Cat Bonney has lived in Oregon most of her life, with a brief stint in Texas, So Cal and a year overseas. She’s had her own commercial/graphic arts business since college — which she started out of a desire to NOT remain at the college-assigned job in the kitchen, having to wake early to make breakfast for all of her college peers… After college, she came home for a two-week vacation, expecting to return to Texas,  but during that time, her plans changed due to a health crisis with her boss. Liking the climate here and her mom living close,  she decided to make Southern Oregon her permanent home. Cat and her wife live on the family ranch with a dog and a couple of cats, not to mention the neighborly sheep, cows and llama for security. Along with their marketing business, Webb Mountain Arts, and her contract as the Executive Director of a local non-profit, Common Connections, Cat is using her years of real estate appraisal experience to help Common Connections and Mid Rogue Foundation (another local non-profit) to manage the Housing Repair & Rehabilitation Program for low and moderate income homeowners in Josephine County. She is also an avid volunteer in various community programs, and as a business owner, she’s involved in the Grants Pass & Josephine County Chamber of Commerce. Cat truly believe’s that to make our community the way we want it, we must be involved at a personal level. For more on Cat’s work, checkout the links below! Common Connections – http://www.commonconnections.org/ Webb Mountain Arts – http://www.WebbMountainArts.com

Frank and Teresa Matz have been married for 25 years, have 6 kids, and have been serving the Grants Pass community together for 20 years. In 2019 they launched Legacy Family & Leadership in an effort to support families in Southern Oregon. Their unique team dynamics and teaching style set them apart. Currently they offer community parenting classes, communication classes, community workshops, leadership coaching and cohorts, and peer support and counseling. Contact them today! Call - 541-295-5982 Website - https://atthewellroguevalley.org/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Atthewellroguevalley/ GP Chamber - https://business.grantspasschamber.org/list/member/legacy-family-leadership-13502

Todd Tippin Todd joins us to chat about his experience, and passion, to help business owners with his full service business management consulting firm. Don't be fearful about our current changing economy, reach out and chat with Todd today! Call - 760-445-6091 Website - tmtbsi.com Email - todd@tmtbsi.com

Sarah Hollingworth - Program Director at Kairos Sarah Hollingworth joins us to talk about Kairos and how they help assist our local youth and family's with mental and emotional wellness. Please reach out at the contacts below to findout how Kairos can help you and your loved one's with their authentic colabritive culture! Call - (541) 956-4943 Website - https://www.kairosnw.org/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/kairosnorthwest/ Email - info@kairosnw.org Show Notes Sarah is the Program Director of the Jackson County branch of Kairos, in Medford.Active softball player in Grants PassMoved back to Southern Oregon in 2017, with a love for the Rogue ValleyWhy Kairos?Provide an authentic colabritive culture to help others with mental wellnessYouth and Family Focused

Jocelyn Schmidt - President at Fusion Performing Arts Alliance Jocelyn joins us to share her joy of teaching our youth about her lifetime love for dance and theatrical arts. Please help support Jocelyn and the non-profit group, Fusion Performing Arts Alliance, at the links below. Call - 541-218-3241 Website - http://www.fusionpaa.com/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100080463375881 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/fusionperformingartsallianc/ Notes Involved in Ballet since a young girlProfessional experience began while in LondonMoved to Grants Pass in 2004Began teaching Ballet in Grants Pass in 2005Outreach to work with local children has expanded to working with The Boys and Girls ClubGrants Pass High School's Theater Department

We'd like to thank James for sharing his personal story of his challenges with helping a loved one with mental health, how he found NAMI, and how they helped his loved one, and James himself, over the years. James currently helps work with others in NAMI's Family-to-Family program, and more, to educate and serve others in our local community. We hope you find Brian's chat with James to be a helpful introduction to NAMI, as well as some “food for thought” for anyone who's may be struggling with mental health personally, or knows a loved one that is going through challenges. For more information and assistance on how NAMI can help you and your loved ones, please reach out at the contact information below. Website - http://www.namisouthernoregon.org/ Phone – 541-774-7872 Email - info@namisouthernoregon.org Show Notes James moved to Grants Pass to be closer to family and retire after living in CaliforniaCredits NAMI for saving relationships with loved one's in his familyWhy James is so Excited to share NAMI's valuable resources and education to othersIncreases in Mental Health Issues since COVID beganHow to find out if NAMI is right for you or a loved one3-Steps to help get started on the right track, when working through mental health challenges

Skyler & Courtney Tacchini It's been an eventful few years for Skyler and Courtney Tacchini since they moved to Phoenix Oregon and opened their Farmers Insurance Business. Today, they join us for an interesting conversation on what it was like to help companies and people in the local community through the Alameda Fire, and where things have gone over the past few years since it happened. Focused on the customer first, contact them below to find out how they can help you and your company today! Phone: (541) 535-6161 Email: courtney.stacchini@farmersagency.com Contact Page: https://agents.farmers.com/or/phoenix/skyler-tacchini Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tacchiniagency/ Why We Moved To Southern OregonWhat Attracted Us to Help Others in the Insurance BusinessWhy We Choose to Work With Farmers InsuranceAssisting Others After the Alameda FireSpecializing in Commercial InsuranceBuilding Relationships in our Local Community

Eli Beard - Owner of BOLT Grafix Turning a lifetime passion into a new local business, Eli Beard joins us to talk about his new venture with BOLT Grafix. More than a “sign shop”, Eli's durable advertising company will help you with a range of creative ideas to help your business or for any personal projects you may want done. For more on what BOLT Grafix can do for you and your company checkout the links below. Or just stop by the shop, which is half way between F St and Beacon Dr. on the backside of the building the DMV is in! Website - https://boltgrafix.com/ Facebook (@BoltGrafix) - https://www.facebook.com/BoltGrafix/ P.S. - Facebook page is another good spot to get examples of some of the work BOLT Grafix can do for you! :) Show Notes Lived in the Valley off and on since 1975. Spent a good portion of his life in Marketing, Advertising and Sales, which led him to operate own businesses over time. Eli's first job as a young man was processing photography. Eli's enjoyed a lifetime love for photography that has led him to opening this company in Grants Pass. “I'm one of those people that has a camera around their neck all the time.” BOLT Grafix – Much more than a “sign shop”, we're a Durable Advertising Company What type of projects we do here at BOLT Grafix Location / Directions: We're half way between F st and Beacon dr on the backside of the building the DMV is in.

Linda Carter - Founder of Rogue Valley Living Linda joins us to talk about her exciting new social digital emagazine for Southern Oregon's called, Rogue Valley Living. An insightful discussion, Linda tells us what's covered in her publication, as well as some unique offers you can get by being a part of Rogue Valley Living! Contact below to find out more. :) Website - https://roguevalleylivingmag.com/ Call - 541-900-6584 Show Notes How a love for writing and building relationships led to working in the local magazine business. Why Linda Started Rogue Valley Living Categories and Topics Covered in Rogue Valley Living Why it's a good idea to advertise your business in Rogue Valley Living What demographics you'll reach through Rogue Valley LivingEvents for Sponsors – Free Added Bonus Offered by Rogue Valley Living

Alvin Cordeiro - SpotOn Life's journey can take us in interesting directions. For an introvert from Aptos, California to move to a relative unknown place like Grants Pass and jump into local sales, you'd think, at first, this wasn't going to be the best road to follow. Join us today to hear why things have worked just fine, both personally and professionally, as he helps local business via SpotOn. Get to know Alvin and see what SpotOn can do for your business today at link below! Links - alvincordeiro.com P.S. You can also find Alvin at our local Grants Pass Chamber Greeters Meetings, so feel free to chat with him one day. :) Show Notes From Aptos to Oregon - Why I Moved To Grants PassWhat Led Me To Working With SpotOnJoining Our Local Chamber of Commerce Has Been A Great Resource To Connect With Others In Our CommunityHow SpotOn Can Help Your Business & Virtually Eliminate Your Credit Card Processing Fees!How SpotOn Can Help Your Business Leverage The Power of DoorDash – Without Paying Fees

Debra Musack John Chambers NeoLife Vitamins & Supplements John Chambers joins us once again, this time joined by his wife Debra Musack to talk about NeoLife's quality vitamins and supplement products. Both John and Debra are active members of our fine community and you'll find them at our local Chamber of Commerce Greeters meetings. Please head over to the link below for more information about the products mentioned in this podcast! Link to Home Store - https://shopneolife.com/musack Link to Chamber - https://business.grantspasschamber.org/list/member/neolife-nutrition-musack-chambers-13248

Brian Mein of Caveman Travel As one could imagine, the travel industry his been hit hard over recent years. One local company that has stood tall through these trying times is Caveman Travel. Join us as we sitdown and chat with Brian Mein to talk about the local area, how Caveman Travel can help you with your future travel plans and why trips to Mexico could be a terrific option for you and yours! Contact Brian and Caveman Travel today. Phone - 541-476-6813 Email - brian@cavemantravel.net Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/CavemanTravel/ Website - https://www.cavemantravel.net/ Show Notes What Does Caveman Travel Do?Why Trips to Mexico Are a Top Seller for Us Right NowCOVID-19s Impact on the Travel Agency IndustryWill Travel “BOOM” in The Coming Years?Helping You Find the Best Value for Your Upcoming Trip

Shane Russell - Spirit of the Fair Shane Russell joins to talk about a fun new local business he's started to add value to our community and provide an atmosphere for people to get to know one another in a fun way.Join us as Brian chats with Shane about his inspiration from local fairs, what the game Cornhole is all about, as well as what's going on at Spirit of the Fair and how it can make a positive social impact for you, your business and others in our area. :) For more about what Spirit of the Fair has going on, head on over to the social links below. Instagram (@spiritofthefair) - https://www.instagram.com/spiritofthefair/ Facebook (@spiritofthefair) - https://www.facebook.com/spiritofthefair Show Notes Creating a “Fair Culture” Year RoundWhy I Moved to Grants PassJust what is Cornhole?Providing an Environment for People to ThriveWeekly Cornhole TournamentsAfter School ProgramMarketing and Advertising Opportunities for Your Local Business through Sponsorship

Jill Hamm Fruitdale & Redwood Granges If you live in the Grants Pass area and you don't know who Jill Hamm is, where have you been? Join us for an entertaining chat with Jill as we touch on various topics, including what brought her to the area, her time as a Kelly Girl, what led her to a long-time working relationship with KAJO 99.7FM radio, as well as her cancer free diagnosis after 8-years battling cancer! Our main focus in this episode was about her work with local Granges in the area the need to get more families involved. Checkout these links for more about the local Granges Jill is affiliated with and if you have any direct questions, reach out to her as well! Fruitdale Grange website - https://fruitdalegrange.com/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057546785524 Redwood Grange website - https://redwoodgrange.org/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Redwood-Grange-760-115100234108546/?ref=py_c Jill's Contact - email - jdhamm4435@gmail.com phone - 541-660-4435 Show Notes How Did You End Up In Grants Pass? My Time As a Kelly Girl Doing Sales for a Magazine and Radio (KAJO 99.7FM) What are Granges? Oregon Alone has Over 1,3000 Granges! Our local Chamber of Commerce has been a Huge Benefit to Our Granges Cancer Free! My 8-Year Battle with Cancer The Need for New Families to Enter the Granges

Gwen Luhring - Treasurer at Soroptimist International of River Valley A Grants Pass native since 1998, Gwen Luhring has been an active volunteer in our community since retiring. Since joining Soroptimist International of River Valley in 2000, she's held various titles from President, Vice President and currently Treasurer. It was a delight to hear about what Gwen is doing to help women in our local community and to share Soroptimist's story as they celebrate 100 years in local communities across the county. Please be sure to checkout the links below for more about Soroptimist and how they can help to serve you and your family today! Website - https://www.soroptimistsirv.org/ Show Notes History of Soroptimist InternationalWomen Helping Other Women: Soroptimist's Focus TodayChallenges We've Faced Over The Past Few YearsLocal Outreach: Helping to Provide Food, Clothes, Toy's to Kids in Our CommunitySoroptimist Gets Involved In Domestic Violence IssuesValue of Listening & Making a Positive Impact in Others LivesA Return to Bonding & Connecting In-Person & Not Just OnlineWho Would Be a Good Fit For Helping Out at Soroptimist?“We Are Women at Our Best, When We Are Helping Other Women Be at Their Best”

Candy Morasch with Marquel - Once Upon A Horse If I had to sum up our latest guest in three words it would be Enthusiasm, Caring and Gratitude. From her time helping local youth as a speech-pathologist to starting up Once Upon A Horse, or her work in health and wellness with Arbonne, you come away believing Candy Morasch is making a difference with others in our community. Our host, Brian Pombo, had a fun time talking with Candy and we know you'll love this chat as well. Also, please be sure to connect with Candy about her latest project as she looks to help our community again by raising funds to get a JOCO Mobile Spay & Neuter Clinic to help those in need. For more please call Candy at – 541-660-7209 or Email here - https://business.grantspasschamber.org/list/member/arbonne-international-candy-morasch-11038 As mentioned in the show, you can also contact to another former guest we had on, Joy Hiler, who is helping with this project as well through Epicure - Call Joy – 541-659-1125 Joy's Website - JoyHiler.Epicure.com Show Notes Growing up in Grants Pass Becoming a Horse Trainer – Taking Horse Mater Course in England (Newmarket, Suffolk) Moving back to USA – Living in New Orleans and working with the Handicapped Moving back to Grants Pass – Teaching Speech-language Pathology for School District 7 Start of Once Upon A Horse: Morgan Horses & Helping kids out in Williams Time for Expansion – One Blessing After Another JOCO Mobile Spay & Neuter Clinic Fundraiser Why We Need A Mobile Spay & Neuter Clinic in Josephine County Epicure Fundraiser to Raise Money for a JOCO Mobile Spay & Neuter Clinic

Drew WilkersonCareer Coach Project Youth + Born and raised in Sam's Valley here in Southern Oregon, Drew Wilkerson shares his passion to serve our youth in Project Youth Plus's Career Build Program. For the past 7 years Drew his worked in and around the public schools and still finds time to be active in athletics as an MS Athletic Director. To help support Project Youth Plus and find out more about their various programs to help our youth, please go the the resources below or give them a call at the number below! :) Call Project Youth Plus today - (541) 476-8146 Website - https://projectyouthplus.org/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/ProjectYouthPlus/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/projectyouthplus/ Show Notes The Focus of Project Youth Plus How I Got Started With Project Youth Plus Life Growing Up In Sam's Valley in Southern Oregon Guiding Youth Through Individual Road Maps for Success Thankful For Community Support for Project Youth Plus What I Like Most About Working With Project Youth Plus Continuing To Get Our Message Out To Businesses In Jackson, Josephine and Douglas Counties Transcription Intro Drew: Flexibility, I think is key in being able to keep that spark and keep that interest. Because if you're really going to be able to meet youth where they're at, there has to be some type of flexibility, I think built into that. But being able to meet a youth where they're at in life, again, it's very broad. That's something that is exciting because you have all the tools, and you're able to exercise different types of tools at different circumstances. And so by doing that, you can create interest, I think, within that youth. And that's the goal for them to have that spark. Podcast Intro: There's a place in Southern Oregon, filled with gorgeous natural beauty, friendly yet independent people and a mild, comfortable climate. That place is called Grants Pass. These are the stories of the people that live and work Josephine County. These are the movers and shakers that make this place of the best. This is Grants Pass VIP. Brian: Drew Wilkerson is the GP Career Coach for the Career Build Program with Project Youth Plus. Coming from serving in public schools for the past seven years, Drew is still active and athletics. He's very much youth-centered and goal-oriented. Drew Wilkerson welcome. Drew: Really appreciate it Brian, thank you very much. Looking forward to this. Brian: Yeah, no, I'm really happy to have you here. We met over at the Chamber of Commerce and we've been talking about getting together for a while. So this is great to have you here. Why don't you let everyone know more about who you are, and where people might know you from. Drew: Sure. Kind of like in that intro, having spent a number of years in the public schools, you get to know I think quite a few people in there and working with students and a wide variety of ways. And so by getting connected with College Dream, now with Project Youth Plus, I get to continue, I think just different ways of serving youth, and working with people that are very like-minded and trying to meet people where they're at, in all different walks of life. Trying to help them I think just take the next step towards their goals, kind of making it a reality. Not everyone fits the same type of shoe. And so it's always an adventure coming from that background. Within the schools, you know, again, you get to know quite a few people serve in youth, but then also now in the nonprofit world and where we get to expand our borders, in different ways to serve youth, but also how we do it. At the same time, two different worlds, we got the public schools and education route, we got the nonprofit world, definitely two different worlds, but different ways of serving. That's really where the heart is. Within the schools, I still serve as an athletic director at a midd...

Christy Kiltz A Josephine County native for almost 30 years, Christy Kiltz takes us on her journey from moving to the area from Colorado with her husband, to taking a chance and starting her own local web-based business and it's continued expansion. If you own a business, chances are you have a web presence. Join us as Christy shares valuable tips online and why it's essential to build relationships with your customers, no matter what field you work in. Checkout Design! by Kiltz - https://designbykiltz.com/ Video's Christy Mentions In The Podcast by Simon Sinek and Donald Miller below! Focus on your WHY - Simon Sinek, Start with WHY - https://youtu.be/u4ZoJKF_VuA Build your Brand Story - Summary of Donald Miller's StoryBrand book - https://youtu.be/FkCMhhJaSSk Show Notes From Colorado To Oregon: How We Ended Up In Josephine County Why I Started A Local Web-Based Business What We Help Businesses With Empowering Business Owners to Accomplish Their Dreams Christy's 3 Things You Need For A Successful Website COVID Impact: In-Person Teamwork & Working From Home Web Tech & The Value Of Building Relationships Understanding Solutions & Pain Points of Niche Markets Expanding Our Team in 2021 What Design! by Kiltz Offers That “The Big Web Hosting Companies” Don't Transcription Christy: Understanding customer service skills and customer skill level. Sadly, many in my profession has led me to the tagline of, anyone can code few can take care of people. And it's like a dance. A true partnership dance you've got two people out on the dance floor, one's leading the others following, and depending on the dance, who is leading and who is following switches. And so that's where we truly engage in that partnership with people. Intro: There's a place in Southern Oregon, filled with gorgeous natural beauty, friendly yet independent people and a mild, comfortable climate. That place is called Grants Pass. These are the stories of the people that live and work Josephine County. These are the movers and shakers that make this place of the best. This is Grants Pass VIP. Brian: Christy Kiltz is the website designer and owner of Design! by Kiltz. She provides the full coordination of online services to bring you the best possible solutions for your business. Working with you to develop a successful concept and focus for your website. Christy takes the goal you create with her and brings it to pass. Despite her company, she really isn't a true geek girl. She loves the outdoors, camping, hiking, and water of any kind, and can even survive a weekend without a computer. In fact, among Christy's favorite things include getting away into the beautiful mountains of Southern Oregon with her hubby or taking a drive out to the coast. Christy Kiltz, welcome to Grants Pass VIP. Christy: Thanks, Brian. Brian: Yeah, it's great having you here. We've got a little bit of history, we've worked together in the past and I just want everyone to get to know you a little bit better. Why don't you let us know about who you are, and a little bit about where people might know you from? Christy: Where people might know me from, we've actually lived here in the Grants Pass area for close to 30 years now, somewhere between 25 and 30 years. And early on I worked at the YMCA. So I was all things aquatic so lifeguard swim instructor everything else. And the kids that I taught how to swim now are probably in college or close to it. But that is where some people know me from, but I've also been a member of the Grants Pass Chamber since 2004, joined after David Tally, actually, Tally Media Group and with the SBDC invited me to join. And so the chamber has been my family ever since then. Simply being a part of the business community in many different ways, served as an ambassador on the membership committee over the years, a long time ago,

Joy Hiler - Epicure Leader Think you're ready for Joy Hiler? No...you're not. But what the heck, it's time to buckle up for a fun conversation with one of the more passionate, enthusiastic people we've had on this show! And wouldn't you know it, she done went and added an opportunity for us all to help a good cause for the area. Hit play, and let's get started down that dusty trail for another adventure to hear Joy talk about how tasty yet healthy meals from Epicure can help our local community raise money for a Mobile Spay and Neuter Clinic, and more! :) Support Joy, her friend Candy Morasch and others raise money for a county Mobile Spay and Neuter Clinic by reaching out at the contact information below! Contact Joy and pickup an Epic Life Collection today – JoyHiler.Epicure.com Or Call - 541-659-1125 Show Notes Epicure Fundraiser for a Local Spay & Neuter Clinic for Josephine County Why We Moved to Josephine County A Ground Floor Opportunity Beyond Pot Lady: What Led Me Into the Self-Employed / Direct Sales Line of Work Lifetime Cookware | Arbonne | Epicure Amazing! Getting to Know Epicure's Quality Food Line Holy Bubbly Cauldron of Extraordinary Cheese Dip! The Epic Life Collection – It's All About Fresh Virtual vs In Home Meetups: How COVID-19 Has Effected Direct Sales Companies No Risk It, No Biscuit: Swinging for Global Director in the Next 12-months I'm a Helpaholic Believe in Your Dreams – The Stories of the Founders of Dutch Bros, Epicure and Arbonne Transcription Joy: Let's be a success story together. That's our inspiration for our family is Travis and Dane because I mean, they had a dream and they didn't let anything stop them. Walt Disney, same thing. Colonel Sanders, same thing. Babe Ruth held the world record for home runs. And what people don't know about Babe Ruth, and he probably still holds the world record for strikeouts because he swung and everything that came down the plate. That's what I do. I swing and everything. You know, what's the worst that could happen? Intro: There's a place in Southern Oregon, filled with gorgeous natural beauty, friendly yet independent people and a mild, comfortable climate. That place is called Grants Pass. These are the stories of the people that live and work Josephine County. These are the movers and shakers that make this place of the best. This is Grants Pass VIP. Brian: Joy Hiler has been with Epicure for two months is partnering with Once Upon a Horse to fundraise for a mobile spay and neuter clinic because they believe in helping with the pet population. Joy Hiler, welcome to Grants Pass VIP. Joy: Thank you. Brian: So why don't you let us know a little bit about who you are and how people might know you. Joy: People might know me because I've been in the community between scouting. We raised our children here we have a bunch of kids here that went through North Valley High School, and I've been a member of the Chamber of Commerce for about 21 years. I sold cookware here in the valley, and I've sold Arbonne here in the valley for 21 years and recently I came across this Epicure. Epicure has become the mainstay for me in passion. I'm so passionate about sharing Epicure with everybody. So my girlfriend Candy, she's sells Arbonne, we've known each other for years, and our friend Audrey, we are talking to Audrey about it too. Epicure has a fundraising program and I was so brand new to Epicure and Audrey is just a couple of weeks in further than me. So Candy said, there's a fundraiser. And we said yeah. So Audrey and Candy and I are partnering and doing this fundraiser and we're dragging other people in with us because we cannot do it by ourselves. The fundraiser is through Epicure. They have boxes pre-made little boxes of it's like a meal plan for a week. And so you get six pouches, five meal pouches, and in the dessert pouch.

Josie Molloy - President & CEO of Grants Pass Chamber of Commerce Grants Pass & Josephine County Chamber of Commerce President Josie Molloy joins us to talk about her first three years with the Chamber since moving back to the state from Wyoming. A joy to have on the show and we know after you hear this podcast you'll come away with a new found appreciation for what the Chamber is and all it has to offer, just like we did! Checkout the Chamber's New Website! - https://www.grantspasschamber.org/ Also, Lemonade Day for Young Entrepreneurs coming on August 20th - https://lemonadeday.org/grants-pass From Wyoming Back to Oregon: 3 Years Working at The Chamber In Grants Pass! What I Like Best About Grants Pass & Josephine County How I Got Started Working in the Chamber of Commerce The Right Type of Person That Would Enjoy This Kind of Work Just What is The Chamber of Commerce? It's All for the Businesses In Our Community From Weekly Greeters Meetings to Community Events – There's A Lot Going On Through The Chamber Young Professionals Network Starting August 20th: Our First Lemonade Day! For Kids 3rd Grade through 5th Grade Where Did The Idea For Lemonade Day Come From? Working Through COVID-19 Restrictions to Help Our Community COVID-19: Switching Greeters Meetings Online Thought Shutdowns (Meetings Opened Back Up In Person In July of 2021) August 2021: We're Getting a New Website & a Video Channel! :) An Eye On Continued Progress for The Chamber & Our Community We're A Friendly Staff: Stop By the Chamber and Feel Free to Ask Questions! Transcription Josie: Even younger entrepreneurs, we're trying to reach out to them with our Lemonade Day, which is brand new. This is the first year we have ever done it and it's for children grade 3rd through 5th, which is going to be coming to Grants Pass on August 20, from 3pm to 6pm. And we actually help them create a business plan, create their product, create their stand, find investors, and then actually sell the lemonade and make a profit. Intro: There's a place in Southern Oregon, filled with gorgeous natural beauty, friendly yet independent people and a mild, comfortable climate. That place is called Grants Pass. These are the stories of the people that live and work Josephine County. These are the movers and shakers that make this place of the best. This is Grants Pass VIP. Brian: Josie Molloy has served as the Chamber President and CEO since August of 2018. Originally from Crane, Oregon, on the southeastern side of the state, Josie grew up on a cattle ranch. She spent over 10 years in Laramie, Wyoming working for a Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Corporation. Since moving to Grants Pass, she's helped develop a lot of new programs, including a Young Professionals Network Group and Lemonade Day. The chamber is going strong with over 600 members and continues to advocate for the business community as well as improving our community as a whole. Josie Molloy, welcome to Grants Pass VIP. Josie: Thanks for having me. Brian: This is a lot of fun because we've got the meet each other over at the Chamber of Commerce. And so this is our first chance that we've been able to have you on the show, besides what we heard from your bio, let everyone know a little bit more about you and where they know you from. Josie: Yeah, so lots of people probably know me through the Chamber of Commerce. Like it said in my bio, I've been here since August of 2018. So I'm almost on my third year anniversary, it's gone by very fast. I'm also expecting my second child, so we've really grown our family since we moved here. I'm originally from Oregon. So this was really moving back to my home state. But my husband Ciaran is from Cheyenne, Wyoming, so it was a big change for him. We've really embraced Grants Pass and everyone has been so friendly. And it's just really fun working in the chambe...

John Chambers "Mr. Constitution" John with his wife Debbie Musack NeoLife Vitamins & Supplements Join us for a joyful sit down between two friends. John Chambers, “Mr. Constitution” takes us on a journey from his early years studying the Constitution to his life long work of helping people to understand it, no matter which side of the political aisle you happen to be on. In addition to that we touch on a range of topics as listed in the bullets below. Most notably his work with his wife Debbie Musack helping to education and help others have better awareness and decision making about nutrition. Be sure to check out the links below for more on their health products, nutritional education video you won't want to miss and John's site about the Constitution. Contact John and Debbie today - https://www.grantspasschamber.org/list/member/neolife-nutrition-musack-chambers-13248 Video (5 Key Criteria for Evaluating Any Supplement) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rwYC8psM3sM Mr. Constitution - https://www.itsyourconstitution.com/about-Mr-Constitution.html Mr Constitution at age 3! 1:49 A Life Time Commitment: From Studying at The Smithsonian to Teaching the Constitution 9:18 Why I joined Toastmasters & Would Recommend It to Anyone 9:57 Constitution Study Group Locally & Nationally Online 11:07 Independence vs Dependence – Why I Believe in Being a Freedom Fighter 14:18 Working With Both Democrats and Republicans to Help Further Education About the Constitution 16:05 Governance is What Units Us, Politics is What Divides Us 18:47 What Brought Me to Josephine County 22:50 Grants Pass: A Community of Caring People 24:40 The Type of People I'd Love to Meet 29:21 Impact COVID-19 Had On My Life 31:29 Nutrition: Zoom Calls and Helping People Build-Up Their Immunity 34:21 Look Into the Future Transcription Brian: Welcome to Grants Pass VIP, I'm Brian Pombo. What you're about to listen to is a conversation that I had with John Chambers and it's recorded a little bit differently. We were sitting at his dining room table, and we start kind of right in the middle of our conversation together. I was asking John what he did, and as we start the podcast you'll hear John describing what he does. And so what you're going to hear is him break that down into pieces of all the different things that he does and what those things all have in common. This is a very interesting conversation. I hope you enjoy Intro: There's a place in Southern Oregon, filled with gorgeous natural beauty, friendly yet independent people and a mild, comfortable climate. That place is called Grants Pass. These are the stories of the people that live and work Josephine County. These are the movers and shakers that make this place of the best. This is Grants Pass VIP. John: All of the things that I do, they all have a theme to them and I had not recognized until recently. There is the nutrition aspect of it. Because if a person that has proper nutrition, then they are not dependent upon the rest of when I say the rest of the world, I mean, like that medical and the government and this sort of thing to take care of them because they can take care of themselves because they have decent nutrition, they're independent of it. Also, I do drug prevention here and there, not a whole lot but I'm certified as that. And I keep up my certification so that I can do that. Then also, I have been teaching a constitution that started in 1991, a private high school that was near me. The headmaster of that private school wanted me to come and write a history text for him with no political bias, because the history texts around, they had a lot of public life. So I came and I was at the school and I was doing research there and talking to the parents, talking to the kids, talking to the teachers, talking to the administrators, all that and also studying and putting things together and s...

Richard Emmons - Publisher and Editor at Josephine County Eagle, Author, and Marketing Strategist Josephine County Eagle (JoCo Eagle) Richard Emmons is a local business owner and marketing strategist. The author of three books, Marketing Survival Guide, Chamber Advantage, and 52 Things to do in Southern Oregon. From serving on the board of the Gospel Rescue Mission for 21 years, to being named Man of the Year by the Grants Pass and Josephine County Chamber of Commerce, Richard has been an active member of our community for years. On top of all that, he's launched a new monthly newspaper called, Josephine County Eagle. Join us as we take a fun journey through Richard's travels in life, and his new project with JoCo Eagle! Active In The Local Community Away from the Rat Race! Our Move to Grants Pass What Makes Josephine County Special A Joy Helping and Sharing with others through, The Gospel Rescue Mission 20 Year Windows: Richard's Entrepreneurial Journey Why Richard Became an Author of 3 Books Chamber Advantage: Get Involved, Get Known & Get Business Why I Started the Josephine County Eagle COVID-19 Lockdown's Impact on Our Community: We Can't Forget This! JoCo Eagle: It's About Bringing People Together Thank You: Early Positive Responses to The Josephine County Eagle 2021 & Beyond The Value of Persistence To get in touch with Richard and to find out what's new with JoCo Eagle, checkout the links below! Richard Emmons - https://richardemmons.com/ Josephine County Eagle - https://jocoeagle.com/ Transcription Intro Brian: Tell me if I'm wrong. What I'm getting from you is that in your entire discussion of what the Josephine County Eagle means to you, it's more about bringing people together instead of dividing people, you know, instead of dividing us between the city and county, instead of dividing us between Republican, Democrats have divided us between business owner and employees. You're trying to bring people together to understand each other more, to understand each other's perspective more, is am I getting that right? Richard: Dead on. I mean, yes, we have differences. The old saying, learn to disagree agreeably, in some ways we have to learn to agree agreeably. Podcast Intro: There's a place in Southern Oregon, filled with gorgeous natural beauty, friendly yet independent people and a mild, comfortable climate. That place is called Grants Pass. These are the stories of the people that live and work Josephine County. These are the movers and shakers that make this place of the best. This is Grants Pass VIP. Brian: Richard Emmons is a local business owner and marketing strategist. He's the author of three books, Marketing Survival Guide, Chamber Advantage, and 52 Things to do in Southern Oregon. Richard served on the board of the Gospel Rescue Mission for 21 years. In 2014, he was named Man of the Year by Grants Pass and the Josephine County Chamber of Commerce. He lived in Rogue Valley with his wife, Kathleen and family since 1998. On top of all that, Richard is the publisher and editor of the brand new Josephine County Eagle. Richard Edmonds, welcome to Grants Pass VIP. Richard: Hey, Brian, thanks for having me on. It's great to be here. great talking to you. Brian: We've met on and off through the years, and I've always wanted to get to know you a little bit better. So this is a great chance to be able to dig in further. First, just off the bat, other than what we heard from your bio, how would people know you possibly for people within the county? Richard: You know, it's funny, it depends on how they view me. Because, you know, through the chamber, I've represented one business for a long time, The Boardroom and Executive Suite. So they see me as Mr. Boardroom. Other people see me as a longtime member of the Gospel Rescue Mission. Some people see me just at church,

Sarah WagerCo-Owner at Oregon Books & Games Chris NelsonCo-Owner at Oregon Books & Games Oregon Books & Games | OregonBooks.com New co-owners at Oregon Books & Games, Sarah Wager and Chris Nelson bring a renewed passion to our longtime, trusted bookstore in town! Join us as Sarah and Chris share what's going on at the store these days, highlighted by some of the topics below. A new adventure – being co-owners at Oregon Books & GamesThe importance of Customer Loyalty while facing the challenges of COVID19.Advantages of being a Longtime, Trusted Local BookstoreTop Sellers at Oregon Books & GamesA continued Passion for Helping Our Local CommunitySuccess of the stores sales through their website – OregonBooks.comAn eye towards the future – Making Oregon Books & Games the best it can be! Drop by and hello at the store! Also, be sure to check out their wide selection at the stores website below! Online Bookstore – OregonBooks.com Thank you to Sarah and Chris for joining us at Grants Pass VIP. We look forward to their future success, and keeping Oregon Books & Games a staple of our town. :)

Michael E. Garnier - Treehouse Pioneer! Treehouses.com - Out'n'About Treehouse Treesort Every so often you get a chance to sit down with a true pioneer and legend. Well, this conversation fits that qualification, and it was our treat to have a chance to have Michael E. Garnier from Out'n'About Treehouse Treesort on our local podcast. Michael is a true legend, not only in the Josephine County area but in the Treehouse community world wide. Join us for a special podcast as Michael takes us on his journey from coming to Oregon back in 1973, to building on a vision he had for Treehouses and standing for what he believes in no matter the push back he's had over the years. All and all, we'd say things have worked out well, and we thank Michael for having us out to his Treesort to help him spread just a little more local Publicitree in the area. :) For more about Michael and Out'n'About Treehouse Resort - https://treehouses.com/

Annie Sabel Executive Director at Barnstormers Theatre Barnstormers Theatre in Grants Pass, Oregon We all know about the COVID-19 pandemic, but imagine having a new job as Executive Director of Barnstormers Theatre, just days before the shutdowns in March of 2020! 👀 Well that's exactly what happened to our latest guest, Annie Sabel. From putting on plays, to tackling livestreaming, to looking for exciting new ways Barnstormers can further connect with locals in the community, you can tell Annie has a lifelong passion for the Theatre and Barnstormers is in good hands going forward! Be sure to checkout Barnstormers Theatre's upcoming play (directed by her husband Steven Sabel, whom we've had on the show before) Postmortem. See dates and times below. Checkout Barnstormers Theatre - https://barnstormersgp.com/ Also a Great Follow on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/barnstormersgp/?rf=611547085593878 Postmortem - image by Jonas Stewart Get Tickets for Postmortem today – https://app.arts-people.com/index.php?ticketing=barns Or Call To Order - 541-479-3557 Dates and Times for Postmortem at Barnstormers Theatre April 10-25, 2021Saturdays at 7:30 PMSundays at 2:00 PMPerformances will be live streamed

Dr. Cory S. Fawcett Financial Success MD Dr. Cory S. Fawcett and his wife settled in Grants Pass back in 1993, while at the same time Cory joined Grants Pass Surgical Associates on 6th street. After a 23 year career practicing medicine, Cory retired and started a new journey to help teach finance to physicians and other high income earners through his business Financial Success MD. A winner of several awards as a writer, Cory has now published five books and four of his books are Amazon Best Sellers. Join us as we talk with Cory on his passion for his work with Financial Success MD, what he has going on in the Grants Pass area today and thoughts on his new book, The Doctors Guide To Navigating a Financial Crisis. Checkout more of Cory's work today - https://financialsuccessmd.com/

Dave Siddon - Wildlife Images Director Wildlife Images Rehabilitation & Education Center Join us on a fun adventure as Dave Siddon from Wildlife Images talks to us about the family's history working with a wide range of animals, to moving to Oregon from LA and starting the nonprofit group so many of us and come to know for the past 40 years! Checkout Wildlife Images website days and times to visit today - https://wildlifeimages.org/

Tim Thompson from RevThink & ZipLineGear A creative entrepreneur, all around nice guy, Southern Oregon local, and if that wasn't enough, he loves drinking coffee! ☕ Join us as we sit down for a fun chat with Tim Thompson about life around Grants Pass and his business ventures with RevThink and ZipLineGear. Checkout RevThink and ZipLineGear at the links below . Also be sure to listen to the Revthink Podcast, RevThinking! ZipLineGear - https://www.ziplinegear.com/ RevThink - https://revthink.com/ RevThinking Podcast - https://revthink.com/resources/podcast/ Transcription Brian: Tim Thompson is kind of an enigma. He's the owner and CEO of ZipLineGear.com and Grants Pass Oregon, but that doesn't explain all of who he is. TV producer, Minister, investor, married for 23 years, father of five boys, I can go on and on. But at the core of Tim's career as an owner, consultant and coach is what Tim calls the four stages of a creative career. At the consultancy he founded RevThink, which can be found at RevThink.com. And their podcast called RevThinking, they are the leader in the field of the creative entrepreneur. His story in this interview will help you understand how this comes together. So Tim Thompson, welcome to Grants Pass VIP. Tim: Thanks, Brian. Thanks for the introduction. Whoever brought that did a very good job, I might want to get a copy of that, because it's often hard to explain all those aspects. But it's funny, as you read that off, you know, you're told as a kid to avoid three topics in conversation, money, religion, and politics. And I feel like as you read my bio, like you're basically saying, Here's Tim Thompson, he talks about those three things that no one's supposed to talk about. Brian: Very cool. Tim: I love what you're doing with this podcast, this idea of building community get to know one another, especially in this odd situation we find ourselves in. So thanks for putting this together and inviting me onto it. Brian: No sure thing, we're happy to have you here. We were talking a little bit before about how I came across your name. And to tell you the truth, I don't recall how we came across your name, we start building a list together, we start asking other people about names. My producer, Sean E. Douglas had worked on this. So it's one of these things where we're kind of, we're really getting to know each other from scratch, I know a little bit about you just from research, a little bit of your background that's found online. But other than that, we're just going straight into this and find out more about each other. So why don't you give everyone kind of a common life story up to this point? Tim: Sure. I don't think you're gonna want to hear my life story. You kind of read off the bio, it goes a lot of different directions. Usually I do this over coffee, though, Brian. So just at least I have a raincheck for coffee in the future, right? Brian: Of course, absolutely. Tim: Yeah, that's great. You know, it's hard to explain the path really because, as you mentioned, when I was in college kind of started my career, what I was really focused on was television, television production. I'd like to say I fell in love with the television of the 80s. But by the time I got involved in television that time had already passed. So there was a new discovery in that field. Obviously, the digital has changed all of our lives. I look like I'm older than you. So I'm just going to tell you Brian, that back in my day kind of a thing. But the digital transition in the entertainment industry was something that was happening, and I was on the front lines. So that gave me a chance as a young person to really create, invent, I don't know what it be, but like, just put standards into place. And that gave me like a foundation for a career that I'm still living today. It's the foundation of why I became a consultant.

Janice Cox - Natural Beauty at Home Beautiful Lavender, by Janice Cox An expert on the topic of Natural Beauty and Making your own cosmetic products with simple kitchen and garden ingredients. Janice Cox comes to you with her new book called, Beautiful Lavender. A Southern Oregon native out of Medford, Janice joins us to talk about the wonderful properties that Lavender has and to talk about some of our local Lavender Farms. Please checkout Janice's wonderful book and take a look at some of her other information at her website and over at Mother Earth News at the links below! Beautiful Lavender - https://www.amazon.com/Beautiful-Lavender-Janice-Cox/dp/1948734184 Mother Earth News - https://www.motherearthnewsfair.com/speakers/janice-cox/ Natural Beauty at Home - https://www.naturalbeautyathome.com/ Transcription Brian: Janice Cox is an expert on the topic of Natural Beauty and making your own cosmetic products with simple kitchen and garden ingredients. She's the author of three best selling books on the topic natural beauty at home, natural beauty for all seasons and natural beauty from the garden. She is currently the beauty editor for Herb Quarterly Magazine and a member of the editorial advisory board for Mother Earth Living magazine. She lives in Medford, Oregon with her husband. She's a member of the Herb Society of America, International Herb Association, United States Lavender Growers Association, Oregon Lavender Association and Garden Communicators International. Janice Cox Welcome to Grants Pass VIP. Janice: Thank you, Brian. It's nice to be here. Brian: Yeah, it's great to have you on just for a little bit of background for everybody. Janice was on an episode of my other podcasts, Off The Grid Biz Podcast. She was on that last year for some earlier books and for her speaking schedule that she had with the Mother Earth News Fair. So I'm happy to have her back here. Her latest book is, Beautiful Lavender. Why don't you tell us a little bit about it, Janice. Janice: Well, yes, that's right. I talked to you last time at about the fair we had up in Albany and you even made it up there to the fair, which was great, I like that. But this year…so I did that fair, and I think you even came to it, I used to give a talk all about lavender and growing lavender and using lavender and just enjoying lavender. So out of that talk came this book or it's more, real actually written more workbook style, because that's kind of what I like is when people come up to me with my books, which are written cookbook style, and they're all written up and people make notes in the margins are swapped out ingredients and really made it their own. I wanted to incorporate that in this new series of books. I wrote one on loofa and then this one is all about lavender. And so there are pages that you can actually write on make notes, so all your information stays in the same place. If you bought a plant at a nursery and you just loved it. And you want to remember the variety and you want to remember the address of the nursery you can put it in the book, or if you've changed one of my recipes around for shortbread cookies, you can make notes there so we call it it's a book but it's also a workbook. That's kind of the new thing now. Brian: Yeah, absolutely. The subtitle is a guide and workbook for growing using and enjoying lavender. So this is everything from A to Z when it comes to lavender which is amazing because I mean it goes through the history. I mean, I'm not sure how many of you had ever heard that. When they discovered King Tut's Tomb. They opened it up and it smelled like lavender immediately. It's amazing how something like that would last that long. Janice: It shows how important an herb it was because to be in a King's Tomb, right? Brian: Absolutely. And it mentioned you know, Queen Elizabeth the first love lavender and just everything from the history to how you ca...

Steven Sabel - City of Grants Pass Information Coordinator | Host of the Don't Quill The Messenger Podcast | Will play the role of Henry Higgins in Pygmalion at the Barnstormers Theatre starting Oct 23rd City of Grants Pass Information Coordinator Pygmalion starts on Oct 23rd at the Barnstormers Theatre Don't Quill The Messenger Podcast A new Grants Pass native. Steven Sabel works as an Information Coordinator for the City of Grants Pass. Beyond insightful conversation about working for the city, we then venture into his hit podcast he hosts called, Don't Quill The Messenger and just what is the Shakespeare Authorship Question? Also head over to the link below and get your tickets (physical and virtual) for his upcoming theatre event. Steven and his wife Annie will be lead roles in Pygmalion, at the Barnstormers Theatre, starting on October 23rd, 2020 (dates below). Get Tickets today - https://app.arts-people.com/index.php?ticketing=barns Dates and Times for Pygmalion at Barnstormers Theatre Friday Oct 30, 20207:30 PM - 10:00 PM PDT October 23rd - November 8thFridays and Saturdays at 7:30 PMSundays at 2:00 PMNo performance on Halloween Take a listen to the Don't Quill The Messenger Podcast that Steven Hosts - https://shakespeareoxfordfellowship.org/ Transcription Brian: Steven Sabel is the Information Coordinator for the city of Grants Pass. A position he's held for the past year after moving his family to Grants Pass from the LA region of Southern California where he owned and operated his own Theatre Company for eight years. He's an award winning producer and director with more than 130 successful productions to his name. He has an extensive background in journalism, public relations, marketing and the performing arts. Welcome to Grants Pass VIP. Steven: Well, I'm thrilled to be here. I don't consider myself a VIP in any terms or under any circumstances. But I'm thrilled to have been asked to be your guest today and talk to you about how I came to become a Grants Passien. I don't even know yet if that's exactly how you refer to Grants Pass residents. But it's the one that I've seem too stick with since moving here. As you mentioned, in the intro a little over a year ago, my family and I are very proud to be Grants Passien's now. And I'm happy to be here. Brian: Yeah, that's great. So why Grants Pass of all places? How did you end up at this spot? Steven: Well, you know, my wife, her mother and stepfather moved here almost 15 years ago, to be closer to her brother and his family who lived in the Salem area. And so they chose Grants Pass as a means of not having to go quite so far north, so they could still venture down into California to visit California family and relatives. But to be in Oregon, and not California, and to enjoy all that Grants Pass and its surrounding area has to offer, which as you know, is one of the best places in all of Oregon, if not all the country, if not all the world. So when I met Annie, my wife 10 years ago, very early on in our relationship, we knew that it was going to become a very serious relationship. And that sparked our first trip up here. It was the, you know, come spend some time with mom and step dad and sister and brother in law who also live in Eugene close by. So it was sort of, you know, this guy's really a thing and get to know the family better, kind of a weekend trip. And that was my first introduction to Grants Pass. So over the 10 years that we've been together, we've been married seven. Now we just celebrated our seventh wedding anniversary on September 14. Over that 10 year span, we would come up here at least once a year, usually two to three times a year, over that period of time. So during that time, I came to know more about the community, I came to know more about the Rogue River. Their property is right on the Applegate River. I came to fall in love with our beautiful historic quaint downtown ...

Matt Lund - CEO at Grants Pass Family YMCA With programs to serve our youth, to young and middle aged adults, to retiree's, Grants Pass Family YMCA is here to help everyone in our community. Tune in as CEO Matt Lund talks about the important role the Y plays in our community, some thoughts on the impact of COVID-19 and a special announcement on their expansion in the area. Head on over to the Y's website for more on current news and events - http://www.grantspassymca.org/ Stay updated by following them on Facebook also - https://www.facebook.com/GrantsPassFamilyYMCA/ Transcription Brian: Matt Lund has been married to his wife Stephanie for 11 years. He has four kids, ages ten, nine, six and five. Matt loves being active spending time with his family, serving the community and discovering how he can make a bigger impact on people's lives serving a higher purpose. Matt Lund, welcome to the Grants Pass VIP Podcast. Matt: Thank you, I enjoy being here. Brian: Yeah. So why don't you just let us know a little bit about who you are and where people would know you from? Matt: Sure. I don't know how many would know me locally. Although I've been here for a little over a year and a half now. I grew up in Central California. Most of my childhood life obviously. Then for college, I left and went to New Mexico, actually was an athlete played basketball in college at Florida basketball scholarship. From there, I moved out to the Midwest and I played Semi Pro basketball in the CBA. This is now going on 21 years ago. So it's been some years, but after playing I fortunately came across an injury and was it not able to play anymore. Ended up having to decide what to do in life for career, right? What do we do to support ourselves? How do we do it and what's our passion? I decided to go in and work with youth and work with families and do it around what I loved, which was playing sports, and so I ended up getting a job at a YMCA in Wisconsin and started out as a sports coordinator, did it for about two and a half years. Then I ended up going to work for the Chicago Metro YMCA as an operations director. I was running one of the largest sports programs in the country for YMCA's, ended up having about 6,000 kids that came through my sports programs and running another YMCA as well. I was able to then take my career and go down to work for the Wichita YMCA. I became an executive there in Wichita, was there for a few years and then moved on to the Twin Cities and worked in downtown Minneapolis, for the YMCA as well. Was able to really get a well rounded background working in the YMCA and understanding different aspects doing governmental work, doing, obviously nonprofit work for the why learning to work with youth learning to work with older adults, learning to work with families and business ventures. It just really gave me a well rounded background. So I ended up wanting to do more around working with people and understanding how do we help people become more balanced in their life. How do you become healthy spiritually, physically, emotionally, mentally? So I ended up becoming the Executive Director for the National Wellness Institute, which is one of the oldest nonprofit wellness organizations in the world. Did that for about three and a half years, we really focused around the mindfulness and resilience and behavior change. Again, more of the holistic approach, but not so much the physical and nutrition side of it. I got a lot of that information and a lot of that background from the YMCA. Again it was, how do we go about this in the spirit, mind, body? Having that education and that background working at the National Wellness Institute along with the YMCA. When I left the Y to work for the National Wellness Institute, I learned a lot enjoyed my time there. And then I got to a point where it was time for me to come back to where my first love was,...

Darin Fowler - Josephine County Commissioner Josephine County Commissioner Darin Fowler has been a Grants Pass native for nearly all of his life. Join us as Darin talks about his life and times in Southern Oregon, to leaving his successful electrical business to run for office. As well as current events such as COVID-19 and the importance of getting kids back to school. Transcription Brian: Darin Fowler has lived in Josephine county for 47 years. Starting a successful business and raising his family here. For 25 years he has volunteered as a coach, Sunday school teacher and in local government. Darin Fowler, welcome to Grants Pass VIP. Darin: Good morning. How are you? Brian: Doing good, doing good. Really appreciate being here, just so the rest of you know, we're in the end of July of 2020, still dealing with the effects of the COVID crisis. Besides that, let's get straight into who you are and what you're all about. Where would everybody know you from Darin? Darin: Well, I've lived here almost my whole life. My parents moved here when I was four in 1970. A lot of people I know from school, found my wife at the schools here. And then my kids went to the same schools. I bought the house across the street from the one I grew up in. My kids ended up with the same school, same teachers. And now my grandson lives six blocks away and he goes to the same school so it's been really fun. So you might know me as a soccer coach or a soccer referee, along the way I did a lot of that. Basketball coach for kids. And then I've been electrician for 33 years. So most people would know me from my electrician profession. And I still have that business. I like to put in a few plugs on the weekend. But then 12 years ago, I started getting involved in local politics. So some people know me because of that. I was on the city council, right after they recalled five city councilors, you know, around '08 or '09, right in there. My two fellow Commissioners in this county office, were part of this group that got in on that five recalled city councilors, and we got in and I spent 10 years over at the city three as a city councilor, and six and a half as mayor. Now I have this full time job as Josephine County Commission. Now I've met new people that just know me as a county commissioner. It's been interesting staying in the same community, find a way to make a living, and then serving my community as a public servant. It's been really fun. Brian: So ever since originally moving here, have you lived here the whole time? Darin: Almost. Yep. After high school here, you kind of get that itch, I wonder what it's like outside of Grants Pass? And I got to get the heck out of here. I was fortunate enough to friend was going to San Diego. So I moved in with him in San Diego and learn how to be an electrician down there in San Diego was a pretty fun place to be 18 to 21. We did have some fun, but when it's time to have a family and settle into the normal family unit like I did, I found out they were actually paying more for electricians in Grants Pass and they weren't San Diego, because there's a very restrictive licensing law in Oregon that California didn't have. I came up here and was making good money for a young man. And it's been a really excellent trade. It's fun to know something. Brian: other than the career, what other reasons is there to come to Grants Pass and stay in Grants Pass? Darin: Well and I always say that if you could find a way to make a living here. Who wouldn't want to live here? It's just beautiful. The weather, it's the climate. The coast is close. Mountains and rivers are all around you. If you can find a way to make a living here, you would love to live here and I have enjoyed it because your kids feel safe out in the street in front of your house. There's the Boys and Girls Club in the basketball and the soccer and baseball and all those sports.

Kyle Akin is a veteran, business owner and a Grants Pass native. Listen in as Kyle openly shares his successes and challenges during the pandemic and his encouraging words to business owners in the community and those who want to own a business in the future. To learn more about Crescendo Spirits and their fine products ➡️https://www.crescendospirits.com/ Also, be sure and head over to your liqueur store in town and pickup some of their fine products. 😃 Transcription Brian: Kyle Akin is a marine veteran who went to school to be a civil engineer. He fell in love with the Rogue Valley back in 2008 and knew he needed to create an opportunity greater than that of an employee if he wanted to live here. So he started Crescendo Spirits and then a few years later, Double Taps and Grants Pass. He's been living in the Rogue Valley on and off since 2008 with the goal of eventually living here full time when Kyle married his wife, a GP local six years ago, he's been living here since. On top of all that they'll be having their first son in the upcoming weeks ahead. That's exciting. Kyle Aiken, welcome to Grants Pass VIP. Kyle: Thanks for having me on the show. Brian: Good deal. So other than what I already mentioned, is there anything else that you'd like to say about yourself and where people might know you from? Kyle: Oh, just that I've been going to Club Northwest and I'm sure a lot of people know me from there and obviously from working at Double Taps for two years, a lot of people have come through and we've had a lot of events and we raised a lot of money for local efforts and events. With Double Taps we really tried to integrate ourselves into what Grants Pass was doing. Might knw me from there. Brian: Very cool. So, how did you end up here? What's your life story up until this point? Kyle: Well, I grew up in Northern California and native Mendocino County, five and a half hours from here. Still have a mother that lives down in Laytonville, then joined the Marine Corps at 17. Traveled the world a bit, was a Marine Embassy Guard was in the Marine Corps for five years overseas for about seven. After I got in the Marine Corps. I drove to Panama, went to Florida State there because I wanted to go back to Panama after the Marine Corps and worked on getting my degree. My Dad always kind of had that plan for me growing up, "you're going to go serve your country, you're going to earn the right to vote and do right by your country. Then after that you're going to use those benefits and go to college and get a degree." That was the life path I had for me for years. Got my civil engineer degree from Florida State to work for a large civil engineering firm there, Jacobs Engineering. Then I transferred back to the Pacific Northwest. So I went back to Bellevue Washington. And while I was up there working doing a lot of construction management stuff, civil engineering, since that's my emphasis, discovered the Rogue Valley because I had a childhood friend that was living down in Talent and came on down there and discovered what a summer was like again. You know, because living in Seattle, you don't get a you don't get a lot of summer and going from places like Florida, where it's sunshine all day, and then go on and work at night for six months in Bellevue, Washington. In the middle of winter, kind of a bit of a contrast. That summer I was rolled on down here on my motorcycle and saw my buddy and that was 2007 and fell in love with the place and decided I need to learn how to be down here. You need to figure it out. So I got a civil engineering job down in a Rogue Valley and moved down shortly thereafter. Unfortunately, the market crashed, shortly thereafter, right around 2008-2009. But I was in my master's program got an MBA from Southern Oregon University. In the meantime, I got laid off from my civil engineering job because all the construction kind of disappeared,

Born in Grants Pass, Lowell Gibson has run NiceBadge in town for the past 20 years. An active member in the local community, Lowell took sometime this summer to talk with our host Brian Pombo about the challenges NiceBadge has faced since the start of COVID-19 and how they've adjusted. A big thank you to Lowell for being on the show and for being our first interview on the podcast. Checkout NiceBadge ➡️https://www.nicebadge.com/ Transcription Brian: Lowell Gibson is president of NiceBadge. A 5th generation Southern Oregonian. A missionary kid raised in Japan 14 years. The chair of BR&E, VP of Gospel Rescue Mission Foundation Board. Treasurer of the SOREDI Board. He loves Southern Oregon and his community. Loves riding his Harley, fly fishing on the Rogue, golfing, floating the Rogue. He's also extremely pro business. I'm very happy to have him here today on the Grants Pass VIP podcast. Thanks for coming on Lowell. Lowell: Thanks Brian. Thanks for having me. Appreciate it. Brian: So who are you and where would people know you from? Lowell: Lol. I don't think I've been on the wanted posters in the post office lately, so that's good. I bought the business here in 2000. I was born here, then I raised in Japan, came back for a while, left to go to college. Finally came back in 2000, bought the business and I've been here since. I think the community that it is we all get to know each other in different circles. Within the business community. I've been involved with the chamber with a lot of pro business and economic development organizations, of course, Rotary and a few other places like that. Brian: Why Grants Pass of all places in the world? You moved back here in 2000, why here? Lowell: The simple answer is, I like Grants Pass. It's my hometown. It's a good place to raise a family. I was up in the Salem area, and just the weather up there is a little bit gray. It may not necessarily rain, but you know, down here, it's either going to rain on you or the sun shines out and I kind of like that. And like I said, it was a great place to raise my kids. And it's a small community so you get to know a lot of people. You know, there's a lot of good in that. Brian: Tell me a little bit about why you bought this business? Lowell: Yeah, I used to be in the restaurant business. I own the restaurant and heating and cooling, I sold insurance for a while. This business was owned by my mom. She had bought it in 85. And by 2000, she had grown it to a business that had about 13 employees and she was wanting to retire. I was looking for something different to do at the time. She said, "why don't you to take a look at it, see if it's something you'd like." So I did and of course, moving back to Grants Pass really appealed to me. So I bought the business, moved my family back down here and my mom retired. Here it is, you know, 20 years later still here. Brian: You've been doing this for 20 years. Is it an industry or a position that you recommend to others at all? Lowell: Wow. So when I bought the business is much smaller, the company was, and we make name badges. It's bulk of our business, but we do other things like promotional products and signage and sandblasting. There is definitely a lot of that being done around the country. With the internet, we were able to start selling nationally a little bit easier with our website and you know, using SEO. To grow it, you have to have a lot of customers because what we're selling is smaller items. So we have over 40,000 business customers across the country. And it takes that many just to do the volume we do and keep 27 people employed. It's doable. I think the hardest part is to grow it from nothing….like my mom, she took it from nothing, you know, one employee, part time employee to 16 employees. That was probably the hardest part of the company, that initial growth phase. For me,