Fred Talk with Freddy Vasquez

This week, we’re thrilled to introduce Michael Adams, the passionate owner of Firehouse Coffee, hailing from Fleetwood, PA. With 33 years as a paramedic in Berks County and on a MedEvac helicopter, Michael’s no stranger to high-stakes situations. But it’s his love for coffee, sparked by a life-changing cup at a California coffee kiosk, that led him to create Firehouse Coffee, where he’s now roasting beans and crafting unique flavors like their brand-new French Toast Coffee. Michael’s journey is fueled by his roots, raised by his great-grandmother and grandmother, who always had coffee brewing, and a commitment to surrounding himself with good people, like his dedicated “9-1-1 Bean Team.” He’s here to share his insights on coffee roasting (did you know beans crack like popcorn?), his family, and the exciting expansion Firehouse Coffee has in the works. With a story full of grit, passion, and a drive for success, Michael’s ready to spill the beans on what makes his business thrive. Learn More About Michael Adams & Firehouse Coffee Website: Firehouse Coffee Facebook: @FirehouseCoffeeCompany Instagram: @firehousecoffeecompany X: @FirehouseCoffeeCompany YouTube: Firehouse Coffee Connect with FXV Digital Design Website: FXV Digital Design LinkedIn: @fxv-digital-design Instagram: @fxvdigital TikTok: @fxvdigital Show Notes Produced By: Joseph Mikucki Music By: Beats by Dai

Kacie Griffith is one half of the duo behind The Bar Cart, a cocktail bar and bottle shop on the 700 block of Penn Ave. Kacie hails from the coal region, but made her way to Alvernia College in 2001 as a 3-time PAC championship basketball player and criminal justice major. With deep roots in the service industry, she has always found her way back to the bar/restaurant scene - eventually meeting and marrying Chris Griffith over a decade ago. Turns out he was a service industry lifer too. Learn More About Kacie Griffith and The Bar Cart Website: TheBarCartPA.com/ Facebook: @TheBarCartPA Instagram: @TheBarCart_PA Connect with FXV Digital Design Website: FXV Digital Design LinkedIn: @fxv-digital-design Instagram: @fxvdigital TikTok: @fxvdigital Show Notes Produced By: Joseph Mikucki Music By: Beats by Dai

You work hard to reach a pinnacle, and you fall just short of getting there. Having Jack on the show the day after the latest primary was perfect timing. I was feeling down due to the unfavorable results, but he shared his own story of defeat and quickly snapped me out of my funk! Jack also went on to discuss very important changes and happenings in the City of Reading, and how you can actually seek funding to become a partner in the city’s rise. Entrepreneurs and small businesses in our area were always the backbone, but now they have the ability to become dreamers again, and we can all benefit. Learn More About Jack Gombach LinkedIn: @jack-gombach Facebook: @JackForPA X: @Jack4PA Connect with FXV Digital Design Website: FXV Digital Design LinkedIn: @fxv-digital-design Instagram: @fxvdigital TikTok: @fxvdigital Show Notes Produced By: Joseph Mikucki Music By: Beats by Dai

Imagine being 42 years old and diagnosed with young-onset Parkinson's disease. Well, this was Bobby after getting what he thought was a nervous tick looked at by multiple doctors. These tremors caused constant pain, embarrassment, and a profound decline in his quality of life. He battled deep depression and felt like an unfit father and husband for years, causing him to question how he could go on living this way. Fast forward to 2022, and Bobby’s life took another turn, but this time in a miraculous direction. A ray of hope emerged with news of clinical trials for a groundbreaking tremor treatment known as Focused Ultrasound. Bobby received the life-changing treatment in June 2022, promptly inspiring him to help others suffering with tremors. In 2024, Bobby Krause founded the Be Still Foundation. It's mission is to empower and uplift those in need, along with their families. Through compassionate strength and financial resources, the Be Still Foundation delivers Focused Ultrasound awareness and treatments to greatly enhance quality of life of those in need. Learn More About Bobby Krause & The Be Still Foundation Website: Be Still Foundation LinkedIn: @bobby-krause Instagram: @b.stillfoundation Facebook: @bestill.foundation Connect with FXV Digital Design Website: FXV Digital Design LinkedIn: @fxv-digital-design Instagram: @fxvdigital TikTok: @fxvdigital Show Notes Produced By: Joseph Mikucki Music By: Beats by Dai

Finally got my man Dr. Bill Moss on the podcast! Dr. Bill and I always have the greatest conversations. We'll see each other in passing and it becomes an hour before we realize what's happened. I love every moment we get together. On this episode, we get into Life Activation - a new awakening of sorts that Dr. Bill has been offering for some time now. It's a game-changer for those who want to find their purpose and connect with their higher self. Learn More About Dr. Bill Moss Website: Center at Keystone LinkedIn: @bill-moss Instagram: @centeratkeystone Facebook: @centeratkeystone Connect with FXV Digital Design Website: FXV Digital Design LinkedIn: @fxv-digital-design Instagram: @fxvdigital TikTok: @fxvdigital Show Notes Produced By: Joseph Mikucki Music By: Beats by Dai

I had a blast catching up with Dallan this week! He shared his new role as Director of Membership at the GRCA, life with his son, Jude, and we even cracked up over his meme-making for Julian Edelman’s Patriots podcast. Dallan’s also super-pumped about the GRCA’s work connecting local businesses through networking, newsletters, and blogs, urging members to dive in and elevate their brand. Learn More About Dallan Yoh and the GRCA Website: GRCA LinkedIn: @greater-reading-chamber-alliance Instagram: @greaterreadingchamberalliance Facebook: @GreaterReadingChamber Connect with FXV Digital Design Website: FXV Digital Design LinkedIn: @fxv-digital-design Instagram: @fxvdigital TikTok: @fxvdigital Show Notes Produced By: Joseph Mikucki Music By: Beats by Dai

Lauren Marks: A Passionate Advocate for Berks County Justice This interview was nothing short of inspiring. Lauren, a seasoned attorney with 20+ years of experience in civil, criminal, and family law, shared her journey and vision for the Berks County Court of Common Pleas. Her tenacity and heart for justice shine through in every word—proof that taking bold steps can transform a community! Vote for Lauren Marks on May 20th! Learn More About Lauren Marks Website: Elect Lauren Marks YouTube: @ElectLaurenMarks Instagram: @ElectLaurenMarks Facebook: @ElectLaurenMarks Connect with FXV Digital Design Website: FXV Digital Design LinkedIn: @fxv-digital-design Instagram: @fxvdigital TikTok: @fxvdigital Show Notes Produced By: Joseph Mikucki Music By: Beats by Dai

NOAH GIBNEY IS AN ESTABLISHED MUSICIAN ON HIS WAY TO PROFESSIONAL STARDOM – AND HE’S ONLY 16 YEARS OLD! I had the pleasure of catching an impromptu performance by Noah at the Habitat Berks Birdhouse Challenge. I was definitely infatuated with the vibe and knew I had to meet him one day. Lucky for me, I was actually contacted by a friend of his to possibly be a guest on the show. Sure enough, we got together and boy was this interview a great one! Noah has collaborated with G-Love, met the president, and all because he took a chance by sending out a message. You can’t beat tenacity! LEARN MORE ABOUT NOAH GIBNEY Spotify: Noah Gibney TikTok: @thenoah_gibney Instagram: @thenoah_gibney Facebook: @noah.gibney.359 CONNECT WITH FXV DIGITAL DESIGN Website: FXV Digital Design LinkedIn: @fxv-digital-design Instagram: @fxvdigital TikTok: @fxvdigital SHOW NOTES Produced By: Joseph Alexander Media Music By: Beats by Dai

Immortality does not exist. Eventually, it will be our time to move on to the next chapter, whatever that is depending on your beliefs. Lately, it's been on my brain based on the news I've received or events I've experienced. it gets you to think on many different levels. My own mortality weighs on me daily. I know what I need to do to improve, but I stay on this terrible path and nothing changes. But that's my own problem. If I want to change, I need to make a real effort. After I sit there and complain about myself for a while in my head, I move on to my loved ones. I watched a video a while back and it left a mark. A gentleman on a podcast spoke about how many times you have left to see your parents. I did the math and the number will scare you. You always think they'll be there forever, but reality sets in and you start to consider what you plan on doing to make that number larger. Connect with FXV Digital Design Website: https://fxvdigital.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fxv-digital-design/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fxvdigital/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@fxvdigital

DAN CLOUSER IN AN AUTHOR, BLOGGER, PODCASTER, SPEAKER, AND ADVENTURE SEEKER. The first time Dan was on Fred Talk, we spoke about him and his wife Sandy selling all of their possessions and leaving the normal routine of everyday life. Fast forward a couple of years and he’s back with a new book release, podcast, and more stories than you can count. Inspiring to say the least, Dan fills us in on his latest adventures to North Dakota, Kentucky, and how he’s looking forward to Canada and Alaska. But Dan is more than just traveling. We get into music, baseball, visiting unique ballparks, and so much more. My wife and I hope to follow in his footsteps sooner than later, and look forward to being able to talk about our own adventures. LEARN MORE ABOUT DAN CLOUSER Website: Journey of My Mother’s Son Podcast: Spotify Book: The Journey of My Mother’s Son Book: The Beauty of a Diamond CONNECT WITH FXV DIGITAL DESIGN Website: FXV Digital Design LinkedIn: @fxv-digital-design Instagram: @fxvdigital TikTok: @fxvdigital SHOW NOTES Produced By: Joseph Alexander Media Music By: Beats by Dai

I have a hard time saying no. I am often asked to attend events, contribute to community efforts, or simply give money, and the first word out of my mouth is always, Yes! But this time, it was almost more of a benefit to me than the actual organization asking for help. I had the amazing opportunity to interview Candace Nelson at the 2023 Greater Reading Chamber Alliance Dinner because she requested it be in that type of format. She had no interest in just showing up and speaking, so that opened the door for me to be that guy. Putting myself in an uncomfortable position put the fear of god in me. I was terrified. I stood up in front of over 800 people and had to be me. Freddy Vasquez. The guy with the white beard isn’t afraid of anything. Well, this evening, that was being put to the test. Show Notes GRCA: https://greaterreading.org/ Social Clover Marketing: https://socialclovermarketing.com/ Candace Nelson: https://candace-nelson.com/ Connect with FXV Digital Design Website: https://fxvdigital.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fxv-digital-design/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fxvdigital/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@fxvdigital

Jack Gombach is a relentless optimist and an advocate for Reading, PA, and its surrounding communities. I only met Jack a couple of times around town, but I love his vibe. He always has a smile on his face and is all about making his community better - one of my favorite traits! It was entertaining and informative being able to sit down with Jack and discuss Reading, PA, how the community can come together and make it better, and what may come. There's been so much talk about improvements, especially about the potential of having the train back in town and we try and break down what needs to happen to make it a reality. Learn More About Jack Gombach LinkedIn: @Jack-Gombach-for-PA Facebook: @JackForPA Website: McNees Wallace & Nurick Connect with FXV Digital Design Website: FXV Digital Design LinkedIn: @fxv-digital-design Instagram: @fxvdigital TikTok: @fxvdigital Show Notes Produced By: Joseph Alexander Media Music By: Beats by Dai

Visiting Charleston, SC was definitely an eye-opening experience. What I originally thought was going to be a trip full of overeating and complaints about walking, ended up being more than I could ever expect. Charleston was built on slave labor for almost two centuries. It was a key port for slavery, so much so that 80% of African Americans can potentially trace a relative that lived there. Even though the last remaining slave port in the US still resides in Charleston as a museum, most slaves were bought and sold right on the dock as they walked off the boats. When visiting Boone Hall Plantation, I realized slavery was real. I know it sounds like a dumb statement, but all I ever knew of slavery was from books in elementary school. To be on a piece of land that housed slavery was surreal. I visited slave homes as seen in the photo above. They were smaller than my office and housed 21 slaves. They were also a sign of wealth for the plantation owners. We can't forget history. I know this now that I visited Charleston and saw the horrors of slavery. Do yourself a favor and visit Charleston if you can. I guarantee it will leave a mark. Show Notes Poogan's Porch: https://www.poogansporch.com/ Brown Dog Deli: https://browndogdeli.com/ Boone Hall Plantation: https://www.boonehallplantation.com/ Connect with FXV Digital Design Website: https://fxvdigital.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fxv-digital-design/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fxvdigital/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@fxvdigital

Anthony Matz is the photographer and eye behind Berks County Views and one of my go-to photographers for FXV Digital Design. I was asked to participate in Career Day for Wyomissing Schools a year or so ago and I saw a gentleman with the same style in eyewear that I have. After chatting for a bit, I found out he was a freelance photographer and was pretty new to the game. Fast forward a few months and a few chance encounters, Anthony and I worked on our first project together and he let me in on the news that he was the eye behind Berks County Views. Learn More About Anthony Matz Website: Berks County Views Facebook: @BerksCountyViews Instagram: @BerksCountyViews TikTok: @BerksCountyViews Connect with FXV Digital Design Website: FXV Digital Design LinkedIn: @fxv-digital-design Instagram: @fxvdigital TikTok: @fxvdigital Show Notes Produced By: Joseph Alexander Media Music By: Beats by Dai

Brian Adams is the owner of The Art Room in West Reading, PA, and one of my most valued allies when it comes to philanthropy and making change. I met Brian two years ago when he contacted me to participate in The Awesome Toy Drive. Since then, we've always had the best conversations in his shop. We talk about small business, spill the tea on the avenue, and what we need to succeed in life. What I loved about this episode was our discussion about religion. It's refreshing to hear from a man who is technically not welcome in certain areas of the catholic church but still has faith. Oh, and before I forget, Brian was a personal shopper to the glamorous in New York City and even shopped for the hit movie Creed. Learn More About Brian Adams Website: The Art Room Facebook: @TheArtRoomWR Instagra,: @TheArtRoom_WR Connect with FXV Digital Design Website: FXV Digital Design LinkedIn: @fxv-digital-design Instagram: @fxvdigital TikTok: @fxvdigital Show Notes Produced By: Joseph Alexander Media Music By: Beats by Dai

Aaron Simser is the owner of Artistic Visions Wildlife in Douglassville, PA, and a badass United States Marine. Aaron was introduced to me by a friend of mine in the restaurant business. I was ignorant to the world of hunting and taxidermy, but I received a quick education when I was asked to visit Artistic Visions Wildlife. Words can't even begin to describe the creativity and art that goes into every piece that enters Aaron's shop. It's easy to jump to conclusions and pass judgment when you don't understand the lifestyle of a hunter. But befriending Aaron has taught me there's more to it than just killing an animal. The stories, relationships, and actual benefits to hunting and taxidermy are all right here from the master himself. Learn More About Aaron Simser Website: Artistic Visions Wildlife Facebook: @ArtisticVisionsTaxidermy Instagra,: @ArtisticVisionsWildlife Connect with FXV Digital Design Website: FXV Digital Design LinkedIn: @fxv-digital-design Instagram: @fxvdigital TikTok: @fxvdigital Show Notes Produced By: Joseph Alexander Media Music By: Beats by Dai

English Bradley is a passionate, overly-organized community member, and Administrative Manager at BCTV in Reading, PA. I met English a few years back at a networking event and we've been friends ever since. Her passion for community and outgoing positive attitude make it easy to have her in your circle of friends that help lift you to higher levels of success. She truly loves people and makes it a point to ensure she is at her best when she schedules to meet anyone. She literally schedules naps for self-care and for you! Learn More About English Bradley Website: BCTV LinkedIn: English Bradley Connect with FXV Digital Design Website: FXV Digital Design LinkedIn: @fxv-digital-design Instagram: @fxvdigital TikTok: @fxvdigital Show Notes Produced By: Joseph Alexander Media Music By: Beats by Dai

Brad Coley is an agent with Goosehead Insurance located in Reading, PA. Brad was a successful insurance agent with a local company when he started to see signs that the times were a changin'. To his dismay, he was let go and was a man with "no home, " only armed with years of insurance industry experience.  Brad describes being upset, shocked and compared it to a divorce. "Shit Happens!" is a direct quote, but after the initial grief period, he knew this would be the perfect time to take care of himself. Eating right, mentally getting stronger, and getting his "geese" in a row opened a brand new door to a better opportunity. Brad Coley's reputation precedes him, and I personally knew he would come out on top, ready to rock and roll like always. Learn More About Brad Coley Website: Goosehead Insurance LinkedIn: Brad Coley Connect with FXV Digital Design Website: FXV Digital Design LinkedIn: @fxv-digital-design Instagram: @fxvdigital TikTok: @fxvdigital Show Notes Produced By: Joseph Alexander Media Music By: Beats by Dai

John Whitehall is an entrepreneur and sales consultant with over 35 years of experience coaching high-performing and winning sales organizations in a variety of industries. When John and I get together, the stars align. The amount of knowledge he encompasses is astronomical and I always leave our conversations with more nuggets that help me with my day-to-day business strategies. It almost feels like stealing because the knowledge he bestows upon me is priceless. In this episode we discuss emotions in sales, and how it is pretty much the foundation of all of our decision-making. We also discuss role-playing and how practicing just about anything in life makes you better when it times to shine. Learn More About John Whitehall LinkedIn: John Whitehall Connect with FXV Digital Design Website: FXV Digital Design LinkedIn: @fxv-digital-design Instagram: @fxvdigital TikTok: @fxvdigital Show Notes Produced By: Joseph Alexander Media Music By: Beats by Dai

Beth McCormick is the owner and operator of Tri-Boba Food Truck, a small business she started to give her autistic son a chance. When her son turned 16, Beth decided to try and help her son get involved in the workforce. To her dismay, there weren't many vocational opportunities for not only her son but other kids with disabilities. With her vocational background and dream of being an entrepreneur, Beth decided to start Tri-Boba Food Truck. She retired early, started to sling bubble tea, and gave her son an opportunity. But her passion did not go unnoticed. Once word got out about her true mission behind Tri-Boba, other parents asked how their children could get involved. Now Beth is on her way to having 14 employees this season and who knows how far she can go? Beth is definitely a rockstar in our community. Learn More About Beth McCormick Website: Tri-Boba Food Truck Facebook: @TriBobaTruck Instagram: @TriBobaTruck Connect with FXV Digital Design Website: FXV Digital Design LinkedIn: @fxv-digital-design Instagram: @fxvdigital TikTok: @fxvdigital Show Notes Produced By: Joseph Alexander Media Music By: Beats by Dai