Wheels, Deals and Meals
by Wheels, Deals and Meals
Arnold Gacita of Petra Auto Products brings you Wheels, Deals & Meals, a new podcast that promises to dish on how to find the best food in the world with suggestions from business icons. With an exciting business leader in every episode, Arnold will get the inside scoop on their favorite places to eat, and places to see, as well as how they run successful companies and stay ahead of the competition. Tune in every Wednesday and subscribe to make sure you never miss an episode. Wheels, Deals & Meals – your source for all things good food, good business, and living the good life.
Episodes
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S4: EP22 Victor Calvo. - CEO of Victor Calvo Cigars
This week on Wheels, Deals and Meals, host Arnold Gacita enjoys a cigar in the company of Vicro Calvo, CEO of the Nicaraguan Cigar Brand Victor Calvo Cigars. They talked about the industry from concept, production and brand of one of the top cigars produced in the World.
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S4: EP 21 Caroline Verot Moore - Market President Region Bank
This week on Wheels, Deals and Meals, host Arnold Gacita has an amazing conversation with Region's Bank Market President Caroline Verot Moore. They talked about her native France, her life overseas and her family and career in the UnitedStates.
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S4: EP 20 George Martinez - A Texan Banking Legend
This week on Wheels, Deals, and Meals, host Arnold Gacita talks to one Texan Baking Legend. George Martinez. They discuss his more than 4 decades of a distinguish banking career, his travels, family, challenges and his new venture before the end of 2026.
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S4: EP 19 Willie Lora - Founder and CEO Lora Media Consulting.
This week on Wheels, Deals, and Meals, host Arnold Gacita picks up a one to one with Award Winner Media Executive Willie Lora. They discuss the current media landscape, the cultural war and some of the behind the scenes stories while covering Washington DC and the White House.
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S4: EP 18 Tim Rogers - Founder and CEO of The Thermal Club
This week on Wheels, Deals, and Meals, host Arnold Gacita talks to self made King of the Desert Tim Rogers. The founder and CEO of The Thermal Club in Southern California. Tim explained how he ran water utilities in Anchorage, blended crude oil in the California desert, supplied gasoline to more...
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S4: EP 17 Janel Baez - Publicist, Wealth Management, & Chief Correspondent for United World Leaders
What happens when a high-earning healthcare director walks away from security to follow a divine media calling? This week on Wheels, Deals, and Meals, host Arnold Garcia turns the tables on Miami media personality Janel Baez. Raised in Miami by Cuban immigrant parents, Janel spent years climbing...
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S4: EP 16 Gregg Reyes - Reytec Construction Resources
What does it take to grow a home office startup into one of Houston’s largest minority-owned heavy civil construction empires? This week on Wheels, Deals, and Meals, we sit down with Gregg Reyes, President and CEO of Reytec Construction Resources, Inc. Growing up as number eight of ten children…
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S4: EP 15 Rob Melrose - Alley Theatre
What happens when a high-level math student reads an absurdist French play and decides to ditch business school for the stage? This week on Wheels, Deals, and Meals, we sit down on stage at the historic Alley Theatre with its visionary Artistic Director, Rob Melrose. Drawing from nearly 38 years…
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S4: EP 14 Jennifer Bielstein - Alley Theatre
Hook: What does it take to manage a full-scale creative manufacturing empire behind the curtain? This week on Wheels, Deals, and Meals, we sit down on the stage of the Alley Theatre with its powerhouse new managing director, Jennifer Bielstein. With eight months under her belt leading one of...
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S4: EP 13 Sol Scott - The Blend
What does a global logistics strategy manager do when he buys the world’s number-one rated cigar lounge? This week on Wheels, Deals, and Meals, we set up shop in one of our absolute favorite places on the planet: Blend Bar in The Woodlands. But this isn't just another look inside the...
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S4: EP 12 Laura Murillo - Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
This week we sit down with the ultimate powerhouse of the Houston business community, Dr. Laura Murillo, President and CEO of the Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Under her leadership, the Chamber has smashed membership records and become one of the most influential institutions in the...
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S4: EP 11 Ken Kades - McDonalds
How do you go from managing a single storefront to operating a massive multi-unit empire? This week, we sit down with legendary entrepreneur Ken Kades, founder of The Kades Corporation and Owner Operator at Multiple McDonalds. Ken has spent decades mastering the art of business operations…
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S4: EP 10 Dan Shine - Automotive News
What does it take to lead the retail coverage at Automotive News? 📰🚗 This week, Arnold catches up with Dan Shine, a man whose blood runs with Detroit motor oil and newspaper ink. Dan takes us through his incredible career, from the fast-paced night shift at the Dallas Morning News to his…
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S4: EP 9 Manuel Leyshon - Loco Tequila
Welcome back to Wheels, Deals and Meals! This week, we sit down at Amalfi Restaurant with Manuel Leyshon, the driving force behind Loco Tequila. From his early days in Mexico City to navigating the global spirits market, Manuel shares the story of how he helped build a brand that defies the…
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S4: EP 8 - Andrea Gomez, Willie Lora, and Dawna Campbell
This week, host Arnold Gacita is joined by a true "Media Dream Team": Andrea Gomez, Willie Lora, and Dawna Campbell of the Los Angeles Tribune. We are back at Amalfi Restaurant in Houston for a deep dive into journalism, global PR, and the grit required to build a world-class career from the…
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S4: EP 7 Joe Paulo - CEO Hope Media Group
In this episode, we take the show to the state-of-the-art studios of Hope Media Group to sit down with their CEO, Joe Paulo. From his "formative years" in Ohio to leading the nation’s largest Christian radio station, Joe shares a powerful narrative of leadership, career pivots, and the importance...
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S4: EP 6 Amy Wine - Therapist
In this episode, we sit down with Amy Wine, a licensed therapist and elite performance coach who helps "elite achievers"—from CEOs to pro athletes—reclaim their marriages, businesses, and personal joy. Amy shares her powerful journey from a traumatic childhood to becoming a transformation...
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S4: EP 5 Willie Daughters - Reynolds & Reynolds
In this episode of Wheels, Deals & Meals, Arnold sits down with Willie Daughters, the Executive Vice President and COO of Reynolds and Reynolds. With an incredible 34-year career at the same company, Willie’s story is a masterclass in work ethic, perseverance, and the power of a positive...
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S4: EP 4 Viet Tran - Velocity Sim Racing
Tech layoffs, Stanford degrees, and 190mph virtual Ferraris. 🏁This week, we visit Velocity Sim Racing to meet founder Viet Tran. Viet’s background is anything but ordinary—a Vietnamese refugee who conquered Silicon Valley before returning to Houston to follow his passion for speed.After a...
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S4: EP3 Zubi Rum
This week on Wheels, Deals, and Meals, we’re hanging out with the founders of Zubi Rum, Carlos and Tony! These two cousins are bringing the flavor of old-school Havana to the heart of Texas. From the emotional history of their families fleeing Cuba to the grit required to build a business in…
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S4: Ep 2 Best of WDM Part 2
Welcome to Part 2 of our Best Of series! In this episode we will revisit some of the most impactful conversations from the past two years, featuring leaders who have shaped the automotive and business landscapes. We look back at Jack Hollis’ incredible 33-year journey at Toyota, where he shares...
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S4: Ep 1 Best of WDM Part 1
Four Men. Four Turning Points. One Path to Real Success.In this special Best-Of documentary, four powerful guests from Wheels, Deals & Meals share the real turning points that shaped their careers, their leadership, and their faith — from leaving safe jobs… to building legacy businesses… to…
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S3: EP25 Pastor Jeff and Gayle Wells
Faith, Family, and 45 Years: A Christmas Special with Jeff and Gayle WellsIn this heartwarming Christmas special, we welcome back Pastor Jeff Wells, along with a very special first-time guest: Jeff’s wife, Gayle. While Gayle usually prefers to stay behind the scenes, she joins the show to share...
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S3: EP24 Philip John - Former Baker Botts Attorney
Join us as we talk with Philip John, a revered retired trial lawyer who spent 41 years with Houston's oldest and most prestigious law firm, Baker Botts.Phil shares his unique upbringing as an Air Force dependent, including a memorable time in Tripoli, Libya, before graduating from the University…
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S3: EP 23 Extended - Amalfi Ristorante & The Ferraras
In the second half of the interview, Chef Giancarlo’s wife, Lisa (a Cuban-American who grew up in Texas), joins the conversation to reveal their incredible origin story of how they met, and how Giancarlo’s journey led him to start a successful Italian Restaurant in Houston, Texas. You also will...
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S3: EP 23 Giancarlo Ferrara - Amalfi Ristorante Italiano
You don’t want to miss this episode as we sit down with Giancarlo Ferrara, the owner and Executive Chef of Amalfi Ristorante Italiano in Houston, to hear his inspiring story. From growing up in Salerno on the Amalfi Coast, to traininghands-on from age 15, Giancarlo loved finding inspiration for…
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S3: EP 22 Orlando Sanchez - Public Servant
Join us to meet Orlando Sanchez, a fellow Cuban immigrant, U.S. Air Force veteran, and seasoned Houston public servant running for Harris County Judge.Sanchez shares his unique journey, from fleeing Communist Cuba to dedicating years on the Houston City Council and 12 years as Harris County...
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S3: EP 21 Jack Hollis - Toyota & Accrual Equity Partners
We are thrilled to welcome Jack Hollis, an automotive industry titan, Partner at Accrual Equity Partners, and the former Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President at Toyota. Join us as we explore the incredible career trajectory of one of the industry's most successful leaders.Jack's...
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S3: EP20 Robert Sakowitz - Fashion Business
Join us for a truly special episode as we welcome Robert Sakowitz, the man who led the legendary Sakowitz high-fashion specialty store and now heads the Hazak Corp. as a global business consultant. Robert shares the incredible four-generation history of his family's business, which began in 1902...
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S3: EP19 Best of WDM Part 2
This episode continues our successful part 1 of some of our favorite moments from the show. Join us for inspiring stories on food, football, business, and medicine!Al Deshon | A Culinary Journey to ChurrascosWe sit down with the owner of the Houston restaurant Churrascos and hear his personal…
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S3: EP18 Best of WDM Part 1
This September, we're bringing you a special series of highlight reels, featuring some of our most amazing and inspiring guests. This episode is a compilation of our best moments with Dean Gladden, the managing director of Houston's iconic Alley Theatre; Anthony Robles, a National Champion and...
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S3: EP17 Giuseppe Risi - Risi Competizione
Join us for a truly special episode of Wheels, Deals, and Meals as we welcome the legendary Giuseppe Risi, founder of Risi Competizione, the most successful Ferrari GT racing team in American history. With over five decades of experience in international competition, from F1 cars to sports...
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S3: E16 Chip Doetsch and Ken Shreve - Auto Dealers
You will love this special episode of Wheels, Deals, and Meals, as we sit down in Maryland, with two titans of the automotive industry: Ken Shreve, a retired dealer principal, and Chip Doetsch, the current owner of Apple Ford Lincoln and Apple Mitsubishi. They share a combined wisdom of decades…
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S3: E15 Paul Healy - Dealership For Life
Join us in beautiful Baltimore, Maryland, for a candid conversation with Paul Healy, the visionary behind Dealership For Life! In this episode, Paul shares his incredible journey through the automotive industry, from growing up in a car dealership family to creating a groundbreaking customer...
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S3: E14 Hector Villarreal - Weather, Suits, Tequila, and Cigars
This episode has a plethora of exciting topics; provided by our special guest, Hector Villarreal; an episode you won't want to miss.Step into the sophisticated world of Lucho Menswear in Houston as we sit down with co-owner Hector Villarreal! In this episode, Hector shares his captivating journey...
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S3: E13 Extended - Mesero
Get ready for the most delicious part of our interview with Amberly Allen! In this segment of Wheels, Deals, and Meals, we're joined by Alejandro from Mesero in Dallas, as we dive into a culinary adventure at one of Amberly's favorite Tex-Mex spots.Discover why "Mesero" means "waiter" and how…
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S3: EP 13 Amberly Allen - Dealer Merchant Services
Revolutionizing Auto Finance & Defying Odds: Amberly Allen's Inspiring Story In this episode of Wheels, Deals, and Meals, we're joined by Amberly Allen, the dynamic CEO and Founder of Dealer Merchant Services. Learn about her fascinating journey through the automotive world, from her early days…
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S3: EP 12 Mark Cortez - EasyCare
Get ready for some genuine talk and great advice! We're thrilled to have Mark Cortez on the show as he shares personal stories, from his childhood working at his dad's service stations to his college football career at TCU. Discover how his upbringing instilled a fierce work ethic, and how that's...
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S3: EP 11 - Anthony Robles - Wrestler
Born with one leg, told he couldn't, but absolutely unstoppable! Join us as we dive into the incredible life of Anthony Robles, the NCAA National Wrestling Champion whose story defies all odds. From his early days refusing a prosthetic, to becoming a high school state champion (96-0!), and...
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S3: EP 10 Mike Terry - Dealer Principal
Meet Mike Terry, the Dealer Principal with a story you won't expect! Mike's journey includes working at a Sonic, and then working 15 years with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice before finding his passion in the automotive industry. Learn how he climbed the industry ladder, setting records...
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S3: EP9 Steve Tomanchek - Media Hawk Group
From selling ice to launching a successful media group – Steve Tomanchek's story is one of drive and passion. In this episode, we explore Steve's entrepreneurial journey, from his early days with General Mills and Big Sky Ice Company to founding The Media Hawk Group. Discover the lessons he's...
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S3: EP 8 - Errol Doebler - Navy Seal
This week's guest went from From Navy SEAL to FBI Special Agent to leadership expert! Join us for an incredible conversation with Errol Doebler, a 1991 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy and the Founder and CEO of Ice Cold Leader. Errol shares his experiences as a Platoon Commander at SEAL Team…
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S3: EP7 Steve Misleh - Skyline Chili
From working in the family restaurant at age 8 to co-owning six locations today, Steve Misleh's story is a testament to hard work and dedication. Join us as we explore Steve's journey with Skyline Chili, a Cincinnati institution, and the unique dynamics of a family business. Discover the values…
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S3: EP6 Petra Cares Team
Get ready for an episode that goes beyond cars and gets to the heart of what really matters: people. We are at Petra Cares, where lives are being transformed, and futures are being built. This episode features Brian Meza, Rodney Shields, Kim Elliott, and the amazing students who are part of the...
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S3: EP5 J.R. Mahon - Spiritual Director
Join J.R. Mahon and I as we hop on the computer for one incredible interview. J.R. is a certified spiritual director and founder of TableTop Ministries. Hear as he shares his passion for life and transformative insights. His infectious energy and life-changing wisdom have guided many people over...
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S3: EP4 Julio Gudino - Entrepreneur
This week's episode is in Arnold's literal back yard as he sits down to talk with Julio Gardino and hear stories from being a teenager driving a Volkswagen Beetle, to Julio's current ventures running a tequila business. From selling insurance at 19 to overseeing millions in funding and leading a...
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S3: EP3 Aaron Ammar
Enjoy today's episode as we hear from Aaron Ammar, a successful and passionate entrepreneur and believer in the power of gratitude, a servant mindset, and relentless optimism; whose life and family mission statement is to trust God, love others, and share joy. As a multi-time founder, Aaron has…
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S3: EP2 Mike Kelton
On this tremendous episode, you'll hear from Mike Kelton; a restauranteur, community advocate, and grandpa just trying to make the most of life. Born and raised in Texas, Mike always had a passion for hard work and dedication. From playing competitive sports in my youth to starting my own…
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S3: E1 Mario Rodriguez - Hispanic 100 Chairman
On our show today, we are excited to welcome Mario Rodriguez. Mario is an accomplished entrepreneur and business consultant, providing consulting services for a wide array of business sectors and non-profit organizations. With an aptitude for acute problem solving and strategic implementation…
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S2: E30 Christmas Special - Pastors of. WoodsEdge Church
What a great Christmas show we have in store for you today! Last year, we had a fantastic Christmas show with my pastor, Jeff Wells, the senior pastor of WoodsEdge Community Church in The Woodlands, near Houston, TX. This year, we're adding a bit more fun by including not only Jeff Wells but also...
About this show
Arnold Gacita of Petra Auto Products brings you Wheels, Deals & Meals, a new podcast that promises to dish on how to find the best food in the world with suggestions from business icons. With an exciting business leader in every episode, Arnold will get the inside scoop on their favorite places to eat, and places to see, as well as how they run successful companies and stay ahead of the competition. Tune in every Wednesday and subscribe to make sure you never miss an episode. Wheels, Deals & Meals – your source for all things good food, good business, and living the good life.
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Wheels, Deals and Meals
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