Blog

On this episode of the Kanawha Valley Hustlers podcast, I chat with Mason Weese, a house flipper in Charleston. Mason shares how he started his business in 2021, flipping his first house despite everyone telling him it was a bad investment. He believed in his vision, took the risk, and made a profit. Since then, Mason’s business has grown significantly, now managing 15 to 20 crews to flip about 50 houses a year, with plans to double that next year. He explains that the key to success in real estate is finding properties with enough margin and being persistent in looking for opportunities. Mason emphasizes the importance of hard work and dedication, saying that finding the right deals takes time and effort. He invites listeners to connect with him through his website, www.majobuyshouses.com or follow him on Instagram, www.instagram.com/masonweese_21

In today’ episode I chat with Morgan McNabb, the owner of Spotlight Dance and Acrobatics, to talk about her passion for dance and her journey as a business owner. Morgan shares how she’s been dancing since she was two, went to WVU for dance, and eventually took over the family studio. Today, she’s hosting a vendor event during registration at her studio to support local businesses, an idea sparked by one of the dance moms. We discuss the importance of community and collaboration, as well as how Morgan adapted when an injury derailed her plans for a professional dance career. She’s excited about the success of the event and plans to host more in the future.

In this episode of Kanawha Valley Hustlers, I talk with Christian Perez, a young man who has already graduated from college at 19 and is about to complete his MBA by 20. Christian shares how dual enrollment in high school allowed him to fast-track his education, despite not having the highest SAT scores or many scholarships. He emphasizes that his success is due to a strong work ethic, not intellect, and stresses that anyone willing to work hard can achieve their goals. Now, Christian is the youngest person hired by Merrill Lynch in West Virginia and holds a Series 7 license at just 19. His story is a powerful reminder that dedication and hard work can lead to extraordinary achievements.

In this episode of Kanawha Valley Hustlers, I talk with Chuck Stump about his approach to helping businesses grow by developing their people. Chuck emphasizes that effective communication is at the core of success, whether in business or personal relationships. He introduces the concept of emotional intelligence and shares insights from his upcoming program, highlighting the importance of understanding different perspectives without necessarily agreeing. We discuss the pitfalls of perfectionism and how many people get bogged down in trivial tasks instead of focusing on what truly matters. As we wrap up, Chuck addresses the common complaints about the younger generation’s work ethic and suggests that setting clear expectations can help bridge the gap. He believes schools should guide students more effectively in choosing their paths, and we even consider the benefits of mandatory military service in teaching discipline and work ethic. Overall, Chuck’s insights remind us that communication and understanding are crucial for growth and success in any area of life.

In this episode of the Kanawha Valley Hustlers, I chat with Elena Compton at First Tuesdays, where she shares her work as the Development and Grants Manager for Read Aloud West Virginia, focusing on improving literacy by motivating kids to read for fun. Elena opens up about her own struggles with dyslexia and how discovering topics she enjoyed transformed reading from a chore into something she loves. Beyond her role at Read Aloud, she’s a tutor at the Appalachian Reading Center, helping kids with dyslexia, and also has a background in figure skating, which she’s been involved with since she was three. Elena also serves on the Win Academy Advisory Board, supporting a charter school that helps high school juniors pursue degrees in nursing and manufacturing. Her commitment to education and community shines through in everything she does.

I’m recording the Kanawha Valley Hustlers Podcast from DT Prime at First Tuesdays with Brian Aluise from the Charleston Area Alliance. Brian’s new role focuses on membership and investor development, a natural progression from his previous work with Senator Joe Manchin. We discuss the importance of networking events like First Tuesdays, especially for young professionals in the area. Brian emphasizes the value of making connections, sharing ideas, and the need to keep young talent in West Virginia. He also highlights the broader work of the Charleston Area Alliance beyond networking, including community and economic development projects. Overall, it’s clear that these events are crucial for both personal growth and community upliftment.