The Upstate Conversation

What if choosing a contractor was about more than finding someone to repair your roof or install solar panels? In this episode of The Upstate Conversation, host Terry Palma highlights Redemption Solar and Roofing and Branch Manager Brandy Murrah. More than a construction company, Redemption Solar and Roofing was founded with a mission to bring integrity, transparency, and faith-driven service to a...

What if the most valuable thing a handyman business offered wasn't just repairs—but trust? In this episode of The Upstate Conversation, host Terry Palma highlights Home and Handy Handyman, owned by Charlie Owen. What began as a property management business has evolved into a unique company offering both handyman and professional housekeeping services—all built around exceptional communication, kin...

What happens when a healthcare professional decides that the traditional system isn't delivering the results patients deserve? In this episode of The Upstate Conversation, host Terry Palma highlights Dr. Ryan Friend, owner of Body Evolution, and the journey that led him to create a different approach to physical therapy and wellness. After nearly two decades as a physical therapist, Dr. Friend bec...

What happens when a personal search for better health turns into a 13-year mission to help others live their best lives? In this episode of The Upstate Conversation, host Terry Palma highlights Jody Whitaker, an Independent Representative with Isagenix, and the story behind her passion for wellness, community, and helping people achieve their health goals. What began as a personal journey to find...

What happens when a husband-and-wife team combines specialized expertise, a passion for serving families, and a vision for building community? In this episode of The Upstate Conversation, host Terry Palma highlights Our Patch Family Chiropractic, founded by Dr. Ashley Gonzales and Dr. Ian Barwick in Greenville, South Carolina. From the inspiration behind their unique pumpkin patch-themed practice...

Success in business and life often comes down to two things—having the right perspective and having the right plan. In this episode of The Upstate Conversation, host Terry Palma highlights two Upstate professionals helping individuals and businesses move forward with greater clarity and confidence. First, we meet Salena Mulliken, CPA and Growth Consultant with The Sage Perspective, a company focus...

Sometimes businesses are built from opportunity—and sometimes they’re built from a moment that changes everything. In this episode of The Upstate Conversation, host Terry Palma highlights High Caliber Solutions and the story behind co-founder Wil Herrera and Chief Operations Officer Kya Hazzard. What began as a commitment to help a struggling friend evolved into a company focused on integrity, hon...

What if self-defense wasn’t really about fighting—but about awareness, confidence, and making it home safely? In this episode of The Upstate Conversation, host Terry Palma highlights Joe Borovicka, owner of Safer Sooner – Self Defense in Greer, South Carolina. Joe’s approach goes far beyond traditional self-defense training. Through one-on-one coaching, public speaking, youth programs, and practic...

Financial independence means different things to different people—but understanding how money truly works can change everything. In this episode of The Upstate Conversation, host Terry Palma sits down with Krystale Conley of Primerica to talk about financial education, protecting families, and helping middle-income households build a stronger future. Krystale shares what inspired her to enter the...

Creativity has a way of shaping not just what we do—but how we live. In this episode of The Upstate Conversation, host Terry Palma sits down with Olena Petyurenko, owner of O-Drapes in Greenville, South Carolina. From her roots in Ukraine as a fashion designer to building a custom window treatment business in the Upstate, Olena shares her journey of creativity, family, and entrepreneurship. O-Drap...

Success isn’t just about how you show up in business—it’s also about how you show up for yourself. In this episode of The Upstate Conversation, host Terry Palma highlights two Upstate professionals helping individuals and businesses thrive in very different—but equally important—ways. First, we meet Cee Mi Agency, led by owner Michael Gross, a company focused on helping businesses increase visibil...

In this episode of The Upstate Conversation, we spotlight two Greenville professionals who are making a meaningful impact by serving those often overlooked in their industries. Eric Ager of HealthMarkets shares how he helps small businesses—especially those with just a handful of employees—build customized, affordable group health coverage solutions that larger providers often ignore. Melissa Henn...

How money moves—and how it’s managed—can make all the difference for both businesses and individuals. In this episode of The Upstate Conversation, host Terry Palma highlights two Upstate professionals helping clients take control of their financial picture. First, we explore ATeam Credit Card Processing, with partner Lynn Chavez, a company focused on helping business owners better understand, opti...

Every business has a story—but some businesses also help people through life’s most important transitions. In this episode of The Upstate Conversation, Terry Palma highlights two Upstate businesses making a meaningful impact in very different ways. First, we meet Top Shelf Media, led by Dustin Kennon, helping businesses tell their story through high-quality video and digital content. Then we turn...

Your home is more than just a place—it’s one of the most important investments you’ll ever make. In this episode of The Upstate Conversation, host Terry Palma highlights two Upstate businesses helping homeowners protect, improve, and invest in their future. First, we meet Redemption Solar and Roofing, led locally by Branch Manager Brandy Murrah, a company focused on protecting homes through qualit...

Sometimes improving your home isn’t about replacing what’s broken—it’s about restoring what you already have and making your space more enjoyable. In this episode of The Upstate Conversation, host Terry Palma highlights two Upstate businesses helping homeowners do exactly that. First, we explore New Creations, a company specializing in cosmetic surface repairs that bring new life to materials like...

Great communities are built by businesses that care about the places we live—both inside our homes and outside in our yards. In this episode of The Upstate Conversation, host Terry Palma spotlights two Upstate businesses helping homeowners improve their spaces and their peace of mind. First, we meet the team behind Daisy Tree Service, professionals dedicated to keeping properties safe and beautifu...

Health is about more than just avoiding illness — it’s about building strength, improving mobility, and supporting the body’s natural ability to function at its best. In this episode of The Upstate Conversation, host Terry Palma highlights two health-focused businesses helping people improve their quality of life: Body Evolution Physical Therapy and LifeWave through local distributor Charlene Pier...

Health looks different for everyone — but strong support makes all the difference. In this episode of The Upstate Conversation, host Terry Palma highlights two health-focused businesses serving the Upstate: Our Patch Family Chiropractic and Isagenix (through local distributor Isa Journey Success). From family-centered chiropractic care to nutritional systems designed to support energy and overall...

In this episode of The Upstate Conversation, we delve into "Strength in Service & Safety" as we explore the vital roles of High Caliber Solutions and Safer-Sooner in enhancing community well-being across Upstate SC. Join us for an engaging discussion that highlights how these innovative organizations are not just promoting local businesses but also championing safety and service. Guests share thei...

Some of the best places in the Upstate aren’t the ones with the biggest signs — they’re the hidden gems tucked just off the main road. In this episode of The Upstate Conversation, host Terry Palma explores lesser-known local treasures including The Cook’s Station in Greenville and the creative community of Travelers Rest Makers. From culinary inspiration to artisan craftsmanship, discover the quie...

Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to mean crowded restaurants or over-the-top plans. In this special episode of The Upstate Conversation, host Terry Palma shares romantic, local ways couples can celebrate Valentine’s Day across the Upstate — from scenic walks and intimate dinners to cozy getaways and meaningful moments. Whether you’re planning a big date night or a simple shared experience, this episod...

In this episode of The Upstate Conversation, host Terry Palma spotlights two Greenville businesses representing both established excellence and emerging innovation — The Cheese Wheel, a specialty cheese shop with a world-class selection and custom wine pairings, and The Wellness Way, a health restoration network bringing a unique approach to personalized care. From memorable food experiences to a...

Collaboration is becoming one of the Upstate’s greatest business advantages. In this episode of The Upstate Conversation, host Terry Palma explores how local businesses are partnering, networking, and growing together through innovative collaborations. From structured networking groups to creative partnerships and community-driven initiatives, this episode highlights how working together — not com...

In this episode of The Upstate Conversation, host Terry Palma talks with local business consultant Lisa Meyers about a practical tool that’s changing the way small and independent businesses stay connected with customers: mobile wallet passes. Together they explore how these digital passes — stored on smartphones — help local brands boost engagement, increase repeat visits, and deliver personalize...