The DMV (Washington, DC | Maryland | Virginia) Business Show
The DMV (Washington, DC | Maryland | Virginia) Business Show

The DMV (Washington, DC | Maryland | Virginia) Business Show

Otto Sevilla

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Episodes

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The DMV (DC, Maryland, Virginia) Business Show takes you inside the world of local business and community leaders in the DMV area. Join our host, Otto Sevilla as he unpacks their story and how they got there. You can expect to hear advice and learn about their journey.

Recent Episodes

200 - Creating the Future of Agriculture and Energy with Andrew Rose of Chesapeake Sun
SEP 16, 2025
200 - Creating the Future of Agriculture and Energy with Andrew Rose of Chesapeake Sun
Join us on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The DMV Business Show⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ with ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Otto Sevilla⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ as we share the journey of Andrew Rose, an agricultural futurist, founder, CEO of Chesapeake Sun, advisor, and speaker. Andrew provides an in-depth look at what it means to be an agricultural futurist, focusing on ensuring food and resource security for generations to come by combining capital, innovation, and strategic planning. He shares insights from his time at Farm Credit, where he financed innovative agricultural projects and learned to assess risk and longevity in emerging ag sectors like algae and seaweed production. Andrew discusses his transition from banking into consulting, highlighting his work in both agriculture and energy. A significant part of his recent efforts involves the cyber resiliency of the agriculture supply chain, helping organizations and farmers build response strategies for cyberattacks that could endanger food production and distribution. Growing up in eastern North Carolina shaped Andrew’s love for the outdoors but didn’t immediately direct him toward agriculture. His career path zigzagged through culinary and retail management, digital marketing, and accounting before landing in agricultural finance and, eventually, founding Chesapeake Sun. He emphasizes the importance of curiosity, finding niches, and doing deep research when making career changes or evaluating business opportunities. Andrew also touches on his role in launching a nonprofit leadership program, the characteristics of great business leaders, and the unique challenges of due diligence in consulting. He’s passionate about exploring novel proteins like duckweed and insects for food, feed, and industrial uses, as well as sustainable energy solutions such as hydro and nuclear. Throughout, he advises listeners to start with identifying genuine problems before developing solutions, and to be authentic and open to mentorship. Outside work, Andrew is an avid mountain climber, hiker, and former ultimate frisbee player. He encourages networking, curiosity, and servant leadership, leaving us with insights on resilience, future-focused problem-solving, and the importance of embracing one's unique path.This episode is brought to you by: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠SEVI⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - The first commercial real estate company committed to the four C’s: Commercial Real Estate, Community, Content, and Culture⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://seviproperties.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LET'S CONNECT!LinkedIn:  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.linkedin.com/in/ottosevilla⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram:  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.instagram.com/theottosevilla⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook:  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.facebook.com/TheOttoSevilla⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube:  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@OttoSevilla⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Email Me!  [email protected] Me!  240-706-7584
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52 MIN
199 - Connecting Filipino Entrepreneurs with Matthew Veland of Philippine-American Chamber of Commerce of Metro Washington D.C.
SEP 9, 2025
199 - Connecting Filipino Entrepreneurs with Matthew Veland of Philippine-American Chamber of Commerce of Metro Washington D.C.
Join us on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The DMV Business Show⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ with ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Otto Sevilla⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ as we share the journey of Matthew Veland, President of the Philippine-American Chamber of Commerce of Metro Washington D.C. Matt shares insights into the Chamber’s 31-year history, its mission to uplift and empower Filipino and Filipino American business owners in the DMV area, and the vibrant diversity of its membership, from small eateries and bakeries to professionals in real estate, healthcare, and finance.Matt explains the Chamber’s core focus on monthly networking mixers and expanding programming, such as mastermind groups and partnerships. He highlights the Chamber’s upcoming marquee event, the “Future Forward Business Summit” on September 20th, 2024, at Hilton Tyson’s Corner in McLean, as the largest event they've organized in years, aiming to foster new connections, education, and resources for members and the broader community.Beyond Chamber business, Matt opens up about his personal journey as the son of a Navy veteran and Filipino immigrant, growing up in Virginia Beach, and eventually moving to the DMV area for more opportunities. He discusses his career evolution, ultimately finding fulfillment as a financial advisor serving a diverse clientele, particularly in healthcare and the Filipino community.The conversation also touches on the challenges and realities of entrepreneurship, the impact of supportive partnerships (especially with his wife), and the importance of balancing volunteer leadership with personal and family life. Matt shares some of his own strategies for productivity, wellness, and leadership, as well as the ongoing efforts to grow the Chamber’s membership and presence in the region.The episode wraps up with Matt’s reflections on mentorship, community, and the vital role the Chambers play in helping immigrant and minority-owned businesses find their footing and thrive. Listeners are invited to connect with the Chamber and attend the upcoming summit for valuable networking and learning opportunities.This episode is brought to you by: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠SEVI⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - The first commercial real estate company committed to the four C’s: Commercial Real Estate, Community, Content, and Culture⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://seviproperties.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LET'S CONNECT!LinkedIn:  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.linkedin.com/in/ottosevilla⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram:  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.instagram.com/theottosevilla⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook:  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.facebook.com/TheOttoSevilla⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube:  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@OttoSevilla⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Email Me!  [email protected] Me!  240-706-7584
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52 MIN
198 - The Future of Hispanic Construction Leadership with George Carrillo of the Hispanic Construction Council
SEP 2, 2025
198 - The Future of Hispanic Construction Leadership with George Carrillo of the Hispanic Construction Council
Join us on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The DMV Business Show⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ with ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Otto Sevilla⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ as we share the journey of George Carrillo, Co-Founder and CEO of the Hispanic Construction Council opens up about the Council’s mission. They act as a national think tank and advocacy organization to amplify the Hispanic voice in the U.S. construction industry. He explains the Council’s unique approach: providing free data and resources to over 500,000 subscribers, promoting collaboration and opportunity rather than competition, and supporting small business owners through their philanthropic foundation.George shares his personal journey, from growing up in Chicago as the son of Ecuadorian immigrants, to serving in the U.S. Marines, working as a sheriff, and ultimately building a career in government service, all while passionately driving change in the construction sector. Despite the Council’s significant impact and rapid growth (with features in over 1,900 media articles in under a year), he reveals that all their work is currently volunteer-based, highlighting the dedication of the Hispanic community.A major focus of the conversation is the labor force crisis facing construction, exacerbated by immigration challenges. George discusses the ground-breaking “Building America Stronger Act,” legislation he and the Council are championing to provide legal work status for immigrants contributing to the industry. He also stresses the economic benefits, potentially $50 billion in new tax revenue, and the urgent need for bipartisan support.On a personal note, George reflects on the challenges and sacrifices of balancing his day job, family, and nonprofit leadership. He shares heartfelt stories about his upbringing, his love for sports and family, and the importance of creating opportunities for others. George expresses hope for the Council’s continued influence, the passage of meaningful legislation, and the celebration of Latino contributions to the nation’s infrastructure.You will come away with a deeper understanding of the Hispanic Construction Council’s pivotal role, and the personal passion fueling its growth and national reach.This episode is brought to you by: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠SEVI⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - The first commercial real estate company committed to the four C’s: Commercial Real Estate, Community, Content, and Culture⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://seviproperties.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LET'S CONNECT!LinkedIn:  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.linkedin.com/in/ottosevilla⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram:  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.instagram.com/theottosevilla⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook:  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.facebook.com/TheOttoSevilla⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube:  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@OttoSevilla⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Email Me!  [email protected] Me!  240-706-7584
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70 MIN
197 - Building A Legacy with Shirley Diaz of Diaz Vidales
AUG 26, 2025
197 - Building A Legacy with Shirley Diaz of Diaz Vidales
Join us on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The DMV Business Show⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ with ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Otto Sevilla⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ as we share the journey of Shirley Diaz, Managing Attorney of Diaz Vidales, to dig into her professional and personal journey from Southern California to her thriving law practice in Washington, DC. Shirley shares the story of her upbringing as a first-generation American, detailing her family’s entrepreneurial background, from running a laundromat to her mother’s bold purchase of a bakery after her parents’ divorce. These formative experiences sparked Shirley’s own interest in business and law early on. Listeners learn about Shirley’s academic path, beginning with her studies at the University of Nevada and evolving through a stint in economics at graduate school, her work at Goldman Sachs, and eventually law school in California. Shirley offers candid insights into the ultra-competitive world of “big law,” describing her work in securities litigation and high-stakes investigations and how networking played a pivotal role in her career progression.The conversation shifts to Shirley’s current passion: estate planning and helping everyday people, especially other entrepreneurs and new parents get their affairs in order. She demystifies estate planning in simple, accessible terms, explaining essential concepts like wills, trusts, power of attorney, and the importance of planning ahead, particularly for business owners and young families. Shirley shares practical advice, typical costs, and why it’s a crucial but often overlooked responsibility, especially within immigrant and minority communities. Shirley talks about the leap from big law to starting her own firm, Diaz Vidales, and the challenges and rewards that have come with entrepreneurship. She highlights the importance of networking, social media, and staying hands-on in all aspects of her business, from market research to client service. The episode wraps up with Shirley’s reflections on life in DC, her love for D.C. United soccer, and the habits and mindset that have fueled her career. She encourages other aspiring business owners to plan strategically, build strong networks, and have confidence in their abilities. Whether you’re a business owner, new parent, or just starting out on your professional journey, this episode offers valuable lessons on resilience, planning for the future, and building a business rooted in service.This episode is brought to you by: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠SEVI⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - The first commercial real estate company committed to the four C’s: Commercial Real Estate, Community, Content, and Culture⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://seviproperties.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LET'S CONNECT!LinkedIn:  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.linkedin.com/in/ottosevilla⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram:  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.instagram.com/theottosevilla⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook:  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.facebook.com/TheOttoSevilla⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube:  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@OttoSevilla⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Email Me!  [email protected] Me!  240-706-7584
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81 MIN
196 - A Second Chance with Colin Fraser of Upling
AUG 19, 2025
196 - A Second Chance with Colin Fraser of Upling
Join us on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The DMV Business Show⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ with ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Otto Sevilla⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ as we feature Colin Fraser, CEO and President of Upling, a tech-driven cannabis delivery service based in the DMV area. Upling operates similarly to Uber Eats or DoorDash but specifically for cannabis products, connecting customers with local dispensaries and handling delivery from store to doorstep.Colin shares the origin story behind Upling, explaining how the company name was invented, and the personal journey that led him to start the business. Growing up in Guyana and later moving to Maryland, Colin developed an early fascination with technology, building with Legos and computers alongside his architect father. His career path, however, took several dramatic turns: after spending time involved in the illicit cannabis trade, being shot eight times in a drug transaction gone wrong, and serving two years incarcerated as a young adult, Colin found new purpose through faith and community work. He later got involved in prison ministry, striving to help returning citizens reintegrate into society.Colin’s inspiration to create Upling was deeply personal, his mother’s battle with stage four cancer, and her struggles to access both traditional and alternative medicine. Witnessing the lack of cannabis delivery options for those who needed it most, like his mother, Colin used his technical skills to build the Upling app and fight for the necessary business licenses, turning his own adversities into a mission-driven company.Beyond delivery, Upling is also committed to creating second chances for formerly incarcerated individuals.  Colin’s team actively partners with local organizations to hire and train returning citizens in tech and entrepreneurship. He emphasizes how important community, relationships, and adaptability have been in both his personal and business journey, sharing insights about networking, overcoming legal hurdles, and staying mission-focused.We also touch on the considerable challenges that come with cannabis regulation and tech start-up life, from app store approval difficulties to ever-changing legal landscapes. Colin discusses how Upling partners with dispensaries, pivots with industry changes, and stays ahead by focusing on technology and data.Looking ahead, Colin is excited about incorporating AI-driven cannabis recommendations into the app, continuing to expand nationally, and further supporting those impacted by cannabis-related incarceration. He ends by reflecting on the satisfaction he gets from driving and giving back and offers aspiring entrepreneurs the advice to stay flexible and build strong relationships.For anyone interested in entrepreneurship, tech, or the changing landscape of cannabis businesses, especially in the DMV area this episode is packed with insight, inspiration, and practical advice.This episode is brought to you by: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠SEVI⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - The first commercial real estate company committed to the four C’s: Commercial Real Estate, Community, Content, and Culture⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://seviproperties.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LET'S CONNECT!LinkedIn:  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.linkedin.com/in/ottosevilla⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram:  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.instagram.com/theottosevilla⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook:  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.facebook.com/TheOttoSevilla⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube:  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@OttoSevilla⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Email Me!  [email protected] Me!  240-706-7584
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56 MIN