Archives: Episodes

Recording the Kanawha Valley Hustlers podcast at the Goodwill of Kanawha Valley Blue Lot today, and it’s buzzing with energy. I’m joined by Jamon Schmidt, who handles content management at Goodwill of Kanawha Valley and Nicole Christian, President of the Charleston Area Alliance.

Jamon shares insights into event planning, emphasizing the thrill of graphic design work and the joy of seeing people enjoy their meticulously organized events. He admits that the anxiety leading up to an event is the downside, but they combat it by trusting their planning process and teamwork.

Next, I talk to Nicole Christian, president of the Charleston Area Alliance, who reveals their mission to drive economic and community development in the Kanawha Valley. She highlights their Small Business Incubator, which offers affordable spaces and resources to emerging entrepreneurs.

Nicole underscores the importance of community involvement, encouraging residents to shape the community’s future. She emphasizes that the community’s vitality relies on the active engagement of its members.

I’m reminded of two words: “invested” and “authentic.” They encapsulate the spirit of the Kanawha Valley, where people genuinely care and actively participate in the community’s development.

As I record this episode of Kanawha Valley Hustlers, I have a presentation tomorrow. I’m excited about it, and I hope you’ve signed up for it. It’s part of the Up Next Charlie West Professional Development series.

Today, I’m sharing some insights on public speaking. First off, knowing your subject inside out is essential. Confidence comes from being well-versed in your topic.

Stories are your secret weapon. People connect through stories, so have a handful ready to make your point relatable and engaging. Personal stories work wonders.

When you’re speaking to a crowd, don’t look at everyone at once. Speak to one person at a time. It eases nervousness and makes that personal connection.

Practice is crucial. Start small, speaking to a friend or colleague, and work your way up. You’ll learn by doing.

Lastly, don’t bore your audience with a PowerPoint full of bullet points or scripted note cards. Be spontaneous, know your subject, share compelling stories, and engage dynamically.

As I wrap up today, remember that becoming a proficient public speaker takes time and practice. So, hustle hard, hustle smart, and always wear that smile. Until next time, this is Joe Justice, the Kanawha Valley Hustler, signing off.

In this episode of Kanawha County Hustlers, recorded live at the Kanawha County Library, I talk with Jon Casto, an ICU nurse with a fascinating side business. Jon’s venture revolves around an all-natural stem cell activation technology. It’s a new frontier in health and wellness, and it’s been intriguing to learn about.

Jon shares stories of incredible transformations: from Crohn’s disease patients experiencing relief from bleeding to chronic knee pain vanishing within a week of patch use. These stories underscore the potential of blending healthcare expertise with cutting-edge technology.

The takeaway? The future of health and wellness is promising, and Jon’s work is a testament to that. If you’re curious about this technology, reach out to him at 304-389-2722.

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.