Bryan Miller’s journey is a testament to his resilience and passion for entrepreneurship. Despite facing challenges due to dyslexia during his school years, he pursued a degree in business administration. With admirable determination, he navigated the educational obstacles that came his way.

Bryan’s professional path led him into the realm of restaurant management, where he spent five years honing his skills and gaining valuable experience. However, a pivotal moment arrived when a patron from one of the restaurants he managed presented him with a life-changing opportunity. This patron, on the brink of retirement, proposed that Bryan manage and take over their business, American Flags & Cutlery. Bryan seized this chance, marking the beginning of a new chapter.

In the year 2020, Bryan assumed a managerial role within the establishment, gradually transitioning to ownership by April 1, 2021. While the prospect of ownership was exciting, it came with its share of challenges. Determining the right products to procure for the store’s inventory posed an initial hurdle. Bryan tackled this obstacle by immersing himself in understanding the preferences and needs of his clientele. Through diligent learning and adaptation, he navigated the intricate landscape of the industry.

One of Bryan’s strengths lies in his ability to network effectively. He recognized the importance of connecting with the right individuals, which aided him in overcoming the learning curve associated with the cutlery industry. He cultivated partnerships with local businesses such as Messermeister and the unique Ojai-based brand, Ocaso. In fact, Bryan’s store became the exclusive carrier of Ocaso products—a noteworthy accomplishment.

What sets Bryan’s store apart is its distinctive collection of items that cannot be found in other establishments. This curated selection highlights his commitment to providing customers with a diverse and unparalleled shopping experience.

Entrepreneurship runs in Bryan’s family, with both his grandparents having ventured into business ownership. Drawing inspiration from his family background and his own experiences as an Eagle Scout, Bryan’s passion for cutlery and knives was kindled during his time in the restaurant industry. This unique blend of interests and his hands-on experience contribute to the store’s distinctive character.

In conclusion, Bryan Miller’s journey encapsulates the triumph of perseverance over adversity. From his challenging school years to becoming the owner of American Flags & Cutlery, his story exemplifies the power of determination, adaptation, and meaningful connections. Through his store, he not only offers exceptional products but also a testament to the value of pursuing one’s passions against all odds.

Welcome to Safe Travels RV Services Company LLC, where our motto is “Wishing You Safe Travels.” Located in Ventura, California, Safe Travels RV Services provides mobile services dedicated to ensuring your RV adventures are as smooth and as safe as possible.

This husband and wife team, Bill Meyer and Lisa Edwards, are passionate outdoor enthusiasts. Retired in 2023 as an electrical engineer, Bill is an NRVIA-certified RV inspector, solar designer/installer, certified infrared thermographer and registered technician. Lisa spent 25 years as an educator and retired in 2021. She co-owns and managed the day to day operations.

As lifelong outdoor enthusiasts, they have always treasured camping and exploring nature. Over the years, their love for comfort while camping grew, leading them to embrace RV travel. Some call it glamping, but they see it as motorized camping. They understand the frustration of travel mishaps, such as water leaks, refrigerator and generator issues and electrical trouble and they are dedicated to helping travelers avoid and resolve these problems.

At Safe Travels RV Services, they offer comprehensive RV inspections for new or used RVs, from small trailers to class A motor coaches and everything in between.

There’s an inspection process which involves detailed visual observations and instrument-based measurements of every aspect of one’s RV. This provides customers with a complete report on the current condition of the vehicle. Inspections provide clients with peace of mind and valuable information to support a difficult decision-making process.

In addition, Safe Travels RV Services offers maintenance, solar installation, and RV educational services to keep travelers safe on the road.

Their mission is to ensure travel safety and peace of mind, allowing travelers to create lifelong memories. Bill’s engineering expertise and Lisa’s educational background provide a unique, customer-focused approach. They prioritize educating their clients, empowering them to enjoy their RVs to the fullest. Safe Travels RV Services Company LLC is a member of the Ventura Chamber and the Better Business Bureau and serves Ventura and Santa Barbara counties.

Remember Thrifty ice cream? Looking for something fun to do that’s family-friendly? Look no further. Moby’s On Main may just be the place to be! It’s a concept from local entrepreneurs Mitch & Mary Masoner that provides a curated collection of video and merchandiser games for all ages and abilities.

Nestled amongst downtown Main Street’s colorful collection of boutique businesses, Moby’s On Main is Ventura’s first family-friendly arcade bar experience. This newly opened space boasts an impressive lineup of Stern machines sure to excite all pinball enthusiasts! Their game selection includes the Top 7 of Stern’s top pinball games, which is the largest collection of pinball on the coast from San Francisco to Los Angeles, along with the latest virtual reality tech, and nostalgic arcade classics.

Moby’s On Main offers something for everyone, blending old-school charm with new-school technology. The space is designed to appeal to both young and old, making it a perfect spot for family outings, date nights, or friendly gatherings. Their curated selection of locally canned brews, seltzers, and nonalcoholic beverages provides the perfect bar arcade experience for all ages.

Feeling hungry? Moby’s On Main has you covered with a seasonal selection of Harbor Mart sandwiches, famous Thirfty scoops, and fun snacks. Their menu features a variety of tasty options, ensuring you can refuel before diving back into the games.

Beyond just being an arcade bar, Moby’s On Main is dedicated to supporting and giving back to the Ventura community. This family-owned business aims to create a space where locals can come together, have fun, and feel connected. They offer a curated selection of local bites, sips, and timeless Thrifty scoops, further celebrating the community spirit.

Interested in being stocked at Moby’s On Main? The Masoners welcome all suggestions and collaborations. They are always looking to feature new and exciting local products, so don’t hesitate to reach out and collaborate.

In summary, Moby’s On Main is more than just an arcade bar; it’s a community hub where family fun and local pride come together. With its diverse range of games, delicious food and drink options, and commitment to the Ventura community, it’s the perfect destination for a memorable outing. So, gather your family and friends and head over to Moby’s On Main for a unique and enjoyable experience!

Image by Bob Forbes

by Janie Tran

With warmer weather and the sun finally shining, it’s the perfect time for a summer whale-watching expedition. Island Packers’ Summer Whale Watching season spans from June through September, coinciding with ocean upwelling that brings abundant plankton for these majestic creatures.

On Wednesday, June 19, 2024, our whale-watching adventure included encounters with California sea lions, sunfish, and at least four blue whales. One particularly striking whale could easily be mistaken for Uno, a well-known whale identifiable by its missing half tail. Unlike Uno, which lacks the right side of its tail, the whale we saw had the left half missing. In good humor, the crew suggested naming this second whale “Duo,” continuing the theme of tail variations. Blue whales in the Channel Islands channels displayed their flukes approximately every six minutes before diving into the depths.

Our experience was enriched by sightings of two types of dolphins: over 500 common dolphins and more than 50 offshore bottlenose dolphins, both year-round residents of the Santa Barbara Channels. For daily updates on these magnificent creatures, visit www.islandpackers.com.

Leading our excursion were Holly Lohuis, a marine biologist, conservationist, and educator with over 30 years of experience, alongside crew member Tina Samson and Captain Jason Wendel. Lohuis is renowned for her passionate advocacy for ocean conservation and emphasized the emotional connection to nature felt by guests and children on these outings, inspiring future conservation efforts.

Education and conservation are paramount. It’s awe-inspiring to be guided by these beautiful creatures to the Channel Islands, and Island Packers provides an ideal opportunity to witness these majestic animals in our own backyard. This area of sightings is recognized as the 9th whale heritage area in the world under WCA and the first wildlife area as the Santa Barbara Channel Whale Heritage Area.

Camilla Zoida, an Oxnard resident, summed up her experience in three words: “Magical. Breathtakingly magical.” Lori Jacques, a Ventura resident, believes “Everyone should experience what’s right in their backyard and enjoy nature aboard Island Packers. It’s so good for the soul.”