Kanawha Valley Hustlers

Marketing isn't just about flashy ads; it's about strategy. Don't fall for the "magic ad syndrome." Perspective matters – the more you do, the more you get. Let's be real about conversion rates. 50% is a unicorn dream; 3-5% is the game. Embrace rejection, go after those "no's." It's not personal, just part of the journey. Activity is the key – talk to more people, get more results. Accept that not...

In this episode I had an awesome conversation with Dr. Travis Kahle from the Innovation Center at UC We talked about promoting innovation and entrepreneurship in our community. The Innovation Center, established in 2017, helps people think differently and provides tools for turning ideas into reality. We discussed the Innovation Scholar program, where students spread innovation through workshops....

In this episode, I had the pleasure of chatting with Isaac Sinclair, a portfolio manager at United Bank and co-chair of Up Next Charlie West, a vibrant young professionals group in the Kanawha Valley. Isaac expertly explained the dynamics of business financing, emphasizing how loans help businesses grow and thrive, while equity financing involves investors owning a piece of the company. We discuss...

In this episode of the Kanawha Valley Hustlers podcast, I had the pleasure of interviewing Sam Perry, the owner of Table Top Stronghold. Sam's business creates unique display cases for miniature in games like Warhammer and Dungeons and Dragons. These cases use magnets and steel trays to securely hold and transport delicate miniatures, providing an innovative solution for hobbyists. Unfortunately,...

Let's talk perspective in sales and marketing. People struggle with rejection, but it's normal. For every yes, expect a lot of no's. Unrealistic expectations won't help. Aim for a 3 to 5% conversion rate. Don't fixate on one person or bank on a magic ad. Cast a wide net, track engagement, and stay persistent. Rejection is part of the journey. Focus on the numbers, adjust when needed.

In this episode, I had a conversation with Jeb Corey, CEO of Link, a local transportation company in West Virginia. We discussed their recent ribbon-cutting event, showcasing their facility equipped with solar panels. Link operates as a flexible transportation platform, offering various services like traditional taxis and modern rideshare options. Jeb emphasized the importance of being organized a...

I had the pleasure of interviewing Theresa Ortiz, the president of Donut Connection in Kanawha City. Donut Connection is a cooperative franchise where each owner operates independently but maintains consistency through a shared supplier. Theresa, a young and passionate business owner, shared her plans to introduce new flavors and recipes while emphasizing the importance of listening to customers....

Taking notes is essential, and I've found a device that has caught my attention. The new Kindle Scribe is a great tool for improving your hustle. It's a Kindle with an added feature that allows you to create notebooks and write on them with a stylus. The device is about the size of a regular notebook, making it perfect for note-taking. You can even load PDFs and write directly on them or sign them...

In this episode I have a conversation with Nick Nunnery, the Apprenticeship Program Coordinator for the Economic Development Office in West Virginia. We discussed workforce development and apprenticeships. Nick highlighted the importance of upgrading skills for better opportunities and higher wages. West Virginia has a low unemployment rate of 3.3% but a labor participation rate of 54.7%, which th...

In this episode of the Kanawha Valley Hustler’s Podcast, I had the pleasure of interviewing Justin Phillips, a remarkable individual with a unique business. Justin is the president of the Fun Fitness Foundation and the COO of the Fun Fitness for Kids Club. Together with his wife, they are on a mission to curb the obesity rate in West Virginia, particularly among children.

In this episode, Joe Justice talks about the significance of revenue streams in business and provided valuable insights on diversification. He highlighted Hollywood's struggles due to a loss of revenue stream diversification. He gives examples of successful companies that diversified their revenue streams. Amazon evolved from an online bookstore to a cash flow company, while Uber expanded its ride...

In this episode, Joe Justice interviews Tim Hudson, the president of Sights Sounds & Speed Inc. The discussion revolves around the services provided by Tim's company, which specializes in vehicle modifications and fleet management. Tim explains that Sights Sounds & Speed Inc. has been in the industry for 25 years, adapting to changing technologies and vehicle types.

In this episode, Joe Justice and Jamie Cope discussed Animation Bible Camp, a unique project soon to be rebranded as Animated Truth Ministries. The camp aims to teach tweens and teens Bible stories through stop motion animation. Participants take pictures of puppets or objects, moving them slightly between shots to create animated sequences. Despite the limited time frame of two hours per night fo...

Are you trying to persuade people to buy your product or service? Instead of convincing them, it's more effective to show them. In this episode of the Kanawha Valley Hustlers, Joe Justice shares insightful tips on capturing people's interest by showing not telling. Joe emphasized the importance of demonstrating the value of your offering rather than simply telling how great it is. Live demos, case...

In this episode of the Kanawha Valley Hustlers podcast, programmer, author, and fitness enthusiast Christie Trent discussed her involvement in STEM education and coding. She shared her experience teaching coding through the Hour of Code initiative and her motivation behind creating the AI-generated coloring book "Girls Can Code" to inspire young girls in STEM. Christie's upcoming book, "Harvesting...

The entrepreneurial spirit is breaking through in West Virginia, free from the traditional company mentality and fostering a culture of innovation and growth. In this episode, I talk to Cooper Simmerman about the success of the recent Almost Heaven Classic event.

In this episode of Kanawha Valley Hustlers, Joe Justice shared his thoughts and aspirations for fostering an entrepreneurial environment in the Kanawha Valley, and the broader Appalachian region. Through initiatives like the Rooftop Regatta Rendezvous event and his podcast, Kanawha Valley Hustlers, he aims to nurture startup culture and provide aspiring entrepreneurs with the support they need to...

In this episode of the Kanawha Valley Hustlers podcast, Joe Justice interviewed Kurt Wiegand, a territory manager at Heartland Payment Systems. They discussed the importance of payments for businesses and how Heartland facilitates seamless transactions. Kurt emphasized that about 70% of business transactions involve payments through cards, ACH, or platforms like PayPal. Heartland, a division of Gl...

In today's fast-paced world, achieving success can feel like a distant dream. However, success coaching offers a transformative solution. In this episode, success coach Bob Theuring shared valuable insights on accountability, customization, clarity, and flexibility. Success coaching empowers individuals to reach their full potential. With accountability, customization, clarity, and flexibility, su...

In this episode, DJEJ shares his experiences and insights on his journey as a DJ and how he has successfully brought together music and community in Charleston. He talks about his passion for music and the various ways he has been able to connect with people through his artistry. Discover DJEJ's approach to DJing as he shares his thoughts on the evolving landscape of the industry and the importanc...

Join us as we delve into the world of music with Neil Curry, a talented musician and educator. Discover Neil's inspiring journey from virtuoso guitarist to digital music education. Gain insights into his innovative teaching methods, the role of technology in music education, and the universal language of music. Explore the benefits of music education and Neil's commitment to accessibility. Don't m...

In this episode, I tackle a myth that I come across all too often—I call it the "Shut Up and Take My Money" myth. You know, that belief that a single marketing tactic or a viral video will magically make customers flock to your business, throwing their wallets at you. It's a tempting idea, isn't it? We've all seen those extraordinary success stories that make us dream of an overnight boom in our b...

In this episode we dive into the world of music with Scott Milam, a talented musician and member of the Stolen Moment Jazz Quartet. Join us as we explore the profound impact of music on our lives and uncover the secrets behind its transformative power.

Rafael Barker is a visionary photographer who has mastered the art of capturing powerful moments that leave a lasting impact. In this conversation, he shares his remarkable journey from a passionate hobbyist to a successful professional, turning his love for photography into a thriving business.

If you’re an entrepreneur looking to understand the fundamentals for marketing, this episode will provide invaluable knowledge and practical advice. Joe Justice's expertise and passion for marketing will leave you with a fresh perspective and a renewed appreciation for the true potential of this essential business function.