Jorge Sanchez, Utah National Guard
Left of the Lake
We talked with Jorge Sanchez from the Utah National Guard about his career and upcoming retirement. Episode Highlights Enlistment and service timeline. Deployment experience in Iraq. Transition from Marine Corps to Army. Recruiting for Army, pilot program insights. Career opportunities and education in the military. Unique civilian skills in the National Guard. Utah’s linguist advantage. Preparing for retirement. Language assumptions and mission experience. Advice for military hopefuls. Differences in age waivers by branch. Episode Resources Connect with Neil Bryce, Jeff...
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Samisoni Finau - MMA Fighter - Westlake Coach
Left of the Lake
We interviewed Samisoni "Soni" Finau about his MMA career and his current job teaching wrestling at Westlake High School. Episode Highlights Soni’s MMA journey and move from Alaska to Utah. Discussion about training at high altitude in Utah and its benefits. Childhood and early fighting influences: Boxing with family. The unique benefits of Jiu-Jitsu and its role in MMA. Humility and trust in martial arts training. Starting professional MMA career and first experiences in the ring. Debut professional fight: Victory with a pre-fight notice of 12 hours. Effect of COVID-19 on Soni’s...
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Doug Marriot and SurfacePix
Left of the Lake
We talked with Doug Marriot from SurfacePix about his cool new printer that makes high definition, photo quality art right on your walls. Episode Highlights Doug discusses moving to Saratoga Springs. Doug introduces his company, SurfacePix. Explanation of the types of ink used - UV cured, vegan-based. Comparison between printed murals and traditional mural artists. Doug talks about the DPI (dots per inch) for prints. The need for high-resolution images for large prints. Examples of images printed by SurfacePix. Discussion of inkheads durability with different substrates. Adjusting for wall...
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Julie King and the Alpine School District Split
Left of the Lake
We talked with Julie King, Saratoga Springs and Eagle Mountain's School Board representative about the upcoming Alpine School District split. Episode Highlights Feasibility Study initiates the split discussion. Objective of the study: unbiased financial analysis. Interlocal agreements among municipalities for potential new districts. Reasons behind the split: differing regional needs and growth cycles. Representation issues: school board member insights. Underrepresented and overcrowded West Side schools. Overcapacity solutions: portable classrooms. Safety concerns with portable units....
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Laxman and Taqueria 27
Left of the Lake
Laxman showed up to talk about his latest restaurant in Eagle Mountain, Taqueria 27. Originally from Nepal, Laxman attended BYU, then earning his citizenship by joining the US Army for 8 years. Episode Highlights New restaurant opening: Taquería 27 in Eagle Mountain. Laxman’s background: From Nepal to restauranteur in Utah. Military service: Joining the U.S. Army and gaining citizenship. Multilingual abilities: Speaking five languages. Transition from military to business: Purchasing Big Daddy’s Pizza. Expansion: Acquiring and growing Taquería 27. Military discipline: Key to success in...
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Tara and Jethro Peretto with Amrita Honey
Left of the Lake
Tara and Jethro Peretto with Amrita Honey talked with us about raising bees and making honey right here in Saratoga Springs! Episode Highlights Mother-son beekeeping beginnings. Unique honey flavors based on location. High interest in beekeeping classes. How to set up your yard for beekeeping. Managing 3,000 hives with mentorship. Regulations for placing hives in the area. The importance of raw honey. Checking honey for purity. Episode Resources Connect with Neil Bryce, Jeff Beck and Greg Spencer Left of the Lake Podcast: Connect with Amrita Honey
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Sherry Aguero and Solo Solutions
Left of the Lake
We talked with Sherry Aguero, owner of Solo Solutions. Sherry connects people looking for full time work with employers looking to hire them. She's a great person providing a great service to our community. Episode Highlights Women in business networking. Cultural difference moving from New Jersey to Utah. Difference in weather and environment between Utah and New Jersey. Founding Solo Solutions during COVID. First-year success and rapid growth. The three main industries Solo Solutions serves: hospitality, manufacturing, and construction. The rigorous vetting process for employees....
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Camille Ramirez - That Limo Girl
Left of the Lake
We had a great conversation with Camille Ramirez, owner and operator of That Limo Girl. You've probably seen her white limousine driving around town! Here about how she got started with her own limo service and what she is up to now. Episode Highlights The Giving Pantry Initiative How Camille Got Her First Limo The Start of a New Business Offering Free Rides to Senior Citizens Surprise Wedding Gifts: Free Limo Rides Upcoming Collaboration Idea Camille’s Love for Mexican Food Episode Resources Connect with Neil Bryce, Jeff Beck and Greg Spencer Left of the Lake Podcast: Connect with...
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Alma Ohene-Opare
Left of the Lake
We have a great talk with Alma Ohene-Opare, a Ghanaian immigrant and author of "My American Privilege: A Chronicle of my Transatlantic Journey to Become American". Alma's journey to America is not just a physical transition from one continent to another; it is a profound exploration of identity, purpose, and the relentless pursuit of dreams. Episode Highlights The challenge of gaining a U.S. visa. Applying to BYU and the 90-second story. BYU application fee paid through Yahoo chat. Alma’s realization of America’s opportunities. Surviving Los Angeles Front-row seat to American diversity....
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McCaul's Eagle Mountain Guitar
Left of the Lake
Dive into the rhythm of Eagle Mountain with Parris McCaul, the passionate guitarist from McCaul's Guitar, on the latest 'Left of the Lake' podcast! Neil and Jeff host an enlightening chat about Parris's journey from small-town dreams to guitar teaching. Tune in for a touch of nostalgia, a look at diverse guitar styles, and how music weaves its way through life's tapestry! Episode Highlights Parris McCall's Transition from Small Town to Eagle Mountain The Charm of a Growing Community Parris McCall Personal Playing Style Teaching Philosophy: Catering to Students' Preference Costco Food Court -...
info_outlineWe talked with Heston Williams, the Recreation Director for the City of Saratoga Springs. He shared some great information about what the city has to offer for recreation and the issues we are facing.
Episode Highlights
- Heston’s background and his tenure as the director of Saratoga Springs Recreation
- Suggestions on how to reach more potential volunteers for the fishing program
- The importance and challenges of offering recreational opportunities for kids not on elite teams
- Current funding methods for Saratoga Springs recreational programming
- Process of creating a North Marina near Patriot Park that could serve as a destination for recreational activities
- The new city hall project, which will commence in spring and will feature a planned library
- How community members can get involved with the recreation department, either through volunteering or job opportunities
- Sportsmanship issues in local recreation sports and tips for parents to maintain a positive atmosphere
- The impact of recreation sports on child development and life skills
Episode Resources
- Connect with Neil Bryce, Jeff Beck and Greg Spencer
- Left of the Lake Podcast: https://www.facebook.com/groups/288869046622439/?ref=share
- https://www.instagram.com/accounts/login/?next=/leftofthelake/
- https://www.saratogasprings-ut.gov/284/Recreation
- Connect with the Guest
- https://www.saratogasprings-ut.gov/directory.aspx?EID=87
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/heston-williams-cprp-6173507