Innovators and Entrepreneurs
Innovators and Entrepreneurs
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Exploring the Mountain State with David Sibray
09/21/2023
Exploring the Mountain State with David Sibray
In this episode of Innovators and Entrepreneurs, we talk to David Sibray, founder of West Virginia Explorer magazine. For decades, this publication has helped people learn about West Virginia’s natural and cultural landscape. “When I became a journalist in the 80’s, I had immediately fallen into doing stories on the mystique of the outdoors. What ended up happening is I heard this thing coming along called the internet, and I realized this could give me the ability to reach more people than print had up until that time.” Innovators and Entrepreneurs is a bi-weekly segment of the daily304 that features discussions and wisdom from West Virginians who have built their companies and launched new ideas here in the Mountain State. Links to more information: Interested in starting or expanding your business? Connect with free resources with the today!
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Getting the Full Story at Plot Twist Books
08/31/2023
Getting the Full Story at Plot Twist Books
In this episode of Innovators and Entrepreneurs, we talk to Matt Browning, Co-owner at Plot Twist Books in South Charleston, WV. He and his team have turned their passion for books into a venue unlike anything else you can experience in the state. “I have been a fan of independent bookstores for as long as I can remember. You gotta be a little innovative when opening any business, but especially a book and mortar book shop. Tony Award winner Dinah Manoff joined us for a virtual event, my business partner does a segment called Plot Twist kitchen where we do recipes based on books we sell, and the AirBnB is one we’re super excited about. It is a bookshop holiday where you can stay and “work” at the shop. If you’ve ever wanted to own your own book shop, it’s kind of the thing to do. ” Innovators and Entrepreneurs is a bi-weekly segment of the daily304 that features discussions and wisdom from West Virginians who have built their companies and launched new ideas here in the Mountain State. Links to more information: Interested in starting or expanding your business? Connect with free resources with the today!
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Staying True to Appalachian Tradition with Jason Nerenberg
08/03/2023
Staying True to Appalachian Tradition with Jason Nerenberg
In this episode of Innovators and Entrepreneurs, we talk to Jason Nerenberg, Sales Director and Account Executive at Hawk Knob Appalachian Hard Cider. He and his team are dedicated to sharing our Appalachian culture through the Cider they make in Lewisburg, Almost Heaven, West Virginia. “We’re still doing things the old-fashioned Appalachian way here at Hawk Knob, and it’s part of our goal to share some of that lifestyle with folks who come to visit us here. We’re using all West Virginia grown apples, and we’re really just trying to shine a spotlight on the products and, as best we can, stay out of the way.” Innovators and Entrepreneurs is a bi-weekly segment of the daily304 that features discussions and wisdom from West Virginians who have built their companies and launched new ideas here in the Mountain State. Links to more information: WestVirginia.gov/Entrepreneurship Interested in starting or expanding your business? Connect with free resources with the today!
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Talking Tasty Chocolate in Almost Heaven with Brenda Casabona
06/22/2023
Talking Tasty Chocolate in Almost Heaven with Brenda Casabona
In this episode of Innovators and Entrepreneurs, we talk to Brenda Casabona, Owner of Defluri’s Fine Chocolate in Martinsburg, West Virginia. She tells us why she decided to call West Virginia home and what makes her fine chocolates unique. “We visited Martinsburg a number of times and it was a great community. It has a small town feel while also having a big city feel, and that’s why we chose to move. I’ve found all of the governmental departments we have dealt with in West Virginia to be very, very helpful and very proactive for businesses and consumers. Innovators and Entrepreneurs is a bi-weekly segment of the daily304 that features discussions and wisdom from West Virginians who have built their companies and launched new ideas here in the Mountain State. Links to more information: www.defluris.com www.wvsbdc.com www.wvbusinesslink.com www.WestVirginia.gov/Entrepreneurship Interested in starting or expanding your business? Connect with free resources with the West Virginia Small Business Development Center today!
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Climbing to the Top with Holly Fussell
06/08/2023
Climbing to the Top with Holly Fussell
In this episode of Innovators and Entrepreneurs, we talk to Holly Fussell, owner of Waterstone Outdoors. The Waterstone team dedicates itself to providing quality outdoor and climbing gear to outdoor enthusiasts of all ages. “We want to be your first stop on any New River Gorge adventure, and we want to be that place where you wrap up and reflect on your day. Waterstone has always been a place to get inspiration, quality gear, great advice, and a sense of connection.” Innovators and Entrepreneurs is a bi-weekly segment of the daily304 that features discussions and wisdom from West Virginians who have built their companies and launched new ideas here in the Mountain State. Links to more information: waterstoneoutdoors.com www.wvsbdc.com www.wvbusinesslink.com WestVirginia.gov/Entrepreneurship Interested in starting or expanding your business? Connect with free resources with the West Virginia Small Business Development Center today!
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Seeing the Magic of the Arts in Appalachia with Adam Payne
05/05/2023
Seeing the Magic of the Arts in Appalachia with Adam Payne
In this episode of Innovators and Entrepreneurs, we talk to Adam Payne, Editor in Chief of “YNST Magazine.” This media outlet aims to broadcast print & digital content that connects creatives in and from Appalachia to the rest of the world. “I was doing a bunch of things simultaneously at West Virginia University, and I was seeing first-hand the incredible musicians, theater makers, designers, and dancers that were at the University, and I was astounded by the level of talent that was alive in West Virginia. Simultaneously, I was working at the WVU Launchlab for five years and was seeing first-hand all the incredible small businesses and startups that were coming out of West Virginia. At the same time I was like How are people not seeing this! So, we decided to start a new publication.” Innovators and Entrepreneurs is a bi-weekly segment of the daily304 that features discussions and wisdom from West Virginians who have built their companies and launched new ideas here in the Mountain State. Links to more information: www.Instagram.com/YNSTMagazine www.VantageVentures.io www.wvsbdc.com www.wvbusinesslink.com WestVirginia.gov/Entrepreneurship
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Building Bridges with Tara St. Clair and Amber Ravenscroft
04/06/2023
Building Bridges with Tara St. Clair and Amber Ravenscroft
In this episode of Innovators and Entrepreneurs, we talk to Tara St. Clair and Amber Ravenscroft with Bridging Innovation week. This four-day event provides an array of opportunities for business owners at every level of their professional development. There are also financial incentives for those hoping to get their ideas off the ground! “There are so many good people in the state of West Virginia. Collaborate! We are not all subject matter experts in everything. The beautiful thing about West Virginia is we have a half-degree of separation, so if I can’t get you where you need to go, I’m going to call up someone else in the ecosystem, and more than likely, they are going to drop what they are doing to help you.” St. Clair said. Innovators and Entrepreneurs is a bi-weekly segment of the daily304 that features discussions and wisdom from West Virginians who have built their companies and launched new ideas here in the Mountain State. Links to more information: www.WVBusinessLink.com/bridging-innovation-week-april-17-21-2023 www.WVCran.com www.VantageVentures.io www.wvsbdc.com www.wvbusinesslink.com WestVirginia.gov/Entrepreneurship Interested in starting or expanding your business? Connect with free resources with the West Virginia Small Business Development Center today!
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Planting Seeds of Prosperity with Ryan Thorn
03/23/2023
Planting Seeds of Prosperity with Ryan Thorn
In this episode of Innovators and Entrepreneurs, we talk to Ryan Thorn, the USDA’s state director for West Virginia. Thorn and his department are creating prosperity through rural development and providing critical leadership to develop and support a productive, diverse, and inclusive state workforce. “At Rural Development, I always say we are advocates for, investors in, and partners to rural communities in the people, businesses, and organizations within those communities. In the last fiscal year alone, rural development and our lending partners – we invested more than $390 million in West Virginia through grants, loans, and loan guarantees.” Thorn said. Innovators and Entrepreneurs is a bi-weekly segment of the daily304 that features discussions and wisdom from West Virginians who have built their companies and launched new ideas here in the Mountain State. Links to more information: www.RD.USDA.Gov/WV www.wvsbdc.com www.wvbusinesslink.com
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Getting (BBQ) Sauced with Mary Smith
03/09/2023
Getting (BBQ) Sauced with Mary Smith
In this episode of Innovators and Entrepreneurs, we talk to Mary Smith, co-owner of Tipsy Roo’s. Her company is taking a “spirited” approach to making barbecue sauces. Contrary to the company’s name, this sauce will not get you intoxicated and is a welcome addition to your next family cookout. “I feel like West Virginians are family-oriented, and so are we. That’s really the backbone of our business – that’s our why. I want to get away from corporate America. My husband works full time, and I want him to be able to retire so we can be with our family all the time and do what we want to do.” Innovators and Entrepreneurs is a bi-weekly segment of the daily304 that features discussions and wisdom from West Virginians who have built their companies and launched new ideas here in the Mountain State. Links to more information: www.tipsyroos.com www.wvsbdc.com Interested in starting or expanding your business? Connect with free resources with the West Virginia Small Business Development Center today!
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Getting Down to Business with Mark Burdette
02/23/2023
Getting Down to Business with Mark Burdette
In this episode of Innovators and Entrepreneurs, we talk to Mark Burdette, the program coordinator for West Virginia BusinessLink. It’s a one-stop online platform that helps entrepreneurs and business owners at every stage of their development. “West Virginia BusinessLink is a website that entrepreneurs and small business owners can use to connect to the resources they need when they need them. The trend in West Virginia is this is a great place to start and grow your business.” Innovators and Entrepreneurs is a bi-weekly segment of the daily304 that features discussions and wisdom from West Virginians who have built their companies and launched new ideas here in the Mountain State. Links to more information: www.WVBusinessLink.com www.WVSBDC.com www.AscendWV.com
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Protecting Our Future with Maj. Gen. Bill Crane
02/02/2023
Protecting Our Future with Maj. Gen. Bill Crane
In this episode of Innovators and Entrepreneurs, we talk to Major General Bill Crane, Adjutant General of the West Virginia Joint Forces Headquarters. He provides command guidance and vision to more than 6,500 citizen soldiers, airmen and civilians employed through the West Virginia Military Authority. “What is great about West Virginia in particular – the people of West Virginia – just like you saw during the pandemic response, we didn’t sit around and wait for the federal government to come in and say “here’s how to do this.” We looked at the problem, we determined who we had within the organization who could help us fix the problem, and we took care of it ourselves. That’s a very big value we have in West Virginia…” Innovators and Entrepreneurs is a bi-weekly segment of the daily304 that features discussions and wisdom from West Virginians who have built their companies and launched new ideas here in the Mountain State. Links to more information: WV.NG.MIL
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Witnessing an NFT World’s First in West Virginia with Rob Raffety
01/19/2023
Witnessing an NFT World’s First in West Virginia with Rob Raffety
In this episode of Innovators and Entrepreneurs, we talk to Rob Raffety, co-founder of 1863 NFT, the world’s first state-themed NFT project. He and his colleagues are celebrating the unique attributes of West Virginia by combining their passion for the state with their love of NFTs. “The primary goal of our project is to successfully mint and sell a collection of 304 tokens. Once we do that, the token holders will have a community to connect with, and the question becomes, what does it mean to hold a piece of art from the 1863 NFT collection…” Innovators and Entrepreneurs is a bi-weekly segment of the daily304 that features discussions and wisdom from West Virginians who have built their companies and launched new ideas here in the Mountain State. Links to more information: 1863NFT.com
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Ascending in Almost Heaven with Brad Smith
01/05/2023
Ascending in Almost Heaven with Brad Smith
In this episode of Innovators and Entrepreneurs, we talk to Brad Smith, the President of Marshall University and the mastermind behind several philanthropic endeavors. He and his wife, Alys, are on a mission to highlight the abundant opportunities found in West Virginia. “We came from the families that mined the coal, that forged the steel, that built the roads, that carried the trucks, that won the war. When our President asked us to help put a man on the moon, we produced the rocket boys. Then when we needed to get them safely back to earth, our mountains produced Katherine Johnson and the hidden figures that did the calculations to get them home. We have everything it takes to lead this nation and shape the 21st century...” Innovators and Entrepreneurs is a bi-weekly segment of the daily304 that features discussions and wisdom from West Virginians who have built their companies and launched new ideas here in the Mountain State. Links to more information: www.Wing2WingFoundation.org www.AscendWV.com
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Talking Tech Careers in Almost Heaven with Josh Spence
12/22/2022
Talking Tech Careers in Almost Heaven with Josh Spence
In this episode of Innovators and Entrepreneurs, we talk to Josh Spence, Chief Information Officer, about the incredible opportunities that can be found in state government. He and his team are continuing innovative work to keep West Virginia competitive in the technology industry. “We’ve got a lot of exciting things happening here. There’s a big transformation we’re taking on here in West Virginia, and we’re looking for great people to help us along that path.” Innovators and Entrepreneurs is a bi-weekly segment of the daily304 that features discussions and wisdom from West Virginians who have built their companies and launched new ideas here in the Mountain State.
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Building Up the Blockchain with Jacob Lysick
12/15/2022
Building Up the Blockchain with Jacob Lysick
In this episode of Innovators and Entrepreneurs, we talk to Jacob Lysick, co-founder and COO at Orion Block Systems. His company works to increase security in the blockchain by solving key security issues within the process. “We are providing the security of knowing that your biometrics, your residual self-image of your storage, is unhackable.” Innovators and Entrepreneurs is a bi-weekly segment of the daily304 that features discussions and wisdom from West Virginians who have built their companies and launched new ideas here in the Mountain State.
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Maximizing Hospitality at the Schoolhouse Hotel with Charlie Hammerman
12/01/2022
Maximizing Hospitality at the Schoolhouse Hotel with Charlie Hammerman
Charlie Hammerman, CEO of The Disability Opportunity Fund tells us how his organization transformed a more-than 100-year-old building into the first fully ADA accessible hotel in the world. Hammerman also talks about the importance of passion between his company and the community of White Sulpher Springs. “We were fortunate enough because we created our own passion for this work for the last 16 years. We brought that passion and combined it with the passion of the local community and White Sulphur Springs.” Innovators and Entrepreneurs is a bi-weekly segment of the daily304 that features discussions and wisdom from West Virginians who have built their companies and launched new ideas here in the Mountain State.
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Making Movie Magic with Jeff Tinnell
11/17/2022
Making Movie Magic with Jeff Tinnell
In this episode of Innovators and Entrepreneurs, we talk to Jeff Tinnell, owner of Allegheny Image Factory. Tinnell runs his media company out of Morgantown, West Virginia, where he creates award-winning content for major studios and organizations. “We’re very excited about bringing this consistent work into West Virginia by showing off our production skills and what the state has to offer, both in front of and behind the camera.” - Jeff Tinnell Innovators and Entrepreneurs is a bi-weekly segment of the daily304 that features discussions and wisdom from West Virginians who have built their companies and launched new ideas here in the Mountain State.
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Exploring Our Appalachian Heritage with Audy Perry
11/03/2022
Exploring Our Appalachian Heritage with Audy Perry
On this episode of Innovators and Entrepreneurs, we talk to Audy Perry, Executive Director of Heritage Farm Foundation. Perry oversees Heritage Farm Museum & Village in Huntington, West Virginia, and explains his family’s journey to creating a genuine experience rich with history and fun for the entire family. “Keep showing up, that’s the key. You’re not going to get a home run or a win every time out, so the key is not give up. That’s not always easy, but you just keep showing up. Good things will happen if you keep showing up.” Perry said. Innovators and Entrepreneurs is a bi-weekly segment of the daily304 that features discussions and wisdom from West Virginians who have built their companies and launched new ideas here in the Mountain State.
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Marching to the Beat of the Mountain State with Randy Sanders
10/20/2022
Marching to the Beat of the Mountain State with Randy Sanders
In this episode of Innovators and Entrepreneurs, we welcome Randy Sanders, the president and host of the committee that’s bringing bands from all over the world to Buckhannon, West Virginia, for the 2023 World Association of Marching Show Bands. Sanders shares his experience coordinating the event, building relationship with alliances, and also gives his advice to anyone else hoping to bring a national audience to West Virginia. The event will take place July 17-24 in Buckhannon. Anyone interested in learning more can go to: WAMSB2023.com “We are West Virginians, and I have learned through my career… I have learned that we have what it takes, each individual inside of them, has what it takes if they’re just determined to follow their dreams and not pay attention to the negative remarks others may have,” Sanders said. Innovators and Entrepreneurs is a bi-weekly segment of the daily304 that features discussions and wisdom from West Virginians who have built their companies and launched new ideas here in the Mountain State.
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The Chemistry of Innovation with Kevin DiGregorio
10/06/2022
The Chemistry of Innovation with Kevin DiGregorio
Executive Director Kevin Degregorio discusses how his company, Chemical Alliance Zone, works to provide a solid base for entrepreneurs and offers great advice to those who are serious about starting their own businesses. Degregorio also takes a moment to share how he spends his time traveling and unwinding in the Mountain State. "ChemCeption is an incubator at the West Virginia Regional Tech Park and it's a place where startups and entrepreneurs can come, get lab space, even get pilot plant space," Digregorio said. "We actually do the scale-up at the park, as well." Innovators and Entrepreneurs is a bi-weekly segment of the daily304 that features discussions and wisdom from West Virginians who have built their companies and launched new ideas here in the Mountain State.
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Doing Something Good with Cooper Simmerman
09/22/2022
Doing Something Good with Cooper Simmerman
We learn how Mountaineer Media's founder and co-host Cooper Simmerman worked to create a digital media storytelling agency that's changing how people see West Virginia. "We kind of realized that now we have this attention on our platform. We wanted to convert this attention into real-life events that actually drive dollars and revenue into local communities and promote the state. So, we came up with something called the Almost Heaven Classic. Now, the Almost Heaven Classic is going to be a two-day event next year, 2023, June 9-10, at Canaan Valley Resort. The first day is going to be a night of networking, guest speakers, a live podcast, and West Virginia craft beer - all with the goal of getting people together, the movers and shakers of West Virginia together in a room to celebrate one another's work. The second day is going to be an awesome golf tournament." Innovators and Entrepreneurs is a bi-weekly segment of the daily304 that features discussions and wisdom from West Virginians who have built their companies and launched new ideas here in the Mountain State.
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The Hive Mind of Better Business with Judy Moore
09/08/2022
The Hive Mind of Better Business with Judy Moore
In this episode of Innovators and Entrepreneurs, we speak with Judy Moore. She's the Executive Director of the West Virginia Hive Network. WV Hive is the entrepreneurship program of the New River Gorge Regional Development Authority and the administrator of the Country Roads Angel Network. Moore says the success of her organization comes from getting businesses in the Mountain State the resources they need to gain momentum and grow into something more. "Business advising is a premier service at West Virginia Hive, and we support businesses at any stage they might be in - ideation, incubation, or acceleration." - Judy Moore Innovators and Entrepreneurs is a bi-weekly segment of the daily304 that features discussions and wisdom from West Virginians who have built their companies and launched new ideas here in the Mountain State.
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Find your Muse with Justin Whitman
08/25/2022
Find your Muse with Justin Whitman
Justin Whitman is CEO of UMuseUs, a social networking platform for musicians, as well as, those who are just fans of music. In this episode of Innovators & Entrepreneurs, Whitman, a musician, discovered the need for access to resources and collaboration. Whitman explains the application he has created is the only one of its kind. He says this app is free to the user and is a space for interaction needed in the music industry and he’s excited to be in a state like West Virginia that’s driving innovation. Whitman also provides many tips for those who are interested in being an entrepreneur. “We allow individuals to create a band from scratch,” Whitman said. “Imagine you like this drummer, singer, bass player, or guitarist – or you want to add a fiddler into it – you’re going to hit ‘okay’ and it will spit out what that band sounds like but they’ve never met. You’re going to float it across all your social platforms and vote. The top 15 or 20 bands, we’ll fly them out to West Virginia, and do the ultimate battle of the bands – televised live.” Innovators and Entrepreneurs is a bi-weekly segment of the daily304 that features discussions and wisdom from West Virginians who have built their companies and launched new ideas here in the Mountain State.
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Disrupting the Internet with Shawn Hutchinson
08/11/2022
Disrupting the Internet with Shawn Hutchinson
Shawn Hutchinson is CEO of LocalCart - using his eCommerce platform to bring local food and beverage producers together. In this episode of Innovators and Entrepreneurs, we talk to Hutchinson about why he chose to move back to West Virginia and the benefits he says comes along with it. His mission is to use the platform he developed to “disrupt the internet” to introduce the public to local food and agriculture services while also making it easier for businesses to market their products to the consumer. Hutchinson also discusses his immense love for the Mountain State and details why it is he loves living here so much. And he provides advice to budding entrepreneurs on how to become successful with consumers. “I grew up in Vienna near Parkersburg and came back to [this state] with the idea for the company and I’m a little bit of a trendsetter sometimes, maybe people say I buck the trend, but I knew this was possible to do outside of some places called Silicon Valley, among others. I have a background in computer science and I have a good sense of where technology is right now and I wanted to show this is possible. I wanted to open opportunity. I wanted to bring opportunity to transition some of the economy here to a digital basis. I love the state; it feels like home. I’ve traveled around the world and I’ve never seen places like this before.” Innovators and Entrepreneurs is a bi-weekly segment of the daily304 that features discussions and wisdom from West Virginians who have built their companies and launched new ideas here in the Mountain State.
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Boosting Businesses and Breaking Down Barriers with Roya Maher
07/28/2022
Boosting Businesses and Breaking Down Barriers with Roya Maher
Balancing family and a career, President and CEO of A3L Federal Works Roya Maher has made her mark in the Mountain State. Maher moved to West Virginia with her husband and not only raised her family here but also created a sustainable, profitable business in Fairmont. Maher’s background in engineering and her business savvy were the foundation for her creating meaningful employment for other West Virginians. Maher's dedication to being an innovator and entrepreneur comes with drive and heart. We believe people are better off not just working for her, but simply knowing her, too. “I started my company in Fairmont, West Virginia, which was the best decision I could have made,” Maher said. “The most important thing, at least for me, and I will suggest for all the other people planning on starting their own business, is to learn the fundamental aspects of running a business.” Maher also notes another reason she’s been so successful over the years, including being passionate about “creating jobs for other people.” Innovators and Entrepreneurs is a bi-weekly segment of the daily304 that features discussions and wisdom from West Virginians who have built their companies and launched new ideas here in the Mountain State.
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Brian Joseph “Fails Fast” into Bringing Business, Innovation to West Virginia
06/30/2022
Brian Joseph “Fails Fast” into Bringing Business, Innovation to West Virginia
Creating real, innovative, and state-of-the-art materials while also taking advantage of West Virginia’s best and brightest is just one thing on Brian Joseph’s list of things to do. Joseph, President and CEO of Touchstone Research Laboratories, likes to “fail fast” as he invents new materials, then creates businesses to support those inventions. Joseph is an innovator and entrepreneur who maximizes efficiency in product and business by putting the right people in the right place at the right time. He even credits the way Thomas Edison handled his inventions and tries to follow a similar style. Joseph takes those with the most education and teams them up with those who have the ability to turn his team’s thoughts and ideas into usable products. “All innovation comes from, “I have an idea, and then I make something, and then I test that.” And then it gives me another idea. Most of the time is not spent on trying to solve the problem, most of the time is spent on running the experiments, building the things to know if it works. So, the trick is to do that fast. You do that fast you’re going to beat everybody and that’s what this area has. This area has people that can make anything really quick.” Innovators and Entrepreneurs is a bi-weekly segment of the daily304 that features discussions and wisdom from West Virginians who have built their companies and launched new ideas here in the Mountain State.
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Making Ideas Reality with Derek Scarbro
06/16/2022
Making Ideas Reality with Derek Scarbro
What happens when you have a million-dollar idea but nothing to help make it happen? West Virginians can turn to The Robert C. Byrd Institute at Marshall University. Derek Scarbro, Business Development Lead and Deputy Director at RCBI, highlights how the Institute helps innovators transform their “back of a napkin” idea into fully functional prototypes. RCBI helps entrepreneurs and established companies move their innovative ideas from concept to market with their top-notch equipment and expertise. And once the idea is prototyped, innovators can work with RCBI to boost performance and profitability. “Innovators can interface with our design engineers and technical staff who can help produce a 3-D image file using computer aid design software. We can reverse engineer parts and components with laser scanning and use those to develop a model for a person’s product and then help them test their proof of concept by making a prototype. Everything we do is with an eye on the eventual, hopefully, mass production of that item and thinking about how they’re going to replicate this and how we can help them do so efficiently and effectively and hopefully source suppliers in the region who can possibly partner - or who can help that entrepreneur figure out how to make it themselves.” Innovators and Entrepreneurs is a bi-weekly segment of the daily304 that features discussions and wisdom from West Virginians who have built their companies and launched new ideas here in the Mountain State.
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Feeding Community the Appalachian Way with Chef Paul Smith
06/01/2022
Feeding Community the Appalachian Way with Chef Paul Smith
Chef Paul Smith’s earliest memories are of standing on a milk crate to be tall enough to stir sauces for his grandfather at the Glen Ferris Inn. Now, the Kanawha County restaurateur brings a long history of passion and innovation to the state’s culinary scene. From the Pitch Sports Bar and Grill, to Barkadas, to 1010 Bridge, and even the new acquisition of Ellen’s Homemade Ice Cream, Chef Paul approaches each new venture with an Appalachian twist. “The diversity of Appalachia is what makes it great. From the ingredients to the people, to the heritage - everyone that came to this region, I try to draw from for inspiration, whether it be produce or protein, and utilize what we have. I try to do as little to it as possible, and let the food speak for itself.” Innovators and Entrepreneurs is a bi-weekly segment of the daily304 that features discussions and wisdom from West Virginians who have built their companies and launched new ideas here in the Mountain State.
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Strong as Steel: Manufacturing Lumber in the Mountain State with Joe McNeel
05/19/2022
Strong as Steel: Manufacturing Lumber in the Mountain State with Joe McNeel
For approximately four decades, the West Virginia Hardwoods Center at West Virginia University (WVU) has focused on one of the state's abundant natural resources. Dr. Joe McNeel, director of the Appalachian Hardwood Center and professor of Wood Science and Technology, leverages his experience and dedication to the state's hardwoods to help create and promote new products. Out of these efforts has grown a sustainable, innovative wood product as strong as steel and concrete and uses technology to advance this growing industry. "We have about 80 percent of the state that is forest, so we have a tremendous resource here. A lot of people like to use the growth to harvest ratio to estimate how much drain is occurring in a forest. Within the state, almost every species is well over a 2:1 growth to harvest ratio. This indicates we are growing twice as much wood as we're currently harvesting. So we have a resource that is not only sustainable but is available to harvest in great quantities without really affecting the sustainability of that forest." Dr. Joe McNeel Innovators and Entrepreneurs is a bi-weekly segment of the daily304 that features discussions and wisdom from West Virginians who have built their companies and launched new ideas here in the Mountain State.
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Too Valuable to Burn: Opportunities for Carbon in West Virginia with Sean Frisbee
05/05/2022
Too Valuable to Burn: Opportunities for Carbon in West Virginia with Sean Frisbee
As he watched supply chain issues mount in West Virginia and across the nation, Sean Frisbee used his experience in the workforce to launch his first entrepreneurial venture. As a retired Air Force Colonel, he served as a former President and CEO of the WVU Alumni Association and as the Systems Program Director for the Pentagon’s F-22 Raptor program. In 2021, Frisbee set out to solve a different type of problem. He founded Vertx Partners to help resolve supply chain issues for the U.S. Air Force while bettering the economy of West Virginia. “We can look to some of the communities in West Virginia that have been hit hard in the past years regarding coal production. We look at what we can do to utilize the skill sets and the people that we have there with some of the new technologies we have in order to develop, create and manufacture these new products and make West Virginia a centerpiece in this innovation economy we’re seeing across the U.S.” - Sean Frisbee Innovators and Entrepreneurs is a bi-weekly segment of the daily304 that features discussions and wisdom from West Virginians who have built their companies and launched new ideas here in the Mountain State.
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