Fi$H Factor With Mike Ungaro

Mike Ungaro

Fi$H Factor offers an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at the legendary San Pedro Fish Market and the multi-generational family behind its success. Hosted by Mike Ungaro—whose leadership helped grow the Fish Market into the second most-visited attraction on the West Coast—this YouTube series dives into the real stories of what it takes to run a thriving seafood empire. Through candid reflections on the highs, struggles, and unique challenges of operating a family business since 1956, Fi$H Factor reveals what it takes to sustain double-digit growth, serve over 2 million customers a year, and adapt across generations. Viewers hear firsthand what it means to manage legacy, leadership, and loyalty—all while building a TV series, Kings of Fi$H. More than a business series, Fi$H Factor is a story of resilience, family, ambition, and grit. Each episode invites audiences to connect with the real-world experiences behind one of America’s most iconic seafood destinations.

  1. May 5

    Strategy and Execution: How to Build What Others Can’t

    Welcome back to Fi$H Factor, where multi-generational grit meets real-world strategy. In this episode, Mike Ungaro sits down with Scott Choppin, Founder and CEO of Urban Pacific Group, to break down what it really takes to develop projects, solve complex problems, and build in industries where timelines are long and stakes are high. From growing up in a real estate family to leading innovative workforce housing developments, Scott shares how his approach to strategy and execution has shaped his career. The conversation dives into the realities of development, navigating bureaucracy, aligning stakeholders, and why most projects succeed or fail long before construction even begins. Scott also explores how AI is beginning to transform the development industry, why most operators are behind, and how those who adopt it early will gain a massive competitive advantage. From autonomous agents to real-world applications, this episode highlights the intersection of technology, leadership, and long-term thinking. In this episode, you’ll learn: - Why great strategy and great execution must work together to succeed - How real estate development is ultimately a business of constant problem solving - The concept of “product-market fit” and how it applies to building projects - Why workforce housing is an overlooked opportunity in today’s market - How AI will reshape operations, decision-making, and competitive advantage - The importance of controlling your narrative when explaining innovative ideas Learn more about Scott Choppin - Website: https://www.urbanpacific.com - Follow Scott on X: https://x.com/scottchoppin Subscribe, leave a review, and follow @KingsOfFish and @SanPedroFish for more real stories on building business, leadership, and legacy.

    42 min
  2. Apr 21

    Guac on the Rock: Tequila, Food, and Bringing People Together

    Welcome back to Fi$H Factor, where family legacy meets entrepreneurial grit. In this episode, Mike Ungaro sits down with Alan Ruesga-Pelayo to talk about building a brand rooted in culture, connection, and the simple act of bringing people to the table, alongside the global momentum of Teremana Tequila, founded by Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. What started as a simple idea, guacamole, tequila, and shared moments, became Guac on the Rock, a program designed to drive traffic to restaurants while creating unforgettable guest experiences. Alan shares how the initiative grew from a one-week test into a month-long activation across multiple cities, all while staying true to its mission: supporting operators and bringing people together. From partnering with San Pedro Fish Market to expanding into new markets, this conversation highlights how Teremana and “The Rock” have helped turn a grassroots hospitality idea into a scalable, culture-driven movement. In this episode, you’ll learn about: - Why simple, shareable experiences like Guac on the Rock resonate with guests - How Teremana built a program that directly supports restaurant operators - The power of aligning a brand with culture, authenticity, and community - How partnerships can turn a promotion into a meaningful guest experience - Why bringing people together at the table is still the most powerful idea in hospitality Episode Links Learn more about Teremana Tequila: https://teremana.com/Explore the Guac on the Rock program: https://teremana.com/pages/guac-on-the-rock Subscribe now, leave a review, and follow us on social @KingsOfFish and @SanPedroFish for more behind-the-scenes stories from America’s seafood royalty.

    27 min
  3. Apr 14

    How To Scale Your Business

    Welcome back to Fi$H Factor, where family legacy meets entrepreneurial grit. In this episode, Mike Ungaro sits down with Alexis Parra to talk about turning a personal passion for wellness into one of the fastest-growing juice and smoothie brands in the country. What began with homemade green juice, acai bowls, and no formal business plan grew into a nationwide brand with more than 230 locations. Alexis shares the real story behind building Nékter Juice Bar from the ground up, from early days of improvising recipes and sourcing ingredients herself to leading product innovation, franchise growth, and company culture at scale. She explains why integrity mattered more than trend-chasing, how healthy habits became the foundation of the business, and what gets harder when a neighborhood concept becomes a national operation. From menu development and consumer trends to franchising lessons and leadership growing pains, this conversation is packed with insight for anyone building a brand that wants to last. In this episode, you’ll learn about: - How Nékter Juice Bar grew from one location to more than 230 stores - Why purpose and integrity matter more than chasing trends - What it takes to scale recipes, systems, and training across a franchise network - How consumer demand for health and wellness continues to evolve Why hospitality, empathy, and culture still matter as companies grow The biggest lessons Alexis learned building a modern food brand Learn more about Nékter Juice Bar: https://www.nekterjuicebar.com/ Subscribe now, leave a review, and follow us on social @KingsOfFish and @SanPedroFish for more behind-the-scenes stories from America’s seafood royalty.

    44 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Fi$H Factor offers an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at the legendary San Pedro Fish Market and the multi-generational family behind its success. Hosted by Mike Ungaro—whose leadership helped grow the Fish Market into the second most-visited attraction on the West Coast—this YouTube series dives into the real stories of what it takes to run a thriving seafood empire. Through candid reflections on the highs, struggles, and unique challenges of operating a family business since 1956, Fi$H Factor reveals what it takes to sustain double-digit growth, serve over 2 million customers a year, and adapt across generations. Viewers hear firsthand what it means to manage legacy, leadership, and loyalty—all while building a TV series, Kings of Fi$H. More than a business series, Fi$H Factor is a story of resilience, family, ambition, and grit. Each episode invites audiences to connect with the real-world experiences behind one of America’s most iconic seafood destinations.