In Episode 93 of Downtown Depot, show host Austin Meek interviews Jed Cole of Brazos River Capital and Waco Hat Company. Jed describes his company’s portfolio of downtown buildings, their strategy to build community and profits in conjunction, and how his philanthropic hat company benefitting Mission Waco has fared the Covid-19 pandemic. Before that interview, Austin shines American Bank’s Small Business Spotlight on Voice Actor Chris Griesemer.

Inside the Episode:

0:41 - The Small Business Spotlight: voice actor Chris Griesemer

4:55 - Jed Cole's Waco history

6:17 - Brazos River Capital putting its fingerprints on downtown Waco

8:45 - The benefits of local ownership

10:44 - Impact (or lack thereof) of Opportunity Zones

12:37 - Trends he notices in downtown Waco

14:43 - Primary benefits of company relocation in Waco

16:21 - Local Young Professional community

17:46 - Waco Hat Company during Covid

19:35 - Acquisition of the Dr. Pepper House

21:07 - Market research on AirBnB and hotel pricing

22:53 - Collaboration over competition

24:57 - Getting inspiration from the restaurant industry

27:11 - Appreciation from small town businesses