Kanawha Valley Hustlers

In this episode of the Kanawha Valley Hustlers podcast, I visit the Taste of Appalachia Showcase at the South Charleston Farmers Market to meet three West Virginia entrepreneurs who are turning local food products into businesses. Angie Litton of Angie’s What’s Poppin’ Shoppe shares how her popcorn side hustle grows into a full-time business offering more than 70 flavors, fundraising opportunities, and gifts. Duane Legg of Legacy Foods discusses his 20 years in business producing apple butter, apple cider vinegar, and hot pepper jelly while navigating challenges with hiring and production. Mary Grandon of Sugar Bottom Farm explains how her business creates honey and beeswax products while overcoming distribution challenges through partnerships. Each business contributes products to the Taste of Appalachia gift boxes, which bring together foods made across West Virginia. We explore the challenges of entrepreneurship, the value of collaboration, and the opportunities available to Appalachian businesses. Visit TasteofAppalachia.com to learn more and support West Virginia food producers.

In this episode of the Kanawha Valley Hustlers podcast, I'm at the South Charleston Farmers Market for the second annual Taste of Appalachia, talking with West Virginia business owners about their products, their growth, and the challenges of entrepreneurship. I speak with Angie Cowger of Custard Stand about how her company grows from a remodeled car wash bay into a food business with distribution across much of the eastern United States. Connie and Rick Martin of We B Fryin Snacks share how they launch their business just before COVID-19 and continue growing despite limited production space. Sara McCoy and Brenda Burdette of Sassy Gals Gourmet Treats discuss building their business over 14 years, expanding their product line, and managing the demands of fairs and festivals. Throughout these conversations, we explore the importance of persistence, building relationships, adapting to customer needs, and using business development resources like Advantage Valley. We also highlight how Taste of Appalachia helps promote West Virginia products and support the entrepreneurs behind them.

In this episode of the Kanawha Valley Hustlers podcast, I talk about why people believe certain industries are no exist and how businesses can succeed in mature markets. After more than 25 years in video production and marketing, I've watched industries evolve as technology advances, competition increases, and customers become more demanding. The opportunity hasn't disappeared. The market has evolved from rewarding participation to rewarding competence. I explain why some business owners mistake the end of easy money for the end of opportunity, when the real problem is often their inability to compete. Whether you're building websites, developing apps, or running a plumbing company, there are three ways to compete: be faster, cheaper, or better. Each approach comes with trade-offs, and trying to be all three isn't going to happen. I share examples of how businesses can choose an advantage, build their reputation around it, and deliver something customers value. Stop listening to people who claim an industry is dead. Focus on developing your skills, understanding what customers need, and giving them a reason to choose your business over the competition.

In this episode of the Kanawha Valley Hustlers podcast, I visit the South Charleston Farmers Market for the second annual Taste of Appalachia event, an initiative that brings together West Virginia businesses to showcase their products through curated gift boxes. I talk with Marjorie Cooke of Advantage Valley about how the program supports local entrepreneurs, generates revenue for small businesses, and offers customers a way to shop local during the holiday season. I also meet Paul Ronk of Ronk Family Maple Farm, who shares the history of his family's farm dating back to 1859 and introduces me to the range of maple products they produce. Finally, I speak with Coleman Irwin of Harvest Trails about building a freeze-dried fruit business, sourcing products from local farms, and the importance of persistence and attention to detail in entrepreneurship. Throughout these conversations, we explore the businesses, products, and people that contribute to West Virginia's economy and why supporting local producers matters.

In this episode of the Kanawha Valley Hustlers podcast, I chat with Elishua Brown, a real estate agent with Berkshire Hathaway in Charleston, West Virginia, to discuss the challenges of building a career in a competitive market. We talk about his first three months without a sale, the importance of earning clients' trust, and how improving communication helps him grow his business. Elishua explains why real estate involves more problem-solving than most people realize, from navigating banks and transactions to managing repairs and client expectations. We also explore the value of investing in your business, using social media to stand out, and developing the resilience to overcome setbacks. Elishua shares how faith, mentorship, and believing in his vision help him push through periods of uncertainty. We wrap up with his thoughts on learning from failure, exploring AI as a business tool, and why entrepreneurs need to stay focused on their goals, put their customers first, and keep moving forward.

In this episode of the Kanawha Valley Hustlers podcast, I talk with Gracetyn Carper to explore the world of landscape architecture and how it shapes communities across West Virginia. We discuss the role landscape architects play in designing parks, trails, sidewalks, and public spaces while working alongside engineers, geologists, and other professionals. Gracetyn explains how the profession goes beyond design to include project management, budgets, environmental challenges, and community needs. We also explore lessons from her career, including the importance of planning, learning from mistakes, and understanding that the first design is rarely the final solution. She shares how technology, including the Apple Pencil, helps bridge the gap between hand drafting and digital design. We touch on the value of mentorship, developing public speaking skills, and staying open to learning. Throughout our conversation, we uncover how landscape architecture improves quality of life and why preparation, collaboration, and adaptability matter in any profession.

In this episode of the Kanawha Valley Hustlers podcast, I explore how businesses can use video for more than just marketing. With over 25 years of experience in video production, I break down three areas where video can make an impact: marketing, sales, and fulfillment. I explain how short-form videos attract attention, while long-form content helps build trust and nurture potential customers. I also introduce video sales letters, which use proof, promise, and plan to educate prospects, address objections, and support the sales process. Beyond sales, I discuss how businesses can use educational videos to prepare customers for appointments, explain procedures, and answer common questions. I also cover employee training and safety videos, which can save time, document procedures, and support workplace compliance. My goal is to help business owners recognize opportunities to use video throughout their operations, improve communication, and get more value from their video content.

In this episode of the Kanawha Valley Hustlers podcast, I chat with Meghan Callaghan, broker of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Professional Realty, to talk about the challenges of real estate, building relationships, and running a business. With 14 years of experience, Meghan oversees approximately 65 agents across Charleston, Teays Valley, and Parkersburg, handling residential and commercial properties. We discuss how her expectations of real estate change once she enters the industry, the importance of treating yourself as a business, and why agents do far more than show houses. Meghan shares how interest rates and housing inventory affect the market, why investing in client relationships produces returns, and how qualifying buyers helps avoid wasting time. We also explore why lead generation is a skill every entrepreneur needs, regardless of industry, and the challenge of keeping up with technology and social media. Throughout our conversation, Meghan emphasizes the importance of honesty, fairness, and treating people well. Her experience offers lessons for anyone working to build a business, manage clients, and develop relationships that support growth.

In this episode of the Kanawha Valley Hustlers podcast, I talk with Madhur Bedre to discuss his journey as an entrepreneur and how his company helps manufacturers improve production through process control and artificial intelligence. Madhur shares how his background in engineering led him to start his business seven years ago and how AI is helping manufacturers make better decisions and improve operations. We talk about the challenges of building a business, from hiring mistakes and customer relationships to navigating economic pressures and retaining employees in an industry where AI is creating new opportunities. Madhur also shares how his company developed and launched Atlas Advisor on a limited budget and why learning when to walk away from the wrong customers is an important lesson. We explore the value of networking with other business owners, adapting to change, and developing skills outside your area of expertise, including sales and marketing. Throughout our conversation, Madhur reminds us that success is never guaranteed, but surrounding yourself with the right people, learning from mistakes, and staying committed to your goals can make all the difference.

In this episode of the Kanawha Valley Hustlers podcast, I chat with Haley Merritt, an account manager at ProSource, to talk about what she has learned from working in sales. We discuss how she moved away from relying on rehearsed pitches and started focusing more on relationships, networking, and listening to what businesses need. Haley explains how B2B sales differs from retail and why trust often has to come before the sale. We also talk about changes in the printing and office technology industry, including document automation, hidden printing costs, and ways businesses can improve their workflows. Haley shares why BNI has been a valuable investment, how mistakes can lead to growth, and why accountability matters in sales. We wrap up by discussing one of the most important skills she is working on now: learning when to stop talking and listen. Her approach is simple. Practice may not make perfect, but it does make you better.