In this powerful and heartfelt episode of Common Cents The Podcast, Garrett Reed sits down with Lane Bauer, owner of L.A. Bauer, LLC Real Estate & Renovation and co-founder (with his wife) of The Local Creamery. From high-end remodeling and real estate deals to scooping handcrafted ice cream in two thriving Texas shops, Lane’s entrepreneurial journey is anything but ordinary.
After facing bankruptcy in 2008, Lane rebounded with grit, faith, and relentless hustle—proving that rock bottom can be the foundation for something incredible. He opens up about navigating personal and professional storms, leaving a dream job for his family, building a business that serves the community, and mentoring the next generation of young workers in an era lacking hands-on education.
Whether you're in construction, real estate, parenting, or just trying to figure out how to pivot your life, this episode delivers a masterclass in resilience, servant leadership, and sweet success—served with a scoop of mint chip.
Five Highlights from the Show:
From Bankruptcy to Building a Legacy
Lane opens up about losing it all in 2008, sheltering assets, and starting over—eventually building a real estate and renovation brand rooted in grit, faith, and family.
The Power of Answering the Call
In business and life, taking the tough phone call—especially in bad times—can be the make-or-break moment. Lane shares how doing so led to unexpected opportunities.
The Local Creamery: More Than Ice Cream
The family-owned shop doubles as a mentorship ground for teens and a joyful retreat for the community, reinforcing the importance of connection in a digital world.
Teaching Through Trade
Lane advocates for bringing back vocational training, teaching young staff how to count change, understand costs, and take pride in a job well done.
Marriage, Mistakes, and Making it Work
Lane reflects on navigating personal storms, committing to marriage through the hard seasons, and showing up daily—at home, in business, and in life.
Timestamped Summary:
00:00 – Lane Bauer shares his journey from multifamily construction to launching high-end renovation and real estate ventures, eventually co-founding The Local Creamery.
20:27 – Discussing business pivots and answering difficult calls that shaped his career, Lane reveals how family struggles influenced his transition to a more purpose-driven life.
43:46 – Lane dives into The Local Creamery’s role in serving schools and the community, while highlighting mentorship and the value of transparency in business.
01:06:51 – A humorous cremation mix-up leads to laughs and insights on unique ice cream flavors, entrepreneurship, and choosing family over burnout.
01:17:14 – Lane sounds the alarm on the decline of trade education and how his shops help fill the gap by teaching essential life and business skills.
01:28:50 – Rising real estate prices spark a trend in multigenerational living and renovations, while Lane reflects on lessons learned from failure and future expansion plans.
01:45:19 – Lane and Garrett talk about communication, forgiveness, and rebuilding stronger family ties through hardship, especially in marriage.
02:00:35 – Closing thoughts on embracing flaws, living with intention, and keeping the joy alive through work, family, and the sweet moments in between.
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