In episode 14 of "Between Two Humidors," Host Jonathan Ruggles interviews Jon Jones, aka The Bend Foodie, Founder of the food & beverage “Bend Foodies” community on Facebook, which has over 22,000 members. The live conversation starts with greetings and a discussion about cigars: Jones enjoys a Double CT Tabernacle, while Ruggles savors a 20th-anniversary JJ by Don Pepin. The discussion Jones’ journey as the Bend Foodie, beginning in Tacoma, Washington, and moving to Bend for boarding school. He transitioned from firefighting and paramedicine to writing and marketing, fueled by a desire for creativity and service. His passion for scotch and cigars evolved into a love for food, leading to the creation of the Bend Foodie brand in 2019, focused on showcasing Central Oregon's culinary scene. Ruggles’ and Jones discussed a wide range of topics, below are some key markers.

* Career Transition: Jones transitioned from a career in firefighting/paramedicine due to a lack of creative outlets to professional writing and eventually marketing, finding a niche as a food influencer.

* Bend Foodie Origin: His interest in food began with a curiosity about Scotch and cigars, which evolved into a passion for food reviews and marketing local food and beverage businesses.

* Bend Food Scene Insights: Jones offers insights into the Bend food scene, highlighting the importance of being approachable, balancing fusion with regional authenticity, and understanding the evolving "food IQ" of the local community.

* Community Focus: The conversation emphasizes Jones' desire to serve the community, evident in his background in emergency services and his current role as a food influencer promoting local businesses and supporting non-profits.

* Marketing and Influencing: Jones discusses his approach to marketing, including audience identification, messaging, and the importance of networking within the Central Oregon community. He also touches on the challenges and rewards of being a food influencer in a growing culinary scene.

Guest Links

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thebendfoodie

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebendfoodie

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thebendfoodie

Thank you to our Sponsors

The Cigar Chapel -Bend, Oregon

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