On The Cusp

Hosted by Dave Smith and Matt Snyder

Business EntrepreneurshipInterviews guests

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Episodes

162

Latest episode

Oct 2026

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About the show

Launching and growing a new business comes with its share of unpredictable challenges — but it doesn’t have to be a lonely journey. Get ready to ride the wave of entrepreneurship with the On The Cusp Podcast! We're here to educate Northwest Louisiana by shining a spotlight on the voices and untold stories of our vibrant community. From passionate activists to innovative entrepreneurs and dedicated small business owners, our podcast dives deep into the heart of NWLA. Tune in to discover the inspiration, challenges, and triumphs that define our local trailblazers. With On The Cusp, you're always just one episode away from the next big idea!

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60 recent

October 21, 202614 min

Season 15, Episode 8: Rich Sidhu with FuelJobberX

On this episode of On The Cusp, Rich Sidhu, creator of FuelJobberX and owner of more than 10 gas stations in the Shreveport-Bossier City area, shares his journey as a serial entrepreneur in the fuel industry. Rich explains how the challenges of purchasing and delivering fuel inspired him to develop software that helps smaller fuel distributors manage dynamic pricing, tax allocation, invoicing, payments, fuel demand, and delivery schedules. He also takes us behind the scenes of gas station ownership and the complex fuel distribution process customers rarely see. From identifying an industry problem to building a technology solution, Rich gives a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at an industry most of us interact with every day but rarely think about. Tune in now to see the business behind the gas pump from a whole new perspective!

October 14, 202611 min

Season 15, Episode 7: Dr. Joslin Mar-Dai with Vegans on the Run

On The Cusp hosts Matt and Dave sit down with Dr. Joslin Mar-Dai, owner of Vegans on the Run, to talk entrepreneurship, vegan food, and taking the leap into a brick-and-mortar restaurant. Joslin shares her journey from MS Kick’s Kitchen Incubator to expanding into Shreveport’s Far End District after becoming a winner of the Shreveport-Bossier Tourism Bureau’s Destination 318 100K Challenge. Hear how she transforms familiar favorites, like chicken wings and red beans and rice, into vegan dishes and how her food has even made its way to soup kitchens in Boston. She also shares the inspiration and opportunities that helped turn her passion into a growing business. Tune in now to discover the fresh flavor Vegans on the Run is bringing to Shreveport!

October 7, 202614 min

Season 15, Episode 6: Heather Kitchens & Dustin Glass with Sistematik Graphics

Join On The Cusp hosts Matt and Dave as they sit down with Heather Kitchens and Dustin Glass, owners of Sistematik Graphics, to discuss their journey of returning to Louisiana and building a thriving local print business. From signs and banners to vehicle wraps, apparel, embroidery, and in-house graphic design, Sistematik Graphics has become a recognizable name across the Shreveport Bossier Community with products seen all over North Louisiana. Heather and Dustin share why they purchased the business, how they developed their pricing strategy, and what it takes to grow a successful company. They also discuss the impact of being located in the Far End District and the value of investing in both business relationships and community connections. Tune in now and discover how one bold move back to Louisiana turned into a business success story that's leaving its mark everywhere you look!

September 30, 202617 min

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 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!

September 23, 202620 min

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!

September 2, 202619 min

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!

August 26, 202615 min

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.

August 20, 202619 min

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!

August 12, 202621 min

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.

August 5, 202618 min

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!