My SGV Podcast
Welcome to the My SGV Podcast. A show where you will hear personal stories of triumph over failures, and how others successfully navigated the unique landscape that is the San Gabriel Valley. What makes us different? Well, just like you, we have chosen the San Gabriel Valley for our home or businesses, or both. We believe it is the people and small businesses that make this community great and we love to share their stories with you. We always encourage your questions and feedback and you can find all of our contact information at sgvmasterkey.com.
Episodes
Chris Martinez is a second-generation Cuban American from Miami whose life took flight in 2010 when he enlisted in the military and served in Hawaii. At just 23, he began investing in real estate—building a portfolio across Florida, Hawaii, and California. His early success speaks to his entrepreneurial mindset and strategic vision.
By 2017, Chris fully transitioned out of the military to launch a vacation rental busin...
Jackson Ridd is a Los Angeles–based mentalist and magician whose performances blend psychological insights with theatrical flair. A resident star at Black Rabbit Rose, Rideau Speakeasy, and the Wonzimer Gallery, Jackson delivers immersive stage shows and intimate close‑up routines. His work has been praised as “both perplexing and haunting,” reflecting his talent for forging deep, psychic connections with audiences.
Hi...
Jonathan “JDM” Wong’s journey reads like the ultimate dream for anyone immersed in Japanese car culture. Born in Hollywood and raised in Pasadena, he fell in love with modified JDM cars as a teen. Alongside high school friends, he co-founded Team Macross 7, linking up with other import crews through AOL’s Import Racing chatrooms and staging drag races and car shows across the SGV—solidifying his place in SoCal’s grass...
Erika Herrera and Milton Arredondo are the heart and soul behind Domestic BBQ, the family-owned California-style barbecue spot that’s become a local favorite in La Puente and Covina. They made the bold leap from corporate life to smoky kitchens, turning a weekend hobby into a flourishing restaurant. Their success isn’t just about cooking—it’s about bringing people together with food that feels both comforting and inve...
Amber Tan and Waldo Yan didn’t set out to build a viral dessert destination—but that’s exactly what they’ve done with 626 Hospitality Group, home of the wildly beloved 626 Ice Cream in Arcadia, CA. What began as a passion project blending heritage, nostalgia, and culinary creativity has now become one of the most talked-about food spots in the San Gabriel Valley. From lychee-strawberry swirls to yakult soft serve, the...
If you’ve spent any time in the San Gabriel Valley, you’ve probably crossed paths with Jason Marshak—or at least with someone who’s used his pomade. A proud Alhambra native for over 40 years, Jason is the founder and face behind Dr. Rubin’s Pomade, a locally loved grooming brand rooted in tradition and style. What started with a 1944 formula has grown into a movement of smell-good, look-good, feel-good energy—bottled ...
Maryvale began in 1856 when five nuns from the Daughters of Charity opened Los Angeles’ first orphanage and hospital—initially a small wood-frame home near what is now Union Station. By 1891, it had moved to a larger facility in Boyle Heights, becoming a safe haven for thousands of children. When freeway expansion and earthquake damage threatened that site, generous benefactors—including Carrie Estelle Doheny—helped r...
Alex Tran is a 21-year-old Vietnamese-Chinese American entrepreneur, behavioral specialist, and founder of Fish Kings—a growing aquatic business based in Southern California. Balancing work in mental health with running a hands-on business, Alex has carved out a unique path grounded in purpose, discipline, and a desire to uplift others.
Raised in a challenging family environment, Alex chose early on to break cycles rat...
Rubina Chadha is a trauma-informed mindfulness educator, breathwork facilitator, and award-winning designer whose work bridges creativity, wellness, and conscious leadership. A graduate of ArtCenter College of Design and UCLA’s Education Certificate Program, she began her career in the entertainment industry before founding Inner Design — a platform that helps high-achieving professionals reconnect with their inner cr...
Cathy SK Lam-Patrie is a Hong Kong-born, Los Angeles-based pastor, producer, and award-winning theatre artist whose work bridges faith, justice, and the arts. She is the founder of ThreeWoods Playwright and the artistic director of Kairos Arts Development Company, the Hong Kong Ideation Arts Festival, and the Let’s Be Together Arts Festival. In 2024, she received the Hong Kong Arts Development Award’s Young Artist Awa...
Johanna Atienza and Paul Pulver are the Chief Growth and Innovation Officer and the CEO of Options for Learning respectively.
Johanna brings over 15 years of experience in higher education and community-based programming to her role. Before joining Options for Learning in 2022, she served as the Associate Vice President of Advancement and External Relations at Pacific Oaks College and Children’s School. Johan...
Brayan Altamirano’s journey to becoming a touring photographer is a testament to the power of perseverance and transformation. Initially driven by a passion for music, Brayan’s dream of stardom seemed within reach, but without the right support and motivation, those aspirations were shattered. However, fate had a different path in store for him, one that would see him rise to prominence behind the lens rather than on ...
Jesse R. Jaime Sr. is a dedicated Lead Campus Supervisor 2 (Safety) at San Dimas High School within the Bonita Unified School District, where he plays a pivotal role in ensuring the safety and well-being of students and staff. A proud member of the El Monte/Rosemead community, Jesse is deeply committed to giving back to the people and youth of his hometown. His personal and professional mission revolves around helping...
Lizette Valles is a passionate educator, Latina leader, and innovator in the world of alternative education. As a co-founder of the California Microschool Collective, established in 2024, Lizette has been at the forefront of the microschooling movement, advocating for personalized and trauma-informed learning environments that empower all children to thrive. She is also the founder of Compass Educators and Ellemercito...
Jayme Kiyomura Chan is a passionate and accomplished leader in both the culinary and sports worlds. Born and raised in Pasadena, California, she is a proud product of the San Gabriel Valley and a long-time resident. Jayme attended La Salle High School, where she was a standout four-year varsity basketball player, laying the foundation for a career dedicated to empowering others both in the kitchen and on the court.
Jeanne E. Raya is the dynamic President of the John L Raya Insurance Agency, Inc., a well-respected minority women-owned business established in 1960. Under her leadership, the agency has carved out a niche of expertise, especially in working with non-profit organizations and medical facilities. With a deep-rooted commitment to both her profession and her community, Jeanne has dedicated her career to not only running ...
Jessica Ramos is a 31-year-old registered nurse and passionate advocate for domestic violence awareness, drawing from her personal journey of survival and healing. Born and raised in the San Gabriel Valley, Jessica’s life has been shaped by her strong foundation in faith and education, which she received through attending Catholic school from preschool through college. As a teenager, she built some of her best memorie...
Anthea Peter-Vallejo, also known as “TT,” is a devoted homeschooling mom of two who is deeply committed to providing a nurturing and well-rounded educational environment for her children. Her passion for teaching extends beyond traditional academics; Anthea is also a black belt in jiu-jitsu, a discipline that has shaped much of her life and the way she approaches parenting, fitness, and personal growth.
Her j...
Dan Gilbert is a versatile and multi-talented artist based in East Pasadena, CA, whose career spans multiple aspects of the entertainment industry. Known for his work as a special FX makeup artist, actor, puppeteer, stuntman, voice actor, and wood carver, Dan brings a unique blend of creativity, skill, and passion to every project he touches.
His impressive list of credits includes major television and film p...
Justin Sasada is a licensed architect, educator, and dedicated community advocate based in Monterey Park, California. With a passion for design and a deep commitment to education, Justin has built a career that spans residential architecture, teaching at the college level, and serving as co-chair of the AIA (American Institute of Architects) ACLA (Architecture for Communities Los Angeles) Higher Education Committee. H...
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