In Your Business Podcast
In Your Business is a weekly conversational podcast that delves into the vibrant world of Huntington-area business. Join us as we sit down with passionate entrepreneurs, uncovering their inspiring journeys, innovative strategies, and the challenges they've conquered to make their mark. From marketing mastery to work-life balance, we explore the real stories behind small businesses, offering invaluable insights and advice for both budding and seasoned entrepreneurs. Tune in for a dose of entrepreneurial inspiration and practical wisdom, right from the heart of successful ventures. This podcast is proudly produced in partnership with Kindred Communications and the Huntington Regional Chamber and presented by Moses AutoMall of Huntington.
Season 2 Episodes
S2E20: Style, Seasons, and Success - VC Boutique
In this episode of In Your Business, Reeves Kirtner sits down with Holli Myers, the owner of VC Boutique, a fashion-forward staple in downtown Huntington for nearly five decades. Holli shares her journey from college retail worker to boutique owner and how she transformed the 48-year-old business into a thriving hub of unique style. With the all-important Christmas season approaching, Holli discusses the challenges and opportunities that come with holiday retail. She opens up about her decision to recently move the boutique's location and how this has shaped her business. We’ll also explore her commitment to the community, her advice for other retailers, and the lessons she’s learned over nine years of owning VC Boutique.
S2E19: Handcrafted Excellence and Innovation - Blenko Glass
In this episode of In Your Business, Reeves Kirtner sits down with Dave Wertz and Bryson Cutler, vice presidents of Blenko Glass, a company that has been crafting iconic, hand-blown glass since 1921. Join us as we explore how this family-owned business has stayed relevant for over a century, adapting to industry shifts, economic challenges, and evolving customer trends—all while preserving its rich heritage of artistry and craftsmanship. From navigating technological advancements to maintaining a skilled team of artisans, Blenko has weathered the storms of time and continues to thrive. We discuss the company’s biggest successes, its toughest challenges, and its vision for the future.
S2E18: Creating Opportunities for Recovery - Marshall Health's CORE
In this episode of In Your Business, we sit down with Ashley Payne, Director of Marshall Health’s CORE Initiative (Creating Opportunities for Recovery Employment). CORE is a groundbreaking program aimed at helping individuals in recovery find meaningful career paths, not just jobs, as they rebuild their lives. Covering 16 counties in southwestern West Virginia, CORE focuses on addressing critical challenges in employment and recovery, providing job training and placement services, and leveraging social enterprise development to create new opportunities. Join us as we explore how CORE is partnering with local businesses, supporting coal-impacted communities, and making a real difference in the lives of those seeking stability through employment.
S2E17: Digital and Traditional Marketing - Bullseye Total Media
In this episode, we explore a key challenge that every business faces today - Marketing. Specifically choosing between digital marketing, traditional marketing, or a mix of both. With the advertising landscape constantly evolving, it’s essential to understand where to focus your efforts to maximize results. Joining us is Amy Frasure, the owner of Bullseye Total Media, an expert in building marketing strategies that drive success. Together, we’ll break down the strengths of both digital and traditional marketing, discuss cost-effective approaches, and offer practical tips for making the most of your marketing budget.
S2E16: Truckin' Treats on the Streets - Austin's Ice Cream
In this episode of In Your Business, we sit down with the third-generation owners of Austin’s Homemade Ice Cream, Taylor Strickland Chambers and Tim Ruff, to hear the sweet story behind their recent expansion into the mobile food scene. After decades of serving up delicious scoops from their beloved brick-and-mortar locations, they’ve hit the road with a brand-new ice cream truck! We discuss the inspiration behind the decision, the challenges they faced in bringing the truck to life and what they’ve learned along the way. From navigating permits to managing construction and operational hurdles, they share valuable insights for anyone looking to take their business on the road. Plus, you’ll get a taste of their future plans and how they keep Austin's legacy alive.
S2E15: The Business of Winning - Marshall Athletics
In this episode of In Your Business, we sit down with Christian Spears, Marshall University's Director of Athletics, to explore the powerful connection between Marshall Athletics and the local business community. Marshall Athletics is more than just sports programs; it's a driving force behind economic growth, community engagement, and the broader identity of Huntington, West Virginia. Join us as we discuss how Marshall Athletics supports local businesses, the ways the business community can give back to the program, and the impact of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) on Marshall’s student-athletes. We’ll also dive into what it’s like working with Marshall University President Brad Smith and explore Christian's goals for the future
S2E14: Inside Marshall & Huntington's Innovation District - Toney Stroud
In this episode of In Your Business, host Reeves Kirtner welcomes Toney Stroud, Chief Legal Officer and Vice President for Strategic Initiatives and Corporate Relations at Marshall University. Together, they dive into the transformative developments happening in Huntington, West Virginia, focusing on the Innovation District and the Brad D. Smith Center for Business and Innovation. Toney shares insights into the vision behind the Innovation District and what it means to create a mixed-use district that fosters creativity, innovation, and community engagement. They discuss the role of the Institute for Cyber Security, highlight confirmed businesses in the district, and explore the impact of Marshall University and local legislators in attracting new opportunities to the region.
S2E13: Bridging the Skills Gap - Mountwest Community & Technical College
In this episode of In Your Business, host Reeves Kirtner sits down with Dr. Josh Baker, the president of Mountwest Community and Technical College, to explore the pivotal role Mountwest plays in workforce development and regional economic growth. Discover how Mountwest is partnering with local industries to create tailored training programs that meet the specific needs of employers and prepare students for high-demand careers. We also dive into the college’s impact on the local economy, from supporting small businesses to driving job creation. Finally, we address the critical issue of the skills gap and discuss how Mountwest is leading the charge in equipping the workforce with the skills needed for the future.
S2E12: The Power of Print - HQ Publishing
In this episode of In Your Business, we explore a topic that’s both timeless and timely: the state of print media in the digital age.
Our guest is a true veteran of the industry—Jack Houvarous, the founder and president of Huntington Quarterly Publishing. With a diverse portfolio that includes the Huntington Quarterly, Marshall Magazine, and several specialized publications, Jack has witnessed the evolution of print firsthand, navigating the challenges and triumphs that come with it. Join us as we examine print’s place in today’s media world, discuss the challenges and opportunities facing the industry, and uncover how a community-focused publication can not only survive but thrive in this rapidly changing landscape
S2E11: Succession Planning - Edward Tucker Architects
This week we are joined by two esteemed guests from Edward Tucker Architects: Ed Tucker, the founding principal who has been a pillar in the architecture community for decades, and Phoebe Patton Randolph, who has been with the company for more than a decade and is now principal and president of the firm. We'll be discussing the crucial topic of succession planning, exploring Ed's journey and legacy, and hearing Phoebe's vision for the future. We'll also touch on navigating client relations during a leadership transition, lessons learned along the way, and more.
S2E10: Building Trust and Awareness - Hospice of Huntington
In this episode of "In Your Business," we welcome Melanie Hall, President and CEO of Hospice of Huntington, to discuss their strategies for building community trust and awareness. Melanie shares insights into their outreach and engagement programs, the role of volunteer involvement, and the importance of transparency and communication. We also explore their educational initiatives, partnerships, and additional services they offer.
S2E9: Sustainability and Social Impact - Mountain Mindful
This week, we are joined by Leslie Norris, director of Mountain Mindful. Mountain Mindful is a social enterprise headquartered in Huntington that creates custom apparel, furniture from reclaimed wood, and even self-care products. They are dedicated to hiring people who face barriers to employment, such as those recovering from Substance Use Disorder or former workers from the coal economy. In this episode, Leslie shares more about their mission and history, the process of producing environmentally sustainable products, and the significant impact of hiring and training workers who face substantial barriers to employment. Tune in to learn about the inspiring work of Mountain Mindful.
S2E8: Women Warriors Summit - Alys Smith
In this episode of In Your Business, we sit down with Alys Smith, the First Lady of Marshall University and founder of the Women Warriors Summit. This annual one-day gathering aims to inspire, build, and celebrate the women of Appalachia by addressing the complex issues and opportunities they face both at work and at home. Now in its second year, the Summit continues to grow, featuring high-profile speakers like Trisha Yearwood, Soledad O'Brien, and Emily Gregory. Alys shares the inspiration behind the Summit, her goals, the importance of sponsors in making the event possible, and the carefully crafted structure that includes educational training, breakout sessions, and panel discussions.
S2E7: Spreading the Sauce - Buddy's All-American BBQ
In this mouthwatering episode of In Your Business, we sit down with Lauren Shultz, the General Manager of Buddy’s All-American Barbecue. For 24 years, Buddy’s has been a culinary institution in Huntington, known for its great barbecue, ice-cold beer, and killer wings. Earlier this year, they took a bold step and opened a second location in Milton. Join us as we discuss the strategic decision-making process behind the expansion, explore the challenges and triumphs of setting up the new location, and learn about the intricate process of hiring and training a new team. Lauren shares invaluable lessons learned along the way and provides a candid look at what it takes to grow a beloved local brand.
S2E6: AI in the Courtroom - Rhetoric
Artificial Intelligence is transforming every aspect of our lives—from our phones and computers, smart speakers, our classrooms to even our household appliances. And now, it’s making waves in the courtroom. This week we talk with Luke Yingling, the innovative founder of Rhetoric. Rhetoric is a groundbreaking platform that leverages AI to help legal professionals strategize their cases with unparalleled effectiveness. We’ll explore the fascinating journey from a simple idea to a fully realized platform, discuss the ethical considerations of AI in the legal field, and uncover the challenges and triumphs of raising capital for a tech startup.
S2E5: Building Dreams - The Huntington Children's Museum
In this episode, we sit down with Tosha Pelfrey, President of the Huntington Children’s Museum, which is gearing up for its grand opening in the summer of 2024. Tosha shares how this incredible project began as just an idea and evolved into a soon-to-open community treasure. We discuss the museum's inception, the formation of the board, fundraising efforts, location selection, goals, vision for the future, and much more.
S2E4: Trailblazing Tourism - Rustic Ravines
In this episode, we sit down with Joe Boffo, one of the owners and founders of Rustic Ravines, a premier cabin rental destination nestled in scenic Wayne County, West Virginia. Join us as Joe shares the inspiring story behind Rustic Ravines, including the challenges and triumphs of building this unique retreat. We'll dive into the economic impact of tourism on the Huntington area, explore the diverse outdoor activities that attract visitors to Rustic Ravines, and uncover the innovative marketing strategies that have fueled its success.
S2E3: Nationwide Growth and Hometown Investment - Village Caregiving
In this episode, we sit down with Matt Walker and Jeff Stevens, two of the three owners and founders of Village Caregiving, a West Virginia-based company specializing in non-medical home care. Starting in Barboursville, Village Caregiving has expanded to 18 states, with plans to reach 20 soon. The company is currently constructing a new corporate headquarters in Barboursville, playing a significant role in the village's transformation. We discuss the origins of Village Caregiving, the strategies behind their impressive expansion, and their vision for the future of Barboursville. Additionally, we explore their exciting new venture — Bruno's Spotted Hare — a restaurant set to open soon in the heart of Barboursville.
S2E2: Ch-Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes - Full Circle Gifts & Goods
In this episode of In Your Business, we are thrilled to welcome Noelle Horsfield, the owner and founder of Full Circle Gifts and Goods. Known for its eclectic range of novelty items—ranging from quirky shirts and cups to delightful candles, unique gift cards, stylish hats, and now even plants—Full Circle is a business that embodies adaptability and creativity. Noelle takes us through the inspiring journey of Full Circle, from its humble beginnings as a custom ceramics shop to its current status as a versatile and dynamic gift store. She shares how the company has continuously evolved, especially in response to the challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to the addition of an e-commerce platform and today the introduction of plants to their product lineup.
S2E1: Pivoting for Success - The Haute Wick Social
To kick off our second season, we have a great story to share about resilience and transformation. We are joined by Ashley Casto, owner and founder of The Haute Wick Social, a business that navigated the tumultuous waters of COVID-19 by shifting its entire business model. Before the pandemic, The Haute Wick Social was renowned for its vibrant candle-making parties. However, when the world suddenly shifted gears, so did Ashley. Recognizing the need to adapt, she made the bold decision to transition from in-person experiences to a thriving e-commerce and retail venture. In this episode, we'll explore the journey of pivoting a business model amidst uncertainty. We'll uncover the challenges faced, the strategies used, and the lessons learned along the way.