The Idea Vault Podcast

In Season 5 Episode 7 of the Idea Vault Podcast, we're doing something a little different. This special episode features an installment of the Student-Made Store's podcast, Making It Creative, where Student-Made Store co-founder Ryan McElhinney sits down with student entrepreneur Arianna Guzman, founder of ArisDesigns, to discuss her journey as both a business owner and student leader. From organi...

In Season 5, Episode 6 of the Idea Vault Podcast, the IDEA Bank team sits down with L.C. May, the driving force behind Clyde May's Whiskey and Conecuh Ridge Distillery, for a conversation rooted in heritage, entrepreneurship, and Alabama history. From stories of the original Clyde May, a veteran awarded the Bronze Star and Purple Heart, to the evolution of whiskey production in Alabama, L.C. share...

In this episode, we sit down with business owner and singer-songwriter JB Roberts. JB is part owner of Moseley Industrial Supply Company and Lawrence/Ace Hardware here in Troy AL. As well as a father, husband, musician, and IDEA Bank member, JB talks about what it really looks like when your way isn’t working. He shares how learning to surrender, work under authority, and stay consistent through f...

In Season 5, Episode 4, “Building Businesses by Taking Chances,” we sit down with two of the three winners of the 2025 Business Idea Pitch Competition Program at The IDEA Bank to talk about what happens when you step up and share your vision. Wesley Tilghman pitched “Trojan Tailgate,” a full-service tailgate experience designed to elevate game days at Troy University. While Emma Rollins brought he...

Episode 3 of Season 5 of the IDEA Vault Podcast takes listeners inside the IDEA Bank Incubator Program, a specialized track within the IDEA Bank membership made possible through funding from Innovate Alabama. In this episode, we sit down with our incubator tenants—Jared Hester of Studio 207, a local design firm; Jessica Goolsby of Goosehead Insurance, an independent insurance broker; and JoJo Mere...

In the latest episode of The Idea Vault Podcast, “Small Pond, Big Impact,” we dive into the journeys of two exceptional Troy University past and present students, who leveraged their involvement with Student-Made Troy organization into significant corporate opportunities. Izzy Stokes, the current A Student-Made Creator and local business owner of The Beaded Bella, Website Manager for Student-Made...

The IDEA Vault Podcast is back! In this new episode, listeners are introduced to a revitalized structure, with engaging new segments that promise to deliver even more fun. This episode isn't just about changes to the show's format; it’s here to let you in on changes and promotions within the IDEA Bank, students’ mindsets, and the drive towards entrepreneurship. Episode 1 explores the history of th...

In this episode, we hear from Jesse Meade. President of Power Solutions an oil and gas provider in Chattanooga Tennessee, wife of Troy University's head baseball coach Skylar Meade, mom of two, sister, daughter, friend, and so much more.     We explore how she manages to excel in each of these roles with eagerness and unwavering intentionality. Beginning her career journey in a family business, wo...

In this episode, we hear from Kameryn Mitchell — a Troy student majoring in Global Business from Dothan, Alabama. Kameryn is a true triple threat. Not only is he a dedicated student, he’s also an athlete on the Troy Men’s Basketball Team and the owner and operator of Details for Dayz, his growing car detailing business. Details for Dayz began out of necessity — Kameryn needed a way to put himself...

In this episode, we sit down with Karla & Louis Johnson, the powerhouse duo behind Johnson Labs, a chemical manufacturing business rooted in the Troy and Pike County, Alabama community. With nearly 37 years of marriage and business ownership, they share the incredible journey of building a company from the ground up while staying committed to their people and community. From humble beginnings...

From a hobby to a thriving business, Alex Ashendorf, owner and operator of The Cozy Corner (formerly The Cozy Stitch Crochet), has turned her passion for crochet into a top-selling brand. As a TROY student entrepreneur and Student-Made Troy Creator, Alex earned the title of Top-Seller during the opening semester of the Student-Made Store in Troy. Want to know the secret behind her success? Determi...

In this episode, we sit down with David Norris, a local entrepreneur and owner of Norris Insurance Group for an insightful converstaion on the triumphs and obstacles of leading a team. David shares his experiences in building a strong team, fostering trust, and creating a positive company culture that drives success. Whether you're leading a small business or managing a growing team, David's pract...

In this special episode, we dive into the 2024 Troy Starters Business Idea Competition, powered by the Regions Foundation. Join us as we spotlight the brilliant minds, collaborative efforts, and dedicated talent that made this year’s event a success. Hear from the competition winners as they share their innovative ideas, challenges, and the journey to securing startup capital. Gain valuable perspe...

In this episode, we chat with David Taylor and Abby Taylor, a father-daughter duo with an incredible story about building a business to stand the test of time. Tune in and be inspired by their family's grit and ability to turn hard work and determination into a lasting legacy. David and Abby give us a behind-the-scenes look at what it’s like to run a family business. Whether you’re curious about e...

In this episode, we chat with Alden Barentine, a senior at Troy University and winner of the 2023 Business Idea Competition. Alden shares how he turned his winning pitch into an operating business. Alden dives into the importance of starting small while aiming for big success, providing insight on the ways he strategically utilized his pitch's winning prize: startup capital! Tune in to discover wh...

In this episode, we're joined by Eric Sloan, CEO of 1Sync Technologies, who shares the incredible journey of building his tech empire. Eric dives into how he found entrepreneurial success by investing in his community and building meaningful relationships. From humble beginnings to leading a global tech companies, Eric opens up about the ups and downs of business ownership, specifically after his...

In this week's episode of the Idea Vault Podcast, we dive into the fast-paced life of a student entrepreneur who refuses to slow down. Join us as we explore the story of a Troy University student entrepreneur and visionary who has built not just one, but two thriving local businesses from the ground up. Discover what fuels Sarah's passion for making a difference in the community as we unpack the c...

In this episode, we sit down with Shaun Spivey, a local entrepreneur and owner of Small Town Life and Small Town Graphics. Shaun shares his journey of leaving a steady career at the Montgomery County Road Department to pursue his passion for graphic design, small town living, and entrepreneurship. Discover how he built his own business from the ground up, the challenges he faced, and the rewards o...

In this week's milestone episode, we dive into the remarkable journey behind the creation of the newest addition to the Downtown Troy Square and Troy University, Troy's Student-Made Store. Join us as we chat with Student-Made co-founders Lindsay Reeth and Ryan McElhinney, along with one of Student-Made's creators and managers, TROY student entrepreneur Jessica Roberts, owner of Jaxon Lane Boutique...

In this episode, we sit down to talk with Jonas Shaw, the Owner/CEO of 7S Media + Studio 7 and a graduate of Troy University. Jonas shares his story of how he's taken his media and videography business from the lens of an iPhone to a full-fledged successful media company.  Tune into this week's episode and discover what Jonas contributes his success and ability to overcome obstacles to.  As a spec...

We kick off Season 3 with a healthy dose of personal inspiration and entrepreneurial insight! In this episode, we chat with Reanna Thompson, Co-Owner of Studio 207, Graphic Designer, MBA Student, and Graduate Assistant at the IDEA Bank. Reanna shares her journey through entrepreneurship, design, and student life, highlighting the grit and growth that drive her success. Plus, get a sneak peek at up...

In this month's episode, our host, Chris Stagl, introduces a new "Person on the Street" segment, featuring local Community Member, Entrepreneur, and Professor of Art: Greg Skaggs. Join us as Greg leads us on a journey throughout the ages and stages of art and business in the local community of Troy, Alabama. This episode features exciting topics such as the revitalization of a community through th...

In this episode, we delve deep into the inspiring journey of a group of student entrepreneurs who are paving their own paths in the world of creativity and business. Studio 207 consists of five Troy University students who discovered that their dreams could become a reality by starting their own creative needs company, specializing in many areas such as graphic design, branding, and much more! Joi...

From a young age, Wiregrass native Tyden "Ty" Rickard knew that he had a passion for filmmaking. His willingness to break the status quo has been met with success, allowing him to pursue his passion for filmmaking along his entrepreneurial journey. Join us from The Vault Studio as we take a glance behind the lens of an entrepreneur and discover the importance of finding meaning and following a pas...

Self-doubt can be a common cause of individuals being swayed from business ownership. Alternatively, for Adam Vinson, self-embracement has been what shined the way for his entrepreneurial journey. By embracing his "vibe" and infusing his business with his authenticity, Adam has found success on the Downtown Troy Square after less than a year of owning local coffee shop, Fuse Coffee. Tune in to hea...