Ford the Rock: A Podcast of The Element

12/22/2024

Our guest today is Pat Alberto, the owner of 27Aluna in downtown Rockford. He grew up in the Philippines and moved here when he was 18. His is an interesting background story.
Pat began his career journey at fast food joints before landing a job at Octane restaurant, the predecessor to 27Aluna in the space on N.Main St. He started as dishwasher and part time cook, and then moved on to Abreo, where he connected with and learned from Paul Sletten, Abreo’s owner. Paul mentored Pat until he became Abreo’s sous chef, and once he’d spent several years there, he was ready to go out his own. When Dan and Michelle, owners of Octane, offered him a position, Pat jumped at the opportunity. He became head chef and then later purchased the restaurant. With dedication and hard work, Pat managed to survive through COVID and ultimately created 27Aluna.

Today's guest is Pat Alberto, the owner of 27Aluna in downtown Rockford. He grew up in the Philippines and moved here when he was 18. His is an interesting background story. Pat began his career journey at fast food joints before landing a job at Octane restaurant, the predecessor to 27Aluna in the....

06/26/2024

Our latest podcast, featuring Ann Wasser, Director of Severson Dells Nature Center. Give a listen.

Today’s guest is Ann Wasser, Director of Severson Dells Nature Center. Ann moved to the Rockford region from the Monterey Peninsula in California, known as one of the most scenic places in the country. She however, was very aware of the rising cost of living there, and thus became a financial immi...

06/14/2024

Hear what Miles has coming in downtown Rockford!

Singer/songwriter Miles Nielsen is a bandleader, father, husband, and Rockford native. He established his band, The Rusted Hearts, 10 years ago. He and the band have toured America and Europe and produced numerous recordings. Miles brought along his guitar, so you’ll also hear some original songs ...

05/23/2024

Ford the Rock presents our latest podcast featuring Joshua Patterson, new owner of Wired Cafe in downtown Rockford.

Walk into the newly owned Wired Cafe and Joshua greets you as a welcome neighbor. He would not have it any other way. A part of the community, Joshua grabbed the short straw and became Wired Cafe's general manager. A founding member of 815-Capital Group, along with Matthew Simpson, Terence Hall, Jar...

04/14/2024

A Rockford lifer, Kevin grew up around and in the newspaper business. His father, Wally Haas, worked at the Rockford Register Star for over 40 years. Kevin followed in his father’s footsteps while still in high school. He left the RRS to take over Rock River Current, a local startup on the interne...

03/28/2024

Ford the Rock's latest podcast, featuring RAVE general manager Gretchen Gilmore, is now available!

Today's guest is Gretchen Gilmore, General Manager of RAVE - Rockford Area Venues & Entertainment Authority. After working in private-sector accounting, Gretchen started with RAVE as the Director of Finance. She became interim GM during the pandemic and secured well over $20 million in grant funds t...