On The Cusp

by Dave Smith and Matt Snyder

Entrepreneurship

Season 15

Season 15, Episode 5: Jonathan Reynolds with Louisiana Daiquiri Cafe

On this episode of On The Cusp, Matt and Dave head to Kanteen Park to hang out with Jonathan Reynolds of Louisiana Daiquiri Café and hear how he and his partners took a chance on Shreveport’s Far East End District back in 2019. Jonathan shares the story behind creating a local spot that celebrates Shreveport, from drinks named after local neighborhoods to artwork highlighting influential African Americans from North Louisiana and across the state. The conversation also dives into entrepreneurship, community events, keeping customers safe, and the importance of taking pride in the area you call home. It’s a great look at how a local business can become more than just a place to grab a drink—it can become part of the community. Tune in now for some Shreveport history, local flavor, and a conversation that’s all about taking a chance and making a difference!

Season 15, Episode 4: Lemar Flukers with Kanteen Park

On The Cusp is on location at Kanteen Park in Shreveport, sitting down with owner and real estate powerhouse Lemar Flukers to talk about his vision for transforming Texas Ave into the city's next hot spot. Lemar shares how local businesses are taking root and growing in the area, plus the visible upgrades, like fresh paint and eye-catching graffiti art, that are drawing visitors in to snap photos and explore. He also opens up about winning the Shreveport-Bossier Tourism Destination 318: 100K Challenge, a huge milestone for the neighborhood's revitalization. The episode wraps with a walk down Texas Ave alongside Matt and Lemar, exploring the buildings and hearing firsthand the stories behind the area's growth. Tune in now to see how Texas Ave is turning big visions into a Shreveport reality!

Season 15, Episode 3: Tess Lopez with Prep Cakes Bakery

On The Cusp host Matt and Dave sat down with Tess Lopez, founder of Prep Cakes Bakery, to talk about her 10-year entrepreneurial journey crafting guilt-free desserts made for restrictive diets. Tess shares how she got her start in Shreveport's own Cohab incubator commissary kitchen, turning a passion for healthy baking into a growing local business. She also dives into the connection between gut health and brain health, and why choosing the right foods can change your life. It's a candid conversation about resilience, nutrition, and building a bakery that doesn't ask you to sacrifice flavor for health. Tune in now to hear Tess's story on Shreveport's On The Cusp podcast!

Season 15, Episode 2: Danielle Nelson with FreshBar

On this episode of On The Cusp, hosts Matt and Dave sit down with entrepreneur Danielle Nelson to talk about FresBar, her innovative tabletop salad bar concept. Danielle shares the inspiration behind the product and walks through her experience going through EAP's Blue Couch process, from patent research and product development to partnering with engineering firms. She also discusses collaborating with Louisiana Tech engineering students, who developed her product as part of their capstone project, plus her go-to-market strategy for bringing FresBar to life. Tune in now to hear Danielle's inspiring journey from idea to innovation.

Season 15, Episode 1: Ronnie Remedies with Shreveport Limousine

On this episode of On The Cusp, hosts Matt and Dave sit down with Ronnie Remedies, owner of Shreveport Limousine, to hear how a side hustle grew into a full-time business spanning more than 25 years. Ronnie shares how he expanded beyond limousines into buses, iShuttles, and luxury SUVs to meet the growing transportation needs of North Louisiana. He offers a behind-the-scenes look at the types of clients he serves and explains why he sees his employees as ambassadors for the Shreveport-Bossier community. Ronnie also opens up about navigating a fast-changing transportation industry and why staying adaptable and continuing to evolve has been a key part to his success. Tune in now for a front-row seat to the North Louisiana transportation industry and the story behind a business that keeps moving forward!

Season 14

Season 14, Episode 14: Jacqueline Scott

In this episode of On The Cusp, hosts Matt and Dave sit down with Shreveport local legend Jacqueline Scott to talk about her entrepreneurial journey. Ms. Scott shares how her journey began and grew into a remarkable career built on hard work and determination. Born and raised in Shreveport, Louisiana, she has spent her life striving to become a better person and make a lasting difference in her community. From catchy billboards to reality TV to owning her own island, her story is a testament to bold ambition and constant growth. Tune in now to hear this inspiring story of perseverance, motivation, and building a future on your own terms.

Season 14, Episode 13: Lisa Haynie with Lisa's Flowers & Gifts

On this episode of On The Cusp, Matt and Dave welcome their first florist to the podcast, Lisa Haynie of Lisa's Flowers & Gifts, to talk about owning and growing a flower shop in North Louisiana. Lisa shares how she became the second Lisa to own the business, the changes she's made since taking over, and the importance of strong vendor relationships and customer service. She also offers a behind-the-scenes look at the floral industry and the business decisions that keep her local flower shop thriving. Tune in now to hear Lisa's story and learn more about the business behind the blooms. P.S. Howard, thanks for always watching On The Cusp!

Season 14, Episode 12: Waynette Ballengee with Shreveport Regional Airport Beautification Committee

On this episode of On The Cusp, hosts Matt and Dave sit down with Waynette Ballengee, Chairwoman of the Shreveport Regional Airport Beautification Committee, to talk about the exciting transformation underway at Shreveport Regional Airport. As the first impression for visitors arriving in our area, the airport is getting a fresh new look both inside and out, thanks to both the Airport and the Beautification Committee's efforts. Waynette shares how the airport is embracing a new identity featuring local artwork and North Louisiana souvenirs that showcase what makes our region unique. From updated decor to thoughtful design details, every change helps travelers feel a genuine connection to North Louisiana the moment they step off the plane. Tune in now to hear how these changes are helping put our area's best foot forward for visitors and travelers alike!

Season 14, Episode 11: Val & Benn with The Magnolia Pit

You might want to have a snack within reach for this one, because On The Cusp is diving into all things barbeque. Hosts Matt and Dave sit down with Valerie and Taneia Benn, owners of The Magnolia Pit in Shreveport. Val and Benn talk about what led to their decision to buy the restaurant from Chef John Strand and what drew them into the restaurant business in the first place. They share what they wanted to do differently from other local barbeque spots, including keeping the culinary menu inclusive so guests with any diet can find something to enjoy. This conversation dives into the importance of supporting fellow women chefs in our area and highlights the rising number of women making their mark in the culinary industry. Tune in now to hear what really goes on behind the counter and in the Pit at one of Shreveport-Bossier's hottest restaurants. This episode was recorded before Val and Benn made the decision to sell The Magnolia Pit, and we wish them the best! We're excited to see what the new owners bring to this local favorite.

Season 14, Episode 10: Keith Payne with Payne Mechanical Services

In this episode of On The Cusp, Keith Payne of Payne Mechanical Services shares the story of the family business his grandfather started back in 1956, growing from residential plumbing into a powerhouse commercial plumbing and HVAC company. Keith joins hosts Matt and Dave to break the exciting news that Payne Mechanical Services has expanded from four locations to five, with a brand new location now open in Tulsa, OK. He also dives into how the company gives back by supporting the communities their employees call home, and how word of mouth and community involvement drive their marketing and growth. Keith makes the case for skilled trades as a smart career path, offering hands-on training and real opportunity without the need for a four-year college degree. Tune in now to hear how Payne Mechanical Services built a lasting legacy and why the trades might just be the career move you never considered!

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