Episodes

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 ...

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 hi...

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 Rivia, 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 t...

In this episode, Bret interviews Chamber team member and Spira 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 ...

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 e...

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 ...

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 i...

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 comp...

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 ba...

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 ...

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 ...

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 catal...

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 transform...

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 ...

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 pro...

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 d...

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 entrepreneur...

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...

Have you ever wondered what it takes to transform a spontaneous idea into a thriving business? Or how a passion for art can turn a simple donut into a masterpiece? In episode 146 of Carlsbad: People, Purpose and Impact, I chat with the delightful Renee Bexiga, owner of Get N Go Donuts, who spills the beans on her unique journey from college student to donut entrepreneur. Renee's story is as sweet as her creations. From her college days at San Diego State University to her spontaneous leap into ...

What drives a man to leap from a stable corporate career into the world of motivational speaking? How do personal struggles transform into powerful narratives that inspire change? In episode 145 of "Carlsbad: People, Purpose, and Impact," I sit down with the remarkable Devin Hughes, Chief Inspiration Officer at Devin Hughes Enterprises. Devin unveils his compelling journey from a challenging childhood, marked by struggles with literacy and discipline, to becoming a beacon of inspiration. Discove...

How is the Carlsbad Educational Foundation reshaping the future of education? What innovative projects are transforming classrooms today? Join me as I sit down with Laura Pitts, the dynamic CEO of the Carlsbad Educational Foundation, to explore these questions and more. In this episode of "Carlsbad: People, Purpose and Impact," Laura shares her inspiring journey from Ann Arbor, Michigan, through her academic pursuits at the University of Michigan and Purdue University Global, to her impactful r...

Have you ever wondered how a chance encounter at a Christmas party could change the course of your career? Or how a former dressmaker from New York found his calling in financial advising amidst a market crash? In this episode of Carlsbad: People, Purpose, and Impact, I had the pleasure of chatting with Andrew Lippman, who shares his fascinating journey from the bustling streets of New York to the welcoming embrace of Carlsbad. Andrew's story is one of remarkable adaptability and resilience. He...

Ever wondered how a simple cake can transform a child's life? In episode 142 of "Carlsbad: People, Purpose, and Impact," I dive into this heartwarming topic with the incredible Cari Yuen, San Diego County ambassador for Cake For Kids. From her roots in Hawaii to a dynamic career in Silicon Valley with tech giants like Boeing and Amazon, Cari's journey is nothing short of inspiring. But it's her current mission that truly captivates. After relocating to Carlsbad for a purposeful sabbatical, Cari...