In this episode we're on-site at the 2018 Social Enterprise Summit interviewing five folks who were voted Social Entrepreneur of the Year!

Richwood Scientific

Chuck Toussieng

WV Farmers Cooperative

J Morgan Leach

Tuesday Morning Group

Rev. Matthew J. Watts

Fruits of Labor

Tammy Jordan

Lost Creek Farm

Mike Costello

Kimberly Shingledecker and David Bailey decided that Fayetteville, West Virginia would be the perfect spot for something special. Pizza. Together, they decided to build Pies and Pints. That thought eventually turned into 15 pizzeria locations across the United States.

Amanda Reed started her photography business without really knowing it. She decided to take senior pictures of her brother, Corey. That turned into a life-changing career as she began to build a name for herself and her amazing photography with Amanda Reed Photography.

Greg Darby has been with Little General Stores since they only had eight locations. Now as the co-owner, they operate over 100 locations across Appalachia. Listen to his experience of knowing that to survive they needed to do more than just sell gas.

Joshua Ruby and E.J. Price with Bravo Live DJ and Lighting Extravaganza sit down with J.D. to talk about the early days of Josh running the business as a side gig, to building their small empire of eight highly skilled wedding and event DJ's. Getting married? Look no further to get the party started.

Our first episode takes us on a journey through building a hot dog paradise. Sonny and Sharie Knight joins J.D. to speak on their successes, trials, and more importantly the one pound beef wiener known as "The Homewrecker." Check out Hillbilly Hot Dogs in Lesage, West Virginia.

Welcome to Appalachian Startup. Stories of new ideas that eventually became thriving businesses in areas that most would consider a bad investment. Our first show releases on May 2nd at 6am with Hillbilly Hot Dogs. There will be a new episode every two weeks after that. Stay tuned for more stories of underdogs on the rise.