Summary:
James Bell, President & CEO of the Broken Arrow Chamber & EDC, details the strategy behind Broken Arrow's rapid growth on the Brews & Business podcast with host Braedon Kruse.
Bell, who joined in September 2024, discusses his unique career path from medical devices to startups and, finally, economic development, explaining why he sees Broken Arrow as a "Goldilocks City." He shares his vision for the community, which focuses on balancing the attraction of primary jobs (manufacturers and tech) with nurturing small businesses and local entrepreneurs. Bell emphasizes that community development is the foundation for economic development, highlighting the Chamber's work in advocacy and workforce development, including the successful push for Senate Bill 701 (SB 701). He concludes by offering advice for entrepreneurs and discussing the personal legacy he aims to build in Broken Arrow.
Key Takeaways
- The Journey to BA was Personal and Providential: James Bell openly shares his non-linear career path, noting several instances where he resisted a push toward economic development and entrepreneurship before realizing his true calling and moving his family to Broken Arrow for its community, schools, and growth opportunities.
- Community Development is the Foundation: James stresses that economic success hinges on community development—ensuring the city is a high-quality place to live, which then attracts the businesses that create "primary jobs" that bring new money into the economy. Retail and small businesses, often overlooked in economic development discussions, are essential for this quality of life.
- The Chamber’s True Value is Beyond Networking: While the Chamber hosts many networking events, its core value lies in advocacy (like fighting for SB 701), business retention and expansion (where most new jobs are created), and providing research and resources that help small businesses and entrepreneurs succeed.
- It’s Never Too Late to Start or Pivot: Drawing from his own experience of returning to school in his late 30s for a two-year pre-med program and MBA, and jumping into a new career later in life, James encourages entrepreneurs to embrace change and new beginnings, reminding them that the average successful entrepreneur starts in their 40s.
- Advice for Entrepreneurs: Get Out of the Building: James advises that the answers to business problems are "not inside the building you're sitting in." Entrepreneurs must go out and talk to 60-100 people about the problem and their proposed solution to truly understand the market and adapt before investing heavily.
Episode Chapters 00:00 – 03:00
Intro: Welcome, Gregoron Coffee Roasters Sponsor & Promo Code
03:00 – 05:30
What’re We Drinking? (Coffee of the Day Discussion)
05:30 – 11:30
The Winding Road to Broken Arrow: From Medical Sales to Economic Development
11:30 – 16:30
Why Broken Arrow? Finding the "Goldilocks City" and its Growth Position
16:30 – 21:00
The City vs. The Chamber: Understanding the Role of the Broken Arrow Chamber & EDC
21:00 – 28:00
The Power of Advocacy: How the Chamber Fought for SB 701 (4-Year Degrees)
28:00 – 35:00
The Three-Legged Stool: Attraction, Retention/Expansion, and Entrepreneurship
35:00 – 43:00
Defining Success & The True Value of a Chamber Membership
43:00 – 49:30
Broken Arrow's Unique Growth: Retail, Manufacturing, and Quality of Life Rankings
49:30 – 58:45
The Personal Journey: From Corporate Climbing to Entrepreneurial Scars
58:45 – 1:04:00
Entrepreneurial Advice: Better to Be Prepared or Just Start?
1:04:00 – 1:07:30
Core Questions: Lucky or Smart? & The Legacy of a Leader
1:07:30
Wrap-Up, Call to Action, & Sponsor Reminder
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