In this episode of The Voices of Business, host Joshua Maddux welcomes Bryan Touchstone, the General Manager of Valencia Town Center. Bryan brings over 35 years of experience in commercial retail management, having worked across the country in cities from Buffalo to Denver and now Santa Clarita. With a diverse background that spans radio broadcasting, accounting, and mall management, Bryan shares his professional journey, his passion for creating meaningful retail experiences, and the evolving role of Valencia Town Center in the heart of the community.
What You Will Learn:
- How Bryan's career path moved from DJing to CPA to leading major mall properties
- What drew him to Santa Clarita and Valencia Town Center specifically
- The mall's transformation over the decades and community-centered programming
- Upcoming events and future redevelopment plans for Valencia Town Center
- The importance of fostering strong community partnerships through events and outreach
Episode Highlights:
- [00:03:00] Bryan shares his early career journey from radio to real estate via a telemarketing job.
- [00:07:30] What made Bryan choose Santa Clarita and his excitement about the area's growth and potential.
- [00:10:50] The social importance of Valencia Town Center and how the mall fosters community ownership.
- [00:14:30] Events and experiences the mall offers, including Slice House, Beats & Eats, and charity collaborations.
- [00:17:00] A walk through the mall's physical evolution, including the patios and historical carousel.
- [00:22:00] The strategy behind community partnerships, like the Wish Foundation and LEAP Museum.
- [00:27:00] Discussion on redevelopment: planning stages, community expectations, and adapting to new shopping trends.
- [00:36:00] Bryan and Joshua explore the role of podcasting in building relationships and community engagement.
Featured Quotes:
"There's not a single thing I would do over—even if I had the choice." – Bryan Touchstone
"It's wonderful that people own this property and feel like it's their own." – Bryan Touchstone
"We want to create scenarios where we're delighting you with something unexpectedly pleasant." – Bryan Touchstone
"The city of Santa Clarita is very lucky to have such forward-thinking leadership." – Bryan Touchstone
Resources Mentioned:
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