In this episode of the Kanawha Valley Hustlers podcast I visit Thomas Baker at his new office in a former Firestone Tire building in Montgomery. He runs AMG Network Hosting, an IT consulting firm that acts as the help desk for companies from two employees to several hundred. We walk through how his team lets businesses outsource all or part of their IT so they can lean on deeper experience without hiring full time staff.

Thomas talks about buying the old shop from a client, seeing potential in the dated space, and spending months turning it into a working office. From there we get into what clients ask for now. Email still comes up, but the big focus is security. Firewalls, updates, backups, and training all matter because cyber risk is a mix of technology and human habits.

We look at how even a small office can have more than a hundred devices online. Thermostats, cameras, phones, laptops, tablets, and other gear all share the same network. If things are not set up right, neighbors can ride your Wi-Fi or malicious software can slip in through bad settings without anyone noticing.

Thomas stresses that remote work does not remove the need for protection. Home users still need security tools, VPNs, and care when they handle private data. We close by talking about why a local partner matters. His team serves the tri state area, can show up on site, and puts existing customers first while still making time to meet new ones by appointment.

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In this episode of the Kanawha Valley Hustlers podcast I meet Madison Stone at First Tuesdays. She leads the Elk River Trail Foundation, a 501(c)(3) that works to preserve, protect, and enhance the Elk River and the trail that runs from Sutton Dam to the Kanawha River in Charleston.

I learn the Elk is 102 miles of free-flowing water. The foundation is adding kayak launches every five to ten miles and building ADA-accessible launches in the trail towns of Sutton, Gassaway, Clay, and Clendenin. Sites in Clay and Clendenin are already in place, and the Gassaway design is underway.

We talk about the Elk River Trail itself, now about 72 miles long. It starts at the Gassaway trailhead, runs to Hartland in Clay County, then continues from Queen Shoals to Clendenin, with plans to extend it in the future.

Madison lays out why this matters. The river and trail give people a way to step outside daily routines, get on the water to paddle or fish, or use the path to walk, run, bike, or ride horses. She wants locals to see the value in their own backyard and hopes visitors from other states and countries will come experience these towns.

She also highlights their annual race with a marathon, half marathon, and 5K. This year more than 700 participants came to Gassaway from dozens of states. Anyone who wants details, to donate, or to plan a trip can visit elkrivertrail.org.

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In this episode of the Kanawha Valley Hustlers podcast, I open up about what Thanksgiving brings to mind for anyone building a business. The holiday pulls me back to the reality that ownership is a mix of peaks and valleys, and no amount of planning removes the swings. Two years into running my own company, after years of helping others build theirs, the pattern stays the same. Some weeks feel strong. Other weeks hand you late payments, slow leads, or people who walk away without warning. The work never moves in a straight line, and the pressure hits harder when you expect it to be smooth.

The point I make is that the struggles don’t reveal a flaw in the person doing the work. They show up because the work is real. The internet is full of promises of passive income and effortless growth, but anyone operating a real business knows those promises don’t match the day-to-day grind. You can land a couple strong clients and still find yourself back at zero the minute the projects wrap. You can do everything right and still wait for money that never arrives. It’s part of the terrain.

To steady that stress, I talk about a simple practice that has helped me stay centered. Each day, write down three things you’re grateful for. Not mental notes. Not silent thoughts. Physical writing. The act forces your attention onto the things that still work when the business feels heavy. Most people can find three things without much effort. Waking up. Eating when you want. Walking across the room without pain. Having a family that’s close. My own list grows fast when I stop long enough to name what’s already in front of me.

Gratitude doesn’t erase a slow month or fix someone who won’t pay. It does anchor you so frustration doesn’t take over the entire day. When the work dips, the list helps you remember the parts of your life that aren’t tied to the next invoice. It becomes a small reset button that keeps the valleys from pulling you further down.

I wrap by reminding everyone that the ride never levels out. Entrepreneurship doesn’t offer a season where everything runs without a hitch. But that doesn’t mean you’re losing ground. It means you’re in the same arena as everyone else building something from scratch. A little perspective and a daily moment of gratitude can keep you grounded long enough to push through the next climb. Enjoy the holiday, enjoy the people around you, and keep moving forward with a clear head.

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I talk with Caroline Starr and she tells me about KDE Technology, where they handle website development, graphic design, marketing and cybersecurity. I ask why cybersecurity has grown and she says people now see the need for it as more break ins hit the news and more people worry about passwords and digital risk. She says it is more than passwords now because everything is digital.

I ask her about their space on Hale Street and she tells me they use it as a business incubator. She says people can rent it for almost anything and they have hosted comedy shows and open mic nights. I ask what makes their website work stand out and she tells me they build everything from scratch and host it all themselves. She says nothing is template based and they manage their own servers.

We talk about marketing and she says they handle SEO, Google Business profiles and social media and work with clients to help them grow. I ask how she got into this field and she tells me she taught for seventeen years and her students pushed her to follow her passion, which took her into cybersecurity and then into KDE.

I bring up their recent personnel change and she tells me their managing partner Lee is now full-time in the office. She says having him there is helpful because he can answer cybersecurity questions fast and help clients when issues come up. I ask her to pick one favorite thing they do and she tries to pick all of them, but she settles on cybersecurity because that is where her passion is.

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In this episode of the Kanawha Valley Hustlers podcast I talk with Mayor Kay Summers during the ribbon cutting at the Riverview Complex. I listen as she explains why this moment matters for the town as people walk through the new spaces, try the food, and see what is now open for business. I hear her talk about the years of recovery after the 2016 flood and how long it took to bring back schools, a grocery store, and basic services. I listen to the strain in the story but also the steady focus on what comes next.

I ask how this project started and she tells me about the vision behind taking on the old school building and turning it into apartments, a business incubator, a clinic, and space for the library. She talks about 25045 and the work that goes beyond the town limits to support economic development. I hear how long the process has taken and what it means for residents to finally see doors open and lights on.

I ask what people can do when they visit and she walks me through Main Street, the stage, the entertainment, and the trails. She talks about the river, kayaking, tubing, hiking, and biking. She tells me about the brewery, the coffee shop, the stores, and the new restaurant coming soon. She explains how to get to Clendenin from the interstate and how easy the drive is.

She talks about the draw of outdoor recreation and how the river brings people in from outside the area. I hear her describe the pride residents feel when they see visitors spend time in town and support local shops. She tells me how each new business signals another step toward long term stability.

I ask her what comes next and she talks about keeping people informed through the website, Facebook page, and town hall. She tells me they want more people to come and take part in what Clendenin offers. I hear the hope in her voice as she invites everyone to visit and see the progress for themselves.

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I talk with Lance Wheeler and ask him about his hustle. He talks about the work in Clendenin and how new housing, business incubators and the library show the progress after the floods. He says the County Commission supports the town and its efforts and he sees new projects all over Kanawha County. I ask why the activity is growing and he says local, county, state and federal officials are working together and that teamwork is pushing things forward. He says people now see outdoor recreation, tourism and new businesses taking root and that belief is spreading.

I ask about tourism and he says West Virginia is using its mountains and people to bring visitors here. He talks about the outlaw trails and the new dirt bike system in Tornado. He says riders from other countries are choosing Kanawha County and spending money with local shops. He says that gives more opportunities to communities.

I step back and ask him to explain the role of the County Commission. He says they handle public safety, law enforcement and the 911 system. They support the courts and make sure people in need get help. He says they also focus on economic development and that the growth in Clendenin shows that work.

Lance says cooperation is the reason these projects are happening. He says the agencies involved put aside politics and focus on results for the people who live here. He says that shared purpose is helping rebuild trust and pushing the county toward steady growth.

As we close, I ask how people can learn more. He says they should attend public meetings and follow the Commission on social media to see the impact on local lives. He says the county is moving in the right direction and people are believing.

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I meet Evan and Rebekah Harding and hear how they left Cincinnati, came back to West Virginia, and built a new life in Clendenin. They tell me how they quit their jobs, stopped in town by chance during a fall festival, and decided this is the place where they want to stay. They talk about how the shift from a big city to a small town feels natural for them and how the pace and people make it feel like home.

They explain how the ribbon cutting at the Riverview project represents the momentum they see in the community and why supporting it matters to them as business owners. They tell me they want to see their brewery grow but also want the whole town to rise with it. They say the success of one business helps everyone when the goal is to build something lasting.

They describe the work they put into Clendenin Brewing Company and how they spend nearly every hour behind the bar meeting people face to face. They say that knowing customers by name and hearing their stories is one of the best parts of running the brewery. They tell me how that sense of connection stands in contrast to what they experienced in Cincinnati.

They walk me through the restored bank building that now holds the brewery and share how the previous owners set the stage by rebuilding it after the flood. They talk about the variety they offer, from local craft beer to wine, food, live music, trivia, knitting club, Bible study, book club, and more. They say they want the brewery to be a true third place where families, friends, and visitors can relax, talk, and feel welcome.

They close by sharing how to find them online and invite everyone to stop by on Main Street. They tell me they want people to come in whether they want a beer, a soft drink, or just a place to sit and talk.

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In this episode of the Kanawha Valley Hustlers podcast, I talk with Dave Knight about how a group of residents in Clendenin came together to save an old school building from being lost. Dave explains that the structure started as a high school in 1912, later became a middle school, and was eventually closed. He and several others decided it was too valuable to abandon, so they took ownership and looked for a way to restore it.

They eventually partnered with several local organizations, transforming the old building into housing and business space. The first renovation in 2011 cost $5 million, and the recent upgrades totaled $7.5 million. Today, the building includes ten apartments, a medical clinic, a pharmacy, a dental office, and eight business suites renting for one dollar per square foot, including utilities.

Dave says most of the apartments are already filled, with six units designated as income-restricted and four open to anyone. The building offers free laundry, Wi-Fi, and accessibility features, all within walking distance of downtown. The project provides affordable living space and access to essential services for residents who may not have transportation, making it an ideal fit for the community’s needs.

He shares that the project wasn’t easy and required persistence through years of planning, funding challenges, and community coordination. The partnership between local leaders and private organizations showed what’s possible when small towns invest in their own growth.

He describes the ribbon cutting as emotional after years of work, crediting the mayor, town council, and his team for bringing more than $30 million in economic development to a town of just 1,000 people. The project stands as a symbol of what can happen when a community refuses to give up on its history and chooses to build a future instead.

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I talk straight to the entrepreneurs who say they want success but still treat their business like a 9-to-5 job. That mindset doesn’t work if you want to grow. The 9-to-5 schedule was made for factory workers a century ago, not for people building something of their own. You have to work nights, weekends, and in between. Growth takes more than clocking in and out — it takes persistence and pain.

Too many people talk about work-life balance before they’ve even put in the work. Building something from scratch is hard, and most people quit before they even feel real burnout. If you want a business, you grind. If you want balance, you get a job. It’s that simple.

You also have to get your personal finances in order. Stop eating out every night and complaining you can’t afford marketing or tools. The money you waste on convenience could be funding your growth. Rich people aren’t impressed by fancy cars or jewelry. They’re impressed by results. Alex Hormozi says if you want to impress poor people, outspend them. If you want to impress rich people, outwork them.

And if you’re out drinking every night, you’re losing more than money — you’re losing time and focus. The friends who push you to party aren’t helping you grow. Upgrade your circle to people who challenge you to do better. That doesn’t mean you can’t have fun. It means the kind of fun that got you here won’t take you further. Growth means discomfort, new habits, and discipline. I say this because I believe in what you can do. Stop reaching for comfort and start reaching for growth.

Every successful business starts with a decision to change. Nobody is coming to save you, and no one will work harder for your dream than you will. The moment you stop waiting for motivation and start taking consistent action, that’s when everything shifts. You don’t need perfect conditions — you need action.

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I talk with Rozanna Bracken, director of the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline for the state of West Virginia. She explains that 988 replaced the old 1-800-273-TALK number to make it easier to remember, and now includes text and chat options. Anyone can call — whether they’re feeling down, helping a loved one, or facing a serious crisis. The counselors are trained to listen without judgment and guide callers to safety and resources.

Rozanna says crisis is defined by whoever is experiencing it, not by the counselor. The service doesn’t decide who qualifies for help. If you call, someone will listen. She also mentions the “Be the One To” campaign, which teaches five steps to help someone stay safe. The work her team does is evidence-based, focused on what keeps people alive, and supported by training that teaches listening without trying to fix.

She explains that family and friends often want to solve problems quickly, but sometimes the best help is simply listening. People in crisis don’t always need solutions — they need someone who hears them. That’s what 988 provides, a safe and calm space to talk without fear or judgment.

We also talk about the Out of the Darkness Walk, hosted by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Rozanna serves on the board and says these events help normalize the conversation about mental health and reduce stigma. They show people they’re not alone and help families learn from each other.

As we close, she reminds everyone that no concern is too small. You matter. If you or someone you know is struggling, call, text, or chat 988.

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