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.