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We sit down with Ryan Kelly to talk about how Kelly’s Port grows from a family leap of faith into a Lake of the Ozarks staple while still keeping it local. We also get into Yacht Gala, celebrity lake stories, and what happens when a small lake town starts moving like a major destination.

• the Kelly’s Port origin story from Kansas City to the lake
• how Ryan and Kyle split sales, marketing, and service leadership
• why customer experience matters more than any “secret sauce”
• handling celebrity visits with respect so the lake stays welcoming
• how the Lake of the Ozarks season and population keep expanding
• the real trade-offs of growth like casinos, traffic, and housing
• Yacht Gala as a major charity event supporting Kids Harbor
• the Jelly Roll cliff-jump promise that ends with a wiener dog
• weird service stories including a Florida iguana surprise

Check Out Kellys Port in you are in the Market for a boat at the Lake of the Ozarks - www.kellysport.com

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We sit down with Lake of the Ozarks icon Dale Blue for a fast, hilarious timeline of how a kid from Kaiser turns hitchhiking, bar gigs, and pure personality into a life in live music and lake business. The stories bounce from 1970s lake chaos to the hotel touring grind to owning Fish And Co, with plenty of Milagro tequila-fueled honesty in between.
• growing up at Lake of the Ozarks and watching tourism reshape the area
• the 1970s bar scene plus the infamous aqua massage story
• the Wild Mouse roller coaster and other lost lake landmarks
• sneaking into bars young and running with older crowds
• learning guitar by ear and rejecting traditional music lessons
• Aspen adventures, hustles to fund the trip, and meeting John Denver
• hitchhiking across states and the people he met on the road
• meeting his first wife through a show band and leveling up as an entertainer
• hotel circuit life, top 40 sets, and the vow to only play what he wants
• the Ozark Music Festival in Sedalia and why it became legendary
• Dog Days memories, lake friendships, and the “barefoot entertainer” era
• Key West trips, questionable accommodations, and boat-race stories
• buying Fish And Co, food standards, and what running a bar really takes
• the origin of “Speed Bump” and why the nickname stuck
• Wonderland Camp benefit and Honky Tonk Fest plans
If you see this, go to Fish and Co. ask for speed bump and give her a shit ton of money.

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On Episode 9 of the swifTEA Podcast, we're joined by one of the most recognizable faces keeping the Lake of the Ozarks safe, Lake Ozark Police Chief James Boren. From spending more than two decades in law enforcement to becoming the star of A&E's hit series Ozark Law, Chief Boren shares an honest, behind-the-scenes look at what it's really like protecting one of the busiest vacation destinations in the Midwest.

James takes us through his unexpected journey into law enforcement after originally chasing a career in music in Nashville. He reflects on working his way up through dispatch, patrol, investigations, and leadership before becoming Police Chief, while sharing the lessons he's learned about earning respect, building relationships, and leading officers who protect millions of visitors every year. We also dive into what it's like filming Ozark Law, how the cameras capture authentic moments, the funniest interactions with fans, and the unexpected fame that comes from appearing on national television.

We also discuss some of the Lake's biggest challenges, including Fourth of July storms, Memorial Day crowds, fake IDs, underage drinking, public marijuana use, BikeFest, and the constant balancing act of keeping the Strip safe without taking away the fun that makes Lake of the Ozarks such a unique destination. Chief Boren explains how his department works alongside local businesses, event organizers, and community leaders to improve safety while helping the Strip continue to grow into one of Missouri's premier entertainment districts.

Filled with hilarious stories, unforgettable encounters, behind-the-scenes television moments, and an inside look at modern policing, this episode offers a rare perspective on the people behind the badge. Whether you're a fan of Ozark Law, curious about what really happens on the Strip after dark, or simply love hearing stories from the people shaping the future of Lake of the Ozarks, Episode 9 with Police Chief James Boren is one conversation you won't want to miss.

🌊 Follow Swift & Co Realty for more unfiltered tea from the Lake of the Ozarks!

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Thinking about buying or selling at the Lake of the Ozarks? Reach out anytime!