In this episode, Stuart Takehara interviews Dan Lipton, CEO of Beach Cities Media, about navigating the challenges faced by small businesses in the hospitality and tourism sectors, especially during and after COVID-19. They explore strategies for resilience, digital pivoting, and community engagement to thrive in uncertain economic times.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Small Business Resiliency Series

02:30 The Journey of Beach Cities Media

07:16 Impact of COVID-19 on Small Businesses

13:31 Current Challenges in the Hospitality Industry

20:52 Advice for New Business Owners

25:07 Looking Ahead: Optimism for the Future

Sound Bites

"Elevate your customer experience to stand out"

"The middle class gets squeezed in today’s economy"

"Travelers spend more than they originally plan to"

In this episode, trademark attorney Joachim Roe shares essential insights for small business owners on how to protect their brand through trademarks, the importance of conducting proper searches, and the process of registration. Learn how trademarks can be a valuable asset and safeguard your business from legal conflicts.

Key Topics

• Importance of trademarks for small businesses
• How to conduct a trademark search
• The trademark registration process and costs
• Trademarking domain names and digital assets
• Trademarking sounds, smells, and designs

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Trademark Importance

03:02 Understanding Trademark Searches

05:41 The Role of USPTO in Trademark Registration

08:34 Conducting Effective Trademark Searches

11:13 What Makes a Good Trademarkable Name?

13:54 The Impact of Brand Recognition

16:50 Navigating Domain Name Issues

19:27 Understanding Trade Secrets vs. Trademarks

22:00 Understanding Trademark Ownership and Domain Rights

25:16 The Scope of Trademark Protection

29:01 Monetizing Trademarks: Beyond Protection

31:23 Trademark Registration Process: Costs and Timeframes

38:08 The Importance of Trademark in Business Identity

In this episode of The Catalyst, host Stuart Takehara interviews Jenna Markley, the principal of BRR Architecture's Long Beach office. Jenna shares her journey from San Francisco to Long Beach, discussing the strategic decision to open a new office in a city rich with architectural talent and community spirit.

She emphasizes the importance of collaboration in architecture, the unique culture of Long Beach, and her vision for creating a dynamic workspace.

Jenna also offers valuable advice for aspiring architects and professionals, highlighting the significance of goal-setting and believing in oneself.

Key Topics

• Choosing Long Beach for strategic location and talent pool
• Workforce development and local architecture schools
• Office culture and collaboration in architecture
• Goal setting and career advancement in architecture
• Designing office space to foster innovation and flexibility

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to BRR Architecture and Jenna Markley

02:58 Choosing Long Beach: A Strategic Decision

06:26 Connecting with Local Schools for Workforce Development

09:09 The Unique Community of Long Beach

10:30 Opening the Long Beach Office: A Personal Journey

16:13 Building a Collaborative Office Culture

19:37 Designing a Dynamic Workspace

22:54 Advice for Aspiring Architects and Professionals

In this episode of The Catalyst, Stuart Takehara discusses the importance of maximizing your membership in the Long Beach Chamber of Commerce. He emphasizes the value of networking, building relationships, and actively participating in events to grow your business. Stuart shares personal anecdotes and insights on how consistent engagement can lead to significant opportunities, especially with the upcoming LA 28 Games. He encourages members to prioritize their involvement and take advantage of the numerous events offered by the Chamber.

Takeaways

• The importance of consistency in attending Chamber events.
• Networking can lead to unexpected business opportunities.
• Building relationships takes time and effort.
• Don't be discouraged by competition; focus on your unique value.
• Active participation in events is crucial for success.
• The Chamber provides a platform for community growth.
• Personal connections can lead to significant contracts.
• Engagement in the Chamber can enhance business visibility.
• The upcoming LA 28 Games present unique opportunities.
• Every event is a chance to market your business effectively.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Catalyst Podcast

00:57 Maximizing Chamber Membership Benefits

07:06 The Importance of Networking and Relationships

09:21 Upcoming Opportunities with the LA 28 Games

12:01 Engagement and Participation in Chamber Events

Stuart Takehara, Vice President of Membership

562-972-1944

stakehara@lbchamber.com

In this episode of The Catalyst, host Stuart Takahara discusses the critical topics of talent recruitment, retention, and employee lifestyle with guests Kirsten Stromberg and Walter Saper from Venture.

They explore the concept of building a magnetic employer brand, the importance of company culture, and the steps organizations can take to attract and retain top talent.

The conversation also delves into the significance of effective onboarding processes, especially in the first 90 days, and how remote work is reshaping the global talent pool.

The episode concludes with insights into future trends in the workforce, including the impact of AI and automation.

In this engaging conversation, the speakers delve into the evolving landscape of recruitment, the challenges posed by remote work, and the impact of AI on job markets.

They share insights on the importance of expanding talent pools, the necessity of trust in remote work environments, and the humorous side of recruitment experiences.

The discussion highlights the need for adaptability in hiring practices and the potential for AI to create new job opportunities while also transforming existing roles.

Takeaways

The playing field has leveled between employers and employees.

Building a magnetic employer brand requires consistency in messaging.

Candidates are looking for growth opportunities, not just salary. Company culture is more important than ever in recruitment.

The first 90 days of onboarding are crucial for retention. Onboarding should be a structured and consistent process.

Remote employees should be treated the same as in-office employees.

The global talent pool is expanding, changing recruitment strategies.

Companies must adapt to the future of work with technology and flexibility.

Investing in employee development is key to attracting talent.

Recruitment challenges are heightened in a low unemployment environment.

Expanding the talent pool beyond local areas can yield better results.

Trust in remote workers can be established through measurable outputs.

AI is transforming job roles, particularly in customer service and marketing.

There is a growing opportunity in trades as younger generations shift focus.

Companies must invest in training to keep up with AI advancements.

Humor and unpredictability are common in recruitment experiences.

Effective interviewing requires probing beyond surface-level answers.

AI can create jobs in technology and data management.

The future of work will require adaptability and continuous learning.

Declutter Your Business Message: The Art of Less Is More

Imagine trying to serve 10 different cuisines at once... chaotic, right? That's your business messaging when you're trying to be everything to everyone.

This episode is your crash course in decluttering your brand, making your message clear, focused, and irresistible to the right audience.In this episode:

• Why aiming to be all things to all people is your brand's biggest mistake
• The power of niching: how a targeted message attracts loyal fans like bees to honey
• Practical steps to organize, clean up, and streamline your brand messaging
• The importance of consistency across all channels, from website to social media
• How to avoid homemade spaghetti messaging—keep it tight, authentic, and brief
• Real-world examples: sports bars, restaurants, and casinos that nailed their messaging turnarounds
• Tips for using AI tools to detect discrepancies and refine your message
• How to keep your brand fresh and relevant with ongoing decluttering

Timestamps:

00:00 - Welcome to decluttering your brand messaging

02:17 - Why trying to be everything to everyone backfires

03:50 - Focus on your niche for better marketing and loyal customers

05:25 - Case study: Watch Me Sports Bar's focused branding

08:17 - The buffet effect: quality over everything

13:33 - First steps to decluttering: organize your messaging

16:27 - Use AI to identify inconsistencies across channels

20:07 - Edit ruthlessly: reduce wordiness and descriptors

23:03 - The importance of honest claims in marketing

26:42 - Final checks: cross-check your messaging across platforms

38:28 - Authentic brevity as a branding superpower

39:46 - Wrapping it all up: declutter to amplify your brand

Most small business owners are still stuck in the old SEO days, but AI has hit the scene and flipped the game upside down.

Kris Gregson from Local Lenz AI reveals how AI now acts as your new best friend (or worst nightmare) in local search. Think Google’s answer box on steroids, no more relying solely on keywords or backlinks.

If your website isn’t optimized for AI’s new intelligence, you might as well be invisible.You'll discover why 55% of searches end without a click by 2025, and how AI is reshaping everything from Google rankings to pay-per-click ads.

Kris breaks down essential tactics like schema markup, detailed reviews, and fresh Google My Business updates, that make your business the go-to answer, not just a link.

Plus, learn how to leverage AI tools for prompts, content creation, and even crafting blogs that actually get read.

Fail to adapt, and you'll be left in the dust as AI continues to evolve into a super-intelligent agent making decisions for consumers before they even click.

This episode isn’t just for techies; it’s for every local business owner who wants to stay relevant.

Whether you’re a brick-and-mortar or online shop, mastering these AI signals is your ticket to staying on the map and ahead of the competition.

Tune in if you’re ready to future-proof your business and stop playing catch-up in the AI-powered world.

Get started today or risk fading into digital obscurity. Kris Gregson, president of the Chamber’s Small Business Council, drops real-world tips and insights that will have you thinking smarter about your online presence—because the future waits for no one.

Most nonprofits think a big budget is what makes a compelling video. Mike Bauch and Philip Redd reveal why storytelling — not spending — is your secret weapon to turn viewers into supporters.

Ready to see how a 3-minute video can change lives and boost your cause?

This episode dives into the magic behind creating videos that resonate, whether for a gala or social media.

Mike shares his insider tips on using just an iPhone to craft powerful content, from capturing authentic moments to mastering sound and lighting — no Hollywood budget required.

Meanwhile, Philip offers a behind-the-scenes look at how videos tell stories that move donors from awareness to action, especially for smaller nonprofits with limited resources.You'll discover:

• Why emotional storytelling beats fancy effects (and how to do it)
• The importance of capturing authentic moments over perfection
• How to leverage simple equipment like your phone for professional results
• Why a small, heartfelt video can have a bigger impact than millions of views
• Creative ways to repurpose footage across events, social media, and donor events

If you’re a nonprofit leader feeling stuck on how to boost your visibility without a Hollywood tech crew, this episode is your new best friend. It’s not about how much you spend — it’s about how well you tell your story.

Because at the end of the day, a heartfelt video creates a lasting impression far beyond the static numbers.Trust us, this is essential listening if you want your nonprofit's story to shine on a shoestring budget. Grab your phone, and let’s make an impact — one story at a time.

Mike Bauch is the director of Wolfgang Media and a seasoned videographer known for transforming simple footage into emotionally resonant stories for nonprofits and brands alike.

Philip Redd is the program director at the Boys and Girls Club of Long Beach, responsible for harnessing video storytelling to inspire donors and community support.