In Episode 40 of Downtown Depot, show host Austin Meek interviews Blake Batson. Blake, along with his wife, Kimberly, is the owner of Common Grounds, the beloved coffee shop near Baylor campus, and has also launched or grown brands like Milo All Day, Co-Town Crepes, Slow Rise Slice House, and Native Sons Coffee Roasters. Before their interview, Meek features another Batson venture - Heritage Creamery - in the "Small Business Spotlight" segment presented by American Bank.

Inside the Episode:

0:52 - Small Business Spotlight: Heritage Creamery (video)
4:54 - Blake Batson's Waco history
6:15 - The decision to study philosophy instead of business
7:51 - Beginning his journey at Common Grounds
9:17 - A second chance at CG
11:08 - How his past effects his leadership style
13:37 - Bridging the gap between employer/employee with "grace, empathy, understanding"
15:05 - Deciding whether to buy Common Grounds
15:30 - Common Grounds culture
17:33 - Expanding the Common Grounds name
18:30 - A new venture in Woodway: Slow Rise Slice House
20:30 - Updates on his different businesses: Co-Town Crepes
22:02 - Heritage Creamery
23:33 - Special elements of Heritage, Native Sons, and Milo
25:55 - His top resources as an entrepreneur
27:40 - Recap of "A Tale of Two Cities" article comparing Detroit and Waco