Episodes

  • Brandon Dennison on Economic Resilience

    Brandon Dennison on Economic Resilience
    Nov 19 2024
    In this episode of the Kanawha Valley Hustlers podcast, I talk with Brandon Dennison about his mission to reverse generational poverty in West Virginia through Coalfield Development, which he founded in 2010. Brandon explains how their focus on social enterprise combines a social mission with business efficiency, helping to diversify the economy of southern West Virginia. He acknowledges the region’s historical reliance on coal mining but emphasizes the importance of economic resilience. We discuss the loyalty and work ethic of West Virginians, which makes them attractive for manufacturing as companies look to bring jobs back to the area. As the vice president for economic workforce development at Marshall University, Brandon highlights the training offered in advanced manufacturing, preparing workers for future jobs in robotics and AI. He shares his vision for an inclusive economy where all people in West Virginia have the opportunity to realize their potential and contribute to a thriving community. It's an inspiring conversation about the future of our workforce and the importance of leaving no one behind.
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    6 mins
  • Fiber, Cybersecurity, and the WV Workforce with Jaren Painter

    Fiber, Cybersecurity, and the WV Workforce with Jaren Painter
    Nov 14 2024
    In this episode of the Kanawha Valley Hustlers podcast, I talk with Jaren Painter from Alpha Technologies about his work bringing fiber broadband to rural West Virginia. Jaren explains how his company is using grants and loans to compete with major players and expand connectivity in areas like Putnam and Wayne Counties. We discuss the challenges of broadband expansion, including high construction costs and a limited local workforce. Jaren also shares Alpha Technologies’ broader role as a managed IT service provider and their involvement with Marshall University’s Institute for Cyber Security. Cybersecurity is a big focus, as it’s both a safeguard for residents and a growing job sector with potential to retain West Virginia talent. Jaren highlights how a degree in cybersecurity covers technical skills along with business and risk management. He encourages listeners to look out for expanding workforce opportunities in the field across the state.
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    5 mins
  • Inside Putnam County’s Growth with Megan Lomax

    Inside Putnam County’s Growth with Megan Lomax
    Nov 12 2024
    In this episode of the Kanawha Valley Hustlers podcast, I’m talking with Megan Lomax at Meet-Up 64 about her role in making business easier in Putnam County. Megan explains how this event connects professionals from Huntington, Charleston, and Putnam County, helping them grow their networks. She shares insights into Putnam County’s growth, with projects like Toyota’s recent expansion and findings from the Advantage Valley housing study highlighting its potential. Megan emphasizes that manufacturing jobs are essential, as each one creates three additional jobs in the community, attracting more businesses. She also discusses a recent industrial supply chain expo that helped local suppliers connect with larger employers, strengthening local ties. Megan directs listeners to resources like the Putnam County Development Authority, the Chamber of Commerce, and the Visitors Bureau for anyone looking to get involved in the area.
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    5 mins
  • Empowering Nonprofits Through Marketing with Kasidi Legg

    Empowering Nonprofits Through Marketing with Kasidi Legg
    Nov 5 2024
    In this episode of the Kanawha Valley Hustlers podcast, I talk with Kasidi Legg, a chief marketing consultant with Kingery and Company. Kasidi shares how she helps nonprofits in West Virginia build capacity, tackling the challenges of limited funding and staffing by providing strategic planning, branding, and fundraising support. She highlights the importance of marketing for nonprofits, ensuring that the community and potential funders know about the impactful work these organizations do. Kasidi, a Charleston native, feels strongly connected to her community, crediting her mother, a social worker, for instilling a sense of service. She’s also recently been recognized by Up Next Charlie West as the October Member of the Month, an honor for her dedication to local growth and leadership. I wrap up the conversation by encouraging listeners to keep hustling with purpose and positivity.
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    4 mins
  • Avon Cobourne Jr. on BNI and Business Success

    Avon Cobourne Jr. on BNI and Business Success
    Oct 31 2024
    I chat with Avon Cobourne Jr., a mortgage loan officer and vice president of the Wealth Builders BNI chapter in Charleston. Avon shares his daily hustle of helping families secure mortgage pre-approvals and emphasizes the dedication required in his role. He highlights the importance of networking, especially with their upcoming event on November 6th at the Embassy Suites, where they aim to connect various professionals and grow their businesses together. Avon explains that BNI, or Business Networking International, operates on an exclusive model, allowing only one person per profession in each chapter, which fosters strong referrals and collaboration. We discuss the other BNI chapters in Charleston and the flexibility they offer. I encourage listeners to attend the Visitors Day to expand their networks and tap into new business opportunities.
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    6 mins
  • Behind the Scenes of Event Planning with Vannessa King

    Behind the Scenes of Event Planning with Vannessa King
    Oct 29 2024
    Today I talk with Vannessa King, the events and venues manager for The Cottage at Northgate and The Retreat WV. Vannessa shares what it's like managing two very different spaces – The Cottage, which is ideal for personal celebrations like weddings and parties, and The Retreat, focused on business events and staff trainings. She explains how her job is all about making people feel comfortable and ensuring their events run smoothly. Vannessa also reveals some behind-the-scenes tips she uses to create memorable experiences and talks about the joy and pressure that comes with planning events. She’s been in the role for about a year and loves working with clients to make lifelong memories.
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    5 mins
  • Building Relationships and Referrals with Melissa Pemberton

    Building Relationships and Referrals with Melissa Pemberton
    Oct 24 2024
    Today I chat with Melissa Pemberton, who shares her passion for building relationships as a copier and printer expert. We discuss BNI, a business networking organization that focuses on giving and receiving referrals. Melissa explains how BNI operates with a focus on Givers Gain, emphasizing the importance of helping others to grow your own business. She talks about the three BNI chapters in Charleston, including a new group called Wealth Builder$, which is hosting a Visitors Day on November 6th. Melissa highlights the global reach of BNI, her experiences networking with members worldwide, and the benefits of building trust through referral-based relationships. As we wrap up, she expresses her gratitude to Embassy Suites for supporting the meetings and encourages listeners to attend Visitors Day.
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    7 mins
  • Building Your Personal Brand with Tricia Kingery

    Building Your Personal Brand with Tricia Kingery
    Oct 22 2024
    Today, I talk with Tricia Kingery about her new venture, Tricia Talks, which focuses on motivational speaking and presentations across West Virginia. She explains that this isn't new for her—through her consulting firm, Kingery and Company, she's been doing nonprofit consultation, leadership development, and training for 18 years. Tricia launched Tricia Talks to focus more on topics she loves, like empowerment and personal branding. In her recent presentation, "Brand Yourself, Build Yourself," she guided attendees through a ten-step process for creating their personal brand. She’s passionate about helping people connect with their values, both personally and professionally.
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    6 mins