Is your business growth starting to feel more like chaos? When the spreadsheets and manual processes that got you here are now holding you back, it's time to build a smarter system. In this episode of the South of SF podcast, host Ranger Kielak sits down with Aman Thakral, the Business Manager for Target Integration's US Division, to demystify the world of business software.

Aman is a "CRM and ERP Matchmaker" for small and medium businesses across the San Francisco Peninsula. With over 700,000 CRM options on the market, simply Googling a solution can lead to expensive mistakes. Aman shares his expert process for analyzing a company's unique needs—from their team size and budget to their five-year vision—to find the perfect system that will fuel growth, not fight it.

This conversation is essential for any entrepreneur or manager feeling overwhelmed by data and desperate for streamlined operations. We explore the critical importance of discipline, why you need a CRM from day one (even if it's just $6/month!), and how finding a niche was the key to success for Aman's business—a lesson shared by past guest Carmen Avila of Glam Roofing.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• (02:39) The core problem Target Integration solves as a "CRM and ERP Matchmaker" for businesses from South San Francisco to San Jose.
• (04:09) Why Googling "best CRM" is a trap and how to navigate the 700,000+ options available.
• (06:42) Aman's journey to becoming an "accidental entrepreneur" and the power of niching down your services.
• (10:13) How Target Integration gives back to the Peninsula community by providing education and support to local non-profits.
• (14:41) The biggest myths about CRMs: Debunking the idea that they're too expensive or that you're "too small" to need one.
• (16:48) Why discipline—not a huge team—is the single most important factor for successfully implementing a new system in your business.

Connect with Aman Thakral & Target Integration:

• Website: targetintegration.com
• Email: aman@targetintegration.com
• LinkedIn: Search "Aman Thakral" or "Target Integration"
• Service Area: Serving the entire San Francisco Bay Area and beyond.

Thank you for tuning into the South of SF podcast! To support the show, please share this episode with another business owner who needs to hear it. Your support helps us build a stronger, more connected community of trusted professionals on the Peninsula.

So many of us have one: a small, velvet-lined box holding a piece of family history. It’s full of sentiment, but it’s not quite your style, so it sits unworn. What if you could transform that dormant treasure into a stunning, wearable piece that perfectly captures both its legacy and your personality?

In this episode, Ranger sits down with Jen Hancox, a GIA Accredited Jewelry Professional and the founder of The Edna Collective in Burlingame. Jen shares her unique journey from the high-stakes world of fine dining to the intricate art of fine jewelry. She demystifies the custom design process, explaining how redesigning an heirloom is often more accessible and meaningful than buying off the shelf. Listen in for a masterclass in how to honor the past while creating something beautiful for your present, the importance of independent appraisals, and why the most valuable jewelry is the jewelry that gets worn.

About Our Guest: Jen Hancox

Jen Hancox is the Chief Designer and Appraiser at The Edna Collective, a custom jewelry studio based in Burlingame, CA. After a long and successful career in high-end restaurant management, Jen pivoted to her passion, becoming a GIA Accredited Jewelry Professional. She specializes in breathing new life into family heirlooms, creating bespoke pieces from scratch, and providing independent, conflict-of-interest-free appraisals. Jen is also an active member of the Peninsula community, serving on the board of the San Mateo Chamber of Commerce and volunteering at the Central Park Arboretum.

Episode Highlights & Key Topics:

• [03:26] The "Tailoring" Analogy: Jen explains custom jewelry design with a brilliant and simple analogy that makes it instantly relatable.
• [05:41] From Fine Dining to Fine Jewelry: Jen shares her fascinating career pivot and how the high-touch skills from the restaurant world translate perfectly to serving jewelry clients.
• [11:19] Overcoming the "Heirloom Stigma": A powerful discussion on why redesigning a family piece isn't erasing history, but rather honoring it by making it wearable for a new generation.
• [16:36] A Real-Life Redesign Challenge: Jen walks through a story of navigating a family disagreement to create a beautiful piece, showcasing how her work is as much about people as it is about jewelry.
• [17:36] The Truth About Appraisals & Value: Learn the difference between replacement value and fair market value, and why getting an appraisal from someone who isn't trying to buy your jewelry is crucial for an honest assessment.
• [20:28] The Biggest Misconception: Jen addresses the number one thing that prevents people from starting a custom project: the fear of price—and explains why it’s more accessible than you think.

Connect with Our Guest & Host

Find Jen Hancox & The Edna Collective:

• Website: TheEdnaCollective.com
• Services: Custom Jewelry Design, Heirloom Redesign, Jewelry Appraisals, Engagement Rings.
• Social Media: Find The Edna Collective on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and LinkedIn.

Connect with the South of SF Podcast:

• Host: Ranger Kielak
• How to Support: If you know someone staring at an old jewelry box, share this episode with them! Subscribe for more conversations with the trusted experts and neighbors who make the Peninsula special.

Every flower tells a story, but it takes a true artist to weave those stories into a breathtaking arrangement. In this episode of South of SF, host Ranger Kielak sits down with Maureen Ticer, the passionate founder of Bela Fiori, a premier floral design service based in San Mateo. Maureen shares the single moment in Brazil that ignited her lifelong love for flowers, a passion that has taken her from Singapore to the historic San Francisco Flower Market.

Listen in to discover the intricate world of professional floristry, from understanding the seasonality of blooms to managing client expectations for large-scale events like weddings and galas on the Peninsula. Maureen provides invaluable insight into creating stunning centerpieces, navigating budget conversations, and the importance of translating a client's vision into a beautiful, tangible reality. If you've ever planned an event, admired a beautiful bouquet, or wondered about the craft behind the petals, this conversation is for you.

About Our Guest: Maureen Ticer

Maureen Ticer is the founder and creative force behind Bella Fiori ("Beautiful Flowers"). With an artist's eye and a deep understanding of her craft, Maureen specializes in creating custom floral arrangements for weddings, corporate events, galas, and special occasions throughout the San Francisco Peninsula. Her mission is simple: to work with beautiful flowers and deliver joy to her clients. Beyond her business, Maureen is deeply involved in the community, dedicating her time and talents to fundraising for the Lucile Packard Children's Hospital through the San Mateo Burlingame Auxiliary.

Key Topics & Timestamps:

• [01:56] A Passion Sparked in Brazil
• [03:59] The Birth of a Business
• [06:22] Inside the SF Flower Market
• [08:35] Community and Contribution
• [10:32] Managing Wedding Day Expectations
• [13:45] The Pinterest vs. Reality Dilemma:
• [16:16] Overcoming Hesitation
• [18:48] How to Connect

Connect with Our Guest & Host

Find Maureen Ticer & Bella Fiori:

• Services: Custom Floral Design for Weddings, Galas, Corporate Events, and Special Occasions.
• Service Area: San Mateo, Burlingame, and the greater San Francisco Peninsula.
• Get a Consultation (Call or Text): (650) 678-4933

Connect with the South of SF Podcast:

• Host: Ranger Kielak
• Email: Ranger@WithinRangeCoaching.com
• Mission: Connecting you with the trusted experts, business owners, and neighbors that make the Peninsula a great place to live.
• How to Support the Podcast: If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with a friend, neighbor, or colleague planning a big event! Subscribe for more great conversations and remember to keep it local, keep it real, and keep it South of SF.