Each month, we highlight one of our many cherished members to discover a little bit more about them as well as their company. We pride ourselves on the relationships we build with our members here at My Annapolis. This month, we had the honor of speaking with John Maneval of Oculus CAS. Continue reading to learn more:
How did you get started in the financial and management consulting services?
I spent the first 25+ years of my career working for the government and nonprofit organizations in the community development and affordable housing industry. In 2019, I decided to go out on my own. I founded Oculus CAS to provide strategic management support to executives and managers working in this arena. The work I do is very rewarding to me, and I find that my clients appreciate having someone that can help them take a broader view of the trends and challenges that they face.
Why are you passionate about affordable housing, and community development?
Our economy is tremendously vibrant and provides great opportunities for so many of us. Even so, some communities and families need support to realize their full potential. The clients I support are working so hard to make a difference in the lives of those who need a helping hand, and in the process are helping rebuild neighborhoods that have suffered from disinvestment. The work that I do is a combination of challenging and rewarding, and I want to make a difference in every opportunity I can.
What insight do you have on the issues people are facing today with affordable housing and the current market?
Housing costs (both rents and home prices) are escalating very rapidly, especially in our region. While most of us can ride out this storm in increased prices, households at the lower end of the income spectrum are having an incredibly difficult time keeping up. My clients are working hard to deliver quality, affordable homes throughout the region. If a family can achieve stability in their housing situation, they can accomplish so much more in terms of educational outcomes for their children, employment security, and even improved health outcomes.
Where do you see your business in 5 years?
At this point, I’m a single-person company. I hope over the next five years I am able to expand my team to be able to serve more clients. That said, I want to be able to deliver the direct level of client support and strategic guidance that makes my work so fulfilling. It’s an interesting balancing act, and I’m looking forward to the challenge that growth brings.
Why did you choose My Annapolis Office?
The very same day that I formed Oculus CAS, LLC, I dropped into My Annapolis Office to secure a formal address/business presence for my company. It was really important to me that my clients could see that I was committed to my business, and My Annapolis Office gave me an immediate way of sending that message. Also, it’s a very convenient location for me, and I appreciate the opportunity that it offers for my company to grow.
Is there any additional information you would like to include?
A big component of the Oculus business plan is to provide pro-bono support to nonprofit organizations that are making a difference in their communities. To that end, this year I am serving as co-chair for the annual Run for the Light House, a major fundraising event for The Light House, which serves and supports individuals and families that are experiencing homelessness in Annapolis.
I want to make sure that fellow businesses at My Annapolis Office were aware of this event, especially since it offers some great sponsorship opportunities for small and growing businesses. For as little as $250, your business can become a named sponsor of this event and receive great visibility on banners, T-shirts, and general marketing for this event which attracts hundreds of runners, walkers, and supporters.
The run is on September 18, 2022, at Quiet Waters Park, and you can learn more about sponsorship opportunities at the following website: https://friendslhs.ejoinme.org/RUN2022
Please visit the race website to find all the RUN details at AnnapolisRunForTheLightHouse.org.
And for more information or questions, you can contact John at john@oculusconsult.com call 443-362-0457, or please contact the Light House Events Coordinator at Events@FriendsLHS.org or call 443-569-4209.
