Archives: Episodes

In this episode of Kanawha County Hustlers, I talk to Max Knapp about a range of topics that can help anyone looking to venture into the world of entrepreneurship. Max, who’s the owner of Black Bear Capital and someone I’d describe as a serial entrepreneur.

Max provides valuable perspectives on the business world. He emphasizes that while startups get a lot of attention, acquiring existing businesses, especially ones lacking succession plans, is a lower-risk path into entrepreneurship.

We discuss the growing significance of trades like plumbing and HVAC, highlighting their financial rewards and increasing demand for skilled workers.

Max also sheds light on the operations of Black Bear Capital, where they assist people in saving for retirement, catering to clients of all ages and institutions.

We touch on personal motivation, automation in business management, and the importance of adaptability in the ever-evolving entrepreneurial landscape.

Max’s advice to aspiring entrepreneurs? Don’t wait until you’re fully prepared; embrace grit, resourcefulness, and adaptability. Entrepreneurship is about seizing opportunities, and Max’s insights offer valuable guidance for those ready to embark on this exciting journey.

Branding is your company’s identity—consistent, clear, and aligning with your values, mission, and audience. It’s not just logos and colors.

Branding doesn’t sell; it’s about recognition. You won’t see instant returns by sponsoring a Little League team or changing your logo’s shape. It’s a long-term game. People often use branding as an excuse to procrastinate. They obsess over the perfect logo and colors. But don’t let that hold you back. Start marketing and adapt along the way.

Consistency is key. Whether on your website, in ads, or on flyers, your branding should be crystal clear and align with your messaging.

In the end, branding is a connected process. It’s about building an identity that makes sense to your audience. So, forget the idea of an instant logo-driven windfall and focus on creating a brand that resonates.

Melissa’s success speaks volumes; she’s a three-time winner of Prosource’s sales trip, an impressive feat as the lone woman in those trips. But it’s not just about business for Melissa. She’s deeply involved in her community, engaging with various networking groups and organizations. Prosource even supports her in giving back by allowing her to volunteer for 72 hours a month.

Our conversation took a personal turn as she shared her story of overcoming addiction and surviving domestic violence. She’s now a source of hope and inspiration, speaking at churches and organizations to help others facing similar challenges.

Our conversation left me with a powerful message: life is about helping others, being kind, and building meaningful relationships. Material possessions pale in comparison to the impact we can make on others’ lives. Melissa’s story serves as a reminder that adversity can lead to incredible strength and determination.

To sum it up, don’t confuse busyness with productivity. It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that being constantly occupied means you’re getting things done. In reality, true productivity is about efficiency, focus, and achieving meaningful results. So, next time you find yourself caught in the whirlwind of busyness, take a step back and ask yourself, “Am I being busy or productive?” Your answer might just change the way you approach your work and your life.

In this episode, I delve into the crucial distinction between being busy and being productive. I use a simple analogy of ditch-digging to illustrate the point: one person uses a shovel and pickaxe, working tirelessly but inefficiently, while another operates a backhoe, completing the task swiftly and productively.

I emphasize that being busy, such as constantly checking emails or attending numerous meetings, doesn’t equate to productivity. For instance, managing emails can interrupt workflow and reduce efficiency. Likewise, unproductive meetings consume time without yielding significant results.

Additionally, I caution against excessive list-making, which might feel productive but can hinder actual task completion. Multitasking, though tempting, often leads to subpar results in multiple areas.
I stress the importance of prioritizing focused, deep work and setting specific times for tasks like email management. True productivity arises from achieving meaningful results efficiently, not merely keeping busy. So, remember: are you being busy, or are you productive? The answer can transform your approach to work and life.

As we kick off this episode, I share a little experiment I conducted with event titles and how the audience chose “Marketing Secrets for the Savvy Spend” over the spicier “Inoculating Yourself Against Agency B.S” for my upcoming presentation with Up Next Charlie West.

My guest, Angelica Gilleran from Strong Rapport, brings a refreshing perspective. Her agency specializes in aiding female leaders, focusing on aesthetics and storytelling. They exclusively serve women-owned or women-led nonprofits, recognizing the unique leadership styles of women.

Community building emerges as a crucial theme in our conversation. Angelica highlights the connection between community involvement and establishing trust in marketing, emphasizing the “know, like, and trust” factor.

We touch on the need for increased representation of women in business, given their significant role in household purchases. Angelica’s mission revolves around amplifying women-owned companies’ voices through impactful marketing.

In this episode, Angelica reminds us of the power of community, the importance of niche specialization, and the value of authentic storytelling in marketing.

Today’s podcast features an insightful chat with Jordan Crist, owner of Building Appalachia, a real estate venture. Over seven years, Jordan has honed his expertise in house flipping and rental properties. He highlights the pivotal role of education, emphasizing adapting strategies to local markets. Jordan’s secret sauce? Building relationships and networks with lenders, banks, contractors, and the community. Passion and persistence are the cornerstones of his success. He candidly shares that failures are stepping stones, urging young entrepreneurs to keep pushing forward. Jordan’s journey serves as an inspiring roadmap for anyone navigating the entrepreneurial landscape.