In this special episode of In Your Business, host Reeves Kirtner sits down with Huntington’s outgoing mayor, Steve Williams, as he concludes his final term in office. Over the past several years, Huntington has undergone significant transformation, and this conversation dives deep into the leadership and vision that made it possible. From revitalizing downtown Huntington to fostering economic development and spearheading major infrastructure projects, Mayor Williams reflects on the challenges, s...
Nov 21, 2024•1 hr 30 min•Season 2Ep. 26
In this episode of In Your Business, we’re talking about how small businesses can achieve big results with a small advertising budget. Advertising doesn’t have to be expensive—it just takes a strategic approach. Joining us is Amy Frasure, owner of Bullseye Total Media, who specializes in helping businesses grow by maximizing every dollar they spend on marketing. Amy shares creative and affordable advertising strategies, from leveraging cost-effective digital tools to using smart targeting techni...
Nov 14, 2024•24 min•Season 2Ep. 25
In this episode of In Your Business, we’re joined by Lacy Ferguson, the owner and driving force behind Twelvepole Trading Post, a local gem redefining the relationship between food and wellness through fresh, locally sourced ingredients and a mission rooted in health. Lacy shares the remarkable journey of sourcing ingredients from over 40 nearby farms and how this commitment to local agriculture brings both community and quality to the table.
Nov 07, 2024•31 min•Season 2Ep. 24
In this episode of In Your Business, host Reeves Kirtner sits down with Jesse Lewis, owner of Blue Kangaroo Packoutz, an industry leader in item restoration and crisis recovery. Specializing in helping homeowners and businesses rebuild after fires, floods, and other unexpected disasters, Blue Kangaroo Packoutz not only restores items to their pre-damaged state but also provides compassionate support during highly stressful times. We also discuss essential topics for business owners: How can you ...
Oct 31, 2024•31 min•Season 2Ep. 23
In this episode of In Your Business, we sit down with Dave Wiley, the General Manager of the brand-new Dave & Buster’s, to talk about the exciting grand opening, how a national brand adapts to a local market, and what it takes to build strong community ties. From behind-the-scenes stories of launching the new location to how Dave & Buster’s is making their mark in our hometown, this episode covers it all.
Oct 24, 2024•39 min•Season 2Ep. 22
This week, we explore the growing impact of tourism on local businesses with Anna Adkins, Director of Sales & Marketing for the Huntington Area Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB). As West Virginia ramps up efforts to attract visitors through statewide initiatives, Anna shares how the Huntington CVB is working to position the city as a key destination. We discuss how local businesses can benefit from Huntington's role in the state’s tourism push, the CVB’s strategies for promoting the area,...
Oct 17, 2024•46 min•Season 2Ep. 21
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 ...
Oct 10, 2024•39 min•Season 2Ep. 20
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 ...
Oct 03, 2024•50 min•Season 2Ep. 19
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...
Sep 26, 2024•40 min•Season 2Ep. 18
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 tradi...
Sep 19, 2024•29 min•Season 2Ep. 17
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 the...
Sep 12, 2024•42 min•Season 2Ep. 16
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 giv...
Sep 05, 2024•56 min•Season 2Ep. 15
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 distric...
Aug 29, 2024•33 min•Season 2Ep. 14
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 sup...
Aug 22, 2024•44 min•Season 2Ep. 13
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 ...
Aug 15, 2024•42 min•Season 2Ep. 12
This week we are joined by two esteemed guests from Ed 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 ...
Aug 08, 2024•53 min•Season 2Ep. 11
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.
Aug 01, 2024•32 min•Season 2Ep. 10
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 environmental...
Jul 25, 2024•42 min•Season 2Ep. 9
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 beh...
Jul 18, 2024•44 min•Season 2Ep. 8
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, ...
Jul 11, 2024•31 min•Season 2Ep. 7
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 pl...
Jun 27, 2024•37 min•Season 2Ep. 6
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.
Jun 20, 2024•40 min•Season 2Ep. 5
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...
Jun 13, 2024•30 min•Season 2Ep. 4
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...
Jun 06, 2024•54 min•Season 2Ep. 3
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...
May 30, 2024•40 min•Season 2Ep. 2
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 transiti...
May 23, 2024•25 min•Season 2Ep. 1
In this episode, we're excited to sit down with Rebecca Gray, the new market director for The Wild Ramp. Based in Huntington, The Wild Ramp is more than just your average farmers market; it's a beacon of community and sustainability. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, its mission goes beyond commerce; it's about fostering a vibrant local economy and supporting artisans and farmers. Rebecca brings her expertise from Wyoming to Huntington, and she's here to give us a deep dive into the heart of The Wild Ra...
Mar 21, 2024•48 min•Season 1Ep. 26
In this episode of "In Your Business," we explore perception versus reality with Jeff Harkins, CEO, and Larry Crum, Director of Marketing and Communications, from Woodlands Retirement Community. Despite offering a wide range of care services from retirement to assisted living to nursing home care, Woodlands faces the misconception of being solely a nursing home. We discuss the proactive strategies they use to challenge these stereotypes and highlight the vibrant lifestyle and strong sense of com...
Mar 14, 2024•39 min•Season 1Ep. 25
This week, we’re joined once again by Tim Forth, the owner of Food Fair, to discuss how Food Fair prides itself on being a locally owned and operated regional grocery store, what it means to be local, selling and offering local products and why and how Food Fair gives so much back to the community. Creators & Guests Reeves Kirtner - Host
Mar 07, 2024•19 min•Season 1Ep. 24
This week, we're fundraising, and no, we're not just asking for money, although, we wouldn't say no if you offered! Join us as we sit down with Linda Holmes, Director of Development and Alumni Affairs at Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, to discuss successful fundraising. With her extensive background in fundraising and community engagement, Linda brings a wealth of knowledge and a unique perspective to the table. Throughout our conversation, we'll explore the critical role...
Feb 29, 2024•35 min•Season 1Ep. 23
