On this episode of Butternomics, Brandon Butler chats with TJ Bennett, CEO of Sole Play, about transforming a sneaker boutique into a community-driven movement. TJ shares his journey from corporate life to business ownership, how Sole Play leverages culture and partnerships to impact mental health awareness, financial literacy, and gaming, and the importance of intentional marketing, building a strong team, and creating a purpose-driven brand that resonates with sneakerheads and everyday customers alike.

On this episode of Butternomics, Brandon Butler chats with TJ Bennett, CEO of Sole Play, about transforming a sneaker boutique into a community-driven movement. TJ shares his journey from corporate life to business ownership, how Sole Play leverages culture and partnerships to impact mental health awareness, financial literacy, and gaming, and the importance of intentional marketing, building a strong team, and creating a purpose-driven brand that resonates with sneakerheads and everyday customers alike.

Butternomics: The Business of Culture takes a deep dive into the intersection of business and culture, showing how brands, entrepreneurs, and tastemakers use culture level up. Join serial entrepreneur, thought leader, and CEO of Butter.ATL, Brandon Butler (@mrsuperbran), as he brings you exclusive interviews, trends, insights, and more. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or a seasoned pro, Butternomics is for you.

Butternomics: The Business of Culture takes a deep dive into the intersection of business and culture, showing how brands, entrepreneurs, and tastemakers use culture level up. Join serial entrepreneur, thought leader, and CEO of Butter.ATL, Brandon Butler (@mrsuperbran), as he brings you exclusive interviews, trends, insights, and more. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or a seasoned pro, Butternomics is for you.

Butternomics the Business of Culture

Butternomics - The Business of Culture

Sole Play’s Secret Sauce: Sneakers, Community, and Culture

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/aa2b4c0c-8c1d-47d1-9f27-b265006368d6/transcript

On this episode of Butternomics, our host, Brandon Butler, sits down with the one and only Nitti Beatz, a foundational figure in Atlanta's music scene. Nitti takes us back to his roots, from his gospel radio upbringing with his mother to learning seven instruments by ear. He recounts the early days of Atlanta hip-hop, being inspired by local legends like Mr. Cool, and his big break producing tracks for 8-Ball. Nitti pulls back the curtain on the creation of the multi-platinum hit "It's Goin' Down" for Young Joc, sharing the creative process and the lessons learned about the industry. This conversation is packed with insights on the importance of music quality, branding, mentorship from figures like Jermaine Dupri and Diddy, and his passion for developing the next generation of artists. 

On this episode of Butternomics, our host, Brandon Butler, sits down with the one and only Nitti Beatz, a foundational figure in Atlanta's music scene. Nitti takes us back to his roots, from his gospel radio upbringing with his mother to learning seven instruments by ear. He recounts the early days of Atlanta hip-hop, being inspired by local legends like Mr. Cool, and his big break producing tracks for 8-Ball. Nitti pulls back the curtain on the creation of the multi-platinum hit "It's Goin' Down" for Young Joc, sharing the creative process and the lessons learned about the industry. This conversation is packed with insights on the importance of music quality, branding, mentorship from figures like Jermaine Dupri and Diddy, and his passion for developing the next generation of artists.

The Business Behind the Beat with Nitti Beatz

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/e76f6a63-829d-4eba-ba46-b36f00389b4d/transcript

On this episode of Butternomics, we’re kicking it with Angela Watts, the visionary behind Atlanta Fashion Week. Angela saw the potential for ATL to be more than just a hub for music and culture—she knew it could be a global fashion hotspot too. So, she built a platform that highlights everything from streetwear to high fashion. Fast forward over a decade, and Atlanta Fashion Week is pulling in designers, brands, and fashion lovers from around the world. Tap in as Angela breaks down how she turned her vision into one of ATL’s biggest fashion events, what it really takes to make it in the fashion game, and where she sees the future of Atlanta’s fashion scene heading.

On this episode of Butternomics, we&rsquo;re kicking it with Angela Watts, the visionary behind Atlanta Fashion Week. Angela saw the potential for ATL to be more than just a hub for music and culture&mdash;she knew it could be a global fashion hotspot too. So, she built a platform that highlights everything from streetwear to high fashion. Fast forward over a decade, and Atlanta Fashion Week is pulling in designers, brands, and fashion lovers from around the world. Tap in as Angela breaks down how she turned her vision into one of ATL&rsquo;s biggest fashion events, what it really takes to make it in the fashion game, and where she sees the future of Atlanta&rsquo;s fashion scene heading.

How Angela Watts Built Atlanta Fashion Week

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/a62822d8-a22e-4738-bd95-b368012a2d2d/transcript

On this episode of Butternomics, our host, Brandon Butler, dives into the franchise hustle with Randy Hazelton, CEO of H&H Hospitality. Randy reveals how he went from flipping real estate to running Shake Shacks, Buffalo Wild Wings, and Sweetwater Brewhouses in major airports. He breaks down the difference between building concepts from scratch versus leveraging franchises, and why the latter can be a shortcut to success. This conversation is packed with insights on funding, private equity, and the overlooked opportunities in boring businesses.

On this episode of Butternomics, our host, Brandon Butler, dives into the franchise hustle with Randy Hazelton, CEO of H&amp;H Hospitality. Randy reveals how he went from flipping real estate to running Shake Shacks, Buffalo Wild Wings, and Sweetwater Brewhouses in major airports. He breaks down the difference between building concepts from scratch versus leveraging franchises, and why the latter can be a shortcut to success. This conversation is packed with insights on funding, private equity, and the overlooked opportunities in boring businesses.

The Playbook for Boring Businesses That Print Money with Randy Hazelton

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/5409934d-d4d8-4555-8881-b35c0012e5cf/transcript

Sole Play’s Secret Sauce: Sneakers, Community, and Culture

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