BendBEAT

In this episode of BendBeat, Brian Ladd sits down with Bobby Grover, founder of Thump Coffee, to explore his journey from high-pressure corporate life to crafting a purpose-driven coffee brand in Bend, Oregon. Bobby shares what inspired his bold move—from stepping away from a high-paying job to pursuing a slower, more intentional life centered around coffee, community, and personal values. Discover how Thump Coffee isn’t just about the brew—it’s about balance, creativity, and being deeply rooted in what matters most. Whether you’re a coffee lover, entrepreneur, or just someone rethinking life’s priorities, this episode will hit home. 👉 If you love stories about people shaping Bend, hit that subscribe button and follow BendBeat for more inspiring local conversations. Leave a comment and share your favorite takeaway from Bobby’s story—we’d love to hear from you! Visit Bendbeat.com and check the rest of our episodes. 

In this episode of the BendBeat Podcast, we dive into the incredible work of Oregon Adaptive Sports (OAS), an organization dedicated to making outdoor recreation accessible to individuals with disabilities. Hosts Colleen Dougherty and Pat Addabbo share the inspiring journey of OAS—from its grassroots beginnings to serving over 2,500 adaptive experiences annually. Join us as we discuss the impact of adaptive sports, the power of community support, and how OAS is breaking barriers to outdoor access. Whether it’s skiing at Mt. Bachelor, cycling, or paddling, this conversation highlights the life-changing opportunities made possible by OAS. 🔹 Learn how you can get involved or support OAS: https://oregonadaptivesports.rallybound.org/Team/View/205634/LADD-Group 🔹 Subscribe for more inspiring community stories! These conversations are brought to you by the Ladd Group—Bend’s leading real estate team.

In this episode of BendBeat podcast, Brian Ladd welcomes Kayley Mendenhall, Vice President of Strategic Communications, and Jenny O’Bryan, Executive Director of the St. Charles Foundation, for an inspiring conversation about the legacy, challenges, and future of St. Charles Health System, 100 years of community-centered care in Bend, Oregon. St. Charles has been a cornerstone of Central Oregon for over 100 years, beginning as a small hospital run by nuns and growing into a vital nonprofit health system serving over 250,000 people across four hospitals. Learn how St. Charles remains committed to “Care for All,” its evolving role as a Level II Trauma Center, and the innovative ways it is addressing the region’s growing healthcare needs. Key topics include: The historical roots of St. Charles, starting in 1918. The foundation’s philanthropic efforts, including the Redmond Cancer Center. Workforce development initiatives to train future healthcare providers. The collaborative spirit and community partnerships that fuel St. Charles’ mission. Discover the untold stories, challenges, and triumphs of Bend's most critical health institution and find out how you can contribute to shaping its future. Listen now to explore what it truly means to live, work, and play in Bend, Oregon.

While it might be hard to believe, Bend's population growth has noticeably slowed over the past two years, with last year's increase falling to just under 1%. This marks one of the slowest growth rates Bend has seen since 2010-2012, a stark contrast to the rapid expansion of the previous five years. While this deceleration may be alarming to some, it's important to note that many communities in Oregon would welcome an annual population growth rate of around 1%. So why is Bend, a city that seems to be thriving, experiencing this slowdown? Taking a step back and understanding a bit more about Bend’s history of decelerated and accelerated growth might offer some clarity. We were thrilled to sit down with Damon Runberg, Chief Economist for Business Oregon, who explores with Brian the potential reasons behind this new trend and offers his insights into what the future may hold for Bend.  

Growing and thriving are part of our everyday lives, but there is always another side. In this episode, alongside Cassi MacQueen and Brian Ladd, we dive deeper into what Deschutte’s Children Foundation is doing and how it is promoting and helping other non-profit organizations to be successful, in order to keep the help going where it is needed. Deschute’s Children Foundation's mission is to provide the space and support where nonprofits succeed at helping children and families. Their vision is a community where all children and families have the resources they need to thrive. Get to know more about: Cassi MacQueen, the Executive Director of Deschute’s Children Foundation The key mission of Deschute’s Children Foundation How you can be a part of this and give back to our beloved community Do you want to help? visit: https://deschuteschildrensfoundation.org/ If you want to know more about the Ladd Group, please visit: https://www.bendpropertysource.com/   

Welcome to BendBeat Podcast! In today's episode, we had the opportunity to talk with Chris & Erin van der Velde, better known as Tetherow. Brian Ladd took this opportunity to dive deep into the impact that the Tetherow resort has had in Bend, Oregon. Tetherow encompasses 700 acres on Bend, Oregon’s west side. They boast a 50-room boutique hotel, pool, three restaurants, 40 vacation rental homes, event pavilion, an 18-hole golf course, golf academy and various residential neighborhoods. They ensure environmentally-sound philosophies and practices are integrated into nearly every aspect of the resort’s development. In this podcast episode between Brian Ladd with Chris & Erin van der Velde, you’ll learn more about: - Chris & Erin van der Velde Origin Story and about being part of the Bend Community. - Tetherow History and growth - The impact that Tetherow had in the community. - Bend ups and downs and how much has it growth.

Welcome to our next episode of the BendBeat where Brian Ladd and Lynne McConnell  delve deep into the heart of Bend, Oregon's evolving landscape of affordable housing. With a clear vision that housing forms the foundation of success, this episode explores the myriad of inventive strategies the city of Bend is working on to ensure everyone has a place to call home. From leveraging middle-income housing programs to pioneering safe parking initiatives and bolstering state and federally supported shelters, Bend is on a mission to shape growth in ways that genuinely benefit its residents.

The subjects of Oregon land use laws, the urban growth boundary, and zoning all take center stage in this informative conversation between Brian Ladd and Deschutes County Commissioner, Phil Chang. Commissioner Chang is giving us an inside look at how Bend is a driving force in the decisions that are made for Deschutes County as a whole.  Serving as one of Deschutes County Commissioners since 2019, Commissioner Chang shares how his history as a long-time resident and extensive education and experience working in natural resources management have shaped his ideas and perspective on sustainable growth for the city of Bend.  In this podcast episode between Brian Ladd and Commissioner Phil Chang, you’ll learn more about: Phil Chang’s education and background Growth management and land use  Environmental impact Land use laws in Oregon and zoning Deschutes County’s urban growth boundary  A commissioner’s role in serving the county Decisions that County Commissioners face  

Bend’s city leaders are marching in the same direction and Mayor Melanie Kebler is at the front of the pack representing the voices of Bend’s residents. As a Bend native, Mayor Kebler returned to her hometown and is matching her love for the city with her passion for leadership. As the city’s Mayor, Kebler is hopeful that the city leader’s unified vision will help Bend grow into its new skin by creating more opportunities for residents to engage and build trust with city staff.  Brian asks Mayor Kebler to address several hot topics and key issues Bend is facing today. Listen to their conversation to learn more about Mayor Kebler’s perspective on these points and more.  Housing affordability, types, and inventory issues  Tax exemptions for multiple units program. This program helps make certain projects that qualify, viable for developers in the City of Bend.   Excitement for relocating City Hall and building a new campus in the Bend central district of town.  Transportation and the Neighborhood Safe Streets program.  City staff going into Bend neighborhoods for meetings to discuss their ideas and challenges Human rights and equity commission   

Brian is joined by Andrés Portela, Bend’s new Director of Equity and Inclusion. Learn more about Bend’s Human Rights and Equity Commission: https://www.bendoregon.gov/government/committees/human-rights-and-equity-commission Connect with Andres: https://www.instagram.com/portelainbend/