Jerry Shkavritko / JS Podcast

Jerry Shkavritko

Welcome to JS Podcast, the show where we dive deep into the minds of local leaders and business owners to extract the gems of wisdom that have propelled them to success. Join us as we embark on a journey to uncover the stories, strategies, and insights that have shaped the lives and careers of our guests. In each episode, we sit down with a diverse range of entrepreneurs, community leaders, and visionaries who have made a significant impact in their local communities. Through candid and inspiring conversations, we explore their personal journeys, the challenges they've faced, and the lessons

  1. 058 Midwest to Global Entrepreneurship: How Brian Built & Scaled Nearshore Talent of Latin America

    10/16/2025

    058 Midwest to Global Entrepreneurship: How Brian Built & Scaled Nearshore Talent of Latin America

    In this episode of The JS Podcast, host Jerry S. sits down with Brian, a seasoned entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience in business — including the last decade connecting U.S. companies with top Latin American tech talent.Brian shares how he went from a Midwest upbringing to building and exiting three companies, including his latest venture, Plug Technologies, which helps U.S. businesses hire nearshore developers and engineers from Latin America.They dive into:🌎 The rise of nearshore outsourcing and why Latin America is the next tech hub💼 How to find and recruit top 10x developers and engineers⚖️ The shift from India to Latin America in global outsourcing🏡 Brian’s journey from corporate America to living in Hawaii while running multiple businesses🤝 How to build strong partnerships and lead effectively across bordersWhether you’re a startup founder, business leader, or someone interested in remote work and global hiring, this episode offers deep insights into scaling smart with the right people.🔗 Connect with Brian and check out his podcast, Nearshore Café Podcast, for more on Latin American tech and business trends.https://www.youtube.com/@NearshoreCafePodcast#Entrepreneurship #Nearshore #Outsourcing #LatinAmerica #TechTalent #BusinessGrowth #RemoteWork #Leadership #JSPodcast

    45 min
  2. 057 Remodeling Homes, Building Lives | Contractor's Journey of Faith, Family & Construction

    04/24/2025

    057 Remodeling Homes, Building Lives | Contractor's Journey of Faith, Family & Construction

    Discover the inspiring journey of Jim Ryerson, a seasoned remodeling contractor, with over 15 years of experience in home renovation, custom remodeling, and customer service. In this episode, we explore the real-life lessons learned from working in both new construction and remodeling, including dealing with tough clients, managing high expectations, and using faith as a foundation for business success.Jim shares how he went from building city homes to creating meaningful spaces for families—including a special story about designing a home for a child with special needs. We also talk tools, tech, and time management in the trades, as well as staying healthy and balanced as a business owner.🔨 Topics Covered:Remodeling vs. new constructionDealing with difficult clientsUsing faith and values in businessWork-life balance for contractorsFavorite tools & tech in constructionStories that inspire purpose in the tradesWhether you're a general contractor, a construction business owner, or someone passionate about building with purpose, this episode is for you.More on Jim's company:https://www.ryersonbrothers.com/👉 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and comment with your biggest takeaway!#Remodeling #ConstructionBusiness #ContractorLife #HomeRenovation #ChristianBusiness #BuilderStory #FaithAndBusiness #GeneralContractor #RemodelerJourney #WorkLifeBalance

    46 min
  3. 056 From College to Roofing CEO: Walter’s Entrepreneurial Journey & Business in Belize

    02/24/2025

    056 From College to Roofing CEO: Walter’s Entrepreneurial Journey & Business in Belize

    In this episode, I sit down with my cousin Walter, owner of Allstate Roofing & More, a top roofing company serving Upstate NY. We dive into his journey from college to entrepreneurship, how he built a thriving business without finishing college, and his experience expanding into business ventures in Belize.We also share a fun personal story about taking the same computer class in college—while my path led me through a corporate career, Walter took a direct leap into business ownership. 🚀🔹 Topics Covered:✔️ From college student to business owner✔️ Lessons from launching multiple businesses✔️ The realities of running a roofing company in NY✔️ Expanding business opportunities in Belize🔥 If you're an aspiring entrepreneur or love inspiring business stories, this episode is for you!👉 Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more real-life business journeys!#Entrepreneurship #SmallBusiness #RoofingBusiness #Belize #BusinessSuccess #Podcast

    1h 6m
  4. 055 From Ukraine to Ironman: Oleg Dudnyk's Inspiring Journey of Mission, Running, and Resilience

    12/05/2024

    055 From Ukraine to Ironman: Oleg Dudnyk's Inspiring Journey of Mission, Running, and Resilience

    In this powerful episode, we sit down with Oleg Dudnyk to explore his extraordinary journey. From his early life in Ukraine to serving on mission in Russia, Oleg shares how his faith and determination shaped his path. Discover how he took up running, conquered marathons, and eventually moved to the United States to achieve his dream of becoming an Ironman athlete. Join us for this inspiring conversation filled with perseverance, personal growth, and the pursuit of excellence. Perfect for anyone seeking motivation, endurance tips, or a deeper appreciation of life’s challenges and triumphs. 🎥 What You'll Learn: ✔️ Oleg’s experiences living in Ukraine and working on mission in Russia ✔️ How he discovered a passion for running and marathons ✔️ His journey to the United States and becoming an IronMan ✔️ Life lessons on perseverance, adaptability, and achieving goals 👉 Don't forget to Like, Comment, and Subscribe for more inspiring stories! 📢 Keywords: Ukraine, IronMan athlete, marathon running, motivational stories, personal growth, life journey, endurance sports. Follow Oleg on his channel to see what he does next: @proactive0770 ———————— Brought to You by: ———————— Valverax LLC @valverax https://valverax.com Porch Enclosures ——————————————————————————— Follow: https://shkavritko.com https://linktr.ee/shkavritko https://www.instagram.com/jerryshkavritko/ https://www.facebook.com/JerryShkavritko/ https://twitter.com/JerryShkavritko https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/shkavritko

    1h 3m
  5. 054 From CEO to Captive: Jose Pereira's Journey of Survival, Leadership, and Resilience

    11/27/2024

    054 From CEO to Captive: Jose Pereira's Journey of Survival, Leadership, and Resilience

    In this gripping episode, we sit down with Jose Pereira, the former CEO of Citgo and a member of the infamous "CITGO 6." Jose shares his incredible story of leadership, resilience, and survival after being kidnapped and falsely imprisoned in Venezuela for five years. Hear how his journey from leading one of the world’s largest energy companies to enduring unimaginable challenges shaped his perspective on life and leadership. Now a coach and mentor, Jose reveals how his ordeal has fueled his passion for guiding others through adversity and growth. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation about courage, transformation, and the human spirit. 👉 Topics Covered: Becoming the CEO of Citgo and leading through challenges The kidnapping and imprisonment ordeal in Venezuela Resilience during five years of captivity The prisoner exchange and his release by the U.S. government How Jose now empowers others with his story and skills 🔔 Subscribe for more inspiring stories of leadership and transformation. 📢 Connect with Jose Pereira: https://joseconnect.com/ @JosePereira-nz4ps https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100068010210574 https://www.instagram.com/pereirajap3a/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jose-angel-pereira/ https://www.tiktok.com/@josepereiraruimwyk https://x.com/pereirajap3 Book: From Hero to Villain: https://www.amazon.com/Hero-Villain-CITGO6-Villain-TRILOGY-ebook/dp/B0D76Y8GVJ ———————— Brought to You by: ———————— Valverax LLC @valverax https://valverax.com Porch Enclosures ——————————————————————————— Follow: https://shkavritko.com https://linktr.ee/shkavritko https://www.instagram.com/jerryshkavritko/ https://www.facebook.com/JerryShkavritko/ https://twitter.com/JerryShkavritko https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/shkavritko

    59 min
  6. 053 From Detroit to Munich: Anne on Acting, Life Abroad, and Following Your Dreams

    11/21/2024

    053 From Detroit to Munich: Anne on Acting, Life Abroad, and Following Your Dreams

    In this inspiring episode, I sit down with Anne Alexander-Sieder, an actor and storyteller who shares her incredible journey from Detroit, Michigan, to Munich, Germany. Anne dives into her experiences navigating life abroad, building a career in the arts, and embracing the challenges and rewards of living outside her comfort zone. Discover how Anne’s passion for acting shaped her path, the cultural differences she’s encountered, and the life lessons she’s learned along the way. Whether you’re curious about the expat experience, the world of acting, or finding courage to pursue your dreams, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration. 🎙️ Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more stories from fascinating guests around the world! Tags: #Podcast #ActingAbroad #LifeInGermany #DetroitToMunich #AnneAlexanderSieder #LivingAbroad #ExpatLife #InspiringStories #ActingCareer #lifejourney Connect with Anne: @ActBold Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mrs.alexandersieder/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ActBold Passion Project to Pro: https://www.actboldtraining.com/p2 Website: https://www.actboldtraining.com ———————— Brought to You by: ———————— Valverax LLC @valverax https://valverax.com Porch Enclosures ——————————————————————————— Follow: https://shkavritko.com https://linktr.ee/shkavritko https://www.instagram.com/jerryshkavritko/ https://www.facebook.com/JerryShkavritko/ https://twitter.com/JerryShkavritko https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/shkavritko

    1h 28m
  7. 052 LA’s Streets to Business Success: George Valdez on Street Smarts, Music, & Marketing Mastery

    11/14/2024

    052 LA’s Streets to Business Success: George Valdez on Street Smarts, Music, & Marketing Mastery

    In this powerful episode, I sit down with George Valdez as he takes us through an incredible journey from the rough streets of his youth in LA to becoming a recognized force in business and retail. George opens up about his early years, where he navigated the challenges of "the gutter," LA’s gritty music scene, and rubbing shoulders with icons like Ice Cube. His street smarts propelled him to learn from legends like Zig Ziglar, Tony Hsieh, and Brian Tracy, and ultimately transform himself into a top marketing and sales expert. Today, George is not only an accomplished coach but also the author of "The Ultimate Guide to Footwear Retail Business Profits"—a comprehensive blueprint for retail success. Whether you're interested in resilience, networking with industry giants, or mastering retail and sales, this episode is a goldmine of insights. George’s rise from a tough neighborhood in LA Music industry stories with names like Ice Cube Learning business from Zig Ziglar, Tony Hsieh, & Brian Tracy Insights from George’s book: The Ultimate Guide to Footwear Retail Business Profits Lessons in resilience, entrepreneurship, and street smarts 🔔 Subscribe for more inspiring interviews with entrepreneurs and business leaders! Chapters: 0:00 – Intro TBD – Growing Up in LA’s Gutter TBD – Meeting Ice Cube & the Music Industry TBD – How Street Smarts Led to Zig Ziglar & Tony Hsieh TBD – George’s Retail Business Strategies TBD – Tips from The Ultimate Guide to Footwear Retail Business Profits TBD – Coaching & Mentorship Advice #GeorgeValdez #FootwearRetailSuccess #EntrepreneurshipJourney #ZigZiglar #TonyHsieh #BrianTracy #StreetSmarts #MusicIndustry #LA Reach out to George: https://www.georgevaldez.com/ https://www.shoedogguru.com/ https://www.facebook.com/ShoeDogGuru ———————— Brought to You by: ———————— Valverax LLC @valverax https://valverax.com Porch Enclosures ——————————————————————————— Follow: https://shkavritko.com https://linktr.ee/shkavritko https://www.instagram.com/jerryshkavritko/ https://www.facebook.com/JerryShkavritko/ https://twitter.com/JerryShkavritko https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/shkavritko

    2h 7m
  8. 051 California to Japan: Chris Chavira’s Journey in Photography, Travel & Love | Life and Business

    11/09/2024

    051 California to Japan: Chris Chavira’s Journey in Photography, Travel & Love | Life and Business

    In this episode of JS Podcast , we’re thrilled to welcome Chris Chavira, a talented photographer with a fascinating story. Born and raised in California, Chris shares his journey of marrying a Japanese woman and the unique cultural insights that came with it. He opens up about his travels to Japan and beyond, his experiences working both behind and in front of the camera, and how these moments have shaped his life and business. Tune in to discover how Chris's passion for storytelling has fueled his career in professional photography and explore what it takes to build a business centered around creativity and travel. Whether you're an aspiring photographer, a travel enthusiast, or just love a good life story, this episode is full of inspiration and practical insights. CCIMAGES.com :: Chris Chavira Photography https://ccimages.com/ https://www.facebook.com/CCIMAGEScom/ https://www.instagram.com/ccimages1/ ———————— Brought to You by: ———————— Valverax LLC @valverax https://valverax.com Porch Enclosures ——————————————————————————— Follow: https://shkavritko.com https://linktr.ee/shkavritko https://www.instagram.com/jerryshkavritko/ https://www.facebook.com/JerryShkavritko/ https://twitter.com/JerryShkavritko https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/shkavritko

    51 min
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About

Welcome to JS Podcast, the show where we dive deep into the minds of local leaders and business owners to extract the gems of wisdom that have propelled them to success. Join us as we embark on a journey to uncover the stories, strategies, and insights that have shaped the lives and careers of our guests. In each episode, we sit down with a diverse range of entrepreneurs, community leaders, and visionaries who have made a significant impact in their local communities. Through candid and inspiring conversations, we explore their personal journeys, the challenges they've faced, and the lessons

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