Mission CTRL

This week on Mission CTRL, Ramon Peralta and members of the Peralta Design Flight Crew come together for a special milestone celebration - Episode 200.What began as an idea to amplify great stories, support entrepreneurs, and share meaningful conversations has grown into a platform that has featured business leaders, community changemakers, creatives, and innovators from across Connecticut and beyond.Throughout the episode, Ramon, Jorge, Kevin, Kaed, Maggie, Kaitlyn, Amanda, and Matt reflect on the early days of the podcast, memorable guests and moments, the evolution of the show's format, and the lessons learned from producing 200 episodes.The conversation explores storytelling, content creation, community impact, and the importance of creating spaces where authentic voices can be heard. Along the way, the team shares behind-the-scenes insights, favorite memories, and their vision for the future of Mission CTRL.Whether you've been listening since the beginning or are discovering the podcast for the first time, this special episode celebrates the power of conversation, the value of sharing stories, and the exciting possibilities that lie ahead.•••Find full episodes of Mission CTRL on Anchor, Apple Podcast, Spotify, and our website.Mission CTRL aims to ignite the innovative spirit inside us all through providing budding and successful entrepreneurs and community leaders with a platform to share their stories and inspire others. Tune in every Wednesday and catch up with the team at Peralta Design as we unleash the origin stories behind some exceptional leaders, share marketing/branding insights, and navigate the ever-changing currents of pop culture.Subscribe for more weekly branding and entrepreneurial content here! To learn more about Peralta Design's work visit peraltadesign.com.#welaunchbrands #launchyourbrand #BrandU #missionctrl #mctrl #digitalagency #mbeagency #mbe #digital #branding #marketing #web #creative #contentcreator #contentstrategy #marketingstrategy #leadership #leader #entrepreneur #entrepreneurs #entrepreneurship #entrepreneurial #startup #startups #business #businessowner #businesstips #scalingyourbusiness #smallbusiness #w2 #fulltime #9to5 #office #officelife #corporate #podcast #podcasts #podcastshow #businesspodcast #lifestory #lifestories #personalstory #personalstories

This week on Mission CTRL, Ramon and Jorge are joined by Doug Rawady, Business Development Director at Sandler Training and Founder of Business Concierge Solutions, for a timely conversation on leadership, collaboration, and navigating uncertainty in today’s business landscape.Doug shares the story behind the Peer-to-Peer Council, a mastermind-style group launched with BRBC that brings together 8–10 upper-level business owners from different industries for monthly, no-fluff conversations focused on real challenges and shared problem-solving. With only one person per vertical, the group creates a level of insight and synergy that leaders can’t find within their own industries alone.The conversation also explores the realities businesses are facing - from budget cuts and layoffs to rising costs and increased pressure on nonprofits - and why “staying flat” has become the new baseline. Doug, Ramon, and Jorge discuss how AI and automation can help businesses increase efficiency and effectiveness without replacing people, emphasizing that human + AI will always outperform AI alone.If you’re a business owner navigating change, exploring AI, or looking for smarter ways to grow without adding overhead, this episode offers grounded insight, real-world perspective, and a fresh way to think about leadership in today’s economy.•••Find full episodes of Mission CTRL on Anchor, Apple Podcast, Spotify, and our website.Mission CTRL aims to ignite the innovative spirit inside us all through providing budding and successful entrepreneurs and community leaders with a platform to share their stories and inspire others. Tune in every Wednesday and catch up with the team at Peralta Design as we unleash the origin stories behind some exceptional leaders, share marketing/branding insights, and navigate the ever-changing currents of pop culture.Subscribe for more weekly branding and entrepreneurial content here! To learn more about Peralta Design's work visit peraltadesign.com.#welaunchbrands #launchyourbrand #BrandU #missionctrl #mctrl #digitalagency #mbeagency #mbe #digital #branding #marketing #web #creative #contentcreator #contentstrategy #marketingstrategy #leadership #leader #entrepreneur #entrepreneurs #entrepreneurship #entrepreneurial #startup #startups #business #businessowner #businesstips #scalingyourbusiness #smallbusiness #w2 #fulltime #9to5 #office #officelife #corporate #podcast #podcasts #podcastshow #businesspodcast #lifestory #lifestories #personalstory #personalstories

What if leadership growth starts with confronting the story you’ve been carrying your entire life?This week on Mission CTRL, Ramon sits down with Shirley Skyers-Thomas — attorney, Deputy Commissioner of the State of Connecticut, executive coach, and author of UnLEARNEDed: Honor Your Story, Release Restraints, and Embrace Your Power. Raised in Bridgeport by Jamaican parents and shaped by faith, family, and service, Shirley shares how her journey - from pastor’s kid to government employee - informs the way she leads and advocates today.In this conversation, Shirley breaks down why personal development and leadership development can’t be separated, especially for small and micro-business owners who often lack access to formal training. She challenges leaders to recognize their own narratives, unpack limiting beliefs formed early in life, and understand how those stories quietly show up in delegation, trust, and team dynamics.She also opens up about writing UnLEARNEDed during the pandemic - a deeply vulnerable process sparked by turning 40 and realizing that professional success had become a façade. The book, and her work today, invite leaders to interrupt old thought patterns, embrace continuous growth, and lead with authenticity.Whether you’re a founder, executive, or leader navigating change, this episode is a powerful reminder that honoring your story is the first step toward sustainable leadership and lasting impact.

What happens when a generation of kids is searching for confidence, connection, and a place to belong - while youth programs everywhere face budget cuts and shifting priorities? For Mike “Neech” Cannici, longtime Program Coordinator at the Boys & Girls Club of the Naugatuck Valley, the answer is simple: you keep showing up for them, no matter what.This week on Mission CTRL, Ramon and Jorge sit down with Neech, who has spent nearly 30 years helping young people discover who they are and what they can become. From the game room where he first started in 1995 to the life-changing programs he oversees today, Neech has seen firsthand how youth development transforms kids - and whole communities.He shares powerful stories: children who once lacked confidence becoming “Youth of the Year,” older kids embracing younger ones like family, and entire generations returning to the Club because of the impact it had on their lives. Neech opens up about his own struggles with confidence growing up, the mentors who changed his path, and why programs like Torch Club and Keystone are so essential in building dedication, leadership, and belonging.As services are being slashed and community priorities shift, Neech reminds us why investing in youth is everyone’s responsibility - including the business community. Because behind every “tough” kid is someone searching for guidance, connection, and someone who cares enough not to give up.Whether you’re a parent, educator, leader, or anyone who believes in the power of community, this episode is a moving look at the heart and hope of youth development - and a reminder to never stop dreaming, no matter your age.

What do family, friends, and a missed putt have in common? For Dr. Al B. Quarles Jr., they’re the foundation of Bucka Fogey Sports - a lifestyle brand born from friendship, golf, and a desire to look good while doing what you love.This week on Mission CTRL, Ramon and Jorge sit down with Dr. Quarles, Founder and CEO of Bucka Fogey, to explore how a single moment on the green turned into a growing apparel and manufacturing company that blends faith, fashion, and fun. From humble beginnings making shirts and hats for his golf trips with friends, to running full-scale events like the Bucka Fogey Family & Friends Trip, Mancation, and BFF Weekend, Dr. Quarles shares how passion and persistence turned a grassroots idea into a thriving brand.He opens up about the challenges of manufacturing high-quality gear, the importance of photography and branding in apparel, and how word-of-mouth and authentic community support helped Bucka Fogey grow - especially during COVID. The conversation dives into his design process, his innovation team (including ideas from his college-athlete daughter), and how staying true to his values helped the company evolve beyond just clothing to become a lifestyle movement.From creating limited-edition drops to expanding into women’s apparel and strengthening ties with the Sifford family, Dr. Quarles proves that building a brand is far from “set it and forget it.” It’s about learning from mistakes, celebrating wins, and keeping your vision aligned with your purpose. Whether you’re a golf enthusiast, a creative entrepreneur, or just someone who loves a great origin story, this episode is packed with insights on growth, grit, and the grind behind great branding.

What do Upward Bound Saturdays, a grandmother’s wisdom, and a suitcase full of robotics kits have in common? They’re all part of the story behind ACCESS Educational Services, founded by Gwen Brantley to expose underrepresented students to meaningful STEM opportunities.This week on Mission CTRL, Ramon sits down with Gwen to explore how her journey from HR professional to nonprofit founder has empowered thousands of students over the past 20 years. From moonlighting on lunch breaks to taking the leap full-time in 2017, Gwen shares how personal loss, faith, and the drive to give her son opportunities shaped her mission to build confidence and career pathways for underserved youth.Gwen opens up about chartering the first NSBE Jr. chapter in Bridgeport, partnering with organizations like NASCAR and FIRST Robotics, and why teaching by doing - through coding, robotics, eSports, and more - is the key to unlocking student potential. She also reflects on the realities of funding a nonprofit, the importance of accountability to donors, and why representation in STEM careers matters as much as exposure.Whether you’re an educator, entrepreneur, or just someone who believes in the transformative power of opportunity, this conversation is packed with lessons on resilience, vision, and community. If you’ve ever wondered how to turn a side hustle into a 20-year movement that changes lives, this episode is for you.•••Find full episodes of Mission CTRL on Anchor, Apple Podcast, Spotify, and our website.Mission CTRL aims to ignite the innovative spirit inside us all through providing budding and successful entrepreneurs and community leaders with a platform to share their stories and inspire others. Tune in every Wednesday and catch up with the team at Peralta Design as we unleash the origin stories behind some exceptional leaders, share marketing/branding insights, and navigate the ever-changing currents of pop culture.Subscribe for more weekly branding and entrepreneurial content here! To learn more about Peralta Design's work visit peraltadesign.com.#welaunchbrands #launchyourbrand #BrandU #missionctrl #mctrl #digitalagency #mbeagency #mbe #digital #branding #marketing #web #creative #contentcreator #contentstrategy #marketingstrategy #leadership #leader #entrepreneur #entrepreneurs #entrepreneurship #entrepreneurial #startup #startups #business #businessowner #businesstips #scalingyourbusiness #smallbusiness #w2 #fulltime #9to5 #office #officelife #corporate #podcast #podcasts #podcastshow #businesspodcast #lifestory #lifestories #personalstory #personalstories

What do hibiscus tea, organic flour, and allergy-friendly meals have in common? They’re all part of the legacy of Claire’s Corner Copia, a beloved New Haven institution founded nearly 50 years ago by nurse-turned-restaurateur Claire Criscuolo.This week on Mission CTRL, Ramon sits down with Claire to uncover the secret behind her half-century of success in a world dominated by national chains. From leading with empathy to refusing to compromise on quality, Claire has built more than a restaurant—she’s built a movement rooted in love, respect, and community. Between serving vegan dishes inspired by global flavors, paying dishwashers a living wage for nearly three decades, and decorating her restaurant with positive affirmations, Claire has always prioritized people over profit.Claire opens up about her Worcester Street upbringing in a traditional Italian household, how her nursing career fueled her passion for nourishing others, and why she never franchised despite constant demand. She shares stories of early struggles (including almost shutting down after nine months), the faith of a distributor who told her to “pay the landlord first,” and how she’s kept her mission alive through fresh ingredients, diverse partnerships, and charitable giving from her bestselling cookbooks.Whether you’re an entrepreneur searching for longevity in business, a foodie curious about New Haven’s culinary heart, or simply someone who believes good will always prevail, this conversation is packed with insights on resilience, empathy, and the power of staying true to your values. If you’ve ever wondered how love and quality can sustain a business for 50 years, this episode is for you.•••Find full episodes of Mission CTRL on Anchor, Apple Podcast, Spotify, and our website.Mission CTRL aims to ignite the innovative spirit inside us all through providing budding and successful entrepreneurs and community leaders with a platform to share their stories and inspire others. Tune in every Wednesday and catch up with the team at Peralta Design as we unleash the origin stories behind some exceptional leaders, share marketing/branding insights, and navigate the ever-changing currents of pop culture.Subscribe for more weekly branding and entrepreneurial content here! To learn more about Peralta Design's work visit peraltadesign.com.#welaunchbrands #launchyourbrand #BrandU #missionctrl #mctrl #digitalagency #mbeagency #mbe #digital #branding #marketing #web #creative #contentcreator #contentstrategy #marketingstrategy #leadership #leader #entrepreneur #entrepreneurs #entrepreneurship #entrepreneurial #startup #startups #business #businessowner #businesstips #scalingyourbusiness #smallbusiness #w2 #fulltime #9to5 #office #officelife #corporate #podcast #podcasts #podcastshow #businesspodcast #lifestory #lifestories #personalstory #personalstories

What do cloud backups, two-factor authentication, and “turn it off and back on again” have in common? They’re all part of the world Jose Velazquez navigates every day as co-owner of Carriage Trade Solutions, a Bridgeport-based managed services provider helping small and medium-sized businesses master the technology they need to thrive.This week on MissionCTRL, Ramon and Jorge sit down with Jose to hear how he built a business around making IT simple, affordable, and accessible. From his early days in infantry and marksmanship instruction for the Marine Corps, to working his way through project management and IT support roles, Jose shares how his passion for technology - and a lot of hustle - paved the way for Carriage Trade Solutions, which he co-founded in 2018 with an equally driven business partner.Jose opens up about why great IT isn’t just about fixing broken computers - it’s about education, empowerment, and bridging the massive “knowledge gap” many business owners face when it comes to tools like Microsoft Office and cloud services. He explains why cloud backups are non-negotiable, when it’s time to retire old hardware, and how Carriage Trade Solutions provides enterprise-level support - email management, hardware lifecycles, vendor relationships - at a price point small businesses can actually afford.From music promotion roots to chamber of commerce networking, and from partnership challenges to delivering top-tier customer service (“we’re not here to fix issues - we’re here to help you succeed”), this conversation is packed with lessons for any entrepreneur looking to build a business that truly serves its clients.If you’ve ever wondered what IT really means for your business - or how to turn a passion for tech into a mission-driven company - this episode is for you.•••Find full episodes of Mission CTRL on Anchor, Apple Podcast, Spotify, and our website.Mission CTRL aims to ignite the innovative spirit inside us all through providing budding and successful entrepreneurs and community leaders with a platform to share their stories and inspire others. Tune in every Wednesday and catch up with the team at Peralta Design as we unleash the origin stories behind some exceptional leaders, share marketing/branding insights, and navigate the ever-changing currents of pop culture.Subscribe for more weekly branding and entrepreneurial content here! To learn more about Peralta Design's work visit peraltadesign.com.#welaunchbrands #launchyourbrand #BrandU #missionctrl #mctrl #digitalagency #mbeagency #mbe #digital #branding #marketing #web #creative #contentcreator #contentstrategy #marketingstrategy #leadership #leader #entrepreneur #entrepreneurs #entrepreneurship #entrepreneurial #startup #startups #business #businessowner #businesstips #scalingyourbusiness #smallbusiness #w2 #fulltime #9to5 #office #officelife #corporate #podcast #podcasts #podcastshow #businesspodcast #lifestory #lifestories #personalstory #personalstories