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What makes a brand more than just a business? The answer lies in the deeply human stories behind the logos, products, and mission statements.

Birth of the Brands takes you on an intimate journey with Central Oregon's most promising entrepreneurs as they navigate the thrilling, terrifying path from inspiration to launch. Host Adam Short sits down with eight founders from the 2025 Bend Outdoor Worx Outdoor Accelerator Program to uncover the pivotal moments that shaped their vision and the personal experiences that fuel their passion.

You'll meet Tiffany Huey, who's breathing new life into her great-grandfather's leather care company while honoring its nearly century-old legacy. Through touching testimonials from longtime users like Richard Bryant, we discover how quality craftsmanship creates generational impact. "I've used it on furniture, belts, boots, everything is leather," Bryant shares, revealing how this product has supported his ranching livelihood for over 60 years.

Then there's Tim Karpinski, co-founder of the iconic Grenade Gloves, who candidly discusses his journey through addiction to sobriety and how that transformation led to creating Spiral Wax Company with pro snowboarder Max Warbington. "I got super into self-care, meditation... I wonder if I could bring some of that into snowboarding," Tim reflects, showcasing how authentic personal growth translates into business innovation.

We also follow recent OSU-Cascades graduates Kai Nevers and Kate Raber, whose childhood memories of family road trips inspired Wanderhut—a company creating accessible car camping solutions born from their own experience of "sleeping out of the back of the car probably four nights a week" while balancing student life with their passion for the outdoors.

These are only three of the eight founders and brands that we'll be introducing. Each episode goes beyond business strategies to explore the mentors, families, friends, and customers who breathe life into something new. Listen this fall wherever you get your podcasts and discover why great businesses aren't just built—they're born.

Support The Circling Podcast:

Email us at: thecirclingpodcast@bendmagazine.com
Join the Circling membership: patreon.com/Thecirclingpodcast
Follow us on Instagram @thecirclingpodcast @bendmagazine
Cover Song by: @theerinsmusic
Bend Magazine. Remember to enter promo code: Podcast at checkout for your five-dollar annual subscription. https://bendmagazine.com.
BOSS Sports Performance: https://www.bosssportsperformance.com
Back Porch Coffee: https://www.backporchcoffeeroasters.com
Story Booth: https://www.storyboothexperience.com

Remember, the health of our community, relies on us!

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Ever found yourself captivated by stories from places you've never been? That's the magic we've discovered with The Circling Podcast. What started as a celebration of Central Oregon's unique character has evolved into something that transcends geography – authentic stories that offer meaning and perspective to listeners everywhere.

As the natural rhythms of spring and summer unfold in our beautiful region, I've made the decision to temporarily pause production of new episodes. This wasn't easy, but it feels right for this season as I focus on growing StoryBooth, my audio storytelling business. Consider this less a goodbye and more an intermission in our ongoing conversation.

The exciting news? This fall, we're returning with something fresh and powerful. In collaboration with Oregon Media and Bend Magazine, we're launching "Birth of the Brands" – a new podcast series spotlighting local entrepreneurship and brand development. Our first season will feature eight remarkable companies from the 10th annual Bend Outdoor Works Startup Accelerator, diving deep into their founder journeys, challenges, and breakthroughs. Want to experience this entrepreneurial energy firsthand? Join us at the Bend Outdoor Works breakout pitch event on October 25th, where these innovative companies will compete for prizes and you can cast your vote for your favorite. Learn more at bendoutdoorworks.com and stay tuned for our return – it'll be worth the wait. Until then, get outside and remember: the health of our community depends on us all.

Support The Circling Podcast:

Email us at: thecirclingpodcast@bendmagazine.com
Join the Circling membership: patreon.com/Thecirclingpodcast
Follow us on Instagram @thecirclingpodcast @bendmagazine
Cover Song by: @theerinsmusic
Bend Magazine. Remember to enter promo code: Podcast at checkout for your five-dollar annual subscription. https://bendmagazine.com.
BOSS Sports Performance: https://www.bosssportsperformance.com
Back Porch Coffee: https://www.backporchcoffeeroasters.com
Story Booth: https://www.storyboothexperience.com

Remember, the health of our community, relies on us!

Send us a text

When April Lawyer opened Vanilla in Bend's Old Mill District back in 2005, she was still racing professionally as a downhill mountain biker. Today, as her boutique celebrates nearly 20 years in business, her remarkable journey from action sports athlete to successful entrepreneur reveals how our past experiences shape unexpected futures.

Growing up in Big Bear Lake, California, April's early entrepreneurial spirit emerged through a childhood lemonade stand that evolved into selling treats from her bedroom window. Her introduction to snowboarding came through free ski days at the local mountain, sparking a passion that would lead to professional career. Meeting legendary snowboarder Janna Meyen became a pivotal moment, offering April both friendship and mentorship.

The 1997 Winter X Games in her hometown of Big Bear was a defining moment for April, as she became the only female athlete to compete in both snowboarding and mountain biking. April's talent, work ethic and the media spotlight opened doors that took her across the globe, riding on both snow and dirt. However, a serious crash at the 1999 X Games in Crested Butte led to a head injury, gradually shifting her focus toward mountain biking.

During her eleven years racing professionally, April developed valuable relationships with brands and gained experience in product development. After witnessing a friend's serious accident, she began contemplating her future beyond racing. Working at a friend's boutique had given her a taste of retail, and the seed of an idea began to form.

With remarkable determination, April secured a space in Bend's Old Mill District before she even had a business name. Opening Vanilla while still racing professionally, she initially kept her athletic background separate, wanting the store to stand on its own merits. Today, the boutique has become a beloved Bend institution known for both its carefully curated merchandise and the genuine community April has fostered.

Through April's story, we see how the skills developed in one arena—determination, authenticity, community-building, and resilience—can translate into success in entirely different ventures. Her journey reminds us that sometimes our most meaningful chapters come after following unexpected paths.

The Circling Podcast is proud to be in partnership with Bend Magazine. Claim your five-dollar annual subscription when you visit www.bendmagazine.com and enter promo code: PODCAST at checkout. Your subscription includes 6 issues of our regions top publication celebrating mountain culture, and four bonus issues of Bend Home and Design, the leading home and building design magazine in Central Oregon.

www.storyboothexperience.com

Support The Circling Podcast:

Email us at: thecirclingpodcast@bendmagazine.com
Join the Circling membership: patreon.com/Thecirclingpodcast
Follow us on Instagram @thecirclingpodcast @bendmagazine
Cover Song by: @theerinsmusic
Bend Magazine. Remember to enter promo code: Podcast at checkout for your five-dollar annual subscription. https://bendmagazine.com.
BOSS Sports Performance: https://www.bosssportsperformance.com
Back Porch Coffee: https://www.backporchcoffeeroasters.com
Story Booth: https://www.storyboothexperience.com

Remember, the health of our community, relies on us!