On The Cusp

Hosted by Dave Smith and Matt Snyder

Business EntrepreneurshipInterviews guests

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Episodes

150

Latest episode

Jul 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!

Listen to episodes

60 recent

July 15, 202616 min

Season 14, Episode 10: Keith Payne with Payne Mechanical Services

In this episode of On The Cusp, Keith Payne of Payne Mechanical Services shares the story of the family business his grandfather started back in 1956, growing from residential plumbing into a powerhouse commercial plumbing and HVAC company. Keith joins hosts Matt and Dave to break the exciting news that Payne Mechanical Services has expanded from four locations to five, with a brand new location now open in Tulsa, OK. He also dives into how the company gives back by supporting the communities their employees call home, and how word of mouth and community involvement drive their marketing and growth. Keith makes the case for skilled trades as a smart career path, offering hands-on training and real opportunity without the need for a four-year college degree. Tune in now to hear how Payne Mechanical Services built a lasting legacy and why the trades might just be the career move you never considered!

July 1, 202623 min

Season 14, Episode 9: Mike & Dennis Etheredge with Etheredge Industrial Services

On this episode of On The Cusp, hosts Matt and Dave sit down with father-son duo Mike and Dennis Etheredge to talk about Etheredge Industrial Services, a 40-year-old Shreveport business built from the ground up. Mike shares what motivated him and his wife to start the company, how he raised the capital to get it off the ground, and why he credits their employees as the true backbone of the business. Dennis opens up about growing up around the business, always knowing he'd end up working on electric motors, and the story behind Mike passing the company on to him. Together, they discuss how the father-son team has since expanded operations to other cities across the South. Tune in now to hear how a family business built on hard work turned into an industrial success story!

June 24, 202617 min

Season 14, Episode 8: Chris Phillips with The Picklr

On this episode of On The Cusp, hosts Matt and Dave talk with Chris Phillips, co-owner of The Picklr, Bossier City’s newest premier pickleball destination located at the Louisiana Boardwalk. Chris shares what it took to bring the franchise to the Shreveport-Bossier area and discusses the growing popularity of pickleball across the country. The conversation also highlights the importance of local entrepreneurs and community support in bringing new opportunities and entertainment to the region. Whether you're an experienced player or just looking for a fun activity with family and friends, The Picklr has something to offer. Tune in now and hear the story behind one of the area's newest places to play, connect, and have fun.

June 17, 202613 min

Season 14, Episode 7: Nicole Harrington with Margaritaville Casino & Resort

Matt and Dave take On The Cusp on the road, heading straight to the patio at Margaritaville Resort & Casino in Bossier City to sit down with Director of Food & Beverage Nicole Harrington. Nicole shares how the resort is creating unforgettable experiences that go well beyond gaming, bringing a true "resort" atmosphere to life in Northwest Louisiana. She also highlights how the local community has shown up strong for Margaritaville, and how the resort is giving back through partnerships with area businesses like Chasing Aces, the Picklr, and the vibrant Eastbank District. Tune in now and let Nicole take you behind the scenes of one of Bossier City's most exciting destinations, because the fun doesn't stop at the front door!

June 10, 202617 min

Season 14, Episode 6: Kyle Hand with Hand Construction

Kyle Hand, owner of Hand Construction, joins On The Cusp hosts Matt and Dave to discuss the company's current projects, including ongoing work at the Shreveport Regional Airport. Kyle shares how his father founded the company in the 1980s and the role Hand Construction has played in developing the Shreveport-Bossier area over the years. He also shares his thoughts on the upcoming data centers, the job opportunities they could bring to the region, and what the permitting and construction process looks like for large commercial projects. Tune in now and get the inside scoop on the blueprints building North Louisiana’s future!

June 3, 202619 min

Season 14, Episode 5: Megann McDaniel with YMCA

Exciting changes are underway at the YMCA of Northwest Louisiana! Join On The Cusp hosts Matt and Dave as they sit down with Megann McDaniel, the new Director of Marketing and Development, to discuss everything happening at your local YMCA. From brand-new Little League fields hosting summer tournaments that drive economic growth in the Shreveport area, to the wide variety of classes and programs available at each location, there's something for everyone in the community. Megann also shares her experience securing funding for the new fields and the revenue streams that will keep families coming back for years to come. Each YMCA location across the Shreveport area boasts a unique look that beautifully reflects its surrounding community. Tune in now to hear what's next for this beloved community hub in Northwest Louisiana!

May 27, 202631 min

Season 14, Episode 4: Rocky Rockett with Greater Bossier Economic Development Foundation

Join Matt and Dave on On The Cusp as they sit down with special guest Rocky Rocket from the Greater Bossier Economic Development Foundation (GBEDF) — the organization driving job and tax growth in the region since the 1970s! Together, they dive deep into the exciting collaborative projects between GBEDF, EAP, and North Louisiana's top economic developers that are transforming the Shreveport-Bossier area. Discover the major improvements being made across the region that are paving the way for even more growth and opportunity in North Louisiana. Rocky also drops some exclusive insider info on brand-new developments coming to Bossier City that are set to boost surrounding communities in a big way. Bossier's booming and the good times keep on coming, so tune in, turn it up, and let's grow together!

May 20, 202619 min

Season 14, Episode 3: Jeffrey Goodman with Committee of 100

Join hosts Matt and Dave on On The Cusp as they sit down with Jeffrey Goodman, the first-ever full-time CEO of the Committee of 100 — a powerhouse group of 130 top business leaders committed to driving growth and progress across Northwest Louisiana. Discover how the Committee of 100 is transforming the Shreveport-Bossier region through major initiatives like the revitalization of Monkhouse Drive and the area surrounding Shreveport Regional Airport. Jeffrey shares how collaboration between organizations is sparking new development, stunning landmarks, and a wave of positivity that's reshaping the future of the region. Tune in now, because Shreveport is building something bigger and better — and the best time to be part of the momentum is before the ribbon gets cut!

May 6, 202622 min

Season 14, Episode 2: Logan Lewis with Red River Revel

Join On The Cusp hosts Matt and Dave as they sit down with festival director Logan Lewis of the beloved Red River Revel, Shreveport's well-known fall festival held every October in Shreveport-Bossier. Logan shares his journey into the festival industry, his passion for live music, and how he is building partnerships with other Louisiana festivals to bring back the fun and energy that makes these events special. Discover how the Red River Revel draws visitors from all across North Louisiana and beyond, creating a positive impact on local businesses throughout the Shreveport-Bossier area. This is a great conversation for anyone who loves festivals, supports local culture, or wants to learn more about the events shaping our community. Tune in now and get ready to fall in love with the Red River Revel all over again!

April 22, 202616 min

Season 14, Episode 1: John Dudley with Chasing Aces

On The Cusp returns to kick off Season 14 with John Dudley, founder of Chasing Aces, back on the mic with hosts Matt and Dave three years after his first appearance. John shares an update on launching Chasing Aces in Summer 2025, the momentum behind the brand, and the announcement of two new locations in Alabama. He also talks about the role Bossier City’s support has played in the company’s growth and how the concept is creating a space for people to connect through golf and entertainment. The episode covers expansion, community impact, and what it takes to build a destination-driven experience. Tune in now and tee up for a hole-in-one episode with conversation that lands right on the green.