Footnotes

In Episode 58, Kim Smith, founder of Health Evolve Technologies, reveals some startling realities about health inequity and provides us with an optimistic picture of what an equitable care culture can be. According to Kim, only 20% of the health equity gap can be addressed in the doctor's office, yet so many think this is where the solution lies. Kim pulls from her experience in health care administration to create multifaceted technological tools to build what she calls a "digital health village" capable of disrupting the health disparities that plague our healthcare system. 

Dr. Aditi Bussells wears many hats, including public health researcher, consultant, mother, wife, and At-Large City Councilwoman. Episode 57 dives into the reality of working in municipal government, from how public health research can apply to policy making, to increasing civic engagement at the local level. Dr. Bussells teaches us how to look at the whole picture, and how to celebrate little wins on the way to solving big problems. 

Sakhar Jams isn’t just a thriving jam business, it’s also an inspiring story of friendship and motherhood, bound together with a love of food. In Episode 56 of Footnotes, founders Reshma Mahadkar and Jessica Henry share honest, inspiring advice about adding the title of “business partner” to a long friendship. How do you scale responsibly, how do you delineate tasks and collaborate, how do you manage motherhood and business? Listen in for cogent, actionable advice that these best friends learned while turning their amazing “bougie jams” into a must-have pantry essential.

When Herbert Drayton III was looking for investors to fund promising black-owned businesses, he made a shocking discovery. There was not a single majority-black venture capital firm in the entire state of South Carolina. In Episode 55 of Footnotes, we learn how Drayton built the state's first black-owned VC firm, dedicated entirely to supporting BIPOC and women-owned businesses with not only the funds they need to succeed, but also the relationships, resources, and advice that makes a promising idea become a profitable reality. This episode is full of actionable advice that's perfect for any entrepreneur, whether you've been in business for years, or you're still considering the risk of a brand new idea. 

In Episode 54 of Footnotes, we check in with the Mayor of Columbia, SC, Daniel Rickenmann, after one year on the job. He explains how he promotes the sharing of ideas and resources for the good of the community, reducing barriers to conversations and giving everyone who wants to engage a voice. He shows us how we can make Columbia's assets visible and accessible by connecting our amazing neighborhoods and improving the quality of life for our residents. Listen in to learn about everything exciting going on in Columbia today, and get excited for what’s coming tomorrow.

In Episode 53 of Footnotes, we sit down with Greenville entrepreneur, Erin Mehagan, owner of Livi Lu Lane, a company that is redefining women’s intimates. Driven by the passion to make products for real women, Erin turned her own struggle to find a bra that fit her post-pregnancy body into a thriving retail business. We can all identify with her emotional story and remarkable ability to learn on the go, showing us that tenacity and dedication truly are the key to a successful business.

It’s no secret that relationships are a key to a business that lasts, but in no place is that more true than in a family business. Mother-daughter team Lisa Tyson and Leigh Provost of L.A. Barrier & Son Inc. have kept their premier hauling business in the family for four generations, and they’ve found nothing but advantages to keeping it in the family. Leigh shares what convinced her to leave her career as a chemical engineer to join her parents, sharing the priceless value of finding your way back to the family business. Lisa and Leigh show us how to stay true to family values, grow and maintain long-lasting customer relationships, and retain top-notch employees, proving that there’s unique value in the accessibility, quality, and trustworthiness of a small family business.

Suzanne Brunnemer runs a local business that’s remained in the family for three generations, despite the tough competition in the tool supply market. In our conversation, she credits the success of Mann Tool and Supply, Inc. to the exceptional relationships between her staff and the community. She defines the unspoken benefits of fostering a familial culture in your business while offering valuable insights on how to use expertise and education for lead generation and customer retention. Learn how Suzanne provides a dedicated space for new customers to discover their passion for crafting with tools you might think are reserved only for professionals. She's an expert on building passionate customer relationships, offering "a little something extra" to make them last a lifetime.

In Episode 50 of Footnotes, we have an enlightening conversation with Duke Hartman, co-founder of Integer Technologies, an applied research business that bridges the gap between research institutions and government defense agencies. We discuss how the cutting edge research innovations which arise in theoretical university settings are identified, proven, and brought to life as real-world, usable prototypes. Hyper-niche business opportunities like this exist everywhere – even in your own backyard. Learn about STEM innovation happening at the University of South Carolina in Columbia, SC and the ways Integer Technologies is shaping the future of United States national security and defenses.

Heather Leigh, the owner of Greenhaven Memorial Gardens, has spent her career helping people navigate the emotional end-of-life journey. In Episode 49 of Footnotes, she shares the unique and essential lessons she's learned while working in a highly emotional field, lessons that inspired her to found BETR, a community for fellow business leaders who want a better way to network, learn, and grow. We love Heather's unique approach to entrepreneurship, reminding us that behind every business transaction, there's human connection and growth.