success

Apr 29

Trey Calloway

By Chrissy Bernal Music, Podcast No Comments

There’s an idea we all want to believe. If you’re talented enough, you’ll make it.

This week on Here’s What We Know, we sit down with singer-songwriter Trey Calloway, a rising country artist navigating the reality of building a career in today’s music industry. And what we uncover is something a lot of people don’t want to admit: Timing matters more than talent.

We talk about country stars like Jason Aldean and Eric Church, artists who feel inevitable now but weren’t always. There were years where nobody knew who they were, years where it could have gone the other way.

Because when you really look at success in the music industry, you start to realize something. It doesn’t happen overnight, and it doesn’t happen just because someone is talented.

It happens when everything lines up. Talent. Timing. Opportunity. And readiness.

Miss one of those, and the outcome can look completely different.

If you’ve ever wondered what it really takes to make it in country music, why some artists break through and others don’t, or how timing shapes success in the music industry, give this episode a listen!

This episode is sponsored by:

(Be sure to tell them Gary sent you!)

In this episode:

Why some incredibly talented artists never break through
How timing, readiness, and life experience all collide
The reality of making money in music today
Why success often comes later than expected
And what keeps someone going when it would be easier to quit

Quotations:

“Once I had lost my ego, once I had lost all of the negative emotions that come with this business, and once I had more maturity about it, I was ready and seasoned to come to Nashville. And I think that’s part of the reason why I’m doing okay is because I feel like I was ready.” – Trey Calloway

“I think if I had moved to Nashville when I was 19, like I originally planned to. I don’t think I would have made it; I was too hot-headed and too headstrong and too conceited and just not in the right headspace.” – Trey Calloway

Bio:

Trey Calloway is a singer/songwriter born and raised in North Carolina. The son of a preacher man, Trey grew up singing in church and was a seasoned performer by the age of 10. Although southern and contemporary gospel were his first musical loves, he was instantly mesmerized by the sounds of country music after hearing a Garth Brooks Greatest Hits album his parents bought for him. A deep understanding and passion for the rocking, boot stomping, country music of artists such as Clint Black, Alan Jackson, and Travis Tritt began to grow within him. Trey began writing songs, playing guitar, and performing in clubs at age 15. He knew early on without a shadow of a doubt that he would make music his career. Trey recorded and released his debut Nashville album entitled “Carolina Man” and was able to work with some of his musical heroes including Brent Mason, Lonnie Wilson and Buddy Hyatt on the album.

Trey penned all twelve songs on the album, including “Daddy from Day One” inspired by the birth of his son Cash, and teamed up with musician and producer Mike Rogers to bring the songs to life. In 2020, Trey released several original singles, working with Nashville producer Kevin Key, including his most recent song entitled “Heal This Family.” Trey created his first ever music video for this new single, which is a timely message of love and unity that he wants to share with the world. In addition to songwriting, Trey is passionate about inspiring and energizing live audiences and currently travels between Nashville and the Carolinas performing at clubs, festivals and private and charitable events such as Vet Fest Carolinas which he headlined in 2020.

Guest Contact Info:

Website: https://treycallowaymusic.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/treycallowaymusic/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/treycallowaymusic/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/TreyCalloway1

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@treycallowaymusic

Mar 26

Love25

Eric Hayden

By Chrissy Bernal Business, Podcast No Comments

This week on Here’s What We Know, we welcome Eric Hayden, founder and CEO of Urban Catalyst, a company that’s helped drive billions of dollars in development across Silicon Valley. He was also named the 2025 Silicon Valley Business Journal Newsmaker of the Year.

That’s the resume. But that’s not the story. Because this conversation goes beyond real estate and development. It’s about how someone goes from selling sand dollars as a kid… to helping shape an entire city.

And really, when you strip it all down, it’s about how we think, how we build, and how we show up in the world.

This episode is sponsored by:

Be sure to tell them Gary sent you!

In This Episode:

Why housing is so expensive, and why it’s not an easy fix
What it really means to “win” at school, work, and life
What it actually takes to build in places like Silicon Valley
The hidden systems behind growth, cities, and opportunity
How curiosity and creativity can shape a career in unexpected ways
And why success has a lot less to do with intelligence than people think

Quotations:

“You just have to prioritize time management and do the work and do it good, do it better than they expect. “ – Eric Hayden

“Supply and demand. The neighbors love complaining about height, density, traffic, and parking. Those are their big four anti-development things. “ – Eric Hayden

“You need people. You want to have success in retail and restaurants and all that stuff, you need people to actually go there. You need the population.“ – Eric Hayden

Bio:

Eric Hayden is the Founder and Managing Partner of Urban Catalyst. Responsible for developing more than $3.5 billion in real estate projects, including over 2,300 residential units in the California Bay Area, Mr. Hayden has experience in acquisition, contract negotiation, due diligence, risk assessment, financing, construction, and disposition of multifamily, single-family, and large mixed-use and master-planned developments. He maintains relationships with a broad network of property owners, enabling him to identify and acquire prime investments. Mr. Hayden also has expertise in navigating projects through the entitlement process by working with elected officials, community groups, and political organizations to gain support and get projects approved.

Guest Contact Info:

Website: https://www.facebook.com/urbancatalystfund/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erikhayden/

Jun 11

Love21

Dustin Gutkowski

By Chrissy Bernal Business, Music, Personal Growth, Podcast No Comments

This week on Here’s What We Know, be ready for a deeply inspiring conversation as we sit down with Dustin Gutkowski, entrepreneur, family man, and host of The DG Show, who went from being homeless at 14 to building a $100 million business. With a heart as big as Texas and a love for 90s country music, Dustin opens up about what fuels him: storytelling, fatherhood, resilience, and relationships. Give it a listen today!

This episode is sponsored by:

(Bring your dream cabinet to life!)

(Use code “Gary” to get $89 off any service!)

In this Episode:

Dustin’s rise from hardship to hope
Dive into discussions about love for 90s country and artists like Midland, The Cadillac Three, and Post Malone
Understand how Dustin’s personal struggles inform his parenting philosophy
Building a people-first business in the roofing industry
What it means to be your child’s hero

Quotations:

“I’d probably fight someone over Midland, and I’m not proud of that but I would go there, like I will defend them.“ ~ Dustin Gutkowski

“No matter how famous, no matter how successful, no matter where everybody’s at in their life, they all have a story. And you just, you figure out that, like, although all of our stories are different per se, they’re all the same.” ~ Dustin Gutkowski

“You being unique and you being you is what makes you special. But when you really peel back the layers, it’s like, we’ve all been through this stuff. We’ve all been through something, and it’s really unique to hear people’s stories and how they got there. And it almost gives you a different perspective from your story.” ~ Dustin Gutkowski

“When it got hard for me, I was going to double down. And I was just going to keep going because I was like, what do I have to lose? Man, I’m just a white trash kid from the trailer park that was homeless at 14. Like, what do I have to lose? Like, what’s the worst thing that’s going to happen to me? It’s already happened to me. And I just had that mindset of, I’m one day going to get there and I’m going to keep going, keep going, keep going.” ~ Dustin Gutkowski

“Winning is more fun than fun is fun.” ~ Dustin Gutkowski

“I really had a complex of thinking I was better than everyone from a standpoint. I thought there was no one out there that could compete with me, but I also had a high insecurity that everybody was outworking me, everybody was better than me. And so I had to constantly try to get better at things. And so I just had such a competitive nature that I competed at everything I did. And as I got older, I realized this could be a real difference maker for me because most people are scared to compete, and most people are afraid to because they’d rather be friends and fail than go out there and have people hate them to be great. And I’m like, look, not everybody’s got to like me. I’m not here. This isn’t a popularity contest.” ~ Dustin Gutkowski

“I’m not worried about everybody liking me. When I go home, I worry about what my wife thinks of me and my three children. And that’s it. And I fundamentally ground myself in everything I do is predicated on being a good father. That’s like, that’s my legacy. Like, what do my kids say about me? How do my kids turn out? If I’m not my kid’s hero, I have bigger things to worry about. And so every single thing I do is predicated on being a good father.” ~ Dustin Gutkowski

“I’m just trying to be my kid’s hero. And when it’s all said and done and my clock strikes zero, like, what are my kids going to say about me? That’s all I care about.” ~ Dustin Gutkowski

“I watch how other people treat their kids. Because to me, it’s like the one person that counted on you the most was the person you decided to bring into this world. And if you can’t be there for them, well, you’re not going to be there for me and you’re not going be there for anyone else.” ~ Dustin Gutkowski

“I want to be the person I was supposed to be. And how I do that is look, when the door is closed and the lights are off and no one sees what you’re doing, what kind of decisions do you make? If no one would ever find out, what do you make?” ~ Dustin Gutkowski

“Whose story is bigger? It doesn’t matter. Have some empathy towards other people.” ~ Dustin Gutkowski

Bio:

Dustin Gutkowski is the founder of Results Roofing, a DFW-based company serving residential, commercial, and multi-family clients. Built on the belief that relationships matter more than transactions, Dustin created a culture rooted in gratitude, service, and kindness—shaped by his own journey from homelessness at 14 to business leadership. A champion for both customers and employees, he ensures every client receives above-and-beyond care, including a complimentary 360° inspection with photo documentation. Dustin is also the host of The DG Show podcast, where he shares real stories of resilience, business, and personal growth.

Guest Contact Info:

Website: https://resultsroofing.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dustingutkowskirr/

YouTube: @Dustingutkowski

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dustin.gutkowski/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dustin-gutkowski-9a8474177/

May 28

Love22

Dan Gordon of Gordon Biersch Brewery

By Chrissy Bernal Booze, Business, Music, Podcast One Comment

This week on Here’s What We Know, Gary shares a pint (and some amazing stories) with Dan Gordon of Gordon Biersch Brewery! From a teen trip to Germany that changed his life to crafting beers for big names like Sammy Hagar, Ryan Reynolds, and Trader Joe’s, Dan’s journey is equal parts inspiring and entertaining.

Plus, they dig into the heart of brewing, why music and beer are surprisingly connected, and how to do Oktoberfest the right way.

Whether you’re a craft beer enthusiast or just love a good story about pursuing your passion and inspiration, this episode is for you! Give it a listen, and maybe crack open a cold one while you do!

This episode is sponsored by:

In this Episode:

How a 15-year-old’s trip to Germany sparked a lifelong career
The science behind consistent, quality beer making
What it’s like brewing for Trader Joe’s, Kirkland, Betty Buzz, and beyond
How Dan’s music background shapes teamwork and creativity in business
Tips for Oktoberfest (and what to eat with your beer!)

Quotations:

“Every day is an adventure.” ~ Dan Gordon

“I play jazz. I’m a jazz guy and I still play professionally, and it is what keeps me sane.” ~ Dan Gordon

“If your kids are gonna learn an instrument, French horn and bassoon are the best two instruments for getting into a college of your choice. Every university is always short on those two instruments. It’s the fastest path to an acceptance into a great university.” ~ Dan Gordon

“It turned out I love manufacturing. Even though we were making canned fruit and tomatoes, I loved everything about it. I loved every industrial machinery that was processing, all the things involved with it.” ~ Dan Gordon

“So, just when we’re talking about the quality of beer, you can always make a great beer. That’s the first and foremost thing. But then, how it’s handled after it’s been brewed. Fresher is better. That’s one of the big things. Low oxygen fills; it has to have no oxygen contact. And that’s only done by using really high-quality German fillers. Those are critical. And then avoidance of heat and light is also critical too. Those are what keep beer in good shape.” ~ Dan Gordon

“Cooking is king.” ~ Dan Gordon

Bio:

Dan Gordon, co-founder of Gordon Biersch, has earned a reputation as one of America’s leading brewing engineers. As the director of brewing operations for Gordon Biersch, he supervises the state-of-the-art brewing and bottling facility in San Jose, CA.

Gordon is the first American in more than 40 years to graduate from the prestigious five-year brewing engineering program at the world-renowned Technical University of Munich in Weihenstephan, West Germany. Before earning his brewing engineer’s degree there in 1987, he interned at Spaten Brewery in Munich and served as a technical translator at Lowenbrau Consulting.

Gordon, who was born in San Jose in 1960, entered the program after earning a resource economics degree from the University of California at Berkeley in 1982 and spending a year as an exchange student at the Georg August University in Gottingen, Germany. He also worked for at the Anheuser Busch brewery in Fairfield, CA to gain the brewing experience he needed to apply to the Technical University of Munich.

After completing the world’s most advanced brewing program, Gordon returned to California and joined forces with restaurateur Dean Biersch to take advantage of a new state law allowing brewery restaurants. In 1988, the partners opened their first Gordon Biersch brewery restaurant in Palo Alto, Calif.

In the decade since, Gordon Biersch and the concept it pioneered have both expanded dramatically. But Gordon still makes sure his beloved lagers — Pilsner, Märzen, Hefeweizen, and Blonde Bock plus seasonal beers — are brewed in strict accordance with the German purity laws. He uses only the finest ingredients, including Hallertauer hops and a pure strain yeast culture from the Weihenstephan yeast bank.

A lesser known attribute is Dan’s musical background as a jazz trombonist. Accomplished on both tenor and bass trombone he has had recorded with Michael Davis on Absolute Trombone II and Curtis Campbell’s Blues album “Live at the Sweetwater.” As an undergrad exchange student in Göttingen, Germany, Dan spent more time playing in the jazz clubs as opposed to studying and his jazz rock group was featured in a concert at the Deutches Theater (German National Theater). He continues to be active in the Bay Area jazz scene performing with numerous contemporary big bands and combos. Gordon grew up in Los Altos and attended Homestead High School whose famed music program was under the lead Rory Snyder.