How Brandie Grace Wong is taking Agency Lead Generation To The Next Level with Totally Brand It

NY Weekly Staff on October 26, 2022

Building credibility and trust in a saturated market is becoming increasingly harder. Agencies of all modalities are competing for consumer attention in a highly competitive market. Consumers are introduced to a huge amount of marketing ploys & tactics from the time their alarm goes off until the time their head hits the pillow at night.

When looking at our economy through the lens of new business, how can agencies in today’s economy stand out from the crowd and get customers interested in their products or services? With increasing CPA’s & CPL’s traditional advertising methods are falling by the wayside, leaving room for more efficient methods lead generation.

If your business is unfamiliar with lead generation or you are simply looking to revamp your client acquisition, look no further. From helping agencies of all levels such as marketing to social media, to public relations, and beyond, I’ll explore what the new strategy of agency lead generation is and how Totally Brand It is turning lead generation on its head.

Plan for Success

In overly simplified terms, attracting new clients and closing the deal is the overarching goal of a successful business. Companies that operate without a strategy to hit these basic markers are essentially relying on wishful thinking that a potential client will eventually show.

This is where companies like Totally Brand It come in, understanding that fresh ideas and proper systems go hand-in-hand for creating sustainable success. The crux for most agencies is the lack of proper planning of processes in order to get the ball rolling and sales flowing in, this is usually due to the lack of knowledge or time.

At Totally Brand It we help identify & resolve internal bottlenecks such as:

  • Sales
  • Operations
  • Custom strategies
  • Lead generation
  • Acquisitions
  • Copywriting

Testament to Growth

For newer companies that can’t quite keep up with their own outreach, their own sales, their own copywriting… you name it, Totally Brand It has provided crucial guidance and value to those looking for help.  Happy clients have attested that “…she actually did go above and beyond for us” or “our communication templates with clients feel improved.” These are just a couple of quotes from clients from whom we’ve helped structure solid lead generation strategies and drastically improve sales processes overall.

For free content covering everything under lead generation & business systems check out their YouTube channel. The whole reason Brandie created Totally Brand It was to help other digital agencies understand the nuts and bolts of running their own business, for many this may have been their first time in business and as a business owner, I want to make the process as transparent as possible and help new clients avoid any confusion from Day One.

Changing the Scope of Client Acquisition

A lot of the ideas needed to close sales and increase revenue might seem simple at first but streamlining and understanding the best possible way forward is exactly what Totally Brand It is built for.

If you want to successfully grow your digital agency, check out our 7-day free trial. We’ve created this free trial to be value packed. It comes with plenty of free lead generation copywriting that gets written live, directly in front of our free trial clients. We offer this just for YOU, the client. We want to help you succeed. Totally Brand It is here to take the guesswork out of lead generation and help you land those sales. 

To learn more about Brandie Grace Wong and Totally Brand It, check out her Linktree,

Belinda Sanders Deciphers The Mystery Of Finding Dream Man In Dear Future Husband

NY Weekly Staff on October 26, 2022

Belinda Sanders, an optimistic and passionate individual, is all set to help women find the men of their dreams through her new book, Dear Future Husband.

Humans are believed to be made in pairs, and though we are separated when we are born, we eventually find our other half on this planet. However, with roughly 8 billion individuals on the earth, many people struggle to find their significant other. Finding true love feels like a search for a needle in a haystack. You can attract the right person into your life by using affirmations and manifestation.

Belinda Sanders, who has experienced heartbreak herself, wants to ensure that no one else has to. To guide ladies through the process of finding true adoration, Belinda highlights how to attract the man of your dreams and 31-points on who you need to be to enjoy the experience in her book, Dear Future Husband, a 31-day affirmation journal.

Breaking Ties From The Past

A mother of two, Belinda Sanders has been divorced twice, but she is still very optimistic and has a positive outlook on life. Belinda knows true love is hard to find. However, she still believes that her ideal partner is out there and she will find them soon.

After her divorce, Belinda felt alone and battled to adjust. She realized that in order to move forward in her life she has to let go of her past and remove all the residual weighing her down. For that, she decided to go to therapy. The idea of Dear Future Husband was conceived during this process. Belinda realized that if she wanted a different experience; she couldn’t be the same Belinda she had previously been. With that notion in mind, Belinda began to see things differently and finally learned to appreciate love again.

Life Full Of Hope

While many women have given up on love, Belinda is confident that she will meet the man of her dreams and have the relationship she has always dreamed of. As a result, Belinda encourages other women to never give up on their dreams of being in love.

And the book, “Dear Future Husband”, which was created when Belinda realized she was alone and missed being married, is now a ray of hope for her and other women. With her journey, she wishes to inspire and empower women. This book contains a foolproof technique for attracting her future husband at the right moment. It has a wish list, a screening list and a purposeful system to manifest your partner.

Dear Future Husband draws the reader on a journey to find love, peace, blessings, joy, and happiness, preparing them for their soulmates. Belinda’s book differs from others as it is not fantasy, but rather her journey through two divorces and her quest to find true love.

Love is a powerful emotion, and finding a soulmate is difficult but not impossible. Belinda’s Dear Future Husband is the ultimate guide for all women to help make this journey easier.

 

 

Duncan Levin Produces Successful Outcomes

NY Weekly Staff on October 26, 2022

It is difficult to be a defense attorney without being an expert in one or more areas of law. Duncan Levin has established himself as a respected and recognized member of the legal community through his expertise in sophisticated and complex legal situations. That sometimes allows him to provide real solutions for clients who cannot afford traditional representation.

Who is Duncan Levin?

Duncan Levin, a successful attorney, credits his years of education and experience for his success. He grew up in New York City, where he went to Horace Mann High School and then Yale University. Later, earning his J.D from Yale Law School.

Duncan Levin started his legal career as a line prosecutor at the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office, focusing on financial crime and has also worked in private practice. 

Levin worked for the US Department of Justice specializing in money laundering and asset forfeiture in Manhattan. This is where he served as Chief of Asset Forfeiture for the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office. By overseeing all criminal and civil asset forfeiture and money laundering on numerous cases, Levin has gained experience on both sides of the table. 

Duncan Levin Background

Duncan Levin’s background as an attorney gave him the skillset necessary to be successful in the role of the founder of Levin & Associates. His years of experience working within the federal government gave him a deep understanding of all aspects of white-collar crime. Duncan’s focus on criminal defense in fields in which he has decades of experience, gives him the advantage over other criminal defense attorneys. 

Duncan Levin Career

Duncan Levin has had a successful career as an attorney and entrepreneur. He began his legal career working for a large law firm, but he soon realized that he was missing out on the creativity and challenges of being an entrepreneur. Levin resigned from the firm and established what would eventually become one of the most successful law practices in the country. Because of his business success, he has represented some of the most high profile individuals and companies in the world. 

Duncan Levin’s experience in the Criminal Defense Sector 

Duncan Levin is one of the few criminal defense attorneys in the nation who specializes in defending clients against anti-money laundering and OFAC sanctions risk and enforcement. He has helped his clients to protect their assets, win plea bargains, and get the timely release of their funds.

Duncan Levin is a criminal defense attorney with over 20 years of experience. He has defended clients on criminal charges, including theft, forgery, assault, drug possession, and more. In addition to his courtroom successes, Duncan has garnered recognition from various legal publications and media outlets for his work in the field.

Of the numerous notable cases he has represented, Duncan Levin’s most recent representation is of Anna Delvey, aka Anna Sorokin, who was convicted of fraud. Levin has been brought on to represent Delvey in her appeal and post-judgments motions. One of the biggest factors that has helped Duncan be successful as a criminal defense attorney is his relentless dedication to his client’s best interests. Levin, an attorney and former prosecutor, has represented several notable figures and celebrities. He’s successfully represented high-profile clients, such as Harvey Weinstein, Clare Bronfman, and Mark Nordlicht.

Throughout his career, Duncan has always put his clients first by working tirelessly to ensure they have access to top-quality counsel and are provided with accurate information about their cases. 

Duncan Levin has spent the last few years working on various cases in the criminal defense sector. He knows how to evaluate evidence and build a strong case for his clients. Levin is highly regarded within the legal community for his consistent success in high-profile cases.

Duncan Levin Successes

Duncan Levin is an attorney who has had great success in his field. He has a long career as an attorney, working in criminal defense. He has represented many high-profile clients, including athletes, celebrities, businesspeople, politicians, and lawyers. His work has earned him widespread recognition and respect from his peers. 

Duncan’s expertise in criminal law has led him to achieve remarkable success both in court and in the media. His clients have consistently praised his legal skills and professionalism. So why do so many lawyers consider Duncan Levin one of the best criminal defense attorneys in the country? He always puts his client first and doesn’t back down from a fight.

Duncan’s success in the legal field is a testament to his hard work and dedication to his profession. He is a true professional who knows what he must do to succeed in any given situation.

Jae Lavoie, the Fashion Designer and Stylist Known for Creating Custom Pieces that Tell a Person’s Story and History

NY Weekly Staff on October 26, 2022

Fashion has played and continues to assume a critical role in the lives of countless people. A language of creativity, it speaks of a person’s history and choices and helps them communicate and relate with others. But while fashion is highly subjective, there are pieces that stand out among the rest, and those designed by Jae Lavoie have captured the interest of many not only because of their aesthetic value but primarily because of the extent to which they allow individuals to tell their stories. 

Originally hailing from Fall River, Jeremy Lavoie, better known as Jae Lavoie, is the mind behind J.L. Creative Studios. A brand that he established in collaboration with his brother Jonathan Lavoie, JLCS is the culmination of years of hard work and the materialization of a long-held dream. 

Like millions of go-getters around the globe, the New York-based stylist came from humble beginnings. His inspiration, and one of his greatest motivational figures, is the world’s best basketball trainer, Chris Brickley. From the start, he has always had a deep-seated interest in fashion. “It has always been with me,” said Jae Lavoie. “My mother always made sure I was looking sharp.” But, even then, he was highly cognizant that fashion goes beyond just looking sharp as it is a medium for self-expression. 

Ultimately, it was the decision of his brother to move to New York City that would serve as the first stone to a path that would lead Jae Lavoie toward the forefront of the fashion industry. Jonathan leaving to pursue graffiti art prompted one life-changing question for the designer. “Am I staying in Fall River and playing basketball here, or am I going to get out of town and see what’s out there,” he recalled asking. Needless to say, he chose to give The City That Never Sleeps a shot, and little did he know, NYC would be where he would begin making his mark.

Currently, Jae Lavoie occupies a coveted position in the limelight, an achievement he has managed to bag under his belt, thanks to his distinctive artistry and strategic partnership with his brother. Deserving of credit, as well, are the art pieces birthed by his creativity, one of which is the standout art piece called STORYOFMYLIFE 1-1. Hand-painted and tailored to represent the wearer, the custom apparel is a life story transformed into a fashion accessory.

Jae Lavoie

Since leaving Fall River,  Jae Lavoie has risen to unprecedented heights, emerging as the go-to stylist for several high-profile figures and personalities. Among the long list of clients who have trusted his eye for fashion is Brandon Medford, a prominent car broker in the country, as well as the professional basketball player Taquan Zimmerman. 

Armed with big plans, Jae Lavoie will continue going all-out in building his portfolio and cementing his position within the fashion scene. On top of creating more stellar pieces, he also aims to continue giving back to his hometown by visiting schools and sharing his successes and struggles with children who have dreams of their own in the hopes of motivating them in their respective journeys.

Secure and Optimize your Network Perimeter with ALSCO

NY Weekly Staff on October 26, 2022

The world has progressed at an unprecedented rate in the field of technology during the 21st Century. A few years ago, no one had even imagined that technological tools of this scale would ever become part of our daily routines. In the modern era, dreams have become part of our reality, and a future that seemed distant before is part of the present now. However, as technology has advanced, it has given rise to various problems. If we take the field of commerce as an example, we see that while digitization of the business has allowed commercial activities to be performed on online platforms, allowing for greater market penetration, it adds the risk of cybersecurity attacks and theft of financial data. This is only one of the challenges that can arise as a result of technological advancements. In recent times, another major problem revolves around the security of the network perimeter. A breach of the network perimeter by hackers can lead to a massive loss of valuable information and expose data, which, in the wrong hands, can be detrimental to the existence of the company itself. 

You might be wondering how to stay secure and avoid such a high-risk issue. So, what should be done to ensure an optimized and secure network perimeter? What you need to do in order to guarantee that your online platform stays safe, your data remains secure, and your information is protected is to strengthen online security. Surprisingly, a majority of companies lack the tools or information necessary to secure their data. This is why it is crucial for companies to connect with highly recognized and leading security software companies to ensure the safety and security of their network. In such a scenario, ALSCO is one of the best options to go for, as it provides exceptional service with a complete focus on protecting all business-related activities. 

If you are a business owner who values your business’ data and want to stay away from losses and data breaches, then it is imperative to connect with companies like ALSCO. It is one of the leading data centers and software development companies offering a range of high-performance network solutions. While their knowledge in the field is limitless, it is important for you to have an understanding of your network perimeter so that you can effectively execute the suggestions provided by your security organization. 

As far as the network perimeter is concerned, it is defined as a sort of borderline between the internal and external networks of the organization. The perimeter marks the end of the territory that is under the control of the organization. To elaborate further, let’s assume that an internal network of a company comprises multiple servers utilized by hundreds of employees, all conducting different activities. All data exchanges occurring on the local servers will be part of the internal network. However, if an employee brings his own laptop and transfers data from his personal system to the laptop, then the laptop is considered an external network component. However, the moment the laptop is connected to the main server, it becomes part of the internal network. 

Now that you have a general idea about what a network perimeter is, here are some practical and effective strategies suggested by ALSCO to secure and protect your network perimeter. The very first step ALSCO advises businesses to follow is to build multiple security layers around their internal network. Just like in a siege, the higher and denser your walls, the harder they are to breach. 

Secondly, it’s essential to monitor your security systems and continuously review their effectiveness. In case your security software is outdated, it is essential to update it, and if your methodologies are no longer relevant, it’s crucial to replace them with advanced techniques. Your internal network should also be isolated from your external network, and any connections occurring between the networks should be authorized and monitored. 

This entire process of ensuring your network perimeter’s security can often be a daunting task, and the technicalities tend to go over your head. This is why your best option is to connect with a security company like ALSCO, which can provide the right guidance and make sure that you stay protected. With ALSCO’s vision to ensure complete security on the internet, they’re one of your best options for data security. So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to get secure!

Meet Los Angeles Based Music Artist Abbey Scott who is taking the Pop World By Storm!

NY Weekly Staff on October 26, 2022

Born Abigail Erin Saleet but widely known as Abbey Scott, grew up in the land of Dreams in sunny Southern California with a passion for music & performing. She grew up in a Musical family with her father Norman Saleet being a prominent songwriter. He coined songs for Air Supply “Here I Am” & for the late Selena “Where Did the Feeling Go?” The father and daughter duo joined forces & wrote endless songs in their home studio in hopes of a Record Deal. Abbey soon realized she would have to make her own stage. 

She recorded with numerous producers and had a collection of Bops that could have the whole world singing along. Now all she needed was a platform. Her former Manager connected her with the live-streaming app LiveMe & her Music broadcast took off.

She gained over 250k followers and went on to perform at the IHeartRadio Theater in Los Angeles. She shared the same stage where Gwen Stefani, Katy Perry, Ariana Grande & many others had performed. This was indeed Abbey Scott’s time to shine. 

Shortly after, Covid hit and we all went in Quarantine mode but that did not stop Abbey. She continued to write and record, even releasing her first Christmas song “Quarantine Christmas” written with her famed father. She built a following on a new live streaming platform building a huge fan base around the world. 

Abbey has always kept a fortune cookie that she got & it says, “You create your own stage and your audience is waiting!” Her fortune absolutely came true. If you’d like to stream Abbey Scott’s music you can find her on all streaming platforms including Spotify and Apple Music. I guarantee you won’t be able to get her music out of your head!

Abbey Scott can be followed on her Instagram handle @theabbeyscott and her official website AbbeyScott.com. 

Meet Abduljabar “Jabs” Totonji – The Millennial Real Estate Entrepreneur Changing the Real Estate Game

NY Weekly Staff on October 26, 2022

Real estate investing has long been accepted as a way to build equity and generational wealth. The prevalence of home ownership has been engrained in yesterday’s society but today homeownership rates among 25 to 34 year-old millennials are around 8 percentage points lower than those of Gen Xers and boomers were at the same age according to the Urban Institute. Not all millennials share this sentiment though, Abduljabar Totonji, better known as Jabs, a millennial real estate entrepreneur has been advocating for home ownership and real estate investments. 

At the age of 31, Jabs has accomplished achievements far beyond his age. He obtained an undergraduate degree in economics from George Mason University and a graduate degree in real estate finance from Georgetown University. He currently serves as the Chief Investment Officer at Golden Eagle Group Inc., a midsize investment firm with over a billion dollars in assets under management, focusing on multifamily properties and large single tenant net leased office buildings. With the help of his team at Golden Eagle Group, he has acquired some of the most amazing properties in the United States such as the Huntsman Corp Headquarters in The Woodlands Texas, Varsity Brands HQ in Dallas Texas, and a Fortune 10 Corporate Campus in Columbus Ohio.  

Jabs purchased his first property at the age of 18 after the market crash of 2008. “My parents instilled a deep importance on home ownership to me at a young age. Once you pay off your home you are a king, my dad would say to me” Jabs explains “I took that to heart and have been buying real estate ever since”. 

Jabs shares his thoughts and experiences on purchasing a home in his book titled: “Home Buying 101: What They Don’t Teach You in the Classroom”. The book has drawn some serious attention from industry experts and professionals. Former Congressman Jim Moran shared his thought on the book and author by saying: “This book is worth its weight in gold. Jabs understands that buying a home is much more than a purely financial decision. The book exemplifies his intellectual brilliance, his entrepreneurial creativity and his charismatic ability to relate to all different walks of life, cultures, styles and income levels. It is easy to read but impossible to forget.”

Jabs wrote the book because he wanted to share his knowledge with others in a way that speaks to them. “The book is short. Today’s home buyer wants access to information immediately and that’s why I removed all the fluff.” Jabs states. In his intro Jabs takes pride in the fact that the tone of the book is informal and conversational. Buying a home is complicated enough, no need to complicate it even more. His goal is to present the steps to homeownership in the most straightforward way possible.

When asked about future plan Jabs said: “I’ve had a huge focus on commercial real estate investments these past few years. The market is shifting with inflation and increasing interest rates so we will need to get creative to acquire the best trophy assets throughout the United States with the highest risk averse returns for our investors and partners”. It’s becoming more apparent that individuals and companies who want to succeed in the rapidly changing real estate sector will need to take the initiative to stay on top. One thing is for sure, however the space changes, it is certain that Jabs will be there, leading the way. 

“Home Buying 101: What They Don’t Teach You in the Classroom” by Abduljabar I. Totonji can be purchased on Amazon.com and BarnesAndNoble.com

Goddess Good Fridae Drops Herstoric Music Video And Short Film Just Released Free Until Sunday

NY Weekly Staff on October 26, 2022

Los Angeles, CA – Greek Canadian Indie Pop Goddess, Good Fridae is changing the industry she helped shape as a musical media pioneer! While the general public get their trends from celebrities, your favorite stars are inspired by indie Goddess Good Fridae. Whether it be her terms for Karen, Susan, Gremlin or Pick Me, her art critique, tweets, music, films and non profits fridaetv.ca & pickme.press since 2006, she has inspired many and has been inspired by many. 

Her first public film after years of media, corporate and background work in major productions, this is her first solo indie film. The short was almost scrapped due to some production issues, location and crew drama. She re-wrote the script and cut some characters in three hours, after some encouragement from a good friend in LA. She wanted the story as close to the true event that she lived through. And, after finding new locations and crew it was possible! Good Fridae not only wrote “Just Released” she directed, produced, acted in last minute and scored the film! Her small field crew of five consisted of, Lead actress Tanissia Sprull – Selini, Johnny Vallone – Pablo and Good Fridae as Marilyn which wasn’t originally the characters name, it was Erika. Ironically the last minute location change situation, brought Marilyn now Good Fridae playing a different Marilyn, while at her past life crypt once again. The Universe works in mysterious ways and since Fridae discovered who she was in her direct past life, she has learned to surrender to the universe and trust where she is called to go. 

Not the first of her summer projects with location issues, her music video for “Follow Through” was filmed at the same second location as the eight minute indie short  at two of Hollywood’s famous cemeteries, Hollywood Forever and Pierce Brothers Westwood Memorial. Good Fridae is so grateful to the amazing staff at both locations, for their wonderful exception to the rules and Paramount studios for granting their permission in the end after filming. You can find her music videos on Vevo here!

Without all of her staff and crew, especially assistant director/cinematographer and sound tech Jason Dixon of Ultrart Projects, the film wouldn’t have been possible to make. The Greek Italian Goddess also enlisted the help of up and coming LA photographer, Christal Bodie, who was also production assistant and bts photographer of Good Fridae’s music videos! Which were edited by Good Fridae Mattas and directed by Dom T of Ocean Ave Recordings.

The Toronto native was on a different path prior to covid lockdowns, she was in University for criminal justice. New for her is learning how to work with her disabilities, at her own pace. Some of the schooling degrees and certifications she has is Radio Broadcasting, Directing/Producing to Project Management and Data analysis via Harvard. The psychic had a massive spiritual awakening shortly after an exam in 2020, her name Good Fridae, was revealed to her and she was guided to return to art works, her past was literally calling, as she awoke to memories of her past life as Marilyn Monroe. It has been her mission to get the justice and respect her past legacy deserves to finish what she started with her production company before being murdered! Although Good Fridae’s Art Haus isn’t called MMP it was rebranded to PMP, Pick Me Press in Jan 2020 and all her companies are under her Mattas Entertainment Group. The short is based off a true story she experienced different location than a graveyard, that’s where Hollywood came in. Two friends on a grave adventure, run into a hot guy…Below is an excerpt from the interview with Good Fridae and her film’s leading lady, Tanissia Sprull full interview exclusively on pickme.press.

“We heard there were some casting and production issues for Just Released, including some day of location changes and you only had one rehearsal. Do you think you gave your best performance?

Tanissia: I think under the circumstances we all did the best that we could.  I don’t think anyone in the cast or crew would have been there if they weren’t willing to give it their all.

Good Fridae: We tried to do what we could but like Tanissia said we gave our all! So thankful to everyone, Tanissia, Johnny, Jason, Christal and the rest of the squad for helping to pull this off. Had some hiccups but we made a cool little film, I’m so proud of. 

What would you have done differently, now that you reflect back on shoot day.

Tanissia: I don’t think I would have done anything differently circumstances were beyond my control.

Good Fridae: Many things! More rehearsals, more takes for editing, film productions are all about trial and error. This was my first principal role in any film, just so happened I was directing it and trying to remember my lines plus theirs!

Was it awkward working with Good Fridae the director/writer of the film once discovering you would also be acting with her?

Tanissia: No, She made me feel very comfortable and she’s easy to work with. 

Good Fridae: I’m so glad we met and got to work together! Tanissia is amazing to work with. I wasn’t planning on being in the film at all, the actress we cast had a scheduling conflict with another job. On same day my AD quit because I wasn’t into him. The whole production was stressing me out more than producing and performing for my music videos I was gonna call it a day.

What was your initial thought as an actor, when you found out the short film was based on a true story and you would be playing real people?

Tanissia: I was excited having the opportunity to portray a real person.”.

Good Fridae’s Follow Through music video is groundbreakingly the first of its kind! Featuring her past self Marilyn Monroe and as Good Fridae now. Not only is Marilyn Monroe’s final resting place in that timeline featured in the video, Natalie Wood Wagner is also featured, spiritual justice for both murdered icons.

Just Released is available HERE on the Pickme.press website for 48HRS to stream FREE, before streaming services get the film and prior to the purchase link being added to the store for downloading. You can watch the trailer on her social media.

GoodFridae.com

Meet The Sustainable Surf Business Changing Lives One Location At A Time

NY Weekly Staff on October 26, 2022

Entrepreneur Tim Marsh translates his passion for surfing and sustainability into a business model that enriches local communities.

Founder of the first ever Platinum LEED Certified hotel in central America, Tim Marsh, is now spreading his business ethos to new locations. LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is the most widely used green building rating system in the world. Marsh adheres to its multiple categories and rigorous metrics in order to provide a truly sustainable surf tourism experience for people of all ages and walks of life. 

Having grown up in Hawaii, Marsh has long had an affinity with the environment and the sea. Whilst working in the mortgage business, he founded Safari Surf School in Costa Rica. After eight years, he could quit his unfulfilling day job and focus on Safari Surf full-time. Twenty-two years on from its inception, the sustainable surf holiday has flourished into an immersive, activity-packed cultural experience that stays with people forever. 

Before sustainability became a buzzword, Marsh was focused on hiring and training local surf instructors and staff for his company. It was a natural inclination because he understands the value this type of business can contribute to communities. By engaging with local activities, soccer games and restaurants, Safari Surf greatly enriches the local life of the town. This is a quality Marsh is determined to enshrine in any new location, wherever there is great surf, natural beauty and a compatible philosophy. 

‘Pura Vida’ is an attitude in Costa Rican culture that embraces the good things in life and advocates a deep appreciation of simplicity. Guests are encouraged to abandon the fiercely productive western lifestyle and see that the world does not collapse when phones are turned off, watches removed and email unchecked. Testimonials show that a glimpse of Pura Vida has changed people’s priorities and attitudes when they return to regular life.

One of only seven ‘Blue Zones’ in the world, the inhabitants of Safari Surf’s location in Costa Rica have an unusually long life expectancy. Marsh recognized the unique appeal of the town and set up a surf holiday that would allow guests to deeply experience the local culture, whether that’s through food, fishing, soccer or music. Local wildlife is also treasured by the business. When building the hotel, they preserved 90% of the trees on site and lights were turned off at night so as not to disturb nocturnal animals. 

Living amid the jungle is a privilege that Marsh does not take lightly. Hotel tours are provided if guests would like to learn more about the sustainability model and surrounding flora and fauna. However, the message is inbuilt into the hotel’s ecosystem, and guests are not required to engage with the detail. Instead, they can be found driving four-wheelers along winding tracks, diving in natural waterfalls, learning salsa, practicing yoga or riding horses on the beach. And, of course, surfing.

Each holiday package is customized to suit the person, with surf lessons as much or as little as they like. Surf instructors closely observe the skill level and adapt the course accordingly. Guests range from beginners just wanting to have fun, to serious enthusiasts that are there to improve and enhance their skills. Safari Surf welcomes everyone, whether backpackers, people holidaying solo or families who return every year. 

Once Costa Rica was up and running, Marsh looked to recreate the business model elsewhere and bring the same benefits to another coastal town community. Panama was the natural choice when he visited a friend there and found a place that reminded him of a less-developed Costa Rica. 

With local activities even more affordable, the Panama location has been a great success and inspired the launch of a new location in Ecuador, opening now. There are also plans afoot to bring the experience to Europe, with a surf school opening in Portugal in 2023. 

Superlative customer service sets this surf school apart from others. Marsh ran a painting business for ten years and learned first-hand the value of word of mouth. By tending to guests’ needs and going the extra mile, Safari Surf ensures repeat visitors and glowing reports. The success of this approach is reflected in the sales figures of over £1,000,000 per year. 

More important than profit, though, is the authenticity of the experience that Marsh provides. His staff has been with him for decades, a reflection of the committed and open way he runs his business. He is passionate about providing a gateway into genuine Latin culture for guests. This heartfelt community integration and dedication to sustainability is making waves in the surf tourism industry. 

To learn more about adventures that await you at Safari Surf School, visit www.safarisurfschool.com

Former Disney Imagineer Launches Travel Publication Pedacitos to Tell Hyper-Local Stories of Culture and Connection

NY Weekly Staff on October 26, 2022

We all love a good read, especially if the story explores something new such as a different culture. This pushes us out of our comfort zones and helps us see from a different perspective. Stories about different cultures help us to learn and appreciate the various ways of life, from clothing to food. These stories also act as a great way to keep the cultures alive and thriving, something Michael Acevedo has been doing.

Michael Acevedo is the founder of Pedacitos, a travel publication that tells hyper stories of culture and connection. Pedacitos, derived from the Spanish word ‘pedacito,’ which means a small piece, shares bits of stories from people across the world. Currently, the blog’s focus is on Central Florida.

Michael Acevedo and his team write about the local communities and businesses seeking to form connections with underrepresented individuals and brands in Florida. Pedacitos features stories from entrepreneurs, travel influencers, and people from marginalized communities, including but not limited to LGBTQ+.

Michael’s passion for travel and writing has enabled him to perfectly tell these stories, with Pedacitos attracting massive attention from the public. Michael Acevedo is a former Disney Imagineer. Michael has worked in theme parks for nearly 20 years. He started his journey in 2003 when he got his first job at a theme park, leading him to project management. Michael Acevedo has worked on several rides, including the Harry Potter ride, Transformers ride, and Disney World, experiences he says inspired him to launch a travel publication.

Michael Acevedo wanted a platform where he would continue to share his passion and give others a voice. Most online publications focus on the ‘big fish,’ which disadvantages small entrepreneurs. It is even harder if you are a part of marginalized communities. Michael wanted to hold a valid perspective while he told local stories about the underrepresented communities, from immigrants to LGBTQ+ and small business owners.

His approach makes Pedacitos a one–of–kind travel publication site. Pedacitos not only focuses on travel content but also highlights stories about the different ways of life. They tell stories that connect to food, dance, art, culture, travel, business, and human interest.

Michael says that their goal is to build something similar to a local guidebook, touching on everything. This way, you can easily find restaurants loved by locals, businesses redefining the industry, and learn about foods and even the different cultures in Central Florida. As they share these insider secrets, Michael and the Pedacitos team are helping brands and personalities reach their target audience. As a result, Pedacito has published more than 350 stories.

Michael says they plan to cover much bigger areas, allowing everyone to share their story and culture with the rest of the world. Pedacitos is looking to expand to other places in Florida and hopefully outside the US. When Michael Acevedo started Pedacitos, he wanted a blog that would tell stories from around the world. Michael was able to do this for some months before COVID worsened and lockdowns were imposed. Michael is looking to tell stories beyond Central Florida.

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