Have you ever met someone at work and thought, I’d like to try that job! For Tony Horwath, that eureka moment meant changing his career path from engineering to sales. And then, moving into a founding role for a whole new business pioneering sales outsourcing. In this episode of Biz-eWerk, Tony tells us about his career shift ultimately leading to the establishment of his business, Sales Focus, in 1998. He explains the core mission of Sales Focus: helping clients grow through dedicated sales teams with a process and adaptability that works across various industries, from startups to Fortune 500 companies. Tony also shares insights on the evolution of sales and the impact of technology like AI and offers advice for entrepreneurs facing growth challenges.

What’s in a name? For the Queen Street Hospitality Group, the restaurant, 82 Queen, and the location, 82 Queen Street, are front and center. Plus, 82 Queen was founded in 1982 – an alignment that makes things easy to remember. In this episode of Biz-eWerk, Jonathan Kish, CEO, shares his journey in the finance and restaurant industries, discussing the history of Queen Street Hospitality Group and his careerprogression from server to managing multiple restaurants. Highlighting the challenges and opportunities faced during the pandemic, as well as the importance of adaptability, hard work, and staying informed about industry trends and political factors affecting the business, Jonathan emphasizes the significance of staffing, employee benefits, and balancing expansion plans with economic factors in the restaurant industry.

When’s the best time to start a business? Jake Kozmor, founder of the Charleston-based video production company Koz Films, began his entrepreneurial journey in 7th grade with a GoPro camera and has continued developing his creative and business skills ever since. In this episode, Biz-eWerk speaks with Jake about his video production process emphasizing storytelling and client collaboration. He also describes his involvement with the American Marketing Association and his upcoming projects, including a new web series. Check out Instagram @kozfilms for more info.

Happy 100th (episode) Biz-eWerk! Join us as we celebrate our podcast journey and reflect on the challenges of being "busy." Listen in as Biz-eWerk shares the difficulties and learning experiences encountered along the way and gives thanks at Thanksgiving to all the people who have taken the time to support the show – guests and listeners alike.

What comes to mind when you hear, "Nuclear Energy"? Maybe something scary like atomic bombs or Three Mile Island? But what about radiation treatment for cancer? Or irradiated food to extend shelf life? In this episode of Biz-eWerk, we use nuclear energy as the technological thread between the Six Laws of Technology.

(For more information about the Six Laws, check out the article referenced in this episode, The Six Laws of Technology Everyone Should Know by Christopher Mims in The Wall Street Journal)

In the age of AI, we’re more aware than ever of how technology influences history and vice versa. In 1985, Dr. Melvin Kranzberg, a professor of the History of Technology at Georgia Institute of Technology, presented his Six Laws of Technology offering a nuanced take on technology's role in history. Kranzberg challenged the simplistic view of technology as either a purely positive or negative force. He argued that it’s a "very human activity" intricately intertwined with our values, beliefs, and choices. In this two-part Biz-eWerk podcast, we’ll discuss relatable examples of everyday tech to illustrate the impact of advancements from the perspective of Kranzberg’s Six Laws. From adjusting rabbit ears on TVs to relying on GPS navigation we’ll review the rapid evolution of technology within a single lifetime.

(For more information about the Six Laws, check out the article referenced in this episode, The Six Laws of Technology Everyone Should Know by Christopher Mims in The Wall Street Journal)

Real estate development is all around us and involves many moving pieces from pre-development to construction to operation and beyond. In this episode, College of Charleston School of Business alum Joseph Velazquez discusses his role at one of the world's premier commercial real estate firms and tells us more about the skills and abilities needed for success in this industry.

“Unless we come together and get to know somebody, you won’t know how much you have in common.” – Benjamin Klutsey

In this episode, Benjamin Klutsey, Executive Director of the Mercatus Center at George Mason University discusses the film UNDIVIDE US. The film reminds us that while polarization is a genuine concern, fostering civil exchange is a crucial step toward building a more cohesive and understanding society. Along with our guests, Pete Calcagno, and Mike Lee, we discuss how individuals can engage in respectful dialogue by recognizing that common ground and shared

(The screening of UNDIVIDE US is sponsored by the College of Charleston Center for Public Choice and Marketing Process, the College of Charleston Civility Initiative, and the American Institute for Economic Research – Charleston Bastiat Society)

“Retail is Detail.” Gary Flynn, CEO and co-owner of distinguished menswear retailer M. Dumas and Sons. With a 107-year history, Dumas continues to grow throughout the Charleston area. What began in 1917 as a small shop selling Navy uniforms and hunting and outdoor apparel has grown to become an iconic fixture on King Street with a national and international reach. Flynn has been leading Dumas for over eight years and has played an instrumental role in the company’s expansion, including successfully opening two brand partner stores.