Beyond the Festival with Don Burdick

Summary
In this episode of the Bruising Business Podcast, host Braedon Kruse discusses the evolution of the Tulsa Irish Fest with returning guest Don Burdick. They explore the festival's origins, its growth, and the challenges faced, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. The conversation highlights the importance of community support, the festival's family-friendly atmosphere, and the business aspects of organizing such events. Burdick shares personal anecdotes about the festival's impact on attendees and the connections formed through music, emphasizing the goal of creating lasting memories for families and fostering a sense of community. In this conversation, Braedon Kruse discusses the upcoming festival, highlighting the introduction of live rugby matches and the collaborative effort behind organizing the event. He emphasizes the importance of teamwork, shared vision, and empowering individuals within an organization. Braedon also shares insights from his experience as a CEO, navigating challenges, and finding innovative solutions during crises. In this conversation, Braedon Kruse shares his journey through financial partnerships, emphasizing the importance of trust and quality in business. He discusses the balance between passion and profit in entrepreneurship, highlighting the need for intentional living and personal growth. Braedon reflects on his experiences in the oil and gas industry and his transition to new ventures, advocating for embracing change and pursuing what truly matters in life.

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Takeaways

• The Tulsa Irish Fest was born out of a desire for cultural celebration.
• Social media played a crucial role in promoting the festival.
• The festival aims to provide an authentic Irish experience, not just a party.
• Community support is essential for the festival's sustainability.
• The festival has adapted to challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Creating a family-friendly atmosphere is a top priority for the festival.
• The festival fosters connections between attendees and musicians.
• Quality vendors enhance the festival experience.
• Financial management is key to the festival's longevity.
• The festival aims to be a beloved annual event for the community. The festival will feature live rugby matches, enhancing the experience.
• Teamwork is essential for the success of large events.
• A shared vision among team members fosters commitment and ownership.
• Empowering individuals leads to better execution and creativity.
• Leadership involves allowing others to take ownership of their roles.
• Navigating challenges requires innovative thinking and adaptability.
• A CEO's role is multifaceted, often involving problem-solving at all levels.
• Passion and authenticity are contagious in leadership.
• Building a strong team is crucial for long-term success.
• Creating memorable experiences is a key goal of the festival. I need $4 million back in about two months.
• I thought it could happen, but it wasn't expected.
• I wrote them a check for about $62 million.
• Quality is what your customer demands.
• Sales drives revenue without sales, got no business.
• If you don't like what you're doing, who are you?
• You should be in love with your business.
• If I can prove that I can be out periodically, then I've built something.
• Chase the scary things and see if you grow.
• Help us build this thing together.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview
05:35 The Journey of the Festival
13:47 The Business Side of Festivals
22:28 Building Community Through Music
33:52 Exciting New Features at the Festival
39:02 Th