BallstonConnect Podcast Ballston BID

Dan Deceder is the Founder and President of Deceder Group, an architectural design firm right here in Ballston. Deceder Group is a next-generation design firm that balances creativity with dependability and embraces the exploration of technology. Founded on the desire to bring personalized attention and service to the design process, Deceder group prioritizes expertise, work ethic, and vibrant company culture - demonstrated in the uniqueness of each project they deliver.
How does a Pittsburgh native relocate - and then reimagine workspaces in the national capital region? How has architecture changed with the modern workplace? And what does “Yinz” mean, anyways?

This year marks the 100th year Anniversary for the Arlington Chamber of Commerce, one of our business community’s most engaged advocates and invaluable assets. In addition to providing invaluable resources, programs, and advocacy benefitting its hundreds of member organizations - the Chamber has evolved over its century of history to meet a continuously evolving array of needs for our people, businesses, and charitable organizations… all to strengthen the business and economic environment for those who work, live, and do business in Arlington.
It’s our pleasure today to host OUR FIRST FOUR-TIME guest - someone who is certainly no stranger to members of the Ballston community and Arlington as a whole. Kate Bates is Chief Executive Officer of the Arlington Chamber of Commerce, and has served an integral role in advancing businesses in Ballston and across Arlington County.
 

Roy Phillips co-founded MarginEdge in 2015 to construct a creative solution to make running a restaurant easier. Now a leading restaurant management and bill payment platform, MarginEdge has been recognized on the INC 5000 list for two consecutive years and was named the 10th fastest growing company in the Greater Washington D.C. area.
How does a restauranteur pivot to creating management solutions for the entire industry? How does a company go from a 4-by-5-foot closet to the INC5000? And what about Ballston makes it such an enjoyable place for the food-centric?

We’re fortunate in Ballston to have an incredible array of neighborhood services – from coffee shops and eateries to bars and top-tier mixologists… but what if you could get all of that in the same place? Slipstream opened their Ballston location’s doors on March, Miranda Mirabella and Ryan Fleming’s fourth location in our area since bringing their passion for food and drink to us from the West Coast. A stylish cafe serving pour-over coffee by day & cocktails by night alongside small plates, Slipstream has quickly earned favor across the neighborhood.
How does a nurse trade in her stethoscope for a coffee grinder? What’s the secret to balancing great coffee and cocktail programs? And how can one perfect the ever-fashionable avocado toast?

Isa Seyran is the owner and operator of the Ballstonian, a mobile coffee cart serving Turkish coffee and pastries to the Ballston neighborhood He launched the Ballstonian earlier this spring after an illustrious and storied career in the upper echelons of Washington’s restaurant industry. He earned acclaim and local celebrity with his 2022 publication, Waiter: Reflections & Memories: A Brief History of Washington DC's World-Class Dining Scene. He’s been an active member of the Ballston community for 23 years and a staunch advocate for our community.
How does a Turkish playwright and poet end up serving coffees for world-renowned chefs? What’s it like to serve food critics and first ladies? And why are people lining up next to a red truck for their morning brew?

Carola McGiffert is the owner of 30 Minute Hit Arlington, a women’s kickboxing gym right here in Ballston. After working in public and private sectors on US-China relations, she bought into the 30 Minute Hit franchise during the uncertainty of COVID. Her passion for fitness and women’s empowerment led her to 30 Minute Hit, where she has developed a passionate and dedicated following in our district.
How does a US/China relations expert find her way into fitness? How does one launch a fitness brand during a pandemic? And what about Ballston speaks strongly to future entrepreneurs?