Archives: Episodes

In this episode of the Kanawha Valley Hustler I talk with Caroline Starr from KDE Technology, and she walks me through what they do and how she found her place there. She tells me they handle website development, marketing, graphic design and cybersecurity, and she explains why cybersecurity is growing as more people see digital threats in the news and want to protect their information. She describes their Hale Street space that serves as a business incubator and event venue, hosting everything from open mic nights to comedy shows. She explains that their websites are coded from scratch and hosted on their own servers, and she says they also manage SEO, Google Business Profiles and social media. She shares how she moved from seventeen years of teaching into cybersecurity after her students encouraged her to follow her passion. We talk about their managing partner Lee now working full time in the office and how helpful it is to have his expertise available throughout the day. When I ask her to pick her favorite part of the business, she picks cybersecurity because it connects to her passion.

I talk with Mayor Kay Summers at the ribbon cutting for the Riverview Complex and hear her talk about how important this moment is for Clendenin. She tells me about the long recovery since the 2016 flood and how it took years to bring back schools, a grocery store, and basic services. I listen as she explains how the old school building became apartments, a clinic, a business incubator, and space for the library. She describes the work of 25045 and the broader effort to support economic development. I ask what visitors can do in town and she walks me through Main Street, the stage, the trails, the river, and the local shops. She tells me a new restaurant is coming and explains how easy it is to reach Clendenin from the interstate. She shares where people can find updates through the website, Facebook page, and town hall. I close the conversation by thanking her and inviting listeners to explore what Clendenin offers.

In this episode of the Kanawha Valley Hustlers podcast, I talk with Lance Wheeler about his hustle, and he talks about the progress in Clendenin with new housing, business incubators and library opening after the flood. He says the County Commission supports the town and that cooperation among local, county, state and federal leaders is pushing growth across Kanawha County. He tells me people now see new opportunities in outdoor recreation, tourism and small business, from the outlaw trails to the dirt bike system in Tornado that draws riders from around the world. He explains that the county commission focuses on public safety, the courts, 911 services and economic development, and that the results are showing in places like Clendenin. He says people can attend public meetings or follow the commission online to stay informed, and he repeats that the county is moving forward because people are starting to believe in the momentum.

I talk with Evan and Rebekah Harding and hear how they left Cincinnati, returned to West Virginia, and build a new life in Clendenin after stumbling onto the town during a fall festival. They tell me how they took over Clendenin Brewing Company, work almost every hour themselves, and build real relationships with the people who walk through the door. They talk about supporting the ribbon cutting at the new Riverview project and how the momentum in the community lifts every business. They explain how the brewery sits in a restored bank building once damaged by the flood and now filled with craft beer, wine, food, live music, trivia, knitting club, book club, and a steady flow of regulars they know by name. They say their goal is to create a true third place where people gather, connect, and feel at home whether they want a drink or just a space to sit and talk. I wrap up by sharing how to find them online and inviting listeners to stop in on Main Street to meet them.

In this episode of the Kanawha Valley Hustlers podcast, I talk with Dave Knight about how he and a small group of residents in Clendenin saved their old 1912 school building from being lost. They partnered with several organizations to transform it into apartments, offices, and a clinic. The first renovation in 2011 cost $5 million, and the latest one totaled $7.5 million. Now the building has ten apartments, eight business suites, and medical offices, all within walking distance of downtown. Dave explains that most apartments are already rented, with a mix of income-restricted and open units. He says it’s emotional to see the project completed after years of work and cooperation with local leaders like Mayor Kay Summers. Since the 2016 flood, the town has brought in more than $30 million in economic development, and Dave says it shows what can happen when a small community comes together to rebuild and take pride in its future.

In this episode of the Kanawha Valley Hustlers podcast, I talk directly to entrepreneurs who say they want to grow but still think like employees. I remind them that success doesn’t come from a 9-to-5 mindset — it takes nights, weekends, and sacrifice. Building a business is hard work, not balance, and if they want stability, they should get a job. I tell them to get their finances straight, stop wasting money on convenience, and invest in tools and marketing that move their business forward. Flashy spending won’t impress the right people — results will. I also call out habits that hold people back, like drinking and hanging with the wrong crowd. If your friends aren’t pushing you forward, it’s time to find new ones. Growth means discomfort, new habits, and staying focused. You don’t need more excuses — you need discipline and consistency. I believe anyone can build something great if they’re willing to work for it.