Brews & Business

Brews & Business

By Braedon KruseBusinessEntrepreneurshipManagement
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Brews & Business episodes

  • Building Broken Arrow’s Future: The April 2026 GO Bond Explained
    What does it take to keep Broken Arrow one of the safest and most vibrant cities in Oklahoma? In this episode, we sit down with City Manager Michael Spurgeon and Mayor Wimpey to pull back the curtain on the upcoming April 2026 General Obligation (GO) Bond.
     We dive deep into the eight critical propositions on the April 7th ballot—ranging from essential infrastructure like roads and storm water management to exciting quality-of-life upgrades like a new Senior Center and indoor pickleball courts. You’ll also learn about the unique "Proposition 8," a temporary sales tax designed to turn Broken Arrow into a premier sports tournament destination, ensuring that visitors help foot the bill for our local field upgrades.
     If you care about how your city grows, how your tax dollars are spent, and what the future of public safety looks like in your neighborhood, this is a must-watch conversation.
    Show Notes
    • [00:00] City Government 101: Understanding the City Manager vs. Strong-Mayor structure.
    • [03:45] The April 2026 GO Bond: Why April 7th is a critical date for BA residents.
    • [07:20] Strengthening Public Safety: Plans for two new fire stations and enhanced early warning sirens.
    • [12:15] Quality of Life & Parks: Moving the Senior Center and the expansion of the Rose District Plaza.
    • [18:30] Proposition 8 Deep Dive: The temporary 5-year sales tax for sports facilities.
      • Why turfing our fields is an economic game-changer.
      • How 40-45% of the funding will come from visitors, not just residents.
    • [25:10] The Two-Year Planning Process: How citizen surveys and town halls shaped these propositions.
    • [29:45] How to Get Involved: Details on the four public forums coming in March.
    • [32:00] Closing Thoughts: Where to find the full package at BrokenArrowOK.gov


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    50 min
  • Diamonds Uncut: The Truth Behind Value, Resale & the Industry with Adel Nasreddine
    In this episode, Braedon Kruse sits down with Adel Nasreddine, founder and owner of Israel Diamond Supply, one of the most respected engagement ring and diamond jewelry companies in the Midwest. Known for his transparency, industry expertise, and dedication to educating buyers, Adel pulls back the curtain on one of the world’s most misunderstood industries: the diamond and fine jewelry market.

    Adel shares his journey from the early beginnings of Israel Diamond Supply to building a brand rooted in trust, craftsmanship, and customer empowerment. Together, Braedon and Adel dispel common myths, expose industry secrets, and answer the questions consumers wish they could ask a jeweler but rarely do.

    This episode uncovers everything from how diamond pricing actually works, to the truth about resale value, to quality differences, lab-grown vs. natural, and how to avoid being overcharged plus, a deeper discussion around the emotional and cultural significance behind engagement rings.

    Whether you're shopping for a ring, curious how the industry really works, or just love a great entrepreneurial story, this episode brings unheard insights, real answers, and transparency you won’t find anywhere else.

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/brews-business--5630487/support.
    49 min
  • OklaHOME for Christmas: Waste, Music, and Meaning with American Waste Control
    In this episode of Brews & Business, Braedon sits down with Paul Ross (Vice President) and Sarah Abbot (Marketing Director) of American Waste Control, one of Tulsa’s most iconic and community-driven companies.

    They dive into the heart of AWC’s mission — transforming waste into energy, educating communities through Mr. Murph, and building a people-first culture rooted in Integrity, Passion, Accountability, and People-Focus.

    Paul shares insights into leading a 235-truck operation, fostering innovation in recycling, and balancing leadership with family life as a father of five. Sarah highlights how creativity drives engagement — from viral music videos to the OklaHOME for Christmas parade.

    Together, they reveal how waste management goes far beyond trash — it’s about sustainability, education, and community pride.

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/brews-business--5630487/support.
    1 hr 28 min
  • Pretty Good at Drinking Beer BBQ with Jason Rains
    Summary
    This is the story of how a "pipe dream," a full-time job, and a Billy Currington song accidentally launched one of barbecue's most memorable brands.
    Jason Rains, the founder of "Pretty Good At Drinking Beer Barbecue," joins us to share his wild 15-year journey. He started with zero experience and a team name that’s a marketing nightmare (but a fan favorite). He pulls no punches, recounting the story of finishing "dead ass last" at a major competition only to fight his way back to a Grand Reserve (second place) finish years later.
    In this episode, Jason shares the unfiltered story behind his brand, his bold quest to create a sauce "better than Head Country" (a big deal in Oklahoma!), and his new projects, including a non-traditional smoker cookbook and a revolutionary no-sugar-added sauce sweetened with monk fruit.
    More than just barbecue, this is a story about community, passion, and hustle. Jason balances his full-time job and a return to college for digital marketing, all while running his growing business. His core philosophy? "Food doesn't care about your race. Food doesn't care about your religion... Food brings people together."
    In this episode, you'll learn:
    • The Origin Story: How a Billy Currington song on a back porch led to the "PGADB" brand.
    • The Competition Grind: The truth about competing, from finishing "dead ass last" in 2015 to claiming a top prize.
    • Oklahoma Sauce Wars: The cultural importance of Head Country and Jason's mission to create a sauce he loves even more.
    • What's Next: A sneak peek at his upcoming second cookbook (focused on non-traditional smoker dishes) and his new no-sugar-added sauce.
    • The "Pipe Dream": How Jason's passion project evolved into a legitimate business with employees.
    • Core Philosophy: Why supporting local businesses and the spirit of community define the barbecue world.
    • The Big Picture: Jason's powerful belief that food is the ultimate unifier, transcending politics, religion, and race.
    Chapters:
    • 0:23 The Origin of "Pretty Good At Drinking Beer Barbecue"
    • 3:06 Branding Challenges and Success
    • 4:18 Barbecue Competition Experiences
    • 5:38 The Evolution of BBQ Sauces
    • 6:07 Head Country BBQ Sauce in Oklahoma
    • 7:07 Changing Judge Preferences
    • 8:12 Developing a Sugar-Free BBQ Sauce
    • 10:11 Barbecue Sauce and Family
    • 11:37 The Science of Smoking Meat
    • 15:06 Smoker Recommendations: Hasty Bake and Oklahoma Joe
    • 19:00 The Nook and Local Business Support
    • 21:19 Philosophy of Supporting Local Businesses
    • 22:19 Challenges of Competing with Big Box Retailers
    • 24:26 Why "Pretty Good At Drinking Beer Barbecue" Avoids Walmart
    • 25:27 Working with Homeland Stores
    • 27:38 The Realities of the BBQ Sauce Business
    • 29:59 Shipping BBQ Sauce Nationwide
    • 31:09 The Power of Food to Bring People Together
    • 31:56 Juggling a Full-Time Job and a "Pipe Dream" Business
    • 33:09 The First Cookbook: "I'd Smoke That"
    • 34:09 Non-Traditional Smoker Recipes
    • 37:18 Plans for the Second Cookbook
    • 39:31 The Value of Teaching and Community
    • 40:06 Smooth Sailing and Stressful Times
    • 41:09 Leaving a Legacy
    • 41:35 The Camaraderie of the Barbecue World
    • 43:24 First Grand Reserve Win
    • 46:25 Helping Fellow Competitors
    • 50:18 Favorite Food (Not Barbecue)
    • 51:00 Regional Barbecue Styles
    • 52:48 Belief in Luck vs. Smartness
    • 53:34 Returning to College for Digital Marketing


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    1 hr 3 min
  • Behind the Badge: Leadership Lessons from Chief Lance Arnold
    Summary:
    In this episode of Brews & Business, host Braedon Kruse sits down with Chief Lance Arnold, Chief of Police for Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. Together, they explore the parallels between running a business and leading a police department, the importance of wellness and training for officers, and lessons in leadership that apply across industries. Chief Arnold shares stories from his decades in law enforcement, his commitment to community engagement, and his vision for building a strong culture of accountability and trust. The conversation highlights adaptability, transparency, and servant leadership as key elements in both policing and business.

    Chapters:

    00:00 – Introduction
    Braedon welcomes Chief Arnold and sets the stage for a conversation about leadership, law enforcement, and community.

    03:00 – Building a Culture of Wellness
    Lance shares how Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu was introduced to his department as part of officer wellness and safety initiatives.

    10:15 – Lessons from Leadership Surprises
    Lance describes how he reacts to unexpected initiatives and how leaders should embrace ideas from their team.

    18:40 – Parallels Between Business & Policing
    Discussion on how running a police department mirrors running a business: managing budgets, people, and long-term vision.

    27:05 – Community Engagement
    The role of transparency, public trust, and connecting with citizens.

    35:20 – Overcoming Challenges in Leadership
    Handling criticism, accountability, and fostering resilience in an organization.

    45:10 – Mentorship & Core Values
    Chief Arnold shares lessons from his mentors and the principles that guide his decision-making.

    55:00 – Future of Leadership
    A reflection on what makes a great leader in both policing and business, and advice for the next generation.

    01:00:00 – Closing Thoughts
    Braedon and Lance wrap up with key takeaways on leadership, adaptability, and building trust in any organization.
       

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    1 hr 34 min
  • Chinh Doan’s Journey of Faith, Family & Grit
    In this conversation, Braedon Kruse and Chinh Doan discuss Chinh's remarkable journey from a challenging childhood in Vietnam to becoming a successful entrepreneur and storyteller. They explore themes of family, cultural transition, the importance of storytelling in pitching clients, and the challenges of entrepreneurship. Chinh shares her experiences of reuniting with her mother after 18 years and the lessons learned from her father's resilience and faith. The conversation emphasizes the importance of adaptability, the value of relationships, and the mindset needed for success in both personal and professional life.

    Takeaways
    • Family dynamics and cultural transitions shape personal growth.
    • Storytelling is crucial in pitching clients and building relationships.
    • Reuniting with family after years apart can be a transformative experience.
    • Lessons from parents can instill resilience and determination.
    • Entrepreneurship requires adaptability and a willingness to pivot.
    • The importance of community and support in achieving goals.
    • Life experiences shape our decisions and perspectives.
    • It's essential to choose your hard in life and business.
    • Success is often a result of the decisions we make and the people we surround ourselves with.
    Chapters
    00:00 Introduction and Podcast Format
    02:29 Exciting Opportunities in New York City
    06:20 The Art of Storytelling and Pitching Clients
    09:41 Chinh's Entrepreneurial Journey Begins
    22:05 Cultural Transition and Family Dynamics
    38:38 Reuniting with Family After 18 Years
    44:58 Lessons from Family and Personal Growth
    58:45 The Challenges of Entrepreneurship
    01:16:10 Reflections on Life Choices and Future Goals


    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/brews-business--5630487/support.
    1 hr 20 min
  • Leadership & the Future of Broken Arrow with James Bell
    Summary:

    James Bell, President & CEO of the Broken Arrow Chamber & EDC, details the strategy behind Broken Arrow's rapid growth on the Brews & Business podcast with host Braedon Kruse.
    Bell, who joined in September 2024, discusses his unique career path from medical devices to startups and, finally, economic development, explaining why he sees Broken Arrow as a "Goldilocks City." He shares his vision for the community, which focuses on balancing the attraction of primary jobs (manufacturers and tech) with nurturing small businesses and local entrepreneurs. Bell emphasizes that community development is the foundation for economic development, highlighting the Chamber's work in advocacy and workforce development, including the successful push for Senate Bill 701 (SB 701). He concludes by offering advice for entrepreneurs and discussing the personal legacy he aims to build in Broken Arrow.


      Key Takeaways 
    • The Journey to BA was Personal and Providential: James Bell openly shares his non-linear career path, noting several instances where he resisted a push toward economic development and entrepreneurship before realizing his true calling and moving his family to Broken Arrow for its community, schools, and growth opportunities.
    • Community Development is the Foundation: James stresses that economic success hinges on community development—ensuring the city is a high-quality place to live, which then attracts the businesses that create "primary jobs" that bring new money into the economy. Retail and small businesses, often overlooked in economic development discussions, are essential for this quality of life.
    • The Chamber’s True Value is Beyond Networking: While the Chamber hosts many networking events, its core value lies in advocacy (like fighting for SB 701), business retention and expansion (where most new jobs are created), and providing research and resources that help small businesses and entrepreneurs succeed.
    • It’s Never Too Late to Start or Pivot: Drawing from his own experience of returning to school in his late 30s for a two-year pre-med program and MBA, and jumping into a new career later in life, James encourages entrepreneurs to embrace change and new beginnings, reminding them that the average successful entrepreneur starts in their 40s.
    • Advice for Entrepreneurs: Get Out of the Building: James advises that the answers to business problems are "not inside the building you're sitting in." Entrepreneurs must go out and talk to 60-100 people about the problem and their proposed solution to truly understand the market and adapt before investing heavily.
    Episode Chapters   

      00:00 – 03:00
    Intro: Welcome, Gregoron Coffee Roasters Sponsor & Promo Code

      03:00 – 05:30
    What’re We Drinking? (Coffee of the Day Discussion)

      05:30 – 11:30
    The Winding Road to Broken Arrow: From Medical Sales to Economic Development

      11:30 – 16:30
    Why Broken Arrow? Finding the "Goldilocks City" and its Growth Position

      16:30 – 21:00
    The City vs. The Chamber: Understanding the Role of the Broken Arrow Chamber & EDC

      21:00 – 28:00
    The Power of Advocacy: How the Chamber Fought for SB 701 (4-Year Degrees)

      28:00 – 35:00
    The Three-Legged Stool: Attraction, Retention/Expansion, and Entrepreneurship

      35:00 – 43:00
    Defining Success & The True Value of a Chamber Membership

      43:00 – 49:30
    Broken Arrow's Unique Growth: Retail, Manufacturing, and Quality of Life Rankings

      49:30 – 58:45
    The Personal Journey: From Corporate Climbing to Entrepreneurial Scars

      58:45 – 1:04:00
    Entrepreneurial Advice: Better to Be Prepared or Just Start?

      1:04:00 – 1:07:30
    Core Questions: Lucky or Smart? & The Legacy of a Leader

      1:07:30
    Wrap-Up, Call to Action, & Sponsor Reminder

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    1 hr 45 min
  • Trademarks, Patents & Pitfalls with with Jansen Rigney & Kate Sullivan
    Summary:

    In this conversation, Kate and Jansen shares their journeys, specializing in intellectual property. They discusses the importance of planning in business, the nuances of navigating intellectual property, and the value of relationships in achieving success. The conversation emphasizes the need for entrepreneurs to seek legal advice early, the significance of protecting intellectual property, and the role of empathy in business interactions.
     
    Takeaways
    • Emphasizes the importance of planning and preparation for entrepreneurs before starting a business.
    • Intellectual property law is complex, and having a solid understanding is crucial for business success.
    • Building relationships with clients and understanding their needs is key to effective legal practice.
    • Encourages entrepreneurs to seek legal advice early to avoid costly mistakes later on.
    • Highlights the importance of trademarks and patents in protecting business ideas and innovations.
    • Empathy is a vital trait for lawyers, helping them understand and support their clients better.
    • Shares insights on the challenges of navigating the legal landscape for startups.
    • Discusses the significance of networking and utilizing available resources in the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
    • The conversation underscores the need for continuous learning and adaptation in the legal and business fields.
     
    Chapters:

    00:00 The Journey Begins: From Law School to IP Practice
    14:07 Building a Business: The Importance of Planning for Success
    28:33 Navigating Intellectual Property: Trademarks and Beyond
    43:24 Trademark Fundamentals and Filing Process
    46:43 Understanding Intellectual Property Agreements
    51:02 Navigating Patent Requirements and Disclosures
    54:42 The Importance of Patent Protection
    58:32 Distinguishing Between Patents and Trademarks
    01:02:25 Strategies for Effective Branding and Trademarking
    01:06:33 The Role of Legal Counsel in Business
    01:10:21 Reflections on Career and Legacy
    01:13:51 Perception, Support, and Empathy in Business
    01:17:37 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
     


    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/brews-business--5630487/support.
    1 hr 30 min
  • Paws & Purpose with Nicole Ingraham
    Summary:
    In this engaging conversation, Braedon Kruse discusses various topics ranging from dog training and the importance of service dogs for veterans to the challenges of entrepreneurship and the realities of balancing personal life with business growth. The discussion also touches on the role of AI in marketing, the significance of women in sports, and future aspirations. Braedon shares insights on the dog training industry, the importance of understanding local governance, and the glamorization of entrepreneurship, providing a comprehensive view of his experiences and thoughts.

     Takeaways:
    • The role of a city manager is akin to that of a CEO.
    • Service dogs play a crucial role in supporting veterans.
    • Dog training requires patience and understanding of behavior.
    • Entrepreneurship demands full commitment and hard work.
    • Balancing personal life and business is a significant challenge.
    • The dog training industry is competitive and requires unique insights.
    • AI is changing the marketing landscape but won't fully replace human touch.
    • Women in sports are gaining recognition and deserve more visibility.
    • Understanding your market value is essential for business success.
    • Planning for the future is crucial for personal and professional growth.

    Chapters:

    00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guests
    02:44 Understanding City Management and Local Governance
    05:26 Dog Training and Behavioral Rehabilitation
    08:06 The Importance of Service Dogs for Veterans
    11:04 Challenges and Rewards of Dog Training
    13:42 Entrepreneurship in the Dog Industry
    16:30 Balancing Business Growth and Personal Life
    19:13 The Reality of Entrepreneurship
    22:09 Navigating Business Challenges and Success
    25:27 Marketing Strategies for Small Businesses
    28:24 The Role of AI in Marketing
    30:54 Future Aspirations and Goals
    33:53 Women in Sports: The Oklahoma Rage
    36:38 Final Thoughts and Closing Remarks
     

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/brews-business--5630487/support.
    1 hr 9 min
  • Lords of Bourbon 3
    Summary
    In Lords of Bourbon 3, Braedon and guests share an evening of bourbon tasting, storytelling, and deep conversation. The group explores the cultural and historical significance of bourbon, draws parallels to leadership and entrepreneurship, and reflects on family, legacy, and personal growth. The conversation is a lively mix of humor, heartfelt insights, and thought-provoking discussions.

    Chapters
    • 00:00 Introduction and Welcome Back
    • 05:15 Bourbon Tasting and First Impressions
    • 12:30 The Parallels of Bourbon and Business
    • 21:40 Storytelling and Camaraderie
    • 34:05 Reflections on Leadership and Legacy
    • 45:55 Family, Faith, and Personal Growth
    • 58:20 Humor, History, and Bourbon Culture
    • 01:10:15 Closing Thoughts and Final Toasts


    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/brews-business--5630487/support.
    1 hr 52 min

About Brews & Business

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Empowering Your Business Journey with Expert Insights and Inspiring Stories

Welcome to the Brews & Business Podcast – your go-to source for invaluable insights, practical advice, and…