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Unlock the secrets to transforming your hospitality business with our latest episode featuring marketing maestro Rob Powell. With an illustrious career that includes stints at Disney and Grand Casinos, Rob shares his unparalleled insights into creating unforgettable customer experiences and building rock-solid brands. Learn why marketing is the lifeblood of the hospitality industry and how its absence can lead to devastating customer dissatisfaction.

Discover the power of personalization and data-driven decisions in reshaping business operations, especially during these post-pandemic times. From contactless delivery methods to omni-channel marketing, Rob discusses the new norms and how businesses can adapt. Hear about the marketing triumphs of the NFL and ESPN and the cautionary tales of Bud Light, and understand why consistent messaging is key to maintaining brand integrity.

In our engaging final segments, we delve into innovative strategies for boosting customer engagement and loyalty. Rob shares brilliant examples of creative promotions that have reignited customer interest and driven repeat visits in the restaurant and casino industries. We also tackle the sensitive issue of online reviews and reputation management, offering practical tips to turn negative feedback into positive outcomes. Tune in for an episode brimming with actionable insights and eye-opening stories from a true industry expert.

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In 2022, we created a safe space for political candidates to amplify their message to our listeners. We stressed over the questions and the logistics, and it was a huge success for all concerned. 

We’re back to do it again, but this time for the Baton Rouge Mayoral candidates. We invited all 8 candidates, and Mayor President Sharon Weston Broome and Ted James were gracious enough to visit our headquarters in person, right here in beautiful downtown Zachary!

Listen, enjoy, and be sure to do your part when it comes time to vote!

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What if you could hear the raw, unfiltered experiences of those who lived through one of the darkest days in American history? In this heart-wrenching episode of Porch and Parish, we are joined by Louie DiVirgilio, a former New York City police officer, and his wife Ambre DiVirgilio, a college student in Manhattan at the time of the 9/11 attacks. Louie recounts his immediate reaction to the news, mobilizing with fellow officers amidst the chaos and dust. Ambre provides a poignant view of the city's transformation from a place of safety to a scene of unimaginable tragedy.

As we journey through their experiences, Louie shares the surreal and haunting moments of navigating through dust clouds, debris, and fire to aid civilians and find fellow officers. Ambre’s reflections on witnessing the attacks from 6th Avenue offer a vivid recount of the confusion and helplessness felt by many. We also hear from Robbie Flynn, a retired American airline stewardess, who shares her experiences and the rapid changes in the airline industry post-9/11, offering a unique perspective on the lasting impacts on her career and life.

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Ever wondered what it's like to be at the heart of Southern hospitality? Join us as Joel Frosch from South Plains Food Company takes us on a flavorful journey through his life in the food service industry. We reminisce about his great-grandma's unforgettable cooking, his go-to comfort food—the Rib-eye Melt—and our shared mission to bring back the charm of open-door hospitality with heartwarming Sunday gatherings. Joel's story is a testament to how food, family, and community can create unforgettable experiences.

Meet our intuitive self-taught chef who transformed a spontaneous flounder dinner into a culinary passion. He reveals his unique approach to cooking, relying on memory and instinct rather than formal recipes. Despite claiming a poor palate, his knack for perfect timing and remembering customers' preferences paints a vivid picture of an artist at work. Plus, hear about his early days managing Sammy's in St Francisville—a period filled with unexpected love, lifelong friendships, and invaluable lessons in restaurant leadership.

 We also discuss the challenges of updating a lunch menu amidst rising costs and the incredible generosity that sustains our community. Finally, take a walking meditation through the heart of Zachary, fostering a sense of unity and connection. This episode is a heartwarming exploration of the ties that bind us through food, family, and community.

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What role can a local gallery play in empowering a community? This week, we celebrate the vibrant spirit of Zachary with DeAndre Lee from Greater Works Gallery and Brittany McLean-Ray, Miss Louisiana Plus America for 2023-24. DeAndre offers a glimpse into his vision for fostering local artistry alongside his wife, while Brittany shares her inspiring journey and the gallery's pivotal role in her success at the national pageant in Texas. We also explore local favorites like LeBlanc's burgers and nachos and highlight dynamic networking events in Baton Rouge and Zachary.

Listen in as Brittany opens up about her commitment to promoting confidence and self-worth among women and girls of all sizes, drawing from her own experiences at the national pageant. DeAndre provides practical advice for fathers on how to uplift their daughters, making this episode both inspiring and relatable. We also touch on the significance of public speaking and community involvement, including impactful visits to schools and speaking engagements that aim to inspire the next generation.

Finally, DeAndre shares his journey from childhood dreams to a professional career, emphasizing the importance of creative entrepreneurship in shaping reality and emotions. He introduces exciting new Zachary-themed merchandise and discusses his experiences supporting students through creative projects. This episode encourages you to embrace unity, connect with cherished memories, and foster positivity throughout the community. Join us for an engaging and insightful conversation that celebrates community, creativity, and collaboration in Zachary.

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What if you could combine a passion for fashion with a commitment to community? Join us on Porch Parish as we sit down with Jessica, the remarkable entrepreneur behind Zachary's upcoming Best Co Boutique. From her early days as an LSU graduate in fashion merchandising to managing a Baton Rouge boutique and dabbling in real estate in Shreveport, Jessica's journey is filled with inspiring twists and turns. Listen in as she shares her vision of creating a boutique that caters to women 35 and up, offering stylish and high-quality pieces while balancing a busy family life with her husband Dr. Best, their three children, and their dog Max.

Jessica doesn't just want to sell clothes; she aims to make a difference. We discuss her innovative idea of donating a portion of the boutique's profits each quarter to local nonprofits or charities, with customer input on choosing the causes. This episode also delves into her dedication to multi-generational shopping experiences, avoiding trendy, age-specific items, and featuring beloved brands like Intro, Fate, TCEC, THML, Skyser Blue, and Cut from the Cloth. Jessica’s commitment to her community shines through, making her boutique a shopping destination with a purpose.

Navigating the wholesale market is no small feat, and Jessica offers a masterclass on how it's done. Drawing from her extensive retail experience, she shares strategies for managing market trips, from budgeting to planning showrooms visits. We get an inside look at the Atlanta market and the rigorous preparation involved in stocking up for new launches. We also introduce Best Co Boutique's exciting offerings, including exclusive brands and curvy sizes, all set to debut during the grand opening on Labor Day weekend. This episode is a treasure trove of passion, fashion insights, and community spirit—don't miss it!

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Ever wondered how a simple holiday activity could transform into a booming local business? Join us as we chat with the dynamic sister duo Bailey and Harper Galloway and their inspiring mom, Ebony McAllister, who turned their popcorn-making fun during the 2020 lockdown into the successful brand, Posh Pop. We explore their journey from kitchen experiments to a beloved local staple, their deep ties with LSU sports, and get some fun shoutouts to their favorite teachers. Plus, Ebony shares how her track background has inspired her daughters' athletic pursuits.

Ready to discover how Posh Pop plans to expand its delicious reach? Dive into their exciting Kickstarter campaign with us, as Bailey, Harper, and Ebony share their dreams of hiring employees and setting up a flagship location in Zachary. This episode highlights their commitment to community roots and the positive impact they aim to create. Listen as we discuss the hurdles small businesses face, especially in employee engagement and exceptional customer service, and the delicate balance between business and personal lives that includes softball and track practice.

Curious about starting a business with kids? Get inspired by Ebony's invaluable advice on fostering children's ideas and passions, even under less-than-ideal circumstances. Bailey and Harper's tale is a testament to the courage needed to enter competitive markets as young entrepreneurs. Their journey serves as a shining example of family teamwork and entrepreneurial spirit, making this episode a must-listen for anyone eager to explore the intersection of business, family, and community. Tune in and feel the warm gratitude we extend to our fantastic guests for their time and insights!

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When Courtney Yoes, local art sensation and instructor embodies the spirit of Zachary's vibrant community. We celebrate her influence, from the murals that grace children's play areas through her work in the school system.

The narrative deepens as we explore the profound ways art tells stories. We tackle the complex dance of professional identity within the art world, questioning what it means to be a 'pro'. This chapter isn't just about defining who we are as artists; it's an affirmation of embracing our unique selves in every brushstroke and life moment.

Our episode crescendos as we resonate with the excitement of young Zachary artists at the Virginia Street Art Crawl. The joy of creating and the celebration of recognition underscores the need for a dedicated art space in our community. We don't just talk about the transformative power of art; we live it, from the hopeful pitches at Baton Rouge Entrepreneurship Week to the art that exudes the essence of Louisiana.

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Ever wondered about the myth of a cougar in Rouse's parking lot or chuckled at the thought of a city inspector doubling as a stand-up comic? Join us as Bryant Dixon, the Zachary City Planning and Zoning Director, brings lightness to the serious world of city planning. We bust myths, laugh at Scott Masterson's dad jokes, and unpack the complexities of infrastructure that affect our daily lives, proving that city planning isn't all about maps and regulations.

Bringing Bryant's background in Environmental Affairs to the conversation, we explore the exciting new software from Forerunner that's revolutionizing flood risk assessment in Zachary. He also shares insights from my time with the New Orleans Sewage and Water Board, drawing parallels to the current challenges in our city. Together with Bryant, we reveal how these technological advancements are not just simplifying our processes but could also lead to significant savings for our residents on flood insurance.

Wrapping up this enlightening episode, we turn our focus to Zachary's growth and economic development. We tackle the careful balance between supporting local businesses and attracting bigger franchises, and discuss the smart growth strategies propelling our community into the future. From enhancing property information access to celebrating our emergency services, we cover the myriad ways in which digital tools and community efforts are keeping Zachary safe, competitive, and thriving.

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