Kanawha Valley Hustlers
by Joe Justice
The Kanawha Valley Hustle podcast is your source for inspiration and insights from the creative minds and hardworking hustlers who call the Kanawha Valley area home. Whether you're looking to start your own business, pursue a creative passion, or simply want to learn more about the movers and shakers in your community, the Kanawha Valley Hustle has something for you.
Episodes
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A Taste of Appalachia with Marjorie Cooke, Paul Ronk & Coleman Irwin
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...
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Standing Out in a Crowded Market with Elishua Brown
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…
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Beyond the Trees: What Landscape Architects Really Do with Gracetyn Carper
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…
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Beyond Marketing: 3 Ways to Use Video in Your Business
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...
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The Hustle Behind Every Home Sale with Meghan Callaghan
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...
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AI, Manufacturing, and the Future of Business with Madhur Bedre
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…
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Networking, Accountability and Better Sales with Haley Merritt
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...
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The Three-Step Process for Building a Stronger Team
In this episode of the Kanawha Valley Hustlers podcast, I talk about what it takes to lead a team and why leadership is a skill that can be developed. I explain the difference between compliance and cooperation, and why getting people to understand the mission is more effective than relying on...
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10 Years of Fear with Lee Jordan
In this episode of the Kanawha Valley Hustlers podcast, I sit down with Lee Jordan of Fear on the Farm as the attraction celebrates its 10th anniversary. We talk about how his love of Halloween grew into a business with ten attractions, how the team keeps the experience fresh each year, and why…
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What Custom Woodworking Teaches About Business with Austin Taylor
In this episode of the Kanawha Valley Hustlers podcast, I sit down with Austin Taylor, owner of AT Woodwork in Charleston’s Elk City district. Austin shares how his interest in woodworking began in high school shop class and grew into a business focused on custom furniture and woodworking. We…
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The Story of Never Deer with James Stanton
In this episode of the Kanawha Valley Hustlers podcast, I talk with James Stanton, founder of Never Deer, a West Virginia company that makes professional deer repellent for homeowners, landscapers, and other customers. James explains how the business started when he tried to stop deer from eating...
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The Difference Between AI and Human Intelligence
In this episode of the Kanawha Valley Hustlers podcast, I break down the difference between how traditional computers, artificial intelligence, and human beings solve problems. I explain deductive, inductive, and abductive reasoning and why those differences matter when we use AI to help make...
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The Business Behind the Camera with Frank Miller
In this episode of the Kanawha Valley Hustlers podcast, I talk with photographer and filmmaker Frank Miller about how his business has changed since he started. Frank expected to work mainly with families and weddings, but he moved into commercial and business-to-business work, where long-term...
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How Taste of Appalachia Is Helping Local Food Businesses Grow with Terrell Ellis
In this episode of the Kanawha Valley Hustlers podcast, I talk with Terrell Ellis of Advantage Valley about the second year of Taste of Appalachia, a program created to support small food producers across the region. We discuss what the organization learned during its first year, especially the...
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What It Takes to Sell a Great Product with Mary Beth Smith
In this episode of the Kanawha Valley Hustlers podcast, I talk with Mary Beth Smith, co-owner and co-founder of Tipsy Roo’s Barbecue Sauce, about what it takes to build a product-based business. Mary Beth shares how she learned that having a good product is not enough. You have to get in front of...
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How to Plan Your Ideal Week
In this episode of the Kanawha Valley Hustlers podcast, I break down how I plan an ideal week so I can stay focused on the work that matters instead of letting every phone call, email, meeting, and problem control my schedule. I start by putting fixed commitments on the calendar, then I leave...
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31 Years in Custom Clothing with Richard Emery
In this episode of the Kanawha Valley Hustlers podcast, I talk with Richard Emery of Tom James Company to talk about his 31 years in the clothing business. We discuss how he got started, the challenges of building a client base, and how men’s fashion has changed from pleated pants and broad...
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Building the Future of Wearable Technology with Chima Imoh
In this episode of the Kanawha Valley Hustlers podcast, I chat with Chima Imoh, founder and CEO of MíMíroír Technologies, a Charleston-based company developing modular wearable technology. Chima explains how his system places sensors on specific parts of the body to collect data where the…
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Suits, Sales, and Career Changes with Alexander Anderson
In this episode of the Kanawha Valley Hustlers podcast, I talk with Alexander Anderson of Tom James Company to talk about his work as a professional clothier and what he has learned since changing careers. Alex explains how he helps clients choose clothing based on their profession, schedule, and...
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Attention Gets You Seen. Trust Gets You Clients.
In this episode of the Kanawha Valley Hustlers podcast, I explain why getting attention is only the first step in growing a business today. Customers are surrounded by ads, emails, calls, messages, and competing offers, which can make it harder for them to decide who to trust. I believe trust is...
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Alicia Stine on Turning a Passion for Photography Into a Business
Alicia Stine on Turning a Passion for Photography Into a Business
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Hayden Holstine on Building a Business Through Digital Marketing
In this episode of the Kanawha Valley Hustlers podcast, I talk with Hayden Holstine about how he gets started in digital marketing by helping his dad build an online presence for a forestry consulting business. Hayden now runs a digital marketing company with his cousin in Hurricane, providing...
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Connecting People With Disabilities to Opportunity
In this episode, I talk with Travis Kline of Job Squad about helping people with disabilities connect with employment, transportation, benefits, and other services. We discuss the disability services fair and why communication matters when bringing organizations and the community together. Travis...
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The Business Bottleneck That Is Limiting Your Growth
I explain why most business owners do not have an effort problem. They have a focus problem. Every business has a chain that moves from attention to sales, fulfillment and recurring revenue, and somewhere in that chain is a constraint that limits growth. I look at two common examples. One is a…
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Jessica A. Martin on Content Creation and Community Impact
In this episode of the Kanawha Valley Hustlers podcast, I talk with Jessica A. Martin to talk about her work as a radio personality, content creator, and community supporter. Jessica explains how she begins by using social media to promote local businesses, fundraisers, and events around...
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David Dean and Travis Goodwin Solve Problems Through Real Estate
In this episode of the Kanawha Valley Hustlers podcast, I talk with David Dean and Travis Goodwin to talk about real estate investing and the work behind running a business. David shares how he moves from playing football at Marshall University into real estate sales, rentals, house flipping, and...
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Building Vandalia Music Therapy with Shauna McQuerrey
In this episode of the Kanawha Valley Hustlers podcast, I talk with Shauna McQuerrey, founder of Vandalia Music Therapy. She works with children, teens, adults, and seniors who have conditions such as autism, Down syndrome, Parkinson’s disease, dementia, and brain injuries. Shauna explains how...
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The Future of AI Belongs to Businesses That Solve Real Problems
In this episode of the Kanawha Valley Hustlers podcast, I explain why the biggest opportunity in AI may not belong to the companies building the models. History shows that the real value often comes from businesses that apply new technology to solve problems. Computers became more useful through...
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From Marine to NASCAR Team Owner Featuring Josh White
In this episode of the Kanawha Valley Hustlers podcast, I talk with Josh White to learn how a passion for racing grew into a business with a purpose. Josh shares how his Marine Corps background shaped his approach to overcoming obstacles and how that mindset carries into building a NASCAR race…
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The Future of Cryptocurrency with Scott Hardy and Matt Ballard
In this episode of the Kanawha Valley Hustlers podcast, I talk with Scott Hardy and Matt Ballard to explore cryptocurrency, blockchain, and where the industry is headed. We discuss why clear regulation is still one of the biggest barriers to wider adoption and how legislation like the Clarity Act...
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Building a Career One Beat at a Time with DJEJ
In this episode of the Kanawha Valley Hustlers podcast, I talk with EJ Price, better known as DJEJ, to talk about building a career from a love of music. He shares how he once believed making a living as a DJ in West Virginia was out of reach, but years of work, learning, and adapting proved...
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The Productivity Mistake Almost Everyone Makes
In this episode of the Kanawha Valley Hustlers podcast, I explain why most people are not exhausted because they work too much. They are exhausted because they keep switching between different types of work. I break down how analytical, creative, and interpersonal tasks each use a different part…
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Building Multiple Revenue Streams with Aaron Wood
In this episode of the Kanawha Valley Hustlers podcast, I talk with Aaron Wood about building multiple businesses and the lessons that come with growth. Aaron explains how one business led to another, creating steady revenue across different seasons. He shares that rapid growth can create…
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The Truth About Owning a Business with Tina White
In this episode of the Kanawha Valley Hustlers podcast, I talk with Tina White to talk about what entrepreneurship really looks like. We discuss how owning a business means longer hours, more responsibility, and learning not to take rejection personally. Tina shares how a conversation with her...
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Hannah Hage on Insurance, Burnout, and Faith
In this episode of the Kanawha Valley Hustlers podcast, I talk with Hannah Hage of First American Insurance to talk about business, insurance, burnout, and faith. Hannah shares how she got into insurance after people kept telling her she would be good at it. Now she helps people protect their...
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250 Years of Liberty, Risk, and Innovation
In this episode of the Kanawha Valley Hustlers podcast, I celebrate America’s 250th birthday by looking at the spirit of liberty, work, risk, and innovation that has shaped this country. I start with Benjamin Franklin and the founders, who built a system where people could make their own choices,...
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Turning a Passion Into a Profession with Akaya Robey
In this episode of the Kanawha Valley Hustlers podcast, I talk with Akaya Robey of Kyber Kai Academy, a combat and fight choreography school in Charleston, West Virginia. I learn how a hobby that started years ago grew into a business that is becoming his full time focus. Akaya shares how he...
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Jordan Garcia on Insurance, Sales, and Learning From Mistakes
In this episode of the Kanawha Valley Hustlers podcast, I talk with Jordan Garcia to talk about his work in property and casualty insurance and the lessons he has learned in sales. Jordan shares how he moved from car sales into insurance after meeting an agent who inspired him to pursue the...
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From Transformers Fan to YouTube Star with Jason Morgan
In this episode of the Kanawha Valley Hustlers podcast, I talk with Jason Morgan, known online as Patriot Prime, to talk about how a lifelong love of Transformers grew into a successful YouTube channel. Jason shares how his interest started as a kid and later turned into content creation after he...
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The Hidden Value of Negative Feedback
In this episode of the Kanawha Valley Hustlers podcast, I talk about why negative comments are part of doing business online. If you want attention, you have to accept exposure, and with exposure comes criticism. I explain that most negative comments are not a sign your marketing is failing....
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Saving What Matters with Jesse A. Lewis
In this episode of the Kanawha Valley Hustlers podcast, I talk with Jesse A. Lewis of Blue Kangaroo Pack Outs of River Cities in Huntington, West Virginia. Jesse helps people recover personal property after fire, water damage, or a natural disaster. His team packs out items, documents them…
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Building Better Real Estate Systems with Shelby Pritt
In this episode of the Kanawha Valley Hustlers podcast, I talk with Shelby Pritt, founder of Be Real Estate Services. Shelby helps real estate agents in Indiana and West Virginia keep deals moving through custom transaction coordination. She comes from ten years in lending and title, where she…
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Mykah Ballard on Building a Message That Reaches the Right People
In this episode of the Kanawha Valley Hustlers podcast, I talk with Mykah Ballard, creative director for Virtue Marketing Collective. Mykah works with businesses that have a vision but need help turning it into a clear message. We talk about how many entrepreneurs are good at what they do but...
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Early to Bed, Early to Rise, Work Like Hell and Advertise
In this episode of the Kanawha Valley Hustlers podcast, I break down the line “Early to bed, early to rise, work like hell and advertise” as a full formula for getting ahead. Early to bed is about discipline. It cuts off the hours where most people waste time, scroll, snack, drink, or drift into...
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Peyton Ballard and the Power of Saying No
In this episode of the Kanawha Valley Hustlers podcast, I talk with Peyton Ballard, principal consultant of Selah Directive in the New River Gorge area. Peyton starts in HR, then gets recruited by the New River Gorge Regional Development Authority to help launch West Virginia’s first angel…
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Bryson Cutler on Manufacturing, Marketing, and Handmade Glass
In this episode of the Kanawha Valley Hustlers podcast, I visit Blenko Glass Company in Milton, West Virginia, and talk with Bryson Cutler about business development, manufacturing, and keeping a historic craft alive. Bryson’s path started in digital marketing and IT before growing into his role…
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David Crabtree on Drones, Search and Rescue, and Business Lessons
In this episode of the Kanawha Valley Hustlers podcast, I talk with David Crabtree about drones, business, and what it takes to build something new in West Virginia. David runs Appalachian UAV Academy and works to bring drone technology into industries like public safety, search and rescue, rural...
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AI Can Get Attention, But Can It Build Trust?
AI Can Get Attention, But Can It Build Trust?
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Chris Bautista on Roofing, Hustle, and Building Above Roofing
I talk with Chris Bautista, owner of Above Roofing, LLC, about how he got into roofing, what he has learned after 12 years in the trade, and what homeowners need to know before hiring a contractor. Chris helps with leaks, repairs, replacements, and roof inspections. He got started after helping...
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Lee Jordan Builds Battleground Wrestling
In this episode, I talk with Lee Jordan about Battleground Wrestling and how he built an independent wrestling promotion in West Virginia. Lee started with a love of wrestling and turned it into a live event business that runs about six shows a year. We talk about the early days, buying the first...
About this show
The Kanawha Valley Hustle podcast is your source for inspiration and insights from the creative minds and hardworking hustlers who call the Kanawha Valley area home. Whether you're looking to start your own business, pursue a creative passion, or simply want to learn more about the movers and shakers in your community, the Kanawha Valley Hustle has something for you.
Hosted by
Joe Justice
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