Jaro with VOLT Life Proof Grooming Products

Jaro with VOLT Life Proof Grooming Products

FROM HOLLYWOOD SPECIAL EFFECTS TO THE BLACK HILLS: VOLT GROOMING BUILDS A NATURAL ALTERNATIVE What started as a product designed for Hollywood actors and stunt performers has grown into a South Dakota-based grooming company focused on natural ingredients, sustainability and outdoor lifestyles. During a recent episode of The BrandoM Podcast, Volt Grooming founder Jaro shared how his journey from California's special effects makeup industry led to the creation of a growing grooming brand headquartered in the Black Hills. Jaro said he launched a special effects makeup company more than 20 years ago, manufacturing products for actors, stunt performers and film productions. While developing temporary beard-coloring products for the entertainment industry, he discovered a consumer market that extended beyond movie sets. The company's original beard color was designed to be plant-based, waterproof and sweat-resistant while remaining temporary enough to wash out with soap and water. According to Jaro, the product was initially created for actors who needed realistic facial hair coloring without the permanence of traditional dyes. "I was using it on myself just to test different colors," Jaro said during the podcast. "And I thought, this is a good product. We should take it out to consumers." After relocating to South Dakota, Jaro launched Volt Grooming with the beard color product as its foundation. Customer demand quickly expanded the company's catalog to include beard washes, beard balms, beard oils, shampoos, body washes, shaving products, sea salt sprays, aloe products and even natural insect repellents. A key part of the company's mission is its emphasis on plant-based ingredients and refillable packaging. Jaro said becoming a parent made him more conscious about ingredients used in personal care products. He wanted products he felt comfortable using on himself and his family while reducing dependence on single-use plastics. As a result, Volt Grooming adopted refill systems and aluminum packaging designed to be reused or recycled. "We started making refills because then we don't even have to depend on recycling," Jaro said. "The goal was refillable rather than just recyclable." Podcast host Brandon Jones, who has used Volt products for more than a year, said he has noticed improvements in the health and appearance of his beard and hair since switching to the company's grooming line. Jones also praised the durability of the products, noting they hold up through long workdays, gym workouts and live music performances. Jaro said that durability is intentional. The company markets itself as a "life-proof" grooming brand designed for people who spend time outdoors, whether they're working, exercising, hunting, fishing or exploring the Black Hills. Despite selling products nationwide, Jaro said one of his biggest goals remains increasing awareness locally. "It's crazy how many people don't know about us," he said. Looking ahead, Jaro said Volt Grooming is exploring new products, including beard butter and balm made with South Dakota-sourced bison tallow, which he believes could offer additional benefits for skin and beard care. Other potential additions include deodorants and expanded personal care offerings, though he emphasized that maintaining product quality remains the company's top priority. For Jaro, the reward comes from creating products himself and hearing positive feedback from customers. "When you make something and somebody tells you it works for them, that's the cool part," he said. Today, Volt Grooming continues to manufacture its products in Rapid City, combining lessons learned from Hollywood special effects with a focus on natural ingredients, sustainability and life in the Black Hills. ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Sophia from EXOS in Rapid talks about her Tactical Games Competition

What happens when competitive shooting, endurance racing and strength training are combined into one event? For Monument Health Exos strength and conditioning coach Sophia Grohs, the answer is the Tactical Games, a rapidly growing competition that tests athletes' physical and mental limits while requiring precision marksmanship under pressure. Grohs recently appeared on The BrandoM Podcast to discuss her experience competing in the Tactical Games, where she earned a third-place finish in her first event against seasoned competitors. The Tactical Games combines elements of military-style fitness challenges, obstacle courses, running, strength events and shooting competitions. Competitors are required to complete physically demanding tasks before transitioning to shooting stations where accuracy can determine final standings. “It’s kind of a shooting competition and CrossFit had a baby,” Grohs said. A former U.S. Army soldier, Grohs served seven years, including three years on active duty. After leaving the military and relocating to South Dakota, she eventually joined Monument Health Exos, where she now works with athletes, older adults and local sports programs, including Hill City High School athletes and area soccer players. Her path to the Tactical Games began after years of recovering from injuries and surgeries. Between late 2023 and early 2025, Grohs underwent three knee surgeries and a shoulder surgery. Rather than slowing down, the rehabilitation process fueled her desire to return to high-level competition. “I wanted to show these kids what the human body is capable of,” Grohs said. “How do I model that? How do I lead from the front?” At her first Tactical Games event, Grohs faced a field of experienced competitors and quickly learned the challenges of the sport. One event required competitors to repeatedly move a rain-soaked 175-pound sandbag while wearing tactical gear and carrying firearms. Despite some costly mistakes during the shooting portions of the competition, Grohs remained competitive throughout the weekend and even captured an event victory in a sprint-based running challenge. The experience also introduced her to a supportive community of athletes. “The women I competed against were some of the nicest, most down-to-earth people I’ve ever been around,” Grohs said. “They were making sure I had the right equipment and was in the right place before events.” Preparation for the sport requires a unique training approach. Grohs monitors her heart rate during workouts and practices shooting while fatigued to simulate competition conditions. “My heart rate is jacked, my legs hurt, I feel like I’m about to puke, and I still have to perform,” she said. Grohs will compete in three Tactical Games events this summer, beginning with a competition in Rupert, Idaho, on June 19. Additional events are scheduled in Iowa and Montana. Support for her competitive pursuits has come from Monument Health, which helped cover registration expenses, and local businesses including Sidwell Arms. For those interested in following her progress, Grohs can be found on Instagram at @sophie_g4, while competition coverage and live scoring are available through the Tactical Games' social media platforms and YouTube channel. As Grohs prepares for another demanding summer of competition, she hopes her journey serves as an example for the athletes she coaches every day. After overcoming multiple surgeries and years of recovery, she now finds herself competing alongside some of the nation's top tactical athletes — and proving she belongs. “I can hang with these women,” Grohs said. “That was probably the biggest thing I took away from that first competition.” https://thetacticalgames.com/ [https://thetacticalgames.com/] https://www.youtube.com/@TheTacticalGames [https://www.youtube.com/@TheTacticalGames] Sophia Grohs  Instagram @sophia_g4 ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Not on the Mic Episode 1 - Elisabeth Riisnæs - fellow Homeslice Employee who isn't on the mic but amazingly talented

HOMESLICE MEDIA DESIGNER SHARES NORWEGIAN ROOTS, CREATIVE JOURNEY IN RAPID CITY By Brandon Jones RAPID CITY, S.D. — A casual conversation in the break room at Homeslice Media Group turned into a deeper look at culture, creativity and life between two worlds for graphic designer Elisabeth Riisnæs. Riisnæs, who joined the Rapid City-based media company about six months ago, works behind the scenes designing logos, advertisements, websites and promotional graphics seen across the company’s brands and client campaigns. Originally born in the United States, Riisnæs holds dual citizenship through her father, who was born and raised in Bergen, Norway. Her father first came to America as a foreign exchange student before eventually attending the South Dakota School of Mines, where he studied electrical engineering and met her mother. “He thought it was cool being in America,” Riisnæs said during an episode of “The BrandoM Podcast.” Her mother later became a teacher, while her father remained in Rapid City after college, helping establish roots in western South Dakota. Although born in the United States, Riisnæs spent much of her childhood connected to Norway. She lived there for several months as a child while attending kindergarten and has continued traveling back to visit family over the years. She said maintaining dual citizenship required spending time in Norway and remaining connected to the country. Riisnæs also grew up speaking Norwegian and English, though she admitted she has become “a little rusty” while living primarily in the United States. The conversation highlighted differences between American and Norwegian culture, especially food and entertainment. Riisnæs said Norwegian versions of American products like soda and fast food taste noticeably different because of European food regulations and ingredients. She also shared memories of traditional Norwegian comfort foods, One called Risengrøt including rice, boiled milk topped with cinnamon, sugar and raisins — a childhood favorite she once introduced to college friends in the United States who thought it was bland. Beyond her international background, Riisnæs represents a younger generation of creatives building careers in Rapid City. A 2024 graduate, she previously worked for local apparel company Park Bench Apparel before joining Homeslice Media Group. “I just wanted to try something different,” she said of making the move into media design work. The podcast episode offered listeners a more personal introduction to one of the many employees working behind the scenes in local media while also showcasing the diverse backgrounds that continue shaping the Rapid City community. Listen to this Episode of the brandoM Podcast anywhere you get your podcasts Story Created by  Brandon Jones ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

9/11 Memorial Hike and Golf, with EAFB Fire and RCFD and more

Such and awesome event coming on the 25th anniversary of 9/11, all is welcomed and please help donate and show up for the march and golf tourney! To be apart of this awesome event and or if you have question click the links below or give Randy Maxon a call Randy Maxon 605-858-0317 rcmaxon22@yahoo.com https://www.eventbrite.com/e/911-memorial-day-of-remembrance-golf-classic-25th-anniversary-tickets-1712273569339?aff=oddtdtcreator https://pci.jotform.com/form/260993878967081 ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

David Rush AKA World Record Guy, is way more the just a World Record Holder

David Rush, husband, father, electrical engineer and multiple world record holder by a long shot. But why? Why so many records? What got him started and how does he do it? I think in this episode you will find out more about the why and find motivation for your self in the process. recordbreakerrush.com ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.