Flip This Town

Ron's last consultation turned out to be his best!  Listen to the excitement coming from the focus group on the last day of his trip as they discuss projects already starting in Downtown Marion, SC.

Life is always changing.  Flip This Town is changing too.  In this episode, Ron shares how he is beginning the next chapter in his life with his next restoration project in Port Maria, Jamaica, in what will be one of the last episodes of the Flip This Town Podcast.

As we start down the road to recovery, we know there will be challenges for many businesses.  Restaurants are the lifeblood of many downtowns and are important to the communities they serve.  In this episode, Ron & Kristi welcome Chef Chris Johnson, owner of The Meeting House to share his perspective on what restaurants need to do to remain viable and ways they can inspire their customers to come back.

We all know that this current crisis will have a significant economic impact on downtowns, but what about the residents? Ron and Kristi welcome Christina Drake, Matt & Amanda Orcutt and Yoon Kim from Ron's hometown of Siloam Springs, Arkansas to share their stories of how things have changed since this crisis caused a "vibrancy on pause" and what comes next.

Ron & Kristi are proud to welcome Prescott, AZ business owners Candy Hull, Clothes Hound Clothing Company; Sheri Shaw, Back Alley Wine Bar and Audra Yamamoto, Granite Mountain Brewing to talk about the creative ways they are keeping their businesses going during these challenging times.

This is the first episode in our new Flip This Town Limited Series, Locals on the Front Line, which shares stories of inspiration and hope from downtowns across the country.  In this episode, Ron and Kristi welcome Sue Keels, General Manager of the Royal Park Hotel and Hillary Heacock, Owner of Studio One Salon, both located in Downtown Rochester, Michigan, to share their stories and challenges they are experiencing right now.

Ron and Kristi are no strangers to extreme challenges.  In today's podcast, they will share ideas of how to overcome the unprecedented challenges which face small businesses during the current crisis.  We believe we will all come out stronger and this podcast will inspire you to believe the same!

And the search is on to find America's Main Street!  In this episode, Ron and Kristi welcome Bill Brunelle of Independent We Stand and Wayne Carter, Executive Director of Main Street DeLand, the winner of the 2017 America's Main Streets Contest to discuss the contest and both the short and long term benefits of winning this prestigious award!

In this episode, Ron & Kristi welcome Stephanie Rizzo, Executive Director of the Historic Marion Revitalization Association in Marion, SC to talk about the value of downtown collaboration.  From creating small business partnerships and fundraising to helping neighboring towns by sharing ideas and inspirations, this is one podcast you'll want to listen to again and again!

In this episode, Ron & Kristi welcome Denise Schieffer, owner of Rise & Pies in Downtown Perry, OK.  She shares the journey that led her to open her business and reflects on the joys and lessons learned one year later. 

How did a small town in Arkansas become known as one of the best in America?  Siloam Springs, Ron's hometown, has experienced tremendous growth and success in the downtown core.  On this episode, Ron & Kristi have the privilege of interviewing Meredith Bergstrom, former MS Director and current Director Kelsey Howard.  You'll enjoy hearing their stories of revitalization and partnerships that created the success story that Siloam Springs is today.

I think we all can agree that micro breweries are not a fad that is going away anytime soon. Is it possible that these small batch breweries can do more than create great beer? We think they can! Opening up a brewery in small town is difficult, but with passion and hard work anything is achievable. In this episode, Ron visits Casey & Dorothy Letellier, owners of Ivory Bill Brewing, located in his hometown of Siloam Springs, AR at Siloam Springs' first brewery to tell their story. 

Coworking spaces are more than a trend for downtowns, as many jobs are no longer confined to a traditional office space.  In this episode, Ron & Kristi are joined by the owners of WorkIT Coworking Center in Stillwater, OK to discuss the many benefits, not only for their clients, but for their downtown too.

While on a consultation and keynote presentation in Nebraska, Ron had the opportunity to moderate a panel of downtown rock stars that are making a difference in their communities.

Since our first episode, we've said that restoration is our story and have proudly shared stories of great things happening in towns across America.  This season kicks off with a different story of restoration as Ron shares his personal and unexpected restoration journey with his own battle with cancer.

Meet Medford, Oklahoma, population 996 and the location of Ron's latest 3-Day Community Kickstart Visit.  In this podcast, Ron, Kristi and several of Medford's community stakeholders share their thoughts on the challenges and opportunities identified during Ron's visit, and what's next for Medford.

By popular demand, Ron and Kristi dive into a topic mentioned on many past podcasts - Expose It!  By exposing the natural elements of a building, focusing on the simplest of designs, you can discover the most practical form of preservation (and economical too)!  Looking for the "Cool Factor" for your project?  Then start with this podcast!

This week, Ron & Kristi were on the road to visit Main Street Wellington, Ohio, winners of Independent We Stand's America's Main Street Contest.  Tune in to listen to Ron & Kristi's ideas and opportunities identified during the visit, plus how this award will positively impact the future of Main Street Wellington.

Placemaking doesn't have to mean shipping container parks and splash pads.  On the contrary, the most effective placemaking projects are those that keep it simple.  In this episode, Ron and Kristi share their experiences and examples of highly impactful placemaking projects that can be done with a small budget and a lot of community creativity.

Meet Fairview, Oklahoma - a small town with incredible potential!  This week's episode was recorded live from Ron's latest 3-Day Community Kickstart in Fairview.  Hear from the amazing group that is spearheading their revitalization effort with positivity and enthusiasm, plus all the opportunities Ron uncovered during his visit.

This week, we welcome Bill Brunelle of Independent We Stand, an incredible organization that is all about independently owned businesses and downtown organizations across the country reaching out to their communities and educating their neighbors about the many benefits of "buying local". In this episode, we dive into the importance of supporting local businesses and the details for the Top 25 Quarterfinalists in the America's Main Street Contest.

Recorded live at the Main Street Now Conference in Seattle, Ron and Kristi welcome Bill Fontana, Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Downtown Center.  Tune in as they explore the incredible things happening in downtowns across Pennsylvania, and Bill's insights on what's next for Main Street.

Recorded live at the Main Street Now Conference in Seattle, Ron and Kristi welcome national downtown branding expert Ben Muldrow of Arnett Muldrow & Associates.  Tune in as they discuss the current state of Main Street communities across the country, as well as challenges and opportunities for the future.

Craft beer is no longer a cottage industry, but rather an expected asset in any vibrant downtown.  Tune in to this throwback episode as Ron & Kristi explore the evolution of craft beer, breweries and tap rooms as third places and how they are reshaping communities at a grass roots level.

Ever wonder how Flip This Town started?  This week, we're re-releasing Episode #1, including new commentary from Ron and Kristi.  We've met so many people on our journey to downtown restoration, but many don't know our backstory.  So sit back, relax and enjoy the humble beginnings of Flip This Town!

Looking to keep your 20-somethings from leaving your downtown, or hoping to attract others?  In this week's podcast, Ron and Kristi welcome Haylie Smith, a 22 year old dynamo dedicated to making a difference in her town of Prescott, AZ.  We dive into what experiences millennials are looking for and how downtowns can attract that ever elusive market.

This week's episode takes us to Prescott, AZ, the location of Ron's latest 3-Day Consultation and Community Visioning Session.  Prescott is filled with limitless potential, and great people to make it happen.  Listen in as key leaders in the community discuss what they have learned this week, as well as Ron's recommendations for taking the next steps.

In this episode, Ron and Kristi welcome John Marsh, owner of Marsh Collective and host of the podcast, Redemptification.  Hear his story of unearthing beauty from brokeness in his hometown of Opelika, Alabama and discover how this entrepreneur and community visionary is making a difference in towns across the country.

In downtowns big and small across the country, you will find every day people accomplishing extraordinary things for the good of their community.  We like to call them Main Street Heroes, and we are excited to share their stories in this new podcast series.  Meet Michelle Taylor:  Michelle loves family, loves life and loves her hometown of Perry, Oklahoma.  If her story doesn't inspire you, maybe you should have your heart checked.

Ron & Kristi are continuing the conversation about hiring a downtown consultant.  In this episode they explore the why of hiring a consultant, setting goals & expectations and how it can add value and credibility to your organization.

Downtown consultants are great resources and can help by lending communities their expertise and a fresh perspective. But how do you know what to look for in a consultant to ensure that you are getting the best results for your community? In this episode, Ron and Kristi share their experiences from the viewpoints of both a consultant and a Main Street Manager and detail what you should know before you hire a downtown consultant and how to make the most of the opportunity.

We all wish for great things for our downtowns, but sometimes we forget to appreciate all the things that we have accomplished.  In this episode, Ron and Kristi discuss the many things you can be thankful for and the value of celebrating all successes, big and small.

Engaging stakeholders can be a full time job.  Do you ever think about not just how you are communicating with them, but what you are saying?  It can be as simple as the difference between saying city or community; park or place.  In this podcast, Ron and Kristi share their experiences and how you can increase community engagement without spending a dime.

We all experience challenges and adversity along our downtown restoration journey, but nothing can compare to the impact of a natural disaster.  We are proud to welcome our friend Allen Branch of Downtown Panama City, FL which was devastated by Hurricane Michael.  In this episode we hear his story and how the people of Downtown Panama City are coming together to rebuild their community.

One can't help but feel nostalgic when thinking about their downtown, with fond memories from days gone by.  But how can you harness those memories and use them as a spark for new ideas?  In this episode, Ron & Kristi wax nostalgic and discuss the value that can be found in looking to the past to help build your downtown's future.

That's right, it might not work in your town.  In this episode, Ron & Kristi discuss why downtown revitalization won't work in your town if you don't answer several key questions.

As downtown organizations, you can share what you do and how you accomplish your goals, but have you ever asked yourself why?  In this episode, Ron & Kristi explore the concept of finding your why - the importance and how it can guide the success of your organization.

The same conversation happens in every town with that one building that you wish the property owner would do something with, but it really isn't that easy.  In this episode, Ron & Kristi discuss the myths and real barriers that property owners encounter, along with ways to inspire and empower them to see the significant benefits to restoring their properties.

Hard to believe that it was just one year ago that the Flip This Town journey began.  In this episode, Ron & Kristi reflect on the last year, sharing favorite moments and lessons learned along the way.

Every Main Street organization has that moment that they move past being that group that plans the parties or plants the flowers, but how do you get there.  In this episode, Ron and Kristi will explain the importance of taking this important step, and the many paths to get there.

The best downtown projects are the product of collaboration.  In this week's episode, Ron and Kristi explore Ardmore, OK and the potential redevelopment of an 80,000 sq. ft. former elementary school.  Old buildings need new ideas and this building has tons of potential - and numerous partners to make it a reality.

Downtown revitalization is a not about the efforts of one person, but rather a team of people with different talents committed to doing good in their community.  In this episode, Ron and Kristi talk about finding your downtown heroes and how to assemble your own unstoppable superhero team.

Often times tragedies can make you stronger. As Ron’s dear friend, India Lewis was in a battle for her life, the community of Siloam Springs and beyond stepped up in a big way. Local Creekside Taproom used their resources to raise money, raise awareness and raise the spirits of the Lewis family in a very beautiful way. 

Over the last 10 years, the number of Farmers' Markets has been growing exponentially.  No longer just another event , Farmers' Markets have become a staple in the fabric of downtown life.  In this episode, Ron & Kristi discuss the phenomenon of Farmers' Markets and why they are important, both economically and for the quality of life of your community.

Restoring the heart of America is our mantra, but restoring the heart of a community in any country is a belief we work to make possible.  In this episode, listen to Ron and Christina Drake talk about their passion for restoring the second oldest town in Jamaica, Port Maria.  Using the same principles in the Caribbean as they do here at home, there is a beautiful story to be told.

It’s amazing how quickly things can change when a community is inspired to look beyond what has always been and focus on what could be.  Ron and Kristi discuss what’s already happening in Watonga, OK and how they changed direction in just one week since Ron’s 3-Day Consultation.

Imagine if you were starting your town over.  You would likely be intentional in how you lead and guide the future development and direction of your downtown including building codes, community engagement and business development.  This week's episode takes us to the location of Ron's latest 3-Day Consulatation, to the town of Watonga, OK.  Ron and Kristi discuss Ron's findings and a-ha moments as they explore how Watonga is being intentional in their restoration efforts. 

Times are changing, and people don’t want the big house or the fancy car anymore.  They are shifting their wants and needs and seeking a simpler life.  In this episode, Ron & Kristi explore the new American Dream and how downtowns fit in.

Is cornhole the answer to your downtown revitalization questions?  Maybe, maybe not.  But it is a great example of things that are shaping downtowns, engaging people and creating special places. More and more, people are seeking happiness, connectivity and simplicity.  It's about changing the mindset and recognizing the difference between spaces and places.  In this episode, Ron & Kristi dive into what people are looking for downtown, what makes a true place, and of course, cornhole! 

It happens - a project doesn't go the way you hoped and you feel like your whole town is watching you fail.  Yes, it happens, but it doesn't have to be that way.  In this episode, Ron & Kristi share their experiences not only with failure, but how to use that experience to fuel future ideas and projects.

On the journey to restoring your downtown, it is inevitable that you will encounter naysayers that don’t believe that it is possible.  In the final installment in the “You Asked For It” Mini-Series, Ron and Kristi share their experiences dealing with negativity downtown and provide ideas how to understand, process and manage it so it doesn’t stop your downtown restoration momentum.