Live Oak's Shelter and Strength with Renee' Deckrow

Live Oak's Shelter and Strength with Renee' Deckrow

From Max Loves Midland by Max Loves Midland

April 23, 2026 · 47 min · Season 3 · Episode 6

About this episode

Renee’ Deckrow discusses the importance of community spaces and the growth of Live Oak Coffeehouse in Midland.

In this episode of the Max Loves Midland Show, Kevin LaDuke sits down with Renee’ Deckrow, co-owner of Live Oak Coffeehouse and a driving force behind the Ashman Plaza, for a heartfelt conversation about community, belonging, and the power of creating spaces where people feel welcome. Renee’ shares the journey that brought her family to Midland, the organic growth of Live Oak from a dream into a regional business with five locations, and the deeper purpose behind the Ashman Plaza as a home for artists, entrepreneurs, families, and dreamers. The episode also explores the vision for the MYPros Community Crowdfund campaign supporting improvements to the Loft, a cross-generational space used for Little Midland play, young adult lounge nights, and community gatherings. Along the way, Renee’ reflects on hospitality, public art, small business, and her hope that Midland continues to be a place where people feel loved, heard, and inspired to put down roots.

People in this episode

Host: Kevin LaDuke

Guest: Renee’ Deckrow

Topics covered

  • community
  • belonging
  • small business
  • public art
  • hospitality

Keywords

  • Live Oak Coffeehouse
  • Ashman Plaza
  • community
  • Midland
  • hospitality
  • small business
  • public art

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Live Oak Coffeehouse, Ashman Plaza, MYPros Community Crowdfund

Places: Midland

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