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Today on Kanawha Valley Hustlers, I’m at Meetup 64 with Jacob Lesher, CTO of West Virginia Integrated AI Solutions. Jacob explains how his company helps small West Virginia businesses integrate AI into their operations, highlighting AI’s evolution from niche use cases to broadly applicable tools. He clarifies that AI, which improves itself using training data, is now capable of handling tasks like data entry and professional writing. Jacob emphasizes that AI acts as a tool, following human instructions accurately without autonomy. He addresses common concerns about AI’s impact on jobs and reassures listeners that AI enhances rather than replaces human work. Jacob shares contact details for those interested in learning more. I conclude by reminding everyone to hustle hard, smart, and with a smile.

In this episode of the Kanawha Valley Hustlers podcast, I’m at Meet-Up 64 at the Huntington Museum of Art, and

Today on the Kanawha Valley Hustlers podcast, I’m talking with Cameron Collins from Prim Law Firm. She handles PR, marketing, and intake for the firm, specializing in personal injury and asbestos exposure cases. We discuss the challenges of competing with large national firms that dominate the advertising space but lack the personal touch of local firms. Cameron explains the difficulties of marketing legal services, especially in a saturated market, and the importance of staying top of mind through social media and local campaigns. She emphasizes the value of supporting local businesses and shares her experience as a young professional constantly learning and adapting in her role. It’s a great conversation about the nuances of legal marketing and the significance of community connections.

On this episode of Kanawha Valley Hustlers, I talk with Lee Dean, the senior field representative for the West Virginia Secretary of State’s office. Lee oversees elections across the state, ensuring everything runs smoothly, which has made West Virginia a model for election integrity. Beyond his day job, Lee performs tribute shows for Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra, and Johnny Cash, entertaining audiences at state parks, resorts, festivals, and nursing homes. He highlights the joy of connecting with people through music, especially in nursing homes where residents come alive during his performances. Lee also serves as a minister, balancing his technical job with his creative passions. He shares tips for starting a tribute act and managing a busy performance schedule. Lee’s dedication to both his public service and musical pursuits is truly inspiring. Learn more about Lee at his Facebook page, Lee Dean Sings, and his website, https://leedeansings.com/

In this episode I chat with Mayor Steve Williams at Meet-Up 64 in Huntington to discuss the city’s progress. Steve, who’s been mayor for 12 years, talks about Huntington becoming a go-to city with new developments like a cybersecurity center and new buildings at Marshall University. He highlights the economic growth driven by the city’s purchase and redevelopment of an old factory site, now a hub for digital innovation. Brad Smith, the new president of Marshall and former CEO of Intuit, plays a crucial role in this transformation. Steve attributes Huntington’s success to strong fiscal management and business-friendly policies, turning a near-bankrupt city into one with a $25 million surplus. As we wrap up, Steve announces his run for governor of West Virginia, promising to bring his successful strategies to the state level. Visit https://stevewilliamswv.com/ to learn more.

I visit the Zoology Zone Science Center in Valley Park and chat with Andy McKee, the founder. He explains how the center started as a reptile and amphibian rescue and evolved into an educational facility with all rescued animals. Inspired by his parents, Andy’s love for herpetology led him from teaching to creating the center. Despite challenges as a nonprofit, the Zoology Zone thrives with community support and plans significant expansions, including an alligator exhibit and a Valley Con fundraiser. Located in a park with a playground and trails, the center offers hands-on, immersive education, reconnecting kids with nature through interactive experiences. Andy’s dedication and vision make the Zoology Zone a vital community resource.