In honor of Veterans Day, host Pat Rodgers sits down with Donte Bryson Jr., founder and creative director of BRYLAMAR, a luxury fashion brand For Dreamers Who Do. Donte shares his journey from serving in the U.S. Navy to launching a high-end design label inspired by mid-century architecture, discipline, and purpose.

In this inspiring episode, Donte opens up about turning grief into motivation, balancing structure and creativity, and the nine-month process of developing his first luxury handbag. From designing t-shirts in his apartment to operating out of a warehouse, his story is one of resilience, refinement, and relentless self-belief.

If you’ve ever dreamed of building something bigger than yourself, this episode will remind you that structure, discipline, and passion can turn any vision into reality.

https://www.brylamar.com/

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Connect with Pat Rodgers on LinkedIn
Learn more about RISE Commercial District Website | Instagram | YouTube | LinkedIn

Build Boldly is produced by Palm Tree Pod Co.

Running a business with your best friend sounds like a dream, until it’s not. In this episode of Build Boldly, Allison Barber sits down with Elizabeth Coratola and Lauren Schouweiler, co-owners of COCO the Shop, to talk about the real dynamics of partnership. From communicating through conflict and dividing responsibilities, to protecting your friendship in the process.

Together, they share what it takes to run a thriving women-owned boutique that blends confidence and comfort while navigating the emotional and practical challenges of entrepreneurship. From handling disagreements and different work styles to staying grounded through change, this conversation is a masterclass in honesty, resilience, and collaboration.

Whether you’re in business with a partner or simply want to build stronger communication skills as a leader, this episode is a must-listen for women entrepreneurs who believe in growing boldly and gracefully.

Learn more at www.cocotheshop.com

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Connect with Pat Rodgers on LinkedIn
Learn more about RISE Commercial District Website | Instagram | YouTube | LinkedIn

Build Boldly is produced by Palm Tree Pod Co.

In this special episode of Build Boldly, guest host Allison Barber takes the mic in celebration of National Women’s Small Business Month to share a heartfelt and practical guide for women entrepreneurs everywhere.

Drawing from her own journey as an entrepreneur and as Marketing Director at Rise Commercial District, Allison introduces five powerful books that have shaped her perspective on business, leadership, and balance. From redefining time management and building meaningful community to clarifying your brand message and leading with heart, each recommendation offers wisdom to help you simplify, grow, and thrive.

If you’ve ever felt the weight of juggling too many roles or the loneliness that can come with entrepreneurship, this episode is your reminder to slow down, find your people, and build boldly.

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Connect with Pat Rodgers on LinkedIn
Learn more about RISE Commercial District Website | Instagram | YouTube | LinkedIn

Build Boldly is produced by Palm Tree Pod Co.

In this solo episode of Build Boldly, host Pat Rodgers opens up about the often-unspoken side of entrepreneurship and leadership, the toll it takes on mental health. From crippling anxiety and imposter syndrome to personal trauma and the relentless pressure of meeting payroll, Pat shares his own journey of pushing too hard, bottling up grief, and ultimately learning why high performers can’t succeed alone.

Through candid reflections, he unpacks how unchecked expectations and hidden struggles can cloud judgment, stall growth, and erode relationships. More importantly, he shares why talking, sharing, and building a support system is not a weakness but a strength, and the key to unlocking your next level.

If you’re an entrepreneur, leader, or operator carrying heavy responsibilities, this episode is a reminder that mental health is a team sport, and caring for yourself is the foundation for building boldly.

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Connect with Pat Rodgers on LinkedIn
Learn more about RISE Commercial District Website | Instagram | YouTube | LinkedIn

Build Boldly is produced by Palm Tree Pod Co.

It's true, there are a few essential leasing strategies every business owner should know before signing on the dotted line. In this solo episode of Build Boldly, host Pat Rodgers breaks down each step. From identifying your true space requirements—like delivery access, 24/7 availability, and customer-facing potential—to understanding the real all-in costs of a lease, Pat reveals the common pitfalls that can stall business growth.

You’ll learn how flexible leasing can give your company the freedom to scale up or down, the pros and cons of different lease terms, and why right sizing (or even downsizing) can actually improve productivity by bringing you closer to your customers. Pat also explains how to evaluate hidden costs, negotiate terms that fit your goals, and align your leasing strategy with your long-term business vision.

Whether you’re a small business looking for office space, warehouse storage, or a turnkey commercial solution, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you avoid costly mistakes and position your business for sustainable growth.

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Connect with Pat Rodgers on LinkedIn
Learn more about RISE Commercial District Website | Instagram | YouTube | LinkedIn

Build Boldly is produced by Palm Tree Pod Co.

Thinking about expanding your business? In this solo episode of Build Boldly, host Pat Rodgers breaks down the key factors every business owner should consider before growing into new markets or locations. From analyzing market demand and matching demographics to weighing the pros and cons of leasing versus buying commercial property, Pat shares actionable strategies to reduce risks and maximize growth potential.

You’ll learn how leasing impacts cash flow and financial flexibility, why many companies are moving away from property ownership, and how to build accurate financial models to project revenue and expenses. Pat also compares flex spaces versus traditional office spaces, explaining which model works best for businesses needing warehousing, storage, or combined operations. Whether you’re a small business owner eyeing your first expansion or a seasoned operator ready for the next step, this episode will help you make smarter, more strategic decisions about your growth.

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Connect with Pat Rodgers on LinkedIn
Learn more about RISE Commercial District Website | Instagram | YouTube | LinkedIn

Build Boldly is produced by Palm Tree Pod Co.

Signing a commercial lease can make or break your small business, but too many owners rush in without understanding the true costs and risks. In this solo episode of Build Boldly, host Pat Rodgers breaks down the five biggest mistakes business owners make when leasing commercial property and how to avoid them.

From hidden costs in triple net, modified gross, and gross leases to overlooked zoning restrictions, Pat covers the fine print that could cost you thousands. You’ll learn how to negotiate better terms, plan for growth, assess building condition, and protect yourself with a solid exit strategy. Whether you’re opening your first location or expanding to a new space, this episode will help you evaluate commercial lease agreements like a pro - and avoid costly surprises down the road.

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Connect with Pat Rodgers on LinkedIn
Learn more about RISE Commercial District Website | Instagram | YouTube | LinkedIn

Build Boldly is produced by Palm Tree Pod Co.

What happens when a disaster strikes and you need a recovery team that can move fast, but also understands the local landscape? In this episode of Build Boldly, Pat Rogers sits down with Mike Bowman of BMS CAT, a national leader in restoration and reconstruction services. Mike shares how BMS CAT has built a powerful operational model that blends centralized leadership with local branch autonomy, creating a seamless response system that serves clients across industries nationwide.

From emergency response coordination to regional expertise and internal communication systems, this conversation unpacks how BMS CAT delivers rapid, professional service while supporting their branch teams to lead with confidence. If you're interested in scaling your service business or exploring smart acquisition models, this is one you won’t want to miss.

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Connect with Pat Rodgers on LinkedIn
Learn more about RISE Commercial District Website | Instagram | YouTube | LinkedIn

Build Boldly is produced by Palm Tree Pod Co.