• Partner with Ballers, Roots, and Soul to vend, sample, and sponsor—start relationship building now before new stadiums break ground.
• Create the event you wish existed: Center your product or service in a local event that showcases your business.
• Partner with local youth-sports tournaments: Approach local tournament directors with ideas of value for them and their participants.

We dive deep into the departure of the A’s—and how Oakland entrepreneurs can monetize from it. There is lots to unpack here. Rather than mourning what’s gone, we flip the narrative, unpacking why this moment might be the biggest business opportunity Oakland’s small-business community has seen in years.

We explore how the city’s remaining teams—the Oakland Ballers, Oakland Roots, and Oakland Soul—are building a new kind of sports culture: one rooted in community, accessibility, and local partnerships. If you’re a food vendor, creative, retailer, or service provider, these organizations represent open doors—not closed gates. We break down exactly how to approach these teams, what kinds of offers work, and why showing up with value first is the key to lasting partnerships.

But this episode doesn’t stop at sports. We explore how festivals, block parties, and youth sports weekends can become revenue engines for local brands. From creating your own mini-event to designing family-friendly offers during tournament weekends, we provide actionable, step-by-step tactics you can implement today.

Ultimately, this episode isn’t about losing a team—it’s about gaining perspective. By the end, you’ll see how Oakland’s business owners can lead the next era of “game day,” built not around stadiums, but around community energy, creative collaboration, and a shared commitment to keeping dollars circulating locally. If you’re ready to stop waiting for opportunity and start creating it, this is the playbook you didn’t know you needed.

Stick around until the end where we talk about the importance of being proactive: show up with value, give to get.

In this episode we sit down with Stephen and Anna, the founders of Merritt Ceramics, to uncover how they turned a small pottery corner in an Oakland warehouse into a thriving 6,000 sq ft creative community. From humble beginnings funded by restaurant tips to hosting Merritt Fest and managing over a hundred members, their journey is a masterclass in blending art, grit, and entrepreneurship.

They share how free community nights evolved into full courses and memberships, the lessons learned from opening (and later closing) a supply shop, and what it really takes to keep a creative business alive post-COVID.

“It’s dirty and messy... there’s a lot of business-y stuff that we knew nothing about — but we learned by doing.”

Whether you’re an artist, entrepreneur, or community builder, this episode is packed with honest insights on growth, resilience, and purpose-driven work.

Be sure to stick around until the end to hear how Stephen and Anna rebuilt their business after COVID, what they’d do differently today, and the one piece of advice they give every aspiring studio owner.

Ever wonder how a real estate guru pivots into offering the best coffee in Oakland? This week, we sat down with Ethan Ashley, the mastermind behind Kilovolt Coffee, and let me tell you, his story is not your typical grind.

Ethan takes us behind the scenes of building a successful coffee business, sharing the gritty realities, unexpected challenges, and the unwavering passion that fuels his success. Get ready for a raw, unfiltered conversation that'll leave you buzzing with inspiration and a serious craving for a perfectly brewed cup.

Ethan’s secret to success…

“I've seen businesses come and go, and the ones that thrive are the ones that genuinely care about their community and their people. Don't just chase profits; build something meaningful that adds value to the lives of others.”

This isn't just about coffee, it's about community, resilience, and forging your own path.

Stick around until the end where you'll hear Ethan share about his new brick-and-mortar store in West Oakland and launching a mobile coffee van.

Key Takeaways:

• Community is King: Kilovolt Coffee thrives on local loyalty and genuine connection with customers.
• Motivation Beyond Money: Invest in your people - happy employees translate to happy customers. Find ways to support your staff and their passions.
• Opportunity in Oakland: Turn the negative media narrative into your opportunity, Oakland is ripe with entrepreneurial potential.
• Pay Yourself First: Ensure you're taking care of yourself amidst the challenges.