Mission CTRL

Is entrepreneurship an innate trait, or is it a skill that can be learned and developed? Can you think like an entrepreneur even as an employee? Are we in control of our circumstances or just in how we respond to them? These are the questions our next guest, Maria Colon, wrestled with, leading her to take bold action in making a drastic career shift into business ownership.  Maria Colon, founder of EFS Digital, joins Ramon and The PD Flight Crew at MissionCTRL studios this week to share her inspiring journey.  At just 17 years old, Maria migrated from the Dominican Republic to the United States after facing multiple rejections for her visa application—a hurdle that would have discouraged many. But Maria's determination was a pivotal factor that fueled her persistence. Destined for greatness, Maria initially followed the traditional path in pursuit of the American Dream. It wasn’t until Maria realized that the ladder she was climbing was leaning against the wrong building that she decided to change course. In this episode, you’ll hear how Maria rewired her brain, as a self-proclaimed life-long learner, launched EFS Digital. Now, she helps business owners connect with people and generate consistent revenue through sustainable and proven digital marketing systems.  Tune in to learn how the contributing factors in Maria’s journey reshaped her career and led her to entrepreneurial success! . . . Find Mission CTRL on Anchor, Apple Podcast, Spotify, and our website. Mission CTRL aims to ignite the innovative spirit inside us all through providing budding and successful entrepreneurs and community leaders with a platform to share their stories and inspire others. Tune in every Wednesday and catch up with the team at Peralta Design as we unleash the origin stories behind some exceptional leaders, share marketing/branding insights, and navigate the ever-changing currents of pop culture. Subscribe for weekly branding and entrepreneurial content here!  To learn more about Peralta Design's work visit peraltadesign.com. #welaunchbrands #digitalagency #mbeagency #mbe #digital #branding #marketing #web #startups #creative #BrandU #w2 #fulltime #leadership #contentcreator #contentstrategy #marketingstrategy #entrepreneurs #business #launchyourbrand

If you’re a golf fan and love entrepreneurial startup stories with unexpected plot twists, we’ve got you covered. This week on MissionCTRL, Ramon and the PD Flight Crew are joined by Ken Burns, founder of Bigga Balls, and Joe Ward, the company's Digital Marketing Manager. Burns started as a caddy at 12 and had his sights set on being a rock star but eventually joined the family construction business.  Burns Construction, founded by his dad, Ken Sr., in 1957 started as a residential paving company, but has since expanded its services to include utility companies and municipalities under Ken Jr’s leadership.  So how does someone with a background in construction pave a path into entrepreneurship and launch his very own golf brand? Ramon and the PD Flight Crew had plenty of questions, which Ken and Joe were eager to answer. Burns is a man with a grand vision and knows how to seize opportunities when they present themselves. To say Ken is a “Bigga Thinka” is an understatement! Tune in to also hear how Ken turned a simple request to park a food truck in the Burns Construction parking lot into the revitalization of the Cricket Car Hop, a Stratford community staple since 1949. This entrepreneurial journey is sure to inspire you to pull out the driver and go for the green! . . . Find Mission CTRL on Anchor, Apple Podcast, Spotify, and our website. Mission CTRL aims to ignite the innovative spirit inside us all through providing budding and successful entrepreneurs and community leaders with a platform to share their stories and inspire others. Tune in every Wednesday and catch up with the team at Peralta Design as we unleash the origin stories behind some exceptional leaders, share marketing/branding insights, and navigate the ever-changing currents of pop culture. Subscribe for weekly branding and entrepreneurial content here!  To learn more about Peralta Design's work visit peraltadesign.com. #welaunchbrands #digitalagency #mbeagency #mbe #digital #branding #marketing #web #startups #creative #BrandU #w2 #fulltime #leadership #contentcreator #contentstrategy #marketingstrategy #entrepreneurs #business #launchyourbrand

If you're a lover of words, board games, and what was once considered nerdy geek culture, you'll feel right at home with our next guest. Joining Ramon and the PD Flight Crew in the studio is Kelly de la Rocha. De la Rocha is a poet, journalist, and founder of Poem Renovation. Forty years ago, as a distraught teenager dealing with her parents' separation, Kelly turned to poetry to help make sense of her turbulent emotions. During the pandemic, De la Rocha once again felt her world falling apart and found new meaning in her old poems by rearranging their words. That experience became the foundation for Poem Renovation, an online word game that is picking up steam. Poem Renovation is a catalyst for creativity and a tool that aids in literacy. It's also used to help people sort through and communicate their thoughts and feelings. The initiative has found a home in schools, where students are still struggling to overcome the effects of COVID-19 on their mental health and academic performance. There's also immense potential for Poem Renovation to benefit the mental health and continuing care communities.  Tune in to hear how Kelly transformed her old poems into an online platform without any coding experience. In this episode, you'll learn how De la Rocha used the same creative tools as J. Cole to unleash her creativity, as well as how she used her command of the written and spoken word to attract her tribe. To learn more about Poem Renovation, watch their video . . . Find Mission CTRL on Anchor, Apple Podcast, Spotify, and our website. Mission CTRL aims to ignite the innovative spirit inside us all through providing budding and successful entrepreneurs and community leaders with a platform to share their stories and inspire others. Tune in every Wednesday and catch up with the team at Peralta Design as we unleash the origin stories behind some exceptional leaders, share marketing/branding insights, and navigate the ever-changing currents of pop culture. Subscribe for weekly branding and entrepreneurial content here!  To learn more about Peralta Design's work visit peraltadesign.com. #welaunchbrands #digitalagency #mbeagency #mbe #digital #branding #marketing #web #startups #creative #BrandU #w2 #fulltime #leadership #contentcreator #contentstrategy #marketingstrategy #entrepreneurs #business #launchyourbrand

This week on MissionCTRL, the PD Flight Crew is flying solo without Ramon, but the mission remains the same as Jorge steers the conversation alongside Kevin and Maggie in the studio. In this episode, the Flight Crew explores the challenges and best practices of networking, based on the practical principles they’ve applied over the years while building Peralta Design. Whether you’re an introvert or an extrovert, having the ability to win friends and influence people will directly impact your career and personal life. It’s no secret that people do business with those they like, know, and trust.  Tune in to this episode for tips on honing your networking skills. You’ll learn that networking is more than just handshakes and exchanging business cards—you need to have a method, process, and system for follow-up to get the most out of any event. Be sure to stay tuned until the end, where Jorge and the Flight Crew share upcoming networking events for you to implement the best practices discussed during this episode. . . . Find Mission CTRL on Anchor, Apple Podcast, Spotify, and our website. Mission CTRL aims to ignite the innovative spirit inside us all through providing budding and successful entrepreneurs and community leaders with a platform to share their stories and inspire others. Tune in every Wednesday and catch up with the team at Peralta Design as we unleash the origin stories behind some exceptional leaders, share marketing/branding insights, and navigate the ever-changing currents of pop culture. Subscribe for weekly branding and entrepreneurial content here!  To learn more about Peralta Design's work visit peraltadesign.com. #welaunchbrands #digitalagency #mbeagency #mbe #digital #branding #marketing #web #startups #creative #BrandU #w2 #fulltime #leadership #contentcreator #contentstrategy #marketingstrategy #entrepreneurs #business #launchyourbrand

Our guest this week on MissionCTRL is Gary Wallace, the owner and founder of Hall of GraFX, a full digital six color imaging center located in Providence, RI . Wallace joins Ramon and the PD Flight Crew to share his entrepreneurial journey, starting from his days as a B-Boy growing up with Ramon inProvidence, RI. Gary’s curiosity for technology and passion for art from an early age, combined with his street hustle entrepreneurial mindset, have afforded him the opportunity to travel around the world.  So how did a kid from the South Side of Providence manage to work with brands like GAP, Old Navy, Banana Republic, AMEX, Reebok, Timberland, L'Oreal, Ann Taylor, VH1, FUBU, POLO, DKNY, Louis Vuitton, HBO, and Showtime, just to name a few? Before diving into Wallace’s personal story of how he transitioned from employee to employer operating his own very successful large format print shop, Ramon and the PD Flight Crew explore the controversy behind the breakdancing segment of the Olympics with expert commentary from Gary, one of the original TC5 crew members. His refreshing perspective is sure to make your headspin! . . . Find Mission CTRL on Anchor, Apple Podcast, Spotify, and our website. Mission CTRL aims to ignite the innovative spirit inside us all through providing budding and successful entrepreneurs and community leaders with a platform to share their stories and inspire others. Tune in every Wednesday and catch up with the team at Peralta Design as we unleash the origin stories behind some exceptional leaders, share marketing/branding insights, and navigate the ever-changing currents of pop culture. Subscribe for weekly branding and entrepreneurial content here!  To learn more about Peralta Design's work visit peraltadesign.com. #welaunchbrands #digitalagency #mbeagency #mbe #digital #branding #marketing #web #startups #creative #BrandU #w2 #fulltime #leadership #contentcreator #contentstrategy #marketingstrategy #entrepreneurs #business #launchyourbrand

If you’re an entrepreneur or small business owner looking to get a handle on your business or seeking capital to scale, you won’t want to miss this episode. This week on MissionCTRL, Ramon and the PD Flight Crew are joined in the studio by Valerian Gomez. Gomez is a veteran entrepreneur and business advisor with a master's degree in organizational leadership, skilled in applying Lean Six Sigma principles.  Valerian grew up in the Bronx, New York, and majored in accounting. Although he excelled in the industry, he realized it was time to pivot. The work paid the bills, but it didn’t feed his spirit. Gomez decided to leave corporate America and enter the world of entrepreneurship, where he ran a successful Merry Maids franchise. After five years, he sold the business back to the franchise. Gomez has successfully directed both nonprofit and for-profit operations and has experience working within corporate settings as both an employee and entrepreneur. His diverse work experience gives him a unique perspective in serving clients at the Connecticut Small Business Association (CSBA), where he assists new and existing Connecticut entrepreneurs with their businesses. The CSBA provides a range of services, including startup assistance, scaling existing businesses, exploring capital access options, and applying Lean Six Sigma methodologies to improve operational efficiency. . . . Find Mission CTRL on Anchor, Apple Podcast, Spotify, and our website. Mission CTRL aims to ignite the innovative spirit inside us all through providing budding and successful entrepreneurs and community leaders with a platform to share their stories and inspire others. Tune in every Wednesday and catch up with the team at Peralta Design as we unleash the origin stories behind some exceptional leaders, share marketing/branding insights, and navigate the ever-changing currents of pop culture. Subscribe for weekly branding and entrepreneurial content here!  To learn more about Peralta Design's work visit peraltadesign.com. #welaunchbrands #digitalagency #mbeagency #mbe #digital #branding #marketing #web #startups #creative #BrandU #w2 #fulltime #leadership #contentcreator #contentstrategy #marketingstrategy #entrepreneurs #business #launchyourbrand

Christopher J. Wirth joins Ramon and the PD Flight Crew in the MissionCTRL studios to share his No Quit story and inspire the audience. Wirth is the founder and president of No Quit Living (NQL), a speaking, coaching, and training company that focuses on culture, leadership, mindset, and accountability. No Quit Living works with individuals, teams, and corporations to help improve profitability, accountability, and effectiveness. NQL was the rainbow Christopher created after going through a stormy divorce. Christopher aims to motivate and inspire his clients to never give up on themselves, their dreams, or their goals. He is a sought-after keynote speaker. After playing both basketball and tennis in college, Christopher began his coaching career as an AAU basketball coach (Amateur Athletic Union), collegiate basketball coach, and high school basketball coach. Before diving into Christopher’s journey into entrepreneurship, Ramon and the PD Flight Crew review the Olympic highlights.  . . . Find Mission CTRL on Anchor, Apple Podcast, Spotify, and our website. Mission CTRL aims to ignite the innovative spirit inside us all through providing budding and successful entrepreneurs and community leaders with a platform to share their stories and inspire others. Tune in every Wednesday and catch up with the team at Peralta Design as we unleash the origin stories behind some exceptional leaders, share marketing/branding insights, and navigate the ever-changing currents of pop culture. Subscribe for weekly branding and entrepreneurial content here!  To learn more about Peralta Design's work visit peraltadesign.com. #welaunchbrands #digitalagency #mbeagency #mbe #digital #branding #marketing #web #startups #creative #BrandU #w2 #fulltime #leadership #contentcreator #contentstrategy #marketingstrategy #entrepreneurs #business #launchyourbrand

This week on MissionCTRL, Ramon and the PD Flight Crew are joined by Joshua “Josh” Paiz, a fellow artist, auto enthusiast and founder of JPaiz Studios, for a riveting conversation about cars and his own personal evolution as a muralist. Paiz discovered his interest in art when his mother, a domestic worker, would bring home discarded scrap paper, which he used to create and entertain himself. As he immersed himself in the creative process, a passion started burning within him. Paiz faced the same frustration with the educational system that Sir Ken Robinson described as stifling students through a one-size-fits-all approach instead of nurturing their unique talents and creativity.  Paiz was fortunate to be surrounded by educators who fanned the flames of his passion and a mother who sacrificed by working odd jobs and collecting cans to place him in specialized art classes.  Though he was bullied as a kid, he discovered that his artistic talent gave him street credibility. Josh’s path to becoming a full-time freelance artist wasn’t without challenges.  Josh's journey mirrors that of Frank Shepard Fairey, the founder of Obey, who also took significant artistic risks along his path. Fairey's bold and unconventional approach to street art challenged societal norms and established him as a pioneering figure in the art world. Like Paiz, Fairey faced obstacles but leveraged his creativity to make a lasting impact.  Tune in to hear how Josh’s passion allowed him to travel the world, painting over 60 murals worldwide and counting . . . Find Mission CTRL on Anchor, Apple Podcast, Spotify, and our website. Mission CTRL aims to ignite the innovative spirit inside us all through providing budding and successful entrepreneurs and community leaders with a platform to share their stories and inspire others. Tune in every Wednesday and catch up with the team at Peralta Design as we unleash the origin stories behind some exceptional leaders, share marketing/branding insights, and navigate the ever-changing currents of pop culture. Subscribe for weekly branding and entrepreneurial content here!  To learn more about Peralta Design's work visit peraltadesign.com. #welaunchbrands #digitalagency #mbeagency #mbe #digital #branding #marketing #web #startups #creative #BrandU #w2 #fulltime #leadership #contentcreator #contentstrategy #marketingstrategy #entrepreneurs #business #launchyourbrand

What makes the difference between someone who succeeds and someone who continues to struggle? How do you define success? What’s the differentiating factor? What separates leaders from followers? In this episode of MissionCTRL, Ramon and the PD Flight Crew host Jessica Rivera, Executive Business Coach and Mindset Master, who together, set out to answer these questions. Believe it or not, a lot has to do with the stories we’ve been told and continue to tell ourselves — in a word, mindset. Rivera had her first child at 19 and was determined not to become a typical teen mom statistic which catapulted her onto a journey of self improvement and professional development. Before launching her executive coaching business, Rivera was climbing the corporate ladder in a competitive industry for a top-five international bank. During her tenure, she led a team that brought in approximately 4 billion dollars in originations annually, which was by far the most in the company. In this episode, Jessica shares her secrets to leading high-performing teams and individuals: spoiler alert it was coaching, not managing, people. Tune in to hear a lively, deeply personal discussion on how Rivera led her team to attain their goals and cultivate meaningful relationships with each other and their clients. . . . Find Mission CTRL on Anchor, Apple Podcast, Spotify, and our website. Mission CTRL aims to ignite the innovative spirit inside us all through providing budding and successful entrepreneurs and community leaders with a platform to share their stories and inspire others. Tune in every Wednesday and catch up with the team at Peralta Design as we unleash the origin stories behind some exceptional leaders, share marketing/branding insights, and navigate the ever-changing currents of pop culture. Subscribe for weekly branding and entrepreneurial content here!  To learn more about Peralta Design's work visit peraltadesign.com. #welaunchbrands #digitalagency #mbeagency #mbe #digital #branding #marketing #web #startups #creative #BrandU #w2 #fulltime #leadership #contentcreator #contentstrategy #marketingstrategy #entrepreneurs #business #launchyourbrand

Our next guest on MissionCTRL has a name that bears a striking resemblance to the call letters of a radio station, which is ironic because Lidj Lewis started his career at WWRL as an intern with Sonny Taylor. Lewis was born in Harlem and grew up in Brooklyn. He holds a BA in English/Communications from The City College of New York, an MBA from Pace University, and an MA in Secondary Inclusive Education from Teachers College, Columbia University. Lidj is the Founder of The Trip Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization that funds domestic and international field trips for public high schools in low-income areas. Tune in to hear how Lewis transitioned from the world of media broadcasting to education and into running a nonprofit. Before diving into Lewis’ story, Ramon and the PD Flight Crew tackle some amazing stories of BIPOC athletes in non-traditional sports, such as Lewis Hamilton in F1 and Biniam Girmay in the Tour de France. . . . Find Mission CTRL on Anchor, Apple Podcast, Spotify, and our website. Mission CTRL aims to ignite the innovative spirit inside us all through providing budding and successful entrepreneurs and community leaders with a platform to share their stories and inspire others. Tune in every Wednesday and catch up with the team at Peralta Design as we unleash the origin stories behind some exceptional leaders, share marketing/branding insights, and navigate the ever-changing currents of pop culture. Subscribe for weekly branding and entrepreneurial content here!  To learn more about Peralta Design's work visit peraltadesign.com. #welaunchbrands #digitalagency #mbeagency #mbe #digital #branding #marketing #web #startups #creative #BrandU #w2 #fulltime #leadership #contentcreator #contentstrategy #marketingstrategy #entrepreneurs #business #launchyourbrand

Today's MissionCTRL show is special because it’s not every day that Ramon and the PD Flight Crew host a power business lunch, book launch, and record an episode with the same client/guest, Chris Jarvis. Jarvis is more than a client and guest; he’s Ramon’s high school buddy. Chris joined Ramon and the PD Flight Crew in the MissionCTRL studios to share his story and promote his latest book: *Be The Giraffe: 14 Paths to Reach Higher in Business and Life*.  Chris Jarvis is a corporate coach, financial fixer, and stirring speaker. Jarvis helps you see differently, so you can business differently, money differently, and life differently.  For decades, Chris has helped hundreds of successful entrepreneurs and wealthy families build, protect, and transfer significant wealth. After being kicked out of a company he built and sold, Chris found himself at a crossroads, questioning his purpose, dealing with the death and grief of a parent and sibling, and undergoing spinal surgery. When life starts lifing, you need an elevated perspective. Tune in to hear how Jarvis turned his trials along his journey into a testimony, a map of sorts to help you navigate out of your wilderness and stand out while reaching the highest levels of success.  As a bonus treat for our listeners, Jarvis shares a FREE code for a 19-page personality assessment.  The Wild Factor is a unique tool that focuses on your actual behaviors and feelings that you are experiencing right now – not on general preferences.  By comparing your actions to your desired outcomes, the Wild Factor gives practical tips to help leverage your strengths and improve other areas of your life.  Animal guides offer powerful visualization and memorable mantras for the customized recommendations that will help you on your journey to the Wild Factor! . . . Find Mission CTRL on Anchor, Apple Podcast, Spotify, and our website. Mission CTRL aims to ignite the innovative spirit inside us all through providing budding and successful entrepreneurs and community leaders with a platform to share their stories and inspire others. Tune in every Wednesday and catch up with the team at Peralta Design as we unleash the origin stories behind some exceptional leaders, share marketing/branding insights, and navigate the ever-changing currents of pop culture. Subscribe for weekly branding and entrepreneurial content here!  To learn more about Peralta Design's work visit peraltadesign.com. #welaunchbrands #digitalagency #mbeagency #mbe #digital #branding #marketing #web #startups #creative #BrandU #w2 #fulltime #leadership #contentcreator #contentstrategy #marketingstrategy #entrepreneurs #business #launchyourbrand

This week on MissionCTRL, Sarah Taylor joins Ramon and the PD Flight Crew to share her unintentional entrepreneurial journey. After nearly a decade working within NYC Foster Care and Child Protective Services, Taylor suffered extreme burnout. Faced with the exorbitant housing costs associated with living in NYC and wanting to continue doing good in the world, Taylor decided to move back to Connecticut.  Sarah found healing and light at the end of the tunnel through beeswax candles. With a bachelor's in psychology and a master's in social work, Taylor didn’t originally set out to be a beekeeper.  Tune in to hear how a quest for a local beeswax supplier for candles gave birth to the Huneebee Project, which started as an LLC in 2018 and is now a certified nonprofit. Since its inception, they’ve graduated 8 cohorts from their 15-week Beekeepers in Residence therapeutic job skills training program and educated over 2,000 children and adults on the importance of pollinators. They maintain 40 honey bee colonies and over 20 pollinator-friendly garden plots across 9 sites in New Haven and Bridgeport. Before Ramon and the PD Flight Crew get to the heart of Taylor’s origin story, they cover the ongoing trend of social capitalism and consumers' expectation that the companies they support are making a difference in the world. . . . Find Mission CTRL on Anchor, Apple Podcast, Spotify, and our website. Mission CTRL aims to ignite the innovative spirit inside us all through providing budding and successful entrepreneurs and community leaders with a platform to share their stories and inspire others. Tune in every Wednesday and catch up with the team at Peralta Design as we unleash the origin stories behind some exceptional leaders, share marketing/branding insights, and navigate the ever-changing currents of pop culture. Subscribe for weekly branding and entrepreneurial content here!  To learn more about Peralta Design's work visit peraltadesign.com. #welaunchbrands #digitalagency #mbeagency #mbe #digital #branding #marketing #web #startups #creative #BrandU #w2 #fulltime #leadership #contentcreator #contentstrategy #marketingstrategy #entrepreneurs #business #launchyourbrand

Pitch & Pixel, also known as Maggie, PD’s Marketing Associate and George, PD veteran staffer and interactive designer, join Ramon and the PD Flight Crew this week in the MissionCTRL studio for a special Tiny Desk performance. Maggie is PD’s resident triple-threat entertainer, and George is a semi-professional musician with over 40 years of experience as a guitarist. As the PD Flight Crew prepares for the next iteration of MissionCTRL on YouTube, they encounter a musical snafu that gave birth to this episode. Ramon and Kevin, the man of few words on the soundboard, share some of the challenges they encountered prior to launching MissionCTRL on YouTube, along with the valuable lessons they learned along the way. Before diving into Pitch & Pixel’s Tiny Desk performance, Ramon and the Flight Crew share keys for finding fulfillment in life while holding down a 9-5 job or being an entrepreneur. Sharing your gifts and passion can be the keys to happiness. • • • Find full episodes of Mission CTRL on Anchor, Apple Podcast, Spotify, and our website. Mission CTRL aims to ignite the innovative spirit inside us all through providing budding and successful entrepreneurs and community leaders with a platform to share their stories and inspire others. Tune in every Wednesday and catch up with the team at Peralta Design as we unleash the origin stories behind some exceptional leaders, share marketing/branding insights, and navigate the ever-changing currents of pop culture. Subscribe for more weekly branding and entrepreneurial content here! To learn more about Peralta Design's work visit peraltadesign.com. #welaunchbrands #launchyourbrand #BrandU #missionctrl #mctrl #digitalagency #mbeagency #mbe #digital #branding #marketing #web #creative #contentcreator #contentstrategy #marketingstrategy #leadership #leader #entrepreneur #entrepreneurs #entrepreneurship #entrepreneurial #startup #startups #business #businessowner #businesstips #scalingyourbusiness #smallbusiness #w2 #fulltime #9to5 #office #officelife #music #podcast #podcasts #podcastshow #businesspodcast #lifestory #lifestories #personalstory #personalstories

Up next on MissionCTRL with Ramon and the PD Flight Crew is Dr. Marlon Gray, a young, energetic, and passionate social entrepreneur. Dr. Gray is not the kind of doctor you’d call in an emergency to perform an operation, but rather a PhD, one that is serving families and communities within the behavioral healthcare world. Marlon built a successful startup and then sold the business after growing it for 10 years. Dr. Gray is a first-generation Guyanese-American whose family settled in “Homicide” Hollis, Queens, after migrating to the United States. Dr. Gray received his Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Leadership from Fordham University, his Master’s degree in Management: Strategy & Leadership from Michigan State University, and his Doctor of Education in Organizational Change and Leadership from the University of Southern California. Dr. Gray is a proud father who serves as the CEO and founder of Empower U, a learning and service organization that seeks to empower individuals affected by behavioral health challenges. Before launching into Dr. Gray’s origin story, Ramon and the PD Flight Crew share some branding insights from one of the world’s biggest social media tech influencers, who just happened to share an office incubator with our distinguished guest. . . Find Mission CTRL on Anchor, Apple Podcast, Spotify, and ⁠⁠our website⁠⁠. Mission CTRL aims to ignite the innovative spirit inside us all through providing budding and successful entrepreneurs and community leaders with a platform to share their stories and inspire others. Tune in every Wednesday and catch up with the team at Peralta Design as we unleash the origin stories behind some exceptional leaders, share marketing/branding insights, and navigate the ever-changing currents of pop culture. Subscribe for weekly branding and entrepreneurial content here!  To learn more about Peralta Design's work visit ⁠⁠peraltadesign.com⁠⁠. ⁠⁠#welaunchbrands⁠⁠ ⁠⁠#digitalagency⁠⁠ ⁠⁠#mbeagency⁠⁠ ⁠⁠#mbe⁠⁠ ⁠⁠#digital⁠⁠ ⁠⁠#branding⁠⁠ ⁠⁠#marketing⁠⁠ ⁠⁠#web⁠⁠ ⁠⁠#startups⁠⁠ ⁠⁠#creative⁠⁠ ⁠⁠#BrandU⁠⁠ ⁠⁠#w2⁠⁠ ⁠⁠#fulltime⁠⁠ ⁠⁠#leadership⁠⁠ ⁠⁠#contentcreator⁠⁠ ⁠⁠#contentstrategy⁠⁠ ⁠⁠#marketingstrategy⁠⁠ ⁠⁠#entrepreneurs⁠⁠ ⁠⁠#business⁠⁠ ⁠⁠#launchyourbrand⁠⁠

This week on MissionCTRL, Ramon and the PD Flight Crew are joined by Nelson Merchan from the Connecticut Small Business Development Center, where he serves as a Business Advisor. Born in Bogota, Colombia, Merchan, like many, migrated to the United States in pursuit of the American Dream. Nelson holds a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Universidad del Rosario and an MBA in Marketing from Georgia State University. Merchan shares a bit of his entrepreneurial journey that landed him at the CTSBDC (Small Business Development Center). Nelson’s career spans over fourteen years in marketing, marked by success in mastering access to challenging market segments, with notable success in mobilizing the Hispanic community and producing bottom-line results through creative implementation of both cost-containing and revenue-generating strategies. Merchan has successfully established businesses in Costa Rica and internationally and has been hired to speak in Chile and El Salvador. Put your seat belts on as we launch into this episode filled with solid small business tips. . . Find Mission CTRL on Anchor, Apple Podcast, Spotify, and our website. Mission CTRL aims to ignite the innovative spirit inside us all through providing budding and successful entrepreneurs and community leaders with a platform to share their stories and inspire others. Tune in every Wednesday and catch up with the team at Peralta Design as we unleash the origin stories behind some exceptional leaders, share marketing/branding insights, and navigate the ever-changing currents of pop culture. Subscribe for weekly branding and entrepreneurial content here!  To learn more about Peralta Design's work visit peraltadesign.com. #welaunchbrands #digitalagency #mbeagency #mbe #digital #branding #marketing #web #startups #creative #BrandU #w2 #fulltime #leadership #contentcreator #contentstrategy #marketingstrategy #entrepreneurs #business #launchyourbrand

Guy A. Fortt joins Ramon and the PD Flight Crew in the MissionCTRL Studio to share his adventurous journey into entrepreneurship.  After witnessing a traumatic murder at 18 years old, Fortt made a vow to dedicate his life to serving others. This decision led to a 28-year career as a Firefighter/EMT.  Fortt holds a Bachelor's in Organizational Leadership from the University of Bridgeport and a Master's in Sports Management from Columbia University. You may recognize him from his unique acting style on Broadway in Oprah Winfrey’s The Color Purple or from Law & Order: SVU. Guy's contributions to the entertainment industry have earned him a membership in the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, New York City chapter, where he also serves as a judge for the Emmy Awards.  So, how does a firefighter manage to carve out time to earn an advanced degree, raise four amazing children who are academically sound athletes, cultivate a loving relationship with his wife, launch an acting career, and become a founding investing partner in Eleven86 Real Artesian Water? Before diving into this episode and quenching your curiosity, Ramon and the crew share several networking cheat codes to ensure you’ll get a follow up and other tips for making a positive, memorable impression. . . . Find Mission CTRL on Anchor, Apple Podcast, Spotify, and our website. Mission CTRL aims to ignite the innovative spirit inside us all through providing budding and successful entrepreneurs and community leaders with a platform to share their stories and inspire others. Tune in every Wednesday and catch up with the team at Peralta Design as we unleash the origin stories behind some exceptional leaders, share marketing/branding insights, and navigate the ever-changing currents of pop culture. Subscribe for weekly branding and entrepreneurial content here!  To learn more about Peralta Design's work visit peraltadesign.com. #welaunchbrands #digitalagency #mbeagency #mbe #digital #branding #marketing #web #startups #creative #BrandU #w2 #fulltime #leadership #contentcreator #contentstrategy #marketingstrategy #entrepreneurs #business #launchyourbrand

This week on MissionCTRL, Sean Rabinowitz, President of Procyon Partners, joins Ramon and the PD Flight Crew in the studio to share his servant leadership journey. Rabinowitz is no stranger to being on air; he started his first broadcasting adventure with "In a Pinch Call Pete Finch." However, broadcasting was not in the cards for Sean.  Rabinowitz grew up in Trumbull, CT, and holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Health/Health Care Administration/Management and Insurance. He is passionate about helping organizations attract and retain top talent through benefits products and services. He also specializes in property and casualty insurance and was named a Top Producer by Insurance Business of America. Sean is an active community volunteer who enjoys paying it forward through various organizations. He is a past Chairman of the Board of Directors President for the McGivney Community Center and is a board member for The Jimmy McGrath Foundation. Additionally, he is a Special Olympics Head Coach and serves on the State of Connecticut Special Olympics board and the Fighting Angels Association Board.  When you live a life in service to others, how do you lead when faced with a personal family crisis that challenges your faith? Rabinowitz opens up about a crisis that galvanized his family, faith, and reinvigorated his commitment to serving.  Before diving into Sean’s story, Ramon and the PD Flight Crew share critical email marketing strategies. . . . Find Mission CTRL on Anchor, Apple Podcast, Spotify, and our website. Mission CTRL aims to ignite the innovative spirit inside us all through providing budding and successful entrepreneurs and community leaders with a platform to share their stories and inspire others. Tune in every Wednesday and catch up with the team at Peralta Design as we unleash the origin stories behind some exceptional leaders, share marketing/branding insights, and navigate the ever-changing currents of pop culture. Subscribe for weekly branding and entrepreneurial content here!  To learn more about Peralta Design's work visit peraltadesign.com. #welaunchbrands #digitalagency #mbeagency #mbe #digital #branding #marketing #web #startups #creative #BrandU #w2 #fulltime #leadership #contentcreator #contentstrategy #marketingstrategy #entrepreneurs #business #launchyourbrand

Martha Alejandro-Bird (the original “Marty Bird”) joins Ramon and the PD Flight Crew on this episode of MissionCTRL to share her journey from the inner-city pitfalls to becoming a Naval Officer. Alejandro-Bird is now an Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner. Martha began following her gut instincts as a student at Bridgeport’s Bassick High School. The "brain in her gut" led her to connect with mentors who were instrumental in changing the trajectory of her life. When her gut prompted her to join the Navy, it wasn’t because she was looking for assistance with college tuition, she was simply driven to serve. Tune in to hear how Martha tapped into the enteric nervous system (ENS), also known as the “brain in your gut” or “second brain,” to pursue a career in Adult-Gerontology. As a recent graduate of the Duke University School of Nursing MSN program, coupled with 30 years of nursing experience, she has developed expert clinical, communication, and critical thinking skills. Her experience ranges from step-down trauma, critical care, and outpatient specialty to military service and supervision, demonstrating the importance of teamwork, collaboration, and flexibility.  Before launching into Martha’s story, Ramon and the PD Flight Crew cover the Knicks' playoff run, the fundamentals of website domain renewals, and web hosting services. Marty’s journey is sure to inspire!

This week on MissionCTRL, Lorraine Gibbons joins Ramon and the PD Flight Crew in the studio to share her story. Gibbons is the Executive Director at the Cardinal Shehan Center & McGivney Community Center in Bridgeport. At 14, Lorraine migrated from Jamaica to the United States, like many immigrants, in pursuit of the American Dream. Lorraine is an experienced executive with a demonstrated history of working in both the nonprofit and for-profit industries. From an early age, Gibbons realized education could be a gateway out of poverty, which led her to pursue higher education. Lorraine holds a BA and an MBA from the University of New Haven. Tune in to hear how Gibbons made the transition from the corporate sphere to flourishing in the nonprofit space.  Before delving into Lorraine’s story, the PD Flight Crew explored the battle of design apps Adobe vs. Canva and discussed Bob Marley’s "One Love" movie.  As a bonus treat, Jorge rolled out a new introduction. . . . Find Mission CTRL on Anchor, Apple Podcast, Spotify, and our website. Mission CTRL aims to ignite the innovative spirit inside us all through providing budding and successful entrepreneurs and community leaders with a platform to share their stories and inspire others. Tune in every Wednesday and catch up with the team at Peralta Design as we unleash the origin stories behind some exceptional leaders, share marketing/branding insights, and navigate the ever-changing currents of pop culture. Subscribe for weekly branding and entrepreneurial content here!  To learn more about Peralta Design's work visit peraltadesign.com. #welaunchbrands #digitalagency #mbeagency #mbe #digital #branding #marketing #web #startups #creative #BrandU #w2 #fulltime #leadership #contentcreator #contentstrategy #marketingstrategy #entrepreneurs #business #launchyourbrand

Mark Lazarus joins Ramon and the PD Flight Crew this week in the MissionCTRL studios to share his 20-year journey in IT and discuss how IT programs are transforming lives. Lazarus serves as the Program Manager of Information Technology at The Workplace’s Tech Ready Career Training Program. In high school, Mark was an avid athlete, participating in basketball, track, and martial arts. After an injury, his guidance counselor recommended pursuing a career in IT. Following this advice, Lazarus earned an Associate Degree in Computer and Information Systems Security and Information Assurance from Norwalk Community College, followed by a Bachelor’s Degree in Information Technology with a minor in Sociology from UConn. Mark's extensive real-life experience makes him the ideal advocate for serving the Bridgeport community by bridging the gap between job seekers and employers’ demands. The Tech Ready Career Training Program focuses on accessibility, designing courses that equip participants with the skills and certifications needed to excel in the dynamic field of technology. In the "Tech Ready Career Training" segment, participants will have the opportunity to take classes covering a wide range of essential IT skills: CompTIA A+, CompTIA Network+, CompTIA Security+, CompTIA Server+, SQL, Project Management, AWS Cloud, Google Cloud, Python, and IC2 Cybersecurity.  Before we dive into today’s main discussion, Ramon recaps his recent trip to Arizona, the PD Flight Crew shares updates on changes in web cookies that businesses need to be aware of, and we celebrate the Knicks making it to the second round of the playoffs. . . . Find Mission CTRL on Anchor, Apple Podcast, Spotify, and our website. Mission CTRL aims to ignite the innovative spirit inside us all through providing budding and successful entrepreneurs and community leaders with a platform to share their stories and inspire others. Tune in every Wednesday and catch up with the team at Peralta Design as we unleash the origin stories behind some exceptional leaders, share marketing/branding insights, and navigate the ever-changing currents of pop culture. Subscribe for weekly branding and entrepreneurial content here!  To learn more about Peralta Design's work visit peraltadesign.com. #welaunchbrands #digitalagency #mbeagency #mbe #digital #branding #marketing #web #startups #creative #BrandU #w2 #fulltime #leadership #contentcreator #contentstrategy #marketingstrategy #entrepreneurs #business #launchyourbrand