Kanawha Valley Hustlers

In this episode of the Kanawha Valley Hustlers podcast, I talk with Nancy Bruns, president and co-founder of J.Q. Dickinson Salt-Works. She shares how her family began making salt in Malden in the early 1800s, tapping into an ancient ocean beneath West Virginia. Their salt is rich in minerals and has a unique flavor. Nancy explains the day-to-day operations, with a team of 12 handling salt product...

In this episode of the Kanawha Valley Hustlers podcast, I visit the i3 Innovation Showcase at the University of Charleston, where students and faculty present projects ranging from research and business ideas to art and community service. I speak with Allyssa Covert and Travis Kahle, who explain that this event has evolved from a traditional research day into a broader celebration of innovation ac...

In this episode of Kanawha Valley Hustlers, I chat with Bob Theuring, founder of Tandem Innovations, about the importance of action over endless preparation. Bob explains how companies used to invest more in leadership training, but now many rely on online resources, which can lead to analysis paralysis. I share my own experience learning to ride a bike—not by researching, but by doing—and Bob rei...

In this episode of Kanawha Valley Hustlers, I chat with Raymond Wyrick and Brandon McCutchon about juggling multiple jobs while building their businesses. Raymond runs The Dream Market, specializing in custom merchandise and fundraising apparel, making it easy for customers to order and receive digital mockups. Brandon operates Vital Flow, a mobile IV hydration company, offering treatments at home...

In this episode of the Kanawha Valley Hustlers podcast, I talk with Amanda Farley at Meet-Up 64 about mental health and suicide prevention in West Virginia. She shares that suicide is the second leading cause of death for ages 10 to 34 in the state and that awareness and education are key to addressing the issue. Amanda explains that suicide is often misunderstood, with many assuming it results fr...

In this episode of the Kanawha Valley Hustlers podcast, I talk with Sergio Rodriguez, director of the WVSU Center in Charleston. He shares how the center hosts events like weddings, meetings, and community gatherings. We are here during Meet-Up 64, an event for young professionals, which he has been planning with Up Next Charlie West, Putnam CREW, Huntington Young Professionals, and Counsel Connec...

In this episode of the Kanawha Valley Hustlers podcast, I talk with Senator Mark Maynard at Meet-Up 64 in Charleston. He represents the sixth district and owns Maynard’s Auto World, a salvage yard and pre-owned car lot. While his Senate duties take up much of his time, he remains passionate about the automotive industry. We discuss how the internet has changed car sales and how his family business...

I recorded this episode of the Kanawha Valley Hustlers podcast at the seventh WV Raspberry JAM at the University of Charleston, joined by my sons Ray and Clark. We dive into this STEM event focused on Raspberry Pi computers, where Ray plays games and chats with people while Clark programs Legos. I interview Brett White, who highlights new sponsors, lessons like website development, and a button-pr...

In this episode of the Kanawha Valley Hustlers podcast, I talk with Josh Ellis about technology, small business challenges, and the upcoming Raspberry Jam event at the University of Charleston on March 15th. Josh helps small businesses with IT issues, ensuring their technology runs smoothly. We discuss how tech problems evolve but remain similar at their core. Josh shares his experience attending...

In this episode of the Kanawha Valley Hustlers podcast, I talk with Brett White, founder of the Raspberry Jam, along with my sons, Ray and Clark, who attended last year. We are at Providence Insurance Agency, a sponsor of the event alongside BizSolutions. Tech. Brett explains that the Raspberry Jam is a hands-on event for kids and beginners interested in coding, IT, and computer science, taking pl...

In this episode of the Kanawha Valley Hustlers podcast, I talk with Brett White about the seventh annual Raspberry Jam, happening March 15, 2025, at the University of Charleston. Brett explains that the event is focused on the Raspberry Pi, a small, affordable computer used for learning programming, Linux, and electronics. This is the only Raspberry Jam in West Virginia, and it gives attendees a c...

In this episode of the Kanawha Valley Hustlers podcast, I talk with Dave Lavender about the film industry in West Virginia. He runs the West Virginia Film Office, which supports productions by offering resources like crew databases and location scouting. West Virginia has diverse scenery, making it a great place to film, and has even doubled for cities like New York. The state’s film industry is g...

In this episode of the Kanawha Valley Hustlers podcast, I’m talking with Ryan Mullins about economics, uncertainty, and networking. He focuses on understanding economic trends and believes long-term strategy matters more than short-term noise. We discuss how to separate real signals from distractions and his confidence in the strength of the U.S. economy. Ryan shares his approach to networking—sho...

In this episode of the Kanawha Valley Hustlers podcast, I talk with Mara Boggs, president and CEO of the Charleston Area Alliance. She explains how the Alliance supports local businesses through talent retention, economic development, and networking events. Before this role, she served in the Army as an engineer officer and later worked for Senator Joe Manchin. She highlights the Alliance’s incuba...

In this episode, I dive into the "fail-fast" mentality and why it's essential for business success. I emphasize that failure isn’t the end—it’s a learning opportunity that helps refine strategies and improve outcomes. I share how many successful entrepreneurs embrace failure as a stepping stone, adjusting quickly rather than dwelling on mistakes. Instead of fearing failure, I encourage listeners t...

In this episode of the Kanawha Valley Hustlers podcast, I talk with Bob Brunner about the West Virginia Music Hall of Fame. He shares that they are preparing for their 10th induction ceremony in April, with tickets available at different levels, including an exclusive event at the governor’s mansion. The Hall of Fame, founded by Michael Lipton 23 years ago, honors musicians from West Virginia, inc...

I talk with Bob Theuring, an expert in leadership, soft skills training, succession planning, and crisis management. Bob shares how he helps businesses strengthen their teams by focusing on the human side of leadership—teaching employees to communicate effectively, solve problems, and navigate workplace challenges. We discuss the importance of preparing for leadership transitions and how companies...

In this episode, I sit down with Brianna Duckworth to break down the power of structured marketing strategies. We dive into the importance of having a clear plan, understanding your audience, and creating consistent messaging that builds trust over time. Brianna shares her expertise on leveraging content effectively, using data to refine campaigns, and the role of storytelling in connecting with c...

In this episode of Kanawha Valley Hustlers, I focus on controlling what’s within my power, a lesson reinforced through my experience with BNI. Success in business and networking comes from consistent effort—showing up, learning, and building relationships. In BNI, we control our attendance, education, and one-to-ones, while referrals follow naturally from that work. Whether in BNI or business, I c...

In this episode of the Kanawha Valley Hustlers podcast, I talk with Bradley Harris at First Tuesdays with Up Next Charlie West. Bradley shares that his hustle is all about making connections and helping businesses navigate public relations. Having recently launched his own firm, Bradley Harris and Associates, he focuses on securing funding, arranging media coverage, and solving problems for busine...

In this episode of the Kanawha Valley Hustlers podcast, I talk with Hitendra Patel at the Up Next Charlie West First Tuesday event. He shares his mission to help entrepreneurs think bigger and act faster. He explains the concept of “Palli Palli,” a Korean approach to urgency, and how successful companies like Samsung and Hyundai embraced rapid innovation. We discuss the challenge of sunk costs in...

In this episode of the Kanawha Valley Hustlers podcast, I talk with Tonya Perry, owner of Tickers and Timbers, located on Capitol Street in Charleston. She explains that her business offers axe throwing, rage rooms, escape rooms, and paint splatter experiences, catering to team-building events, parties, and more. With a background as a therapist for children with special needs, Tonya shares how sh...

In this episode of Kanawha Valley Hustlers, I sit down with a true trailblazer who’s transforming our local business landscape. We dive into their journey—how they took an idea and turned it into a thriving enterprise that not only serves the community but also inspires others to chase their dreams. From the challenges they faced early on to the lessons they’ve learned along the way, they share in...

In this episode of the Kanawha Valley Hustlers podcast, I sit down with Joey Stepp, a comedy magician who has turned his passion for magic and laughter into a successful side hustle. Joey shares how he got started performing tricks in college and grew his craft into a business, performing shows ranging from birthday parties to corporate events across the region. He talks about the challenges of ba...

In this episode of the Kanawha Valley Hustlers podcast, I sit down with Carly Chapman, Director of Interior Design at ZMM Architects and Engineers. Carly explains how ZMM focuses on creating spaces that people love, with a commitment to design that prioritizes the experience and needs of the end user. We discuss ZMM’s recent growth, expanding from 35 to over 70 employees and adding offices in Ohio...