Ignite Interviews: Recent Episodes
Speak Studios
Ignite Interviews, hosted by Cyndi Donahue, shine the light on innovative people and companies in the Spokane community. Ignite Interviews will be released twice per month.
Join Cyndi Donahue for a conversation with Jordan Tampien, Co-Founder of Brickwest Brewing, Barnwood Social Kitchen & Tavern Checkboard, Backyard, North Park Athletic Club, and 4 Degrees Real Estate. Jordan says that his purpose is the positive impact and what makes it possible is constantly learning, partnering with the right people, and having a mindset of consistent innovation. Jordan talks about upcoming ventures like apartment developments, a couple of new restaurant concepts, and expanding into other markets. Jordan says Spokane is a place where you can have big-city dreams and small-town connections, and create some truly special ventures.
Find out more at www.4degrees.com, www.brickwestbrewingco.com, www.barnwoodsocial.com, www.backyardspokane.com, and www.wellnessatnorthpark.com
Join Cyndi Donahue for a conversation with Drew Henry, Co-Founder of Revival Tea Company, the only tea manufacturer between Missoula and Portland! Drew talks about the company's origin after a trip to Ireland and the focus on e-commerce, which has made Revival a Top 10 seller of tea in the U.S. Revival opened a tea tasting room in downtown Spokane and had over 3,000 customers in the first month! The tasting room's tealogists create mocktails and tastings in science beakers. Revival now has 60 teas, including licorice spice, Northwest Breakfast tea with pine needles and Revive, a coffee alternative made of tea and mushroom powders. Drew calls Spokane "biggest little town" in the world and talks about how the community embraces local businesses. Revival Tea Company continues to grow organically and will soon expand into regional grocery stores.
Find out more at www.revivalteacompany.com.
Join Cyndi Donahue for a conversation with Ginger Ewing and Jackie Caro of Terrain, Spokane’s federal non-profit arts organization that provides large scale events, annual art markets, an art gallery and more. Ginger talks about the origin of Terrain and its goal of giving a voice to the underrepresented, filling the gap of emerging artists with our art community and bringing musicians, visual and literary artists together. In 2021, Terrain plans to lean into its Creative Enterprise Program and the retail store front “From Here” as well as moving more online. Ginger talks about how Terrain’s involvement in the Black Lives Matter mural helped bring its social justice platform to the forefront and the importance of public art installations coming to our community. Ginger and Jackie talk about the importance of learning from other cities about how to keep affordable opportunities for artists in Spokane. You’ll also learn ways to support local artists and to engage with Terrain. Find out more at www.terrainspokane.com.
Join Cyndi Donahue for a conversation with Ryan Arnold, Director of Regional Entrepreneurial Strategy for North Idaho College and Co-Chair of the Northwest Entrepreneur Competition. Ryan talks about his vast experience in the Spokane / Coeur d’Alene startup ecosystem and his passion for helping entrepreneurs fulfill their dreams. He teaches students about real world entrepreneurship and works in economic development by connecting university students to our regional business community. Ryan and Cyndi talk about the need for entrepreneurs to have grit and stamina to succeed, the flexibility to adapt and the ability to sometimes put ego aside.
Ryan and Co-Chair Lars Gilberts, CEO of the University District, are promoting the upcoming NEC competition with 9 finalists set to pitch their ideas for a total of $44,000 in prize money! Find out how you can be part of the NEC on April 15, 2021 at https://nwentrep.com/
Join Ignite Interviews host Cyndi Donahue for a conversation with Chef Chad White, restaurateur and community leader. You’ll find out how Chad was originally inspired by the art of cooking (thanks Mom!) and what led to the formation of Chad White Hospitality Group. Chad talks about the importance of every member of their hard working team and how he continuously learns new ways to successfully lead the team. Chad talks about his restaurants, including:
Zona Blanca, the incredible ceviche bar that will be expanding exponentially in the near future High Tide Lobster Bar, a new England style lobster roll concept TTs Old Iron Brewery and BBQ with partner Travis Thosath, a delicious Texas style brisket restaurant in Spokane
You’ll definitely be hungry by the end of this Ignite Interview!
Join Ignite Interviews host Cyndi Donahue for a conversation with talented designer Erin Haskell Gourde, Founder of Design for the PPL, an interior design firm for residential and commercial. Erin talks about her view of style, the importance of always being curious and her desire to push the boundaries. Her creed is “live better, be better” and Erin sees her role as a problem solver for her clients – to understand their vision and make their space functional. She says design is not about looking cool or trendy, it’s about designing for each individual client. Design for the PPL recently opened a showroom in downtown Spokane that creates space in a holistic way. Erin looks at Spokane as a “toyland” where you can make anything happen and bring your business to life. #DesignforthePPL hopes to create its own furniture in the future and will continue designing incredible spaces for all of their clients.
Join Ignite Interviews host Cyndi Donahue for a conversation with Don Poffenroth, Founder of Dry Fly Distilling. Don talks about his love of Spokane, the importance of Dry Fly's relationship with local farms and even creates a new adjective: "Spokaney". Cyndi and Don talk about scaling up in Dry Fly's new downtown Spokane facility that will include manufacturing, retail bottle shop and tasting room. Don reveals how the persistence, patience and perfection of fly fishing are qualities the Dry Fly team uses to create a culture of success.
Join Ignite Interviews host Cyndi Donahue for a conversation with Tom Simpson – investor, CEO of Ignite Northwest, and President of the Spokane Angel Alliance. Tom talks about his passion for entrepreneurship, investing in startups, and the Spokane region. Cyndi and Tom talk about ways that Ignite helps entrepreneurs bring their innovations to life by funding, mentoring, and enlightening. Funding includes the Mind to Market pre-seed community fund, Tom’s Kick-Start funds, the Spokane Angel Alliance, and Ignite’s loan program. Enlightening takes the form of speaker programs like Ignite Talks, Meet the Investor, and webinars with experienced investors. Mentorship comes from connecting entrepreneurs with one of Ignite’s proprietary mentors.
Cyndi and Tom also discuss the upcoming Ignite 25+5 Awards, recognizing all the incredible startups in Spokane, Coeur d’Alene and Sandpoint, and all points in between; IgniteMatch.works, a regional job site connecting innovative employers with talent; and Ignite Loft, a new coworking space for innovators in downtown Spokane.
Join Ignite Interviews host Cyndi Donahue for a conversation about Tribe Media Lab’s unique approach to telling digital stories with a focus on strategy and cinematic excellence. Andrew Hite, Co-Founder of Tribe, gives advice on using different content on various social media platforms to connect with customers. The Tribe Media Lab innovates with dramatic filmography and fast paced editing, and always seek new ways forward for their clients. Tribe works closely with entrepreneurs and business leaders, and appreciates the Spokane community!
Check out the first episode of Ignite Interviews featuring a conversation about everything from spices to Spokane with Spiceology CEO Chip Overstreet. Ignite Interviews, hosted by Cyndi Donahue of Ignite Northwest, shine the light on innovative people and companies in our community.
Ignite funds, enlightens and mentors explosively growing companies. Find out more at www.ignitenorthwest.com