Carlsbad: People, Purpose and Impact

In this episode of Carlsbad: People, Purpose and Impact, Bret Schanzenbach welcomes Michael Campbell, Founder and CEO of Signal Verified.

Michael shares his unique journey from the Midwest to Japan and back to California, where he now calls North County home. With a background in global tech leadership and education, Michael brings a fresh perspective to one of today’s biggest challenges: hiring the right talent.

Signal Verified is transforming how companies evaluate candidates by focusing on verified skills instead of traditional resumes and interviews. Through real-world scenarios and expert validation, the platform helps hiring ma...

In this episode of Carlsbad: People, Purpose and Impact, host Bret Schanzenbach sits down with Klara Nyari, CEO of TradeMarker International and a leader behind Hemptique.

Klara shares her story of growing up in Hungary, moving to the United States, studying fashion design, and building a career in footwear before joining her husband Peter in growing Hemptique. Together, they have created a company rooted in natural fibers, sustainability, craftsmanship, and creativity.

The conversation explores Hemptique’s evolution from hemp twine and cord for jewelry makers into a broad line of eco-friendly products, including macramé supplies, fab...

In this episode of Carlsbad: People, Purpose and Impact, host Bret Schanzenbach sits down with Grace Burch, Accounts Manager at Chamberlain Property Management.

Grace brings decades of real estate and property management experience, beginning in the Pacific Northwest in the late 1970s. After building and running successful property management businesses in Washington and Oregon, Grace eventually made her way to North San Diego County, where she found both a new home and a new professional purpose with Chamberlain Property Management.

Grace shares insights into today’s rental market, why California compliance is so important for pr...

On this episode of Carlsbad: People, Purpose and Impact, host Bret Schanzenbach sits down with Alex Ghilarducci, Director of Marketing and Events, and Chad Nelson, CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of Carlsbad.

The Boys & Girls Club has been serving Carlsbad youth since 1952, creating safe, supportive, and engaging spaces where kids can learn, grow, and build lasting relationships. Chad shares his personal family connection to the club, including his father’s history as a clubhouse director, while Alex discusses her journey from hospitality and event planning into nonprofit leadership.

Together, they explore the club’s miss...

In this episode of Carlsbad: People, Purpose and Impact, host Bret Schanzenbach welcomes JP Witkop, Vice President at Raymond James & Associates.

JP shares his journey from Rochester, New York to Carlsbad, California, including his background as a collegiate hockey player and how those connections helped launch his career in financial advising. He discusses his transition from research and corporate finance into building his own advisory practice and now leading the Carlsbad office for Raymond James.

The conversation highlights what sets Raymond James apart, including its advisor-first culture, flexible business models, and strong emphasis on independence...

In this episode of Carlsbad: People, Purpose and Impact, Bret Schanzenbach welcomes Laurie Barron, co-founder of Pursu Agency, for a conversation about entrepreneurship, digital strategy, branding, and the evolving world of web development.

Laurie shares her unconventional path from accounting and IT to UX, creative agency work, and eventually building Pursu Agency with her longtime business partner, Betsy. Along the way, she reflects on how her background as a collegiate swimmer and coach shaped her work ethic, discipline, and standards.

The conversation dives into what makes a strong brand foundation, why growth-driven websites matter, how...

In this episode of Carlsbad: People, Purpose and Impact, Bret Schanzenbach welcomes Liam Dunfey, President of Assisting Hands of Carlsbad, for a thoughtful conversation about aging, caregiving, and the resources available to families across North County.

Liam shares his journey from Massachusetts to California and how a career in fundraising and healthcare led him into the aging services field. After 15 years of working with older adults in a variety of leadership roles, he made the leap into business ownership to help more seniors remain safely and comfortably in their homes.

Together, Bret and Liam discuss...

In this episode of Carlsbad: People, Purpose and Impact, Bret Schanzenbach sits down with Shane Fisher, founder of the American Paragons Foundation, to talk about Shane’s remarkable athletic journey and the mission he’s now pursuing to support Team USA athletes.

Shane shares how a lifelong obsession with the Olympics led him from youth sports to tennis, then into track and field, the decathlon, and ultimately the USA bobsled team. Along the way, he experienced firsthand the financial strain that many elite athletes face while training and competing at the highest level.

The conversation expl...

Matthew Eclevia, President of Freehab Therapy, joins Bret Schanzenbach on Carlsbad: People, Purpose and Impact to share how a local nonprofit is changing access to neurological rehabilitation in North County San Diego.

Freehab Therapy is a mobile, pro bono rehab organization designed to fill the care gap many patients experience after discharge—especially those recovering from stroke, spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, and chronic neurological conditions like Parkinson’s, MS, and ALS.

Matthew explains why continuity of care (particularly in the first six months) is so important, how insurance authorizations and transportation create major barr...

On this episode of Carlsbad: People, Purpose and Impact, Bret Schanzenbach welcomes Cheryl Dillon, founder and CEO of Funderful Experiences and creator of Connected Hearts—a membership community for women in their 50s and 60s in North County (Carlsbad-based).

Cheryl shares her path from New Jersey to Chicago to San Diego, her early work in corporate roles and IT recruiting, and how she and her husband Joe became entrepreneurs—first running a children’s cooking school franchise, then launching Equitable Mediation to help couples divorce without lawyers. Cheryl also became a divorce coach, offering emotional support and co-par...

Host Bret Schanzenbach sits down with Teresa Miller, Founder and CEO of 365 Connect, a purpose-driven 501(c)(3) that helps companies build meaningful corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs through employee engagement and volunteerism.

Teresa shares her New York upbringing rooted in service, her journey through sports marketing and adaptive sports, and how a parent’s introduction to CSR sparked the creation of 365 Connect. She breaks down CSR’s four pillars (financial, ethical, legal, philanthropic) and explains how 365 Connect primarily supports the philanthropic arm through strategic volunteer programming.

A standout example is their work with Home Depot—locally suppor...

LEGOLAND California Resort President Kurt Stocks returns to Carlsbad: People, Purpose and Impact with Bret Schanzenbach to share what’s new, what’s next, and how the resort continues to evolve year-round.

Kurt recounts his journey from professional rugby in Australia to leading LEGOLAND Malaysia before arriving in Carlsbad in January 2020—right before the pandemic shutdown. The conversation covers the delayed (but hugely successful) opening of LEGO Movie World in May 2021, plus recent additions like the Ferrari build-and-race experience, Dino Valley, the LEGO World Parade, and Miniland expansions including SoFi Stadium and the new San Diego/Carlsbad cluste...

This episode of Carlsbad: People, Purpose and Impact highlights the Carlsbad Chamber’s 2026 Chamber Travel adventure to Normandy and the Champagne region of France.

Host Bret Schanzenbach sits down with Ian Scott of Quest Voyager and Kathy Steffen, the Chamber’s Director of Fun, to preview the unforgettable journey scheduled for October 4–12, with an optional Paris extension.

Trip highlights include:

• Mont Saint-Michel
 • Omaha Beach & Pointe du Hoc
 • Normandy American Cemetery
 • Rouen (Joan of Arc & Richard the Lionheart)
 • Camembert cheese tasting in its birthplace
 • Champagne cellar tours in Épernay

Early bird pric...

In this episode of Carlsbad: People, Purpose and Impact, host Bret Schanzenbach sits down with Bennett Mann, valuation specialist and business broker with The Chase Group, to talk about what it really takes to build – and successfully sell – a small business.

Bennett, a San Diego native and SDSU economics grad with additional business analysis training from UCSD, shares his career path through valuation roles at Bank of America, CoreLogic, and consulting for Fortune 500 companies. He explains how those experiences led him to focus on privately held small businesses and helping owners plan their “third chapter.”

You’ll h...

Podcast: Carlsbad: People, Purpose and Impact
Host: Bret Schanzenbach, President & CEO, Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce
Guest: Dr. Gene Ma, President & CEO, Tri-City Medical Center

In this episode, Bret welcomes Dr. Gene Ma, a long-time emergency physician and now President & CEO of Tri-City Medical Center, for a candid and hopeful conversation about the future of healthcare in North County San Diego.

Dr. Ma traces his journey from a globally mobile childhood (Hawaii, Burma, Japan, Hong Kong) to growing up in Arcadia, then on to UC Irvine, UCSF, Stanford, and UCSD, where he trained in...

In this episode, host Bret Schanzenbach, President & CEO of the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce, sits down with Scott Morris, local Encinitas native, serial entrepreneur, and co-founder/general partner of The Bermuda Club.

Scott traces his journey from La Costa Canyon High School to UCLA and the University of Chicago Law School, then into big-firm life at Latham & Watkins during the 2008 financial crisis. When litigation work dried up, he leaned into his entrepreneurial side, leaving the firm to build Rochambeau, a fun, flexible, kid-proof eyewear brand that has expanded into kids’ prescription eyewear, including a Blippi-branded line. He al...

In this episode of “Carlsbad: People, Purpose and Impact,” host Bret Schanzenbach sits down with Paola Richard, CEO and founder of Gelato Love in Carlsbad Village.

Paola shares her global upbringing in Rome with roots across Europe, her early career as a seven-time Italian national synchronized swimming champion training in California, and her transition into marine biology and science journalism, where she wrote and produced content on conservation for outlets like National Geographic Italy and national television.

Seeking a new life adventure, Paola moved back to California, fell in love with Carlsbad, and—thanks to a sugg...

In this episode of Carlsbad: People, Purpose and Impact, host Bret Schanzenbach sits down with Sean Walker and Andy Slip, co-founders of Pickleball Republic. Sean shares his Carlsbad roots and decades in recreational entertainment (from paintball events to operating Camp Pendleton’s park), while Andy describes discovering pickleball on vacation and joining the thriving community at Sean’s Pickleball Club in The Shoppes at Carlsbad.

Together they announce Pickleball Republic, a hybrid indoor/outdoor pickleball complex with 18+ courts at 2045 Corte Del Norte near K1 Speed. Permits are complete and construction has begun; they’re targeting early 2026 with an asp...

On Carlsbad: People, Purpose and Impact, Bret Schanzenbach talks with Audrey Maria Adams, founder of YANSOTM Co (pronounced “yen-SOD-um”), a consultancy grounded in the thesis line “You are Not So Other Than Me.” Audrey shares how studies in political theory, philosophy, and psychology shaped her obsession with human flourishing—and how coaching, education leadership, grief, kindness projects, and unexpected sales roles led her to redesign customer experiences with unreasonable hospitality.

What we cover:

In this episode, Bret Schanzenbach talks with Alan Shimamoto, founder of Accelerate Growth Coaching. Alan shares his extraordinary story—from being adopted from a Japanese orphanage to building multimillion-dollar sales organizations and a career helping business owners thrive through leadership and personal growth.

He and his wife Louisa relocated from the Pacific Northwest to Carlsbad to be near their daughter and immediately immersed themselves in the community through the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce. Alan also introduces Live2Lead, a John Maxwell leadership event coming to the Chamber on January 30, 2026, featuring global thought leaders like Jesse Cole of th...

 On this episode of Carlsbad: People, Purpose and Impact, host Bret Schanzenbach sits down with Erin Hardin, director of community relations at the Agua Hedionda Lagoon Foundation. Erin shares her journey from Las Vegas to Encinitas, her passion for nonprofit work, and why Agua Hedionda is her dream role—combining education, animals, kids, and environmental stewardship. They highlight the Foundation’s three marquee fundraisers—Laguna Kahuna Cleanup Challenge (May), the Haunted Corn Maze (October), and the late-August Discovery Gala—plus weekly members-only Wednesdays, the annual Mingle with Members (January), Avian Adventure Day (Father’s Day), and robust field trip programs se...

In this episode of Carlsbad People, Purpose, and Impact, Bret Schanzenbach interviews Michael Stinnett, founder and director of Shield Legal Services. Michael shares his journey from serving as a Navy aviation ordnance technician, to studying political science and law, to working with the Department of Justice and National Security Agency, and ultimately finding his calling in veterans’ legal advocacy.

After helping veterans in Washington, D.C. navigate housing, disability benefits, and access to critical resources, Michael realized there was a major gap in San Diego—home to thousands of transitioning service members. Shield Legal Services was born out...

In this episode, Bret sits down with Kevin Clemons, CEO of Au Technology Solutions and Chamber board member, to explore his journey from Vista native to Navy veteran to tech entrepreneur. Kevin opens up about building his first computers, leveraging the GI Bill to launch his career, and how he turned setbacks into opportunities.

Listeners will learn how Microsoft’s ecosystem—including Teams and Copilot—helps businesses save money, improve communication, and stay secure. Kevin also shares why his company stays local, hands-on, and security-focused, offering peace of mind for clients.

This conversation is packed with l...

What happens when a youth pastor discovers the power of a boosted Instagram post? For Tim Holt, it launched a journey from ministry to marketing that led him to create Revvia, a Carlsbad-based firm redefining what “marketing done right” looks like.

In this episode, Tim shares how his company helps businesses cut through the noise with revenue-first marketing and a fractional CMO model that delivers measurable results without long-term contracts. From growing Google Reviews to building websites that generate six-figure sales, Tim explains why the right mix of authentic storytelling, branding, and digital strategy can transform any busi...

In this episode, Bret interviews Chamber team member and Spera Accounting founder Janine Burke. They explore her journey from Northern California roots to launching her own bookkeeping business at age 28. Janine shares how technology — from QuickBooks Online to modern tools like Melio and Ramp — has revolutionized accounting, making it more efficient and transparent. She also discusses how AI is reshaping the industry, freeing small business owners to focus on strategy. Finally, Janine previews her upcoming Chamber workshops designed to help small businesses prepare for year-end and maximize their financial tools.

Did this episode have a special impa...

In this episode of Carlsbad People, Purpose, and Impact, host Bret Schanzenbach sits down with Ash L., founder of Green Madness and owner of MOOYAH Burgers, Fries, and Shakes in Carlsbad.

Ash shares his remarkable journey from growing up in Egypt and England, to traveling to nearly 90 countries, to launching a successful corporate career before pivoting into the restaurant industry. Starting as a baker at Einstein Bros. Bagels, Ash quickly rose to General Manager, later joined Luna Grill, and eventually launched his own MOOYAH franchise right here in Carlsbad.

Ash reflects on lessons learned in...

In this episode of Carlsbad People, Purpose, and Impact, host Bret Schanzenbach sits down with Carlsbad Police Chief Christie Calderwood. From her unexpected career shift from aspiring English teacher to law enforcement leader, Christie shares her inspiring journey through the ranks—from officer to chief.

They discuss community partnerships, proactive event security, crisis negotiation, mental health response teams, homelessness, retail theft, Prop 36, and the challenges of recruiting the next generation of officers. Throughout, Chief Calderwood emphasizes her philosophy of de-escalation, building trust, and preparing for the future.

Whether you live, work, or play in Carlsbad, th...

In this episode of Carlsbad People, Purpose, and Impact, Bret Schanzenbach sits down with Dr. Yvonne Scarlett, founder of Red Lotus Wellness Center. Dr. Scarlett shares her extraordinary path—from corporate travel and engineering to real estate and finally holistic medicine—driven by her own battle with chronic migraines and autoimmune issues. She reveals how acupuncture and Chinese medicine transformed her health, inspired her career shift, and now form the foundation of her thriving practice in Carlsbad.

Listeners will hear insights into fertility support, autoimmune care, and the powerful role of acupuncture and herbs in restoring balance. Dr...

In this episode of Carlsbad People, Purpose, and Impact, host Bret Schanzenbach sits down with Nick McCoy, former pro baseball player turned financial advisor at Stifel Financial.

Nick shares his journey from Little League in San Diego to being drafted by the New York Yankees, grinding through the minor leagues, and later scouting internationally for the Los Angeles Angels—all while earning his MBA at USC. He reflects on the discipline and resilience sports instilled in him, and how those lessons carry into his current career helping clients navigate financial decisions.

Now rooted in En...

In this episode of Carlsbad People, Purpose, and Impact, host Bret Schanzenbach sits down with Dale Stein, CEO and partner at i-NETT, to unpack a lifetime of entrepreneurship, innovation, and service.

From childhood, Dale demonstrated an entrepreneurial spark—turning odd jobs into stepping stones toward a business mindset. By age 15, he was already running his town’s milk delivery route, and that drive eventually propelled him to build one of the nation’s largest privately owned home alarm companies. Retiring at 32, Dale quickly realized that achieving financial success didn’t guarantee happiness. His insight: fulfillment comes from striving...

In this episode of Carlsbad People, Purpose and Impact, host Bret Schanzenbach, President and CEO of the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce, sits down with Galina Marcus, founder and CEO of the San Diego Art Directory, to explore her journey from Moscow to San Diego and her mission to elevate the region’s art scene.

Galena shares her backstory, growing up in cosmopolitan Moscow and moving to the U.S. in 2015 to marry her husband, a San Diego native she met—unexpectedly—on LinkedIn. With a creative background in fashion design, Galena discovered her passion for marketing while workin...

In this episode, Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce CEO Bret Schanzenbach sits down with Lisa Carroll, president of Number Crunching, Inc., to explore her unique career path and specialized expertise in uncovering financial deception.

Lisa shares her journey from humble beginnings in accounts payable and receivable to becoming a sought-after Certified Fraud Examiner. Initially recognized for her knack for unraveling messy financial records, she found her calling when an attorney asked her to testify in court on a fraud case. Encouraged by a judge who supported her despite lacking formal certification at the time, Lisa pursued and obtained...

Ever wondered how the digital marketing landscape is transforming with the rise of AI? Or how video content is reshaping client engagement? In episode 154 of Carlsbad: People, Purpose, and Impact, I sit down with Gwen Beren, the brilliant mind behind Illuminus Marketing. This episode is a treasure trove of insights as Gwen shares her fascinating journey from corporate burnout to entrepreneurial success.

Gwen, a Rancho Penasquitos native, takes us through her educational journey at the Savannah College of Art and Design and her early career in web design and SEO. She reveals how her experiences at United...

Ever wondered how a career in industrial engineering can lead to a thriving podcast empire? Or how breaking into Apple's supply chain can take over two years of relentless dedication? Join me, Bret Schanzenbach, as I chat with Jim Miller, the mastermind behind Bold Leadership Stories Media. From his roots at Cal Poly to navigating the world of technical sales with giants like 3M and Hewlett Packard, Jim’s journey is a rollercoaster of perseverance and innovation.

Discover how the pandemic catalyzed Jim’s transformation into a health enthusiast, shedding 50 pounds and launching the Wealthy Healthy Life Show...

Ever wondered how a life-threatening wildfire could inspire a thriving business? In episode 152 of the Carlsbad: People, Purpose, and Impact podcast, I sit down with Rachel Arbuckle, the remarkable owner of 2000 Paces Photo Organizing. From her childhood as a Navy brat, through her service as a neuropsychiatric technician, to her entrepreneurial journey, Rachel shares her fascinating story and the pivotal moment that led to the creation of her company.

Join us as we explore how Rachel transformed the anxiety of nearly losing precious photo memories during the 2014 Cocos Fire into a mission to help others preserve their...

What role did women's clubs play in shaping modern society? How did the Women's Club of Carlsbad leave an indelible mark on their community over the last century? Dive into episode 151 of the Carlsbad: People, Purpose, and Impact podcast, where I, Bret Schanzenbach, have the pleasure of chatting with Kae Gernandt and Edith Broyles from the Women's Club of Carlsbad.

We're celebrating the club's rich history as they gear up for their 100th anniversary in 2025. From advocating for road safety and education to their pivotal role during the Great Depression and World War II, this club has...

Ever thought about ditching your routine for an adventure halfway across the globe? In episode 150 of Carlsbad: People, Purpose and Impact, host Bret Schanzenbach chats with Ian Scott and Kathy Steffen about the transformative power of travel. Ian, President and Chief Architect of Discovery at Quest Voyager, recounts his journey from an electrical engineer in the UK to a travel industry leader. Meanwhile, Kathy, the Director of Fun at the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce, shares how group travel programs can turn strangers into a community of explorers.

Want to know what makes these trips unique? From cultural...

Ever wondered how a musician's journey from a small town led to a thriving business in the heart of San Diego? In episode 149 of "Carlsbad: People, Purpose, and Impact," I sit down with the dynamic Chris Swimley, owner of Machine Print Shop, to uncover his incredible story. From the highs of record deals to the lows of band breakups, Chris's tale is one of resilience and reinvention.

Join us as Chris shares his transition from the music industry to mastering the art of merchandise and graphic design. Discover how his experiences in Austin and a pivotal move...

How do you balance career ambitions with family life? What role does networking play in business success? Join me as I dive into these questions and more with Laura Bashore, franchise owner of Team Referral Network San Diego, on this episode of Carlsbad: People, Purpose, and Impact.

Laura's journey from Clovis to San Diego is nothing short of inspiring. With a rich background in career coaching and a passion for community, Laura's story is a testament to the power of networking and entrepreneurship. We explore her transition from managing career centers to establishing her own successful business...

Are you ready to dive into the unknown and explore the world of impactful conversations? Welcome to Episode 147 of "Carlsbad: People, Purpose and Impact," where we unravel stories that matter. This week, we have a special guest, Stephanie Issa, joining us to illuminate her journey and share her insights.

What happens when passion meets purpose? How does one navigate the challenges of making a real difference in their community? Stephanie brings a wealth of experience and a heart full of stories that will inspire and challenge you to look at your own impact in a new light.<...