American Business Story with Taylor Walden

By Taylor Walden

Each week, you'll hear from a business owner on what it’s really like to grow and run a business. Business books and theory are helpful, but nothing beats mentorship and lived experience. This podcast... more

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FAQs about American Business Story with Taylor Walden:

How many episodes does American Business Story with Taylor Walden have?

The podcast currently has 61 episodes available.

American Business Story with Taylor Walden episodes:

May 06, 2026 Print Isn't Dead: 70 Years of Morgan Printers with Parker Morgan
You've heard that "print is dead"? Parker Morgan would like a word.

This week on Shop Talk with Radiate Prints, Taylor sits down with Parker Morgan, the third-generation owner of Morgan Printers, a Pitt County print shop that's been in business since 1958. What started with Parker's grandfather quitting his job over a five-cent raise and selling logo designs door-to-door from his kitchen table has grown into a nearly 70-year-old print operation that's still very much alive and evolving.
About the Guest: Parker Morgan is a Greenville native and third generation business owner of Morgan Printers, delivering top-tier four-color printing services and comprehensive solutions across Eastern NC and beyond.
About the Host: Taylor Walden is the founder of Radiate Prints and a serial entrepreneur who started her first business in her dorm room at East Carolina University. Shop Talk highlights the stories of leaders with ties to Eastern North Carolina.
More Shop Talk:
Thank you for your continued support of the Shop Talk with Radiate Prints Podcast! Know someone who should be a guest? Nominate them! Head to the Radiate Prints website and fill out our nomination form under the “Podcast” tab.
You can find more episodes of the Shop Talk with Radiate Prints Podcast on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify. We release new episodes weekly on Wednesdays!
Connect with Radiate Prints:
We print apparel people love to wear. If you need t-shirts, hoodies, hats, or a company store for your organization, reach out to us! Taylor and the team would love to help.
@radiateprints on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, YouTube, and LinkedIn
Website: https://radiateprints.com
Instagram: https://instagram.com/radiateprints
TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@radiateprints
...more
35min
April 29, 2026 Inside HILO Sauna + Plunge: How Layden Pearce Brought Cold Plunges & Infrared Saunas to Eastern NC | Shop Talk #39
This week Layden Pearce of HILO Sauna + Plunge in Winterville, NC walks through how she opened a contrast therapy studio in a market that didn't have one. Taylor and Layden discuss what research to do before starting a new business, how to run a competitive analysis, local resources for small business mentorship, hiring tips, and how to use partnerships with other businesses to your advantage.
About the Guest: Layden Pearce is a Greenville native and professional recruiter who turned her passion for wellness into a thriving business as the founder of HILO Sauna + Plunge.
About the Host: Taylor Walden is the founder of Radiate Prints and a serial entrepreneur who started her first business in her dorm room at East Carolina University. Shop Talk highlights the stories of leaders with ties to Eastern North Carolina.
More Shop Talk:
Thank you for your continued support of the Shop Talk with Radiate Prints Podcast! Know someone who should be a guest? Nominate them! Head to the Radiate Prints website and fill out our nomination form under the “Podcast” tab.
You can find more episodes of the Shop Talk with Radiate Prints Podcast on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify. We release new episodes weekly on Wednesdays!
Connect with Radiate Prints:
We print apparel people love to wear. If you need t-shirts, hoodies, hats, or a company store for your organization, reach out to us! Taylor and the team would love to help.
@radiateprints on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, YouTube, and LinkedIn
Website: https://radiateprints.com
Instagram: https://instagram.com/radiateprints
TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@radiateprints
...more
33min
April 22, 2026 From Blog to 50 Employees: How John Werner Disrupted Aviation with Pilot John International | Shop Talk #38
It started as a blog. No business plan, no investors, no grand vision — just a pilot posting equipment online to see what would happen. Eight years later, John Werner is running a company of nearly 50 people that ships aircraft parts across the world, with 35% of their business happening outside the U.S.
In this episode, John shares how a side hustle posting equipment on a blog turned into one of Greenville, NC’s major employers. We get into how COVID became a turning point for the company, why John hired a CEO coach (and why several of his key leaders now use one too), and how he's leaning into AI not to replace his team, but to make them better.
If you're from Greenville, in the aviation world, or love a good story about building something from the ground up, this one's for you.
About the Guest: John Werner is the founder and CEO of Pilot John International, an aviation supply and service company based in Greenville, NC. A former Piedmont Airlines pilot and Purdue University graduate, John built Pilot John from a four-person operation into a team of nearly 50 employees across three locations, serving private, commercial, and military aviation customers all over the world. He is passionate about using technology to modernize the aviation industry and creating a culture of growth and continuous learning for his team.
About the Host: Taylor Walden is the founder of Radiate Prints and a serial entrepreneur who started her first business in her dorm room at East Carolina University. Shop Talk highlights the stories of leaders with ties to Eastern North Carolina.
More Shop Talk:
Thank you for your continued support of the Shop Talk with Radiate Prints Podcast! Know someone who should be a guest? Nominate them! Head to the Radiate Prints website and fill out our nomination form under the “Podcast” tab.
You can find more episodes of the Shop Talk with Radiate Prints Podcast on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify. We release new episodes weekly on Wednesdays!
Connect with Radiate Prints:
We print apparel people love to wear. If you need t-shirts, hoodies, hats, or a company store for your organization, reach out to us! Taylor and the team would love to help.
@radiateprints on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, YouTube, and LinkedIn
Website: https://radiateprints.com
Instagram: https://instagram.com/radiateprints
TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@radiateprints
...more
25min
April 15, 2026Is Your Website Ready for AI? 2026 SEO Tips with Alida Lee | Shop Talk with Radiate Prints #37
Is Your Website Ready for AI? 2026 SEO Tips with Alida Lee | Shop Talk with Radiate Prints #37
Why is your website sitting on page 10 of Google, and why are potential leads "falling through the cracks" before they ever call you?
In this episode of Shop Talk with Radiate Prints, Taylor Walden sits down with Alida Lee, the founder of Web Momster, to demystify the world of Web Design and SEO (Search Engine Optimization). Alida isn't just a tech expert; she’s a "serial creative" who turned a hobbyist sewing blog into a thriving career helping local businesses get found online.
Taylor and Alida dive deep into the "Customer Journey". It’s the invisible path a client takes from discovering your brand online to finally walking through your front door or placing an order with your business. If you’ve ever wondered why your website isn’t converting, Alida shares the simple, common mistakes most business owners make (and how to fix them fast).
In this episode, we discuss:
The SEO Essentials: What Google actually looks for in 2026 (and how AI is changing search).
Closing the Gaps: Identifying where you are losing customers in your digital sales funnel.
DIY vs. Pro: When is the right time to stop "playing around" with builders and hire an expert?
About the Guest: Alida Lee is the founder of Web Momster and a digital strategist specializing in local, service-based businesses. Through her agency and her work with the Pause NC community, she is dedicated to helping entrepreneurs master their SEO and streamline the customer journey.
About the Host: Taylor Walden is the founder of Radiate Prints and a serial entrepreneur who started her first business in her dorm room at East Carolina University. Shop Talk highlights the stories of leaders with ties to Eastern North Carolina.
More Shop Talk:
Thank you for your continued support of the Shop Talk with Radiate Prints Podcast! Know someone who should be a guest? Nominate them! Head to the Radiate Prints website and fill out our nomination form under the “Podcast” tab.
You can find more episodes of the Shop Talk with Radiate Prints Podcast on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify. We release new episodes weekly on Wednesdays!
Connect with Radiate Prints:
We print apparel people love to wear. If you need t-shirts, hoodies, hats, or a company store for your organization, reach out to us! Taylor and the team would love to help.
@radiateprints on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, YouTube, and LinkedIn
Website: https://radiateprints.com
Instagram: https://instagram.com/radiateprints
TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@radiateprints
...more
25min
April 08, 2026Why Everyone Thinks This Local Small Business is a National Franchise | Kevin & Tiana Berryman #36
Daycare is closed, the kids are bored, and you need to get out of the house. Sound familiar? That exact moment of parenting chaos is what led to the idea for Sprouts Playground & Studio. Discover how the Berrymans turned a 'chaotic Friday' into a business so professional people think it’s a national franchise.
In this episode of Shop Talk with Radiate Prints, Taylor Walden sits down with Kevin and Tiana Berryman, the visionary founders behind Sprouts Playground & Studio in Greenville, NC. While many entrepreneurs feel they have to choose between a traditional career and owning your own business, Kevin and Tiana are showing how you can do both.
By day, they are professionals in local government and the corporate world; by night (and early morning), they are the leaders of a thriving indoor play space that has become a staple for Eastern North Carolina families.
Taylor, Kevin, and Tiana pull back the curtain on the "messy middle" of entrepreneurship. They discuss the reality of managing a business while working 9-to-5s, the legal hurdles of their high-liability industry, and why high-end branding made people mistake their "mom and pop" shop for a national franchise from day one.
In this episode, we dive into:
The 6-Month Launch: How a single text message on Good Friday turned into a grand opening just 6 months later.
The "5 to 9" Reality: Practical tips for managing a brick-and-mortar business with a full-time career and a growing family.
Branding for Growth: How Sprouts used professional design to gain instant authority and attract franchise inquiries from across the country.
Marriage & Business: Navigating the "lanes" of a husband-and-wife partnership without bumping heads.
Whether you are a "weekend warrior" looking to launch your first side hustle or a seasoned leader trying to scale, the Berrymans' story of faith, focus, and "praising in the hallway" will be an encouragement to you.
About the Host: Taylor Walden is the founder of Radiate Prints and a serial entrepreneur who started her first business in her dorm room at East Carolina University. Shop Talk highlights the stories of leaders with ties to Eastern North Carolina.
More Shop Talk:
Thank you for your continued support of the Shop Talk with Radiate Prints Podcast! Know someone who should be a guest? Nominate them! Head to the Radiate Prints website and fill out our nomination form under the “Podcast” tab.
You can find more episodes of the Shop Talk with Radiate Prints Podcast on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify. We release new episodes weekly on Wednesdays!
Connect with Radiate Prints:
We print apparel people love to wear. If you need t-shirts, hoodies, hats, or a company store for your organization, reach out to us! Taylor and the team would love to help.
@radiateprints on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, YouTube, and LinkedIn
Website: https://radiateprints.com
Instagram: https://instagram.com/radiateprints
TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@radiateprints
...more
26min
April 01, 2026The Real Story Behind the Sawyer’s Fun Park Expansion | TJ Sawyer #35
If you live in Pitt County and have been on social media lately, you’ve likely seen the heated debates on Facebook over the expansion of Sawyer’s Fun Park.
In this episode of Shop Talk with Radiate Prints, Taylor Walden sits down with TJ Sawyer, the owner of Sawyer’s Fun Park, to move past the social media comments and get to the truth. TJ addresses the noise, the lights, and the traffic concerns head-on. And he explains the story behind this project and the family business that started out of his career coaching cheerleading.
Beyond the headlines, TJ shares the gritty store of scaling his business. From his early days as an ECU cheerleader to the terrifying moment in 2020 when he almost handed the keys of the business back to the bank, this is a raw look at what it actually takes to build something big in a growing city.
In this episode, we dive into:
The Future of Greenville Entertainment: TJ details the plans for a 28-bay driving range and a professional-grade mini-golf course. We discuss the "Three Pillars of Growth" (Hotels, Restaurants, and Entertainment) and why this project is vital to the City’s growth plans and local business talent pool issue of keeping ECU grads and young professionals from leaving Greenville for Raleigh or Charlotte.
Navigating Public Debate: Addressing the social media discourse head-on, TJ shares the reality of the "Not In My Backyard" pushback. Learn how Sawyer’s is using scientific sound studies, directional lighting, and major design concessions to balance community growth with neighborly concerns.
The $15,000 Startup to Multi-Million Dollar Empire: TJ reveals the raw entrepreneurial journey of turning a small cheerleading gym into a massive family entertainment complex. We explore the "Power of Partnership" with his wife, Jamie, and the high-stakes moment in 2020 when they nearly handed the keys back to the bank, only to come back stronger.
Whether you’re a concerned neighbor, a golf enthusiast, or a fellow entrepreneur scaling your own business, TJ’s perspective on resilience and community growth is the "real story" you haven't heard yet.
About the Host: Taylor Walden is the founder of Radiate Prints and a serial entrepreneur who started her first business in her dorm room at East Carolina University. Shop Talk highlights the stories of leaders with ties to Eastern North Carolina.
More Shop Talk:
Thank you for your continued support of the Shop Talk with Radiate Prints Podcast! Know someone who should be a guest? Nominate them! Head to the Radiate Prints website and fill out our nomination form under the “Podcast” tab.
You can find more episodes of the Shop Talk with Radiate Prints Podcast on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify. We release new episodes weekly on Wednesdays!
Connect with Radiate Prints:
We print apparel people love to wear. If you need t-shirts, hoodies, hats, or a company store for your organization, reach out to us! Taylor and the team would love to help.
@radiateprints on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, YouTube, and LinkedIn
Website: https://radiateprints.com
Instagram: https://instagram.com/radiateprints
TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@radiateprints
...more
35min
March 25, 2026Lessons Learned from 19 Feet Under: Scaling a Service-Based Business from Scratch | Jamie Lang #34
What do you do when two years of work and your entire inventory go 19 feet underwater in one night?
In this episode of Shop Talk with Radiate Prints, Taylor Walden sits down with Jamie Lang, the owner of Carolina Hardscapes and Pools. Jamie is a veteran of the Eastern North Carolina business landscape who has survived everything from the historic Floyd flood of '99 to opening a brick-and-mortar showroom just weeks before the 2020 global shutdown.
Taylor and Jamie discuss the grit required to take the leap from working in a family business with his father into entrepreneurship. Jamie’s honesty around his hardships and successes are admirable, but what is most impressive is his strong faith in Christ throughout the high and low points of his career. He’s built a business with an excellent reputation and strong emphasis on customer service in a crowded industry.
In this episode, we dive into:
Surviving Total Loss: How Jamie navigated the 1999 flood’s impacts on his sod business, and why he chose to pay back every creditor by hand rather than filing for bankruptcy.
The "Outdoor Living" Evolution: Why he transitioned from landscaping to hardscapes and pools.
Ending the "Blame Game": The strategic move to bring design, hardscaping, and pool installation under one roof to ensure customer peace of mind.
Faith in Business: What sustained him when he invested his savings into a new business model right as COVID hit.
Whether you’re a service-based entrepreneur trying to scale or a homeowner looking for the inside scoop on pool installation, Jamie’s perspective on honesty, integrity, and the "High Road" is exactly the motivation you need.
More Shop Talk:
Thank you for your continued support of the Shop Talk with Radiate Prints Podcast! Know someone who should be a guest? Nominate them! Head to the Radiate Prints website and fill out our nomination form under the “Podcast” tab.
You can find more episodes of the Shop Talk with Radiate Prints Podcast on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify. We release new episodes weekly on Wednesdays!
Connect with Radiate Prints:
We print apparel people love to wear. If you need t-shirts, hoodies, hats, or a company store for your organization, reach out to us! Taylor and the team would love to help.
@radiateprints on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, YouTube, and LinkedIn
Website: https://radiateprints.com
Instagram: https://instagram.com/radiateprints
TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@radiateprints
...more
47min
March 18, 2026How to Buy and Sell Businesses: What You Need to Know to Prepare from Eastern NC’s Leading Business Broker | Tony Khoury #33
What does it take to build a business worth selling?
In this episode of Shop Talk with Radiate Prints, Taylor Walden sits down with Tony Khoury, the owner of Transworld Business Advisors in Greenville, NC and Wilmington, NC. Tony refers to being a business broker as his “third act”. Before helping people buy and sell businesses, Tony was a business owner himself. He was an electrical engineer, and one of the owners of The East Group with locations in Raleigh and Greenville, North Carolina before exiting in 2018.
In this episode, we dive into:
How to Buy a Business: Did you know you could buy a business that generates $1M in revenue each year with only 5% down? Tony shares real examples of how people buy businesses
How to Sell a Business: According to Tony, it takes 6-8 months to sell a good business. He tells us why, and how entrepreneurs can prepare their business to sell in the future
What Makes a Business Worth Selling: Tony has practical advice on which areas of your business to focus on so that when you want to sell, you’re ready
Pursuing Passions: Tony refers to this chapter of his life as his “third act”, a combination of his passions for business, real estate, and eastern NC, and why it’s important for people to find what they love to do
This episode is perfect for aspiring entrepreneurs, business owners who have considered selling their business soon or at retirement, or anyone who has ever considered a major career change later in life. Tony’s heart for the people of Eastern NC is evident, and he’s a great resource for entrepreneurs in our community.
More Shop Talk:
Thank you for your continued support of the Shop Talk with Radiate Prints Podcast! Know someone who should be a guest? Nominate them! Head to the Radiate Prints website and fill out our nomination form under the “Podcast” tab.
You can find more episodes of the Shop Talk with Radiate Prints Podcast on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify. We release new episodes weekly on Wednesdays!
Connect with Radiate Prints:
We print apparel people love to wear. If you need t-shirts, hoodies, hats, or a company store for your organization, reach out to us! Taylor and the team would love to help.
@radiateprints on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, YouTube, and LinkedIn
Website: https://radiateprints.com
Instagram: https://instagram.com/radiateprints
TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@radiateprints
...more
45min
March 11, 2026From TV News to Studio Owner: Building a Business That Scales Beyond Yourself | Josh Potter #32
How do you stop being "the talent" and start being "the owner"?
In this episode of Shop Talk with Radiate Prints, Taylor Walden sits down with Josh Potter, the visionary behind 1413 Visuals. While many in Eastern North Carolina know Josh as an award-winning videographer for local news and business promos, today he shares the story of how he evolved from a freelance creator into a studio owner.
Taylor and Josh trace his journey from teenage garage bands and DIY recording studios (complete with carpeted walls!) to the world of broadcast television, and finally, his leap into full-time entrepreneurship. Josh reveals the "secret weapon" piece of gear that gave him a competitive edge during the 2020 pivot and how he is building a business model that will give him his time back.
In this episode, we dive into:
The "Hobby to Career" Transition: How Josh leveraged his experience at a local TV station to launch a successful freelance brand.
The Scalability Secret: Why Josh pursued a physical studio as part of his business model.
Learning from Mistakes: Why "messing up" is the most effective form of education for any entrepreneur.
Whether you are a freelancer feeling burnt out, a creative looking to scale, or a business leader interested in the future of digital media, Josh’s insights on "always be learning" will change the way you look at your workflow.
More Shop Talk:
Thank you for your continued support of the Shop Talk with Radiate Prints Podcast! Know someone who should be a guest? Nominate them! Head to the Radiate Prints website and fill out our nomination form under the “Podcast” tab.
You can find more episodes of the Shop Talk with Radiate Prints Podcast on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify. We release new episodes weekly on Wednesdays!
Connect with Radiate Prints:
We print apparel people love to wear. If you need t-shirts, hoodies, hats, or a company store for your organization, reach out to us! Taylor and the team would love to help.
@radiateprints on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, YouTube, and LinkedIn
Website: https://radiateprints.com
Instagram: https://instagram.com/radiateprints
TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@radiateprints
...more
38min
March 04, 2026How to Build a Physical Therapy Practice from Scratch: From ECU Student to Greenville Business Leader | Shondell Jones #31
In this episode of Shop Talk with Radiate Prints, Taylor Walden sits down with Shondell Jones, the co-founder of Kinetic Physical Therapy and Monday Solutions Group. Shondell's journey began long before he reached Greenville; from selling candy out of his backpack in Charlotte to washing cars in his neighborhood, he has always had an interest in business.
Taylor and Shondell explore the evolution of Kinetic, from its humble beginnings in a shared rental space to the recent construction of "Phase 2" of their facility, equipped with a pool and indoor turf. Shondell pulls back the curtain on how he leveraged multiple revenue streams, including school contracts and home health, to sustain his practice during the notoriously slow summer months.
Why Shondell Chose a "One-on-One" Patient Model: Most physical therapy practices have one therapist seeing two patients at a time. Kinetic has doctors seeing patients one-on-one, and Shondell dives into why they made this choice and the impact it has on their business.
Diversifying Revenue: How securing government and school contracts allowed Kinetic to grow even when insurance reimbursements were delayed.
Modernizing with AI: How a PT clinic uses AI agents and knowledge databases to stay updated on ever-changing insurance regulations.
The Power of "Stepping Away": Shondell’s strategy for quarterly off-site planning and why "thinking time" is a non-negotiable for leaders.
Whether you are a healthcare professional looking to go private or a business owner trying to navigate the complexities of scaling a team, Shondell’s episode is full of insights on leadership and community-driven growth.
Shondell is a graduate of East Carolina University’s PT program and a staple of the Greenville business community. In addition to Kinetic Physical Therapy, he serves as the Executive Pastor at Koinonia Christian Center and provides leadership consulting through Monday Solutions Group. When he isn't mentoring the next generation of entrepreneurs, you can find him practicing his serve at the local pickleball courts.
Connect with Shondell:
Kinetic Physical Therapy: kptwellness.com | @KPTWellness
Monday Solutions Group: beginmonday.com
Koinonia Christian Center: kccfamily.com
More Shop Talk:
Thank you for your continued support of the Shop Talk with Radiate Prints Podcast! Know someone who should be a guest? Nominate them! Head to the Radiate Prints website and fill out our nomination form under the “Podcast” tab.
You can find more episodes of the Shop Talk with Radiate Prints Podcast on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify. We release new episodes weekly on Wednesdays!
Connect with Radiate Prints:
We print apparel people love to wear. If you need t-shirts, hoodies, hats, or a company store for your organization, reach out to us! Taylor and the team would love to help.
@radiateprints on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, YouTube, and LinkedIn
Website: https://radiateprints.com
Instagram: https://instagram.com/radiateprints
In this episode, we dive into:About Shondell JonesTikTok: https://tiktok.com/@radiateprints
...more
49min

FAQs about American Business Story with Taylor Walden:

How many episodes does American Business Story with Taylor Walden have?

The podcast currently has 61 episodes available.