Interviews

The Nothing Bundt Cake Conversation

 My interview with Leif Johnson of Nothing Bundt Cake (North Austin, Arboretum).

We covered topics like Franchising, how he started, running the business, challenges, their unique offering, and working the business with his wife, Caitlin.

Enjoy.

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The Jefes Mexican Restaurant Conversation

My final interview with Mr. Rogelio Lozano of Jefes Mexican Restaurant. 

We go over their---he started the business with his mom and brother; a family affair---their beginnings, the mexican influence, catering, business counsel, and others.

If you are a taco guy, or love Mexican food, take a listen and consider checking them out.

Note: You will also hear a beep go off ( not deafening) from time to time during the interview. It's a sort of system the restaurant uses, and the mic picked it all up.


Listen.


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 The Sap's Fine Thai Cuisine Conversation

My conversation with Mr. Saphachai Apisaksiri Suppachai (simply known, Sap) of Sap's Fine Thai Cuisine.

Sap's journey started in far away Bangkok, Thailand. Today, as owner of two restaurants in Austin, Texas,  I sat down with him to hear his story, his business journey, and his goals for the future. 

Enjoy.


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 The Cafe Java Conversation

My conversation with Mr. Matt Lacy of Cafe Java. Cafe Java has been in business for close to 19 years, and is locally owned and operated by Matt and Eva.

This conversation details their journey from the early days of the shop, the challenges, growth, and their philosophy.

My thanks to Mr. Matt Lacey for taking the time.

Listen.



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The Sharp End Athletics Conversation

My conversation with Ben Himes of Sharp End Athletics. Sharp End is a sports performance center for elite athletes.

Thanks to Mr. Himes for taking the time.

Enjoy.

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The Silver Grill Cafe Conversation

My conversation with Mr. Rehan Awan, owner of Silver Grill Cafe in Austin, Texas.

Silver Grill Cafe is a relaxed eatery with a wide menu of burgers, BBQ & breakfast, and Tex-Mex fares.

This conversation details his start, growth, partnerships, and other.

Thanks.

Listen.

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The Crossfit Central Conversation

This is my conversation with Carey Kepler, owner and co-founder of Crossfit Central in Austin, Texas. She and her brother, Jeremy Thiel, started Crossfit Central, have been in business since 2005, and are one of the most patronized fitness outfits in Austin.

Crossfit Central came out tops as the A-List Winner of 2014 for best crossfit in Austin, Texas. This was out of 18 other crossfit centers in Austin.

Carey shares the details of their journey from the start, how they grew, and what the vision is for them going forward. Good information overall.

Note: My voice goes in and out during the conversation, making some of my questions unclear. The fault is mine entirely; just got to speak up. But doesn't take away Carey's good breakdown of what her company is about.

Also, I also realized a mistake on my part: During the conversation, I noticed my saying that in 2005 there 13 locations, and that same year 10000 locations opened up. That's wrong.

This fault is completely mine, I just read what I read on wikipedia wrong. There's actually over 10000 now, 2014. Just wanted to harp on those, so it doesn't take away the quality of the conversation.

Thanks, everybody. Enjoy the convo.

Thanks, Carey.

Listen

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The Tomodachi Sushi Conversation
 
Day 12 had me in a conversation with Steve Riad of Tomodachi Sushi. Thoroughly fun conversation---Steve was generous with his time, shared his journey, and gave useful counsel on how to go about starting your own restaurant. 

To him, my many thanks.

"Know what you are getting yourself into, and start, and somehow things workout." 

 

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The Black Forest Werkshop Conversation

I had the pleasure of speaking with Mr. Lee Rector of Black Forest Werkshop on Monday, the 24th. I enjoyed the conversation for it's candid tone. Mr. Rector considers the needs of customers a primary focus in his business, and most of his yelp reviews confirm that.

Black Forest Werkshop has been in business for almost 30 years, and there's a reason why. My thanks to Mr. Rector for sharing. You can check them out here: Black Forest Werkshop

"If you are digging for gold, you meet a lot of mud."

Listen.


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The Aces Jiu Jitsu Club Conversation

Like I shared on the main blog page, I had the pleasure of interviewing coach Mikal Abdullah of Aces Jiu Jitsu Club on Thursday, 11/20. 

 AJJC is a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Club in Austin, Texas. 
 
I did the interview first for coach Mikal's interesting back story, having lived in countries like Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Canada, Brazil, and learned his craft in some of these places.

Second, for his ability to combine his love for Brazilian Jiu Jitsu with entrepreneurship, helping others learn the art of self defense. 
 
Coach shares his story and business ideas in this conversation. To check out coach Mikal, go here: AJJC. Thanks.

"Jiu Jitsu is life, and life is Jiu Jitsu."

Listen in.




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 The Oh Boy!Print Shop Conversation

So the project got it's first interview today Monday, the 17th, thanks to Oh Boy!Print Shop. If you want to learn more about the company, check them out here: Oh Boy! Here is our conversation below.

Oh Boy!Print Shop was founded three years ago, in a garage. Three years later, they---the company was founded by Rob and Jim---have opened their first shop here in Austin, Texas.

In this conversation we go over their journey as entrepreneurs, their challenges and rewards, what separates in them in the marketplace, and what they will like to tell folks looking to start their own businesses.

"Become the best person you can become for what you want to do."

Listen in.