The Crazy Journey From Business Startup To Reality TV With Mike Whiteside And Robert Kulp

Their business startup turned trash into treasure, by “up-cycling”architectural salvage. They were saving America’s past for America’s future.And as their business grew it also turned into a hit reality show on the DIYNetwork called "Salvage Dawgs." Join host Hanna Hasl-Kelchner as shewelcomes Black Dog Salvage founders Mike Whiteside and Robert Kulp to talkabout how they built their incredible business. WHAT YOU'LL DISCOVER ABOUT THE JOURNEY OF A SUCCESSFUL STARTUP: ● The twist of fate that led to the startup of Black Dog Salvage.● Their bootstrap story of their startup success.● The success habits each co-founder brings to the business.● The biggest challenges faced during their startup years.● The single biggest continuing business challenge.● How the power of TV expands the reach of their brand platform.● How the presence of TV cameras changes the way they work.● How their business values and leadership put reality back into "reality" TV.● What they'd change about their startup years if they could do it over.● Their favorite salvage projects.● And much MORE.GUESTS: Mike Whiteside (left) and Robert Kulp (right), the co-owners ofBlack Dog Salvage, located in Roanoke, VAMike Whiteside and Robert Kulp are the co-owners and founders of Black Dog Salvage located inbeautiful rolling hills of Roanoke, Virginia. You might have seen them onpopular reality TV show "SalvageDawgs" on the DIY Network.It’s a fun show. You get to follow them on their adventures andwatch them reclaim cool architectural elements from buildings headed for thewrecking ball. They help keep those special pieces out of a landfill andprepare them for a second act. You also get to watch how some of thesereclaimed materials get transformed into one-of-a-kind furniture that can add alot of personality and charm to any room in your home and be great conversationstarters.Mike Whiteside has an eclectic background. He’s a former Navy parachute riggerand traveled the world serving our country. His love of travel and the sea alsoled him to a 15- year career as a professional sailor and yacht captain. Otherunique jobs include ski lift operator and chair seat weaver. Interestingly,that creativity is now channeled into tackling design challenges and helpingcustomers create unique treasures from the company’s salvage items. And hismaster rigging skills from the Navy come in handy too, often providing a safetynet during salvage operations, where no task is impossible and he’s been knownto say “go big, go hard, go fast, or go home.” But, Mike does know his limits.Robert Kulp also has afascinating background and a Navy connection. Robert is a former Naval Officerwith a degree in Building Construction from Virginia Tech. He has a realpassion for architectural details and a terrific understanding of the value ofthose reclaimed building parts. He’s all about “attention to details.” Robertis also a Class A General Contractor, and that lets him offer solid advice andservices for period restorations, whether it’s “new” house with a vintage vibeor blending a new addition into an existing home to make it look and feel likeit’s always been there.  RELATED RESOURCES: This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit hannahaslkelchner.substack.com