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Jake is out on the farm with Tim and Addie from Barnstormer Distillery! They JUST successfully funded their Kickstarter, but it was brand new at the time of this recording. We talk about how a pilot became a farmer and distiller and what Tim and Addie hope to bring to the Rockford community. So sit back with a glass of your favorite Barnstormer spirit and enjoy this lovely little chat.

Josh has always had an entrepreneurial spirit. But it was a moment of crisis that propelled him into Rockford Rides. What started as a way to earn some cash while his Uber license was in limbo ended up being a whole adventure. Jake and Josh sit and talk about business ownership, starting an adventure, and the crazy things in life that kicked us down that path.

What started as a way to keep Anthony out of trouble grew into a small business. Jake and Anthony discuss nerd things, life lessons, and how a hobby can grow into a passion and later a business.

The number 5 is there for a reason! Why? You're going to have to listen and find out. Jake and Levi talk about how a passion for coffee led to opening a bar in the stateline. 

Liz and Randy have one of the most unique stores in Rockford. Hands down! What's even more unique is that it started as a neighborhood haunted house inside their garage one Halloween, several years ago.Liz and Randy have taken their love for the macabre and turned it into a store that has to be seen, not heard. Hear about their journey and inspiration for Wolf Hollow and go pay them a visit!

Pat's journey to becoming the owner of Octane can be best described as "full circle" with a dash of crazy thrown in. Pat started as a dishwasher at the restaurant he now owns. So how does someone go from a part-time dishwasher to owning a restaurant having never gone to culinary or business school? The short answer is "hustle". The long answer is inside this episode. Bon Appetit! 

From a passion for music to a Rockford staple. Skyler Davis has been part of the local resurgence in vinyl records. But Skyler was into vinyl before vinyl was cool (again). So what inspired Skyler to open such a unique store in Rockford? And on Charles street of all places? Listen and learn about the crazy adventure that has led to the Culture Shock we all know and love today! 

How does someone go from professional body builder to counselor to public speaker on mental health? Kevin Polky of KP counseling and Jake talk about Kevin's journey, his philosophy, and his mindset that has seen him through his incredible journey. Buckle up!

Austin turned a side-gig into a business. It didn't happen over night, but Austin kept at it and has grown a truck and trailer to a team operating in Rockford and Madison. Austin and Jake discuss his journey and how a chance job grew into a business.

Brent & Jake sit down in Brent's brand new location. Brent took over the business his dad started and has since grown it into a household name. We talk about his personal and business journey to take All Seasons from his parent's garage to the new place we're sitting at now.

You might guess that Tracey's main love is insurance, but you'd be wrong. Tracey and Jake dive into the world of insurance and her plan for world domination.

If you know much about Jake, you know that he codes. So when he found that John LiCausi of Internet Marketing Experience owns a web development company and DOESN'T CODE, he was more than curious. Jake and John dive into what has propelled John's success and allowed him to survive and thrive in a fiercely competitive industry.

A (minor) construction project sends Josh and Jake out to the car... But that doesn't damper our excitement to talk about tacos and bringing a new genre of restaurant to the Rockford region.

Jake and AnnMarie sit down to talk about the history of Discovery Center Museum and what they're doing to make learning fun. Avoiding spoilers, but DC was created by a small group of ladies wanting to make something amazing for the children of Rockford. 40 years later and they're still on that mission! Fueled by the amazing community of Rockford, DC is now recognized as one of the nation's BEST children's museum. Join us for a walk down memory lane and a peek into the future with Discovery Center Museum.

Hulsebus Chiropractic has been in Rockford since before Cherryvale Mall! Jake and Dr. Brant sit down to discuss his grandfather's story, Palmer School, and giving back to the community through his clinic.

Little known fact about Rockford. We are a PREMIERE outdoor adventure city in our region. There is so much to do outdoors! So in this episode, Jake sits down with Kevin Versino from Rocktown Adventures to discuss kayaking, snow shoeing, the Rock River, and a whole lot more.

It's short and sweet! Jake and his special guest say thanks and give you the heads up on a new format for the podcast that kicks off in 2021!

Rockford is in the full swing of the holiday season. The city is all lit up with Christmas light displays. If you haven't heard, there's also a decorating contest! This week, we talk about some of our favorite decorations and where you can go to see pretty lights all around town!   Are you decorating your home this year?   Hit play and come hang out with us. Coffee drinking is suggested. Follow Rockford Buzz on social media: Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/TheRockfordBuzz Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RockfordBuzz/ "Rockford Buzz" Apple and Android Mobile Apps Grab some Rockford Buzz Merch: http://shop.rockfordbuzz.com Become a Rockford Buzz Backer: https://rockfordbuzz.com/backer

We recorded this podcast on Monday. Jake said there wouldn’t be snow. GUESS WHAT ROCKFORD WOKE UP TO ON TUESDAY?! Blame Jake. On a brighter note, there are two great holidays this week. Thanksgiving and Small Business Saturday. We are so thankful for our listeners and followers and for our local business community here in Rockford. This year, more than ever, we all need a little more support. Hit play and come hang out with us. Coffee drinking is suggested. Follow us on social media: Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/TheRockfordBuzz Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RockfordBuzz/ "Rockford Buzz" Apple and Android Mobile Apps Grab some Rockford Buzz Merch: http://shop.rockfordbuzz.com Become a Rockford Buzz Backer: https://rockfordbuzz.com/backer

Jake is moving, shows off SWAG CAT, and also decides to tell Courtney live on the podcast that he has new ideas (which you know is always scary). Then, Jake has 5 Tips for supporting local this holiday season!   Special mentions: Winnebago Buy Local, Bella Luna Bakery, Halo Cupcake, Prairie Street Brewing Co., Sugar Britches, Dairyhaus, Culture Shock, Butler's Emporium, Wolf Hollow, Top Cut Comics,