Invest Local

We sat down this week with two young entrepreneurs, Chase Lemacks and Earl Fleetwood, to discuss how Fleety’s Fireworks has blasted off from a rickety plywood contraption to a full-fledged operation with all the bells and whistles, right in the Lowcountry of SC. Tune in for some insider info on what it takes to start and run a fireworks stand along with how they’re shooting to change the game.

Guess who’s back for PART 2: Kalee Baker!

Remind me… Kalee came on the show last week to share her experience as a solopreneur and dish on how she’s built her highly sought after Birmingham event business. She launched Kalee Baker Events officially in 2013, a side hustle that turned into a full-time passion. She entertained with her crazy wedding stories but in this episode, she shows her serious entrepreneurial chops by diving into topics like: client care, problem-solving, and picking the right customers for your business.

Kalee Baker comes on the show to share her experience as a solopreneur and how she’s built her highly sought after Birmingham business. She launched Kalee Baker Events officially in 2013, a side hustle turned full-time passion. Kalee is a hoot and hollar! We dare you not to crack a smile at her crazy wedding stories or be amazed at her houdini-esk ability to pull everything back together. Kalee shows her serious entrepreneurial chops though with rock-solid insight into client care, problem-solving, and picking the right customers for your business.

Time for another Round table! This week the crew unpacks how communities can unlock the BILLIONS sitting right under our noses.

Charlotte Berger came on the show to talk about her 10+ years of experience in PR, Social Media, Influencer Marketing, Nonprofit Fundraising and Development. She began her career at a national PR firm then later accepted the PR Director position at one of the country's top F&B communications agencies. In 2016, Charlotte founded Charleston’s first culinary social media club, @TastemakersCHS, which brings local restaurants, influencers, and nonprofits together under one umbrella. It now has 25 members with a combined reach of over 500,000 followers on Instagram and has partnered with over 50 restaurants.

We had a great time talking with Charlotte and hope you enjoy the listen!

Bridge City Coffee started in a 10x10 shed, moved to a windowless warehouse, then finally opened their first storefront location in Greenville, SC. Greg Ward is the owner and walks us through what it's like to be operating a for-profit business and balancing that with making a true impact in communities.

Delphine Carter, the Founder and CEO of Boulo Solutions, sat down with us to discuss entrepreneurial mindsets, how she sustains real growth outside silicon valley (including family life) and her advice for other female founders.

Boulo is a technology platform that leverages AI to connect smart, driven women with companies that offer flexible work schedules; helping both reach their highest potential. In a world where women leave the workforce before they hit the C-suite at 3x the rate of men, Boulo is tapping into overlooked (and underutilized) potential that could lead to massive improvements in the US economy.

Park Supply Company is Huntsville and North Alabama's premier supplier of plumbing products. Jimbo Saunders comes on the podcast to walk us through well-rounded principles. This is exemplary of a southern workhorse business podcast, we hope you enjoy!

Rebecca Snyder, Co-founder and Head of Production for Lumineux Chocolate comes on the podcast to share their plans and process for spreading joy and light across the country. They craft small-batch, bean-to-bar fine chocolate with as much care for the farmers creating the beans as the customers enjoying them.

This week Malcolm interviews Tia Nelson with Scribble. You know that magical moment when you’re sipping a brew with a buddy and an idea pops into your head? You frantically scribble it on a napkin because that’s all you have. Meet Scribble, the aptly named project meant to propel ideas and innovation across South Carolina. It’s managed by the SC Department of Commerce and includes a website, an award-winning video/podcast series and a blog, all focused on helping foster creativity and entrepreneurship.

The platform went live in April 2019 at Dig South under the strategic leadership of Managing Director, Laura Corder. Tia has managed most of the build out of the media, grass roots event planning and much of the creative direction of the Season 2 Innovator Series.

Tune in to hear about the innovators Scribble highlights and the overall vision for SC’s developing ecosystem.