wondering how and where did she find the time to bootstrap this her purpose driven entrepreneurial venture. When passion meets purpose EXTRAordinary things happen.
Hickey identified a gap in the marketplace, but unlike most people she didn’t stop at the initial revelation. Instead, she followed her curiosity down the rabbit hole and set out to solve a problem that parents of black & brown children face in their quest to safely protect their children from the sun. Before our flight crew launched into BabyDonna’s origin story, they discussed two recent NFL rebrands: the Cleveland Browns and the Detroit Lions.
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Find Mission CTRL on Anchor, Apple Podcast, Spotify, and our website.
Mission CTRL aims to ignite the innovative spirit inside us all through providing budding and successful entrepreneurs and community leaders with a platform to share their stories and inspire others. Tune in every Wednesday and catch up with the team at Peralta Design as we unleash the origin stories behind some exceptional leaders, share marketing/branding insights, and navigate the ever-changing currents of pop culture.
Subscribe for weekly branding and entrepreneurial content here! To learn more about Peralta Design's work visit peraltadesign.com.
welaunchbrands #digitalagency #mbeagency #mbe #digital #branding #marketing #web #startups #creative #BrandU #w2 #fulltime #leadership #contentcreator #contentstrategy #marketingstrategy #entrepreneurs #business #launchyourbrand
In this episode of Mission CTRL Ramon and our PD Flight crew sat down with Bridgeport Mayoral candidate Lamond Daniels to discuss his vision for what Bridgeport can be. Daniels moved to Bridgeport 30 years ago when he was in high school. Inspired by his grandmother’s commitment to helping the less fortunate, he decided to pursue a career in social work. Daniels cut his political teeth working as a policy associate with Annie E. Casey Foundation in Bridgeport and the opportunity allowed him to traverse the nation learning about the systems and policies that impact children and families.
While Daniels is not a career politician, he’s not new to politics either, he was the director of neighborhood initiatives during the Finch administration and currently serves as Chief of Community Services in Norwalk, CT. Before launching into Daniels’ vision for Bridgeport, the PD flight crew dives into billionaire expeditions, the Apple Vision Pro, Bridgeport’s logo rebrand and get this: Kevin goes on record praising Apple’s Hardware! This episode is not to be missed!
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Find Mission CTRL on Anchor, Apple Podcast, Spotify, and our website.
Mission CTRL aims to ignite the innovative spirit inside us all through providing budding and successful entrepreneurs and community leaders with a platform to share their stories and inspire others. Tune in every Wednesday and catch up with the team at Peralta Design as we unleash the origin stories behind some exceptional leaders, share marketing/branding insights, and navigate the ever-changing currents of pop culture.
Subscribe for weekly branding and entrepreneurial content here! To learn more about Peralta Design's work visit peraltadesign.com.
welaunchbrands #digitalagency #mbeagency #mbe #digital #branding #marketing #web #startups #creative #BrandU #w2 #fulltime #leadership #contentcreator #contentstrategy #marketingstrategy #entrepreneurs #business #launchyourbrand
During this episode, Ramon and the PD Flight Crew are joined by Maria Flores, the founder of Prumatt to discuss how she’s carving out a niche in the $330 Billion dollar athleisure industry by launching her own brand for the discerning woman who loves comfortable, high quality and affordable workout gear. Born and raised in Peru, Maria dreamt of migrating to the United States in pursuit of the American dream, and despite falling into a deep depression after a tragic event at the age of 16, Maria never lost sight of her dream.
With only part of her dream realized Maria didn’t stop pressing toward her target, she confronted the challenges of finding work, learning a new language in a foreign country and going to school head-on, and during this process, she became a mom and a (CNA) Certified Nurses Assistant. Before diving deeper into Maria’s remarkable startup journey, the PD crew discusses the PGA & LIV merger and the HBO Rebrand. Be sure to tune in to hear how Maria launched her fitness wear brand in the face of adversity, COVID and a tanking economy.
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Find Mission CTRL on Anchor, Apple Podcast, Spotify, and our website.
Mission CTRL aims to ignite the innovative spirit inside us all through providing budding and successful entrepreneurs and community leaders with a platform to share their stories and inspire others. Tune in every Wednesday and catch up with the team at Peralta Design as we unleash the origin stories behind some exceptional leaders, share marketing/branding insights, and navigate the ever-changing currents of pop culture.
Subscribe for weekly branding and entrepreneurial content here! To learn more about Peralta Design's work visit peraltadesign.com.
welaunchbrands #digitalagency #mbeagency #mbe #digital #branding #marketing #web #startups #creative #BrandU #w2 #fulltime #leadership #contentcreator #contentstrategy #marketingstrategy #entrepreneurs #business #launchyourbrand
This week's episode is with Dr. Mark Melendez the Founder of Cosmetic & Reconstructive Surgery Associates of Connecticut. Dr. Melendez talks about his story and how he became a doctor. Dr. Melendez discusses growing up in the Bronx in a close-knit Hispanic family and how he had to face many challenges but at the end of the day his family, God, mentors, and friends helped him stay sound and true to his well-being. He also talks about how the great education he was fortunate to receive and how his parents worked to set him up with the best opportunities.
Dr. Melendez shares that if you have a drive and passion for something you must persevere for it and if people try to put you down along the way you must keep going. He also discusses looking out for the well-being of his patients on all ends and providing life-altering reconstructive and cosmetic procedures to people who need them.
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Find Mission CTRL on Anchor, Apple Podcast, Spotify, and our website.
Mission CTRL is Peralta Design’s podcast on all things business, tech, and marketing. Join our host Ramon Peralta and the PD Flight Crew, Jorge Pezo-Candelario and Kevin Atterberry, as they share ideas with past clients and industry partners. Since 2009, Peralta Design has launched hundreds of brands using award-winning strategies for clients of all sizes; from start-up entrepreneurs all the way up to Fortune 500s.
Subscribe for weekly branding and entrepreneurial content here! To learn more about Peralta Design's work visit peraltadesign.com.
welaunchbrands #digitalagency #mbeagency #mbe #digital #branding #marketing #web #startups #creative #BrandU #w2 #fulltime #leadership #contentcreator #contentstrategy #marketingstrategy #entrepreneurs #business #launchyourbrand
During this episode of Mission CTRL our flight crew sat down with Silvia Rodriguez aka “Chef Sil”. Sil serves as a ParaLegal by day, but on nights and weekends, she serves up delicious spicy vegan sushi. Sil’s mother is a two-time cancer survivor, so after hearing the news of her father’s cancer diagnosis she started exploring healthier food alternatives and turned vegan cold turkey (no pun intended). Eating healthy doesn’t have to be bland and tasteless, but that’s what she found was the case with sushi, so she made it her mission to infuse love and flavorful elements of her culture into her favorite traditional Japanese dish. Also from a branding perspective, you don’t want to miss a brief recap about the movie Air. Ramon’s beloved Knicks fell to the Heat in the playoffs and Jorge and Kevin weigh in on what they need to do to rebuild for next season.
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Find Mission CTRL on Anchor, Apple Podcast, Spotify, and our website.
Mission CTRL is Peralta Design’s podcast on all things business, tech, and marketing. Join our host Ramon Peralta and the PD Flight Crew, Jorge Pezo-Candelario and Kevin Atterberry, as they share ideas with past clients and industry partners. Since 2009, Peralta Design has launched hundreds of brands using award-winning strategies for clients of all sizes; from start-up entrepreneurs all the way up to Fortune 500s.
Subscribe for weekly branding and entrepreneurial content here! To learn more about Peralta Design's work visit peraltadesign.com.
welaunchbrands #digitalagency #mbeagency #mbe #digital #branding #marketing #web #startups #creative #BrandU #w2 #fulltime #leadership #contentcreator #contentstrategy #marketingstrategy #entrepreneurs #business #launchyourbrand
In this episode of Mission CTRL, Ramon and Jorge are joined by Dan Onofrio, President and CEO of the Bridgeport Regional Business Council (BRBC). Early in his career, Dan would find himself as the youngest person in the room - never one to stray away from a challenge. So when the opportunity presented itself to serve Greater Bridgeport, he jumped at it. During this episode, Dan shares about his own experiences as a Rita’s Italian Ice franchisee, the current economic landscape and the role the BRBC is playing to foster manufacturing growth within Greater Bridgeport. Do not miss this revealing episode, which also includes a discussion of the issue with being a fan of bad sports teams.
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Find Mission CTRL on Anchor, Apple Podcast, Spotify, and our website.
Mission CTRL is Peralta Design’s podcast on all things business, tech, and marketing. Join our host Ramon Peralta and the PD Flight Crew, Jorge Pezo-Candelario and Kevin Atterberry, as they share ideas with past clients and industry partners. Since 2009, Peralta Design has launched hundreds of brands using award-winning strategies for clients of all sizes; from start-up entrepreneurs all the way up to Fortune 500s.
Subscribe for weekly branding and entrepreneurial content here! To learn more about Peralta Design's work visit peraltadesign.com.
welaunchbrands #digitalagency #mbeagency #mbe #digital #branding #marketing #web #startups #creative #BrandU #w2 #fulltime #leadership #contentcreator #contentstrategy #marketingstrategy #entrepreneurs #business #launchyourbrand
In this episode of Mission CTRL, Ramon, Jorge, and Kevin are joined by Nate and Marlon Moran, the agency owner and CEO of Moran Insurance Agencies, respectively. The two discuss their journey from Puerto Rico to the States, where they moved to Connecticut as teenagers. They share how their parents’ hardworking nature inspired them to get certified as insurance brokers and grow in their respective companies before creating one of their own with their last name in the title to ensure their long-lasting legacy. Do not miss Nate and Marlon in this amazing episode, which also features discussions on the best and the worst of branding strategy and of course, the NY Knicks.
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Find Mission CTRL on Anchor, Apple Podcast, Spotify, and our website.
Mission CTRL is Peralta Design’s podcast on all things business, tech, and marketing. Join our host Ramon Peralta and the PD Flight Crew, Jorge Pezo-Candelario and Kevin Atterberry, as they share ideas with past clients and industry partners. Since 2009, Peralta Design has launched hundreds of brands using award-winning strategies for clients of all sizes; from start-up entrepreneurs all the way up to Fortune 500s.
Subscribe for weekly branding and entrepreneurial content here! To learn more about Peralta Design's work visit peraltadesign.com.
welaunchbrands #digitalagency #mbeagency #mbe #digital #branding #marketing #web #startups #creative #BrandU #w2 #fulltime #leadership #contentcreator #contentstrategy #marketingstrategy #entrepreneurs #business #launchyourbrand
In this episode of Mission CTRL, Ramon, Jorge, and Maggie, are joined by Liana Garcia, the Director of Gift Planning for the Community Foundation of Greater New Haven. Liana discusses the CFGNH’s Progreso Latino Fund, in which businesses can develop funds where the money can later be put back into developing Latino scholarships, programs, and services. It is also the 20th Anniversary of the fund, which means $100,000 in grants will be awarded over the next 2 years and gifts will be price-matched up to $2,000. Do not miss Liana in this inspiring episode, which also includes discussions of how PD gets involved in the nonprofit community, discussions about local theatre, and the show “The Servant.”
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Find Mission CTRL on Anchor, Apple Podcast, Spotify, and our website.
Mission CTRL is Peralta Design’s podcast on all things business, tech, and marketing. Join our host Ramon Peralta and the PD Flight Crew, Jorge Pezo-Candelario and Kevin Atterberry, as they share ideas with past clients and industry partners. Since 2009, Peralta Design has launched hundreds of brands using award-winning strategies for clients of all sizes; from start-up entrepreneurs all the way up to Fortune 500s.
Subscribe for weekly branding and entrepreneurial content here! To learn more about Peralta Design's work visit peraltadesign.com.
welaunchbrands #digitalagency #mbeagency #mbe #digital #branding #marketing #web #startups #creative #BrandU #w2 #fulltime #leadership #contentcreator #contentstrategy #marketingstrategy #entrepreneurs #business #launchyourbrand
In this episode of Mission CTRL, Ramon, Jorge, and newcomer Derek, are joined by J. Richard Byrd, the CEO of the Byrdology Group. JR shares how he balances his intense work schedule with his day-to-day life, how his business strategy has evolved over time, and why this transformation is important. Listen as JR discusses the significance of self-care, his use of the Pomodoro Technique, and the way he identifies issues quickly within the work he produces. Do not miss out on this insightful podcast, which also includes tips on business branding and consumer engagement.
In this episode of Mission CTRL, Ramon, Jorge, and Kevin are joined by Rob Rodriguez, Personal Trainer and Managing Partner of BDx Fitness. Rob shares how he keeps a thriving, healthy environment by selecting high-quality trainers and maintaining employee morale. Additionally, he discusses BDx’s focus on creating an environment where people over 50 years of age can feel comfortable working out, whether in a personal or group training setting. Listen as Rob discusses supplements, cryotherapy, and mindset strategies with the PD team. Don't miss out on this enlightening conversation, as discussions on "The Last of Us" finale (spoiler alert!) and the latest in football.
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Find Mission CTRL on Anchor, Apple Podcast, Spotify, and our website.
Mission CTRL is Peralta Design’s podcast on all things business, tech, and marketing. Join our host Ramon Peralta and the PD Flight Crew, Jorge Pezo-Candelario and Kevin Atterberry, as they share ideas with past clients and industry partners. Since 2009, Peralta Design has launched hundreds of brands using award-winning strategies for clients of all sizes; from start-up entrepreneurs all the way up to Fortune 500s.
Subscribe for weekly branding and entrepreneurial content here! To learn more about Peralta Design's work visit peraltadesign.com.
#welaunchbrands #digitalagency #mbeagency #mbe #digital #branding #marketing #web #startups #creative #BrandU #w2 #fulltime #leadership #contentcreator #contentstrategy #marketingstrategy #entrepreneurs #business #launchyourbrand
In this episode of Mission CTRL, Ramon, Jorge, and Kevin are joined by the one and only Robert "Bob" D. Scinto, real estate developer extraordinaire and founder and CEO of R.D. Scinto, Inc. Bob shares his incredible journey, from being a young adult with speech and learning challenges to owning a successful commercial real estate empire. He talks about how his humble beginnings in plumbing gave him the lessons and skills he needed to succeed in business. More importantly, he describes how overcoming adversity helped, rather than hindered, his pathway to success. Listen to hear more about Bob’s incredibly personal story, as well as discussions about the start of Jorge and Kevin’s friendship and of course football!
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Find Mission CTRL on Anchor, Apple Podcast, Spotify, and our website.
Mission CTRL is Peralta Design’s podcast on all things business, tech, and marketing. Join our host Ramon Peralta and the PD Flight Crew, Jorge Pezo-Candelario and Kevin Atterberry, as they share ideas with past clients and industry partners. Since 2009, Peralta Design has launched hundreds of brands using award-winning strategies for clients of all sizes; from start-up entrepreneurs all the way up to Fortune 500s.
Subscribe for weekly branding and entrepreneurial content here! To learn more about Peralta Design's work visit peraltadesign.com.
welaunchbrands #digitalagency #mbeagency #mbe #digital #branding #marketing #web #startups #creative #BrandU #w2 #fulltime #leadership #contentcreator #contentstrategy #marketingstrategy #entrepreneurs #business #launchyourbrand
In this episode of Mission CTRL, Ramon and Kevin are joined by Stefania and Jessica, the founders and owners of the bakery, The Drunk Alpaca. Stefania and Jessica recount their inspiring journey from being employees at Whole Foods to starting their own brand from scratch, with no outside help. They delve into the story behind their unique name and share their experience transitioning from a retail storefront to a wholesale kitchen. Along the way, they reveal their plans for expansion, including growing their team and potentially selling their baked goods at big box grocery stores. Don't miss out on this insightful conversation, which also includes tips on branding strategy and a discussion of the latest media trends.
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Find Mission CTRL on Anchor, Apple Podcast, Spotify, and our website.
Mission CTRL is Peralta Design’s podcast on all things business, tech, and marketing. Join our host Ramon Peralta and the PD Flight Crew, Jorge Pezo-Candelario and Kevin Atterberry, as they share ideas with past clients and industry partners. Since 2009, Peralta Design has launched hundreds of brands using award-winning strategies for clients of all sizes; from start-up entrepreneurs all the way up to Fortune 500s.
Subscribe for weekly branding and entrepreneurial content here! To learn more about Peralta Design's work visit peraltadesign.com.
welaunchbrands #digitalagency #mbeagency #mbe #digital #branding #marketing #web #startups #creative #BrandU #w2 #fulltime #leadership #contentcreator #contentstrategy #marketingstrategy #entrepreneurs #business #launchyourbrand
In this episode of Mission CTRL, Ramon, Jorge, and Kevin are joined by Duncan Harris, the Chief Executive Officer of Capital Community College. Duncan shares his inspiring journey, from working as a broker at Merrill Lynch to holding top positions at several colleges in Connecticut. His passion for empowering and coaching students has led him to establish strong connections in the state, particularly in Hartford. Duncan discusses the innovative programs he has spearheaded at Capital and shares his plans for the future. Don't miss out on Duncan's incredible story, as well as insightful discussions on the current state of the justice system and effective marketing strategies.
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Find Mission CTRL on Anchor, Apple Podcast, Spotify, and our website.
Mission CTRL is Peralta Design’s podcast on all things business, tech, and marketing. Join our host Ramon Peralta and the PD Flight Crew, Jorge Pezo-Candelario and Kevin Atterberry, as they share ideas with past clients and industry partners. Since 2009, Peralta Design has launched hundreds of brands using award-winning strategies for clients of all sizes; from start-up entrepreneurs all the way up to Fortune 500s.
Subscribe for weekly branding and entrepreneurial content here! To learn more about Peralta Design's work visit peraltadesign.com.
welaunchbrands #digitalagency #mbeagency #mbe #digital #branding #marketing #web #startups #creative #BrandU #w2 #fulltime #leadership #contentcreator #contentstrategy #marketingstrategy #entrepreneurs #business #launchyourbrand
In this episode of Mission CTRL, Ramon, Jorge, Kevin, and newcomer Maggie, discuss the best and the worst of the Super Bowl Commercials, as well Rihanna’s halftime performance and the game itself. Join the PD team as they discuss M&M’s marketing strategy, the buzz around Tubi, Jack Harlow’s collaboration with Dorito’s, and more. Be sure to tune in for more on this week’s special episode of Mission CTRL.
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Find Mission CTRL on Anchor, Apple Podcast, Spotify, and our website.
Mission CTRL is Peralta Design’s podcast on all things business, tech, and marketing. Join our host Ramon Peralta and the PD Flight Crew, Jorge Pezo-Candelario and Kevin Atterberry, as they share ideas with past clients and industry partners. Since 2009, Peralta Design has launched hundreds of brands using award-winning strategies for clients of all sizes; from start-up entrepreneurs all the way up to Fortune 500s.
Subscribe for weekly branding and entrepreneurial content here! To learn more about Peralta Design's work visit peraltadesign.com.
welaunchbrands #digitalagency #mbeagency #mbe #digital #branding #marketing #web #startups #creative #BrandU #w2 #fulltime #leadership #contentcreator #contentstrategy #marketingstrategy #entrepreneurs #business #launchyourbrand
In this episode of Mission CTRL, Ramon, Jorge and Kevin host David Femi, Senior Vice President, M&T Bank. David shares his remarkable journey of growing up in Nigeria and moving to the United States to pursue Business and Financial Services in college. His core values of serving the community have followed him throughout his endeavors at colleges and banks all across the East coast. David reveals his path to working with M&T and why he holds its connection with the city of Bridgeport very close to his heart. Be sure to tune in for more of David’s incredible story, along with discussions on NFTs, Damar Hamlin, and the latest in football.
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Find Mission CTRL on Anchor, Apple Podcast, Spotify, and our website.
Mission CTRL is Peralta Design’s podcast on all things business, tech, and marketing. Join our host Ramon Peralta and the PD Flight Crew, Jorge Pezo-Candelario and Kevin Atterberry, as they share ideas with past clients and industry partners. Since 2009, Peralta Design has launched hundreds of brands using award-winning strategies for clients of all sizes; from start-up entrepreneurs all the way up to Fortune 500s.
Subscribe for weekly branding and entrepreneurial content here! To learn more about Peralta Design's work visit peraltadesign.com.
welaunchbrands #digitalagency #mbeagency #mbe #digital #branding #marketing #web #startups #creative #BrandU #w2 #fulltime #leadership #contentcreator #contentstrategy #marketingstrategy #entrepreneurs #business #launchyourbrand
In this episode of Mission CTRL, Ramon, Jorge and Kevin host Marta Irene the owner of Absolutely Healthy Living Center. Marta shares the story of the life-changing events that put her on a path towards healthier living and ultimately opening a center to help others by expanding their knowledge and changing their habits. Marta brings the PD Flight Crew through the process of growing her business and doing the work to promote the mission of making healthy living possible for everyone. Be sure to tune in for more of Marta’s inspirational story, along with discussions on the importance of having a website as a business owner and the latest in football.
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Find Mission CTRL on Anchor, Apple Podcast, Spotify, and our website.
Mission CTRL is Peralta Design’s podcast on all things business, tech, and marketing. Join our host Ramon Peralta and the PD Flight Crew, Jorge Pezo-Candelario and Kevin Atterberry, as they share ideas with past clients and industry partners. Since 2009, Peralta Design has launched hundreds of brands using award-winning strategies for clients of all sizes; from start-up entrepreneurs all the way up to Fortune 500s.
Subscribe for weekly branding and entrepreneurial content here! To learn more about Peralta Design's work visit peraltadesign.com.
welaunchbrands #digitalagency #mbeagency #mbe #digital #branding #marketing #web #startups #creative #BrandU #w2 #fulltime #leadership #contentcreator #contentstrategy #marketingstrategy #entrepreneurs #business #launchyourbrand
In this episode of Mission CTRL, Ramon, Jorge and Kevin host Eric Mercado, Hiphop Producer and Grandmaster Emcee also know as Krook Rock. Not only is Mercado in the music industry, but he is also an entrepreneur and owner of Southside Smoothie in Providence, Rhode Island. Mercado shares the story of a dramatic experience that led him to become the fearless entrepreneur that he is today. Mercado describes how he juggles his music career and his efforts in bringing healthy food choices to the urban community. Be sure to tune in for more of Mercado’s inspirational story, along with discussions on Avatar II (Warning: Beware of spoilers!) and NFTs.
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Find Mission CTRL on Anchor, Apple Podcast, Spotify, and our website.
Mission CTRL is Peralta Design’s podcast on all things business, tech, and marketing. Join our host Ramon Peralta and the PD Flight Crew, Jorge Pezo-Candelario and Kevin Atterberry, as they share ideas with past clients and industry partners. Since 2009, Peralta Design has launched hundreds of brands using award-winning strategies for clients of all sizes; from start-up entrepreneurs all the way up to Fortune 500s.
Subscribe for weekly branding and entrepreneurial content here! To learn more about Peralta Design's work visit peraltadesign.com.
welaunchbrands #digitalagency #mbeagency #mbe #digital #branding #marketing #web #startups #creative #BrandU #w2 #fulltime #leadership #contentcreator #contentstrategy #marketingstrategy #entrepreneurs #business #launchyourbrand
In this episode of Mission CTRL, Ramon, Jorge and Kevin host A.V. Perkins, media personality and Co-Founder & CMO of University of Dope. Perkins shares the story of how she, alongside her college friend, came to create an award-winning game for hip hop lovers, covered in Forbes, NBC, Essence, Cosmopolitan and Esquire. Along with the story of bringing the product to life and how to play the party game, Perkins shares some tips for aspiring entrepreneurs working to bring their business ideas to life. Be sure to tune in for more of Perkins’ dope story, along with discussions on crypto, Twitter and Elon Musk.
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Find Mission CTRL on Anchor, Apple Podcast, Spotify, and our website.
Mission CTRL is Peralta Design’s podcast on all things business, tech, and marketing. Join our host Ramon Peralta and the PD Flight Crew, Jorge Pezo-Candelario and Kevin Atterberry, as they share ideas with past clients and industry partners. Since 2009, Peralta Design has launched hundreds of brands using award-winning strategies for clients of all sizes; from start-up entrepreneurs all the way up to Fortune 500s.
Subscribe for weekly branding and entrepreneurial content here! To learn more about Peralta Design's work visit peraltadesign.com.
welaunchbrands #digitalagency #mbeagency #mbe #digital #branding #marketing #web #startups #creative #BrandU #w2 #fulltime #leadership #contentcreator #contentstrategy #marketingstrategy #entrepreneurs #business #launchyourbrand
In this episode of Mission CTRL, Ramon, Jorge and Kevin host Michael (Mikey) Cotela, the After School Coordinator at Derby Public Schools. Mikey shares his journey of how working with kids has always been his passion from the beginning. The PD flight crew and Mikey discuss the nonlinear path that his career took from working at the Boys & Girls club to owning a deli, then becoming a private chef to finally returning to his passion of working with kids. He works to provide kids with quality programs that are more than just an after-school activity, but instead provide tools and knowledge they can use going forward in life. Be sure to tune in to hear more about Mikey's life story which is anything but a straight line, along with this week's sports talk - from football to basketball, we cover all the bases.
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Find Mission CTRL on Anchor, Apple Podcast, Spotify and our website.
Mission CTRL is Peralta Design’s podcast on all things business, tech, and marketing. Join our host Ramon Peralta and the PD Flight Crew, Jorge Pezo-Candelario and Kevin Atterberry, as they share ideas with past clients and industry partners. Since 2009, Peralta Design has launched hundreds of brands using award-winning strategies for clients of all sizes; from start-up entrepreneurs all the way up to Fortune 500s.
Subscribe for weekly branding and entrepreneurial content here! To learn more about Peralta Design's work visit peraltadesign.com.
welaunchbrands #digitalagency #mbeagency #mbe #digital #branding #marketing #web #startups #creative #BrandU #w2 #fulltime #leadership #contentcreator #contentstrategy #marketingstrategy #entrepreneurs #business #launchyourbrand
In this episode of Mission CTRL, Ramon, Jorge and Kevin host Nicole Stere, Director of Resource Development at The Boys & Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley. Nicole shares the journey of how she arrived at her current position directing the BGC's community efforts. She works to advocate for the kids who rely on the club and has gained support for their life-changing programs. Be sure to tune in to hear more about Nicole’s inspiring work to uplift and support our youth, along with this week's Space Roast topic on coincidences vs. signs.
In this episode of Mission CTRL, Ramon, Jorge and Kevin host Abdul Muhammad, Executive Director and founder of the multidimensional social service agency, My People Clinical Services. While diving into his entrepreneurial efforts and overcoming adversity, Muhammad discusses with the PD flight crew how he came to build a business that provides support for fatherhood, manhood and dream chasing. Be sure to tune in for more on Muhammad’s inspiring journey, stories of international adventure, as well as a quick overview of the marketing funnel and its importance for businesses of all kinds.
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Find Mission CTRL on Anchor, Apple Podcast, Spotify and our website. https://peraltadesign.com/mission-ctrl/
Mission CTRL is Peralta Design’s podcast on all things business, tech, and marketing. Join our host Ramon Peralta and the PD Flight Crew, Jorge Pezo-Candelario and Kevin Atterberry, as they share ideas with past clients and industry partners. Since 2009, Peralta Design has launched hundreds of brands using award-winning strategies for clients of all sizes; from start-up entrepreneurs all the way up to Fortune 500s.
Subscribe for weekly branding and entrepreneurial content here! Learn more about Peralta Design’s work at www.peraltadesign.com
welaunchbrands #digitalagency #mbeagency #mbe #digital #branding #marketing #web #startups #creative #BrandU #w2 #fulltime #leadership #contentcreator #contentstrategy #marketingstrategy #entrepreneurs #business #launchyourbrand
In this episode of Mission CTRL, Ramon, Jorge and Kevin host Tori Brown, Executive and Celebrity Shef (Yes, that’s chef with an s, for SHEf!) and founder of Breakfast Belle. Shef Brown joins the PD flight crew to tell her story about how she came to make the big decision of stopping her catering business and making the full-time switch to growing her food product line ‘Breakfast Belle’. Be sure to tune into the full episode for more of Shef Brown’s story, a hot debate on breakfast, as well as some useful tips on how to deal with fear as an entrepreneur.
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Find Mission CTRL on Anchor, Apple Podcast, Spotify and our website. https://peraltadesign.com/mission-ctrl/
Mission CTRL is Peralta Design’s podcast on all things business, tech, and marketing. Join our host Ramon Peralta and the PD Flight Crew, Jorge Pezo-Candelario and Kevin Atterberry, as they share ideas with past clients and industry partners. Since 2009, Peralta Design has launched hundreds of brands using award-winning strategies for clients of all sizes; from start-up entrepreneurs all the way up to Fortune 500s.
Subscribe for weekly branding and entrepreneurial content here! Learn more about Peralta Design’s work at www.peraltadesign.com
welaunchbrands #digitalagency #mbeagency #mbe #digital #branding #marketing #web #startups #creative #BrandU #w2 #fulltime #leadership #contentcreator #contentstrategy #marketingstrategy #entrepreneurs #business #launchyourbrand
In this episode of Mission CTRL, Ramon, Jorge and Kevin host Aaron Moynihan, owner of The Perfect Mix Recording Studio and adjunct professor in music production at Middlesex Community College and The University of New Haven. Joining the PD Flight Crew for the first time, Aaron shares his story on how he started in music production. Through finding mentorship as he came into the industry, Aaron talks about how it helped lead him to giving back to the youth through teaching. Be sure to tune into the full episode for more of Aaron's story, a hot debate on Hip-hop's biggest icons, as well as some useful tips on how to grow your brand.
In this episode of Mission CTRL, Ramon, and Kevin hang out with the Cordido Brothers, Andres and Alejandro who share their story of what inspired them to launch and expand their growing Venezuelan arepa empire with locations in New Haven and Shelton, CT. Their story of being first generation college kids who ultimately quit their day jobs to launch their own restaurant chain is funny, inspiring and sure to make you hungry for their delicious arepas and for possibly making the entrepreneurial leap of your own.
In this episode of Mission CTRL, Ramon, Jorge and Kevin host Rob Thomas, author of “Who Do You Need to Meet”, Founder of Networking in Diners and Creator of the Rob Thomas Method of Networking. Rob joins the PD Flight Crew at MissionCTRL for a 2nd time to share how he pivoted during the pandemic and came back stronger, expanding his networking consulting empire across continents in his latest rebrand. Rob also shares his adventures as a board member of the New York City Chapter of the NSA - the National Speakers Association. There’s never a dull moment when Rob is in studio so don’t miss this episode which is sure to have you in stitches as well as to provide some real inspiration in growing your brand.
In this episode of Mission CTRL, Ramon, Jorge and Kevin are visited by Robert Warren, a bright, young man who just graduated high school but is already running his own SMS marketing agency called Blue Cyclone Media. Ramon met Robert Warren at a local business pitch competition as was impressed by this aspiring tech entrepreneur. After some jovial banter between the PD Flight Crew, listen in as Robert explains why text message marketing may be the perfect advertising solution for your business.
In this special episode of Mission CTRL, Ramon and PD team members, Jorge, Amanda, and Rebecca unpack "The Upside Down" from the fourth season of Stranger Things. Join the team as they talk about fan theories and everything 80s. Spoiler Alert: Make sure to watch the season before listening because the team doesn't hold back!
In this episode of Mission CTRL, Ramon is joined by Joe Treacy, a returning guest and the founder of Treacyfaces. Joe Treacy has created groundbreaking Treacyfaces TF font families like TFForever, TFTrantino, TFHabitat, and TFAvian. In this episode, Joe explains the process of creating a font family, and how his fine arts and graphic design background […]
In this episode of Mission CTRL, Ramon is joined by Chad Betz, an executive coach, speaker, and the published author of “Late Bloomer” and most recently, ”The Second Mouse Gets the Cheese”. He has devoted himself to helping people and organizations achieve success through building relationships, improving processes, coaching teams, and driving production. Chad shares his journey from growing up in Bridgeport, CT, to what inspired him to become an author, and the importance of giving back to the community. You don’t want to miss this episode that is sure to inspire you to become the best version of yourself possible.
In this special episode of Mission CTRL, Ramon is joined by Eric Hardy, w3r’s President, CEO, and co-founder, and Carolyn Ball, w3r’s Vice President of Strategy & Client Solutions. w3r Consulting is an award-winning, IT consulting and management company that delivers enterprise solutions at the intersection of innovation and ingenuity. Together Eric and Carolyn walk us through the story of how w3r began as a dream for Eric and his friend Patrick Tomina, while they were attending the University of Michigan for engineering and discovered their passion for technology. They joined forces with Keith Echols to transform w3r into one of the best-in-class and fastest growing I.T. companies in the nation. Throughout the episode they shared the importance of having a great office culture and providing quality customer service. You don’t want to miss this episode, that is sure to inspire you to have faith in your skills, hustle, and chase your dreams!
In this episode of Mission CTRL, Ramon is joined by Simone Morris, an amazing transformative leader and a Subject Matter Expert (SME) in the field of Diversity and Inclusion! She’s the CEO of Simone Morris Enterprises, a professional services firm that provides career expertise and inclusive leadership consulting to empower others to take control of their careers. Morris is a fellow podcast host, a published author, and contributor to Forbes, Glassdoor, Thrive Global, Leadercast, Socialhire.com, Smart Recruiters, and more. Ramon had the pleasure of being featured on her podcast, and now it’s her turn to be on Mission CTRL. Throughout the episode Simone discusses the importance of Diversity and Inclusion in the workplace, her journey from spending two decades in Corporate America to starting her own business, and what made her make this transition. You don’t want to miss this inspiring and thought provoking episode!
In this episode of Mission CTRL, Ramon is joined by Lee Cantelon, a global citizen, talented photographer, and fellow creative. However what is most remarkable about Lee is his dedication to helping the less fortunate. Cantelon’s mission has tied into his role at Microboard where he is in charge of Special Projects. This outstanding company, located here in the Valley, has been involved in aid projects among the world’s marginalized, and crisis-impacted peoples for the past 30 years. Throughout the episode Lee discusses the importance of giving back to the less fortunate, the inspiration for his mission work, and his experiences volunteering all over the world from working with gangs in Compton to bringing clean water to parts of Nigeria and Rwanda. This episode is sure to inspire you to leave the world better than you found it.
In this special episode of Mission CTRL, Ramon is joined by PD flight crew members Jorge, Amanda, and Francisco! The team came together to discuss the newest installment of the Batman saga, “The Batman” directed by Matt Reeves. The film stars Robert Pattinson in the dual role of reclusive billionaire Bruce Wayne, and his alter ego the Batman, Gotham City’s vigilante detective. “The Batman” has been extremely well received by audiences and is set to become 2022’s biggest hit as their box office nears $500 Million! Listen in as the team shares their theories and impressions of the film along with their ranking of “The Batman” compared to DC’s other Batman movies. This fun “pop culture” episode is one you won’t want to miss! P.S. SPOILER ALERT
In this episode of Mission CTRL, Ramon is joined by Dr. Dwayne Smith, the CEO of Housatonic Community College. Dr. Smith is a fellow Alpha Brother who is held in high esteem across the country for his roles in education, servant-leadership, and transformational leadership. He is the immediate past interim president of Harris-Stowe State University in St. Louis, and in a short time is already making a tremendous impact here in the Greater Bridgeport community. Smith has more than 30 years of higher education leadership and teaching experience and was appointed by the Missouri Commissioner of Higher Education to the President's Advisory Council and was named to the U.S. Department of State Fulbright Specialist Program. Dr. Smith discusses systematic oppression and its role in the education system and his story from his humble beginnings to becoming the CEO of HCC! This episode is sure to remind you that no matter your beginnings, you can always achieve your dreams and inspire others.
In this episode of Mission CTRL, Ramon is joined by Elena Cahill, the new Vice President of Innovation, Strategy, and Advancement at the University of Bridgeport. Elena is a highly sought after entrepreneur, speaker and author who continues to oversee the University of Bridgeport’s Bauer Hall Innovation Center, leads UB’s government and external affairs programs, and serves as the contact for city, state, and federal officials. She previously served as the director of the School of Business and launched UB’s Student Entrepreneur Center in 2014. Elena and Ramon discuss their UB experiences and what drew them to the University. Elena takes us through her journey from being a corporate lawyer, to becoming a business consultant with a self-proclaimed “entrepreneurial bug”, to becoming a business professor at UB. This episode is sure to remind you that it’s never too late to change your path and follow your passions!
In this episode of Mission CTRL, Ramon is joined by Dr. Donald E. Wetmore, the President of The Productivity Institute.Don is a legend in the world of productivity and time management, and his proven methods are known to increase productivity rates by 25%. He has led more than 2,000 presentations for over 100,000 people all over the globe, and has even been to Dubai several times as a professional paid public speaker and subject matter expert! His presentations employ humor, actionable strategies, and down-to-earth advice to help participants advance their lives and meet their goals. Don discusses, in this episode, how shifting his business model during the pandemic, from in-person events and meetings to virtual ones, has allowed him to increase his client base. You won't want to miss this inspirational episode that will motivate you to get productive and roll with the changes!
In this episode of Mission CTRL, Ramon is joined by long-time friend Matt McGuire, who is an account executive at MNI Targeted Media Inc. where customer-centric, brand agnostic campaigns start. Matt is a big sports fan, a husband, a great dad, and a lover of all things media-related. He discusses what it’s like working at an agency like MNI, what Targeted Media is, and how it can help business owners. You won’t want to miss this episode as Ramon and Matt reminisce about their time as coworkers at Priceline.com, the Dot Com era, and all of the craziness that went along with it. Tune in for this amazing episode!
In this episode of Mission CTRL, Ramon is joined by Olivier Kpognon, the founder of O & Co. Media Group, a full-service photography, film, and design studio launched in 2003. He’s one of PD’s strategic partners and is known in these creative streets as a self-described international lifestyle "documenteur”, a world traveler, and a jetsetter. Olivier or “O” as many call him is a master with the lens and one of the hardest working creatives we have encountered. You won’t want to miss this candid and inspiring video, where Olivier walks us through his journey as a business owner and how he adapted his business during the pandemic so he could continue to capture magic with a lens. Tune in!
In this episode of Mission CTRL, Ramon is joined once again by Bryan Tamburrino, the Founder of Tangible Analytics. Listen in as Bryan describes how his business found an entirely new vertical due to Covid that has now since become a main focus of his business. Communicating value is getting increasingly more important as businesses struggle to differentiate themselves when the proof is all in the data. Bryan's team continues to grow and expand and in this interview he shares his decision making process as well as some 'scaling' secrets and how he has implemented a new CRM platform - a conversation sure to help and inspire startup entrepreneurs and seasoned business owners alike!
In this episode of Mission CTRL, Ramon is joined by a very special guest, the Founder and Director of Technique Tigers Baseball Academy… Manny Torres. He’s a PD client and a former professional baseball player - The Texas Rangers selected him in the 28th round of the 1995 Amateur Baseball Draft but he chose to attend the University of Alabama on a baseball scholarship and he played in the 1996, 1997 and 1999 College World Series. He signed as a free agent with the Cincinnati Reds – but after recurring injuries was forced to find a new passion in life. This passion was working with kids and teaching the sport he loved all of his life — baseball. You won’t want to miss this story of grit and determination to follow your dreams despite all odds! Tune in!
In this episode of Mission CTRL, Ramon is joined by a Dominican Republic-born, New York City-raised mother of two who set out to start her own company with almost a decade of bookkeeping management behind her. She focuses on small businesses because she strongly believes in serving her local community and beyond. Businesswoman Karla G. Checo, founded KGC Consulting in 2020 and is quickly becoming a sought after bookkeeping service in the Bethel, Connecticut area and beyond. Her fearless story of determination and balancing motherhood while running a small business is sure to inspire us all. Tune in!
In this episode of Mission CTRL, Ramon is joined by a very special guest, he’s a fellow Networking in Diners member, one of PD’s strategic partners. He’s an entrepreneur, small business owner and a master with the lens - he’s a video storyteller, an auto enthusiast… he loves cars and we share a passion for speed. In this candid and inspiring video, David walks us through what drives him as a business owner and what makes video storytelling such a compelling part of small business branding. Tune into this episode and hear from the man behind the wheel AND the camera, the owner and president of Whitney Productions, Mr. David Whitney.
In this episode of Mission CTRL, Ramon is joined by a very special guest, he’s a long time PD client and supporter, he’s a published author, an entrepreneur, a former break-dancer (yes, he’s old school Hip-Hop!) a passionate educator, a fellow podcaster, and most importantly, he helps people discover their multi-potentiality… As a personal coach for life and business, Tom inspires and is a positive voice in the community. In this episode he reveals so many things about himself and the people he helps - and the WHY behind his mission - you really can be ANYTHING you put your mind to! Tune in… you don’t want to miss it!
In this episode of Mission CTRL, Ramon is joined by a very special guest, an entrepreneur, small business owner, PD client, and fellow Networking in Diner’s member Ryan Elblein of Elblein CPA - Ryan’s been a Certified Public Accountant in Connecticut since 2019 and has worked at two different national accounting firms before recently launching his own practice. Ryan chats with Ramon about his dedication and passion for helping the small business owner and as an entrepreneur himself, he really knows how to navigate an ever-changing tax landscape … the timing of this episode is perfect as you all get your taxes in order as we wrap up Q42021. Tune in!
In this episode of Mission CTRL, Ramon is joined by a very special guest entrepreneur, Malcolm Wilson, a local community hero. Malcolm is a fitness and nutritional expert, a dad, a husband and someone who has quickly risen to the level of community leader because of his sheer passion to uplift all of those around him through healthy eating and fitness habits. In this episode Malcolm shares his humble beginnings and roots as an entrepreneur and how his community gym started in his mother’s basement and has quickly grown to be so much more…
In this episode of Mission CTRL, Ramon is joined by the Maestro himself, Conductor Christopher James Hisey who serves as the Music Director and Founder of the American Chamber Orchestra, Music Director and Founder of the Connecticut Philharmonic, and Music Director of the Greater Connecticut Youth Orchestras. Chris has also served as the Music Director of the Civic Orchestra of New Haven, Connecticut Valley Chamber Orchestra, the Troupers Light Opera Company, and Perrysburg Symphony Chorale as well as the Associate Conductor of both the Perrysburg Symphony and the Bowling Green Philharmonia and Opera Theater Orchestras. Listen in as Chris takes us back to his childhood influences and what drives his passion for inspiring youth through the power of music!
In this episode of Mission CTRL, Ramon is joined by Jorge Luis Jimenez Rivas, who serves as Junior Partner at Tampa, Florida-based Deltacore Capital - PD’s first Crypto Client! Tune in for this energetic and informative conversation covering all aspects of crypto as an investment opportunity. Jorge is a super-driven, young entrepreneur with high energy levels - he is also a dad, a husband and family man, and a self-proclaimed cryptocurrency specialist. Ever wondered if you should go ‘all-in’ on Crypto? Listen in as Jorge tells Ramon why he sold all of his real-estate assets to invest 100% in crypto. Sound crazy? You’d be crazy to miss this episode on CRYPTO!
In this special episode of Mission CTRL, Ramon gets the incredible opportunity to interview a US Senator Richard Blumenthal who visited PDHQ on Tuesday, October 12th, to announce the $2 million dollar grant awarded to the Greater New England Minority Supplier Development Council (GNEMSDC) for the launch of the Connecticut Satellite office of the Massachusetts MBDA Business Center.
Peralta Design a proud member of the GNEMSDC and client of the MBDA, was honored to host the celebration of the Center. The Center will have a satellite office located in New Haven, Connecticut. At no cost to its clients, it will provide business development services with public sector and private sector buyers, export assistance, and capacity building services (financial management, strategic planning, marketing, process improvement, assistance with mergers and acquisitions, and assistance with access to all types of capital).
In this episode of Mission CTRL, Ramon is joined by Ms. Loni Richards, a highly decorated Naval Officer Veteran and a United States Naval Academy Graduate. She selflessly served in Virginia, Hawaii, Djibouti, Pennsylvania, and Connecticut to include time at the Pentagon and Seal Team EIGHTEEN. She is also a Top 10 Finalist in the 2019 Ms. Veteran America competition. She’s also the co-founder of Service After Service, a non-profit that gives purpose to veterans as they transition from military service to public service. It’s an amazing organization, located right here in the Valley doing so much for our community and our veterans, you don’t want to miss it!
In this episode of Mission CTRL, Ramon is joined by serial entrepreneur and local business advocate, John Lim, who is the Founder and CEO at WinLocal, a Stamford-based startup that is committed to empowering local businesses. Listen as John talks about his latest product, the ShareCard, and how it’s not only a smart business card of the future, but it’s also a powerful CRM - right in the palm of your hand. Learn why John hates the term “small business”, what inspires him to keep innovating, and what his breakthrough moment was for this latest idea. You don’t want to miss it!
In this episode of Mission CTRL, Ramon is joined by a legendary Ad Man Hector Bauza, who serves as Head of Business Development for 180 Agency / CIENTOCHENTA, a full-service strategic agency that focuses on connecting major brands with the US Hispanic and Multicultural market. Having been at the helm of several agencies, including opening his own at the young age of 24, Hector shares his career in advertising and sales that takes us back to his days at Satchi & Satchi Puerto Rico, to Boston, to Orlando, and most recently to Tampa, Florida. Entrepreneurs and business owners alike will be inspired to learn what keeps Hector ticking and learn why Hector decided to team up with two other power-house creative partners to launch this latest venture.
In this episode of Mission CTRL, Ramon is joined by a dynamic, driven young businesswoman who started her career in journalism, worked in communications, and is currently at the helm of The Narrative Project, Connecticut’s only Anti-Racist Public Relations firm. In just two short years, Mercy has grown her New Haven, CT-based firm into a content-creating powerhouse championing the marginalized and disadvantaged communities in our state and around the nation. Join us for this really candid and poignant conversation, as Mercy shares her story of grit, determination, service, and leadership that is sure to inspire us all to do our part to make a difference in our communities.
In this episode of Mission CTRL, Ramon is joined by a very inspiring and driven, community-minded entrepreneur and local celebrity Fabian Durango who has bootstrapped his insurance empire Durango Insurance into a multi-office enterprise throughout the state of Connecticut. Fabian tells his story of humble beginnings and how he got started in the insurance business as a teenager. Listen to how his drive and passion to deliver a superior customer service experience is what has really fueled the amazing growth and expansion his business has gone through in recent years. Don’t miss this amazing young businessman’s journey as it is sure to inspire you!
In this episode of Mission CTRL, Ramon is joined by Gus Trent aka Harlan Ware, an Alpha Brother Ramon has known for almost 30 years who has completely reinvented himself after serving in three wars including Iraq, Afghanistan, and The Persian Gulf War. Listen in to this amazing story of a retired Army Colonel turned Black Cowboy, living his dream and running his own horseback riding business on his ranch in Florida. This episode will inspire you to follow your dreams, no matter how far out of your reach they seem, Gus Trent’s story of Grace, Mercy, and Determination is sure to make you a believer!
In this episode of Mission CTRL, Ramon is joined by a long-time elected official and public servant Ron Pugliese, who is President of the Naugatuck Economic Development Corporation (NEDC). Ron, a Waterbury native, lived in Naugatuck for 30 years and shares his story of being active in the community, including local government and volunteerism. From educator, to businessman, to being on the boards for Naugatuck Youth Services and the United Way of Naugatuck and Beacon Falls, Ron’s story of servant leadership will remind you that a life of service and giving, is truly a life worth living.
In this episode of Mission CTRL, Ramon is joined by his dear friend, colleague, and Alpha Brother, Dr. Imo Nse Imeh, an amazingly gifted Visual Artist and Scholar of the African Diaspora who received his Doctorate in Art History from Yale University. Imo is also an Associate Professor of Art History at Westfield College in Massachusetts, and shares his story, his passions and his mission in this emotionally charged, candid conversation that you do not want to miss as it is sure to inspire you!
In this episode of Mission CTRL, Ramon is joined by a dear friend and colleague, Sean Cogdell who was appointed to the role of CEO of The Panther Group, a Global IT Staffing company in May of 2016 after acquiring the company he worked at for many years. Tune in as Sean, a Certified Public Accountant, shares his 30+ career insights in building, leading and growing a company and his passion for service in the community, and the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the staffing industry.
In this episode of Mission CTRL, Ramon is joined by a very special guest with a long, colorful career in radio, none other than the Founder and CEO at Multimedia National Agency, Jose Villafañe who has built an agency servicing global clients targeting the ever-growing US Hispanic market with nationwide spanish-language broadcast advertising. In this episode we follow Jose’s journey through corporate, his time at Katz Media, to breaking off on his own and starting MNA. You don’t want to miss this entrepreneur’s journey and a peek inside the world of acquiring smaller niche radio markets and scaling nationally.
In this episode of Mission CTRL, Ramon is joined by his dear friend and fellow Alpha Man, Bruce Dixon, an award winning innovator, social entrepreneur, adventurer, storyteller, and human performance geek. Bruce’s insatiable curiosity and zest for life has led him to trekking around the globe and to engaging in an eclectic array of vocations including professional football, financial services management, leadership development, organizational behavior, coaching and nonprofit innovation. His passions are framed by pushing the boundaries of mental, spiritual and physical performance. Listen in to this great conversation from someone who continues to push himself to improve while staying true to his mission to serve others.
In this episode of Mission CTRL, Ramon is joined by the awe-inspiring Ari Santiago, who not only hosts his own podcast “Made in America” but Ari is also the President, CEO and Founder of IT Direct, a Technology Managed Service Provider in Hartford, CT that was recently acquired by Florida-based Compass IT. He has a passion for the manufacturing industry and the incredible impact it is making on our local economy. Ari’s story of triumph in the face of tragedy is one that is sure to move you to break through anything that is keeping you from your goals. Together we discuss pushing through life’s challenges, dad-life and his most recent achievement: negotiating a merger / acquisition of his multi-million dollar company during a pandemic. You do NOT want to miss this incredible episode featuring an amazing entrepreneur and leader.
In this episode of Mission CTRL, Ramon is joined by Nicole Heriot-Mikula a mom, community activist and entrepreneur with enough energy to light up a city block for a month. Nicole’s positive energy is infectious and you will hear her share her passions over motherhood, music and her incredibly fun business: Bring the Hoopla which brings the fun back into fitness with an after school program unlike any other. You think using a Hula Hoop is fun, wait until you hear their backstory and how Nicole continues to give back in her local community to this day. It’s an integral part of the Bring the Hoopla brand and as a founder who cares deeply about leaving the world a better place than she found it, her story will inspire you to do more for others. Nicole is well known in Shelton, CT and is celebrating her 10th year in business. Tune in to find out what all the HOOPLA is about!!!
In this episode of Mission CTRL, Ramon is joined by Bryan Tamburrino, the young, scrappy and hungry founder of Shelton, CT - based Tangible Analytics. Over the last several years, Bryan has grown Tangible Analytics into a data analyzing powerhouse with a highly skilled and qualified team of data scientists, grant writers and analysts ready to help take your data and make it tangible so that you can adjust your sails, grow your business and adapt to the changing times. In this revealing and candid interview Bryan revisits his professional growth as an up and coming Founder and solopreneur networking his way through the local business community through pivoting during Covid and the pandemic to hiring and expanding his practice to include new office space in downtown Shelton. More importantly, you’ll learn how much having the right data, and understanding it, will help your bottom line.
In this episode of Mission CTRL, Ramon is joined by Tavia Sharp, a personal brand strategist and image consultant who has spent 15 years in the fashion industry and has styled celebs like Drake, Chrissy Teigen and Ne-Yo. She realized that she had a higher calling, to help others present the best version of themselves by focusing the what helps them make the greatest impact: their image. Join in to hear how Tavia pivoted from the fashion industry into personal branding and how she has navigated that new business venture during the pandemic to add a few more lines of service to her strategy. Tavia shares insights into why society has conditioned men to take care of everyone but themselves and how some quick and easy tips can really turn around even the busiest entrepreneur’s wardrobe with one of her consultations. Tavia is all about helping men look & feel SHARP so they can present better and feel better which positions them and their business ventures for even greater success!
In this episode of Mission CTRL, Ramon is joined by one of his best friends and colleagues, Harry Burlakoff, Founder and Owner of Shelton, CT - based Minuteman Press of Shelton. Anyone that has met Harry knows that he has a heart of gold, this Gold Seal Award Winner epitomizes the socially responsible business owner. As a franchisee of Minuteman Press, he’s faced some challenges during the pandemic as many of his most loyals customers were adversely affected during the shutdown. In this episode, Harry tells his story of resilience and perseverance, a true American bootstrap entrepreneur who despite setbacks, never stopped giving back. Harry pivoted and began installing plexiglass barriers and has expanded his service offerings to include car wraps and promo items. Printing has picked up in Q4 2020 and Q1 2021 and Harry’s determined to come back stronger than ever.
In this episode of Mission CTRL, Ramon is joined by one of his colleagues, Jenny Smith, Founder and Owner of Bloomfield, CT - based Acuity Public Relations. Jenny is the consummate professional with an impressive and colorful career in Public Relations and Communications that has taken her from the heartland of America to Puerto Rico, California and beyond. In this episode, Jenny shares how she first discovered her gift for writing and communications and built a career that has culminated in her being at the helm of her own firm. Peralta Design recently collaborated with Jenny and Acuity in a large-scale rebrand and relaunch of Care at Home by JFS. A master storyteller, Jenny takes us back to 1984, when she first started creating successful marketing and public relations programs for private sector, government and not-for-profit clients.
In this episode of Mission CTRL, Ramon is joined by one of his mentors, a dear friend and client Tony Rodriguez, President of Hartford, CT - based Daniel Penn & Associates. Antonio (Tony) Rodriguez is a certified management consultant with 35+ years’ experience in encouraging collaboration and progressive thinking to bring about effective change and organizational transformation. From being born on a coffee farm in Puerto Rico to running his own successful consultancy, Tony shares his stories, his journey and life lessons in leadership and entrepreneurship and good old American drive and hunger in his drive for success. We couldn’t get him to share about his Studio 54 Disco days, but we think we can get him back for a Part 2!
In this episode of Mission CTRL, Ramon is joined by one of his mentors, a dear friend and client Bing Carbone, President of Modern Plastics in Shelton, CT. This exemplary leader and community servant authored a book called, “The Positive Leader with a Big Impact” and recently picked up painting as a hobby. Bing shares insights about being born into a family business that his grandfather started over 75 years ago and growing it into a powerhouse company that produces exclusive medical grade plastics. Bing grew and pivoted Modern Plastics during the pandemic and shares leadership lessons as they pivoted and began producing thousands of PPEs and other safety supplies to help battle the spread of COVID19 and keep our front line workers safe.
In this episode of Mission CTRL, Ramon is joined by his Alpha Brother, friend and client Attorney James L Walker Jr. of Walker & Associates, an Atlanta-based multi-disciplined law practice with a focus on entertainment law. James, a former journalist, an ordained pastor, musician and lawyer is also a Bridgeport, CT native. This serial entrepreneur authored a book called, This Business of Urban Music, and not only shares some of his biggest cases defending gospel artists, but drops gems on how he has expanded and scaled his law practice into a network of attorneys serving clients all over the country.
In this episode of Mission CTRL, Ramon is joined by his Alpha Brother, friend and client Attorney Michael L. Chambers who recently hired Peralta Design for a full rebrand and relaunch of his Hartford-based Law practice. Michael tells his story of hard work and commitment to community in this American Dream story sure to inspire entrepreneurs from all walks of life. Running a sole practice, buying your own building and scaling up is not for the faint of heart, but being a dad and husband in the process makes life much sweeter. Listen in as these two frat brothers turned CEOs keep it real and talk law, branding and business!
In this episode of Mission CTRL, Ramon is joined by the one and only Joe Treacy of innovative font house Treacyfaces®! Joe Treacy is a fellow Creative Director from the ‘old school’ of design and drops many gems in this episode chock full of typographical history sure to delight senior designers and novices alike. Tune in to learn about why typography is so important to great design directly from someone who has created his own fonts - Joe knows type!
In this episode of Mission CTRL, Ramon is joined by the one and only Rob Thomas of Rob Thomas USA! Rob is an old friend of PD’s who specializes in networking and even has his own virtual (at the moment) professional networking group, Networking in Diners. Tune in to learn the secrets of forging valuable connections and making the most of your network!
In this episode of Mission CTRL, Ramon is joined by the inspiring TJ Everheart! During her illustrious career, Ms. Everheart has been able to transform low performing groups into high performance machines by using her wildly successful Emotional Intelligence strategies. Learn about how much of an impact a work environment has on its occupants, and how you can become a more effective leader through emotional intelligence!
In this episode of Mission CTRL, Ramon is joined by social designer, entrepreneur, and Director of Bennett Labs, Dr. Kelly Page! With a Ph.D in the Psychology of Web Knowledge and over 18 years of experience, Dr. Page works at the intersection of innovation and social design. She uses her passion for innovation to create truly social cultures, organizations, and leaders in everything from startups to fortune 500s. Come listen in as she discusses the differences in education around the world, and her views on the importance of social design. You’re not going to want to miss this!
In this episode of Mission CTRL, Ramon is joined by the master communicator himself, Tom Matthews! Mr. Matthews got his start in the final days of the newspaper industry before jumping over to new media and broadcasting. These days, he’s Head of Communication and Marketing at Connecticut’s own Contractor Nation. Listen in as he tells us some of the secrets to being an effective communicator.
In this episode of Mission CTRL, Ramon is joined by consultant, mentor, and 4th degree karate blackbelt, Steve Spiro! Driven by the belief that mentorship can completely change a person’s life, Mr. Spiro generously coaches both companies and individuals to connect more meaningfully. Come listen in to some of his hard-won advice, and learn why mentorship is so powerful.
In this episode of Mission CTRL, Ramon and Jorge are joined by the incredible and fearless Anita Gardyne, President and CEO of Oneva Inc. Anita is a brilliant mind and serial entrepreneur who is passionate about lifting minority businesses. She has decades of experience working with billion dollar industry titans like Microsoft, and she knows a thing or two about launching a business (to say the least). Join us today for this incredible opportunity to learn from the best.
In this episode of Mission CTRL, Ramon is joined by acclaimed actor Mike Massimino who has landed roles in movies including The Irishman and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. Mike brings us insights into the work of an actor and emphasizes the importance of resilience and chasing your dreams. Don’t miss this passionate and enlightening episode of Mission CTRL!
In this episode of Mission CTRL, Ramon is joined by fitness expert and gym owner Rob Rodriguez to discuss branding and the fitness world. Rob gives us a look at how a business must adapt to a crisis, and explains the changes he has made to his business model to weather the storm.
In an insightful conclusion to the Black Entrepreneurship series, Ramon and Jorge greet critically acclaimed author and powerful speaker Shawn Rochester. Learn some of the key lessons Shawn has written in his books, The Black Tax: The Cost of Being Black in America and CPR for the SOuL: How to Give Yourself a 20% Raise, Eliminate Your Debt, and Leave an Inheritance for Your Children’s Children. This episode is packed to the brim with important and often overlooked aspects of race in America, and how it impacts opportunities for economic growth.
To continue our series on Black Entrepreneurship, Ramon is joined by Lawrence Ross, the author of Los Angeles Times bestseller, The Divine Nine: The History of African American Fraternities and Sororities. Listen in as he brings insights into his life as an author, how he broke into the industry as a person of color, and his new app dedicated to allyship.
Today Ramon is joined by Dr. Maysa Akbar, a brilliant authority on racism and its impact on us all, as well as the author of Beyond Ally: The Pursuit of Racial Justice and Urban Trauma: A Legacy of Racism. Listen in as she discusses her work, personal brand, and race in the US as a whole in the first part of a three-part series on Black Entrepreneurs.
On this very special episode of Mission CTRL, Ramon speaks with esteemed guest, and long time friend, Chris Jarvis. A best selling author and successful entrepreneur, Chris Jarvis brings us insight into the world of perspective. He teaches us the importance of perspective, the difference between giraffes and zebra, and lights up the room with his infectious enthusiasm for life. How do you truly reach the upper echelon of your business goals? Chris Jarvis knows what it takes.
On this episode of Mission CTRL, Ramon speaks to Richard Shapiro, founder of The Center for Client Retention. With well over 25 years of experience and two best selling books - Mr. Shapiro gives us a look at the world of client retention, and reveals the imperative steps a business must take to have repeat customers. Listen in as Ramon and Rich discuss what additional steps must be taken during the continuing Covid outbreak, and learn how to succeed even now!
The worlds of marketing and pop culture collide in this episode of Mission CTRL! Join Jorge and Ramon as they welcome esteemed guest Mike Patterson, and pick his brain about recent brand moves in response to a changing social climate. Whether it be the NFL, Aunt Jemima, or James Cameron’s Avatar; Mike has a lot to say that you won’t want to miss!
On this episode of Mission CTRL, Ramon and Brian Harniman dive even deeper into the travel industry’s response to COVID-19 and how things will never be the same after it. Did you know that LAX is using heat detection cameras to monitor body temperatures? Or that airlines have decided to fully pack their planes instead of having one seat gap between passengers? Episode 8 has all you need to know about the major changes you will encounter next time you travel!
Continuing our series about the future of industries, Ramon is joined by long-time friend Brian Harniman to talk about how the travel industry has been impacted. In this first part, Ramon and Brian reveal the inner workings of the travel industry, and how these hidden systems are rattled by a world of cancelled trips and events.
Welcome special guest Rob Tedesco as he and Ramon talk about the economic and commercial impact that COVID-19 has had on brick and mortar businesses. In this episode, Rob shares his insight on how businesses must make the transition to digital in order to survive. Other topics include the current reopening strategy, and retail’s evolution into a dominantly digital climate.
Join our hosts Ramon and Jorge as they discuss the reopening of non-essential businesses, the strategies they are taking, and the new normal that they are opening to. Learn more about how Peralta Design is dealing with this challenge as we work to slowly get back to normal, and what precautions we are taking to ensure it is done as safely as possible.
Animal Crossing anyone? In this episode of MissionCTRL, the PD team members discuss how they’ve each kept themselves “from being bored in the house and in the house bored.” Find out more about what we’re watching, listening, and doing to stay sane while staying safe.
People are on edge. What can we do to create better outcomes with our clients and employees during this unprecedented, stressful time? Join Ramon Peralta, our Founder and Creative Director, as he encourages businesses and entrepreneurs with uplifting advice and clear examples on how to navigate the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Learning how to fail safely, quickly and efficiently is a lesson that can surprisingly be a huge opportunity for growth in your business. Being able to rapidly prototype and try out new business models helps to determine what works and what doesn't before you invest heavily in something that's uncertain. Ramon and Jorge discuss experience with learning to be in "Constant Beta" and how companies both large and small can avoid the perils of failing to launch by learning to fail effectively.
For Mission CTRL's first episode, Jorge, Ramon and Danny take a look into what is arguably branding's biggest stage of the year, the Super Bowl! Nowhere else can you get the chance to market to a television audience of over 90 million and big companies shell out big bucks for the opportunity to catch the attention of the American public. We review the stand out efforts from this year's batch of commercials both in terms of strong and memorable ads along with ones that weren't as strong.