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In this episode Rusty talks with Devin Strahan, the founder and creator of Devin's Spiked Rootbeer. Devin shares his captivating journey from operating a 20-ton crane to launching his own craft beverage brand. Listen as we explore Devin's diverse ventures, including personal training and private chef work, and his early lessons learned from Devin's Tasty Muffins. Discover how Devin's passion for root beer and the burgeoning craft beverage market inspired him to develop a unique alcoholic root beer, a creation born from both curiosity and creative experimentation. Be sure to follow @houstonmadepodcast on Instagram! EPISODE CREDITS Produced, and Hosted by Rusty Gates Scheduled, Coordinated, & Edited in part by Kali Potter Special Thanks to Luke Brawner Music by Old Friends, New Friends Artwork in collaboration w/ Mac Ryan Creative © 2025 Rusty Gates Media and Milieu Media Group, LLC

In this episode Rusty talks with Rhiannon Cueto, who is a hair styling and makeup artist extraordinaire! She styles women for weddings, photoshoots, brand campaigns and more. She is passionate about what she does, has a focus on natural glam, highlighting the natural beauty of each of her clients. ANND she regularly educates women through classes on how to achieve great looks with minimal work using primarily the products they already have. In this episode, Rusty and Rhiannon chat about her journey into the business AND the lessons she's learned along the way! Be sure to follow @houstonmadepodcast on Instagram! EPISODE CREDITS Produced, and Hosted by Rusty Gates Scheduled, Coordinated, & Edited in part by Kali Potter Special Thanks to Luke Brawner Music by Old Friends, New Friends Artwork in collaboration w/ Mac Ryan Creative © 2025 Rusty Gates Media and Milieu Media Group, LLC

In this episode Rusty talks with Shawn Outlaw, one of the owners and heart behind Drop Shots HTX - a fantastic indoor pickleball spot in the heart of Houston. Listen in as Rusty and Shawn discuss the journey across multiple industries that led to this venture AND the lessons learned along the way. They discuss everything from the value of having a dream you believe in to the supportive community of entrepreneurs all around Houston! Be sure to follow @houstonmadepodcast on Instagram! EPISODE CREDITS Produced, and Hosted by Rusty Gates Scheduled, Coordinated, & Edited in part by Kali Potter Special Thanks to Luke Brawner Music by Old Friends, New Friends Artwork in collaboration w/ Mac Ryan Creative © 2025 Rusty Gates Media and Milieu Media Group, LLC

In this episode Rusty talks with Shannon Bolinger, the owner and lead PA-C of Solace Med Spa. Through Solace Med Spa, Shannon and her team have created a space that focuses not only on looks, but rather long term wellness. We discuss the path that led her to establish the spa, why she values internal health as a key means enhancing external beauty, and the lessons she's learned about business on top of medicine. Listen in as Rusty and Shannon talk about all of this and more in this week's episode of Houston Made Podcast. Be sure to follow @houstonmadepodcast on Instagram! EPISODE CREDITS Produced, and Hosted by Rusty Gates Scheduled, Coordinated, & Edited in part by Kali Potter Special Thanks to Luke Brawner Music by Old Friends, New Friends Artwork in collaboration w/ Mac Ryan Creative © 2025 Rusty Gates Media and Milieu Media Group, LLC

In this episode Rusty talks with long time friend and mortgage lender Paige Bowman. Through The Mortgage Collective, Paige has built a business that has helped countless individuals and families purchase real estate across the country. On top of being excellent at loans, she is a branding wizard finding unique and creative ways to stand out in a market that isn't typically known for being cool. Listen in as Rusty and Paige discuss the journey of their friendship, the unexpected path that led to mortgages, and the lessons learned growing up with single moms. Be sure to follow @houstonmadepodcast on Instagram! EPISODE CREDITS Produced, and Hosted by Rusty Gates Scheduled, Coordinated, & Edited in part by Kali Potter Special Thanks to Luke Brawner Music by Old Friends, New Friends Artwork in collaboration w/ Mac Ryan Creative © 2025 Rusty Gates Media and Milieu Media Group, LLC

In this episode Rusty talks with Thomas & Elizabeth Bille of Belly of the Beast, one of the best restaurants in Spring, TX. Listen in as they discuss the journey they've gone on to create this amazing space , the value of staying true to who you are and allowing success to come to you, as well as why they choose to sacrifice profits to protect their family time! Be sure to follow @houstonmadepodcast on Instagram! EPISODE CREDITS Produced, and Hosted by Rusty Gates Scheduled, Coordinated, & Edited in part by Kali Potter Special Thanks to Luke Brawner Music by Old Friends, New Friends Artwork in collaboration w/ Mac Ryan Creative © 2025 Rusty Gates Media and Milieu Media Group, LLC

In this episode Rusty talks with Novi Leon of 201 Lofthaus - a full home studio perfect for photographers, videographers, business owners, influencers, and brands to create the content they need to advertise their businesses. Listen in as they discuss the work that goes into creating studios like theirs, as well as the importance of personal service AND how vital it is to build an audience BEFORE you launch the thing! Be sure to follow @houstonmadepodcast on Instagram! EPISODE CREDITS Produced, and Hosted by Rusty Gates Scheduled, Coordinated, & Edited in part by Kali Potter Special Thanks to Luke Brawner Music by Old Friends, New Friends Artwork in collaboration w/ Mac Ryan Creative © 2025 Rusty Gates Media and Milieu Media Group, LLC

In this episode Rusty talks with Hector Garcia - owner and founder of OSO Coffee - a shop that is more than just a stop for great drinks, but has become a community hub where folks gather from all kinds of backgrounds. Listen in as they discuss Hector's entrepreneurial roots, the importance of genuine customer service, and how everything from BMX races to dog rescues influenced what he's built! Be sure to follow @houstonmadepodcast on Instagram! EPISODE CREDITS Produced, and Hosted by Rusty Gates Scheduled, Coordinated, & Edited in part by Kali Potter Special Thanks to Luke Brawner Music by Old Friends, New Friends Artwork in collaboration w/ Mac Ryan Creative © 2025 Rusty Gates Media and Milieu Media Group, LLC

Get ready to immerse yourself into the riveting world of art and tattooing with our guest, Mike Ashworth, co-owner of the Advent Tattoo Studio and Art Gallery. Mike's journey from the oil industry to the tattoo world isn't your typical story, and it’s filled with hard work, perseverance, and a solid business mindset that will inspire you. Discover how Mike and his business partner Mike Woods revolutionized the tattoo shop stereotype into a unique atmosphere that combines the art of tattooing and the elegance of an art gallery. As the episode unfolds, we delve into how technology and popular culture, with shows like Ink Master, have changed the dynamics of the tattoo industry, contributing to its social acceptance and efficiency. Mike brings light to the challenges that come with it - from licensing to determining the service charges. Alongside this, we discuss the importance of passion for art, the hunger for continuous learning, and networking's vital role. Gain insight into his experiences at conventions, the benefits of artist support, and how these platforms serve as a springboard for networking and recruiting new artists.   Be sure to follow @houstonmadepodcast on Instagram! EPISODE CREDITS Guest - Mike Ashworth // Advent Tattoo Produced, and Hosted by Rusty Gates Special Thanks to Luke Brawner Music by Old Friends, New Friends Artwork in collaboration w/ Mac Ryan Creative © 2023 Rusty Gates Media and Milieu Media Group, LLC

If you've ever been curious about the authentic, behind-the-scenes journey of entrepreneurship, you're in for a treat. Our guest, Ashley Bird Williams of the League and Hey Bird Williams Consulting, graciously unpacks her vibrant entrepreneurial life and spills the secrets of launching a successful business. Together with her husband, they ventured into the world of entrepreneurship, leaving an investment banking job behind blazing a trail that is both inspiring and enlightening. Ashley’s unique entrepreneurial perspective is indeed a goldmine of insights. Her discussions on accountability, seeking support, staying true to oneself, and the importance of relationships can help anyone interested in the business world gain invaluable knowledge. From her move to New York to her time on Wall Street, to reconnecting with an old friend after 20 years, Ashley's story is a testament to the power of resilience, trust, and maintaining connections in the entrepreneurial world. So why wait? Tune in for an enlightening experience with Ashley Bird Williams.   Be sure to follow @houstonmadepodcast on Instagram! EPISODE CREDITS Guest - Ashley Williams // The League Produced, and Hosted by Rusty Gates Special Thanks to Luke Brawner Music by Old Friends, New Friends Artwork in collaboration w/ Mac Ryan Creative © 2023 Rusty Gates Media and Milieu Media Group, LLC

Join us on an enlightening journey with Leela Madan, the energizing founder of Madan Law PLLC. Transitioning from her role as a corporate chemist to a patent attorney, Leela provides us with an intriguing view into the world of business law, guiding businesses to safeguard themselves from liabilities. In this compelling conversation, we traverse Leela's unique career path, revealing the power of networking and resilience in business. With her candid and approachable demeanor, Leela shares her strategies for launching her law firm, ultimately attributing her success to her outgoing nature. We explore the concept of paying oneself first and the importance of structuring a competitive compensation package without compromising on a non-toxic work environment. Through Leela's experiences, gain a deep understanding of how a team that shares the same goals can lay the groundwork for a thriving business.   Be sure to follow @houstonmadepodcast on Instagram! EPISODE CREDITS Guest - Leela Madan // Madan Law PLLC Produced, and Hosted by Rusty Gates Special Thanks to Luke Brawner Music by Old Friends, New Friends Artwork in collaboration w/ Mac Ryan Creative © 2023 Rusty Gates Media and Milieu Media Group, LLC

Meet Andy Dinh, the man behind the lens at Silent Shutter Media and Andy HD Media. He's not just your regular videographer or photographer; Andy is a producer, a director, and a keen media expert who’s mastered the craft of letting his work communicate his talent. This episode offers a candid conversation with Andy about his journey, from humble beginnings to becoming a successful freelance videographer. We explore Andy's initial inclination towards photography, his gradual shift to videography, and his perspective on the vast opportunities in the videography field. Andy's humility coupled with his immense contribution to the media world makes this chat an insightful and inspiring one. It's not just about the technicalities of media production; we delve into the passion and dedication driving Andy's success. Tune in to hear Andy's intriguing story and to gain valuable insights from a true media guru. His dedication to his craft makes this episode a must-listen for anyone interested in the world of media and videography. Tune in and get inspired!   Be sure to follow @houstonmadepodcast on Instagram! EPISODE CREDITS Guest - Andy Dinh // Silent Shutter Media Produced, and Hosted by Rusty Gates Special Thanks to Luke Brawner Music by Old Friends, New Friends Artwork in collaboration w/ Mac Ryan Creative © 2023 Rusty Gates Media and Milieu Media Group, LLC

Have you ever wondered how a powerhouse entrepreneur manages multiple successful businesses? In our latest chat, we venture on a journey with the extraordinary Katie Day - realtor, real estate investor, conference planner, social media guru, speaker, and more.  This episode showcases Katie's career progression: her transition from waitressing in college to a remarkable career in real estate. Katie spills the beans on how she transformed her side hustle with her husband, Ryan, into a full-fledged business and how her brand "Move Me To Texas" came to life. We also delve into her MBA pursuit and her inspiring transition to social media & video creation. So whether you're an entrepreneur or a real estate enthusiast, this episode promises to be an enlightening and entertaining journey!   Be sure to follow @houstonmadepodcast on Instagram! EPISODE CREDITS Guest - Katie Day Produced, and Hosted by Rusty Gates Special Thanks to Luke Brawner Music by Old Friends, New Friends Artwork in collaboration w/ Mac Ryan Creative © 2023 Rusty Gates Media and Milieu Media Group, LLC

Do you remember being a child, drawing whimsical creations and letting your imagination run wild? Ace Phoenix, Houston-based muralist, hasn't let go of that magic. In a riveting conversation, Ace takes us on an inspiring journey through her life, sharing the stages of her transformation from a curious child with a love for drawing, to a successful artist and entrepreneur. Her story is a testament to the power of faith, hard work, and risk-taking. Ace also shares her unique perspective on education, advocating for children to take their own path, not to fear taking risks, and to understand that there are different paths to success. She provides insight into her creative process, sharing her experiences of working with businesses, creating murals and stepping out of her comfort zone to paint cars. Listen as she shares the joy of seeing customers' reactions to her work, and the fulfillment she gets from turning dreams into reality. So, if you're looking for a dose of inspiration or simply want to learn more about the world of art and entrepreneurship, join us for this enriching conversation with Ace Phoenix.   Be sure to follow @houstonmadepodcast on Instagram! EPISODE CREDITS Guest - Ace Phoenix Art Produced, and Hosted by Rusty Gates Special Thanks to Luke Brawner Music by Old Friends, New Friends Artwork in collaboration w/ Mac Ryan Creative © 2023 Rusty Gates Media and Milieu Media Group, LLC

We kick off an invigorating conversation with the vibrant Sarah Englade from Monarch Talent Solutions. Sarah's infectious energy and unique approach to relationship-building in recruitment offer a fresh perspective in a competitive industry. She candidly shares her journey from corporate recruiter to entrepreneur; a path strewn with hurdles yet navigated with grace and resilience. Focusing on the core values of freedom and self-expression, we delve into Sarah's hiring process at Monarch Talent Solutions. She explains how her firm's emphasis on core values helps in fine-tuning the hiring process. The conversation takes an exciting turn as we explore job opportunities in Houston and how Monarch Talent Solutions has carved its niche by providing staffing solutions for accounting, finance and human resource roles. We bring this engaging and insightful conversation full circle with Sarah's thoughts on the importance of freedom, self-expression, and self-awareness in our lives.   Be sure to follow @houstonmadepodcast on Instagram! EPISODE CREDITS Guest - Monarch Talent Solutions Produced, and Hosted by Rusty Gates Special Thanks to Luke Brawner Music by Old Friends, New Friends Artwork in collaboration w/ Mac Ryan Creative © 2023 Rusty Gates Media and Milieu Media Group, LLC