In Episode 7, I got the opportunity to chat with Jonathan Torres, owner of Falkenburg Productions and LiveWeddings.net

Jonathan and I met years ago when we were both serving on the Game Day staff at USF. He was the PA Announcer and I was running Game Ops. Over the years, our paths have crossed many times. For me, it’s always fun to catch up with him and see what’s new. Blessed with the gift of gab, Jonathan never makes me worry about an awkward pause, or a lull in the conversation.

Episode 7 – What’s it all about?

And this time was no different. We talked about some of his role models, those who he quotes in everyday business, and best quote of all, “The riches are in the niches.”

Jonathan talked about his path to self-discovery; and how he came to realize that there was opportunity within communities and revenue brackets that others had overlooked in lieu of growth, ego and sometimes greed. (My words, not his.)

When I watch ‘motivational videos’ or read self-help books, I always find myself puzzled; thinking, “Right…I get it…but, like…how?!” Contrary to a lot of those fluffy, macro-level personal and professional development books and videos or overpriced courses, Jonathan and I dove into 4 key bits of advice to utilize on the journey of finding your passion.

What motivates you?
What do you LIKE to do?
What do you NOT like to do?
What would you do for FREE?

Although this isn’t in this video, Jonathan told me about how some of his greatest passions were right in front of his face the entire time. He continued, “It just took someone else’s input, or a sudden ah-ha moment to make me realize it.” For example, when he was younger, he would video-tape his mother’s soccer matches – just as she did when he played.

Long story short, today, Falkenburg Productions is the professional version of that, specializing in Live Stream production. Whether he’s streaming a wedding or a funeral or broadcasting a high school football game so that family and friends can watch from afar, he’s right back where it all started – behind the camera, creating something functional and beautiful. Finally, we talk about failure. This is an important piece, so be sure to watch to the end.

About Jonathan –  In his own words

Jonathan Torres is a born and raised Floridian, and the first generation American. His parents are from Colombia, where he spent his summers learning his family's heritage and culture. This also allowed him to maintain his adoption of the Spanish language. Jonathan began his career in 2001 as a production director and on-air personality at radio stations across Florida and Alabama. Jonathan has lived in Tampa Bay since 2006, where he became the Tampa Bay division marketing director for DR Horton, the nation’s largest homebuilder. In 2012 he served as the Director of Digital Integration for the Republican National Convention, and in 2014 and 2015 led Hispanic Outreach efforts for the Republican National Committee in Tampa Bay.

Since 2006, Jonathan has been heavily involved in the community's business and political circles.  He most recently served as the Gulf Coast Regional Director for US Senator Marco Rubio. In this role, he oversaw 9 counties and worked alongside county commissioners, city council members, chambers of commerce, and main infrastructure points such as Tampa International Airport, Port Tampa Bay, and the region’s VA hospitals. In January 2020, Jonathan jumped into entrepreneurship and started a digital content production called Falkenburg Productions. 

Connect!

Connect with Jonathan if you want to talk about finding your passion, or if you’re in search of a video production partner. Use the links throughout this blog to follow, connect and engage with Jonathan. 

What a joy it was to speak with Josy Martinez early in the morning (so, so early) as we recorded Episode 6 of Bright Ideas! Josy and I go way back to our Skyscanner days in Miami and draw on similar yet very different experiences in the workplace for today’s conversation.

About Josy

Josy has over 15 years’ experience in the human resources field. She’s helped raise companies from the ground up, advised c-suite executives and increased performance across the board. In terms of formal education, Josy holds a bachelor’s degree in Industrial Psychology attended the University of Miami for their Certified Professional Coaching Program. 

As she continues to evolve – both personally and professionally - Josy is expanding her personal professional aspirations into the life/career coaching world; and she recently launched her coaching business, First Coffee then Things. In her own words, "I’m a coach who works with individuals and teams, as they navigate personal and professional opportunities and challenges. Together, we create a safe space to help them explore the tools and support they have available to empower themselves and accomplish their goals.”

Episode 6 – What’s it all about?

Throughout the course of our conversation, Josy and I delved deep into passion and success as she talked about occupying spaces that weren’t necessarily built for her. Josy has developed her skills of navigating – and in a lot of cases, creating – uncomfortable conversations and situations. How does political correctness fit into the workplace? How do you flip the switch of common preconceptions?

We spoke a lot about gender and cultural issues, and what that means for you as a human, as an employee and as a manager. Though we didn’t specifically use the term during out conversation, is there a dose of unconscious bias in your day-to-day? 

And finally, we talked about success. How do you define your success? Is it based on what society tells you success is? Is it what your spouse or parents say it is? How does social media affect your definition of successful? 

This was a wonderful conversation and one I hope to continue in future episodes! 

Connect!

Connect with Josy if you want to talk about HR as a profession, or if you’re in search of a life or professional coach. Josy is an amazing listener with a ton of insight. Use the links below to follow, connect with and engage with Josy. HOT TIP: Suggest meeting up for coffee! 

In Episode 5 of Bright Ideas, I had the distinct honor of speaking with a long-time colleague, my sister, Dianne Wintermute.

Ever since one of her first high school jobs, Dianne knew she wanted a career in the hospitality field. Dianne graduated from Palm Beach Community College (now Palm Beach State College) with an Associate’s degree in Hospitality Management, and again from the University of South Florida (GO BULLS!) with a Bachelor's in Business Management. While she studied, Dianne pursued her career goal of becoming a restaurant general manager. After years of hard work and dedication, Dianne decided the Hospitality industry wasn't for her. The demands of the industry no longer aligned with her personal life. She rechanneled her learned skills into a warehouse inventory position - one that was supposed to be a stepping stone. Gainfully employed by a company that offered the ability to learn and grow and a great work-life balance, Dianne stuck around and worked her way up to Operations Manager over the past seven years.

Dianne is a new mom to my nephew, Liam, and is a force to be reckoned with in the business world. She’s created a life for herself that has spanned two very similar but markedly distinct industries: Hospitality & Restaurant Management and Distillation.

This episode brought about a conversation of paying dues, working toward a goal, and then realizing that goals change. And, by the way, that’s ok! After all, we’re all human.

We went on to discuss that point – HUMANITY IN THE WORKPLACE. It’s so important for companies to acknowledge that aspect of their employees – and as we’ve all learned over the past almost two years, no one exists in a vacuum.

We boiled it down to three concepts:
1 - Life Happens.
2 - People are a business’s most important asset.
3 - The customer is NOT always right, nor should they always be number one.

As someone who serves as the Operations Manager for her company, Dianne also gave her advice for anyone – at any stage of their career – when it comes to the type of employee they should strive to be:
1 - Be able to pivot & multi-task and effectively deal with the stressors that brings
2 - Always be willing to learn new things
3 - Stick to your morals & ethics

She specifically highlighted the third piece of advice. “[Your morals and ethics] are what make you who you are.” Dianne said. “No job should ever ask you to compromise that part of you.”

Dianne will be the first to tell you that she isn't sure what the future holds, but she is hopeful that it will afford her the opportunity to continue learning different aspects of small business!

Connect!

Check out her LinkedIn page and follow Dianne’s progress on her passion project!

I hope you enjoy Episode 5, and as always, please feel free to join the conversation in the comments! If you would like to be involved with #BrightIdeas or know someone who would make for a great guest, please get in touch!