Small businesses are the heart of every community, bringing innovation, passion, and economic vitality to the places we call home. The Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce Small Business Awards recognize outstanding local businesses that make a positive impact through entrepreneurship, leadership, and community involvement.
Among the 2017 award recipients were three remarkable companies that exemplify the entrepreneurial spirit thriving in Carlsbad: Carlsbad Food Tours, Oska Wellness, and Novasyte.
Carlsbad Food Tours: Woman-Owned Business Award
Founded by Cherimarie Poulos, Carlsbad Food Tours was born from a passion for travel, great food, and meaningful experiences.
After enjoying culinary tours in destinations around the world, Cheri saw an opportunity to bring that same experience to Carlsbad Village. In 2014, she launched the city’s first guided culinary walking tour, combining local restaurants, history, culture, architecture, and storytelling into one unique experience.
What began as a simple idea quickly grew into a thriving tourism business that has introduced thousands of visitors and locals to Carlsbad’s vibrant food scene.
Receiving the Woman-Owned Business Award was an important milestone for the company.
“It was thrilling to be recognized for the heartfelt efforts I had put into creating a first-class visitor experience in Carlsbad,” said Poulos.
Today, Carlsbad Food Tours continues to showcase locally owned restaurants while supporting the local economy and helping guests experience Carlsbad like a local.
Oska Wellness: Innovation in Small Business Award
Innovation often starts with a personal experience.
For Oska Wellness founder Greg Houlgate, the inspiration behind the company’s flagship product came after witnessing the impact a prototype device had on his father’s chronic pain and inflammation.
The company’s mission is simple: help people find relief from pain without relying solely on medication or invasive procedures.
The innovative technology behind the Oska Pulse earned the company the Innovation in Small Business Award, recognizing its commitment to improving lives through healthcare innovation.
Houlgate credits the company’s success to a strong mission and talented team.
“Improving lives for people suffering from pain is what motivates us every day.”
Novasyte: Excellence in Professional Services Award
Some of the most successful companies begin with a simple observation and a desire to solve a problem.
That was the case for Novasyte, founded by Tim Gleeson and Joe Andrew.
While working in the medical device industry, Gleeson realized sales teams were spending significant time educating healthcare providers and implementing products after the sale was made. He saw an opportunity to create a specialized company focused on training, education, and implementation services.
What started in a garage eventually grew into a nationally recognized healthcare services company with thousands of consultants across North America.
For its success and impact, Novasyte received the Excellence in Professional Services Award.
Making a Difference in the Community
Although these businesses operate in different industries, they share a common purpose: improving lives and contributing to the Carlsbad community.
For Cheri Poulos, success is measured not only by business growth but also by the relationships built along the way.
“Our customers’ happy faces and our restaurant partners’ appreciation are what inspire us. We love sharing the best of Carlsbad while supporting local businesses.”
Supporting local restaurants, promoting tourism, creating jobs, and giving back to community organizations remain central to Carlsbad Food Tours’ mission.
Lessons for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Behind every successful business is a journey filled with challenges, learning experiences, and perseverance.
The award recipients shared several valuable lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs:
Solve a Meaningful Problem
Successful businesses often begin by identifying a real need and creating a solution that improves people’s lives.
Understand Your Numbers
Cash flow, profitability, and financial management are critical to long-term success. A great idea alone isn’t enough—strong business fundamentals matter.
Build the Right Team
The people you choose to work with can have a significant impact on your company’s culture and growth.
Under-Promise and Over-Deliver
Setting realistic expectations and consistently exceeding them helps build trust with customers, employees, and partners.
Never Give Up
Perhaps the most important lesson of all is persistence.
Cheri’s advice to entrepreneurs remains simple yet powerful:
“Believe in your product and work hard. Persistence is key. Never give up on your dream. If you can envision it, you can build it.”
Celebrating Small Business in Carlsbad
The Carlsbad business community is filled with passionate entrepreneurs who are creating jobs, supporting local causes, and helping make Carlsbad one of Southern California’s most vibrant places to live, work, and visit.
The Small Business Awards serve as a reminder that behind every successful company is a story of vision, dedication, and community impact.
For Carlsbad Food Tours, the recognition was more than an award—it was validation that a dream built on sharing food, stories, and local culture had become a meaningful part of the Carlsbad community.