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Valley Sweat Life presents Behind the Scenes: Old Town Yoga with Desiree Heckman

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Jason Farris

Head YES man at FresYes.com
I grew up in Fresno. Relaxed in its calm breezes, listened with my dad to the crack of the bat at little league baseball games when I was a kid and now take my son to do the same at minor league games. I broadened my mind at its schools (I went to high school right here at San Joaquin Memorial, and to college at Fresno State!) I love that if I drive for two hours in one direction, I can be in the mountains. For two hours in another, luxuriating on a California beach. I can enjoy the cosmopolitan atmosphere of San Francisco or Los Angeles, but still be able to come home to relaxation, calm, and quiet.

I love where I live, and I also love what I do. I'm lucky to be able to work in a profession in which I get to build relationships; one that has me meeting new people each and every day and helping them to build new lives in my beloved city. I'm lucky enough to work in a profession in which I can marry cutting-edge technologies and marketing techniques to good, old-fashioned, nose-to-the-grindstone work. I am lucky enough to work in a profession that allows me to work as an advocate for my clients; to use every tool at my disposal to get a job done well for them, and with as little stress and expense as possible.

I love my city. I love my job. One inspires my excellence for the other.

Fresno? I say FresYES

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Since my transformation, during which I lost 135 pounds, fitness has become an important part of my life. So, as often as I can, I want to bring to you a bit of the motivation that drove me to change my habits.

My friend Heather McCann has started Valley Sweat Life, which is a resource for fitness information in the Central Valley. With her blessing, I post on FresYes.com some of her amazing stories and explorations of our fitness and health community. I encourage you to check out Heather’s site and follow Valley Sweat Life on Facebook and Instagram!

[The following was posted on Valley Sweat Life on May 24, 2018 and has been edited for clarity and formatting.]

Old Town Yoga Desiree

Behind the Scenes: Old Town Yoga with Desiree Heckman

By Valley Sweat Life

Desiree Heckman is a yoga teacher and the owner of Old Town Yoga in Clovis. She graduated from Fresno State with a B.S. in Psychology and a M.S. in Counseling. When she is not practicing yoga, you can find her enjoying time with her husband and two young children.

Tell us a little about yourself, your business, how you sweat, and what you do when you’re not sweating.

I am a wife and mama to two sweet kiddos and together our family owns and operates Old Town Yoga. I am originally from Arizona but moved to Fresno with my family when I was 17. I attended Fresno State right after high school and earned my B.A. in Psychology and my M.S. in Counseling. It was there that I met my husband and it was really the launchpad for the life we’ve created together. Now, I cannot imagine calling anywhere else home.

The main way I sweat is through yoga, although I have been exploring acro yoga and climbing lately, as well. Outside of that, I love spending time with my family. One of our favorite things to do is take a bike ride to go eat lunch together.

How did you get started in yoga and what inspired you to open OTY? How has it evolved?

It is a long story because so much happened to get me here today, but it all happened in a very short period of time. I wrote about my journey in more detail on the Old Town Yoga blog, so if you want the entire story, check it out. If you want the short version, read on.

Old Town Yoga Desiree

I discovered yoga through Tone It Up (an online exercise program) in early 2014. I was nearly one year postpartum and I wanted to get back into shape. None of the other workouts in the program spoke to me like yoga did. I tiptoed my way deeper in the practice and continued to fall in love with it. I was unable to attend any of the local studios regularly because of time and money. I was a full-time stay-at-home mom and we were living on one income.

I cultivated my home practice until I became pregnant with my second. I was unable to practice yoga for most of my second pregnancy because of a pregnancy-related injury, and it made that pregnancy more challenging than I thought I could bear. At 38 weeks I decided I wanted to pursue a yoga teacher training so I could dive deeper into the physical practice after being on such a long break. I had yet to discover the multi-dimensional quality of a yoga practice and did not know how to access the benefits I was getting from the physical practice when I was off of my mat.

I found a teacher training that I knew I wanted to take, signed up immediately, and regretted it for the following three months until it started because I was so SCARED. My training was a 10-month process that challenged and shaped me into a version of myself I never expected to be. The process was so transformative I knew I had to bring that type of yoga experience to Clovis. I was still scared out of my mind, but I knew if I didn’t do it I would regret it for the rest of my life.

What changes have you made personally to excel in this?

Attending the teacher training was a big decision, but I truly believe it is the daily small decisions done repetitively that effect the most long-term change. I wake up early 5-6 days a week, and by early I mean 5:15 a.m. I make time for my yoga practice and to continue my education constantly. The amazing thing about this internet age is the access we have to experts all over the world. I am completing a training right now with the top two meditation teachers in the world and if it weren’t for the internet, there is no way I would have been able to do it.

old town yoga desiree

How do you balance it with the rest of your life?

It’s a moving target. So much has drastically changed for my family in the last 18 months that the balance is often very difficult. Pinpointing what are my three top priorities in a given week helps me stay focused on the big picture instead of drowning in the details of everything. When I feel overwhelmed by it all I try to think about how I would shape my life to look like if I had a terminal illness and just a few months to live. That brings things back into perspective very quickly.

What is your healthy living philosophy?

Moderation. EVERYTHING in moderation.

What makes Old Town Yoga unique?

Hands down, the community. The warmth and love that our teacher and students show to each other and to new students is irresistible.

The number one correlating factor to happiness is having a sense of belonging. That surpassed education, location, income, religion, and a number of other tested factors. Our world has become very disconnected from human to human interactions and having a place to feel that you are part of is a priceless gift. Our instructors are highly skilled, but their greatest strength is their ability to shower our students with love and connection.

old town yoga desiree

What’s next for you personally? What’s next for OTY?

A lot of personal self-work. I have been exploring my meditation practice more deeply, and learning to befriend yourself is some tough sh*t. I want to deepen that element of my yoga practice and continue spreading yoga in its entirety to as many people as possible.

I am co-teaching the next 200-hour teacher training that we are offering early next year, and I will be participating as a student in an advanced teacher training that we are starting this August. Continuous education is the name of the game for me. I find when I am doing that, the direction of my path continues to appear and guide me where I am supposed to go.

What advice do you have for someone wanting to come in to Old Town Yoga for the first time?

Don’t overthink it! If there is something in you that has wanted to try yoga, just do it. Find a class, commit to it and just get yourself to walk through our doors. Within five minutes you will know you made the right decision. I promise.

What it’s like to accompany the veterans of Central Valley Honor Flight to Washington D.C.

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Craig Scharton

I’m a weirdo. I’m a downtown revitalization, old neighborhood, old houses weirdo.

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This week, I had the privilege of accompanying the 17th Honor Flight from our region to Washington D.C. The Central Valley Honor Flight is part of a national effort to give veterans of military service an opportunity to see the monuments and memorials erected in their honor in our nation’s capital. While our group was in Washington, we ran into other Honor Flight groups from Oklahoma and Tennessee.

We had 65 veterans from the ages of 68 to 96 on our flight. Each veteran is accompanied by a guardian who stays with and assists their veteran. Additionally, there are support/logistics volunteers plus safety personnel, including three nurses and an M.D. There were also six members of the media on this flight, including me, to cover the trip and experiences of the veterans.  

Central Valley Honor Flight

Excited for the trip!

My greatest hope in writing this blog post is to encourage people to sign up for a trip if they are a veteran who served in a war from WWII to Vietnam. The older veterans have priority, and we had folks from the full range on our trip. People can also apply to be a guardian or a volunteer. The entire program runs off of donations and volunteers, so please go to the website if you can help with time or treasure. I’ve included our trip’s itinerary below so you can see what the trip entails. I’m not going to recount it step by step because I’d rather try to explain how it seemed to impact the veterans and how it impacted me.

It’s amazing what we did in two-and-a-half days. It’s even more amazing since our primary group was people who are relatively elderly. But then again, they’re veterans. Getting up early doesn’t faze them. They don’t complain. I never heard one person say, “I’m tired.” I’ve taken many bus tours of people to see downtowns in northern and southern California, and it is a regular occurrence to have everyone complain about having to be at the bus at 7:30 a.m. for a three-and-a-half hour bus ride. They’ll sit with their hoodies covering their faces and ear buds in so they don’t have to talk to anyone else. What a contrast! Remember that when you look at the itinerary, the 6:30 a.m. breakfast is at 3:30 a.m. Fresno time.

The other thing that really struck me about this group was how upbeat they are. I can’t really remember a more fun group. They razzed each other, they laughed, they made friends all around. I think about what some of them have been through, things like having their ship sunk off Iwo Jima, and having two-thirds of their crew perish and ending up on the shore of the island to be shot at by Japanese soldiers. And yet, they were far more positive than any other group I’ve travelled with.

They were proud of their service to their country but they didn’t brag or boast. They always answered my questions very politely. I heard several of them say, “I don’t know why people complain about our country so much.” This was sincere. I didn’t get a sense they thought everything was perfect, but they start from a place of loving our country, in spite of our problems. They don’t wait until everything is perfect before they’ll love it.

I was very touched as random people throughout the trip stopped to applaud the veterans as we moved around the city, many shouting, “Thank you for your service,” or quietly shaking their hands. I could tell it meant a lot to the veterans, and the rest of us, too. In the Smithsonian, a group on the second floor balcony saw the Honor Flight members in the lobby. They applauded, and it spread throughout the building. It was very genuine and sincere. It never had a tinge of false patriotism, like politics often does.

Central Valley Honor Flight

Searching for names on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.

Central Valley Honor Flight

Dolores “Dodie” Brennan. WWII Veteran (WAVEs) was honored at the Women’s Military Museum during our visit.

Central Valley Honor Flight

Al Streeter shows me at the Smithsonian American History Museum where they picked up troops from one battle to them deliver them to Italy.

The most emotional moments came on the flight home. About an hour before landing back in Fresno, an announcement came over the plane’s intercom: “Mail Call!” The volunteers jumped into the aisle to create a chain as names were called and envelopes delivered to each veteran. They were filled with cards and letters from family members and friends, but most touchingly from elementary school students, addressed to each veteran. Watching a tough World War II veteran with tears streaming down his cheeks while reading a note written in pencil, with a picture of the child holding the soldier’s hand, drawn in crayon, is maybe one of the most touching scenes I’ve ever witnessed.

Then there is the big finale. The veterans walk or are pushed in their wheel chairs through dozens of sailors. As they enter the lobby of the airport, hundreds of people start cheering and music begins playing. The parade of veterans continues through the welcoming throng. There are many handshakes, smiles, and even more tears. Come out to the next Honor Flight Welcome Home party in April—there is no way my description or video can do it justice.

I really have to thank everyone who is involved with putting this together and who contributes to the effort of sending these brave people on this once-in-a-lifetime rip. I am grateful that Bruce Batti and Sarah Pruner from the Jeffrey Scott Agency asked FresYes.com to come on the trip, and I’m eternally grateful to my friend Jason Farris for asking me to go in his place when his schedule couldn’t allow it (I hope you do get to go on one, Jason!). The logistics of this whole trip are incredible. They have a 100% safety record, which only comes from great planning, training, and dedication. I guess it shouldn’t be a surprise that people who can deploy a fleet of a battalion can pull off a three-day trip, but as an old event planner, I have to say I was in awe.

Interviews and moments from Central Valley Honor Flight #17

Please watch some of my clumsily taken, handheld iPhone videos and interviews. And please contribute to this effort if you can. Consider covering the cost of one veteran for $1,500. Whatever you can give is used wisely—I’ve seen it firsthand.

Jack Jones from Dunlap was on this Honor Flight, as were his two daughters. One was his guardian and the other was the head medic.

Al “Dave” Davis tells us what he’s looking forward to on the Honor Flight.

Bob Singer was an animator for Hanna-Barbera shows like The Flintstones, The Jetsons, Johnny Quest, and many others!

Larry O’Brien and the crew don’t mind getting to breakfast at 6:30 a.m. (3:30 Fresno time). I’ve never been around a happier, more energetic group!

The Central Valley Honor Flight Veterans and their guardians watch the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

The Marine Drill Team performed for our Veterans under the Lincoln Memorial. This is about 1/3 of the entire drill. Amazing precision.

An interview with World War II veteran Dodie Brennan. She was a member of the WAVEs (the Women’s Reserve, aka Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service). We’re at the WWII Memorial.

Returning home to Fresno to be greeted by hundreds of fans.

Central Valley Honor Flight #17 Itinerary

Monday

5:30 a.m. Check-in at Fresno Air Terminal (a.k.a. Fresno-Yosemite International)

8:15 a.m. Flight to Washington D.C.

5:00 p.m. Arrive Baltimore-Washington Airport

6:00 p.m. Dinner at American Legion Post 276

8:00 p.m. Hotel Check-in

Tuesday

6:30 a.m. Breakfast

7:30 a.m. Busses Depart

8:00 a.m. Tour US Marine Memorial (Iwo Jima Statue)

9:00 a.m. World War Two Memorial

10:45 a.m. Smithsonian Museum of American History

Lunch- Hosted by Congressman Costa

1:00 p.m. US Navy Memorial with Navy Drill Team

2:30 p.m. Korean War Memorial

3:30 p.m. Marine Corps Drill Team at Lincoln Memorial

4:30 p.m. Vietnam War Memorial

6:00 p.m. Dinner/Banquet

Wednesday

6:00 a.m. Breakfast

7:00 a.m. Hotel Check-out

8:00 a.m. Arlington National Cemetery

9:00 a.m. Changing of the Guard at Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

10:00 a.m. Women’s Military Museum

11:00 a.m. Air Force Memorial

12:00 p.m. Lunch

2:00 p.m. Depart for Fresno

6:30 p.m. Arrive in Fresno

7:00 p.m. Heroes Welcome Home Celebration

 

Behind the scenes with the Davis Family Light Show

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Natali Carrera

Natali Carrera is a devoted coffee addict who also loves her twelve-year-old son, husband of 17 years and bargain hunting at Target. She works in the field of education and is also a freelance writer and YouTube vlogger (as a hobby). She's been told "bubbly" is the best descriptor of her personality, though she wonders if what people really mean is that she talks too much. Natali is a lifelong Fresno resident and Fresno State grad.

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For many of us, it may seem too early to be thinking about Christmas and the holiday season. But that’s not the case not for Scott Davis, who’s been preparing for months. Why? Because Scott Davis is one of the few, the brave, the talented who put on an elaborate, synced music and light shows on their property for all of us to enjoy.

I had the opportunity to interview Scott about what it takes to pull off a synced-light holiday display, and what you can look forward to this year if you visit the Davis home. (Spoiler alert: you’re going to want to visit—both at Christmas and Halloween.)

…

FresYes: What made you decide to start going all out at your home for Christmas?

Scott Davis: Ever since I was a child, I’ve loved lights. During the holiday season, my brother and I would spend hours planning how we were going to decorate our house. After getting married and buying a house of my own, I continued the tradition of decorating my house to the limit.

I was initially inspired by a video posted by electrical engineer Carson Williams, who set his Christmas lights to the song “Wizards in Winter” by Trans-Siberian Orchestra in 2005. At that point, however, we couldn’t afford the hardware required to do an animated display.

How many years have you been doing these displays, and how did you learn how to do it?

My first year animating my lights was in 2016, where I synchronized 7,800 lights to 16 songs. Our 2018 display will be our third. When I initially began looking into it, I was able to get assistance from several people that run similar displays. The Light-O-Rama community is also very helpful (Light-O-Rama is the company that makes the controller, hardware, and software for my display).

Davis Family Light Show

The Davis Family Christmas 2017 display with all lights on. The 2017 display had 18,419 lights.

At what point in the year do you have to get started working on your display?

Putting on a display like this takes a lot of time, and I have to plan ahead. By the time July came around this year, I had already finalized my song list for 2019 (this year’s song list was done last summer). I already know what lights I will be adding to my 2019 display, and I started doing the actual programming of this year’s display back in February. I hope to finish by mid-October. The lights go up during mid-October, so I have ample time to test and adjust my programming until everything is just right.

What does it really take to pull it all off?

Time, money, and patience. Almost every feature on my house is decorated with four colors of lights—red, white, blue, and green. The individual strings are zip-tied together to keep it looking uniform, which takes time. We buy bulk wire and plugs and make all of our extension cords to length, which saves money, but also takes time.

Our 2018 display will have almost two miles of extension cord! At the core of everything are the controllers. Each one controls 16 channels (think of a channel as a string of lights). For the 2018 show, I will be using 16 controllers because of the number of channels I have, and it will have somewhere between 25,000 and 26,000 lights.

The programming software is very user-friendly, but it also takes time. I spend hours listening to the music, visualizing in my head what the lights might be doing, taking notes, then I sit down with the software and start programming, which takes me between three and four hours per minute of music.

I then spend additional time playing it back, getting feedback from my wife, and making adjustments, before considering a song “done.” Of course, I also do additional testing once the lights are up and make even more adjustments. Before the show is viewed by the public, the programming must be perfect.

Davis Family Light Show

The Sequencer is the program Scott uses to program the light show. The columns across the top represent the time, and each row represents a channel of lights. Filling in the blocks, like a spreadsheet, makes the lights do things. In this case, you can see channels off, channels on, fade-ins, and fade-outs.

Davis Family Light Show

It would be very difficult to judge the programming when the lights aren’t up if it weren’t for the Visualizer, says Scott. This simulation allows him to see an approximation of what the lights are doing, so that he can make sure the color choices work and the synchronization with the music is good.

Of course, in order to run the show we must also get the lights up, which can take a lot of time as well. Last year, a good friend of mine assisted me and it took the two of us nine hours to get everything set up. The setup requires testing every string of lights to make sure they’re working, running the extension cords, hanging the lights, staking some things down so they don’t blow over, and testing the lights again to make sure each string of lights is plugged into the correct channel on the controllers.

This year I have additional lights, so it will probably take a bit longer to get everything set up.  Like many things, the key is being very organized and taking your time so that everything is set up properly.

Your display takes an incredible amount of time and dedication to make happen! What do you hope people will take away from seeing your home?

Our lives today are filled with stress—some of our own making, some not. When I look at Christmas lights (whether at my house or another’s) the beauty of the lights and music provides a much-needed distraction and, for a few minutes, I can simply enjoy the view as if I were a carefree child again. It is my hope that those who view my display have the same experience, being able to forget about their worries for just a little while, and experience nothing but pure child-like happiness.

Halloween is also a big deal in your neighborhood. Tell us about that.

Last year we were startled by how many people came into our neighborhood for Halloween, and how many houses decorated. We went through 300 pieces of candy in just over an hour.

This year, our Halloween display will feature five songs. We’ll run the Halloween show from 6-8 p.m. starting on Friday, Oct. 26. The final night will be Halloween night, where we will start the show at 6 p.m. and it will run until we are out of candy!

That leads me to my next question. What should we know about opening night?

We will begin our Christmas show the Monday before Thanksgiving (Nov. 19). Our show runs every night from 6-10pm through New Year’s Eve. Those who want to learn a bit more about how everything works can show up at 5:40pm, where I will be giving a short talk about the hardware and software driving the show!

For opening night, we will be having a free raffle to win your very own miniature Christmas tree (like the ones we use in the show) with 400 lights and your choice of colors! We will also be joined by a Bobby Salazar’s taco truck. The raffle and taco truck will be available between 6pm and 8pm (the entire event goes until 10pm). You do need to be present to enter the raffle, but you do not need to be present to win.

What else would you like readers to know that I haven’t already asked?

If you are seriously considering looking into doing an animated display for your own home and need some pointers, please contact me through our website and I’d be happy to show you how everything comes together. You can also watch our entire 2017 light show if you’re interested in seeing what we’ve done in the past (http://tinyurl.com/davislights2017).  We hope to see you soon!

…

Keep up with the Davis family light adventures and share your kudos and compliments for all their hard work on behalf of all of our enjoyment on their Facebook page. And be sure to stop by and see the 2018 show on opening night, Nov. 19, 2018!

Off the Cuff Episode 3: Geoff Zahler

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Jason Farris

Head YES man at FresYes.com
I grew up in Fresno. Relaxed in its calm breezes, listened with my dad to the crack of the bat at little league baseball games when I was a kid and now take my son to do the same at minor league games. I broadened my mind at its schools (I went to high school right here at San Joaquin Memorial, and to college at Fresno State!) I love that if I drive for two hours in one direction, I can be in the mountains. For two hours in another, luxuriating on a California beach. I can enjoy the cosmopolitan atmosphere of San Francisco or Los Angeles, but still be able to come home to relaxation, calm, and quiet.

I love where I live, and I also love what I do. I'm lucky to be able to work in a profession in which I get to build relationships; one that has me meeting new people each and every day and helping them to build new lives in my beloved city. I'm lucky enough to work in a profession in which I can marry cutting-edge technologies and marketing techniques to good, old-fashioned, nose-to-the-grindstone work. I am lucky enough to work in a profession that allows me to work as an advocate for my clients; to use every tool at my disposal to get a job done well for them, and with as little stress and expense as possible.

I love my city. I love my job. One inspires my excellence for the other.

Fresno? I say FresYES

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Welcome to the third episode of Off the Cuff, where I do a live video chat with people across the country who are killing it in their fields. The really fun part? My guests don’t KNOW they’re going to be guests! I pull in folks who are watching and ask them random questions about their careers, their hometowns, and their lives. It’s all about getting to know people in an unstructured, informal way.

In this episode, I talk to Geoff Zahler, a real estate agent from Las Vegas. We talk Vegas flash floods, daily shrimp consumption in a city of buffets (you’ll NEVER guess how much shrimp is eaten there), and so much more.

Take a look at this live video and get to know both Geoff and the city of Las Vegas. I’ve included his stats and contact info below. And make sure to friend me on Facebook so you can participate in upcoming live videos!

Geoff Zahler
Las Vegas, Nevada
 
Days on market: 29
Active Single Family Listings on market: 6,067
Average Sales Price: $351,293
SM Contact Info: Facebook | Instagram

Meet the local police officer who balances career, family, and an amazing BBQ business

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Natali Carrera

Natali Carrera is a devoted coffee addict who also loves her twelve-year-old son, husband of 17 years and bargain hunting at Target. She works in the field of education and is also a freelance writer and YouTube vlogger (as a hobby). She's been told "bubbly" is the best descriptor of her personality, though she wonders if what people really mean is that she talks too much. Natali is a lifelong Fresno resident and Fresno State grad.

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Do you ever meet a business owner and think, “There’s got to be an interesting story behind this business”? I do. I love learning about the passion people have for what they do—especially when it comes to local, family-owned businesses.

Over the past couple of years, my family and I have crossed paths with a family whose children attend the same school as my son. I had a feeling their business story was an interesting one. My hunch was right.

If you like amazing barbecue, ribs, and homemade rubs and barbecue sauces that will knock your socks off, you’re going to want to learn more about Sheepdog BBQ. Read on, hungry friends, for my interview with John Banuelos, founder and owner of Sheepdog BBQ.

BBQ business

Meet local business owner John Banuelos of Sheepdog BBQ

FresYes: What made you want to start Sheepdog BBQ?

John Banuelos: It all began in 2008 when my wife and I were on vacation in Lake Tahoe. We attended a cooking class that was being offered at the resort we were staying at, and they taught us how to cook the “perfect” steak. The class planted a seed, which grew into a passion for me.

A few months later, I attended a training class that offered barbecue food as their lunch they prepared for us. They had a barbecue sauce which was excellent. I’d asked the caterer what brand the sauce was and they told me they made their own. It never occurred to me before that you can make your own barbecue sauce.

After that class, I went home and started putting some ingredients together to come up with my own homemade barbecue sauce. I had gone through about 15 different versions and finally came up with the one that I have today. I started to make it in small batches and would give it as gifts during the holidays. Everyone who had tried the barbecue sauce kept suggesting to me that I should sell it. At the time it didn’t interest me because I didn’t think of myself as a business person. I was just a cop.

In 2012, word got around on my shift about my barbecue sauce. People started asking me to bring them some the next time I made it, so I did. After a while I was making batch after batch and giving it away. I finally decided that I needed to stop making it for free and start making money from it. I sat down and began to break down the costs to make it and to see if it would be profitable. It took about six months to figure it out, and in September of 2013, I officially launched Sheepdog BBQ.

What was your first product?

My first products were my Smokin’ Sweet BBQ Sauce and Smokin’ Sweet BBQ rub. Both have the same flavor profile.

Okay, I have to know: Where did the name Sheepdog come from?

When I started the business, the term “sheepdog” was not very well known outside of the law enforcement arena. However, within it, the term sheepdog refers to people in law enforcement and military. Sheepdogs (law enforcement/military) protect the “sheep” (law-abiding citizens) from the wolves (non-law-abiding citizens).

So I knew naming my business this would appeal to the law enforcement community, while the non-law enforcement community would think it was just a cool sounding name because the term sheepdog also relates to the old cowboy days of herding sheep with actual sheepdogs, and what cowboys did to prepare food—barbecue!

You’ve just celebrated your fifth year in business. What is your product line like now?

A year after launch, I created my second barbecue seasoning, which was inspired by the cooking class that we’d taken in Lake Tahoe. Garlic Dog is an all-purpose seasoning, great for steak, chicken, and vegetables.

A year after that, in 2016, I created my third rub which was a Mexican-inspired seasoning. This rub goes great on carne asada, chicken, shrimp, and corn on the cob.

BBQ business

The current lineup of Sheepdog BBQ products

What are your most popular products, and do you have a personal favorite?

I always get asked which seasoning is most popular; honestly, they all seem to have their own amazing following. I wouldn’t say I have a favorite, but the one I use the most is the Smokin’ Sweet Rub. I use it on my tri-tip, ribs, and pulled pork.

So, in addition to being a law enforcement officer and making great barbecue sauces and seasonings, you also do catering?

Catering was never in the plans at first, but the more I cooked and the more I posted my food on social media, people became intrigued. I had friends ask if I could make food for them, so I did, then word of mouth got around and the catering branch of my company took off.

There are a lot of barbecue caterers here in Fresno. I will never say my food is better than someone else’s, but what separates my food is everything on my menu is flavored with my own products.

Being an LEO and owning a business has to be challenging. What makes both possible, and what advice do you have for others who have demanding jobs, but also really feel called to entrepreneurship?

I never thought of myself as an entrepreneur. I never set out to be one. I refer to myself as the “accidental entrepreneur.” I began my business for two reasons:

One, to have an outlet from my job. I’ve been a police officer for 15 1/2 years. The last 5 or so years have been tough for law enforcement. So, I needed something outside of the crazy cop world to occupy my mind. I have definitely done that (with Sheepdog BBQ). While I love my job, I try not to let it consume me like it started to, so I focus on my family and business.

Which brings me to the second reason I started Sheepdog BBQ: I wanted to build a family business, something my kids could grow into and maybe get involved with as they get older. Already, my oldest, Darren, loves to help me. He’ll go shopping for ingredients with me or watch as I prepare food. Even my youngest, Audrina, likes to peel labels for me so I can label my bottles of sauce.

It has been difficult at times, juggling a full-time job, side business, and raising a family, but it’s all about making time and working as a team. My wife is a huge help when it comes to promoting the business and keeping me organized.

You have a rib competition coming up. Tell us about that. Can the public attend/buy tickets?

I’ve learned there are two types of barbecuers: those who compete and those who cater. I love the catering aspect, and competitions are very intense. I’ve never competed before, but thought I’d give it a try.

I will be competing Saturday, Sept. 29, in the Rib Battle Royale at Full Circle Brewery. The event begins at 7 a.m. and rib turn-in is at 2 p.m. The event is open to the public, and I’m excited about this new adventure.

So, now that everyone who’s read this interview is drooling at the thought of amazing barbecue, where can we shop Sheepdog BBQ products and stay in the loop regarding products and services?

All of my products are available for sale through my website, www.sheepdogbbq.com, and you can also find me and my food on Facebook and Instagram.

…

(Image credit: Sheepdog BBQ)

Off the Cuff Episode 2: Brennen Clouse, Mike Schumm, Jake Worthington

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Jason Farris

Head YES man at FresYes.com
I grew up in Fresno. Relaxed in its calm breezes, listened with my dad to the crack of the bat at little league baseball games when I was a kid and now take my son to do the same at minor league games. I broadened my mind at its schools (I went to high school right here at San Joaquin Memorial, and to college at Fresno State!) I love that if I drive for two hours in one direction, I can be in the mountains. For two hours in another, luxuriating on a California beach. I can enjoy the cosmopolitan atmosphere of San Francisco or Los Angeles, but still be able to come home to relaxation, calm, and quiet.

I love where I live, and I also love what I do. I'm lucky to be able to work in a profession in which I get to build relationships; one that has me meeting new people each and every day and helping them to build new lives in my beloved city. I'm lucky enough to work in a profession in which I can marry cutting-edge technologies and marketing techniques to good, old-fashioned, nose-to-the-grindstone work. I am lucky enough to work in a profession that allows me to work as an advocate for my clients; to use every tool at my disposal to get a job done well for them, and with as little stress and expense as possible.

I love my city. I love my job. One inspires my excellence for the other.

Fresno? I say FresYES

Latest posts by Jason Farris (see all)

 

Welcome to the second episode of Off the Cuff, where I do a live video chat with people across the country who are killing it in their fields. The really fun part? My guests don’t KNOW they’re going to be guests! I pull in folks who are watching and then ask them random questions about their careers, their hometowns, and their lives. It’s all about getting to know people in an unstructured, informal way, and I love it.

In this episode, I talk to three outstanding real estate agents: Brennen Clouse, Mike Schumm, and Jake Worthington. We don’t just talk about real estate, though! We talk about the musical history of Seattle, how great it is to live in Long Island, and what football team you should support if you live in Michigan (hint: not the Lions).

Take a look at this live video and get to know Brennen, Mike, and Jake. I’ve included their stats and contact info below. And make sure to friend me on Facebook so you can participate in upcoming live videos!

Guest 1:
Brennen Clouse
Seattle, Washington
  • Days on Market: 16
  • Active Single Family Listings on Market: 1075
  • Average Sales Price: $890,000
  • SM Contact Info: Facebook | Instagram
 
Guest 2: 
Mike Schumm
Long Island, NY
  • Days on Market: 99
  • Active Single Family Listings on Market: 55
  • Average Sales Price: $586,532
  • SM Contact Info: Facebook 
 
Guest 3:
Jake Worthington
Fenton, Michigan
  • Days on Market: 30
  • Active Single Family Listings on Market: A165
  • Average Sales Price: $248,000
  • SM Contact Info: Facebook | Instagram

Off the Cuff Episode 1: Eric Zutler, Danielle DiPrenda Roberts, Michael Frank

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Jason Farris

Head YES man at FresYes.com
I grew up in Fresno. Relaxed in its calm breezes, listened with my dad to the crack of the bat at little league baseball games when I was a kid and now take my son to do the same at minor league games. I broadened my mind at its schools (I went to high school right here at San Joaquin Memorial, and to college at Fresno State!) I love that if I drive for two hours in one direction, I can be in the mountains. For two hours in another, luxuriating on a California beach. I can enjoy the cosmopolitan atmosphere of San Francisco or Los Angeles, but still be able to come home to relaxation, calm, and quiet.

I love where I live, and I also love what I do. I'm lucky to be able to work in a profession in which I get to build relationships; one that has me meeting new people each and every day and helping them to build new lives in my beloved city. I'm lucky enough to work in a profession in which I can marry cutting-edge technologies and marketing techniques to good, old-fashioned, nose-to-the-grindstone work. I am lucky enough to work in a profession that allows me to work as an advocate for my clients; to use every tool at my disposal to get a job done well for them, and with as little stress and expense as possible.

I love my city. I love my job. One inspires my excellence for the other.

Fresno? I say FresYES

Latest posts by Jason Farris (see all)

 

Welcome to the very first episode of Off the Cuff, where I do a live video chat with people who are killing it in their fields. 

In this inaugural episode, I talk to three outstanding real estate agents: Eric Zutler of Virginia, Danielle DiPrenda Roberts from Florida, and Michael Frank from the Maryland area.

Since this is my first foray into live video, I’m still kind of playing around with format, etc. But eventually I’d love to do a couple of these a week! I think talking with folks across the country provides real value to those of us looking for inspiration and motivation in our chosen industry, whatever that may be. It gives us great insight into what’s happening in other fields and markets. I really want to talk about fun things, too, like what the best beer in the area is, what people do for fun, that kind of thing. It’s so eye-opening! (Like, is Virginia really known for streaking??)

Take a look at this first live video and get to know Eric, Danielle, and Michael. I’ve included their stats and contact info below.

Guest 1:
Eric Zutler
Sterling, VA
  • Days on Market Average: 35
  • Active (Single Family) Listings on Market: 829
  • Average Sales Price: $620,000
  • SM Contact Info: Facebook | Instagram
 
Guest 2:
Danielle DiPrenda Roberts
Mount Dora, FL
  • Days on Market Average: 63
  • Active (Single Family) Listings on Market: 1,839
  • Average Sales Price: $269,000
  • SM Contact Info: Facebook | Instagram
 
Guest 3:
Michael Frank
Baltimore, MD, and Surrounding Metro
  • Days on Market Average: 20
  • Active (Single Family) Listings on Market: Whole Market–10,047 (5 Year Average is 12,337 so currently low) 
  • Average Sales Price: $235,850
  • SM Contact Info: Facebook| Instagram

You’re invited to the opening ceremony of the William Saroyan Museum

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Sarah Soghomonian

TV Producer and fan of all things fabulous.Bulldog Born, Bulldog Bred!

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A new museum that pays tribute to one of Fresno’s most famous natives, William Saroyan, is celebrating its opening Friday, Aug. 31—the day that would mark the writer’s 110th birthday.

The William Saroyan House-Museum is located at 2729 W. Griffith Way (that’s near Marks and Ashlan). Saroyan lived at this home during the later years of his life. The modest dwelling is on Local Register of Historic Resources.

William Saroyan Museum

The home where William Saroyan once lived is being remodeled and will open as a state-of-the-art museum.

Saroyan was born in Fresno in 1908 and was living here when he died in 1981. The author and playwright often wrote about Fresno and the Central Valley. He earned critical acclaim for his work, which includes My Name is Aram and Tracy’s Tiger. Saroyan won the Pulitzer Prize for drama in 1940 for the play The Time of Your Life, as well as the Academy Award for Best Story for the film adaptation of The Human Comedy.

The Renaissance Cultural and Intellectual Foundation purchased the home two years ago when it went up for auction.

“This is the first and only interactive Saroyan museum in the region,” says Liana Nikoghosyan, Research Manager for the William Saroyan House-Museum. “He’s Fresno’s son. We wanted to preserve William Saroyan’s literacy legacy and spread it again all over the world.”

William Saroyan Museum

William Saroyan was born in Fresno 110 years ago this month.

Interactive museum will host Saroyan hologram

Some of you may remember that the Fresno Metropolitan Museum used to house a Saroyan exhibit, but when they closed in 2010 the number of places to go to learn about Saroyan decreased. The Fresno County Public Library’s downtown Fresno branch has a large Saroyan collection, but many of the books aren’t allowed to be checked out.

Nikoghosyan says the new museum will have the world’s largest Saroyan digital archive. There will also be a Saroyan hologram, unique pictures, and a research area. There will be no fee to visit the William Saroyan House-Museum. 

“The museum will tell about known and unknown episodes from William Saroyan’s life,” Nikoghosyan says. “We are planning to organize tours for students to learn about the big literary legacy Saroyan left.”

 

Opening ceremony at Fresno State

The public is invited to attend the opening ceremony event, which won’t be held at the museum itself, but instead at Fresno State. There is room for about 700 guests. You can register at the website, SaroyanHouse.com, if you’d like to attend.

To learn more, you can also follow the museum on Facebook and Twitter.