northwest indiana – Jess Exploring

People You Should Know – Frank Ruvoli

In Episode 4 of People You Should Know, we chat with Realtor and Musician, Frank Ruvoli. Frank manages his real estate career and his musical dreams in perfect harmonization. Frank’s ability to strike a cord with his buyers and listeners, makes him this weeks People You Should Know.

View the full episode on YouTube or listen on Spotify.

In this episode, we discuss everything from the wine in Italy, the current post covid NWI housing market, and what music you can expect hearing at one of Frank’s shows (hint – Ice Cube is my favorite). One question I did not ask, is how he balances two separate dreams so seamlessly. I will definitely be asking him at the next show I catch.

Photo Credit – Rock and Leaf Designs

Whether you are looking to purchase a home from The Ruvoli Group or catching one of his local shows, Frank has an innate ability to connect with his audience and clients. As a realtor and acoustic musician, Frank pursues his passions with dedication and authenticity that is unmatched. It is truly a gift to be able to connect with his clients and audience in a way that Frank does.

Photo Credit – Rock and Leaf Designs

Learn more about Frank Ruvoli Music and get a free download of his original song Butterfly here. Looking to purchase a home or have a real estate question? Easily connect with Frank on The Ruvoli Group website. Give Frank a follow on Instagram to easily stay up to date with Frank news and keep up with his show schedule (I will probably see you at one)!

Thanks for joining and see you on the next episode!

Follow along on Social Media!

People You Should Know – Jose Escalera

In Episode 3 of People You Should Know we chat with CEO of The Idea Farm, Jose Escalera. In today’s ever-evolving business landscape, marketing is a crucial component for any brand’s success. As traditional marketing practices continue to fade away, entrepreneurs with a flair for a creative marketing approach have emerged as game-changers.

View the full episode on YouTube or listen on Spotify.

In this episode, we discuss everything from free marketing tools for your business, Jose’s 3 Second Rule, and how AI can help your small business thrive. From social media campaigns to influencer partnerships, Jose understands the importance of staying relevant and engaging with the clients target market through multiple outlets. Jose has a talent to adapt to emerging trends and technologies, ensuring not only his business, but your brand remains at the forefront of the digital landscape.

Jose is not only is CEO of The Idea Farm, but owns Classic Cuts Barber Shop in Valparaiso, IN as well. Having worked with both companies as a photographer/videographer through my business, Rock and Leaf Designs, I can personally vouch for both these brands. His ability to understand customer behavior, optimize your marketing budget, and to make informed decisions that yield tangible results, makes Jose this weeks People You Should Know.

Learn more about The Idea Farm and how you can grow your business or brand here. I highly recommend you checking out their new blog as well for free business tips and the latest trends. I have been busy this past week filming some exciting new content for them so give them a follow on Instagram to stay up to date!

Thanks for joining and see you on the next episode!

Follow along on Social Media!

I Hate Billy D

In Episode 2 of People You Should Know we talk about why you should hate Billy D. Not literally, but I love his tagline.

I honestly had a blast getting to sit and chat with him. We talk about everything from Karen’s, that one time Billy got punched, and creepy fans. View the Youtube or Listen in On Spotify.

Comedy is a form of art and Stand Up Comedian Billy D Dodaro has mastered this. I was able to catch him perform in May at the Smoke & Joke Comedy show and to describe his comedy style I am going to steal the quote right from his Instagram “He’s pretty funny as long as you have a good sense of humor, slight mental illness and immense cynicism about everything.”

From Indiana to Wisconsin, this funny guy is getting gasps and laughs. Cursing, racy jokes, mixed with his sarcastic sense of humor, really gives his whole performance a vibe that of course is not for everyone, but I find absolutely entertaining. You can catch this Stand Up guys schedule on facebook and instagram and I highly recommend catching his next show!

See you on the next episode of People You Should Know and don’t forgot to follow, share, like, and subscribe!

-JessExploring

Check out the Other Comedians from the Smoke and Joke Show!

Tiffany A Love, Will Hill, Steve Black, Savage BubbleGuts, & CeCe Nunyez

People You Should Know – Mario Dee

We are excited to launch our first episode of the JessExploring People You Should Know Series! We sat down with Mario Dee, Owner of Chicago Health and Fitness in Hobart, IN to kick things off!

View the full video on YouTube here

Mario Dee is a Boston native and owner of Chicago Health & Fitness in Hobart, IN and recently celebrated his 12 year business anniversary. In the interview, we discussed everything from reaching your PR goals, pre workout, to community involvement, to just enjoying the journey. Check out the full interview on our Youtube Channel.

Listen to the Full Interview On Spotify. Click Here.

Starting a gym is not an easy task, but maintaining it successfully is even more challenging. It requires a lot of hard work, dedication, and passion. Mario Dee has just that. He truly creates an environment that motivates people to achieve their health and fitness goals while feeling like family. I really admired the drive Mario has not only with his family and business, but also with his involvement in the community.

Mario is an active owner at his gym. Although, he can’t effectively commit to personal training full time, he is always on-site to answer any questions and go through a work out. I had the pleasure of Mario taking me through a work out after the interview and he pointed out things I definitely need to be working on and was super helpful in talking me through what I need to do to reach my goals.

Chicago Health in fitness is located at 1435 S Lake Park Ave in Hobart, IN. The gym features PLENTY of exercise equipment, tanning, and personal training. You can also get a protein packed smoothie at the in-house Cafe. (Watch the interview to see what Marios specialty smoothie is!)

The gym is open 24 hours and you can find more information on their Facebook page Chicago Health & Fitness. Visit the gym to sign up and mention the JessExploring video to waive the sign up fee!

See you on the next episode of People You Should Know!

Interested in being on our blog or having us visit you? Send us a message at jessika@rockandleafdesigns.com

The Press – New Bookstore in Valpo

Fuel your mind and your soul with a good book and a cup of coffee at the newest Bookstore in Valparaiso, IN! Locally owned and operated, this Bookstore and Coffeeshop combo is the perfect addition to an already unique downtown to visit.

The Press has an inviting atmosphere where you are greeted by the wonderful staff and the colorful spines of the great selection of books the shop has to offer. In a world where everything seems to be moving online, The Press offers a respite from screens and a chance to slow down and appreciate the tangible pleasures of reading. Whether you’re a seasoned reader or just starting out, a trip to the press is a worthwhile experience.

One of my favorite things (besides the coffee..we will get to that) is the cozy, vintage vibe of the shop. Once you pick out a new book from their great selection of genres, there are plenty of spots to sit and get lost in your new read. Don’t see what you are looking for in the store? You can check out there online selection or request a special order item! Browse The Press site here. Another thing I like is their loyalty rewards program. For every $100 you spend, you get a $10 gift certificate for your next purchase!

Ok, let’s get to the coffee.

Along with classic brews, they have a selection of seasonal creations. I tried out the Shake the Frost and highly recommend. Brown Sugar shaken espresso with cinnamon cold foam…yummm. Pair your locally roasted cup of joe with one of their locally made bagels or pastries.

I definitely will be back to try more of the seasonal creations like the Botanical Tonic. More of tea person? They have you covered too. See their coffee menu here.

With the warmer months approaching, you can also enjoy The Press patio. They will also be hosting wine nights at the shop featuring the local LambStone Cellars Winery. This just adds to the unique experience of this shop. Keep up to date with the events and The Press news by following them on Facebook here.

Whether I need a caffeine boost, new read, or cozy spot to work on my next blog post, The Press is going to be my new go to spot. Besides the shop itself, I love the local vibe that this business conveys and that they also support other local businesses. The downside of the The Press? Is a purely selfish reason. I can’t get my fix on Mondays, but everyone needs a day of right?

Thank you for reading and see you on the next blog!

-JessExploring

The Press

9 Lincolnway
Valparaiso, IN 46383
219-286-6079

Mon:	Closed
Tue:	7 AM – 6 PM
Wed:	7 AM – 6 PM
Thu:	7 AM – 6 PM
Fri:	7 AM – 6 PM
Sat:	8 AM – 5 PM
Sun:	8 AM – 5 PM

Coffee bar closes at 4 PM daily

https://valpopress.com/