Huntsville Hustle

On this episode of Huntsville Hustle , we welcome Andrew Smith, the founder of Huntsville Explorer , to pull back the curtain on how a passion for local discovery grew into one of Rocket City’s go-to guides. Andrew shares the moment that sparked his vision, the first post that proved the concept, and the systems he’s honed to scout, vet, and share the best restaurants, trails, and events. Whether...

Bad kennel stay ➜ borrowed spare bedroom ➜ multi-location, award-winning home-boarding network. In this episode, Huntsville Hustle sat down with Michael Cox, co-founder and self-proclaimed “PAWsident” of Petz Pack. Mike pulls back the curtain on: -The “light-bulb‐and-dog-hair” moment that launched the biz. -Why their first name drew an unexpected letter from a certain luxury hotel chain. -How a 24...

In this power-packed episode of Huntsville Hustle , I share the Top 15 Books for Small Business Owners —handpicked to fuel your growth, sharpen your leadership, and turbocharge your results. Whether you’re launching your first venture or scaling an established brand, these books offer actionable strategies, timeless wisdom, and the mindset shifts you need to thrive. In this episode you’ll discover...

Join us on this empowering episode of Huntsville Hustle as we welcome Davina Patterson , Executive Director of the Disability Resource Network serving 13 counties across North Alabama. Discover how DRN’s mission to enhance independence and inclusion for people with disabilities is transforming our community. Davina shares the breadth of services DRN provides, from assistive technology and accessib...

In this episode of the Huntsville Hustle Podcast , Joe Martin sits down with Brian Robinson, founder and lead coach at Brian Robinson Coaching, to explore the journey from corporate career to community-focused entrepreneur. Brian opens up about the inspiration behind launching his own business, detailing the early experiences that shaped his unique coaching approach.  Listeners will discover the o...

Join us on this empowering episode of the Huntsville Hustle as we sit down with Sahra and Lorenzo Wright, the dynamic husband-and-wife duo behind TheWrightWay360 , Huntsville’s fastest-growing financial education movement. Discover their inspiring origin story from overcoming early setbacks to transforming personal passion into a thriving business focused on building generational wealth . In this...

Welcome back to the Huntsville Hustle, the podcast where we highlight the grit, growth, and greatness of small business owners right here in the Rocket City. In this episode, we sit down with Charles Gardner , founder and head coach at Synergy Strength , a strength-focused gym that's transforming lives in Huntsville, Alabama. Charles isn’t just about building muscle, he’s about building confidence...

From Corporate Climber to Global Leader – Deborah McGee of PZI Group In this inspiring episode of the Huntsville Hustle , we sit down with Deborah McGee , Founder and CEO of PZI Group , a visionary leader who's turning purpose into profit and making an impact that goes far beyond the boardroom. Deborah shares how she made the leap from corporate leadership to entrepreneurship, the origin and m...

Welcome to the Huntsville Hustle podcast—where we share real stories of grit, growth, and greatness from the small business leaders shaping the Rocket City. In this episode, we sit down with Tony Torian , founder and CEO of Torian Technology , Huntsville’s only 100% Black-owned tech company, and my new Bruv. From his roots in engineering leadership to building a bold, purpose-driven company, Tony...

We have a special bonus episode this week featuring one of the most impactful non-profits in our area, United Way of Madison County, right here in Huntsville. We have Branden Gaddis (college and career manager) and Candice Scott (volunteer marketing director) from United Way to tell us about the upcoming Designer Bag Bingo Night on June 17th, 4:30pm at the Stovehouse Royal & Electric Belle, an...

In this episode of the Huntsville Hustle, we sit down with Dr. Hayley DeGraaff, owner and medical director of Advanced Life Clinic, one of Huntsville’s leading centers for aesthetics, wellness, and anti-aging treatments. Dr. DeGraaff shares her powerful journey from completing a family medicine residency to becoming a pioneering entrepreneur in the health and beauty space. What began as a passion...

In this episode of the Huntsville Hustle Podcast , we’re joined by Melissa Chavez , the award-winning founder of MAC Promotions , the top resource for branded merchandise and promotional products that actually make an impact. Melissa shares how she went from the corporate world to starting her own business, helping Huntsville businesses elevate their visibility, define their brand voice , and stan...

In this episode of Huntsville Hustle , we sit down with Lori King-Taylor , founder of Trinity Performance Solutions and a nationally recognized expert in leadership development, team culture, and effective communication . Lori doesn’t just help companies operate better—she helps people lead better . With years of hands-on experience coaching executives and small business owners, Lori shares what i...

What if shopping local farmers' markets was as easy as ordering from your phone, while still supporting real, local farmers and producers? (Make sure to scroll down to get your coupon code) This week on the Huntsville Hustle Podcast, we're joined by Amy and Mat Mauldin , the passionate founders of The Market Mule , Huntsville’s premier online farmers market! We dive deep into: How Amy and Mat desc...

In this episode of the Huntsville Hustle Podcast, we sit down with dynamic husband-and-wife duo Heidi and Deven Dehnel, founders of Core Strength & Performance and 5 Minds Martial Arts in Huntsville, Alabama. These two are redefining what it means to blend fitness, martial arts, mindset, and community and doing it all while building an inclusive, empowering space for people of all ages and abi...

Tiffany Crenshaw shares her journey from early childhood education to founding Animal House Photography a business built on capturing authentic, unscripted moments. She opens up about launching during the pandemic, building trust with clients (even newborns!), and the inspiration behind her unique photography style. We also dive into her experience as one of the few Black lifestyle photographers i...

Today’s guest is a true powerhouse in the Huntsville real estate scene—Meekel Buchannon. Known for his relentless drive, sharp mind for wealth-building, and deep involvement in the community, Meekel is more than just a real estate pro—he’s a connector, a mentor, and a man on a mission. In this episode, we dig into what fuels his unstoppable work ethic, his journey from mentee to mentor, and how he...

In this episode, we're floating into calm, clarity, and creativity with Stephanie Childers, founder of  Float Huntsville  — the Rocket City’s sanctuary for stress relief and recovery. We dive into:   -What led Stephanie to open Float Huntsville (and what she wishes more people knew about floating)  -Her very first float session — and why it didn’t go the way she expected  -How floating compare...

In this episode of the Huntsville Hustle Podcast , we welcome back Vicki Morris , the powerhouse behind Face to Face Marketing ! You may remember her from Episode 6, where she introduced us to the Black Business Expo —but today, she’s back to share more about her journey, branding secrets, and marketing strategies that help businesses thrive. Vicki has built a well-known brand in Huntsville by mas...

In this episode of the Huntsville Hustle Podcast , we sit down with Nancy Finnegan , a multi-talented freelance makeup artist and watercolor painter with over a decade of experience. Nancy's journey is one of resilience, passion, and the hustle it takes to thrive as an independent artist and entrepreneur. From building a flexible career to support her family to perfecting the classic, timeless...

In this episode of Huntsville Hustle , we sit down with Brian Smith , founder of Smith Financial Services , to talk about business protection, smart insurance solutions, and making connections in a new city . Whether you're a small business owner , entrepreneur , or just looking for networking tips , this episode is packed with valuable insights to help you level up! What You’ll Learn in This...

In this episode of Huntsville Hustle , we sit down with Chris Gothart , the man behind Gothart Homes , a well-respected name in home renovations in Huntsville. But Chris isn’t just about building dream homes—he’s also making waves in the restaurant world with Mo’Bay Beignet Co. and Baytown Burger Co. 🔨 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: ✅ How Chris turned his passion for home renovations into a...

With a few potential guests being sick and me getting sick as well, decided to call an audible this week. So you are stuck with just me. With over 100 million copies sold, "Think And Grow Rich" by Napoleon Hill is one of the most popular small business books of all time. Timeless words on mindset and wealth strategies that I think every small business owner should read. In this episode I...

In this week’s episode of Huntsville Hustle , we sit down with Dawn Pumpelly , the Editor and Owner of The Scout Guide Huntsville . Dawn has been a tireless advocate for small businesses, building a platform that not only highlights local entrepreneurs but also fosters a deep sense of community. She shares her journey of bringing The Scout Guide to Huntsville, the challenges of starting as a one-w...

On this episode of  Huntsville Hustle , we sit down with  Lauren Marsh ,  President, Co-Founder, and General Contractor  at  Ridgeline Construction Roofing & Exteriors . Lauren is a  trailblazer in the roofing and construction industry , growing Ridgeline from a local startup to a  multi-location, award-winning company  serving both residential and commercial clients. We dive into her  entrepr...