189. Jose Castillo Talks Local Roots and Global Adventures

Johnson City Living

About the Guest:

Jose Castillo is a multifaceted professional with a remarkable career spanning various domains such as media, NASCAR, and entrepreneurship. He is the founder of Flavor Inc., Think Jose, and co-hosts NASCAR Trackside Live, a popular talk show in the racing community. Jose is also the mastermind behind Spark Plaza, a pioneering coworking space in Johnson City, Tennessee, which prides itself on fostering community among remote workers. His dynamic career also includes upcoming ventures such as hosting for Team USA House at the Paris 2024 Olympics.

Episode Summary:

Join host Colin Johnson as he welcomes his longtime friend and local celebrity, Jose Castillo, for an enlightening discussion. This episode ventures into the heart of Johnson City, capturing the spirit of community, business innovation, and the exhilarating world of NASCAR. Jose, who has been a friend for nearly two decades, shares insights into his life journey—from his humble beginnings in Philadelphia to his achievements in media and the racing arena.

Jose delves into his entrepreneurial endeavors, highlighting the success of Spark Plaza over the past 15 years. He emphasizes the importance of community in coworking spaces and sheds light on the dynamic environment at Spark Plaza which caters to a broad range of remote workers. Moreover, listeners get an insider's perspective on the world of NASCAR, with Jose sharing fascinating stories from his travels and his role in promoting the sport. Be enthralled by his latest exciting project: hosting for Team USA House during the Paris 2024 Olympics.

Key Takeaways:

• Community First: Jose stresses that the success of Spark Plaza lies in its vibrant, supportive community that goes beyond just providing a workspace.
• NASCAR Insights: Gain a deeper understanding of NASCAR's evolution, the impact of the Next Gen car, and insights into the current season.
• Olympic Dream: Jose will be hosting at Team USA House in Paris for the 2024 Olympics, an honor that highlights his expanding influence in international event hosting.
• Work-Life Balance: Despite his busy schedule, Jose maintains a strong family connection, often bringing his family along on travels to NASCAR events.
• Regional Pride: Jose has a deep appreciation for Johnson City and the Tri-Cities area, advocating for regionalism and local community support.

Notable Quotes:

1. "The more I travel, the more I love coming home. And it is a great place to be, a great place to raise a family, a great place to start a business." - Jose Castillo
2. "People think they just need a place to work, but what they really need is community. They need water cooler time. They need somebody to talk to about an idea or about the weekend or about whatever." - Jose Castillo
3. "I'm going to be the host of Team USA House for the Paris Olympics 2024, and it is an honor to represent my country and these amazing athletes who work so hard." - Jose Castillo
4. "In the playoffs, yes, the big teams will be there. But we had some surprises last year, and I think we're going to see the same thing this year." - Jose Castillo
5. "It's funny, I talked to some folks, and they were like, most of these people are so driven that they're like, that fuels me to want to go do it even more." - Jose Castillo

Resources:

• Spark Plaza: Learn more about Jose Castillo’s coworking space.
• Jose Castillo on Social Media: Follow him on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.
• Team USA House: Information about the Team USA House for the Paris 2024 Olympics.
• NASCAR Trackside Live: Keep up with Jose's NASCAR hosting here.

Dive into this episode to explore the vibrant essence of Johnson City, the dynamic world of NASCAR, and Jose Castillo’s journey towards hosting the Paris 2024 Olympics. Don't miss out on his valuable insights and stay tuned for more unique stories and inspirations on the show!