Brews & Business

Braedon Kruse

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 inspiring stories from business owners and professionals across a wide range of industries. Our goal is to empower you with firsthand knowledge from experts in IT, Finance, Sales, Marketing, Operations, Logistics, and much more, so you can grow and optimize your business. Each episode brings together passionate entrepreneurs and seasoned professionals, sharing their experiences, successes, and challenges in the business world. Through engaging conversations, we uncover powerful stories that will fuel your entrepreneurial spirit and provide actionable tips to help you navigate the ever-evolving business landscape. Whether you're a startup founder, a seasoned business owner, or an aspiring entrepreneur, the Brews & Business Podcast is your ultimate resource for learning, growth, and inspiration. Our diverse lineup of guests ensures that every episode offers unique perspectives and valuable nuggets of wisdom that you can apply to your own business journey. So, grab a brew, sit back, and join us as we dive into the fascinating world of business – exploring the latest trends, uncovering hidden gems, and celebrating the incredible stories of those who have dared to dream big and make their mark. Tune in to the Brews & Business Podcast and discover a treasure trove of expert insights and captivating stories that will empower you to take your business to new heights! 🎧👉 Brews & Business Podcast 🎧👉 Marketing for Small Business Podcast 🎧 iHeart, Google, Apple, Spotify, + MORE 💯 Listen to the KruCast Brews & Business Podcast https://www.spreaker.com/show/brews-business Marketing for Small Business Podcast https://www.spreaker.com/show/marketing-for-the-small-business Braedon Kruse Sooner Marketing Solutions "Marketing Solutions That Deliver Sooner Results" braedonkruse.com marketingsooner.com sports-marketing.agency Abel Rodriguez ARC Outdoorsmen "Creating & Maintaining Your Outdoor Living" arcoutdoorsmen.com Chance Jones Are you interested in becoming a guest on our show? Complete the Guest Inquiry Form Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/brews-business--5630487/support.

  1. 4D AGO

    Behind the Demand Confronting Child Trafficking with Jamie Miller

    We are just two episodes away from the big 100! Before we get to the celebration, we take a deep dive into two very different types of numbers in this gripping and eye-opening episode. First, the host kicks things off with his precise, "numbers-driven" method for brewing the perfect espresso to create a perfect cortado. Our guest, Jamie Miller, also shares her unique relationship with numbers—hating math, but loving measurement—tracing how this appreciation evolved through cosmetology school and into her current professional life. Then, the tone shifts as Jamie Miller, of The Demand Project, shares her incredible personal journey and her mission to fight child trafficking. Jamie reveals her background, the chilling moment she first discovered child trafficking, how she overcame a spiritual encounter that tried to stop her exploration, and how a remarkably successful fundraiser in July 2020 led her to The Demand Project just weeks before they opened the nation’s largest safe house for child trafficking survivors. We discuss the pillars of The Demand Project—Prevention, Education, and Restoration—and the staggering financial reality of caring for these survivors. Finally, this episode confront shocking statistics surrounding trafficking, the age of pornography exposure, the alarming intersection between traffickers and the DHS foster care system, and the devastating lack of resources for survivors nationwide. This is a must-listen episode about business mindset, the power of grassroots funding, and the urgent reality of child trafficking in America. KEY TAKEAWAYS  Knowing measurements provides satisfaction and a way to make adjustments.The Demand Project safe house is the largest in the nation with 25 beds. Most only have eightThere are only 661 beds total in the entire country for child trafficking survivors. 26 states have zero beds.70% of trafficked children are in the DHS foster care system.The annual cost to care for one child at the safe house is $75,000.One child can generate $375,000 per year for a trafficker.The average age for a female trafficking victim is 12 years old.The average age of pornography exposure has dropped two years in the last five years, sitting at seven years old in 2025.76% of professing Christian men view pornography at least once a week. Some resources you might get interested: The Demand Project: https://thedemandproject.org/ThE Bark Phone for Kids: https://www.bark.us/learn/the-bark-phone-for-kids-ps/?utm_source=aw&utm_medium=paid-search&utm_campaign=kids-phone-branded-google&utm_content=147666934708&utm_term=kwd-918710695802&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=17664435801&gclid=Cj0KCQiAy6vMBhDCARIsAK8rOgnsy8ptNIheyjEIm5iR5SVa4Y4UA6Gte_OOn5AVi4w1RIJqxESOjCEaAoUeEALw_wcB Enjoyed this episode? Leave us a rating and review! Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/brews-business--5630487/support.

    1h 32m
  2. FEB 14

    2026, Lessons You Only Learn by Doing with Abel Rodriguez

    In this episode of Brews and Business, the hosts reflect on what the podcast has meant to them—both personally and professionally and dive into the real, unfiltered realities of business ownership.  They talk about missing the rhythm of consistent conversations with like-minded entrepreneurs, how podcasting sharpened their communication and interviewing skills, and why being on camera helped them gain confidence when connecting with high-level professionals. The conversation also explores the mindset shift that comes with business ownership, setting boundaries with clients, and why many entrepreneurs feel “officially unemployable.”  The episode wraps with an honest discussion about economic uncertainty, industry stagnation, and how rapid change especially after the COVID has impacted service-based businesses. From four-day work weeks to weathering slowdowns, this episode is about finding rhythm, protecting mental health, and staying grounded when the business world feels unpredictable.   Key Notes / TakeawaysPodcasting created consistency, rhythm, and meaningful conversations outside the daily grindHosting a podcast improves communication, curiosity, interviewing, and sales skillsBeing on camera builds confidence and reduces intimidation when networkingHigh-level professionals are “just people too,” making connection easierBusiness ownership creates a fundamentally different mindset than employmentMany owners feel tempted to clock in, clock out, and let problems be “not my problem”Financial freedom allows flexibility and future career shiftsSetting boundaries is essential—even if it costs clientsA four-day work week (or closed Fridays) significantly improves mental healthDigital businesses often face unrealistic 24/7 client expectationsNot every fire needs to be put out immediately—some resolve themselvesEconomic stagnation is harder than clear downturns because it stalls decision-makingMarketing and landscaping are often cut first during tight economic timesCOVID created a temporary boom in home-based industries, followed by a correctionToo much change too fast prevents businesses from finding a new rhythmEpisode Chapters00:00 – Introduction & Reflecting on the Podcast Why the rhythm of consistent conversations was missed 04:30 – What Podcasting Teaches You Communication, curiosity, interviewing, and confidence growth 10:15 – Networking Without Intimidation Realizing industry leaders are just people 15:40 – “Officially Unemployable” Mindset Why business owners think differently than employees 21:10 – The Allure of Clocking In and Out Why owners sometimes want fewer responsibilities 26:30 – Financial Freedom & Career Flexibility Rethinking lifelong careers and future business ideas 33:45 – Setting Boundaries with Clients Why saying no matters more than saying yes 39:20 – The Four-Day Work Week Experiment Mental health, team morale, and closing on Fridays 46:10 – Losing Clients by Creating Boundaries Why it’s sometimes necessary—and worth it 52:30 – Fires That Can Wait Letting problems resolve themselves 57:40 – Business Stagnation & Economic Uncertainty Why not knowing is worse than knowing things are bad 1:04:15 – Industries Hit First in Tough Times Marketing, landscaping, and service-based businesses 1:10:00 – Post-COVID Business Reality From boom to crunch and finding a new normal 1:15:30 – Too Much Change, Too Fast Why businesses need time to reset and find rhythm Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/brews-business--5630487/support.

    1h 12m
  3. JAN 31

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

    50 min
  4. 11/08/2025

    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 Success4:18 Barbecue Competition Experiences5:38 The Evolution of BBQ Sauces6:07 Head Country BBQ Sauce in Oklahoma7:07 Changing Judge Preferences8:12 Developing a Sugar-Free BBQ Sauce10:11 Barbecue Sauce and Family11:37 The Science of Smoking Meat15:06 Smoker Recommendations: Hasty Bake and Oklahoma Joe19:00 The Nook and Local Business Support21:19 Philosophy of Supporting Local Businesses22:19 Challenges of Competing with Big Box Retailers24:26 Why "Pretty Good At Drinking Beer Barbecue" Avoids Walmart25:27 Working with Homeland Stores27:38 The Realities of the BBQ Sauce Business29:59 Shipping BBQ Sauce Nationwide31:09 The Power of Food to Bring People Together31:56 Juggling a Full-Time Job and a "Pipe Dream" Business33:09 The First Cookbook: "I'd Smoke That"34:09 Non-Traditional Smoker Recipes37:18 Plans for the Second Cookbook39:31 The Value of Teaching and Community40:06 Smooth Sailing and Stressful Times41:09 Leaving a Legacy41:35 The Camaraderie of the Barbecue World43:24 First Grand Reserve Win46:25 Helping Fellow Competitors50:18 Favorite Food (Not Barbecue)51:00 Regional Barbecue Styles52:48 Belief in Luck vs. Smartness53:34 Returning to College for Digital Marketing Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/brews-business--5630487/support.

    1h 2m
  5. 10/25/2025

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

    1h 34m
  6. 10/11/2025

    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.

    1h 20m

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

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 inspiring stories from business owners and professionals across a wide range of industries. Our goal is to empower you with firsthand knowledge from experts in IT, Finance, Sales, Marketing, Operations, Logistics, and much more, so you can grow and optimize your business. Each episode brings together passionate entrepreneurs and seasoned professionals, sharing their experiences, successes, and challenges in the business world. Through engaging conversations, we uncover powerful stories that will fuel your entrepreneurial spirit and provide actionable tips to help you navigate the ever-evolving business landscape. Whether you're a startup founder, a seasoned business owner, or an aspiring entrepreneur, the Brews & Business Podcast is your ultimate resource for learning, growth, and inspiration. Our diverse lineup of guests ensures that every episode offers unique perspectives and valuable nuggets of wisdom that you can apply to your own business journey. So, grab a brew, sit back, and join us as we dive into the fascinating world of business – exploring the latest trends, uncovering hidden gems, and celebrating the incredible stories of those who have dared to dream big and make their mark. Tune in to the Brews & Business Podcast and discover a treasure trove of expert insights and captivating stories that will empower you to take your business to new heights! 🎧👉 Brews & Business Podcast 🎧👉 Marketing for Small Business Podcast 🎧 iHeart, Google, Apple, Spotify, + MORE 💯 Listen to the KruCast Brews & Business Podcast https://www.spreaker.com/show/brews-business Marketing for Small Business Podcast https://www.spreaker.com/show/marketing-for-the-small-business Braedon Kruse Sooner Marketing Solutions "Marketing Solutions That Deliver Sooner Results" braedonkruse.com marketingsooner.com sports-marketing.agency Abel Rodriguez ARC Outdoorsmen "Creating & Maintaining Your Outdoor Living" arcoutdoorsmen.com Chance Jones Are you interested in becoming a guest on our show? Complete the Guest Inquiry Form Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/brews-business--5630487/support.