Archives: Episodes

In this episode I had an awesome conversation with Dr. Travis Kahle from the Innovation Center at UC We talked about promoting innovation and entrepreneurship in our community. The Innovation Center, established in 2017, helps people think differently and provides tools for turning ideas into reality. We discussed the Innovation Scholar program, where students spread innovation through workshops. There’s also a Downtown Innovation Hub that accelerates businesses to the next level. Dr. Kahle’s passion for fostering creativity and practical innovation is inspiring. We touched on 3D printing, rapid prototyping, and their impact on various projects. Overall, it’s all about sparking creativity, both big breakthroughs and small improvements.

In this episode, I had the pleasure of chatting with Isaac Sinclair, a portfolio manager at United Bank and co-chair of Up Next Charlie West, a vibrant young professionals group in the Kanawha Valley. Isaac expertly explained the dynamics of business financing, emphasizing how loans help businesses grow and thrive, while equity financing involves investors owning a piece of the company. We discussed angel investing, differentiating it from venture capital, with angels providing capital without excessive control. Isaac’s passion for fostering talent shone as he talked about “up next, Charlie West,” a space for emerging professionals to connect, learn, and succeed. The conversation showcased the power of bridging banking with startups, fostering connections, and building platforms that empower communities.

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.