Born In The Bend

A new season of Born in the Bend kicks off this week with a summer wrap-up and a calendar of exciting upcoming events. Emily recaps a summer of European travel and talks about her work with the Fort Bend Museum. Aimee discusses new happenings at Blockhouse Coffee and dives into some upcoming Richmond get-togethers you won't want to miss. Additional talking points include: updates from past guests, holiday fun in Fort Bend, and the launch of the new and improved Born in the Bend website.  

Changes are coming to a property on Harlem Road in Richmond, TX. Founding Partners of Meristem Communities, a Houston-based real estate development firm that emphasizes creating places for people, Scott Snodgrass and Clayton Garrett sit down with Em and Aim this week to talk about Indigo, their community project that combines housing and business development in Fort Bend county. Coming to a neighborhood near you in 2024, Scott and Clayton give listeners a heads up on what to expect and why to choose Indigo! --- Get in touch with Scott Snodgrass on LinkedIn Get in touch with Clayton Garrett on LinkedIn  Learn more about Meristem Communities Check out Indigo and Indigo Commons  Subscribe and leave us a review on Itunes, and visit our Born in the Bend website and Instagram. Born in the Bend is sponsored by Indigo, and is produced and mixed by the team at Speakerbox Media. Keep up with all things Blockhouse Coffee on their website, Facebook, and Instagram, and don't forget to stop by the shop to pick up their signature Blockhouse Blend. Learn more about the Guild on their website, Facebook, and Instagram.

This week we have a special episode sponsored by the Fort Bend History Association. Join us as we sip and chat about delicious upcoming events. Mark your calendars for good brews, fresh food, music, and community! Experience the holiday season through the lens of quaint downtown Richmond.   - - - - For up-to-the-minute updates on all these events and more, follow @jaxand7th, @theguildtx, and @fortbendmuseum on instagram. To purchase tickets to Bites & Brews on November 10 at the Fort Bend Museum, click here. To find the route map for the Community Christmas Walk happening December 2 in Downtown Richmond, click here. For all other events mentioned in this episode, visit the Fort Bend Museum's website events page, here.  - - - - Thank you to our beverage sponsor, Imperial Wines, now open in Sugar Land, TX. 

We catch up with Jerry Jones Jr., Economic Development Director for the city of Richmond, and find out what's new with his department since our last chat in Spring 2021. Initially referred to as the Development Corporation of Richmond, Jerry's department has been going through a rebrand to refer to itself now as Develop Richmond. Along with their name change comes a renewed focus on small businesses and startups, and an exciting revamp of their upcoming Economic Development Week (May 9th - 13th).

We're joined by Joey Lenderman, owner of Enchanted Gardens, to talk about the plants, animals, gifts, and expert advice that can be found throughout the 13 acres of his incredible nursery. With over 2 decades of experience and a strong following in the Fort Bend community, Joey is proud to offer a wide variety of Texas-grown plants to local gardeners of all skill levels and still finds time in his busy schedule to give back to local nonprofits with causes near and dear to his heart.  In this episode, Joey, Aimee, and Emily discuss: Getting started as a family business in Joey's childhood Defining the amazing Enchanted Gardens Showcasing the variety of offerings within the nursery and gift shop Giving some expert advice on everything from soil to pest control Finding opportunities to give back to the community 

We're joined by Shannan Stavinoha, the Executive Director of Parks Youth Ranch, to discuss her extensive volunteer and development experience in the Fort Bend community. After beginning her career in finance, Shannan soon realized her calling really was to serve, and her areas of focus over the years have been on helping children and developmentally disabled adults receive the essential services and support they need to survive and thrive.  In this episode, Shannan, Aimee, and Emily discuss: Transitioning from the financial services industry to development and volunteer work Hearing the call to return to Fort Bend and help her community time and time again Advocating for children and disabled adults through her personal and professional life Embracing her role in Parks Youth Ranch  Understanding and identifying needs in our community

We're joined by Steve Onstad, owner of Swinging Door, to talk about the almost 50 years his BBQ restaurant has been in business in Fort Bend. As a prominent member of our community, Steve has made a name for himself not only for the incredible food he makes, but for the amazing generosity he has provided for his community. In this episode, Aimee, Emily, and Steve cover:  When Steve started cooking  Where the idea for the Swinging Door came from Who made notable appearances in the restaurant and dance hall  Why Steve feels drawn to his employees, patrons, and community How Steve lends a hand in Fort Bend every month

This week, we're joined by Roger Adamson, CEO of the George Foundation, to discuss the philanthropic efforts and impact the George Foundation has on Fort Bend County, including numerous grants, scholarships, initiatives, and educational programs designed to provide the very best in aid and assistance.  In this episode, Aimee, Emily, and Roger cover:  History of the George Foundation and its link to the Old Three Hundred How funds are arranged and divided up amongst nonprofit recipients  Portfolios or “buckets” of giving within the community Educational opportunities for students of all ages Projects assisted by the George Foundation and how they came to be

This week, we're joined by John Kennedy, Field Development Officer at TSTC and Deacon at St. Theresa Catholic Church, to talk about what the Texas State Technical College does, who it serves, and how different programs and opportunities continue to be created as they expand further into Fort Bend county.  In this episode, Aimee, Emily, and John cover: John's decision to become a Deacon after years in the Catholic faith  Transitioning out of a hospitality role into his role with TSTC Scholarship fundraising and the Helping Hands fund Programs and opportunities offered to students at TSTC Fulfilling community needs and placing students in solid careers

This week, we're joined by Jess Stuart, Community Development Executive at YMCA and descendant of the “Old Three Hundred”, to discuss his extensive family history in texas, passion for historical preservation, and the goals the YMCA has for our community moving forward.   In this episode, Aimee, Emily, and Jess cover: Almost 200 years of family history in Texas History of the Old Three Hundred How Jess developed his own interest in family history and Texas history  Work Jess has done with numerous groups, nonprofits, and organizations YMCA's journey in Fort Bend and what to look forward to at the TW Davis location

In anticipation of Season 3 launching February 15, we're replaying some listener favorites from our first two seasons. Season 2's episode with the ladies of Vintage Hope first aired June 2021, and since then, their business has flourished. After seamlessly transitioning into The Guild's space, Emily, Katie & Elise decided 611 Jackson Street needed to be the permanent home for their business. Starting this February, Vintage Hope will officially take over the space. We're re-airing this fun, and heart-warming episode to acquaint (or re-acquaint) you with the newest gals on the Jax & 7th block!

In anticipation of Season 3 launching on February 15, we're replaying some listener favorites from our first two seasons. Since airing the Fort Bend Museum episode from season 1 in June of 2020, so much has changed! The brand-new museum building has opened, Emily has joined the board of the Fort Bend History Association, and after a two-year pause, plans for the History Association's annual gala, the Lone Star Stomp on Saturday, April 9, are underway. Enjoyed this episode? Support the Fort Bend History Association's efforts by purchasing a ticket to the Lone Star Stomp at www.fbhistory.org.

Aimee and Emily introduce you to the themes, motivations, and fresh faces behind the newest season of Born in The Bend.    

Emily and Aimee meet with Ray and Sarah Smith, founders of Speakerbox Media and producers of Born in the Bend, to discuss starting their own podcasting business, finding a niche in Houston, and understanding the importance of an audio strategy. In this episode, Aimee, Emily, Ray, and Sarah cover: How Ray and Sarah met and started their lives together What drew them towards entrepreneurship and podcasting Where they found their niche and developed their services How they formed a partnership with Expansive Where they see themselves going and their goals as a business

Aimee and Emily meet Jen Plihal and Peg Turrentine, founders of Three Sisters Farm, and talk about all things farming, harvesting, and selling to the community. In this episode, Aimee, Emily, Jen, and Peg cover: Growing up with gardening and farming in their childhoods Developing a business partnership through mutual passion Living off the land and making it work on a budget Selling crops and teaching others how to garden and grow Dreaming of more commercial opportunities in the future

Aimee and Emily meet with Nilou Gibson, owner of Sweetwater Pies, on part two of a two-part bakery-themed series to discuss running her pie business out of Sugarland, Texas. In this episode, Aimee, Emily, and Nilou cover: Growing up in California and making her way to Texas Shifting career paths from nurse to full-time pie lady Finding inspiration in fellow bakers and pie-makers Keeping up with orders during the pandemic Upcoming adventures in classic cake flavors

Aimee and Emily meet with Amna Khalique, owner of Sugarplum Bakery, on part one of a two-part bakery-themed series to discuss running her small bakery business out of Sugarland, Texas. In this episode, Aimee, Emily, and Amna cover: Baking during quarantine Relocating from Pakistan to America Finding the inspiration to bake professionally Keeping busy with popular recipe staples Dreaming big with the hopes of opening her own storefront

Aimee and Emily meet with Katie Higgins and Elise Arango, the founders and owners of Vintage Hope, and talk about becoming friends through their children, going into business together, and supporting mental health struggles. In this episode, Aimee, Emily, Katie, and Elise cover: Becoming friends and forming a bond Starting with a t-shirt business and expanding into a boutique Understanding the importance of authenticity and honesty Supporting and caring for their community Expanding and collaborating with other businesses

Aimee and Emily are joined by the new Economic Development Director for Richmond, Jerry Jones. Together, they discuss Richmond's tourist potential, historical draw, cultural importance, and economic future. In this episode, Aimee, Emily, and Jerry cover: Feeling called to be a part of the Richmond community Defining the role of Economic Development Connecting government, business owners, and community Explaining exciting projects (retail coach, cultural district, innovation hub, tourism) Meeting goals and growing together

Aimee and Emily kick off season 2 with something they've never done before--interview each other! Together, they cover what brought each of them to create the Guild and Blockhouse Coffee, how 2020 changed everything, and what they're most looking forward to in the future. In this episode, Aimee and Emily cover: Creating big dreams in small spaces Building places where they want to go Overcoming grief through community and family Coping with taking steps forward and steps backward Making their dream into a reality

As owner and founder of Shady Oak Christian School, Joyce Trigger shares a personal connection with Emily and Aimee through working with their families and teaching their children. Shady Oak focuses on a holistic approach to education, inspiring parents to learn alongside their children, and encouraging kids to uncover who they really are. With her insightful knowledge and caring nature, Joyce takes this opportunity to share the importance of forming connections and fostering community with Aimee, Emily, and their listeners.

Ana Alicia, the site manager for the Fort Bend Museum. Ana has worked at the museum for the past four years, showing her passion and love for Texas history every single day. With COVID-19 causing a shift in the way the museum operates, Ana takes the opportunity in this episode to explain where the museum plans to go from here and how they plan to still remain true to their vow to be a community hub in Fort Bend.

Ken Tisdel, founder of LCG Global, to discuss his current project remodeling the Historic Exchange Hotel in downtown Richmond. Originally from Arizona, Ken discovered the charm of Richmond after forming his cybersecurity and litigation company and formed an immediate attachment to the Exchange Hotel. Through seeing its potential as both an office space and as a landmark, Ken has been dedicating his time to restoring the hotel to its former glory as well as adding his own unique mark to downtown Richmond.

Emily Scherer and Aimee Frederick meet up with Zach Lambert, the man responsible for kickstarting Mercy Goods in Richmond, to talk about the origins of their friendships with one another, the ways in which they’ve felt called to help their community, and what it really means to be involved in Mercy Goods. Mercy Goods is a non-profit organization run by Attack Poverty that focuses on teaching important work and life skills to low income, underprivileged members of the Richmond community.

Born in the Bend is a podcast by Emily Scherer and Aimee Frederick, two entrepreneurs with a passion for their hometown of Richmond, Texas. With a rich historical background and a community full of creative individuals, Richmond finds its charm and appeal for tourists and Fort Bend county locals alike. Through telling unique stories and elevating the voices of a wide array of guests, Aimee and Emily aim to share a little piece of the town they love in every episode and show the world what Richmond is all about.