In a political landscape often dominated by big business, Kabateck Strategies has spent the last ten years doing something revolutionary: being the consistent, unwavering voice for small business owners across California. Through the powerful platform of the California LIVE Podcast, founder John Kabateck has amplified the challenges and triumphs of entrepreneurs, built broad coalitions, and shaped policy discussions in Sacramento and beyond.
Now, as the firm marks its tenth anniversary, California LIVE turns the spotlight not just on legislative wins but on something even more vital for the decade ahead: the power of branding.
Over four episodes of the California LIVE Podcast, Kabateck reflects on a journey rooted in advocacy. Whether it’s fighting for small business tax relief, standing up against burdensome regulations, or pushing back on one-size-fits-all mandates, Kabateck Strategies has proven that coalitions built on trust, visibility, and community engagement win.
From the early battles against crippling COVID-era legislation to navigating rising inflation and AI regulation, Kabateck and his team have empowered business owners to not only survive but take their seat at the policymaking table. And as highlighted across multiple episodes, this success didn’t come from shouting the loudest but from strategically amplifying small voices through consistent, trustworthy branding.
As Kabateck and host Victor Migalchan explore in Episode 103, branding has become the linchpin of lasting influence. “Branding,” Kabateck explains, “isn’t just your logo or tagline. It’s the mark you leave on your community, it’s your reputation, your mission, your impact.”
In today’s world of constant digital noise, the difference between being heard and being ignored lies in how clearly your brand communicates who you are and what you stand for. Whether you’re a mom-and-pop shop, a trade association, or a policy advocate, a strong, memorable brand is your ticket to lasting relevance.
From Episode 57’s deep dive into personal and professional branding to Episode 63’s call for political unity, the message is clear: if you want your voice to shape the conversation, your brand must first command attention.
Kabateck shares how even his own firm’s visibility skyrocketed after he took branding seriously—through social media, coalition visibility, and participating in events like the Multicultural Business & Career Expo. In fact, some of his longest-standing clients came through simple acts of visibility, like setting up a LinkedIn account or publishing regular thought pieces.
As Kabateck Strategies steps into its second decade, the call to action isn’t just for policymakers or advocacy leaders—it’s for every small business, community leader, and entrepreneur.
“If we want small businesses to thrive in California’s evolving political climate, we need their stories to be known. And that means investing in their brands,” Kabateck emphasizes.
This next chapter will be about empowering individuals and businesses to build brands that reflect their values, earn trust, and demand a seat at the table.
As the California LIVE Podcast continues its mission, listeners can expect even more episodes spotlighting the intersection of branding, advocacy, and leadership. Upcoming guests will not only discuss the latest legislative issues but also share how they’ve used branding to grow their influence and impact.
In celebrating ten years of advocacy, California LIVE and Kabateck Strategies offer a blueprint for what comes next.
Because in the next ten years, being right won’t be enough. You’ll have to be recognized. And to be recognized, you must build a brand that’s unmissable.
Learn more about Victor Migalchan by following him on Instagram.
