Biz-eWerk

Are you letting perfectionism stop you from starting your next big project? In part two of our conversation, Lidija Davidson shares the honest truth about transitioning from a high-level corporate career to running her own independent consulting practice. Learn why "perfection is the enemy of getting things done" and how to focus on the work rather than the "wrappings" of a bus...

How does a math and applied science degree from UCLA lead to a career launching national products every five weeks at Taco Bell? In this episode, marketing strategist Lidija Davidson explains the "Analytical Marketer" mindset, showing how data can uncover deep consumer insights that drive real innovation. We also dive into the true heart of branding, how a company’s origin story and bran...

How do you go from being a student in Charleston to a finance professional in Europe? In this episode of the Biz-eWerk Podcast, Andrew Bartholomey (CofC ’23 – International Business, Finance, German) shares his journey building a global career, discusses the impact of his internships, and tells us how those experiences prepared him for life after college. We also get into what it takes to thrive i...

Everyone needs a break every now and again, and Biz-eWerk is no exception. After a little unplanned hiatus (if you noticed, it’s nice to be missed; if you didn't notice, don't tell me), we’re back with new energy, new interviews, and some big ideas on deck, including a three-part series talking about AI and nuclear power. Hit play, and let’s get back to helping you mind your business. All...

Biz-eWerk is on the air! In this episode, Charleston native Adam Ferrara of Ferrara Buist Contractors visits our Liberty Street Studio to discuss the philosophy behind their Design-Assist-Build (DAB) model: "Measure twice, build once". Adam also explains how AI technology is being used for real estate development site planning, generating initial concepts in minutes rather than months, a...

Biz-eWerk is on the air! Join us for an interview with Dolly Pelto , a graduate of the Merchant Marine Academy and theExecutive Director of the Advanced Technology International Foundation . Discover her journey from shipyard operations to managing thousands of national and international technology projects for the government, often focused on national security and strengthening the nation’s marit...

Biz-eWerk is on the air! In this episode, we interview Darren Hartford , retired Air Force general and the owner of Oliver Pluff & Company ! Discover the fascinating origin story of this company, how Oliver Pluff & Co. sources and recreates historic beverages such as Martha Washington's favorite cacao tea, and how they partner with iconic locations like Mount Vernon to help historic si...

Episode 2 of 2: In the age of video conferencing and packages delivered by a drone, we ofttimes forget that at one time, the railroads were our link to the world and the business titans of their day. Iron and steel rails crisscrossed the country, connecting communities and supercharging commerce and communication throughout the tectonic changes of the Industrial Revolution and beyond. Join us for...

Episode 1 of 2: In the age of video conferencing and packages delivered by a drone, we ofttimes forget that at one time, the railroads were our link to the world and the business titans of their day. Iron and steel rails crisscrossed the country, connecting communities and supercharging commerce and communication throughout the tectonic changes of the Industrial Revolution and beyond. Join us for...

In the age of video conferencing and packages delivered by a drone, we ofttimes forget that at one time, the railroads were our link to the world and the business titans of their day. Iron and steel rails crisscrossed the country, connecting communities and supercharging commerce and communication throughout the tectonic changes of the Industrial Revolution and beyond. Join us for Biz-eWerk's...

Episode 2 of 2: Running a business is a race, and when your business is running, walking, jogging, and exercising, it’s a race to ensure the best possible customer experience. In this episode, Biz-eWerk speaks with Amy and Chris Minkle, co-owners of ⁠Fleet Feet Charleston⁠ , about changing career paths, launching a successful franchise, overcoming challenges, and utilizing complementary skills. Th...

Episode 1 of 2: Running a business is a race, and when your business is running, walking, jogging, and exercising, it’s a race to ensure the best possible customer experience. In this episode, Biz-eWerk speaks with Amy and Chris Minkle, co-owners of Fleet Feet Charleston , about changing career paths, launching a successful franchise, overcoming challenges, and utilizing complementary skills. They...

Episode 1 of 2: Join us for an insightful conversation with Melissa Latham , President and Managing Director of Global Recruiters of Lowcountry , where she shares her incredible journey through the retail and fashion world beginning in Biz-eWerk’s fav decade, the Awesome Eighties. In this episode, Melissa recounts her rise through the ranks, holding positions from Fourth Key to corporate Vice Pres...

Episode 2 of 2: Join us for an insightful conversation with ⁠Melissa Latham⁠ , President and Managing Director of ⁠Global Recruiters of Lowcountry⁠ , where she shares her incredible journey through the retail and fashion world beginning in Biz-eWerk’s fav decade, the Awesome Eighties. In this episode, Melissa recounts her rise through the ranks, holding positions from Fourth Key to corporate Vice...

Have you ever met someone at work and thought, I’d like to try that job! For Tony Horwath , that eureka moment meant changing his career path from engineering to sales. And then, moving into a founding role for a whole new business pioneering sales outsourcing. In this episode of Biz-eWerk, Tony tells us about his career shift ultimately leading to the establishment of his business, Sales Focus ,...

What’s in a name? For the Queen Street Hospitality Group, the restaurant, 82 Queen, and the location, 82 Queen Street, are front and center. Plus, 82 Queen was founded in 1982 – an alignment that makes things easy to remember. In this episode of Biz-eWerk, Jonathan Kish , CEO, shares his journey in the finance and restaurant industries, discussing the history of Queen Street Hospitality Group and...

When’s the best time to start a business? Jake Kozmor , founder of the Charleston-based video production company Koz Films, began his entrepreneurial journey in 7th grade with a GoPro camera and has continued developing his creative and business skills ever since. In this episode, Biz-eWerk speaks with Jake about his video production process emphasizing storytelling and client collaboration. He al...

Happy 100th (episode) Biz-eWerk! Join us as we celebrate our podcast journey and reflect on the challenges of being "busy." Listen in as Biz-eWerk shares the difficulties and learning experiences encountered along the way and gives thanks at Thanksgiving to all the people who have taken the time to support the show – guests and listeners alike.

What comes to mind when you hear, "Nuclear Energy"? Maybe something scary like atomic bombs or Three Mile Island? But what about radiation treatment for cancer? Or irradiated food to extend shelf life? In this episode of Biz-eWerk, we use nuclear energy as the technological thread between the Six Laws of Technology. (For more information about the Six Laws, check out the article referenced in this...

In the age of AI, we’re more aware than ever of how technology influences history and vice versa. In 1985, Dr. Melvin Kranzberg, a professor of the History of Technology at Georgia Institute of Technology, presented his Six Laws of Technology offering a nuanced take on technology's role in history. Kranzberg challenged the simplistic view of technology as either a purely positive or negative force...

Real estate development is all around us and involves many moving pieces from pre-development to construction to operation and beyond. In this episode, College of Charleston School of Business alum Joseph Velazquez discusses his role at one of the world's premier commercial real estate firms and tells us more about the skills and abilities needed for success in this industry.

“Unless we come together and get to know somebody, you won’t know how much you have in common.” – Benjamin Klutsey In this episode, Benjamin Klutsey , Executive Director of the Mercatus Center at George Mason University discusses the film UNDIVIDE US . The film reminds us that while polarization is a genuine concern, fostering civil exchange is a crucial step toward building a more cohesive and un...

“Retail is Detail.” Gary Flynn, CEO and co-owner of distinguished menswear retailer M. Dumas and Sons . With a 107-year history, Dumas continues to grow throughout the Charleston area. What began in 1917 as a small shop selling Navy uniforms and hunting and outdoor apparel has grown to become an iconic fixture on King Street with a national and international reach. Flynn has been leading Dumas for...

Is your work worth it? What is meaningful work? Do I have a job, career, or calling? In this episode of the Biz-eWerk Podcast, I interview ⁠Christopher Wong Michaelson⁠ , co-author with ⁠Jennifer Tosti-Kharas⁠ , of the book, ⁠Is Your Work Worth It? How to Think About Meaningful Work⁠ . "This essential book combines inspiring and harrowing stories of real people with recent scholarship, ancient wis...