CV Hustle

CV Hustle

A Podcast created to educate, inform & inspire entrepreneurship here in our Coachella Valley. We will be talking to some of the best & brightest entrepreneurs in the Coachella Valley about how they started their journey in entrepreneurship.

Episodes

May 22, 2025 65 mins

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We sit down with local comedian Elijah James to explore how he's building the comedy scene in Coachella Valley through his Upcycle Comedy shows at a vintage thrift store in downtown Indio.

• Palm Desert native who discovered comedy as a way to connect with others while moving around as a kid
• Started comedy shortly before COVID after attending Arizona State University and working various jobs includ...

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Jeremy Collier, founder of Weights and Bake, shares his incredible journey from sleeping on his mother's couch in Alabama to becoming a successful health food entrepreneur in California's Coachella Valley.

• Growing up in Alabama and moving to Nashville at 28 to attend Tennessee State University
• Meeting his wife on Instagram and supporting his family by working multiple jobs while in college

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Adrienne Wiley shares the inspiring journey of how she transformed her creative side hustle into a thriving jewelry business with Covet Palm Springs. Originally from Chattanooga, Tennessee, Adrienne built an empire that went from selling handmade jewelry to coworkers during lunch breaks to supplying nearly 900 wholesale accounts and opening multiple retail locations.

• Starting as a creative outlet from her c...

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Australian guitarist and songwriter Dani Stefanetti shares her musical journey from Perth to the Coachella Valley, discussing how she found confidence through her instrument and built a career spanning two continents.

• Started playing guitar at age 8 and performing shows by age 12
• Practiced up to seven hours daily as a teenager to master her craft
• Influenced by Stevie Ray Vaughan, Jimi Hendrix, J...

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In this episode of CV Hustle, hosts Robert Meraz and Fina Meraz introduce Dr. Mike Jerez, a chiropractor with a fascinating backstory. Dr. Jerez discusses his upbringing in Brooklyn, his Dominican heritage, and his family's immigration journey. He shares his experiences as a combat medic in the U.S. Navy and Marines, detailing the challenges and dangers he faced during deployments in Iraq. Dr. Jerez explains how ...

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Dave and Carrie Isen share their journey from managing high-end vacation properties through Locale Concierge to launching Desert Rodeo, a Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association sanctioned event taking place during Stagecoach weekend in Thermal, CA. Their entrepreneurial spirit and deep ...

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What happens when an artist takes up the straight razor? Meet Ian Gerald, owner of Palm Desert Barbershop and two-time winner of Barbershop of the Year in the Coachella Valley. His unexpected journey from professional BMX rider to master barber began with a devastating diagnosis of multiple sclerosis at age 18, forcing him to reimagine his future.

In this candid conversation, Ian reveals how discovering the t...

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Margaret Clark and Ashley Skarin share the inspiring journey of building The Body Deli, a locally-made natural skincare brand that has become a Coachella Valley success story. Through determination and innovative thinking, they've grown from kitchen experiments to owning two retail locations while maintaining their commitment to quality and sustainability.

• Margaret's entrepreneurial spirit emerged...

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When Shay Moraga found a lump in her breast at 38, doctors dismissed her concerns: "You're too young for breast cancer." That dismissal led to a delayed diagnosis of aggressive stage three cancer and a grueling treatment journey. But the real challenge came after she was declared cancer-free.

"Everyone celebrates and helps you through treatment," Shay explains. "Then you say &apo...

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Amir Afshar, a prominent Coachella Valley attorney, shares his unconventional journey from USC rejection to becoming a respected business and real estate lawyer with his own practice spanning 16 years.

• Early social media adoption for law practice marketing when traditional advertising was cost-prohibitive
• Turning educational rejection into motivation after being denied USC admission despite meeting re...

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Meet Amos Greenwood, the dynamic force behind My Party Rental Guys and Pest Protect 360, whose journey from poverty to entrepreneurship embodies the spirit of determination and grit that defines the Coachella Valley business community.

Abandoned by his mother at 17 with limited reading abilities and no high school diploma, Amos refused to let circumstances define his future. Through sheer determination, he se...

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Join us for an eye-opening conversation with financial expert Kyle Bryant about the importance of financial literacy and wealth-building strategies. Kyle shares insights on life insurance, investments, and practical tips for modern money management.

• The significance of financial education 
• Kyle’s personal journey into financial advisory 
• Responsibilities and benefits of life insurance 
• Und...

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February 13, 2025 17 mins

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Fina Meraz shares her entrepreneurial journey as she prepares to launch a new slab studio in Palm Desert, aiming to offer unique and innovative design solutions that the Coachella Valley lacks. The episode touches on risks, community connections, and the exciting future of local entrepreneurship. 
• Fina introduces her new slab studio and its offerings 
• Focus on customizing options for clients and designers ...

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February 5, 2025 6 mins

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We reflect on the lessons learned from Season One of CV Hustle, shining a light on the diverse journey of local entrepreneurs. Insights range from the surprising value of stability and contentment in business to the many paths that lead people to entrepreneurship. 
• Reflecting on shared stories and experiences from local entrepreneurs 
• Emphasis on the importance of stability over relentless growth 
• Un...

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What does it take to turn a family carpet cleaning business into a thriving enterprise amidst economic downturns and personal challenges? Join us on CV Hustle as we sit down with Josh Willis, owner of Carpet and Tile Care Company, who shares his incredible journey from Fontana to the Coachella Valley in the early '80s, and how he transformed his family's home-based operation into a successful company. Josh r...

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Have you ever wondered what it takes to bounce back from the brink, reinvent oneself, and grasp success in various arenas of life? Well, buckle up as Charlie Ervin, a powerhouse entrepreneur, school board member, and n...

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When the tracks of life converge with family legacy and entrepreneurial spirit, incredible stories emerge. That's exactly what we unpack with Dr. Randolph Meraz and Dr. Michael Meraz, two of Coachella Valley's esteemed dentists from my own lineage. Embark on a ride from youthful adventures on freight trains to the foundation of a dental dynasty in Indio, a tale of resilience and resourcefulness. Witness the ...

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Imagine stepping into the entrepreneurial arena before you've even tossed your graduation cap into the air. Elissa Galindo did just that, and her drive is nothing short of infectious. On CV Hustle, we're thrilled to have her unpack the journey of Liana's Lavish Cleaning, a testament to the grit of Coachella Valley's youth. From the influence of family roots to the shrewd use of social media, Elissa...

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When Mariano Ramirez swapped his warehouse ID for an architect's drafting table, he and Yvette, his partner in life and business, embarked on an entrepreneurial adventure that's nothing short of a blueprint for success. On CV Hustle, we're thrilled to welcome the founders of M Design Group, who share the exhilarating tale of their transformation from clocking in at a nine-to-five to crafting a flourishi...

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Picture the Coachella Valley, not just as a backdrop for music festivals, but as a canvas for the entrepreneurial dreams of Greg Rangel and Ruben Reyes. Greg, a self-made success in the electrical business, and Ruben, the culinary mind behind Gastrogrind Burgers, share their relentless pursuit of business innovation and the mouth-watering journey of a burger maestro. As we chat, you'll feel the warmth of their fa...

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