My SGV Podcast
Welcome to the My SGV Podcast. A show where you will hear personal stories of triumph over failures, and how others successfully navigated the unique landscape that is the San Gabriel Valley. What makes us different? Well, just like you, we have chosen the San Gabriel Valley for our home or businesses, or both. We believe it is the people and small businesses that make this community great and we love to share their stories with you. We always encourage your questions and feedback and you can find all of our contact information at sgvmasterkey.com.
My SGV Podcast
Marcel Rene Michel - From Corporate Recruiting at Disney to Opening a Pasadena Restaurant
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Marcel Rene Michel is a Southern California native born in Bellflower and raised in Hacienda Heights, with roots in Guadalajara and Colima, Mexico. A first-generation Mexican American, Marcel attended Don Bosco Tech Institute and later built a career in corporate recruiting, working with major companies including ARYZTA, Hasbro, Red Bull, and Disney. His professional journey spans sales, recruiting, and leadership, shaped by early experiences in programs like Profit Techniques and a strong foundation in personal development.
In this episode, Marcel shares his journey from navigating identity growing up in the San Gabriel Valley to building a career in corporate America, and ultimately pivoting into entrepreneurship. He talks about the lessons he learned in sales and recruiting, the impact of being furloughed from Disney during the 2020 pandemic, and how that moment led him and his wife to start cooking for friends and family. What began as a small effort grew into catering opportunities, a spot at Smorgasburg, and eventually opening a brick-and-mortar food business in Pasadena.
This conversation highlights the resilience and adaptability that define many SGV stories. For local viewers, Marcel’s experience reflects the diverse cultural upbringing of the area and the realities of career pivots in uncertain times. For his audience and aspiring entrepreneurs, this episode offers a grounded look at building something from scratch, embracing failure, and staying committed to long-term growth.
If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, share it with your community, and follow along for more stories from the San Gabriel Valley and beyond.
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Music Credits
Intro
Euphoria in the San Gabriel Valley, Yone OG
Stinger
Scarlet Fire (Sting), Otis McDonald, YouTube Audio Library
Outro
Euphoria in the San Gabriel Valley, Yone OG
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My SGV Podcast:
Website: www.mysgv.net
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Patreon: MySGV Podcast
info@sgvmasterkey.com
