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In this episode of the Kanawha Valley Hustlers podcast, I had the pleasure of interviewing Sam Perry, the owner of Table Top Stronghold. Sam’s business creates unique display cases for miniature in games like Warhammer and Dungeons and Dragons. These cases use magnets and steel trays to securely hold and transport delicate miniatures, providing an innovative solution for hobbyists. Unfortunately, Sam recently faced a setback when an electrical fire destroyed his workshop and all his equipment, but he remains optimistic about rebuilding. Despite the challenges, his business had achieved remarkable success, generating $200,000 in revenue within a year. Sam’s use of CO2 laser cutters to craft the cases from MDF adds to their appeal. Now, he’s on the lookout for new workshop space and appreciates any support through his GoFundMe campaign.

Let’s talk perspective in sales and marketing. People struggle with rejection, but it’s normal. For every yes, expect a lot of no’s. Unrealistic expectations won’t help. Aim for a 3 to 5% conversion rate. Don’t fixate on one person or bank on a magic ad. Cast a wide net, track engagement, and stay persistent. Rejection is part of the journey. Focus on the numbers, adjust when needed.

In this episode, I had a conversation with Jeb Corey, CEO of Link, a local transportation company in West Virginia. We discussed their recent ribbon-cutting event, showcasing their facility equipped with solar panels. Link operates as a flexible transportation platform, offering various services like traditional taxis and modern rideshare options. Jeb emphasized the importance of being organized and adaptable as an entrepreneur. He shared how Link has evolved, providing opportunities for drivers to earn revenue by using their own cars or leasing from Link. The gig economy plays a significant role in their operations. Despite facing failures, Jeb’s passion and dedication have led to Link’s success. To learn more about Link, interested individuals can visit their website, linkwv.com.

I had the pleasure of interviewing Theresa Ortiz, the president of Donut Connection in Kanawha City. Donut Connection is a cooperative franchise where each owner operates independently but maintains consistency through a shared supplier. Theresa, a young and passionate business owner, shared her plans to introduce new flavors and recipes while emphasizing the importance of listening to customers. Despite the challenges she faces as a young entrepreneur, Theresa’s determination and ambition shine through in her management of the Donut Connection. If you’re in Kanawha City, be sure to visit Theresa’s Donut Connection and experience their delicious donuts and unique flavors. Theresa’s story serves as an inspiration for anyone looking to pursue their dreams in the world of entrepreneurship.

Taking notes is essential, and I’ve found a device that has caught my attention. The new Kindle Scribe is a great tool for improving your hustle. It’s a Kindle with an added feature that allows you to create notebooks and write on them with a stylus. The device is about the size of a regular notebook, making it perfect for note-taking. You can even load PDFs and write directly on them or sign them. The e-ink display technology is fantastic, resembling actual paper and reducing eye strain. The Kindle Scribe’s stylus is highly responsive, and the device has clever features like a magnetic attachment for the stylus and rubber nubs to prevent sliding. It’s competitively priced compared to similar devices like the reMarkable and Supernote. If you’re like me and take lots of notes or work with PDFs, I highly recommend checking out the Kindle Scribe. It’s a game-changer for productivity and note-taking, providing a comfortable and efficient way to capture ideas. Elevate your hustle with this impressive
device.

Kindle Scribe on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3JXci91

In this episode I have a conversation with Nick Nunnery, the Apprenticeship Program Coordinator for the Economic Development Office in West Virginia. We discussed workforce development and apprenticeships. Nick highlighted the importance of upgrading skills for better opportunities and higher wages. West Virginia has a low unemployment rate of 3.3% but a labor participation rate of 54.7%, which they aim to increase. Youth entrepreneurship and the gig economy are shaping the workforce, with more young individuals opting for independent work. The Economic Development Office supports both large and small businesses and offers grants and training reimbursements for apprenticeships. They help businesses establish apprenticeship programs and provide resources for training. Nick encouraged those interested to reach out for more information on apprenticeships and grants. By investing in workforce training, businesses can enhance productivity and their bottom line. The conversation showcased the efforts being made to strengthen West Virginia’s economy and create a prosperous future. If you want to learn more about apprenticeships, contact Nick Nunnery.