Northeast Louisiana is in the middle of a period of growth unlike anything the region has seen in decades. But what does that growth actually mean for the people who live and do business here?

On this episode of the Waiting Tables Podcast, John Bruscato sits down with Ben Stokes and Brandon Welch of Grow NELA to talk about the work happening behind the scenes to attract new investment, support existing businesses, and prepare Northeast Louisiana for what’s coming next.

They break down how economic development really works, Louisiana’s site certification process, the role of NDAs in major projects, and the opportunities being created by developments like Meta’s massive data center investment. The conversation also explores the challenges that come with rapid growth, including housing, infrastructure, energy, healthcare, workforce needs, and air travel.

Most importantly, Ben and Brandon share why they believe Northeast Louisiana is only getting started and why the next decade could look very different from the last.

From major industry recruitment to the impact on local businesses and families, this episode is a look at where Northeast Louisiana is headed and what it will take to make sure the entire region benefits.

Waiting Tables is sponsored by Bruscato Law.

Steve and Dino Taylor join John Bruscato on the Waiting Tables Podcast for a conversation about family, business, hard work, and the community they’ve called home for decades.

Steve shares the story of how he and a longtime business partner helped build CarTown into one of Northeast Louisiana’s most recognizable independent automotive businesses, while Dino talks about growing up in the business, starting at the bottom, launching Freedom Motors, and eventually becoming a partner alongside his father.

But this episode goes far beyond the car business.

They talk about the lessons learned when money was tight, building a reputation by standing behind what you sell, raising kids around a family business, giving back to the community, and why relationships have mattered more than any individual deal.

The conversation also turns toward the future of Monroe and Northeast Louisiana, including the unprecedented investment coming into the region and why Steve and Dino believe this community may be entering one of its greatest periods of opportunity.

It’s a story about building something that lasts, earning trust over decades, and believing enough in your hometown to keep investing in it.

On this episode of the Waiting Tables Podcast, John Bruscato sits down with a candidate for Mayor of Choudrant, Brandon Milner, whose story is built around service, perseverance, and a deep love for his hometown.

After a motorcycle accident in 2017 left him with a severe spinal cord injury, he was told his life would look drastically different. Instead, he fought to regain his independence. Today, he drives himself, maintains his own property, finds ways to help others with disabilities experience the outdoors, and continues looking for opportunities to serve the people around him.

Now, he's taking that same mindset into his campaign for Mayor of Choudrant. He and John discuss his vision for the town, including attracting new businesses, improving sewer and drainage infrastructure, strengthening law enforcement, investing in town employees, simplifying development, and preparing Choudrant for future growth without losing the small-town character that makes it special.

It's a conversation about overcoming adversity, serving others, and believing that a small town with the right leadership can have a very bright future.

**Waiting Tables Podcast is sponsored by Bruscato Law.**