Archives: Episodes

In this special edition of the Kanawha Valley Hustlers Podcast, I share highlights from our ribbon-cutting event on June 26th. I’m thrilled and humbled by the incredible turnout, showcasing the strong community spirit here in the Kanawha Valley. During the impromptu live stream, I chat with many attendees, including local business owners, community leaders, and even a representative from Senator Joe Manchin’s office. It’s an exciting moment for our new office at 600 Westmoreland Office Park, and I can’t wait to share this journey with everyone. Thank you for your support, and if you missed the live stream, you can catch it in today’s episode.

Today on the Kanawha Valley Hustlers podcast I’m at Valley Cakes Cafe and Catering with Pam Fisher, where she shares her journey of starting and growing her food business. The cafe offers a variety of food, from sandwiches and salads to unique items like the Wimpy John. They also provide catering services and have an event space for various gatherings. Pam discusses the challenges she’s faced, from dealing with negative feedback on social media to managing the costs and regulations of a commercial kitchen. She emphasizes the importance of diversifying revenue streams and having a supportive team. Pam’s advice for new entrepreneurs includes having a solid plan, support from family, and faith. Her story highlights the dedication and community support essential for small business success.

In today’s episode of the Kanawha Valley Hustlers podcast, I’m with Will McCormick at Up Next Charlie West. We’re discussing productivity. Will defines productivity as working towards a goal with a clear path, not just busywork. He explains that being busy is often about going through the motions, while productivity involves setting valuable appointments and preparing in advance. We talk about the tendency for people to show off how busy they are, but emphasize working smarter. Will advises setting benchmarks and deadlines to achieve long-term goals and stresses continuous growth. We also discuss the importance of collaboration and inspiring others to join your vision by making them feel invested. Will offers his help to anyone needing advice, highlighting his passion for connecting with people.

Today’s episode of the Kanawha Valley Hustlers is with Tony Brown from KDE Technology. Tony’s hustle involves offering business support through digital design and marketing, helping Charleston and West Virginia businesses thrive. They’ve recently moved into a new 1600 square foot space at 111 Hale Street, providing co-working space and hosting community events. KDE started seven years ago with just two people and now has a team of ten, showing that building a business takes time and effort. Tony highlights that many local businesses are skilled in their trade but need help with the business side, which KDE provides. He discusses the challenge of visibility in today’s market, believing it takes about 25 contacts to make an impact. Their co-op space offers office facilities and training, while their business incubator provides comprehensive support for new businesses. To reach KDE, visit https://kde.technology/

Today on the Kanawha Valley Hustlers podcast, I talk with Hunter Wilkes at DT Prime on Capitol Street. Hunter is about to graduate from Charleston Catholic High School and plans to study business and finance at the University of Kentucky. We discuss the difference between being busy and being productive, emphasizing the importance of doing worthwhile work. Hunter shares his strategies for time management and goal-setting, stressing the need to break down long-term goals into manageable steps and avoid procrastination. He highlights the importance of having a supportive network and a common purpose when working with others. Our conversation provides valuable insights into staying productive and achieving goals after school.

Today, I talk with Hunter Ferrari, a real estate investor focused on rentals. Hunter started his company in August 2020 and quickly expanded, despite initial challenges with securing financing. He manages long-term rentals, a couple of Airbnbs, and is currently focused on mid-term rentals. Hunter values the freedom of entrepreneurship, avoiding the 9-to-5 grind, and enjoys the flexibility to spend time with his family. He admits to struggling with routines and prefers a task-focused approach, tackling big jobs first. We discuss the importance of systems and delegation, with Hunter aiming to establish clear processes in 2024. He’s also on the lookout for new property deals, always hustling for growth.