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I join Jay Silverman at the Go Mart Ballpark during the Salango Law, PLLC Dirty Birds Light the Night presented by GoMart, where we’re surrounded by 2.5 million lights. We talk about the effort it takes to transform the ballpark into a holiday spectacle, with features like an ice rink, bumper cars, new rides, and opportunities to visit Santa Claus. This is their second year, and they’ve made improvements based on lessons from last year, like moving the train to the field for more space. The event is a hit, drawing families and groups to experience the lights and festivities. Light the Night is a highlight of the year for us at the Charleston Dirty Birds, where they bring more than baseball to the community. It takes months of planning and setup, but seeing the joy it brings makes it all worth it. For more details, I encourage everyone to visit www.DBLightTheNight.com

I’m at the GoMart Ballpark for the Salango Law, PLLC Dirty Birds Light the Night presented by GoMart, joined by none other than Santa Claus. He shares how he’s here nightly until December 23rd, greeting visitors and posing for photos amidst a dazzling display of 2.5 million lights. Santa talks about his hustle—delivering presents on Christmas Eve—and how his team of elves handles toy production while he focuses on quality control, checking his list twice. He also reveals his favorite treats: oatmeal raisin cookies and chocolate milk, encouraging kids to leave those out on Christmas Eve. Santa tells me he loves summer beach vacations, where kids might spot him, and wraps up with warm wishes for happiness, health, and a Merry Christmas. I invite everyone to visit Light the Night and experience the festive magic firsthand.

I got to talk with Shawn Simms, a personal injury attorney who also dabbles in stock trading. Shawn shares how his mother’s experience with medical negligence inspired him to pursue personal injury law, shifting his focus from corporate law to advocating for those injured through no fault of their own. We discuss the challenges posed by tort reform, which often creates barriers for plaintiffs seeking justice, and how Shawn’s work is rooted in ensuring access to the legal system. He explains the differences between criminal, civil, and transactional law, as well as his firm’s emphasis on cases outside of workers’ compensation. Shawn highlights how law school prepares attorneys to think critically, but the real learning happens when working directly with clients. As we wrap up, Shawn reflects on the importance of events like Meet Up 64 for connecting young professionals in West Virginia, all working to make a difference in the community.

I got to talk with Yun Liang, a local realtor in the Kanawha Valley. Yun shares her journey from Taiwan to West Virginia at age 14, her transition into real estate six years ago, and how she thrives in a competitive market. She explains that despite higher interest rates and inventory challenges, the demand for homes keeps her busy. Yun talks about how technology, like internet ads, 3D tours, and drone videos, has reshaped the industry, making personal connections and local focus more important than ever. She also reflects on her early experiences adjusting to life in West Virginia, contrasting it with her bustling home of Taipei. Yun closes by encouraging listeners to support local realtors directly through platforms like Old Colony, avoiding third-party sites.

I’m at Meet Ups 64 in Putnam County, talking with Carrie Hodousek about her hustle. She shares her work as the acting communications director for the West Virginia State Treasurer’s Office, where she oversees press releases, coordinates events, and helps with programs like SMART529 and unclaimed property returns. Carrie explains how this work connects her to communities across the state, from helping individuals reclaim forgotten funds to supporting local law enforcement with new resources. We also dive into her side hustle, Lyra Winterguard, an independent color guard group based in Huntington. Carrie details her passion for this volunteer effort, which brings together talented young performers for competitive indoor routines during the winter season. Balancing these roles, she emphasizes how pursuing what you love never feels like work, and she encourages others to stick with their passions. It’s inspiring to hear how she uses her skills to make an impact, both professionally and in her community.

In this episode of the Kanawha Valley Hustlers podcast, I talk with Brandon Dennison about his mission to reverse generational poverty in West Virginia through Coalfield Development, which he founded in 2010. Brandon explains how their focus on social enterprise combines a social mission with business efficiency, helping to diversify the economy of southern West Virginia. He acknowledges the region’s historical reliance on coal mining but emphasizes the importance of economic resilience. We discuss the loyalty and work ethic of West Virginians, which makes them attractive for manufacturing as companies look to bring jobs back to the area. As the vice president for economic workforce development at Marshall University, Brandon highlights the training offered in advanced manufacturing, preparing workers for future jobs in robotics and AI. He shares his vision for an inclusive economy where all people in West Virginia have the opportunity to realize their potential and contribute to a thriving community. It’s an inspiring conversation about the future of our workforce and the importance of leaving no one behind.