The 101st episode of the California Live Podcast shines a spotlight on a major milestone for John Kabateck and his firm, Kabateck Strategies: a decade of championing the voices often left unheard in California’s legislative and economic arenas. Hosted by Victor Migalchan, the conversation unfolds at the very spot where the podcast first featured Kabateck two years prior, this time to reflect on ten years of service, growth, and purpose.
As the episode opens, Kabateck shares a deeply personal origin story. His parents, who met in line at KABC-TV in the 1950s, became his earliest role models in service and entrepreneurship. That sense of purpose, rooted in family, faith, and public contribution, has been the north star guiding his career. “My faith, my family, and the example set by my parents have always fueled my drive to do the right thing and give back,” Kabateck says.
Founded in 2015, Kabateck Strategies was created to amplify voices lost in the noise of Sacramento’s political machinery. “We set out to give a voice to those less heard,” Kabateck explains, emphasizing that his work isn’t just political, it’s personal. Whether it’s small business owners, veterans, or community advocates, his firm acts as a bridge between California residents and their lawmakers.
Over the years, Kabateck Strategies has grown beyond its coalition-building roots. Now, the firm’s work spans three central pillars: policy-driven coalitions, strategic association engagement, and storytelling through media and advocacy. What began as a solo endeavor at a Starbucks corner table has blossomed into a statewide operation with partners across California, and even into other states.
Much of the podcast episode focuses on the real-world impacts of the firm’s advocacy. One of Kabateck’s proudest achievements is the coalition behind Proposition 36, a 2024 ballot initiative to address the rise in retail and residential theft. The effort began with a handful of concerned citizens and small business owners and evolved into a 400-member coalition, Californians Against Retail and Residential Theft (CARRT). “We weren’t just fighting for big box stores,” he clarifies. “We were fighting for the small, often minority-owned businesses who were suffering in silence.”
Kabateck recalls a pivotal moment that encapsulates the firm’s impact: an African-American chamber leader from South Central L.A. confronting her own state senator over repeated burglaries in her neighborhood. That unfiltered conversation helped shift the lawmaker’s perspective. “It wasn’t a lobbyist or politician talking,” Kabateck notes. “It was someone from his own community saying, ‘What are you going to do about this?’”
Another standout story from the episode highlights Kabateck Strategies’ role in expanding access to veterans treatment courts. Backed by philanthropist Wayne Hughes Jr., the initiative secured funding and legislation to bring these courts to every California county. “Veterans in rural areas like Lassen and Siskiyou now have access to hope and rehabilitation,” Kabateck says, visibly moved. It’s a clear example of coalition building at its most effective, gathering judges, law enforcement, veterans, and families to shape policy that saves lives.
The conversation also explores the challenges facing California’s housing market, taxation, and permitting environment. Kabateck remains hopeful about bipartisan progress, especially on housing affordability, despite what he calls an “ice wall” between policymakers and everyday constituents. “Too many elected officials haven’t lived the lives of the people they represent,” he says. The solution, in his view, is simple but powerful: local engagement. “Invite legislators into your world, your bakery, your Boys & Girls Club, your neighborhood. Let them see the real impact.”
Kabateck’s deep involvement with the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), where he’s served as California State Director for over 14 years, adds another layer to the conversation. Representing over 14,000 small businesses, NFIB plays a critical role in state policy. “Small businesses are 99.4% of all businesses in California,” he emphasizes. “When they’re hurting, the whole economy suffers.” His work with NFIB has helped keep small business concerns front and center, especially during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic and rising insurance costs.
Throughout the episode, Kabateck is candid about the emotional toll and personal growth that comes with the job. He shares a vulnerable story about nearly walking away from a jazz band rehearsal during a low point in his life, only to stick with it and find a second family in music. “That taught me not to run when things get tough,” he says. “It’s a lesson I bring into my work every day.”
Looking ahead, Kabateck foresees continued work around implementing Proposition 36, navigating emerging tax policies, and addressing California’s insurance crisis. He also anticipates heightened debate around immigration, where he hopes policymakers will find balanced, thoughtful solutions. “We need to be realistic but also compassionate,” he says.
As the episode wraps, the conversation returns to legacy. Kabateck reflects on his children, his daughter Lily, who works with adults with developmental disabilities, and his son Simon, who is preparing to enter law school with a passion for ethical real estate development. “They’re continuing the mission in their own way,” he says, beaming with pride.
For listeners, Episode 101 offers more than a retrospective. It’s a roadmap for civic engagement, a call to action to show up, speak out, and stay involved. Kabateck Strategies may be celebrating ten years, but for John Kabateck, the work is just getting started.
“You don’t need a title to be heard,” he says. “You just need a voice, and someone to help carry it.”
To learn more about Victor Migalchan, follow him on Instagram.
