Kanawha Valley Hustlers

Recording this episode of the Kanawha Valley Hustlers from The Clay Center today, I find myself surrounded by 180 curious third graders, their eyes wide with wonder as they dive headfirst into the world of science and chemistry. Brad Bolduc, representing a science materials business, Arclin Amines, shares their recent acquisition of Bell Chemical Company, emphasizing their dedication to inspiring...

In today's episode, I'm thrilled to announce the launch of my business, the Joe Justice Organization. I emphasize the essentials of starting a business: establishing a Limited Liability Corporation (LLC) for legal protection, focusing on basic skills and work ethic rather than degrees, and implementing a robust follow-up system for potential clients. Financial stability is crucial; saving up for a...

In this lively podcast episode at the Charleston Area Alliance’s Business After Hours at Embassy Suites, I pose a unique question to our guests: if they had to hire a Halloween monster, who would it be and for what job? The responses are both entertaining and inventive. From Frankenstein as a receptionist to Elvira in housekeeping, the guests' choices showcase their creativity. Some opt for monste...

I step into the Coop, a dynamic coworking space in Hurricane, West Virginia, eager to learn from Wes Wyrick, the visionary behind this bustling hub. Wes exudes a passion for helping others, focusing on the underserved and providing mortgages in the real estate world. The Coop, a blend of innovation and community, stands as a testament to his vision. It's not just a workspace; it's a thriving ecosy...

In the midst of the vibrant 2023 West Virginia Makes Festival in Huntington, I meet passionate individuals like Brett White and Dr. Travis Kahle, both dedicated to promoting STEM education and innovation. Brett excitedly unveils the Raspberry Pi 5, emphasizing hands-on learning's crucial role. Dr. Travis Kahle showcases various robotics tools, highlighting their impact on young minds. Together, we...

In today's podcast episode, I had the privilege of speaking with Ashley Vaughn, the visionary behind Manifest with Ashley. She shared her profound insights into the world of manifestation, emphasizing the transformative power of thoughts, beliefs, and emotions. Drawing from her own experiences and years of study, Ashley revealed that 80% of success comes from mastering our inner world. She stresse...

At Up Next Charlie West’s First Tuesday at DT Prime networking event, I find myself surrounded by a diverse group of individuals, each with unique aspirations. Erin Noon, the event's organizer, dreams of effortless organization, while Hunter Wilkes desires control over time, valuing every second for learning. Chris Welty seeks teleportation for efficient travel, and Drew Elliot hopes for the power...

Hey, it's Joe Justice. Today, I delved into the prevalent poverty mindset in Appalachia. Growing up, we were conditioned to fear scarcity, clinging to what we had in a cutthroat world. This mindset hindered entrepreneurial spirit, breeding distrust and stifling growth. I'm passionate about shifting this perspective to one of abundance. Embracing the idea that there's plenty for everyone, I advocat...

This is the final of three clips I’ve made from my Up Next Charlie West presentation. It's all about understanding your customers and meeting them where they are. I start by emphasizing that sales isn't just about pushing products; it's about nurturing relationships. Sales isn't one-size-fits-all; it's about recognizing where prospects stand. Imagine a buyer's journey: awareness, consideration, an...

This is the second of three clips I’ve made from my Up Next Charlie West presentation, target market and offer. I stress the importance of narrowing down your focus to a niche that aligns with your solutions. You should aim to address the shared problems of this niche group, as the more precise your message, the better it resonates. I highlight the shift in marketing strategies from the past to th...

This is the first of thee clips I’ve made from my Up Next Charlie West presentation, my focus is purely strategic; I don't delve into the tactical details, but I'm more than willing to address those individually. First, I want to express my gratitude to this audience for committing their valuable time. My background includes content creation, video production, and animation. I've ventured into var...

In this episode of the Kanawha Valley Hustler, I talk to Dwayne Boggess. Dwayne is a commercial account executive at Optimum Business, and I as I asked him, "What's your hustle, buddy?" Dwayne explains that his hustle revolves around taking care of businesses, ensuring they get the best Internet, phone, video, and email services possible. His goal? Keep them away from those dreaded 800 numbers. We...

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 e...

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 secr...

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 patient...

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 busines...

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 an...

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...

To sum it up, don't confuse busyness with productivity. It's easy to fall into the trap of thinking that being constantly occupied means you're getting things done. In reality, true productivity is about efficiency, focus, and achieving meaningful results. So, next time you find yourself caught in the whirlwind of busyness, take a step back and ask yourself, "Am I being busy or productive?" Your a...

As we kick off this episode, I share a little experiment I conducted with event titles and how the audience chose "Marketing Secrets for the Savvy Spend" over the spicier "Inoculating Yourself Against Agency B.S" for my upcoming presentation with Up Next Charlie West. My guest, Angelica Gilleran from Strong Rapport, brings a refreshing perspective. Her agency specializes in aiding female leaders,...

Today's podcast features an insightful chat with Jordan Crist, owner of Building Appalachia, a real estate venture. Over seven years, Jordan has honed his expertise in house flipping and rental properties. He highlights the pivotal role of education, emphasizing adapting strategies to local markets. Jordan's secret sauce? Building relationships and networks with lenders, banks, contractors, and th...

In today's Kanawha Valley Hustlers podcast, I talked about the when your target markets become too small. While tailoring your message to a specific group is essential for effective marketing, getting too fixated on a handful of individuals can hinder success. Marketing is about reaching an audience, not targeting individuals. Sales, on the other hand, can personalize approaches, but overly fixati...

In today's episode, I had a conversation with Will Miller, Deputy Director of the West Virginia Small Business Development Center (SBDC). The SBDC is a vital resource for businesses with 500 or fewer employees, providing guidance on everything from business plans to financing. Will emphasized their coaching approach, offering tailored advice and support based on a business's unique situation. The...

In this episode, I had a conversation with Jamon Schmidt, the content manager for Goodwill Industries Of Kanawha Valley. Jamon shed light on Goodwill's diverse mission beyond thrift stores – they're focused on empowering individuals through education, career shifts, and job opportunities. The revenue from their thrift stores drives their impactful initiatives. As the content manager, Jamon plays a...

Before you dive into advertising, get to know your audience through detailed customer personas. Imagine them as real individuals – give them names, jobs, and backgrounds. Demographics matter, but also understand their pains, desires, and challenges. Personalized marketing hits the bullseye, so talk to them directly. Advertising isn't about mass exposure; it's about reaching the right people. Digit...