On The Cusp

by Dave Smith and Matt Snyder

Entrepreneurship

Season 13

Season 13, Episode 1: Taylor Love with 643 Training

Taylor Love, owner of 643 Training, joins On The Cusp hosts Matt and Dave to talk about the rapid growth of his baseball and softball training business. In this episode, Taylor shares how he’s leveling up indoor athletic training in Shreveport and the major leap he’s taking by purchasing the former indoor tennis courts behind Pierremont Oaks. Taylor gives an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the massive remodel of this historic facility—set to open in January 2026. He also dives into his vision for the future of 643 Training and how partnering with Fungoman pitching and fielding machines has helped shape his innovative training model. Tune in now for insight into youth sports, entrepreneurship, and the future of baseball and softball training.

Season 12

Season 12, Episode 9: Bob Thames & Randolph Smith with Marilynn's Place

This week on On The Cusp, hosts Matt and Dave sit down with Shreveport entrepreneurs Bob Thames and Randolph Smith to talk about their newest project — buying and reopening Marilynn’s Place, the iconic Louisiana restaurant on Fern Ave in Shreveport, LA. Known for its authentic Louisiana and Cajun cuisine, Marilynn’s Place has long been a fan favorite in the Shreveport–Bossier food scene. Bob shares why he wanted to purchase this beloved restaurant and reveals early plans for reopening while preserving everything locals love about it. The team hopes to reopen in early 2026, just in time for the Krewe of Highland Mardi Gras Parade. They also discuss the strength of the Shreveport restaurant community, local business partnerships, and what this means for the future of food and culture in the area. Tune in now to hear how these local owners plan to keep the heart of Shreveport alive through the revival of Marilynn’s Place.

Season 12, Episode 8: Perry Thompson & Doug James with Lumiere

Get ready to light up your holiday season! On The Cusp hosts, Matt and Dave, sit down with Perry Thompson and Doug James, the owners of Lumiere — North Louisiana’s newest and brightest Christmas light attraction located in Stonewall, LA. In this festive episode, Perry and Doug share how the idea for Lumiere came to life, the wild and challenging moments behind the scenes, and what makes their Christmas experience truly magical. From millions of twinkling lights to the best hot chocolate in Louisiana, Lumiere is quickly becoming a must-see holiday destination for families and visitors alike. Tune in now to get into the Christmas spirit and hear the story behind one of Louisiana’s newest holiday attractions!

Season 12, Episode 7: Randy Miller with Career Adventures

Randy Miller of Career Adventures joins your On The Cusp hosts, Matt and Dave, to dive into the world of economic development in North Louisiana. Randy shares the story of how Career Adventures, founded by Arlene Acree in 1985, has evolved alongside the region’s industrial workforce over the past 40 years. He talks about the skilled labor force that continues to power the region’s growth — and how startups are finding the talent they need to thrive here. From matching the right people to the right opportunities to the research behind workforce development, Randy gives an inside look at what it takes to keep North Louisiana moving forward. Tune in now to hear about the exciting momentum happening in our region and the people making it happen.

Season 12, Episode 6: Josh Morvant with Secure Logic, LLC

Josh Morvant, founder of Secure Logic, traded his lab coat for a mic to chat with your On The Cusp hosts, Matt and Dave. He shares how his mission to keep kids healthy in schools started before COVID ever hit the headlines. Josh walks us through the long development process that led to Secure Logic’s big breakthrough — a dry disinfectant system that can coat an entire facility without anyone stepping inside. Unlike traditional cleaning that depends on people (and misses more than you’d think), this dry tech reaches every surface, wipes out invisible germs, and stays completely non-toxic to humans. The hardest part? Not the science — the education. Josh had to show people that a smarter, safer way to disinfect was already here. Tune in now to experience a healthier, cleaner tomorrow with Secure Logic.

Season 12, Episode 5: RL McCary & Lynn McCary Thomas with McCary's Jewelers

In this episode of On The Cusp, hosts Matt and Dave sit down with R.L. McCary and Lynn McCary Thomas to talk about their multi-generation, family-owned business — McCary’s Jewelers. Founded just months before World War II, McCary’s has been a shining staple in Shreveport for over 80 years. R.L. shares the story of how his father opened the store and how it has evolved through decades of change — from new locations to embracing technology. Lynn offers a glimpse into the customers who have helped shape the store’s legacy across generations. Tune in to hear how McCary’s Jewelers continues to innovate and thrive as a mover and shaker in North Louisiana’s jewelry industry!

Season 12, Episode 4: Jake Dement with Dement Brothers Boxing Club

In this episode of On The Cusp, hosts Matt and Dave sit down with Jake Dement, founder of Dement Brothers Boxing Club in Bossier City. Jake shares how his nonprofit gym is keeping the boxing tradition alive in the Shreveport–Bossier area while giving local youth a positive and disciplined outlet. He talks about his passion for the sport, the club’s members and active competitors, and how boxing builds confidence, structure, and self-esteem. Jake also explains the challenges of running a nonprofit and convincing parents that boxing’s rewards far outweigh the risks. From jump rope drills to hosting live events, Jake’s mission is simple — to keep North Louisiana’s fighting spirit alive for generations to come. Tune in now!

Season 12, Episode 3: Odai Alkhatib with Crazy Hot Deals

In this episode of On The Cusp, hosts Matt and Dave sit down with Odai Alkhatib, owner of Crazy Hot Deals in Shreveport, LA. Odai shares how his business turns mystery pallets from major retailers into profitable deals for local shoppers. He explains how he purchases truckloads of returned or overstocked items from large wholesalers, then sells them in-store using a dynamic pricing model where prices drop each day until the items sell. The conversation dives into how Odai refined this model to balance fast turnover with profitability, plus what really happens to products that big-name companies choose to liquidate instead of reselling. Tune in for an inside look into the fast-growing pallet flipping and liquidation industry that’s changing the retail game—and how innovation and strategy turn risk into reward.

Season 12, Episode 2: Dr. Mike McDaniel - LSUS Assistant Professor in Management and Entrepreneurship

Join hosts Matt and Dave on On The Cusp as they sit down with Dr. Mike McDaniel, LSUS Assistant Professor in Management and Entrepreneurship. Dr. McDaniel shares his journey to Shreveport and his passion for supporting business owners and future entrepreneurs. In this episode, he speaks about how entrepreneurs thrive on risk, the reach LSUS’ MBA program has world-wide, and the impact of student pitch competitions in preparing the next generation of business leaders. Dr. McDaniel also dives into his research showing how entrepreneurship drives positive change within communities. Tune in now to explore the role of entrepreneurship and the difference it can make. Discover Dr. McDaniel’s work in the Journal of Business Venturing Insights(JBVI)- available also on Google Scholar by searching his name.

Season 12, Episode 1: DJ Thomas with Red Wolf Media

On The Cusp is back with Season 12! In this episode, hosts Matt and Dave sit down with DJ Thomas, President of Red Wolf Media and host of Frequency Interrupted. DJ shares his journey as a business owner in the East Bank District of Bossier City, reflecting on the incredible growth the area has seen since 2019. Together, they dive into the culture that’s been built in this thriving community, the positive momentum shaping the district, and DJ’s mission to spread that energy even further. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about business, community, and the power of culture in shaping the future of Bossier City.

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