Welcome to the Flareheads Podcast!

Flareheads is a discussion of contemporary issues facing local economic growth and vibrancy. It focuses on subjects including economic development, entrepreneurship, quality of life, workforce challenges and innovation. It is hosted by Kevin Crowder, a certified economic developer who is the Founder of BusinessFlare and is the former economic development director for Miami Beach.

The Tribe of “Flareheads” join him on these discussions that are relevant, insightful and sometimes irreverent. Their approach is realistic, respectful, and honest and is not disguised behind confusing bureaucrat and planner-speak. They believe that combining a respectful reality check with a community’s will to succeed is the path to breaking the status quo and realizing your community’s potential. If you have any questions, or want to contact us for any reason, please write us at [email protected].

Episodes with video can be viewed on YouTube and Spotify.

Episode Themes: Main Streets and Downtowns, Craft Brewery Revitalization, Miami’s Gold Rush

What Do I Do Now Jimmy Buffett? (no intro song version)

JB created the ultimate lifestyle brand, and he did what those of us that work in economic development are always trying to do: create a place that people want to be. He was influential and inspirational in so many ways. How did he inspire my own path in life, work, and music? What does JB...

2: What Do I Do Now Jimmy Buffett?

JB created the ultimate lifestyle brand, and he did what those of us that work in economic development are always trying to do: create a place that people want to be. He was influential and inspirational in so many ways. How did he inspire my own path in life, work, and music? What does JB...

Real and Perceived Safety in Downtowns and Beyond - The SafeDesign Approach Part 1

In this episode, we talk with Ken Stapleton of Ken Stapleton and Associates and the SafeDesign Institute about addressing real and perceived safety issues in our downtowns and other areas of our communities. We talk about the chapter on safety that he contributed to the book “Design Downtown for Women and the Men Will Follow.”...

What's Relevant for Cities at the Consumer Electronic Show (days 1 and 2)

Ken Stapleton and Kevin Crowder follow the action and new concepts showing up at the annual Consumer Electronics Show (CES) to see what in there might be relevant for cities. And there was alot! Flying Cars | Briefcase Electric Bikes | Mobility Automation | Practical Tech | No More Cables | Electric Hydrofoil Boats |...

Deceptive Density Part 2 of 3 with Ken Stapleton

In part two of our conversation on density and related matters, Ken and I pick up where we left off and Ken asked if we knew of any examples where downtowns thrive without density around them. In this episode we will talk about a couple of examples that I thought of. We start with a...

Deceptive Density Part 1 with Ken Stapleton

Drama. Derangement. DENSITY Part 1 of a three-part series from a conversation with Ken Stapleton of Ken Stapleton & Associates about density. This conversation took place following my (Kevin) participation in a panel discussion on density held for public officials. In this episode, we discuss some of the concepts presented at the panel, including the...

The Music Cities. What makes a place one of The Music Cities?

In this special Flareheads series, we will explore the different ways that a place can be one of The Music Cities. The Music Cities are where people connect to a place and engage other people through music. Places that people want to be because of the music. Places that people think of because of music....

Florida Brewers Guild Conversation with Colliers' Alexie Fonseca About Lake Wales Opportunities

Great conversation with Alexie Fonseca of Colliers, who is working on efforts in Downtown Lake Wales to foster opportunity for business growth, including the attraction of a craft brewery. We talk about what draws people to Lake Wales, authentic Downtowns versus shopping centers, how comfortable is your downtown and how experiences can overcome Amazon’s impact...

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