California Miramar University

This week we have chosen True Religion Apparel, Inc., for our CalMU Small Business Spotlight Award. I know most of you have heard of them, and many of you regularly wear their designer jeans and other apparel, and it’s for good reason.

They have taken jeans and all of the casual stereotypes sewn into them and have made them fashionable again. Instead of just throwing on a pair and going to school or heading to a friend’s house, they have become the ideal pants to wear out on a weekend night: not too casual, not too formal, and the perfect amount of comfort. So for students in our Hybrid MBA and online MBA programs, and for business people in general, here is a look at this week’s CalMU Small Business Spotlight.

True Religion was founded in December 2002 by Jeffrey Lubell and Kym Gold. They now have around 900 branded boutiques and specialty stores in 50 countries on 6 continents (say that 5 times fast). The flagship store is located in Manhattan Beach, California, and was their first retail store, opening in late 2005. In a span of decade True Religion Apparel have created a milestone in the denim and fashion industry and is showing no signs of slowing down. Let’s take a look at some of the numbers…

Jeffrey Lubell is truly a visionary who started a small business in fashion apparel, but geared it to a more high end market to really help bring casual wear back in style. Its annual sales have surpassed the $400 million mark, with sales for the fiscal year of 2011 totaling nearly $420 million.

However, according to Forbes, if we look at its sales from March 31, 2011, to March 31, 2012, True Religion’s sales are closer to $433 million, highlighting its current increase in consumer popularity. That’s because their reported 2012 First Quarter numbers are eye-opening, with sales skyrocketing nearly 14% to reach $106.8 million. There’s no wonder why the brand has become such hot activity on Wall Street in recent months.

I don’t know about you, but I know what I’m wearing this Friday night

We are very excited to introduce the newest section of our blog: the CalMU Business Spotlight. Each week we will be going to different cities and choosing a business that encompasses true business success, which will inevitably be diverse and different for every Spotlight.

For businesspeople, students enrolled in traditional, hybrid or online MBA programs, or anyone who is simply interested in business/economics/entrepreneurship/anything really, the weekly California Miramar University Business Spotlight Series provides a refreshing look at the myriad definitions of business success. So visit us every Wednesday and let us know at any time if you have any recommendations for the next Business Spotlight; we are always welcome to suggestions!

As the first Business Spotlight of our blog and after much research and deliberation, we are pleased to put the Spotlight on San Diego’s own FortuneBuilders Inc. They are one of the most venerated and successful real estate education entities in the United States and were ranked #1 in Education by Inc. Magazine, underscoring how they have really changed the entire real estate investment game.

Led by four very talented real estate investors – Than Merrill, Paul Esajian, JD Esajian and Konrad Sopielnikow – FortuneBuilders teaches its students how to intelligently invest, market, wholesale and drastically increase their ROI in the real estate market. They hold a Mastery Implementation Coaching Program, which is reserved for a small group of their “most motivated students” and is truly the pinnacle of real estate coaching.

For the other 99% of their customers, from beginning to advanced students, FortuneBuilders University is a brilliant program that provides a comprehensive step-by-step walkthrough of how to make a living investing in real estate. (And by living I mean a really, really good one.) Some of the world’s top real estate investors show you the ropes and work closely with you to ensure that you leave FortuneBuildersU ready to hit the real estate world, network and start seeing profits right away. What’s more, which is very important in the real estate world, this program provides you with many new contacts that are vital for networking and your future growth as a real estate investor.

According to the latest Inc. Magazine statistics from September 2011, the last 3 years have seen a staggering growth of 2629%, with their 2010 revenue ($14.2 million) nearly triple that of their 2007 revenue ($520,300). They were founded in 2005 and have grown to a staff of about 25 employees. I am very interested to see how they evolve as the real estate market improves and how that will affect their business model, strategy and overall bottom line.

Oh, and I forgot to mention that Than Merrill, Paul Esajian and JD Esajian also appeared on Seasons 3, 4 and 5 of A&E’s hit show Flip This House, which is about – you guessed it – purchasing a house, renovating it, and then flipping it for a profit.

FortuneBuilders Inc. is a real estate dream team and I am very honored to be featuring them as the first ever CalMU Business Spotlight. If you are looking to go into real estate, do not forget about their programs. You will definitely come out with a better understanding about every process of investing and a more complete toolkit to start making the big bucks.

Hey Winter… Summer called, it wants its heat back! I know I know… California = endless summer which = joy, love aaaaand a higher cost of living (just saying). But people flock to Southern California for vacation every year because of how gorgeous and laid-back it is, and San Diego fully encompasses this.

While there are so many fun things to do, people to meet and places to visit, here are 5 that can really make your weekend a memorable one (and let you show it off to all your friends on Facebook!!).

And please if you have any additions please let us know. There are SO many great things to do in San Diego – it’s hard to fit it in just one list!

It’s time for a Harbor Cruise!

Get a tour of San Diego Bay while enjoying both a beautiful sunset and the company of some close friends and family. It might seem simple, but getting a view of the coastline from the ocean really inspires a different type of appreciation for the beautiful city of San Diego. Plus now through mid-April you can opt for a whale watching experience and chase down some of the sea’s largest mammals. It also doesn’t hurt that all cruises start and finish in downtown, setting up a perfect segue into a beautiful stroll through the city and dinner out at a new restaurant.

Mission: Beach

I mean this in two ways. First and most obviously, San Diego has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Heading to the beach is a great way to relax, unwind and enjoy the natural phenomenon that is San Diego’s coast.

Second, Mission Beach is a great place to go. Not only is it full of life and very eclectic (to say the least); you also have countless delicious restaurants and Belmont Park. Hop on the wooden roller coaster, grab some cotton candy and hit the arcades; but no matter what happens, Mission Beach always brings a fun time.

Cabrillo National Monument

Okay this is where our Facebook savvy friends are really going to want to go. Sitting at the top of the Point Loma cliffs and overlooking the entire San Diego downtown skyline, it is the perfect place to go snap some photos, have a picnic or just hang out with some friends. There is also a great museum and the Old Point Loma Lighthouse that really complete the visit to the monument.

Stroll Through Balboa Park
Balboa Park contains many different museums and attractions, but the sheer majestic architecture of the buildings speaks for itself. It is a very large urban park that offers a glimpse into San Diego’s past and will leave you awe-struck at how fascinating history really is. Overall this is a really nice way to spend a day outside while really exercising yourmental muscles and learning something new.

Study for your on-campus, hybrid or online MBA programs

Okay I’m partially kidding… studying is great and rewarding, but let’s get back to San Diego.

Kick Your Feet Up and Relax in La Jolla

With its charming town, amazing restaurants and jaw-dropping views, La Jolla really lives up to its name (La Jolla means “the jewel” in Spanish). Rent a kayak and hit the ocean, bring your beach cruiser and ride around the town or simply put on a comfortable pair of walking shoes and hit one of San Diego’s best shopping areas. Heading to La Jolla is one of my favorite ways to spend a relaxing Sunday afternoon.

Again these are only 5 activities but they can really shape your weekend into a memorable one. What are your thoughts? What do you think should be added to this list? Please comment and share your information – we’re always looking to try new things! 