Blog

Today, I sit down with Travis Kline, head of Job Squad Incorporated, a nonprofit helping people with disabilities find jobs. He explains how they customize roles for individuals and offer services like presort mail handling, which saves clients money while providing employment opportunities. Founded in 1984, Job Squad has grown to serve multiple locations across West Virginia and recently expanded into Kentucky. They offer janitorial and landscaping services for federal buildings and commercial clients. Travis highlights that misconceptions still exist about hiring individuals with disabilities, but with the right support, they can excel in any job. He encourages people to visit their website or find them on Facebook to learn more.

I’m at Little Creek Golf Course for the first annual Red Kettle Classic golf tournament, organized by the Salvation Army. I talk with George Michell, a radio personality who helped put the event together with his committee. They spent months planning, starting in May, and while it wasn’t without challenges, everything has gone smoothly enough. There was some debate earlier in the week about postponing due to a tropical storm, but they decided to go ahead rain or shine. Thankfully, the weather cleared up, and the tournament has been a success. George is already thinking about next year and encourages people to support the Salvation Army, whether through donations, volunteering, or just learning more about the organization.

In this episode of Kanawha Valley Hustlers, I chat with Scott Hardy, a real estate investor, about his journey and the dynamics of the housing market. Scott explains the appeal of real estate lies in the action and the opportunity to improve lives by providing safe homes for families. He shares insights on the volatile rental market and emphasizes the importance of building strong relationships with tenants. We discuss the challenges in Kanawha Valley, including a shortage of skilled contractors and high construction costs that hinder new developments. Despite these obstacles, Scott finds joy in the process, encouraging others to get involved and make a positive impact in their communities.

In this episode, I chat with Andrew Ford and Jay Nelson, the owners of Bogey’s At Capitol Market, about their journey in the restaurant business. They recently celebrated the grand opening of their second location at the Capitol Market in Charleston, drawing a crowd of around 150 people. Andrew shares their seven-year history at the original spot in Tornado, where they host events like concerts and pig roasts. Jay reflects on his past in the restaurant industry and how he returned to it despite his initial reluctance. Both emphasize the long hours and hard work required to succeed, highlighting the passion that fuels them and their team. They stress the importance of loving what you do and being ready for challenges, offering advice to aspiring entrepreneurs to embrace failure and stay committed. Their story is a testament to the hustle that drives small business owners in our community.

In this episode of Kanawha Valley Hustlers, I chat with Jacob Holmes, a local filmmaker and videographer, about his latest project. Jacob’s film, Two, created by his company Eagle Eye Productions, explores infertility through the real-life experiences of couples and doctors. It premiered in Teays Valley and then Charleston’s Floralee Hark Cohen Cinema, with potential for more screenings. Jacob talks about the challenges of independent filmmaking, including funding and marketing, and the support he’s received from his network. The film is inspired by his cousins’ infertility journey, aiming to raise awareness and empathy for those facing similar struggles. Jacob plans to take a break from production to focus on his business and nonprofit, the Horizon Foundation. He invites listeners to check out Eagle Eye Productions’ website https://www.eagleeyeprods.com for updates on the film’s availability.