Blog

Today I chat with Melissa Pemberton, who shares her passion for building relationships as a copier and printer expert. We discuss BNI, a business networking organization that focuses on giving and receiving referrals. Melissa explains how BNI operates with a focus on Givers Gain, emphasizing the importance of helping others to grow your own business. She talks about the three BNI chapters in Charleston, including a new group called Wealth Builder$, which is hosting a Visitors Day on November 6th. Melissa highlights the global reach of BNI, her experiences networking with members worldwide, and the benefits of building trust through referral-based relationships. As we wrap up, she expresses her gratitude to Embassy Suites for supporting the meetings and encourages listeners to attend Visitors Day.

Today, I talk with Tricia Kingery about her new venture, Tricia Talks, which focuses on motivational speaking and presentations across West Virginia. She explains that this isn’t new for her—through her consulting firm, Kingery and Company, she’s been doing nonprofit consultation, leadership development, and training for 18 years. Tricia launched Tricia Talks to focus more on topics she loves, like empowerment and personal branding. In her recent presentation, “Brand Yourself, Build Yourself,” she guided attendees through a ten-step process for creating their personal brand. She’s passionate about helping people connect with their values, both personally and professionally.

I chat with Cyrus Vagheei to talk about his dual hustle—working as a trainee appraiser with the Department of Highways and being involved in real estate. Cyrus has been passionate about real estate since he was young, learning the business from his family, who has been in it for 30 years. He focuses on residential properties, buying and renovating homes, and sees real estate as a solid long-term investment. We discuss how the market is changing, with more people moving back to cities like Charleston because of the lower cost of living compared to larger cities. While rising prices make it harder to find deals, Cyrus finds the demand for homes growing. He advises anyone interested in real estate to do their research and be prepared for the challenges, but if they stay organized, it can pay off.

In this episode, I talk with Nick Nunnery about his work in economic development, focusing on apprenticeships and tourism in West Virginia. Nick explains how apprenticeships provide hands-on learning and mentorship, which helps businesses in industries like manufacturing, service, and hospitality train skilled workers. We discuss how apprenticeships have been around for centuries and are now becoming more systemized, with Europe leading the way in trades like engineering. Nick points out that apprenticeships are a great alternative to traditional schooling, especially as college debt becomes more burdensome. We also explore how apprenticeships are expanding into tourism, where young people can quickly rise into management roles. Nick shares how businesses can learn more and set up apprenticeships through the West Virginia Economic Development Office.

In this episode of Kanawha Valley Hustlers, I talk with Captain Mike Michels of the Salvation Army at Little Creek Golf Course. Captain Mike shares his journey from a rewarding career to a calling focused on serving the community. He discusses his background, influenced by his parents who were Salvation Army officers, and his decision to become an officer himself after attending the Salvation Army Seminary. Now the area commander for Charleston and the surrounding counties, he emphasizes the organization’s mission beyond its well-known holiday kettles and thrift stores. The Salvation Army provides essential services, including food assistance, support for rent and utilities, and disaster response. Captain Mike encourages listeners to get involved by volunteering or donating, highlighting the importance of community support.

In this episode, I sit down with Eric Arnold, head of the WVU Alumni of Greater Kanawha and a lawyer in Charleston at Hendrickson & Long, PLLC. Eric talks about his involvement with the alumni group, highlighting upcoming events like the WVU football season. He encourages everyone, whether alumni or fans, to stay connected through social media and join the activities. We also discuss his legal career, where he serves a wide range of clients, including veterans and people with disabilities, offering a unique perspective as a litigator living with muscular dystrophy. Eric’s commitment to both his legal work and the alumni association shows how he balances multiple roles while staying engaged with the community.