Archives: Episodes

In this episode of the Kanawha Valley Hustlers podcast, I chat with Evan Casper, a chemical engineer who just moved to Charleston, West Virginia, from Pittsburgh. Originally from South Louisiana, Evan is excited about his new job at Atlas Prediction Control, a process controls company, and his fresh start in Charleston. He shares his first impressions of the area, noting how Charleston feels like a return to his roots, and expresses enthusiasm for the local music scene and outdoor activities like skiing. We discuss his work with polymer plant reactors, where he’s diving into the specifics of process control software. Despite being new to the city, Evan is eager to explore all that Charleston has to offer and is happy to be part of the community.

I’m at Roadside Park in Saint Albans for the Kanawha Valley Hustlers Podcast, talking with Shanna Wickline, co-founder of More Than Addiction. Today’s community picnic is filled with activities like inflatables, a live DJ, and arts and crafts, all aimed at bringing people together. Shanna shares that More Than Addiction was founded in 2019 to fight the stigma surrounding mental health and addiction. They work to empower people, especially youth, by sharing real stories and making it easier to ask for help. She emphasizes the importance of community and connection, as disconnection often lies at the root of many struggles. For anyone facing addiction, Shanna recommends resources like Help4WV and stresses the value of reaching out before a crisis hits. As we wrap up, Shanna is thrilled with the event’s success and excited about the impact More Than Addiction is making.

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.