we particularly do a lot of work with families.”
Shannon says that the bulk of that expansion occurred between 2000 and 2010. “We now have five locations – two homes and two large office buildings for our out-patient services and our staff of over 70 people. We also have a lot of home-based programs where we go into the homes and serve all of Monterey County – not just Salinas.”
She explains her background prepared her for her current position at Door to Hope. “I’ve been involved as an administrator and therapist for predominately hospital-based programs for many years, and during that time, I worked as the Player Assistance Coordinator for the San Francisco Forty-Niners for 24 years.”
Of the residential programs provided by Door to Hope, “Number one is we still have the program for women with substance abuse disorders. We also have the residential program called the Short-Term Residential Treatment Program for Youth - young girls aged thirteen to eighteen. There is a longer-term youth program where the average stay is at least six months. And those are predominately kids from the Foster Care system.”
Door to Hope, in conjunction with Monterey County, has helped to establish MCSTART (Monterey County Screening Team for Assessment, Referral and Treatment), a program to help over 1,000 babies a year with prenatal exposure to trauma, alcohol, and/or drugs, as well as postnatal domestic violence and trauma.
Door to Hope is involved with the patients’ long-term prospects in their educational and vocational endeavors. “We encourage and support clients from our residential and out-patient programs to really pursue a more meaningful life.”
Door to Hope is a California 501c(3) charitable organization and donations are 100% tax deductible.
“Next Step” program, designed to be a path to a new phase in a woman’s life and the beginning of an improved situation. Staci explains, “Our case managers will meet with our guests – we call them guests because they are guests in our house – and they’ll figure out what they need in order to find their way into housing, maybe have more income, see if they’re entitled to any benefits, and if they have medical or mental problems, we can connect them to people who can help them.”
Another service provided by Gathering For Women, in partnership with Community Human Services, is Casa de Noche Buena, a homeless shelter located in Seaside for women, as well as families with children. Community Human Services oversees the shelter and provides case management for the families. “We do all the food there and provide case management for the single women,” says Staci. “They’re able to stay up to six months while they’re looking for permanent housing. It’s not merely an overnight shelter like most people think of, it’s an actual place where they can leave their stuff and be there every night in their own room. It’s amazing, particularly at those times of the year when it’s rainy and cold, as it gives the opportunity for up to six months to be off the streets while figuring out their next steps.”
She continues, “We treat everyone who comes through our door with the utmost respect, because we know ‘there but for the grace of God go I’, and you just never know what your circumstances are gonna be like. The reality is that over 50% of the people we’re serving right now are over fifty years old (we’ve got one woman who’s 83), so these are your mom and your grandma, and maybe they lost their spouse or had an illness, or are on a fixed income and affected by circumstances surrounding Covid or inflation. It’s a struggle right now, and most are long-term residents of the Peninsula and this is all they’ve ever known.”
Gathering For Women – Monterey, located at 147 El Dorado Street in Monterey, is sustained by contributions from the local community in conjunction with some small government grants. So, any help is appreciated (donations@gatheringforwomen.org). Because, as one guest so eloquently and poignantly put it, when contemplating the community without Gathering For Women, “We all would feel lost. We do contribute. We’re part of your community, and if it goes away, if it changes, I will forever hold it in my heart and my mind… like Camelot.”
runs the gamut, from individuals to agriculture support businesses, real estate, medical, really a little bit of everything.”
In addition to her business, Atkinson is very active in various local causes. “I have always been very geared towards the community, and I just really think that somebody in my position with the skill set that I have needs to give back.”
Two of the local entities with which she is involved are the Entre Nous Society (“A group of women who nominates a charity and holds a fundraiser every other year to give to that charity – Our next event will be the first weekend in May, 2023, and the charity is the Alliance on Aging, which is an incredible organization.”) and Natividad, a hospital and Level II Trauma Center, a public health care system providing high-quality care to everyone in Monterey County, regardless of their ability to pay or their immigration status.
“Natividad is very near and dear to my heart. Their mission of helping the underserved just really moves me. It’s such a phenomenal organization that does so much for our community, and I’m proud to serve as Secretary of their Board of Trustees, and I chair their Finance Committee.”
When asked about all of her community activities outside of her solo practice, she simply states, “I’ve always believed the busier you are, the more you get done.” So, whether you are an individual or a local business in or around Salinas, contact Marcia V. Atkinson, CPA, Inc.
different kinds of situations: hospitals, jails and prisons, the street, and we provide training and life skills to help get them back on their feet.”
The vocational training includes two thrift stores, a culinary program, and a janitorial program. “Some people don’t know how to be sober and function sober every day, so part of the vocational program is giving people a longer-term routine: to get up every day, go to work, deal with all the things that come on a daily basis, and do it again the next day and the next day, along with bookwork, classes, meetings, and different things the residents are required to attend.”
Residents refer to their completion of the program as their “graduation.” Casey says that “the minimum program commitment is one year. Regardless of how people come to us, whether they walk in on their own or somebody has sent them here, like a court order, if all goes well and there are no disciplinary issues, they can expect to complete the program in a year. Some people, including graduates, may stay longer in what we call second phase housing if beds are available because they are still wanting to be around and connected to accountability.”
The Phase I men’s program houses twenty-two residents with an additional six beds available in Seaside for Phase II. Phase I women are housed in Pacific Grove with an additional six Phase II beds available for those who wish to stay longer after graduation.
Casey says that the church The Bridge is affiliated with is Calvary Monterey, which has a commercial kitchen that is open on Sundays to feed church attendees, and program residents help run it. “During the week, the church graciously allows The Bridge to use it for our culinary program. Those who complete this program receive a certificate to take with them to help secure employment in that field.”
To learn more about The Bridge Restoration Ministry, or to donate to the program, visit tbrm.org. The Bridge exists to help people who have made a decision to change their lives and strive for a new beginning.
President Gerald Ford enjoyed stays at the Sandpiper.
When Ocean Lodging purchased the property in 2019, their vision of Villa Mara began to take shape. As Nagata says, “We really love having our hotel look like a house, like you’re visiting friends or relatives while receiving professional hospitality in a luxury house-type setting.”
As for the personalized treatment of guests that Villa Mara prides itself on, Nagata points out that “We really like to connect with our guests and get to know where they’re from so we can cater ideas and recommendations on where to eat and what to do around the area. It makes it easy to curate a nice experience for each of our guests as an individual person.”
Nagata, who has worked in hospitality in the area for over twenty years, feels that this type of connection is not seen enough, especially “these times, coming out of Covid. We really try to become sort of family in a professional manner. It’s a genuine hospitality – nothing fake to what we do.”
Perched in an incredibly quiet neighborhood with sweeping views of Carmel Beach, Villa Mara Carmel provides a sophisticated and timeless elegance in order to create an oasis of calm, and, of course, that hallmark of personalized service and hospitality. As Nagata proudly says, “I believe in that human connection, and Villa Mara is trying to bring that back.” Man, oh man!
and children’s books (as well as DVDs, CDs, and vinyl); and a Furniture and Arts Shop featuring antique and vintage furniture, art and frames, and linens (and they will pick items up). The shops sell “quality, gently used” items and return the proceeds to Monterey County charities and scholarships.
As Executive Director Tammy Gannon explains, “We focus on quality of life and physical necessities, and everything we do goes back to people for their quality of life.” She adds, “We like to focus on micro and small non-profits because they don’t get as much recognition or resources. And we also give scholarships to graduating high school seniors for the first year of college.”
The whole Yellow Brick Road program got started, Tammy says, “by two ladies 32 years ago that were members of the Carmel Presbyterian Church, and they started this in their garage just selling clothing to make money to give back to the community, and it just grew.” According to Tammy, they’ve had the exact the exact same storefront since 1989. “I became part of it a year and a half ago in February of 2021.” And she’s obviously and rightfully proud of the service they provide to Monterey County.
So, when this world gets you down, remember, there are still good people doing good things. Look no further than the Yellow Brick Road Benefit Shop.
a small, boutique kind of insurance brokerage. We’re very customer-service oriented. We stay close to our clients, who we mostly get through referrals, and love what we do.” And though they are a small company based in Salinas, they have clients all over California, “from Truckee to down below L.A.”
There are so many areas in business needing coverage, from general liability to building and property, commercial auto, employment practices, business interruption, equipment breakdown, and group health and dental, along with a plethora of other necessary coverages, that expert knowledge and experience in navigating these waters is of paramount importance. And, Tina explains that one of the newer areas of concern is cyber liability, “because now most everything is done online, and there are bad people out there trying to hack into businesses to cause trouble, and we provide coverage for that, too.”
Rather than try to sell customers various policies in a slip-shod, a la carte fashion, Bay and Basin Insurance Services works diligently to put together the best overall package of various coverages from various companies at the best rates to provide the best plans customized to their individual clients.
“I started out as an underwriter for several years before becoming a broker, so I know the business inside and out,” says Barlocker. “People always think insurance is about sales, but it really is a service business. I’m not a salesperson by nature, I’m a people pleaser.”
And that is why she is proud of the business she is building at Bay and Basin Insurance Services. “I love to solve problems and help people out.”
guy was doing, our mom came back to us, and that I’m going to be a chiropractor. And I was about twelve when I decided that.”
After attending Palmer Chiropractic College in San Jose, Dr. Ruiz opened a clinic in Bakersfield before relocating to the Monterey Peninsula and establishing Monterey Family Chiropractic in 1998.
A state-of-the-art facility offering the highest quality chiropractic care available, Monterey Family Chiropractic operates with the philosophy that the human body is self-sustaining and self-healing, and when the spinal cord and its nervous system is not functioning at its peak, the body’s overall performance suffers.
“We’re here to clear the nervous system. And a body with a nervous system that works well, communicates well, is always going to be better off,” says Dr. Ruiz. “We help the body restore. Once they start healing and repairing, their body works better, and they return to health… the results are fantastic.”
At Monterey Family Chiropractic, a specific plan of action is tailored to an individual patient’s specific goals and needs. Patients may be diagnosed with the same or similar conditions, but they may respond differently to treatments.
People often come to the clinic with back pain which, at that time, can be addressed and corrected. However, Dr. Ruiz takes a holistic approach to body health. “The message is that everyone should at least have their spine checked and analyzed to see if there is any nervous system interference. Rather than waiting until there is back pain, sciatica, or other symptoms, a nervous system check-up can reveal interference which can be corrected before pain occurs, and the body can function better in tune with itself.”
Monterey Family Chiropractic understands that spine health affects the overall quality of life.
has a staff of 10 dentists (5 Pediatric Dentists, 3 General Dentists, and one with dual degrees – Medical Doctor and Dentist) who “rotate to all three facilities, depending on patient needs and doctor expertise.”
Dr. Chiang, who graduated from UCLA and has been a faculty member there training pediatric dentists, as well as holding an educational appointment at UCSF while serving as a continuing education lecturer for the American Society for Dental Anesthesiologists, says that “younger patients’ teeth have thinner, less dense enamel. Their diets of processed carbohydrates, drinks with higher sugar content, and many snacks create enzymes in the saliva resulting in an acidic oral environment, which brings about a ‘perfect storm’ for cavities.”
This necessitates the need for a psychological component to the CCPDG’s approach to these younger patients. “Because of a wide variety of socio-economic backgrounds in the area, kids often lack the ability or desire to cooperate in their dental hygiene regimen. Our goal is to provide the best dental care we can to all pediatric patients in our community.”
The Central Coast Pediatric Dental Group seeks to bring, in addition to state-of-the-art care of the highest quality, healthy attitudes and habits to their young patients, so that taking care of their teeth is a pleasant and sought-after experience for them.
a kind of hands-on, boutique way. While other management companies tend to nickel and dime clients in an “a la carte” fashion – with every add-on (move-ins, move-outs, pictures, inspections) having a separate price, “we offer many services and just charge one flat percentage rate.”
The fact that Paramount Properties has never advertised, but has grown mostly through referrals and word of mouth, is a testament to their integrity and dedication to the services they provide. The business has “just snowballed over the years” in a truly organic fashion. Because of this, expansion of the company occurs naturally. “Through our clients, other property owners have come to us for management.”
In addition to a staff of six, Paramount also has a real estate side for buying and selling properties that is handled by Licensed Realtor, Angela Iglesias. Marie says, “She is our dynamo. She knows a lot of the tenants and helps when they want to relocate and buy or sell, as well as owners who want more investment properties.”
Five years ago, Paramount Properties restructured the business and built an online platform called “Buildium”, where all of their tenants and owners can go online and view all of their leases, statements, and ledger pages. This streamlining action helps to make interaction with Paramount very user friendly.
A bit of exclusivity is also involved. Marie stresses that they don’t want owners who don’t “keep their properties up. We’ll let them go if they are not willing to improve. And we’re really strict about who we put in our properties.” This entails a bit of qualifying and vetting for all owners and tenants, ensuring the personalized, “boutique” nature of the company.
Soon enough, all of Monterey County will be aware of Paramount Properties, and Paramount runs the risk of no longer being the county’s “Best Kept Secret.”
a family affair. The company was founded in 1956 by Stuart’s grandfather, Rusty, and passed on to his son, Stuart’s father, Greg, in 1963. Stuart had been in the mortgage banking business when he came on board in 2000 as a loan consultant and subsequently took over the reins upon his father’s retirement in 2003.
Shankle Real Estate operates with a staff of 20 agents and brokers selected for their high degree of professionalism, integrity, knowledge, experience, and the special quality of “caring.”
Part of the full-service process that Shankle Real Estate provides comes from their sterling reputation among title companies, appraisers, lenders, inspectors, tradesmen, and other real estate firms, ensuring a seamless and stress-free experience.
Stuart says he has no current plans to expand into alternate locations. “Our motto is ‘personalized not franchised’. We’re about creating lasting relationships – that’s the goal. Not to just sell a customer one home, but to be there for them for all their future real estate needs. We want to create customers for life.”
Stuart admits that Shankle Real Estate, Inc. has a distinct advantage regarding their geographic location. “We’re pretty lucky and blessed and even spoiled with the climate and beauty of the area. I could go on and on about the culture of this office – the longevity and quality of the agents.” But he adds that it’s the pride they take in customer relationships and the results they consistently achieve which are the hallmarks that define Shankle Real Estate.
Deherrera has spent his life in customer service. Beginning when he was just a kid of ten, he worked in his family’s legal document assistance and family law support business. He also spent several years at the Reservations Desk and Customer Service at the Pebble Beach Golf Resort. From 2008 to 2012, he worked for another property management company, but he didn’t like the way they handled their customer service and felt he had better ideas for how to operate in that world. So, he set out on his own.
A client from that previous company called him and said, “Where’d you go? We enjoyed working with you and want to come with you and your new company.” That was his first account and the genesis of Modern Management, Inc. His company has grown to service the HOAs of some 40 communities, representing thousands of residents.
Their services cover several diverse areas of property management including overseeing contractor performance, landscaping, painting and maintenance on the physical side of the spectrum. While on the administrative and fiscal side, Modern Management, Inc. works with Boards of Directors providing budget and legal assistance and support, monitoring pertinent legislative issues, and even helping individual residents buy and sell homes with assistance in property transfer, title and escrow matters, as well as HOA assessment collections.
When asked if Modern Management would continue to grow in size and scope, Deherrera says he is very comfortable with where they are at this time. He has a staff of eleven that include himself and four other property managers, two administrative assistants, and a four-person accounting and escrow department. Each manager has no more than 10 properties in their portfolio because Deherrera wants to maintain a boutique service with no more than a 45-minute drive to any of their properties in order to maintain the level of personal service for which Modern Management has become known.
Modern Management, Inc. is there for the smooth operation of all the moving parts necessary for the proper functioning of community residences; there for assistance to homeowners’ associations; there for property maintenance; there for fiscal and administrative support; there for the needs of the individual homeowners; there for peace of mind.
followed over the years until he finally arrived at 693 Lighthouse Avenue in Monterey with his 6000 sq. ft. “dream store.”
The classic surf shop theme is replete with bamboo everywhere, beach sand mixed into the flooring, Tiki huts filled with clothing and accessories (with a huge women’s department), and “we even have a surfboard museum in here with boards from the early ‘60s, a couple of ‘50s boards, and some Hawaiian wood boards.”
The store also features snowboarding and skiing equipment sales and rentals. As Kelly says, “we love going to the snow ourselves, so we’re very passionate – we want to keep it going in here.”
On The Beach also does a healthy skateboarding business, as it is very popular with the younger demographic and easy for kids to get into the lifestyle. Known these past few years for sponsoring monthly “Sk8 Jams” on the Monterey Peninsula, On The Beach hosts events featuring skill contests for various age groups, with expert judging and prize packages offered by their many sponsors. The Sk8 Jams were suspended during the Covid months, but have made a return. “We did one about a month ago, so, we’ll pick those back up in 2022.”
Sorenson says that On The Beach Surf Shop is “very community based. The whole theme of our store is a ‘surf village’, and everybody that comes in becomes part of our On The Beach tribe.”
Highway 1 ever since.
“We’re known for our outdoor experience, and the restaurant in particular has two outdoor decks overlooking the Big Sur River with a large lawn area along the river.”
Aldinger, who has managed the facility for the past fifteen years, has been in the hospitality industry in Big Sur since 1989, so he understands what makes the area special and what it takes to make the visitors’ experience unforgettable.
In addition to the Inn and Restaurant, the grounds feature a heated outdoor pool as well as a quaint gas station and general store, which houses the popular “Burrito Bar,” with made-to-order burritos and smoothies.
During the peak season, from spring to early fall, Sunday afternoons on the patio feature live music by local bands under the flavorful aroma of the Inn’s smoker bringing forth delicious ribs, a specialty of the Restaurant.
The Inn and Restaurant are famous for hosting such major events such as beautiful and memorable weddings, family reunions, popular car club gatherings, birthday parties, and many others. The experienced 75-person staff makes sure that these occasions are handled with a flair and professionalism that caters to every need of the clients.
The Big Sur River Inn and Restaurant offers a unique and luxurious yet affordable perspective on one of the most beautiful areas on the planet. As Aldinger maintains: “I believe everyone should experience it at some point.”
Chandler Bluhm attending Chico State University with Exercise Physiology in mind. Future goals were to become a physical therapist and have his own practice. During college, he got some advice from several people, and it changed his path completely. An established Physical Therapist told him to get his degree in business management to prepare to run his own company. His father also discussed future career goals with him, and Chandler decided to join his family in the real estate business. After graduating, he began working for Bratty & Bluhm.
Some may ponder, what does a day as a Property Manager look like? Chandler’s days are spent 50/50 in the office and out in the field. He has to process work orders, answer service requests, communicate to vendors, problem solve for owners/tenants and do property inspections. It sounds like a lot of work, but he always does it with a smile on his face. The biggest thing Chandler has learned from this job is how to communicate with respect and kindness. “Clients are often under pressure and it’s important to be able to put yourself in their shoes”, he says. With that kind of outlook, I’m sure his clients are quite happy.
Chandler Bluhm says Bratty & Bluhm Property Management is a family run business that focuses not only on property owner needs but also the needs of the tenants. They strive to assist tenants with caring for the property to ensure they get their full security deposit back. It isn’t about the business making money, it’s about helping the clients. In the future, Chandler will take more of a lead in the company and expand to take on more properties. He would also like to begin selling real estate and purchasing property investments. It sounds like he is well on his way to continued success in the family business.
When asked about advice for someone going into the real estate field, Chandler said, “Start with a job in property management. It is the best way to get prepared for selling real estate. You can get an idea of what it takes to afford and maintain a property.” He also said, “It is best to not take clients venting and complaints to heart. There are always going to be problems and you can be under a lot of stress. It is important to not put too much pressure on yourself.” This advice sounds spot on. Chandler Bluhm seems to have what it takes to rise to the top!
CEO John Kelly’s enthusiasm is palpable. “We are essentially a talent employment agency, providing dependable, on-time contract labor, averaging about 30 jobs per weekend.” He acknowledges the rough patch the entertainment business has encountered recently, but says, “We all know that Covid has affected all industries in the recent past, but we feel we’ve turned a corner and are back to some kind of normal. Last month alone, we booked 230 events!”
He’s proud of the company’s representation of his talent roster and its variety. Boomers would recognize such esteemed acts as Johnny Rivers and Herman’s Hermits. Kelly adds, “We have classical groups such as the Monterey String Quartet as well as singer/songwriters we book into local venues. We also cater to renowned clients such as the Pebble Beach and Carmel Valley Resorts locally, as well as corporate clients and hotels nation-wide.”
Kelly Productions listens to the needs and desires of their clients in order to provide the perfect entertainment solution for every situation. And, as Kelly says, he’s “looking forward to a bright future. This is still an exciting business for me. I feel very lucky. It’s a joyous thing!”
contest. It was either junior or senior year and Kevin partook in a stock picking contest. It was intriguing and it steered him in the direction of his current career. He began doing internships and followed the path to where he is today.
Integris Wealth Management operates as a team, but they are broken up into 3 smaller groups to divvy up the workload and make sure everything is running properly. Kevin primarily works with advisory and operations, but he wears several other hats as well. He is the firm’s Chief Compliance Officer and Operating Officer. Although this sounds like it would take up his entire life, he has it all under control and couldn’t be happier doing it. In the next 5-10 years, Kevin really sees himself contributing whatever he can to the firm’s success.
When discussing the pandemic, Mr. Mahoney explained that Integris had a seamless transition to the virtual world because they already had a technology platform set up. Although they weren’t currently doing video calls with clients out of the area, Covid 19 caused them to make some changes, but it has been all for the better. Speaking with clients face to face through video calls has made work relationships even richer and more authentic. It’s a win-win for the firm and their clients!
As far as being a partner in a firm, Kevin gave some great advice for current and upcoming business owners. “First thing that comes to mind is, you have to have a mindset of a constant problem solver. Running a business is problem solving. No problem is insurmountable. You are getting thrown curve balls and you have to be able to solve and fix these problems. You have to be prepared for that and enjoy it”, he says. With his many years of accomplishments, Kevin sounds like he is a great problem solver. We never did hear if he won that stock picking contest in college though. Inquiring minds want to know!
they were stopped by injury. Taylor and Austin learned, firsthand, the importance of taking care of their bodies and saw what chiropractic treatment could do. Both of their situations were improved by chiropractors and that inspired them to go into the field.
Both doctors seem to be in love with their profession. On a typical workday, they see patients from start to end, going from room to room throughout the day. When asked about their favorite part of the profession, they both said it was “helping others”. Working with all their patients really helped them realize how important their positions are and helping to heal has brought them a lot of joy. Covid-19 actually brought this realization more to light.
When the pandemic began, Los Altos Family Chiropractic had to shut down the first few weeks with so many unknowns. Once they were able to get a clear picture of things, they opened back up for their patients with new guidelines and protocols for safety. They heard many stories about how their clients were barely leaving the house, but they continued to come to their office for the health care they needed. They felt comfortable and safe in their care. Austin said, “Working through the pandemic really showed me how much people need us and how much of a difference we really make. That’s what I’ve learned through all of this.”
When asked about advice for starting a business, Taylor suggests, “Have a career plan and goal before you get started. That way you can always look back on it to stay focused. Also, make sure you have a lot of support. Both of our families were a huge support through all of this.” For becoming a chiropractor, Austin’s advice is, “You need to have a passion for it. Do it because you love helping people. When you have a passion for chiropractic, you bring that to the practice and your patients benefit.”
As far as the future goes, both doctors want to continue down this road of healing and being of service to others. Expanding offices in California may be in the picture and that means better opportunities for all of us to see both of these great doctors.
Bernhard was in college. He studied computer science and graphic design at Cal State Monterey Bay. Working as a church tech director wasn’t really on his radar but when the opportunity arose at the church, he decided to go for it.
Mr. Klingenberg began by assisting the Pastor at the Sunday services. As time went by, there was a need for technological support and Bernhard knew he had the knowledge to help. He stepped up to the challenge and became responsible for online resources, the website, print material, and internet/phone systems. Over time this grew into a full time job, which Bernhard assumed in 2015.
Bernhard says he has learned a lot from this position. “Being the director gives you a lot of opportunity to work with people and have access to many resources” he says. He did have his educational background to lean on but much also had to be self-taught. Collaborating with professionals and many hours of research online has given Bernhard more expertise in the technology field. When Covid19 came into the picture, Bernhard knew he had to step up his game. It was very rough at the beginning, switching everything to an online platform. He had to figure everything out quickly; it was all riding on him. It appears Mr. Klingenberg was successful because Calvary Church is running smoothly with an online platform.
In the next 5-10 years, Bernhard sees himself continuing work for Calvary Church. Whatever he decides to do, the church seems to have a valuable member on their team.
Shelly decided to go into the sales department and now oversees 90+ employees along with the key managers.
Being a General Manager sounds like it’s a snap for Shelly. She says, “As long as you love what you’re doing, it is easy.” You have to give her credit. She has put a lot of time and effort into learning the ups and downs of the business. With time and hard work under her belt, she is well deserving of the position. As for what she has learned from this job, “It is forever changing and you have to change with it,” she says.
Luckily, drastic changes didn’t happen at the dealership during the current pandemic. A good portion of the department did have to shut down, which was tough, but they were able to get through it. The only employees that left the business were of their own accord. Now the dealership is on the other side of things and Shelly seems optimistic about the future.
Looking ahead, Shelly Magpuri sees lots of possibilities. The dealership growing, offices relocating, and business expanding are just a few of the things to come. She happily states, “There is nowhere to go but up!”
buy a towing company from his parents and today it has expanded into so much more.
Business did slow down once the pandemic hit though. In March of 2020, Covid-19 caused people to stay home which meant fewer cars on the road and less demand for his company’s services. Sean estimates that his company had a loss of 30-35%. Eventually things picked back up once more people got back to driving. By March of 2021, Monterey Garage and Towing is getting back to normal. Once more businesses and entertainment open their doors, the tow trucks should all be on the road at full capacity again.
In the next 5-10 years, Sean sees his company growing even bigger and better. They have already expanded to Pacific Grove and Salinas. Future goals are to have more trucks, more employees and more area covered. With all this experience, Sean said he’s learned that being a business owner is super hard work. “If you want to be good at something, you have to give 100%”, he said. As for advice to people looking to own a business, Sean had a few tips to offer. If you want to make it work, you must jump in all the way. Have all your things planned out and make sure to have goals set. Never burn bridges with people. Be kind to everyone and make contacts. Having good contacts can be great for when you need help in the future.
Monterey Garage and Towing averages in helping 3000 people per month with 31 employees and 22 tow trucks. If you are in need of their assistance, give Sean a call!
the bureaucratic side of things. Medical school doesn’t teach the ins and outs of business management, administration and all that comes with it. Leland had to learn an additional skill set to make sure he properly ran his business. With that side of the company under control, he was able to focus on the spectacular field of ophthalmology. He has been practicing in Monterey Bay since 1994 and plans to continue, as he is still in full swing, giving back to patients and the community. When he decides to retire, he hopes to hand over the reins to the next generation of doctors at the eye center.
As far as Monterey Bay Eye Center being affected by Covid 19, the first 3 months there was a very dramatic downturn for the business. Emergent care was the only thing allowed at the time and most eye surgeries are not emergencies. The doctors and office staff were working very little and just had to weather the storm. Slowly, following the CDC guidelines, patients started to return, and business gradually sped up. It’s still not the same as before. The office setting has changed and the amount of people allowed in the office has been adjusted. At the very beginning of Covid 19, it was scary and challenging for Dr. Rosenblum but now the company has recovered to near normal.
When asked about advice for new business owners, Dr. Leland Rosenblum said, “You have to want to do it. It’s a full-time job on top of a full-time job. You must always be willing to learn because laws and regulations are constantly changing. Potential owners should seek out good advice and use community resources to be productive. Being a business owner gives you the great gift of independence and that is the most rewarding thing.”
Juan Batista is the co-owner of Quiedan Company. This company sells, distributes, and manufactures agriculture structures to growers all over the world. This company was a big change from an internet startup, but Juan saw an opening in the agricultural field. He knew he could bring good management practices to the agricultural workers in California and so he made the leap. As an owner, his duties vary but he mostly spends his time on the operational side of things. The job also has some perks, like traveling to amazing places around the globe.
Being a businessman, you learn many things through the years, but one thing has stood out to Mr. Batista; “ It’s all about the people.” Sure, a PhD in economics can do you wonders when you own a company, but it also would help to have a PhD in psychology. To be able to work with people, coach people and to understand people is certainly important as a business owner, Juan explains. With a pocket full of degrees from numerous colleges, it wouldn’t be a surprise if Juan decided to go back for one more. Which leads to his advice for business owners, “Get a degree in psychology!”
As for the Quiedan Company, during Covid-19 times, there have been some changes. Travel is less, socialization amongst staff is less and it just really slows down on the work output. It has put a damper on teamwork to reach goals but hopefully things will be up and running again soon. Looking into the future, Juan sees himself continuing on with work and pushing forward to make continued progress. He has a great way of explaining life with idioms and hyperboles. Basically, Juan wants to have control of his life and be the driver of his own stagecoach, so to speak. He plans to keep having fun, work and travel the world.
In 2016, an associate of Kami’s, who also happened to own a Straw Hat Pizza location, mentioned that he was going to sell his business. The wheels started turning in Kami’s head and she decided to discuss it with her husband. After some consideration, they decided to take the plunge and get into the pizza business. Soon they were the new owners of Straw Hat Pizza, Watsonville. This changed Kami’s world. She found out quickly that you really need to love what you do. Being an owner requires you to have a passion for your company and put in 100% or it will fail. Luckily, she had background experience and fell in love with her new job. She learned that you must be alert, be available and have a strong leadership team under you, that you can trust. She enjoys being her own boss and setting her own standards for her company.
Being an owner, Kami has become a jack of all trades. Along with overseeing and supervising her crew, she’s also had to learn all about the accounting side of this career. She is on site a lot of the time, working the main table and assisting with customer service. The Watsonville location is known for being very family friendly, holding parties and events for large groups. This is their main source of income. Unfortunately, the Covid19 pandemic has impacted Kami’s Straw Hat Pizza immensely. Without the ability to have people dine indoors, their sales have gone down by 50%. Kami is hoping that within the next few months, things will start to get back to normal. Until then, she is staying strong for her staff and holding out for brighter days.
If Kami was to give advice to other business owners, the first thing she would do is recommend reading the book, Restaurants for Dummies. She says, it may sound silly, but she got so many great tips and ideas from that book, especially for people new to owning their own restaurant. She also suggests that if you are looking to own a restaurant, start out with a franchise. This allows you to have support from the company headquarters and there are many things to utilize that have already been established. In the next 5-10 years, Kami hopes to open other Straw Hat locations and continue on the pizza path.
aviation mechanic. The job was not exactly enjoyable for Craig and he wanted to make a change. After catching up with a friend for some conversations and meals, the two decided to take a leap and co-own a restaurant together in Maryland. This was the start of a new life for Craig and it is one that brought him much more happiness.
From the start of his first restaurant, until present day, Mr. Ling has learned a lot about work and life. He said one of the most important lessons he has learned is, “You need to follow your passion. If you do something you love for your job, it won’t feel like work. Find something that excites you and just do it. You don’t need to wait around for someone to tell you to do it, just take the leap.” He took the leap and hasn’t looked back. At Sandbar and Grill, Craig spends his time overseeing the place, socializing, greeting customers and getting to know the regulars. He really is just enjoying this amazing life he built.
With Covid19 still looming over us, Sandbar and Grill has without doubt been affected. The location does not have an outdoor dining space, bringing in customers has become almost impossible. Craig has been fortunate enough to be able to keep the restaurant open and is waiting out the pandemic, so he can once again open the doors to awaiting diners. When asked about giving advice to business owners, Craig said, “Learn to do the numbers. You have to be able to do that to make the money. Learn from an accountant or a professional- learn the tricks and ideas you can use to understand things better- be smart about it.” It seems that Craig has been very smart about running his business. Looking to the future, Craig sees himself still owning the Sandbar and Grill. He may not be there as often though, as he plans to continue with his travels around the world, golfing and eating until his heart's content.
fished up and down the West Coast.
“I was surrounded by a family of independent business owners,” Scott explains. “This helped me understand and
really value how wealth is created over many years with hard work and dedication.”
The first in his family to attend college, Scott fished in the summers and paid tuition with his earnings. “I
was going to be a fish broker. I thought, wouldn’t that be great to connect product and consumer, all over the
world.”
With some good advice from his wife and a degree from Cal Poly, Scott switched his focus from fish stocks to
company stocks. “Without realizing it at the time, finance became my true calling, and I loved it. I went to
work for Morgan Stanley. I learned the business, got credentialled, and had great mentors while I was there. I
loved the people part of it, and the strategic side—I just soaked it up.” His next move was to UBS, the
biggest global bank in the world, where he spent 11 years.
Just as in the world of fishing, the compass and highly skilled team have a place in the field of finance. At
UBS, Scott worked with Marian M. Deering and Laurence Walker III. “We’re each different,” says Scott, “Marian
is an expert in accounting and financial planning, and Larry lives and breathes research.” The three shared a
vision (their compass): starting a firm of their own.
“I wanted to build a strong local platform for clients, and I was blessed enough to have two other people who
shared that vision.”
On October 26, 2020, Monterey Custom Wealth Management opened its doors. “For the first time,” explains Scott,
“we can deliver our services under our own brand. We’re a really good team. We’re not just partners; we’re
friends. And that benefits everyone.”
Despite opening during a pandemic, Monterey Custom Wealth Management has met the challenge with aplomb. “It
hasn’t slowed us down at all,” Scott stated. “Because of technology, we have not missed a step. We haven’t
missed a beat. In 2020, we all adapted to connecting remotely. It’s a testament to our clients, really. They
have been responsive and supportive, and that’s a real blessing.”
To make it all work seamlessly, Monterey Custom Wealth Management needed top-notch equipment. Initially, they
went with a large corporate telephone provider. But the phone lines were not up to par. “Our work is personal,
and it’s important, and we need to have clear, secure phone lines.”
Scott called Telco. He recalls, “Bruce, Steve, and Gus came out. They are straight shooters. They gave us a
lot of choices. It was a process, but that’s o.k. because I knew I was getting what our firm needed. And Telco
is a local company. Now more than ever, I want to support local companies. It’s really nice when that local
business—Telco—is the best.”
to McCall’s Motorworks Revival and, in 2000, capped attendance at 3,000. “It grew organically,” Gordon says,
“because it’s all connected. And there’s energy and magic there. People meet in person—old friends come
together. It’s very ‘old school’ in that sense. I love the feeling of getting people together, being a
catalyst.”
This year, McCall’s Motorworks Revival will celebrate its 30th anniversary. “I love it as much today as when
we began,” Gordon says. He gives credit to the team at McCall Events and to his wife, Molly. “She’s an artist
by profession. She has expertise in logistics and aesthetics, and she brings that expertise to everything she
does.”
The event raises money for the California Highway Patrol (CHP) 11-99 Foundation. Gordon first became
interested in the 11-99 Foundation when his friend, the late Ned Tanen, explained that the non-profit supports
families of fallen officers. It has expanded to support families of all California Highway Patrol employees
and to fund scholarships for their children. Today, Gordon sits on the platinum-rated 501(c)3 organization’s
board of directors. “The Foundation provides $2.5 million annually in scholarships to CHP family offspring who
qualify academically,” he says, “I am honored to be a part of it.”
After a year on hold, Car Week will be back this August. The event has deep roots in the area, spanning back
to the Pebble Beach Road Races in the 1950s. “Car Week is the single biggest source of revenue for Monterey
Peninsula,” explains Gordon, “It brings people from all over the world. Many people stay for an entire month.
The financial impact is staggering.”
Gordon’s involvement in the week-long celebration doesn’t end at the kick-off party. He is co-founder and
motorsports director for The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering, and The Quail, A Motorcycle Gathering. Vehicles
are judged in categories from pre-war sports cars to futuristic prototypes. The events are favorites of Car
Week attendees.
When Car Week comes to a close, where does one keep such exotic, historic, and valuable cars? Gordon and
several fellow developers set out to answer this question and created Monterey Motorsport Park. It’s a place
to keep a vehicle in the off-season, but it’s no storage unit. These are upscale car condominiums with 25-foot
ceilings and mezzanines.
Gordon explains, “If you’re into cars, and you live on the peninsula, you’re lucky to get a two-car garage.
You can rent a space, but then you’re just paying someone else’s mortgage. When you own your space, the tax
benefits are substantial.” When the shutdown began, Monterey Motorsport Park was 65% sold out. By the end of
2020, all 85 units (that’s 90,000 square feet) were sold.
Gordon has brought his business, McCall Events, to the motorsport park. “When I moved into the building, I got
in touch with Telco. Everything is linked together. It was seamless and painless!” Monterey Motorsport Park’s
preferred vendor for telephone and IT is Telco. “Their products are awesome. Bruce makes everything super
easy. I can’t say enough good about them.”
and ambition, she helped evolve this once small operation into a successful non-profit organization.
Although she is not a classroom teacher, MY Museum has allowed her to continue her dream of working in the
field of education. Over the years, this job has taught her that learning never ends. With over 50 exhibits,
children and parents alike can discover and explore all that the museum has to offer. This career has allowed
her to develop children in becoming life-long learners.
As the executive director, the job does entail more than just fun and games. A lot of Lauren’s time is spent
fundraising for the museum and working as a community liaison. It is important that the organization remains a
big part of the community, so Lauren’s role is quite extensive. Of course, when you visit MY Museum, you will
most likely see Lauren. She likes to be on site to keep the inspiration going and make sure that she is on top
of any changes that need to be made.
This past year has been especially hard for MY Museum, during the Covid-19 crisis. It was a shock at the
beginning, trying to figure out how to change and make things work during closure. With some brainstorming and
collaboration, new ideas were created that would continue to provide wonderful learning experiences for
children and families. The goal was to help families learn ways to remain safe when taking children from their
home environment out into public places. The concept of “Shelter in Play” boxes was conceived and community
children are able to play and learn from the safety of their own homes.
When asked about advice for other business owners, Lauren said, “ It is important to give ourselves grace
during this time. Use the time to relax and rethink about your visions. Stay driven but also relax and let go
because we have the opportunity to do that now.” When the time comes for things to start up again, Lauren will
be ready. For now, she continues to look for the silver lining.
has vast obligations but Ameneh is currently focusing on building a strong committed team. She aims to work
with people that feel hospice work is their calling and they will be dedicated to their patients. Her
ultimate goal is to have hospice work covering the state of California.
The United States has a long history of hospices being run by big corporations whose main desire is usually
profit. Ameneh wants to change all that. Her belief is that this line of work should be about respect for
human life. Patients need to be treated with dignity and respect. A lesson she has learned from all of this
is you need to come from love and commitment for what you do. Ultimately, Ameneh’s hospice team will be made
up of local nurses serving the people in their community.
Universal Health Net Monterey just established its roots in 2020. Starting during the Covid-19 pandemic has
been no easy task. Nursing homes and assisted living facilities do not want outsiders coming in to work with
their patients. Ameneh understands this and is being patient with the situation. When asked about her advice
to other business owners she said, “Always do the right thing. Don’t let fear run your life and just push
forward.” Ameneh’s commitment to this industry will continue on and make positive changes for years to come.
become a trial lawyer. From 1970-1975, Larry worked as a Public Defender in Los Angeles. He established a
great record
had some landmark cases. Work continued, as well as his private life, having gotten married and moving to
Monterey in
1975.
A few years later, Larry became a private attorney with the law firm Cominos, Shostak & Epstein. A strong
relationship
was built with Ted Cominos and soon Larry partnered with him in the firm Cominos & Biegel. This partnership
lasted until
1997. That is when Larry decided to spread his wings and open The Biegel Law Firm. With true dedication to
his clients,
Larry likes to take a hands-on approach in 3 dimensions. It begins with offering legal advice and services.
Next, is to
focus on understanding the client’s situation carefully, to make sure the client will be best served by
hiring an
attorney. Now we know why he has such a reputable firm! What honesty! Finally, the third dimension is to
follow up with
the client after the case. He makes sure that the solutions he provides are effective in the long run,
guaranteeing the
best possible service to his clients.
During these unprecedented times, The Biegel Law Firm has safeguarded against Covid-19 by screening guests,
checking
temperatures, requiring masks and using ample hand sanitizer. We asked Larry what advice he has for people
who are
trying to cope with these unusual circumstances. He said, “ try to recognize the difficulty people are
enduring, stay
safe and pull together.” The Biegel Law firm is ready to help the people of Monterey County, with a friendly
welcome
from the reception to the boss.
nearly half a century.
Regina Gage is the executive director of Meals on Wheels of the Salinas Valley. Regina leads a lean yet
exceptionally
effective staff of seven, about whom she speaks very highly: “These are amazing, competent, and caring
people.”
A loyal team of 80 volunteers helps deliver 1,000 to 1,500 meals every week. Regina refers to these
volunteers as “True
blue: rain or shine, pandemic or not, they show up.” While Meals on Wheels has implemented additional safety
protocols
in response to the pandemic, the organization has continued its essential work, serving people who are 60 or
older who
have disabilities or other impediments to shopping or cooking on their own.
Regina recalls when she first took the helm of the organization, six years ago. “I didn’t realize how many
seniors in
our county were vulnerable and alone,” she said. “Sometimes we would be the only people they would see in a
week.”
The human connection is fundamental to the organization’s work. These days, there is less interaction, but
always a wave
or smile from a safe distance. “It’s been a big change for clients and volunteers,” Regina explained, “but
it’s a
temporary situation. People have been wonderful.”
Meals on Wheels also delivers food for their clients’ pets. Through a 20-year partnership with the SPCA of
Monterey
County, the “AniMeals” program provides food for dogs, cats, and birds, to help clients provide for their
cherished
four-legged (and two-winged) companions.
Asked if she has advice for others who lead nonprofit organizations, she said, “Yes, it’s important to have
lofty ideas.
But a nonprofit is still a business. You’ve got to sustain it with the funding to support those ideas going
forward.”
Meals on Wheels of the Salinas Valley has lofty ideas and staying power. The organization’s 50-year
anniversary is just
around the corner, in 2022.
part-owner and general manager of Premier Hyundai and Premier Chevrolet.
In Joe’s extensive experience in the car business, he has seen the best and the worst of car dealer
management
and swore
that if he ever owned the dealership, he would run it like a family — with empathy and respect for the
people
working
for him as well as for his customers.
Joe works hard on community involvement. He sponsored a food drive in the community in cooperation with the
local food
bank and proudly filled 650 vehicle trunks with food.
For Halloween this year, Joe also partnered up with the Monterey County Fairgrounds to set up a candy
giveaway
in which
other businesses could participate. Each business sponsored a trunk full of Halloween candy!
Although COVID-19 has hit businesses hard, Joe felt that his experience working through other crises, such
as
the
economic meltdown of 2008, allowed him to be better prepared for the situation. Unfortunately, he did have
to
reduce
staff and tighten spending to survive, but he reacted quickly to minimize the damage. Joe has spent years
refining the
online selling of vehicles, and this proved to be highly beneficial as COVID challenged him to continue to
sell vehicles
while complying with new restrictions.
Joe’s best advice is don’t make business decisions based on gut feelings. Use science and data to make
critical
decisions for the best outcome.
it was time to look for a practice he could own and manage. He went on to purchase the Animal Hospital of
Salinas in 2011.
Dr. Chan has created a friendly practice with a laid-back feeling for his employees and clients. He
describes
it as “the
feel of a family practice.” He has a great reputation and steady clientele. When COVID-19 escalated, the
Animal Hospital
was deemed an essential business, allowing it to stay in operation. Dr. Chan went into swift action to adapt
new
guidelines and maintain great communication with his employees; offering to work with anyone who needed time
off for
their families or for other hardships. The staff unanimously elected to stay and keep serving their clients.
Embracing revised scheduling and new procedures, Al’s business quickly optimized the services they provided
during that
period. Fortunately, using curbside service and other procedural changes, minimal exposure to customers was
possible.
They continued to improve their policies and procedures to eventually return to full-time service. Dr. Chan
feels they
now have a long-term, sustainable program to continue doing business.
When asked if he had advice for other business owners dealing with today’s issues, Al offered:
Listen to the scientists. Come together. Have patience.
Sounds like great advice!