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We\u2019re squarely in the midst of political season\u2014presidential debates have begun, campaigning has kicked into high gear, and November elections are closer than we think. Amongst it all, there\u2019s an adage this episode\u2019s guest once shared that likely sounds true, whether your a deep-in-the-weeds politico or fair-weather voter: If you want to make the biggest impact in politics, you go into business.

Well over a decade ago, Jon Renthrope did just that, opening up Cajun Fire Brewing in his hometown of New Orleans. Enticed by what he found in the world of homebrewing, Jon took a degree in politics from the University of Florida and spun it into a career in beer, which led to the launch of his brewery 12 years ago. And it\u2019s through his company he\u2019s working to marry the ideas of community impact with work through local organizations like The 100 Black Men of Metro New Orleans, as a cultural ambassador, and by working with the National Black Brewers Association.

In this conversation, you\u2019ll hear Jon talk about what it means to start Cajun Fire in the place he grew up and deepen already strong roots. He\u2019ll share how he\u2019s been influenced by family\u2014notably his grandmother\u2014and how that history lingers today. We also discuss his brewery\u2019s lineup of beer and why you won\u2019t find an IPA leading the way among Cajun Fire customers. Jon didn\u2019t go into politics, exactly, but he is using his business in all kinds of ways to connect and impact people around him.

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