What does it look like when an Austin restaurant prioritizes employee well-being just as much as profit? For L’Oca d’Oro, it looks like becoming one of Austin’s most respected restaurants and a leading voice for change in the local hospitality industry.

In this episode of the Changing Austin podcast, powered by Amplify Credit Union, L’Oca d’Oro cofounder Adam Orman shares how the award-winning Austin restaurant built a sustainable business model rooted in fair wages, paid sick leave and community impact. Drawing from years of experience in restaurants across the country, Orman and business partner Fiore Tedesco created L’Oca d’Oro with a mission to support both staff and customers while helping shape the future of Austin’s restaurant scene.

Throughout the conversation, Orman reflects on the evolution of Austin restaurants over the last decade, the growing challenges of affordability in Central Texas and how independent restaurants continue to adapt amid rising costs and rapid growth. He also discusses the restaurant industry’s role in local policy conversations, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on small businesses and why restaurants are increasingly expanding into Austin’s surrounding communities.

Listeners will gain insight into sustainable restaurant practices, the future of Austin small businesses and how community-driven restaurants like L’Oca d’Oro are helping create a more affordable and connected Austin.

Follow Adam Orman on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-orman-6344a3254/

Follow Stacy Armijo on Instagram and LinkedIn:

https://www.instagram.com/stacy.armijo https://www.linkedin.com/in/stacyarmijo

About Changing Austin:

Changing Austin examines the people shaping one of America's fastest-growing regions. From reimagining business models to doubling down on nonprofit missions, Changing Austin shares real stories about Austin's unique past and promising future.

VISIT Changing Austin at www.changingaustin.com

• Subscribe on Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/1a5623a8-9852-4a9b-948c-0f686aa14e4c/changing-austin
• Subscribe on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/changing-austin/id1820951608
• Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1gOBx6yCBEovj4IEb8LEhj?si=89088bb99af24177

Changing Austin is powered by Amplify Credit Union, Austin's home for fee-free commercial banking. #austin #austintexas

How do you find common ground in Texas politics and business when collaboration feels impossible? Denise Davis has spent more than 20 years doing exactly that. As Board Chair of the Austin Chamber of Commerce, former Chief of Staff for the Texas House of Representatives and partner at Davis Kaufman PLLC, Davis has built a reputation for helping business leaders, policymakers and entrepreneurs move Austin forward through strategic collaboration and bipartisan leadership.

In this episode of the Changing Austin Podcast, powered by Amplify Credit Union, Denise Davis shares insights on Texas politics, Austin economic growth, leadership, entrepreneurship and the future of business in Central Texas. From navigating high-stakes policy conversations to mentoring the next generation of Austin innovators, Davis explains why finding common ground is essential to shaping Austin’s future.

Listeners will hear how Davis’ experience in public policy, government relations and business advocacy continues to influence her leadership at the Austin Chamber of Commerce and across the Texas business community.

Follow Denise Davis on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/denise-davis-55444917/

Follow Stacy Armijo on Instagram and LinkedIn:

https://www.instagram.com/stacy.armijo https://www.linkedin.com/in/stacyarmijo

About Changing Austin:

Changing Austin examines the people shaping one of America's fastest-growing regions. From reimagining business models to doubling down on nonprofit missions, Changing Austin shares real stories about Austin's unique past and promising future.

VISIT Changing Austin at www.changingaustin.com

• Subscribe on Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/1a5623a8-9852-4a9b-948c-0f686aa14e4c/changing-austin
• Subscribe on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/changing-austin/id1820951608
• Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1gOBx6yCBEovj4IEb8LEhj?si=89088bb99af24177

Changing Austin is powered by Amplify Credit Union, Austin's home for fee-free commercial banking. #austin #austintexas

Few people have shaped Austin’s rise quite like Hugh Forrest.

As the first paid employee of South by Southwest, Forrest joined in 1989 when Austin was still a college town and SXSW was a scrappy music festival fueled by creativity, risk-taking and a handful of local venues. Over the next three decades, he helped transform SXSW into a global powerhouse spanning music, film, technology and culture, helping put Austin on the world stage.

In this episode of the Changing Austin podcast, powered by Amplify Credit Union, Chief Experience Officer Stacy Armijo sits down with Forrest to unpack SXSW’s evolution, Austin’s creative identity and what’s next for one of America’s fastest-growing cities.

From the city’s signature approachability to the urgent need to preserve space for artists, entrepreneurs and innovators, Forrest shares a clear perspective on what made Austin special and what must be protected as it continues to grow.

Follow Hugh Forrest on Instagram and LinkedIn:

https://www.instagram.com/hughwforrest https://www.linkedin.com/in/hughforrest

Follow Stacy Armijo on Instagram and LinkedIn:

https://www.instagram.com/stacy.armijo https://www.linkedin.com/in/stacyarmijo

About Changing Austin:

Changing Austin examines the people shaping one of America's fastest-growing regions. From reimagining business models to doubling down on nonprofit missions, Changing Austin shares real stories about Austin's unique past and promising future.

VISIT Changing Austin at www.changingaustin.com

• Subscribe on Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/1a5623a8-9852-4a9b-948c-0f686aa14e4c/changing-austin
• Subscribe on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/changing-austin/id1820951608
• Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1gOBx6yCBEovj4IEb8LEhj?si=89088bb99af24177

Changing Austin is powered by Amplify Credit Union, Austin's home for fee-free commercial banking. #austin #austintexas