The Real Hernando

Brandon Gustafson | Gustafson Properties Spotlight: Custom Home Building, Renovations & Badger PMD

The Real Hernando podcast invited Brandon Gustafson and Gustafson Properties, a North Mississippi custom home builder with over 20 years of experience, Certified Graduate Builder designations, 100% Hardy Homes, and a 10-year structural warranty. Co-owner Brandon Gustafson discusses the company’s family roots, their Hernando, Monteith Ave office, and their expanding “one-stop” approach through relationships with architects, lenders, and real estate. He explains their process from discovery call through pre-construction, common misconceptions like timelines, and growing demand for renovations as homeowners use equity for upgrades. Brandon also shares homebuilding trends such as outdoor living spaces and safe rooms, the importance of builder credentials, and introduces his separate construction management software Badger PMD, including plans to integrate AI for design mockups and estimating. The Real Hernando is on YouTube, Apple, Spotify, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok This episode was recorded at SRP Studios and Produced by Shelby Row Productions LLC SRPStudiosLLC.com [http://srpstudiosllc.com]

Garvin Keen | Former Horn Lake Band Director and a LegalShield Associate, DreamScape Consulting

Host Derrick welcomes Garvin Keen, a LegalShield associate (DreamScape Consulting), to spotlight how LegalShield provides affordable legal support and IDShield identity protection through a monthly membership that connects members to a dedicated law firm (William Anderson & Farrah for Mississippi and Alabama) with attorney callbacks typically within four hours. Garvin shares his personal motivation for helping people understand and use their rights, contrasts LegalShield with relying on friends or online searches, and explains IDShield features including private investigators who can assume power of attorney to resolve identity issues, plus privacy and reputation guidance. The conversation also covers Garvin’s DeSoto County history as a Horn Lake band director (1990–2005), local band culture and growth, Amro Music, reunions, and how DeSoto County has changed over the past two decades. The Real Hernando is on YouTube, Apple, Spotify, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok This episode was recorded at SRP Studios and Produced by Shelby Row Productions LLC SRPStudiosLLC.com [http://srpstudiosllc.com]

Denise McElhaney Returns | Happy Hounds Updates, Pet Pantry Palooza, and a New Kids Camp

Derrick Michaud relaunches The Real Hernando 2.0 from a new downtown studio and welcomes back Denise McElhaney of Denise’s Happy Hounds for her third appearance. Denise recaps her luxury dog grooming and pet concierge services, her retail area “The Pampered Pik,” and highlights long-term trust-building success stories with difficult rescue dogs. She discusses winning DeSoto’s Best again, the need to expand into a larger space with a fenced yard, and her community efforts through the Happy Hounds Pet Pantry blessing box at 2008 Oak Tree Cove, including issues with hoarding and adding cameras. Denise also reviews the growth of Pet Pantry Palooza and announces “Little Paw Academy,” a kids camp teaching safe, kind animal interaction at the DeSoto Agricenter, seeking volunteers, plus a third anniversary celebration on May 11 at 11:30. The Real Hernando is on YouTube, Apple, Spotify, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok This episode was recorded at SRP Studios and Produced by Shelby Row Productions LLC SRPStudiosLLC.com [http://srpstudiosllc.com]

The Real Hernando Returns: New Studio, New Chapter

The Real Hernando podcast returns after a long pause caused by personal challenges in 2025, including a leg injury from a cannonball at Coach Camp’s pool, the end of Wesley Meadows’ three-year presenting sponsorship, and a studio transition from Big Note Music Lessons to a new location at 2375 Memphis Street behind Fratello’s near the square. The host, Derrick, explains the show’s origins with Robert Carter and how the podcast, launched in February 2022, helped introduce his business to the community while keeping content positive and nonpolitical. With no current sponsors, the format is free to evolve as he rebuilds momentum, banks new interviews, and expands to feature businesses, nonprofits, and community leaders across the area, starting next with Denise McElhaney of Denise’s Happy Hounds. Coach Camp is reintroduced as a retired Memphis firefighter/paramedic, EMS professor at Southwest Tennessee Community College, podcaster, and growing motivational speaker, and they also promote their show Cannonballing Life. The Real Hernando is on YouTube, Apple, Spotify, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok This episode was recorded at SRP Studios and Produced by Shelby Row Productions LLC SRPStudiosLLC.com [http://srpstudiosllc.com]

HYPE: Connecting Hernando’s Next Leaders with Head Chair, Jonathan Hooker and Co-Chair, Dr. Danton Dye

In this inspiring episode of The Real Hernando Podcast, hosts Derrick Michaud and Lauren McLendon shine the spotlight on HYPE – Hernando Young Professionals and Entrepreneurs. Founded in 2023, HYPE’s mission is to empower and connect young professionals throughout the Hernando area, building a strong support network for growth and success. Guests Jonathan Hooker and Dr. Danton Dye join the show to share the organization’s origin story, the vision of the new board of directors, and how HYPE continues to provide meaningful value to its members. They discuss the power of in-person networking, leadership development, and what the future looks like for this dynamic organization shaping Hernando’s next generation of leaders. The Real Hernando Podcast is presented to you by Wesley Meadows Retirement Community and SRP Studios Podcasting. Also Sponsored In-Part: Brandon Vanderburg with Shelter Insurance Desoto Local 95.3 The Rebel Angela Kidd Insurance City Hall Cheesecake Desoto Arts Council Pok Cha’s Egg Rolls Motivate with Coach Camp Denise’s Happy Hounds Tadpool Swim School Big Note Music Lessons For all channels and socials, go to http://TheRealHernando.com [http://TheRealHernando.com] 🎙️ This is an SRP Studios Production - SRPStudiosLLC.com [http://www.srpstudiosllc.com]