Through The Grapevine

We are joined today by none other than Mr. Flywheel himself!! Brandon Cardwell was born and raised in the Livermore Valley. He has seen Livermore in many forms and is not only excited about its growth. He is involved as the Director of Innovation & Economic Development for the City of Livermore. In his first episode, he introduced the fly \wheel, which has come to serve as a general basis for many of the conversations that have followed. Join us for an informative and candid conversation with one of the Livermore Valley's brightest minds. And if you are reading this today, September 19th, go wish him a happy 40th birthday as well. The future is bright with leaders like Brandon at the helm. We would like to thank our partners in crime, Serviceware Pleasanton. Serviceware is an Apple Authorized Service Provider that has been family-owned and operated since 1987. They specialize in all things Apple and want to serve you! Whether your products are under warranty or not Justin and his wife Jenn are here

Owners Justin & Jenn Carvacho are both avid listeners of the podcast as well as community ambassadors just the same. We are honored/humbled/grateful/excited to be able to share both their story and services on the podcast.  The business's inception is a bit American dream meets a love story. In 1972, Justin's father [Carlos] immigrated from Chile to California to attend Heald College to pursue an education in TV repair. Fate had different plans when he met his would-be wife, Gail, at a pizza parlor in Berkeley. Justin's father found Serviceware in 1982, and the rest is somewhat history, as they say. After working with the business for 8 years, the original owners approached Carlos with an offer they could not refuse - to take over the company. 41 years later, they have established themselves as one of the very few legacy providers of Apple Authorized Service in the Bay Area. Serviceware started as an electronics repair shop and has become an industry leader in phone and computer repair. Thei

We are joined by a great friend and long-time industry vet, Justin Lebon owner and proprietor of Lebon Restoration & Woodwork. This episode is steered by SVC & JTM as Matt was in Wisconsin recording a docuseries for the CrossFit games. Nevertheless, we were able to put together a great episode and conversation. Justin is another one of those Fremont transplants who made their way to the Livermore Valley and never left. He spent a decade at Uncle Yu's right here in the heart of downtown as the GM and every other position. And when the pandemic hit, he was pressed to make some hard decisions about what was next. Join us for another deep dive into what it takes to push yourself to be your best. And we are reminded again that banking on yourself is always the best bet. If you are enjoying this content, leave us a review and help us climb the podcast leaderboards as your favorite podcast to listen to.

We are joined by one of our local favorites for a second time! Brandon Wood of The Cheese Parlor Livermore May find himself as a regular voice on the podcast. In this episode he takes us through his growth the last couple of years and shares what he is excited to see in the future of our local hospitality landscape. Tune in for another epic conversation with in of our favorites Cheesy B!!

We got to sit down with the owner and proprietor of Poppy's Flower Truck - Kristy Hootman. Kristy and her family live here in town and can be seen frequenting many of TTG's favorite spots in either their blue ’69 VW Single cab or their yellow '75 FJ cruiser aka Big Bird. In this episode, Kristy shares what it has been like since taking the leap into small business ownership over the pandemic. Giving insight into the courage that it has taken to step outside her comfort zone to do something that she loves while also being a full-time mother of two. Kristy's story is very grounding and reminds us to give ourselves grace in taking the leap as small business owners. She is also a lover of Scribe wines that continue to make a presence throughout our recent seasons. Grab a glass of your favorite whatever and tune in. Be sure to subscribe and leave a review. @ttg_podcast

We get back to the roots in this episode as we shoot the shit to some cool natural wines brought in by SVC. Listeners have been requesting a few wine-centric episodes and here you are! We explore some cool wine-making styles alongside Sidewinder Distiller & Occasio Winemaker Dave Hendrickson. Dave has been a somewhat regular voice on the podcast over the last several years and it is always a treat to taste some cool things alongside him. SVC leads the charge on this episode and offers some cool wines that we have not yet tried on this podcast. So be sure to grab a glass of your favorite natty beverage and let's get after it. Tune in anywhere you listen to the noise and be sure to hit that subscribe button to get all the latest details.

Samantha Billings is an experienced, medaled Grand Prix rider and professional horse trainer. She has over 15 years of experience working with clients of all abilities and horses at all levels. What differentiates Sam from other trainers is her commitment to and emphasis on continuing education, both for herself and for her staff. Sam regularly clinics with former Olympians and World Cup riders. She has trained with Steffen Peters, Sabine Schut and Laura Graves to name a few. Sam's noteworthy talent and athleticism is equally matched to her dedication to top quality horse care and her passion for constant improvement within the equestrian industry.

Season 6 here we go - since 2019, we have aimed to highlight the brilliant collection of makers and innovators located in the Livermore Valley. This season is no different! We start this season off with AJ Wright of AJ's Bike Service. AJ is a local who has been serving this community since 2015, when he started working at Livermore Cyclery. After their unfortunate closing, he took it upon himself to continue the legacy started by one of Livermore's best cycle shops. He began wrenching out of his garage after hitting what felt like rock bottom during covid. The Livermore Valley community embraced him and helped push him to open his shop! We go deep in this episode, peeling back the layers that make up small business owner AJ Wright. He shares some things that we were not expecting, allowing us to have a conversation that we have not yet had before on this platform. While a bit intense sometimes, this episode is all love and passion. We hope you enjoy the raw season opener, and be sure to give us a lik

We are joined by Tasting Room Manager Ryan Stavert and Marketing Manager Alyson Freiders of Altamont Beer Works. Located in the upcoming Vasco Row Makers District. This 54-acre light industrial district is the home to 10 wineries, a distillery & speakeasy, Livermore's newest music venue, as well the one and only Altamont Beer Works. It has been a while since we have circled the wagons with the crew so we invited in a couple of fresh voices to the podcast to share some updates and talk ALL things July! Ryan and Alyson work collaboratively to produce Altamonts Summer Series. The event is a unique vendor fair bringing in some of Livermore's best small business owners for what is one of the most sought events in the Tri-Valley every last Saturday of the month all summer long. We also spin the tires on our first-ever live event taking place July 21st - Livermore Valley Wine Country's first-ever white wine festival happening at 3 Steve's on July 22nd. And the second annual Vasco Row Block Party

AND just like that season five has come to a wrap! Time really does fly when you are having a good time, and boy, did we have ourselves one. Special thanks and shoutout to our newest co-host, Matt Souza, who immediately added value to our mission. This episode is ALL LOVE as we look back on some of our favorite moments from season 5, from guests to bloopers. We are actively working on ways to better engage with our listeners and community, and the best is yet to come. Tune in now and find out what is in store for season 6, which is right around the corner. Be sure to subscribe and stay tuned for details on our first-ever TTG Live Meet The Maker Mixer happening in early June. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for the support and feedback. Our message is only as strong as our following and you all made some noise for us this season. Hit that subscribe button and stay up to date with all the latest TTG happenings on instagram @TTG_Podcast . Onward & Upward we love you!!!

Over the past 5 seasons, you all have heard us talk A LOT about sustainable eating and living. You may also remember that JTM along with a few other rotating co-host has had the chance to work at a few of the best restaurants in the Tri-Valley in Sabio on Main, Range Life, & Wingen Bakery. And eating local is something that has become more than just a motto, but a lifestyle. In this episode, we finally got the chance to sit down with one of the most important farms in the Tri-Valley - Happy Acre Farms owned and operated by Matt & Helena, Auggie Sylvester. Hailing from Oakland, Ca this family got the urge to get involved that was not only meaningful but essential. Happy Acre Farms is a small 3.5-acre farm tucked into the one-of-a-kind Sunol Ag Park. And since have become of of the influential familes in the quality food movement running rampant amongst the Tri-Valley. Join us as we sit down with owners and partners as they share why and what it takes to sustain success and growth in a very tough busine

We are joined by the dynamic duo in Briana & Kristen Iosco

On this episode, we have the owner and proprietor of the most wanted chips and salsa in ALL of the Livermore Valley. Aurora Nava a.k.a. Flaca has been in the game since 2011 when she was pushed by friends and loved ones to share her one of a kind salsa with more people. She has since opened a storefront on First Street and is dishing out a refreshing take on authentic home-style Mexican food. Flaca is a firm believer in the notion that people are more important to a great business than money is and goes on to explain what that means. While also shedding some light on the blessings and challenges of being a mother and entrepreneur in the hospitality industry. You won't want to miss the crew's reaction to the amazing gifts she had handmade for the team! Tune in and now, GIVE US A FOLLOW< & SUBSCRIBE - our message is only as strong as our following.

This week we try a little something new and talk about mental health and it’s relevances to working in the service industry. Matt tells a wild story that might give you the chills a bit. And Savannah expands upon the idea and shares how the spirituality of Buddha can help balance living consciously. The service industry is a beautiful and destructive profession that often takes its worst toll on us mentally. Yet it is a conversation we do not have often enough with and for one another. Tune in as we take a stab at a very candid conversation between your hosts. As always be sure to give us a follow - hit that subscribe button and if you really want to help move the needle for us, leave a comment and rating. Our message is only as strong as our following so please take a moment to help us increase our visibility!

Today we are joined by our first winery guest of the season! Rhonda Wood began making wine in 1996, fast forward 21 years later, Wood Family Vineyards opened their doors here at Vasco Row in 2017. Wood Family specializes in bold reds and one hell of a good time. Operating one of the most well-known wineries in the region, we are joined by her son and Executive VP, Harrison Wood, to learn more about their journey. Harrison takes us through some of the small business highs and lows, and we have a great conversation about what has set them apart since inception. We get a moment to chat about Rhonda's great disposition for community and how it has helped them push the needle. And as always, we spend time talking about all things Livermore Valley hospitality. It was great to be joined by Harrison, and we can't wait for you to learn more about their story. In the glass, we drank newly bottled Cabernet Franc and their Big Wood Zinfandel - both were quite lovely and showed great! Check them out Wednesday thro

In this episode, Matt, Savannah, and JTM recap the beginning of the year. Spending some time on the Livermore Valley 1/2 marathon and what it means for the region. We then dive into a conversation about the current workforce culture of the area. Should work be fun? With as much time as we all spend in our professions, it was cool to dive into where we think it may be headed. As always we dance around a few other topics and updates here in the Livermore Valley and ultimately round off the session with a new segment called 'Moment of Gratitude'. Follow us at ttg_podcast and be sure to subscribe to the podcast. We would also like to ask that you leave a comment on for us if you are a consistent listener and fan of the pod. Our message is only as strong as our following and we are excited to be rocking with you all.

On this episode we send out the beloved Bar Quiote. Created by a couple former Range Life alums Bar Q was an agave and hotdog bar offering up good times and great drinks. Born in a pandemic Bar Q brought some new life to Livermore but faced what many small business do. Join us as we send off Bar Q and share some of our favorite memories while also sharing some insight in what it is to become!! And as always don’t forget to hit that subscribe button and if you want it be even more awesome leave us a review or comment! TTG season 5 let’s go!!

Season 5 Episode 4 is out! Today we are joined by Trevor Schlitt of Minute Media Productions - Minute Media Productions LLC focuses on creating fun and exciting videos. From weddings and real estate to commercial projects, let me capture your story exactly how you want it! Trevor takes us on a journey of how his business came to be and the importance of visuals and media to all businesses. Trevor shares the importance of passion before craft and how taking a risk on yourself will always be your best bet. Trevor is located here in the beautiful Livermore Valley and is excited to continue to support regional growth from the small business sector. Be sure to hit that subscribe button and give us a follow - share with someone you love! Check out more of Trevor and Mintue Media at https://www.minutemediaproductions.com/

And away we go! Season 5 - Episode 2 we are excited to invite back a familiar voice in Chief Storyteller Paul Halvorsen! Paul and his crew of storytellers hold down the block over at Maple Plaza at Story Coffee. Paul brings a few awesome bottles of Chardonnay, paying homage to the early days of winemaking here in the Livermore Valley. If you follow TTG you are well aware of Mr. Halvorsen and his story, but in this episode, we take a deeper look into the steps he took to open the few different iterations of Story. Paul is a Livermore local, small-business owner, historian, and committee member on the city's General Plan Advisory Committee. He is well-invested in the future of the town he loves so much, and we are excited to have him share his passion for this place and give some insight into where the market is headed. So go grab yourself a lucky charm latte before they disappear for the year! Hit the subscribe button and share this episode with a loved one or friend. TTG let's ride.

Yo - we could not be more excited to launch our fifth season of Through The Grapevine Podcast a.k.a. TTG_Podcast if you're nasty! As always, we are recording in the beautiful Livermore Valley Wine Country at the Advance Creative Studio. Savannah and I are jacked to take another round around the sun with you all. Our goal is to bring you closer to the movers and shakers of the Tri-Valley and Livermore Valley Wine Country. This season we hope to take a deeper dive into what makes small business work, together alongside owners and entrepreneurs, we will peel back the curtain on how small businesses stay competitive in a highly-competitive marketplace. For our first episode, we are joined by the Owners of Crossfit Livermore (CFL), Matt Souza & Grace Elliot Souza. Throughout the last two seasons, you have heard SVC and I talk about the importance of health, and for us, that means CFL. So to start off season 5 we wanted to take a dive into fitness and health and the importance of it for all those that hope