Communal / SOCO Show

Andi is one of those people that you just want to get to know. She is a strong leader who leads from the front with a strong sense of confidence and a solid dose of humility to boot. Through starting her agency in 2005-ish to recent acquisitions and move from the beach to the mountains that we all dream of this is one conversation i’m sure you’ll get some great advice from.

In her own words: “All great opportunities start with a conversation. An idea shared, a connection made, and a dream sparked into reality. Those conversations can take place almost anywhere and at any time. It’s my job to make sure your voice is strong, consistent, and memorable.”

Rob is a developer and consultant who found his way into running a web business. He got his start in software architecture and enterprise consulting and throughout his career has tackled issues of security, scalability, and performance. Today, he's responsible for Sparkbox's operations and financials, but he's really in the business of making all of us better. His commitment to innovation and iteration (and his good humor) are present in all that we do.

A second generation developer and software consultant who started learning to program at 12 years old. As Co-founder and Vice President of Sparkbox, he's learned to run a web business. The most important and enjoyable part of the job is the human side of things- whether it’s helping a client solve a problem or talking through solutions with the great team at Sparkbox. Co-host of the Overly Human podcast.

As Vice President of Sparkbox Rob is responsible for the operations and financials of the company. With a background in software development, Rob is always ready to challenge the development process. On any given day Rob meets with prospective clients, works with employees, and continues to evolve the business of Sparkbox.

Happily creating opportunities via Open Source. All Things Open, Open Source 101. The most grateful person you're likely to encounter today.

I've known Todd for over a decade, we met way back when during his first Open Source event he was producing. He's been a creative force in the tech / open source conference scene for a long time. Let's check in with him and see how his events are shaping up and how they've handled the world during and post pandemic.

Todd has been building open source conferences, events and communities for more than 10 years, and working in the technology industry for more than 15. He created and now chairs All Things Open, the largest open source/tech/web event on the East Coast of the U.S. as well as the Open Source 101 event series. In addition, he’s served as an advisor for other influential events around the country you’ve probably heard of.

Tyler is an art director/graphic designer, illustrator, and all-around creative force born in Lakecity, SC. Holding a degree in Visual Design he went the traditional route of working for a creative agency as an Art Director eventually leading to him spreading his wings as a full time single minded force of visual creativity. 

Located in downtown Greenville, SC, Fireforge Crafted Beer is a locally-owned, small-batch craft brewery, taproom, kitchen and pleasure garden focused on ever-changing beers inspired by the people, places and culinary palates they love.

In addition to a range of in-house brewed beer, Fireforge offers wine, cider, non-alcoholic drinks, shareable snacks, sandwiches, house-smoked BBQ, charcuterie boards and desserts. The menu is seasonally-inspired and locally-sourced. On Friday and Saturday evenings, enjoy local, regional and original live music.

Driven to create with passion and serve with enthusiasm, the Fireforge team is on a quest to deliver the greatest beer-centered experience to each guest.

Starlitt is a focused, inspired and driven entrepreneur. It was an enlightening conversation as we explored both the creative and analytical sides of her continuing story.

Talking with Sherard and learning what media literacy really is and why is it so important that we understand how media (social media) affects us and shapes our perspectives and beliefs.

Sherard “Shekeese” Duvall is a film and messaging professional from Columbia, S.C. He specializes in visual storytelling, film education, media diversity strategy, and is an advocate of Hip-Hop culture. An accomplished producer of commercial and documentary projects for VH1, Oxygen, and more - he is a 2022 SC Arts Commission Fellow, 2021 Liberty Fellow, a 2016 Riley Fellow, and one of the founders of Columbia’s Hip-Hop Family Day: Love Peace & Hip-Hop. A 2001 University of South Carolina graduate, he is a product of Richland District One schools. Sherard is the Founder and Executive Producer at OTR Media Group, and the proud dad of his son, Cairo. He is currently producing the feature length Gullah Geechee Afrofuturism Documentary: Saltwata Vibes

In the first episode of our show we're talking with Greg Hilton about SOCO, its inception to current status.

Passionate about building innovative, entrepreneurial and dynamic companies and communities. I like big ideas, going against the grain, and working with incredible people. Stuff I’m a part of: Period Three, SOCO Coworking Space, Rolling Rock Investments, 1 Million Cups Columbia SC.

Greg Hilton is an active entrepreneur and has launched and worked with over 100 early stage ventures. He’s the Cofounder and Managing Partner for SOCO, the region’s first coworking community and is Chief Opportunity Wrangler at Period Three an industry leading web design shop.

Greg is a Liberty Scholars Fellow and graduate of the nationally ranked IMBA program at the University of South Carolina. He graduated Cum Laude from the University of North Carolina. Hilton’s professional experience includes management roles for EngenuitySC, a public/private partnership formed to grow Columbia’s knowledge economy; and New Carolina, South Carolina’s Council on Competitiveness.

He’s an alumnus of the University of South Carolina, where he the lead the launch of CETi | USC’s Startup Center; The Proving Ground, the largest student entrepreneurial competition in South Carolina; and Tminus6, The Columbia region’s first Startup Accelerator.

Greg was recognized in the State Newspaper’s “20 Under 40 2011” publication. He’s played community leadership roles in the Columbia Talent Magnet Project, Columbia Opportunity Resource (COR), ECCO, TEDxColumbiaSC, and Pecha Kucha Night Columbia.