Introduction:

In this episode of The Voices of Business, hosts Corey Nathan and Joshua Maddux welcome John Vance, a certified financial planner and CEO of Vance Wealth. John shares his journey from a young finance enthusiast to a seasoned entrepreneur, discussing the challenges, successes, and insights he's gained over his 21 years of building and leading his firm. The conversation dives into financial planning, market trends, and the essential qualities of a successful business leader.

What You Will Learn:
- John Vance's journey from starting in finance to founding Vance Wealth.
- Insights into long-term financial planning and investment strategies.
- The importance of mentorship and training for young professionals.
- How to manage and scale a business effectively.
- The role of innovation in financial planning and the impact of new technologies like AI.

Episode Highlights:
1. [00:01:00] – John Vance shares his early inspirations and how he decided to pursue a career in financial planning.
2. [00:06:00] – John talks about his first job and the critical lessons learned during the dot-com bubble.
3. [00:08:00] – The decision to start Vance Wealth and the life events that motivated John to become an entrepreneur.
4. [00:16:00] – The importance of delegation and hiring the right people for business growth.
5. [00:27:00] – John discusses innovative strategies in financial planning, emphasizing the need for a solid foundation in financial education.
6. [00:33:00] – Insights into how Vance Wealth uses AI and data to enhance financial planning and client advisory services.
7. [00:38:00] – Advice for young entrepreneurs and leaders on developing long-term success strategies.
8. [00:45:00] – John reflects on mistakes made in hiring and managing a team and the lessons learned from those experiences.

Featured Quotes:
- "When you find good people, I’ve been a big believer in just collecting good people." – John Vance
- "If you don’t have a plan, then when there are variations of outcomes… it’s hard to make decisions, but when there is a plan, you have a place you can come back to." – John Vance
- "The power of compounding is remarkable, and sticking to the fundamentals often yields the best results." – John Vance
- "If you're not making mistakes, you're not taking some risks." – John Vance

Resources Mentioned:
- Vance Wealth Website
- Connect with John Vance on LinkedIn

Call to Action:
If you enjoyed today's episode, please subscribe, rate, and leave a review wherever you listen to podcasts. Your feedback helps us reach more listeners and continue bringing valuable conversations to your ears!

Social Media Links:

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SCV Chamber:

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Corey Nathan:

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Joshua Maddux:

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Scaling Business Success: Insights from Joshua Maddux of 95Visual

Introduction:
In this episode of *The Voices of Business*, host Corey Nathan sits down with Joshua Maddux, the founder of 95Visual, a leading provider of custom web and marketing solutions. Joshua shares his journey from homeschooling in Santa Clarita to becoming a successful entrepreneur, discussing how he built his business, 95Visual, and his passion for helping other businesses scale through strategic marketing and technology solutions.

What You Will Learn:

• The significance of always being in a learning mindset as a business owner.
• How Joshua transitioned from early entrepreneurial ventures to founding 95Visual.
• The challenges and opportunities presented by AI in modern marketing.
• Strategies for identifying and reaching target audiences effectively in a rapidly changing digital landscape.
• The importance of setting clear expectations and defining terms in client relationships.

Episode Highlights:

1. [00:01:00] - Joshua discusses his background, including being homeschooled in Santa Clarita and his early entrepreneurial ventures.
2. [00:04:00] - The origin story of 95Visual and how Joshua navigated the challenges of scaling his business.
3. [00:11:00] - Joshua shares insights on the importance of finding and hiring people who are better at specific tasks than you are.
4. [00:22:00] - A deep dive into the role of AI in marketing and how 95Visual is leveraging AI to provide more effective solutions for clients.
5. [00:29:00] - The importance of testing new marketing avenues regularly to stay ahead of industry changes.
6. [00:40:00] - Joshua emphasizes the value of continuous learning and adaptation in business.
7. [00:43:00] - The significance of clearly defining project scopes and managing client expectations to avoid costly misunderstandings.

Featured Quotes:
Joshua Maddux: "Always be learning, always be willing to accept that something's going to change. In our industry, things are changing so fast that we need to have training sessions every Friday just to keep up."
Corey Nathan: "Defining terms is really important—being clear about what you do and defining the relationship upfront is crucial."

Resources Mentioned:
- 95Visual < Joshua's Company
- 11 Labs AI < (AI Voice Cloning)
- Santa Clarita Valley Chamber of Commerce

Call to Action:
Don’t forget to subscribe to *The Voices of Business* on your favorite podcast platform. If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with your network and leave us a review to help more listeners discover these insightful conversations.

Social Media Links:

The Voices Of Business:

• LinkedIn
• Facebook
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SCV Chamber:

• Facebook
• LinkedIn
• Instagram

Corey Nathan:

• LinkedIn
• Instagram

Joshua Maddux:

• LinkedIn

In this episode of The Voices of Business: SCV host Corey Nathan is joined by Suzette Valladares. Suzette, an accomplished leader in business and the nonprofit sector, served in the California State Assembly and is now running for the California State Senate in the 23rd District. The episode explores her personal background, career trajectory, and her entry into politics.

What You Will Learn:

• Suzette Valladares' inspiring journey from her early life in Sylmar and Santa Clarita to her significant roles in nonprofit organizations and politics.
• Insights into her political philosophy and advocacy for small businesses.
• The impact of her family's legacy and personal experiences on her professional and political career.
• The importance of bipartisan efforts and community engagement in politics.

Episode Highlights:

1. [00:00:00] Introduction - Corey Nathan welcomes listeners to the special simulcast episode.
2. [00:01:00] Suzette’s Background - Suzette's impressive career in the nonprofit sector and her work in the California State Assembly.
3. [00:03:00] Suzette’s Family History - Discussion about Suzette’s family, including their long history in California and their influence on her.
4. [00:06:00] Career Inspiration - Suzette shares how her grandmother’s work with Cesar Chavez and personal experiences inspired her career in advocacy and politics.
5. [00:13:00] Transition to Nonprofit Work - Suzette's pivot from public sector work to leading Southern California Autism Speaks and Little Steps of Faith.
6. [00:22:00] Political Mentors - Suzette discusses influential mentors like Congressman Buck McKeon and Rosario Marin.
7. [00:33:00] Overcoming Challenges - Suzette reflects on her biggest challenges, including losing her Assembly seat and the passing of her mother.
8. [00:37:00] Advocacy for Small Businesses - Corey Nathan and Suzette discuss the challenges small businesses face in California and potential solutions.

Featured Quotes:

1. "My great grandparents came to California in 1911 and 1917 for the California dream and opportunity." - Suzette Valladares
2. "I believe in the power of protecting the individual and that government should not be involved in our daily lives." - Suzette Valladares
3. "I leaned into my faith more than ever during the toughest times, and it taught me that I can get through anything." - Suzette Valladares
4. "We need common sense people willing to step up and say, 'Hey, we can do this better.'" - Suzette Valladares

Resources Mentioned:

- [Suzette Valladares' Campaign Website](https://www.suzettevalladares.com)

- [College of the Canyons](https://www.canyons.edu)

- [Southern California Autism Speaks](https://www.autismspeaks.org)

- [Talkin’ Politics & Religion Without Killin’ Each Other](https://www.politicsandreligion.us)

Call to Action:

If you enjoyed this episode, please hit the subscribe or follow button on your podcast app. Don’t forget to rate and leave a review. It helps us reach more people and bring more insightful conversations to you. Join the conversation and share this episode with friends and colleagues.

Social Media Links:

• Follow us on Twitter: [@TheVoicesOfBiz](https://twitter.com/TheVoicesOfBiz)
• Like us on Facebook: [The Voices of Business](https://www.facebook.com/TheVoicesOfBusiness)
• Connect with us on LinkedIn: [Santa Clarita Valley Chamber of Commerce](https://www.linkedin.com/company/scvchamber/)

Join us next time for another episode of "Voices of Business," where we bring you inspiring stories and valuable insights from business and community leaders.

In this episode of the Voices of Business, host Joshua Maddux interviews Brian and Lindsay Schlick, owners of SchlickArt, a visual marketing company specializing in photography, video, and visual marketing strategy for businesses, personal brands, and professionals. Joshua delves into the Schlicks' journey from their beginnings to building a successful business in Santa Clarita Valley, highlighting their expertise in creating impactful visual content.

What You Will Learn:

• The importance of storytelling in visual marketing.
• How to create a consistent brand experience through visual content.
• The evolution of photography and videography in the digital age.
• Strategies for utilizing AI and other technologies to enhance business efficiency.
• Tips for overcoming challenges in entrepreneurship and adapting to changes.

Episode Highlights:

1. [00:00:00] - Introduction to the episode and guests.
2. [00:01:00] - Lindsay shares her background and journey into photography.
3. [00:03:00] - Brian discusses his path to videography and his experience with Princess Cruises.
4. [00:08:00] - The move to Santa Clarita and the founding of SchlickArt.
5. [00:18:00] - The unique approach of SchlickArt in providing a photo shoot experience.
6. [00:25:00] - The role of strategic conversations in their business process.
7. [00:35:00] - The importance of visual marketing for personal and business branding.
8. [00:41:00] - Adapting to technological advancements and the use of AI in their business.
9. [00:53:00] - Overcoming challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic.
10. [01:00:00] - Advice for business owners on creating a consistent web presence and leveraging trackable metrics.

Featured Quotes:

1. Lindsay Schlick: "We didn't want to start a photography business that photographed toddlers and weddings; we wanted to give people, especially women, a real photo shoot experience."
2. Brian Schlick: "Telling your story and getting people to understand who you are and why you do something is super crucial."
3. Lindsay Schlick: "If you don't breed an authentic brand and show it through video and visuals, customers will pick the company down the street who does."
4. Brian Schlick: "Technology, whether it's AI or new camera tech, is there to help us create a better experience for our clients."

Resources Mentioned:

• SchlickArt Website: [schlickart.com](https://schlickart.com)
• SchlickArt Blog: [SchlickArt Blog](https://schlickart.com/blog)
• Santa Clarita Valley Chamber of Commerce: [scvchamber.com](https://scvchamber.com)

Call to Action:

Enjoyed the episode? Make sure to subscribe to the Voices of Business podcast, share it with your friends, and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform. Your support helps us bring more insightful content and grow our community.

Social Media Links:

• Follow us on Twitter: [@TheVoicesOfBiz](https://twitter.com/TheVoicesOfBiz)
• Like us on Facebook: [TheVoicesOfBusiness](https://facebook.com/TheVoicesOfBusiness)
• Connect with us on LinkedIn: [Santa Clarita Valley Chamber of Commerce](https://linkedin.com/company/santa-clarita-valley-chamber-of-commerce)

Feel free to reach out with feedback or if you'd like to be featured on the show. Thanks for listening!

Welcome to The Voices of Business: SCV, the official podcast of the Santa Clarita Valley Chamber of Commerce. In this episode, we're joined by Brian Koegle, Managing Partner at Koegle Law Group. Brian's firm specializes in employment and business counseling, advice, and litigation services for small and mid-sized businesses throughout California and Texas. Brian shares his journey from being a fourth-generation graduate of The Ohio State University to becoming a respected attorney and entrepreneur in Santa Clarita.

What You Will Learn:

• The benefits of attending community colleges like College of the Canyons.
• Key differences in employment law between California and Texas.
• Strategies for hiring and managing employees to minimize legal risks.
• The importance of maintaining integrity and ethical standards in business.

Episode Highlights:

1. [00:01:00] Background - Brian shares his educational background and his deep connection with The Ohio State University.
2. [00:04:00] Community College Experience - Brian discusses the impact of attending College of the Canyons on his career and personal development.
3. [00:08:00] Transition to Law - How Brian's studies in psychology and economics led him to a career in law.
4. [00:09:00] Starting Koegle Law Group - Brian talks about his decision to start his own practice.
5. [00:16:00] Hiring Practices - Advice on hiring the right people and the importance of a thorough vetting process.
6. [00:23:00] Differences in Employment Law - Key differences between California and Texas employment laws and how they affect businesses.
7. [00:27:00] Education and Prevention - Brian emphasizes the importance of educating business owners to prevent legal issues.

Featured Quotes:

1. Brian Koegle: "The education that I received at College of the Canyons was world class truly world class."
2. Brian Koegle: "Employment law is such a unique aspect of California's laws that and it's constantly changing."
3. Brian Koegle: "If you don't do it now you'll never do it."
4. Corey Nathan: "The math doesn't agree with you. It's just a math problem."

Resources Mentioned:

• [Koegle Law Group](https://www.kegleylaw.com) - Brian Koegle's law firm, offering resources and updates on employment law.
• [College of the Canyons](https://www.canyons.edu) - The community college that played a significant role in Brian's education.

Call to Action:

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, share it with your friends, and leave us a good rating and review. Your support helps us reach more listeners and continue bringing insightful conversations with business leaders.

Social Media Links:

• Follow us on Twitter: [@TheVoicesOfBiz](https://twitter.com/TheVoicesOfBiz)
• Like us on Facebook: [The Voices of Business](https://facebook.com/TheVoicesOfBusiness)
• Connect with us on LinkedIn: [Santa Clarita Valley Chamber of Commerce](https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-voices-of-business)

In this inspiring episode of The Voices of Business, host Corey Nathan sits down with Jaime Annett, founder of Thermal Horizons, and Ben Benedetti, a founder and the chief enthusiast of the wellness center. They share their journey of creating a community-focused wellness space in Santa Clarita Valley. With heartfelt stories and profound insights, Jaime and Ben discuss their motivations, challenges, and the importance of community and wellness.

• The personal and transformative journey of Jaime Annett and Ben Benedetti.
• The impact of COVID-19 on their decision to start Thermal Horizons.
• Insights into the importance of community, wellness, and holistic healing.
• The challenges faced while establishing a wellness center during a global pandemic.
• The concept of manifesting and its role in their business and personal lives.

1. [00:00:00] Introduction
   Corey Nathan introduces the episode and guests, Jaime Annett and Ben Benedetti, founders of Thermal Horizons.

2. [00:02:00] The Birth of Thermal Horizons
   Jaime shares the emotional journey of starting Thermal Horizons inspired by her mother’s battle with cancer and the onset of COVID-19.
3. [00:05:00] From Grief to Manifestation
   Jaime discusses how sound healing and meditation with her mother led to the idea of creating a wellness center.
4. [00:17:00] Overcoming Fear
   Jaime and Ben talk about the fears they faced and the importance of choosing faith over fear in their entrepreneurial journey.
5. [00:23:00] Building a Community
   Ben emphasizes the importance of creating a safe and supportive space for their clientele and how their past experiences prepared them for this venture.
6. [00:34:00] Embracing Challenges
   The duo reflects on their past challenges, the concept of the second mountain, and how previous experiences shaped their current success.
7. [00:45:00] Finding Purpose
   Jaime shares a poignant moment about the reassurance she felt after her mother’s passing, confirming the purpose and success of Thermal Horizons.
8. [00:50:00] Final Thoughts
   Ben and Jaime reflect on the importance of honesty, authenticity, and continued growth both personally and professionally.

1. "Pain is the touchstone of all spiritual growth. You can either grow or stay stagnant." - Jaime Annett
2. "Choosing faith over fear has been the cornerstone of our journey." - Jaime Annett
3. "Every person that comes in has their own personal journey. It’s an honor to provide a space for that." - Ben Benedetti
4. "The darkest chapters of our lives can turn out to be the brightest spots." - Ben Benedetti

• Thermal Horizons Website: thermalhorizons.com
• Instagram: @thermalhorizons
• App Store: Thermal Horizons App
• Google Play: Thermal Horizons App

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review on your favorite podcast app. Share this episode with friends and family who might find inspiration in Jaime and Ben’s journey. Your reviews help us reach more people and share more incredible stories.

• Follow us on Twitter: @TheVoicesOfBiz
• Like us on Facebook: The Voices Of Business
• Connect with us on LinkedIn: Santa Clarita Valley Chamber of Commerce

Thank you for listening to this episode of The Voices of Business. Join us next time for more insights and stories from business leaders in our community.

Welcome to another episode of SCV's Voices of Business, a Santa Clarita Valley Chamber of Commerce podcast. In this episode, host Corey Nathan and co-host Joshua Maddux sit down with Selina Thomas, the founder of 6 Degrees HR Consulting. Selina is celebrating the 10-year anniversary of her company, and she brings a wealth of experience in human resources, compliance, and small business development. Join us as we delve into Selina's inspiring journey, her insights on leadership, and her commitment to community building.

• The origin and growth of 6 Degrees HR Consulting.

• The impact of Selina's father on her personal and professional life.

• The evolution of work-life balance and remote work post-COVID.

• How humility and continuous learning are key to business success.

• The importance of human connection and community in business.

• [00:01:00] – Corey introduces Selina Thomas, celebrating the 10th anniversary of 6 Degrees HR Consulting, and discusses her background in HR and community involvement.

• [00:02:00] – Selina shares the influence of her father, Dr. Thomas, on her life and career, highlighting his role as 6 Degrees' first employee.

• [00:04:00] – Corey and Selina discuss her daughters' accomplishments and how her father's legacy continues through her family.

• [00:09:00] – Selina talks about starting her business in a Starbucks, the importance of networking, and thinking big even when starting small.

• [00:17:00] – The conversation shifts to how Selina helped businesses navigate the challenges of COVID-19, emphasizing the importance of adaptability and innovation.

• [00:25:00] – Selina discusses the significance of her biracial identity in relating to diverse clients and creating inclusive workplace cultures.

• [00:29:00] – Joshua and Selina reflect on the value of humility and the willingness to learn from mistakes in business.

• [00:32:00] – Corey and Joshua share their passion for podcasting as a medium to connect communities and tell compelling stories.

1. "Your passion becomes your purpose and then you're paid for it." – Selina Thomas

2. "Think big even when you're small." – Selina Thomas

3. "Humility is a secret to success. The ability to realize that you're always growing and never feeling like you have all the answers." – Selina Thomas

4. "The human is first in HR. Culture creates community." – Selina Thomas

- 6 Degrees HR Consulting https://6degreeshrconsulting.com/

- Linktree - Selina Thomas https://linktr.ee/selinathomas

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and leave a review. Your feedback helps us reach more listeners and continue to bring you insightful conversations with business leaders. Tell a friend about Voices of Business: SCV and join us in these engaging discussions.

- Follow us on Twitter: @TheVoicesOfBiz | https://twitter.com/TheVoicesOfBiz

- Like us on Facebook: /TheVoicesOfBusiness | https://facebook.com/TheVoicesOfBusiness

Thank you for tuning in! We'll see you next time on SCV's Voice of Business.