Summary

In this episode of Crossroad Conversations, the Lewis Brothers dive into the ongoing challenge of balancing innovation vs. tradition in business. From the rise of EVs and AI tools to maintaining customer trust through authentic connections, they explore how leaders can embrace change without losing the culture and values that built their success.

The conversation breaks down when to lean on tradition, when to push forward with innovation, and how leaders can guide their teams through both resistance and excitement. With real dealership examples, stories of micromanagement done right, and insights on customer expectations, this episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating growth in today’s fast-changing market.

Takeaways

• Innovation is necessary, but tradition builds trust.
  
  
  
• Change without leadership creates confusion.
  
  
  
• Micromanagement can serve a purpose when teaching or realigning.
  
  
  
• Customers crave authentic, face-to-face connections — even in a digital world.
  
  
  
• Team buy-in is critical when introducing new systems or tech.
  
  
  
• Leaders must decide when to call for tradition and when to push for innovation.
  
  
  
• Culture is the anchor that keeps innovation from drifting aimlessly.

Feel the dynamic energy of the Lewis Brothers as they deliver real stories and lessons that keep local businesses on their toes, and share how experiences in the community inspire them to keep on driving.

Check out all our great episodes at CrossroadConversationsPodcast.com!

Summary

In this episode of Crossroad Conversations, the Lewis Brothers tackle the age-old question: Should business leaders trust their gut, the data, or outside voices when making critical decisions?
They dive into how intuition develops over time, when emotions can cloud judgment, and why balancing facts with instinct is key for effective leadership. Using real-world examples from football play-calling to dealership decision-making during COVID, the brothers break down the risks of relying solely on data, the dangers of emotional gut calls, and the importance of trusted advisors.
From commercial vehicle strategy and Section 179 tax savings to marketing budget waste and mentorship, this episode provides actionable insights on how to make smarter, more balanced business decisions.

Takeaways
Gut decisions grow stronger as leaders gain experience.

Emotional decisions made in frustration or anger can be dangerous.

Data provides clarity but can “lie” without proper context.

Leaders should know when to call a “timeout” and gather more facts.

Trusted voices and mentorship help balance instinct with perspective.

Sleep on tough calls — time often brings clarity.

Avoid paralysis by analysis; find the stopping point where action is needed.

Separate personal and business decision-making to stay effective.

Combining gut, data, and trusted advisors leads to the best outcomes.

Feel the dynamic energy of the Lewis Brothers as they deliver real stories and lessons that keep local businesses on their toes, and share how experiences in the community inspire them to keep on driving.

Check out all our great episodes at CrossroadConversationsPodcast.com!

In this episode of Crossroad Conversations, the Lewis Brothers sit down with Isaiah, founder of Dodo Coffee, to explore how a dream, a rundown 600 sq ft building, and an unwavering commitment to clean coffee turned into one of Northwest Arkansas’s fastest-growing coffee brands.

Isaiah shares how he and his wife Sarah moved from Washington to Arkansas, built their first shop “brick by brick,” then lost it to road expansion within a year. Instead of quitting, they pivoted to a coffee trailer and gained even more traction. Along the way, they built a loyal community, learned to balance family and business, and even began supplying coffee to professional sports teams. This is a story of perseverance, community, and the power of staying authentic in business.

Takeaways

• Success often comes from resilience and pivoting when plans collapse.
• Building authentic community creates loyalty that lasts through challenges.
• Clean, high-quality products plus a welcoming experience win repeat customers.
• Storytelling and transparency on social media create stronger engagement than ads.
• Family collaboration can be a business’s greatest strength.
• Sometimes the “grimy work” of renovating, roasting, and hustling is what builds credibility.
• Strategic pivots (like moving to a trailer) can unlock new opportunities.
• Persistence opens unexpected doors — including partnerships with national brands and pro sports teams.

Feel the dynamic energy of the Lewis Brothers as they deliver real stories and lessons that keep local businesses on their toes, and share how experiences in the community inspire them to keep on driving.

Check out all our great episodes at CrossroadConversationsPodcast.com!