Success Stories

Success Stories2023-02-04T17:03:59+00:00

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Idaho Small Business Development Center logo with College of Southern Idaho

College of Southern Idaho
315 Falls Ave., PO Box 1238, Twin Falls, ID 83303-1238
Phone: (208) 733-9554 – Web: www.csi.edu

Idaho Small Business Development Center
202 Falls Ave., Twin Falls, ID 83301
Phone: 208-732-6450 – Email: idahosbdc@csi.edu

All Rights Reserved | Idaho Small Business Development Center © 2022

Alex Aguilar

Co-owner

Aguila Con El Taco

Alex Aguilar is the co-owner of Aguila Con El Taco. Alex grew up in Los Angeles, California and later moved to Idaho to help his mother out with her lunch truck. After their success with the lunch truck, they decided to open up a restaurant in Rupert and later expanded to Burley. He values his customers and employees. Alex hopes to continue to maintain his business’s good quality and later pass on ownership to his children. Aguila Con El Taco is a great Idaho SBDC success story that started near the startup phase through growth, regulation coaching, and twenty plus years of Mini-Cassia development!

Alex Aguilar

Co-owner

Aguila Con El Taco

Alex Aguilar is the co-owner of Aguila Con El Taco. Alex grew up in Los Angeles, California and later moved to Idaho to help his mother out with her lunch truck. After their success with the lunch truck, they decided to open up a restaurant in Rupert and later expanded to Burley. He values his customers and employees. Alex hopes to continue to maintain his business’s good quality and later pass on ownership to his children. Aguila Con El Taco is a great Idaho SBDC success story that started near the startup phase through growth, regulation coaching, and twenty plus years of Mini-Cassia development!

Abby Oliver

People Team Manager

Chobani

Abby Oliver has 10 years of Human Resources experience spanning varied industries, and is currently the People Team Manager at Chobani.

What does mental toughness mean to you?

Mental toughness is an essential personality trait for business leaders as it determines how they respond to the ever-changing work environment.

Abby Oliver

People Team Manager

Chobani

Abby Oliver has 10 years of Human Resources experience spanning varied industries, and is currently the People Team Manager at Chobani.

What does mental toughness mean to you?

Mental toughness is an essential personality trait for business leaders as it determines how they respond to the ever-changing work environment.

Paige Wiscombe

Project Coordinator/ Business Consultant

Idaho APEX Accelerator

Paige Wiscombe is an Idaho native who has recently joined the APEX Accelerator team, bringing a wealth of experience in small business development to her role as the Project Coordinator. While she’s new to APEX, she is certainly not new to the world of entrepreneurship and small businesses. With a strong background in event management and marketing, coupled with her entrepreneurial spirit and business consulting experience, Paige is excited to drive the APEX Accelerator program forward, making a significant impact on small businesses across the state. Her dedication to this mission is deeply rooted in her desire to make Idaho an even better place to live and work for all.

Paige is a proud graduate of Boise State University and currently calls Kuna, ID, her home. When she’s not helping small businesses, you can find her globetrotting or spending time outdoors with her boys. Paige’s enthusiasm for fostering growth and strengthening Idaho’s vibrant community is what pushes her forward every day.

What does mental toughness mean to you?

Mental toughness, to me, is the resilience to forge ahead in the face of adversity, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to progress even when confronted with challenges. It involves the strength to establish and maintain healthy boundaries, ensuring one’s well-being while navigating through difficult circumstances.

Paige Wiscombe

Project Coordinator/ Business Consultant

Idaho APEX Accelerator

Paige Wiscombe is an Idaho native who has recently joined the APEX Accelerator team, bringing a wealth of experience in small business development to her role as the Project Coordinator. While she’s new to APEX, she is certainly not new to the world of entrepreneurship and small businesses. With a strong background in event management and marketing, coupled with her entrepreneurial spirit and business consulting experience, Paige is excited to drive the APEX Accelerator program forward, making a significant impact on small businesses across the state. Her dedication to this mission is deeply rooted in her desire to make Idaho an even better place to live and work for all.

Paige is a proud graduate of Boise State University and currently calls Kuna, ID, her home. When she’s not helping small businesses, you can find her globetrotting or spending time outdoors with her boys. Paige’s enthusiasm for fostering growth and strengthening Idaho’s vibrant community is what pushes her forward every day.

What does mental toughness mean to you?

Mental toughness, to me, is the resilience to forge ahead in the face of adversity, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to progress even when confronted with challenges. It involves the strength to establish and maintain healthy boundaries, ensuring one’s well-being while navigating through difficult circumstances.

Seth Harrington

Regional Labor Economist

Idaho Department of Labor

Seth Harrington is the new Idaho Department of Labor regional labor economist for south central Idaho, covering Blaine, Camas, Cassia, Gooding, Jerome, Lincoln and Twin Falls counties. He replaces the previous economist, Bonang Seoela.

Harrington earned a Bachelor of Science degree in economics from Brigham Young University-Idaho in Rexburg in April 2022.

He has interned with the BYU-Idaho Research and Business Development Center, the Washington State Employment Securities Department and The Indra Foundation located in Nepal. Harrington is a native of Vancouver, Washington.

What Does Mental Toughness Mean to You? 

Mental toughness is the ability to keep moving forward positively in uncomfortable and uncertain times.

Book Recommendation: Unbroken

Seth Harrington

Regional Labor Economist

Idaho Department of Labor

Seth Harrington is the new Idaho Department of Labor regional labor economist for south central Idaho, covering Blaine, Camas, Cassia, Gooding, Jerome, Lincoln and Twin Falls counties. He replaces the previous economist, Bonang Seoela.

Harrington earned a Bachelor of Science degree in economics from Brigham Young University-Idaho in Rexburg in April 2022.

He has interned with the BYU-Idaho Research and Business Development Center, the Washington State Employment Securities Department and The Indra Foundation located in Nepal. Harrington is a native of Vancouver, Washington.

What Does Mental Toughness Mean to You? 

Mental toughness is the ability to keep moving forward positively in uncomfortable and uncertain times.

Book Recommendation: Unbroken

Jennifer Moss

CEO & Visionary (EOS Company)

Moss Greenhouses

Jennifer is a Proud Vandal born and raised in Jerome Idaho. She believes in being a part of the change and leading by example by getting in the trenches and creating change. Moss has served on several boards such as Twin Falls Chamber, CSI & BYU-I Horticulture Advisory Boards, Twin Falls Rotary, Idaho Nursery & Landscape Association to name a few. Her love for event planning and giving back led her to oversee and co-chair Magic Valley Beer Festival for the last 3 years. In July of 2023, she was honored by Greenhouse Management Magazine and named a recipient of the Horticulture Industry Leadership Awards. Currently, she is a part of the Class of 2024 of the American Horticulture Association’s Horticulture Research Institute’s Leadership Academy getting an executive level education on how to be a better business owner as well as a future leader in the industry. You can find her giving speeches and education both locally, at a state level and nationally on company culture, self-development and management as well as plants. Moss is an avid reader hitting around 100 books a year while taking every opportunity to get outside and play in the winter and summer months in the mountains. You can find her in the greenhouses, hiding in her backyard sipping coffee and playing fetch with her dogs, reading or chasing the snow.

What Does Mental Toughness Mean to You?

Mental Toughness is a muscle that I use every day that helps me navigate the turbulent waters and the steep slopes that make up the landscape of business ownership today. You cannot move forward without Self-awareness, a robust toolbelt, a diverse network and compassion for self.

Book Recommendation: High Performance Habits by Brendon Burchard

Jennifer Moss

CEO & Visionary (EOS Company)

Moss Greenhouses

Jennifer is a Proud Vandal born and raised in Jerome Idaho. She believes in being a part of the change and leading by example by getting in the trenches and creating change. Moss has served on several boards such as Twin Falls Chamber, CSI & BYU-I Horticulture Advisory Boards, Twin Falls Rotary, Idaho Nursery & Landscape Association to name a few. Her love for event planning and giving back led her to oversee and co-chair Magic Valley Beer Festival for the last 3 years. In July of 2023, she was honored by Greenhouse Management Magazine and named a recipient of the Horticulture Industry Leadership Awards. Currently, she is a part of the Class of 2024 of the American Horticulture Association’s Horticulture Research Institute’s Leadership Academy getting an executive level education on how to be a better business owner as well as a future leader in the industry. You can find her giving speeches and education both locally, at a state level and nationally on company culture, self-development and management as well as plants. Moss is an avid reader hitting around 100 books a year while taking every opportunity to get outside and play in the winter and summer months in the mountains. You can find her in the greenhouses, hiding in her backyard sipping coffee and playing fetch with her dogs, reading or chasing the snow.

What Does Mental Toughness Mean to You?

Mental Toughness is a muscle that I use every day that helps me navigate the turbulent waters and the steep slopes that make up the landscape of business ownership today. You cannot move forward without Self-awareness, a robust toolbelt, a diverse network and compassion for self.

Book Recommendation: High Performance Habits by Brendon Burchard

Rebekah Yancy

Senior HR Business Partner

Glanbia Nutritionals

Rebekah Yancey, a seasoned Human Resources professional with 26 years of expertise, is currently a senior HR Business Partner at Glanbia Nutritionals. Her extensive background spans Hospitality, Retail, and Manufacturing sectors. Beyond her corporate role, Rebekah is deeply engaged in community service, holding the position of Chairman of the Board of Directors for HEM, and serving on the boards of South Central Community Action Partnership, the local SHRM chapter, and the Magic Valley Gem Club. With a passion for both HR excellence and community impact, Rebekah brings a wealth of knowledge and leadership to her various roles.

What Does Mental Toughness Mean to You? 

Mental toughness refers to one’s ability to persevere, remain resilient, and maintain focus and performance under challenging and stressful situations. It involves resilience in the face of adversity, emotional control, and a positive mindset to overcome obstacles. Developing mental toughness often includes building confidence, managing stress effectively, and maintaining a determined attitude in the pursuit of goals.

Book Recommendation: The Microstress Effect

Rebekah Yancy

Senior HR Business Partner

Glanbia Nutritionals

Rebekah Yancey, a seasoned Human Resources professional with 26 years of expertise, is currently a senior HR Business Partner at Glanbia Nutritionals. Her extensive background spans Hospitality, Retail, and Manufacturing sectors. Beyond her corporate role, Rebekah is deeply engaged in community service, holding the position of Chairman of the Board of Directors for HEM, and serving on the boards of South Central Community Action Partnership, the local SHRM chapter, and the Magic Valley Gem Club. With a passion for both HR excellence and community impact, Rebekah brings a wealth of knowledge and leadership to her various roles.

What Does Mental Toughness Mean to You? 

Mental toughness refers to one’s ability to persevere, remain resilient, and maintain focus and performance under challenging and stressful situations. It involves resilience in the face of adversity, emotional control, and a positive mindset to overcome obstacles. Developing mental toughness often includes building confidence, managing stress effectively, and maintaining a determined attitude in the pursuit of goals.

Book Recommendation: The Microstress Effect

Dr. Roger Hall

President/Business Psychologist

Compass Consultation, Ltd.

Dr. Roger Hall provides peak performance mental conditioning for clients all over the country. They are entrepreneurs, business owners, and professionals. In his whole life approach, he trains elite businesspeople to perform at their best so that their businesses can thrive. He works with leadership teams to improve team health and accountability. With over 30 years of human performance experience, Dr. Hall has trained thousands to improve their lives and business performance. He is the author of three books: Expedition, Staying Happy Being Productive, and DIY Brain. He’s writing his fourth book, DIY Leader Brain. 

What does mental toughness mean to you?

Great leaders are first and foremost disciplined thinkers. Mental toughness is the result of their daily practice of mental discipline.

Book Recommendation: Left of Bang by Patrick Van Horne and Jason A. Riley

In a timeline, everything to the left of an explosion is what happens before the disaster; everything to the right is what happens after the disaster. To be mentally tough, leaders must prepare. This book is an outline of what every leader must do to prepare “Left of Bang.”

 

Dr. Roger Hall

President/Business Psychologist

Compass Consultation, Ltd.

Dr. Roger Hall provides peak performance mental conditioning for clients all over the country. They are entrepreneurs, business owners, and professionals. In his whole life approach, he trains elite businesspeople to perform at their best so that their businesses can thrive. He works with leadership teams to improve team health and accountability. With over 30 years of human performance experience, Dr. Hall has trained thousands to improve their lives and business performance. He is the author of three books: Expedition, Staying Happy Being Productive, and DIY Brain. He’s writing his fourth book, DIY Leader Brain. 

What does mental toughness mean to you?

Great leaders are first and foremost disciplined thinkers. Mental toughness is the result of their daily practice of mental discipline.

Book Recommendation: Left of Bang by Patrick Van Horne and Jason A. Riley

In a timeline, everything to the left of an explosion is what happens before the disaster; everything to the right is what happens after the disaster. To be mentally tough, leaders must prepare. This book is an outline of what every leader must do to prepare “Left of Bang.”

 

Tamara Joyce

Business & Marketing Consultant

Desert Creative Group

Tamara Joyce is a seasoned marketing and project management professional with a wealth of experience spanning over 15 years. Throughout her career, she has collaborated with renowned companies such as Ogilvy & Mather and Microsoft, demonstrating a commitment to client satisfaction and innovation in every project she undertakes.

Currently serving as a Marketing Consultant for Desert Creative Group, Tamara’s expertise lies in helping businesses achieve their goals through thoughtful marketing and business solutions. With a keen eye for detail and a strategic mindset, she excels at managing teams and fostering productive client relationships, consistently delivering results that exceed expectations.

In addition to her corporate endeavors, Tamara is deeply passionate about holistic wellness and community engagement. As a yoga teacher and program facilitator she has empowered countless individuals through the transformative practice of yoga. Her dedication to student development has earned her exceptional ratings and reflects her commitment to fostering growth and well-being.

As a sought-after speaker, Tamara shares her insights and expertise on topics ranging from marketing strategy to holistic wellness in the hopes of inspiring audiences to lead fulfilling and impactful lives.

What does mental toughness mean to you?

Mental toughness thrives at the intersection of resilience, adaptability, perseverance, and emotional intelligence, guiding individuals toward the realization of their passions, and ultimately fostering both personal and professional growth.

Book Recommendation: Limitless

Tamara Joyce

Business & Marketing Consultant

Desert Creative Group

Tamara Joyce is a seasoned marketing and project management professional with a wealth of experience spanning over 15 years. Throughout her career, she has collaborated with renowned companies such as Ogilvy & Mather and Microsoft, demonstrating a commitment to client satisfaction and innovation in every project she undertakes.

Currently serving as a Marketing Consultant for Desert Creative Group, Tamara’s expertise lies in helping businesses achieve their goals through thoughtful marketing and business solutions. With a keen eye for detail and a strategic mindset, she excels at managing teams and fostering productive client relationships, consistently delivering results that exceed expectations.

In addition to her corporate endeavors, Tamara is deeply passionate about holistic wellness and community engagement. As a yoga teacher and program facilitator she has empowered countless individuals through the transformative practice of yoga. Her dedication to student development has earned her exceptional ratings and reflects her commitment to fostering growth and well-being.

As a sought-after speaker, Tamara shares her insights and expertise on topics ranging from marketing strategy to holistic wellness in the hopes of inspiring audiences to lead fulfilling and impactful lives.

What does mental toughness mean to you?

Mental toughness thrives at the intersection of resilience, adaptability, perseverance, and emotional intelligence, guiding individuals toward the realization of their passions, and ultimately fostering both personal and professional growth.

Book Recommendation: Limitless

Janeale Dean

President & Principal Consultant

Desert Creative Group

Janeale Dean has a Bachelor of Fine Art in Visual Communications. Starting her career as a designer, she understands the power that visually impactful designs have on effective marketing. While shifting her career focus to strategic marketing, she worked her way up to become the Chief Marketing Officer of a multi-million-dollar geospatial technology company. Through her C-Suite experience, she understands the complex ecosystems of a business and the roles that sales, operations, logistics, customer support, and marketing take on to work together in harmony. She has internationally recognized marketing campaigns that have been presented as successful marketing models for global corporate trainings and featured on Wharton School’s Sirius XM Business Radio. She founded Desert Creative Group in 2017 and continues her passion to help guide business leadership through processes that empower them to shift to methodical, proactive business practices that lead to sustainable growth. Janeale was awarded ‘2023 Woman-Owned Business Person of the Year’ by the SBA Boise District and made the Idaho Business Review’s list of 50 Women of the Year for 2023.

What does mental toughness mean to you?

Mental toughness and perseverance are synonymous to me. It’s a balancing act of having the courage and strength to endure challenges, while also exercising flexibility and humility to pivot when needed all to be able to come out on the other side even stronger.

Janeale

President & Principal Consultant

Desert Creative Group

Janeale Dean has a Bachelor of Fine Art in Visual Communications. Starting her career as a designer, she understands the power that visually impactful designs have on effective marketing. While shifting her career focus to strategic marketing, she worked her way up to become the Chief Marketing Officer of a multi-million-dollar geospatial technology company. Through her C-Suite experience, she understands the complex ecosystems of a business and the roles that sales, operations, logistics, customer support, and marketing take on to work together in harmony. She has internationally recognized marketing campaigns that have been presented as successful marketing models for global corporate trainings and featured on Wharton School’s Sirius XM Business Radio. She founded Desert Creative Group in 2017 and continues her passion to help guide business leadership through processes that empower them to shift to methodical, proactive business practices that lead to sustainable growth. Janeale was awarded ‘2023 Woman-Owned Business Person of the Year’ by the SBA Boise District and made the Idaho Business Review’s list of 50 Women of the Year for 2023.

What does mental toughness mean to you?

Mental toughness and perseverance are synonymous to me. It’s a balancing act of having the courage and strength to endure challenges, while also exercising flexibility and humility to pivot when needed all to be able to come out on the other side even stronger.

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