Rachel Cosgrove, Co-Owner & Operator of Results Fitness
The Voices of Business: SCV
In this powerful episode of The Voices of Business, hosts Joshua Maddux and Corey Nathan sit down with Rachel Cosgrove, co-owner and operator of in Santa Clarita. Celebrating 25 years of impact, Rachel shares her journey from dancer and personal trainer in New York City to co-creating one of the top gyms in the U.S., according to Men’s Health. From building a high-performing team to revolutionizing the fitness experience, Rachel unpacks the philosophies and lessons that shaped Results Fitness into a community cornerstone. What You Will Learn: The origin story and entrepreneurial...
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Bryan Touchstone, General Manager of Valencia Town Center
The Voices of Business: SCV
In this episode of The Voices of Business, host Joshua Maddux welcomes Bryan Touchstone, the General Manager of Valencia Town Center. Bryan brings over 35 years of experience in commercial retail management, having worked across the country in cities from Buffalo to Denver and now Santa Clarita. With a diverse background that spans radio broadcasting, accounting, and mall management, Bryan shares his professional journey, his passion for creating meaningful retail experiences, and the evolving role of Valencia Town Center in the heart of the community. What You Will Learn: How Bryan’s...
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Corey Nathan, Scan Media
The Voices of Business: SCV
In this episode of The Voices of Business, host Joshua Maddux flips the mic on the usual host-turned-guest Corey Nathan, founder and CEO of Scan Media. Corey shares his personal and professional journey—from the theater world of New York to business leadership in Santa Clarita. As a seasoned podcaster and entrepreneur, Corey opens up about founding Scan Media, launching multiple podcasts, and navigating the evolving landscape of media, politics, and technology. This candid conversation dives deep into entrepreneurship, resilience through economic downturns, and the meaningful practice of...
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Ashley Carlson, Elevate Virtual Business Solutions
The Voices of Business: SCV
In this inspiring episode of The Voices of Business, host Joshua Maddux sits down with Ashley Carlson, founder and CEO of Elevate Business Solutions. Joshua explores Ashley’s entrepreneurial journey, from her roots in Santa Clarita to building a remote, women-led team that empowers business owners to reclaim their time. Ashley shares insights on the challenges of delegation, the power of process, and what it really means to grow a business that supports both clients and employees. What You Will Learn: How Ashley’s career evolved from administrative support to business strategy. The...
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Jennifer Abbott & Andrew Aston, The Human Element Company
The Voices of Business: SCV
In this episode of The Voices of Business, co-hosts Joshua Maddux and Corey Nathan sit down with Jennifer Abbott and Andrew Aston, the dynamic husband-wife team behind The Human Element Company. Based in Santa Clarita, California, The Human Element Company specializes in staffing and HR consulting, offering people-first solutions with a unique approach to recruitment, culture-building, and compliance. Jennifer, the company’s fractional CHRO, brings empathy and strategy to HR, while Andrew, the Founder and Chief People Officer, brings decades of experience in staffing. Together, they...
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Di Thompson, Thompson Realty Advisors
The Voices of Business: SCV
In this inspiring episode of The Voices of Business, host Joshua Maddux sits down with Di Thompson—Chair of the Board for the Santa Clarita Valley Chamber of Commerce, Vice Chair of the Parks and Recreation Commission, and Realtor with Equity Union. Di shares her journey from commercial real estate to community leadership, her deep connection to Santa Clarita, and how giving back has fueled her purpose and success. With co-host Corey Nathan out on an adventure, Joshua leads this vibrant conversation on civic engagement, real estate, and the unique charm of SCV. What You Will Learn: How Di...
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Ryan Murphy, CEO of Magic Maintenance
The Voices of Business: SCV
Welcome to The Voices of Business, the Santa Clarita Valley Chamber of Commerce podcast! This episode is hosted by Joshua Maddux, with Corey Nathan away on an adventure. Joshua sits down with Ryan Murphy, CEO of Magic Maintenance, a Santa Clarita-based business that has been a community staple since 1964. Ryan shares his journey from aspiring sports agent to leading a multi-generational family business, adapting to industry changes, and fostering a strong company culture. This episode dives into leadership, perseverance, and the evolving landscape of the construction and maintenance industry....
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Troy Hooper, CEO of Kiwi Restaurant Partners
The Voices of Business: SCV
In this episode of The Voices of Business, hosts Corey Nathan and Joshua Maddux sit down with Troy Hooper, CEO of Hot Palette America and a seasoned leader in the hospitality industry. With over 30 years of experience spanning restaurants, resorts, and private clubs, Troy shares his journey from working in his father's construction business to becoming a top executive in the food industry. From acquiring Newhall Press Room to leveraging AI in business operations, Troy’s insights offer valuable lessons in leadership, adaptability, and innovation. What You Will Learn How Troy transitioned...
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David Heredia, Founder of Heroes of Color
The Voices of Business: SCV
In this episode of The Voices of Business, hosts Corey Nathan and Joshua Maddux sit down with David Heredia, the founder of Heroes of Color. David shares his inspiring journey from growing up in the Lower East Side of Manhattan to becoming an accomplished entrepreneur, artist, and advocate for diversity in media and education. His passion for representation and empowerment led to the creation of Heroes of Color, an organization dedicated to highlighting stories of diverse historical figures and empowering young creatives through entrepreneurial programs. What You Will Learn: How David...
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Jason Beaman: Partner, Poole Shaffery
The Voices of Business: SCV
In this episode of The Voices of Business, host Joshua Maddux welcomes Jason Beaman, Partner at Poole Shaffery, to discuss the intricacies of business law and how proactive legal planning can help business owners avoid costly mistakes. Jason shares insights from his legal career, the value of transactional law, and the importance of preventive legal measures for businesses. This episode dives into how legal professionals like Jason guide business owners in structuring their companies for success and navigating legal compliance. What You Will Learn: The importance of proactive legal...
info_outlineIn this episode of The Voices of Business, hosts Corey Nathan and Joshua Maddux sit down with Troy Hooper, CEO of Hot Palette America and a seasoned leader in the hospitality industry. With over 30 years of experience spanning restaurants, resorts, and private clubs, Troy shares his journey from working in his father's construction business to becoming a top executive in the food industry. From acquiring Newhall Press Room to leveraging AI in business operations, Troy’s insights offer valuable lessons in leadership, adaptability, and innovation.
What You Will Learn
- How Troy transitioned from culinary school to business leadership
- The importance of hands-on experience in running a successful organization
- How AI is revolutionizing the restaurant and hospitality industries
- The role of hospitality in all businesses, regardless of industry
- Lessons in resilience and leadership through business challenges
Episode Highlights
[00:01:11] – Troy Hooper discusses his recent investment in Newhall Press Room and his passion for the local restaurant scene.
[00:02:46] – From culinary school to CEO: Troy’s journey in the hospitality industry and his early career influences.
[00:06:29] – The power of adaptability: Why Troy believes in starting from the bottom to master different business roles.
[00:13:14] – AI in the restaurant industry: How Troy is using artificial intelligence to scale business operations.
[00:17:26] – The importance of training AI models with personal and business data to maximize efficiency.
[00:22:04] – Troy’s Pineapple Perspective Podcast: Why he believes every business is in the hospitality industry.
[00:30:47] – Learning from failures: Troy shares a major business setback and how he turned it into a growth opportunity.
[00:39:22] – Troy’s advice for staying engaged in the Santa Clarita Valley business community.
Featured Quotes
Troy Hooper: "You have to be willing to go back to zero. If you want to level up in your industry or pivot into a new one, be prepared to start from the bottom again."
Joshua Maddux: "The best businesses are the ones where leadership is willing to take a step back and work on the front lines."
Corey Nathan: "At the end of the day, every business is in the people business. People buy from people, not just brands or logos."
Resources Mentioned
- Newhall Press Room – Visit Here
- The Pineapple Perspective Podcast – Listen Now
Call to Action
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