How do you scale from a single franchise location to a hundred locations nationwide?

In this episode of Shop Talk with Radiate Prints, Taylor Walden sits down with Corbett Harris, the founder of CHC Unified. Corbett is a multi-unit franchisee who has mastered the art of scaling high-traffic brands like Dunkin’, Jimmy John’s, and Topper's Pizza.

Corbett pulls back the curtain on the "grind" of the franchise world, moving past the surface-level success to discuss the high-stakes logistics that make or break a business. He also discusses the rising costs of commercial real estate to the revolutionary shift toward modular building (and why it’s a game-changer for ROI).

But the most impactful part of Corbett’s story isn't just the numbers, it's his "why." He shares a vulnerable look at his career transition from a 90-hour-a-week job to building a business focused on stewardship, faith, and creating leaders within his community.

Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur looking for your first franchise location or a seasoned leader trying to optimize your operations, Corbett’s perspective on systems over luck is the blueprint 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

Can you take your talents and use them to create a business before the age of 25?

In this episode of Shop Talk with Radiate Prints, Taylor Walden sits down with Allison Anderson, the owner of Vanilla Bean Bake Shoppe. Allison’s story is the ultimate blueprint for the "solopreneur." At just 23 years old, she walked away from a steady paycheck and multiple industry jobs to go all-in on her own brand.

Today, Allison is a staple in the Eastern North Carolina wedding industry, known for her beautiful cakes and her ability to handle the high-stakes of the wedding industry as a team of one. But the road to high end wedding cakes wasn't always sweet. It involved 5:00 AM shifts, grueling all-nighters, and the steep learning curve of pricing for profit.

• How Allison transitioned from working full-time to starting her own business
• Why Allison chooses to remain a team of one and the honest reasons she’s hesitant to hire employees
• A look at how the wedding industry has changed over 15 years and how Allison scaled her cakes from $300 to $1,500+.
• Why "systems" are the most important thing Allison wishes she’d implemented sooner to reclaim her time.

Whether you’re a hobbyist wondering if you can "jump ship" to start your own business or a veteran business owner looking to refine your customer experience, Allison’s 15 years of wisdom will give you the courage to trust your gut.

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

How do you keep a business alive for nearly a century?

In an era where most small businesses close within five years, Lovick’s Cafe is celebrating its 85th anniversary. In this episode, Taylor Walden talks with Steve Lovick about the weight and the wonder of carrying a family legacy that started in 1941.

Steve is a people person at heart, and it’s something he learned from his father, and his father before him. Lovick’s Cafe is a Kinston staple and has been for 85 years. Steve pulls back the curtain on the "unreplaceable" time spent working alongside his father and the grit it took for his grandparents to survive the Great Depression and World War II. We explore the transition of leadership through three generations and the pressure of keeping the "Lovick" name on the sign.

We dive deep into the 85-year history, including:

• Starting with $175: How a tiny loan and four bar stools turned into a Kinston institution.
• The Generation Gap: Transitioning from the 3:00 AM "factory shift" era to today’s digital-first customer.
• Preserving Culture: How to keep the "community living room" feel while managing a team of 39 people.
• The Succession Challenge: Steve’s honest thoughts on what comes next for the 4th generation.

If you are building a business with the hope of passing it down, or if you're currently navigating the complexities of a family-run company, this conversation is a rare look at true business longevity.

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

What if the only thing standing between your current business and your "dream" business is a better networking strategy?

In this episode of Shop Talk with Radiate Prints, Taylor Walden sits down with Sharon Justice, the founder of Justice Leadership and a veteran HR consultant whose career has spanned everything from running ice cream shops and designing apartment complexes to serving as a Senior VP in the banking world.

Sharon shares her "full circle" journey from being a 19-year-old entrepreneur furnishing 100-unit condo complexes to teaching leadership at East Carolina University and launching her own consulting business. Whether you are a "solopreneur" trying to do it all or a growing company facing your first big HR headache, Sharon provides the tactical blueprint you need to lead effectively.

• "Introvert’s Guide" to Networking: Sharon’s genius "three-card" trick for making authentic connections without the awkwardness.
• "Adjacency Strategy": How Sharon’s early experience in retail and real estate taught her to spot new business opportunities before they became trends.
• HR Essentials for Small Business: Why you need a handbook and job descriptions as soon as you hit 5 employees.
• Explosive Growth Through Outsourcing: How Sharon went from "I can do it all myself" to hiring a Virtual Assistant and watching her creativity and capacity skyrocket.
• The "Step Back" Lesson: Why taking a temporary job or a "lesser" role is sometimes the strategic move required to launch your next big chapter.

Whether you're an ECU student, a side-hustler, or a seasoned business owner, Sharon’s decades of wisdom offer a new perspective on how people can make or break your business.

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

What does it take to trade a 20-year career in the mobile home industry for a career as a dentist with one of the most popular dental offices in town?

In this episode of Shop Talk with Radiate Prints, Dr. Brian Ward, a "dropout turned doctor", who is changing the face of dentistry in Eastern North Carolina shares his fascinating story.

Taylor and Brian discuss the shift from the "dirt and mud" of his first business to the world of healthcare, and how his blue-collar background became his greatest competitive advantage. They also pull back the curtain on the world of private equity and DSOs, exploring what corporate investment means for the future of local patient care.

In this episode, we dive into:

• The Non-Traditional Pivot: The mental and logistical hurdles of transitioning from a blue-collar business owner to a doctor.
• Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: A raw look at feeling like an "outsider" in your own success and finding the confidence to lead.
• Doing the Hardest Job: Why the best leaders are the ones willing to do the hardest, most undesirable jobs right alongside their team.

Whether you are navigating a career change or trying to protect the culture of your growing business, Dr. Ward’s authentic and honest take on the "grind" will leave you feeling motivated for your own next chapter.

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

How do you take a tactile, in-studio experience and ship it to doorsteps across the country? In this episode of Shop Talk with Radiate Prints, Taylor sits down with Susan Bucci, the visionary behind Greenville’s The Painted Peacock and the nationwide brand Prints and Clay.

Susan’s story is a masterclass on pivoting, detailing how she spent nine months in R&D to engineer a "family-proof" 3D molding kit that allowed her to scale during a global shutdown. Beyond the pottery wheel, Taylor and Susan dive deep into the modern e-commerce landscape, discussing everything from the rise of AI in business and digital advertising to the grit required to compete in the e-commerce world.

In this episode, we dive into:

• Engineering the Pivot: How Susan developed a proprietary, "family-proof" molding kit to solve the problem of distance, transforming a local service into a first-of-its-kind national e-commerce brand.
• Navigating the Digital Marketplace: A deep dive into the realities of modern e-commerce, including how Susan approaches advertising and stays ahead of online competitors.
• The Power of the "Angel Print": A moving look at how Susan’s innovation extends into the community, using digital scanning and 3D technology to create tangible keepsakes for families during their most difficult moments.

Whether you’re a brick-and-mortar owner looking to add an e-commerce arm or a leader trying to find the balance between "slowing down to speed up," Susan’s story is a testament to the power of confidence and innovation.

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

What happens when a professional fiddle player is sidelined by chronic pain and an injury that won't heal? For Kellie Brown, it wasn't the end of her career, it was the beginning of a mission to bring a revolutionary health solution to her Eastern North Carolina city.

In this episode of Shop Talk with Radiate Prints, Kellie shares her fascinating transition from the stage to the clinic, revealing how her own recovery journey with Photobiomodulation (PBM) led her to launch a business that is now sharing light therapy protocols across the nation.

In this episode, we dive into:

• The Musician’s Pivot to Innovation: How Kellie’s personal experience with chronic inflammation led her to bring cutting-edge laser technology to Greenville, transforming a "mom-preneur" goal into a thriving clinic with 13 employees.
• Scaling Beyond the Brick-and-Mortar: The strategic decision that allowed her team to provide clinical protocols to providers nationwide
• Building a Culture of Strength: Why Kellie leans on tools like the Working Genius and Enneagram

Kellie’s story is a perfect example of what happens when you identify and fill a need in your community, and build a thriving business in the process. 

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

What happens when you trade the stadium lights for the high-stakes world of business ownership?

In this episode of Shop Talk with Radiate Prints, Taylor Walden sits down with former ECU standout and NFL quarterback Holton Ahlers. While many are used to seeing him lead the charge on the field, Holton is now tackling a completely different playbook as a new franchise business owner in Eastern North Carolina.

Taylor and Holton discuss the parallels between leading a team in a packed stadium and leading a business in the logistics industry. From the origins of his apparel brand, Built When Broken, to the bold decision to retire from professional football to launch his Unishippers franchise, Holton shares what it’s really like to transition into a new venture.

In this episode, we dive into:

• The Pivot: Why Holton walked away from a professional football contract to launch a business.
• Built When Broken: The powerful story behind his first apparel brand and how it shaped his "why."
• The Quarterback Mindset: Translating locker room leadership into managing a team and serving clients.

Whether you're a sports fan or someone looking for the courage to start your own next chapter, Holton’s perspective on resilience and the "grind" of the early days is 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
TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@radiateprints
Instagram: https://instagram.com/radiateprints

This is our biggest episode yet. Taylor Walden gives a candid look back at the biggest moments, lessons, and sheer growth of the podcast since its July launch. Plus, the best business advice heard from some of Eastern North Carolina's top entrepreneurs in 2025.

Taylor reveals how many people the podcast has reached since its launch, and shares her favorite moments and the uncut blooper reel!

Thank you for helping the podcast grow so quickly. Follow and subscribe so you don't miss the entrepreneurs we have lined up for 2026.

Connect with Radiate Prints:

Website: https://radiateprints.com

Instagram: https://instagram.com/radiateprints

TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@radiateprints
Listen to more Shop Talk with Radiate Prints:

⁠YouTube⁠

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⁠Spotify⁠

⁠Website⁠

Mike Aman is an Eastern NC entrepreneurial legend. In this episode, Taylor sits down with Mike to discuss his incredible 20-year journey building OneSource Communications from a startup team of four to a company with 133 employees and $10 million in annual revenue. Mike shares the wisdom he gained while successfully navigating multiple industries, from opening up the first Dunkin' Donuts franchise in Greenville to leading a massive telecom firm, all while staying connected to the Greenville community.

Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a leader looking for solid mentorship, or an ECU alum, Mike's story is packed with actionable advice on integrity, resilience, and knowing when it's time to sell your business.

Connect with Mike Aman

You can find Mike on LinkedIn, “Mike Aman”
Connect with Radiate Prints:

Website: https://radiateprints.com

Instagram: https://instagram.com/radiateprints

TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@radiateprints

Listen to more Shop Talk with Radiate Prints:

⁠YouTube⁠

⁠Apple⁠

⁠Spotify⁠

⁠Website⁠