BendBEAT

Brian Ladd
  • 4.8 (16)
  • BUSINESS
  • UPDATED BIMONTHLY

BeatBeat is a collection of unfiltered conversations led by Brian Ladd with the optimistic leaders of Bend, Oregon, who made this all possible, and those who are looking to the future to solve our current challenges. Sponsored by The Ladd Group.

  1. 12/05/2025

    Mount Bachelor, Community, and the Future of Outdoor Life in Central Oregon with John Merriman

    What makes Mount Bachelor feel like Bend's home mountain instead of just another resort? In this BendBeat episode, Brian sits down with John Merriman, CEO of Mount Bachelor, for a wide ranging conversation about culture, community, and the future of outdoor recreation in Central Oregon. They dive into: • How Bachelor differs from Colorado's crowded mega resorts • Why 75 percent of visitors are locals and why that matters • Housing, employee challenges, and regional collaboration • Recreational immunity and the legal pressures on outdoor businesses • Road maintenance, transportation, and safe access to the mountain • The push to build a four season experience without losing the soul of the place • A new long term mountain development plan that invites community input If you care about skiing, riding, hiking, or simply the future of Bend and Central Oregon, this conversation offers an honest, hopeful look at what is ahead. 🎧 Presented by The Ladd Group at Cascade Hasson Sotheby's International Realty. Whether you are buying, selling, or just trying to understand where our community is headed, we are here as your housing resource. Learn more at bendpropertysource.com #BendBeat #MountBachelor #BendOregon #CentralOregon #OutdoorLifestyle #SkiOregon #CommunityMatters #HousingConversation #LaddGroup

    42 min

  2. 11/07/2025

    Why Engagement Matters: A Conversation with COCC's Zak Boone

    Education, Engagement, and the Heart of Bend: A Conversation with COCC's Zak Boone In this episode of BendBeat, Brian Ladd sits down with Zak Boone, Vice President of College Advancement at Central Oregon Community College and Executive Director of the COCC Foundation, for a deep conversation about what keeps Central Oregon thriving—its people, its institutions, and its culture of giving back. From the origins of Bend's philanthropic spirit to the transformative role COCC plays across the region, Zak shares insight into: How education, equity, and access shape Bend's long-term resilience The vital connection between community colleges and local economies Why volunteerism and civic involvement remain Bend's superpower The optimism fueling Central Oregon's next chapter Discover how community, education, and engagement intersect to make Bend more than a destination—it's a place defined by people who care deeply about its future. Sponsored By:

    44 min

  3. 09/26/2025

    Work. Earn. Learn. Transforming Bend's Next Generation

    Empowering Central Oregon's Youth: Heart of Oregon Corps on BendBeat What if the next generation held the key to solving some of Central Oregon's biggest challenges? In this episode of BendBeat, Brian Ladd sits down with Laura Handy, Executive Director of Heart of Oregon Corps, to explore how this locally founded nonprofit is transforming lives—and our community. For 25 years, Heart of Oregon has been engaging youth ages 16–24 in a "work, earn, learn" model: young people gain job skills, earn wages and scholarships, and give back through projects that protect public lands, reduce wildfire risk, and even build affordable housing. if you want to know more go visit them at: https://www.hoccampus.org/ Laura shares powerful stories of transformation, the organization's impact on wildfire prevention, housing affordability, and childcare, and the exciting next chapter: a new Workforce Development Campus in Redmond. If you care about youth opportunity, community resilience, and the future of Central Oregon, this is a conversation you won't want to miss. Sponsored By: The Bulletin

    39 min

  4. 09/05/2025

    Can Smart Design Solve Bend's Housing Crisis?

    What does it take to build a better Bend? In this conversation, we sit down with Christopher Jones, COO & Partner at Project^, to talk about the architectural vision shaping some of Bend's most iconic spaces, from The Grove and Range Apartments to Basecamp and the ambitious Aretē project. A former professional cyclist and ski mountaineer, Chris brings a global perspective and a deeply personal connection to the outdoors into every community his firm designs. This episode dives into: - The intersection of outdoor lifestyle and architectural design - How modular construction could unlock affordability in Bend - Why thoughtful density matters more than ever The vision for Bend in 2040 and beyond Whether you're a community stakeholder, real estate pro, or just curious about where Bend is headed—this conversation is for you. 🎥 Don't forget to subscribe and hit the bell for more local stories that matter.   Sponsored By The Bulletin https://bendbulletin.com/

    33 min

  5. 08/08/2025

    From Landfill to Landmark: How OSU-Cascades Is helping Bend

    What happens when a community rallies behind higher education—and decides to build a cutting-edge university on top of a former landfill and pumice mine? Welcome to OSU-Cascades in Bend, Oregon. In this powerful conversation, OSU leaders Christine Coffin and Jared Pantella share how Oregon State University–Cascades is not only transforming Central Oregon's built environment but also driving sustainable innovation, education, and community connection. Learn about their audacious vision for a triple net-zero campus, the inspiring story of student-led businesses like Snowblanks, and the creation of an Innovation District that bridges academia and industry. From campus origins to future goals, this is a must-watch for anyone who cares about the future of Bend. Topics covered: History and transformation of OSU-Cascades   Capital planning & land remediation   Net zero energy, water, and waste goals   Community partnerships & industry integration   The role of higher education in Bend's future 👉 Subscribe for more community-driven stories from Central Oregon.Subscribe for more conversations with leaders, changemakers, and local voices shaping Bend 📩 Contact our team at https://bendpropertysource.com 🏡 Have questions about real estate? We're here to help—whether you're looking to buy a home, sell your residential home, or explore homes for sale, we've got you covered! 📩 Email us at info@bendpropertysource.com or 📞 call 541-633-4569 Sponsored By: The Bulletin, visit https://bendbulletin.com/

    45 min

  6. 06/19/2025

    Building a Better Bend: Matt Muchna on Vision, Growth & Community Action

    What does the future of Bend, Oregon look like—and who gets to help shape it? In this full episode of the BendBeat Podcast, host Brian Ladd sits down with Matt Muchna, Executive Director of Envision Bend, to explore the challenges and opportunities facing one of the fastest-growing communities in the Pacific Northwest. From urban planning and housing to social capital and cultural inclusion, Matt shares how everyday residents can get involved in guiding Bend's future. This conversation is for anyone who cares about Bend's growth, identity, and the collaborative spirit that defines our region. 👉 Want to make a difference in your community? Learn more or get involved at https://envisionbend.org 🔔 Subscribe for more conversations with leaders, changemakers, and local voices shaping Bend 📩 Contact our team at https://bendpropertysource.com BendBeat #EnvisionBend #BendOregon #CommunityPlanning #CentralOregon #UrbanDevelopment #LocalVoices #CivicEngagement 🏡 Have questions about real estate? We're here to help—whether you're looking to buy a home, sell your residential home, or explore homes for sale, we've got you covered! 📩 Email us at info@bendpropertysource.com or 📞 call 541-633-4569 Sponsored By: The Bulletin visit: https://bendbulletin.com/

    35 min

  7. 06/03/2025

    Inside Bend: Innovation, AI & Community Impact with Stephanie Betteridge

    In this episode of BendBeat, Brian Ladd sits down with Stephanie Betteridge, Bend's Chief Innovation Officer and Assistant City Manager, to explore how innovation, data, and a people-first mindset are shaping the future of Bend. From AI and public dashboards to snowplow tech and roundabout art, Stephanie reveals the behind-the-scenes work that makes Bend not just function—but thrive. If you've ever wondered how local government can be both high-tech and human-centered, this is a must-listen. 🔎 Topics Covered: What "innovation" really means for a city like Bend How AI is responsibly improving local government operations The story behind Bend's snowplow and service-request dashboards Surprising facts about roundabouts and public art How YOU can get involved in shaping Bend's future 📲 Connect with Us: Visit https://bendpropertysource.com 🏡 Have questions about real estate? We're here to help—whether you're looking to buy a home, sell your residential home, or explore homes for sale, we've got you covered! 📩 Email us at info@bendpropertysource.com or 📞 call 541-633-45

    26 min

  8. 04/04/2025

    What Happens When You Trade Comfort for Purpose? Thump Coffee Bend's Favorite Coffee Spot

    In this episode of BendBeat, Brian Ladd sits down with Bobby Grover, founder of Thump Coffee, to explore his journey from high-pressure corporate life to crafting a purpose-driven coffee brand in Bend, Oregon. Bobby shares what inspired his bold move—from stepping away from a high-paying job to pursuing a slower, more intentional life centered around coffee, community, and personal values. Discover how Thump Coffee isn't just about the brew—it's about balance, creativity, and being deeply rooted in what matters most. Whether you're a coffee lover, entrepreneur, or just someone rethinking life's priorities, this episode will hit home. 👉 If you love stories about people shaping Bend, hit that subscribe button and follow BendBeat for more inspiring local conversations. Leave a comment and share your favorite takeaway from Bobby's story—we'd love to hear from you! Visit Bendbeat.com and check the rest of our episodes.

    31 min
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Ratings & Reviews

4.8
out of 5
16 Ratings

About

BeatBeat is a collection of unfiltered conversations led by Brian Ladd with the optimistic leaders of Bend, Oregon, who made this all possible, and those who are looking to the future to solve our current challenges. Sponsored by The Ladd Group.

Information

  • Creator
    Brian Ladd
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2025
  • Episodes
    35
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright Brian Ladd 2019
  • Show Website
    BendBEAT