How are we doing? Who do you want to learn from next? Text us with notes and ideas.

Ever wondered what happens when you build a golf brand for people who care more about the beer cooler than their scorecard? Wes Loman, founder of The Salty Golfer, joins us from Dig South to share how he's created a thriving golf lifestyle brand that puts fun first.

Founded in 2019, The Salty Golfer embodies a refreshingly casual approach to a traditionally stuffy sport. "We throw a party and golf gets in the way," Wes explains, describing how his brand appeals to golfers who might not make birdies or pars consistently but still want to look good on the links. Their most popular t-shirt bears the motto "Play fast because the ice is melting" – a nod to keeping pace so the beers stay cold, not because of any climate concerns.

The brand has expanded beyond apparel to include "The Salty," a crushable 4.2% ABV pineapple blonde beer now available at prestigious locations like Kiawah Island and The Sanctuary. But what truly sets The Salty Golfer apart is their role as trusted insiders for the 86 golf courses along Myrtle Beach's Grand Strand. Wes and his team provide real-time feedback on course conditions, answer questions about aeration schedules, and often join groups that need an extra player – creating authentic connections with their community.

Looking ahead, Wes revealed plans for an eight-episode series debunking ridiculous golf course reviews, including complaints about courses being "built backwards" because the sun gets in players' eyes. With partnerships with major equipment manufacturers and a growing presence across social media platforms, The Salty Golfer continues to redefine what golf culture can be – less uptight, more inclusive, and always ready for a good time.

Ready to embrace the laid-back golf lifestyle? Follow The Salty Golfer on all social platforms or visit TheSaltyGolfer.com to join the party that occasionally gets interrupted by golf.

The Harbor House Party Vol. II brings together conversation, connection, and live music for one unforgettable night in Charleston - all while raising funds to support the Harbor Entrepreneur Center.

On September 23, guests can choose how they experience the night, from an intimate VIP gathering at Share House to the roundtable and live music at Music Farm featuring the Futurebirds.

HarborEC.org

How can Charleston businesses get noticed, found and chosen? The Charleston Marketing Podcast, brought to you by Charleston AMA and recorded at Charleston Media Solutions, answers the marketing and media questions local business owners are asking. We explore media buying, advertising budgets, radio, digital marketing, storytelling and the customer journey, with practical strategies for growing your business in today’s attention economy. CharlestonMediaSolutions.com

Support the show

Title Sponsor: Charleston American Marketing Association

Presenting Sponsor: Charleston Media Solutions

Annual Sponsor: ‪SCRA; South Carolina Research Authority

Quarterly Sponsor: King and Columbus

CAMACast Cohosts: Stephanie Barrow, Mike Compton, Rachel Backal, Tom Keppeler, Amanda Bunting Comen, 

Silicon Harbor Hot Take Host: Stanfield Gray, https://digsouth.com

Produced and edited: RMBO Advertising

Photographer | Co-host: Kelli Morse

Score by:  The Strawberry Entrée; Jerry Feels Good, CURRYSAUCE, DBLCRWN, DJ DollaMenu
Studio Engineer: Brian Cleary and Mathew Chase

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How are we doing? Who do you want to learn from next? Text us with notes and ideas.

What happens when your lifelong passion suddenly feels more like a burden? For Jennings King, the realization came in a moment of clarity while scrolling through Instagram—after 15 years of capturing wedding memories, she texted her marketing strategist: "weddings make me want to vomit." This brutally honest confession marked the beginning of a remarkable professional transformation.

In this candid conversation, Jennings reveals how she pivoted from wedding photography to founding Spacemaker Professional, a business focused on creating physical, digital, and mental clarity through professional organizing. With marketing strategist Taylor Yeun by her side, Jennings details the emotional journey of walking away from a successful career and the strategic steps that made her transition both possible and profitable.

The episode explores the surprising power of authenticity in business transitions, as Jennings managed to maintain her social media following despite completely changing her content focus. We dive deep into the emotional significance of her work, particularly in preserving family histories through digitizing photographs, slides, and even handwritten recipe cards—creating accessible digital libraries from boxes of deteriorating memories.

For anyone contemplating a career change, Jennings offers practical wisdom: delegate to professionals, find your community, and honor both your passions and market demands. Her journey reminds us that professional reinvention isn't just possible—it might be exactly what you need to reconnect with work that truly fulfills you.

Connect with Jennings on Instagram @spacemakerprofessional to learn how she can help transform your physical space or preserve your irreplaceable memories.

The Harbor House Party Vol. II brings together conversation, connection, and live music for one unforgettable night in Charleston - all while raising funds to support the Harbor Entrepreneur Center.

On September 23, guests can choose how they experience the night, from an intimate VIP gathering at Share House to the roundtable and live music at Music Farm featuring the Futurebirds.

HarborEC.org

Join Camp Happy Days on Saturday, September 19th for Happy Steps, a 5K run/walk on Sullivan's Island in honor of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. The race starts and finishes at The Island Club, where we invite you to stick around for the afterparty featuring food, drinks, raffles, auction items, music, and race awards — all benefiting Camp Happy Days and the children and families we serve. 

https://www.camphappydays.org/happysteps

How can Charleston businesses get noticed, found and chosen? The Charleston Marketing Podcast, brought to you by Charleston AMA and recorded at Charleston Media Solutions, answers the marketing and media questions local business owners are asking. We explore media buying, advertising budgets, radio, digital marketing, storytelling and the customer journey, with practical strategies for growing your business in today’s attention economy. CharlestonMediaSolutions.com

Support the show

Title Sponsor: Charleston American Marketing Association

Presenting Sponsor: Charleston Media Solutions

Annual Sponsor: ‪SCRA; South Carolina Research Authority

Quarterly Sponsor: King and Columbus

CAMACast Cohosts: Stephanie Barrow, Mike Compton, Rachel Backal, Tom Keppeler, Amanda Bunting Comen, 

Silicon Harbor Hot Take Host: Stanfield Gray, https://digsouth.com

Produced and edited: RMBO Advertising

Photographer | Co-host: Kelli Morse

Score by:  The Strawberry Entrée; Jerry Feels Good, CURRYSAUCE, DBLCRWN, DJ DollaMenu
Studio Engineer: Brian Cleary and Mathew Chase

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How are we doing? Who do you want to learn from next? Text us with notes and ideas.

Kristina Chapple has a refreshing take on startup funding that might just transform venture capital as we know it. Fresh from raising $46 million for 11 Tribes Ventures second fund, she's on a mission that extends far beyond traditional investment metrics.

While most VCs focus exclusively on financial outcomes, Kristina's team is pioneering a dual approach that places equal emphasis on what happens to the founders themselves. "What's the state of our founders' most precious relationships when they walk from their company?" she asks. "If they're married, are they still together with that spouse? If they have kids, do their kids know them? What's their health like—physical, mental, spiritual?" These questions reflect 11 Tribes' commitment to measuring and supporting what they call the "founder outcome," born from the team's personal experiences with the often devastating personal toll of entrepreneurship.

This isn't just feel-good investing—it's strategic. Kristina believes that by dedicating resources to founders' wellbeing, the financial outcomes naturally follow. Her fund targets companies positioned for exits in the $75-300 million range, deliberately seeking founders who have been "haunted by a problem" rather than those who simply spot market opportunities. And instead of concentrating in traditional tech hubs, 11 Tribes is bringing capital to overlooked ecosystems like Charleston, Atlanta, Nashville, and Tulsa, where committed entrepreneurs are building solutions to problems they deeply understand.

Kristina represents what she calls "a new wave of venture capital entering the market post-2020"—one that's more aligned with founders as whole people, not just vehicles for returns. For entrepreneurs who've worried that raising capital means sacrificing everything else, her approach offers a compelling alternative. Connect with Kristina on LinkedIn or at 11tribesvc.com to learn how this human-centered investment philosophy might support your journey.

The Harbor House Party Vol. II brings together conversation, connection, and live music for one unforgettable night in Charleston - all while raising funds to support the Harbor Entrepreneur Center.

On September 23, guests can choose how they experience the night, from an intimate VIP gathering at Share House to the roundtable and live music at Music Farm featuring the Futurebirds.

HarborEC.org

How can Charleston businesses get noticed, found and chosen? The Charleston Marketing Podcast, brought to you by Charleston AMA and recorded at Charleston Media Solutions, answers the marketing and media questions local business owners are asking. We explore media buying, advertising budgets, radio, digital marketing, storytelling and the customer journey, with practical strategies for growing your business in today’s attention economy. CharlestonMediaSolutions.com

Support the show

Title Sponsor: Charleston American Marketing Association

Presenting Sponsor: Charleston Media Solutions

Annual Sponsor: ‪SCRA; South Carolina Research Authority

Quarterly Sponsor: King and Columbus

CAMACast Cohosts: Stephanie Barrow, Mike Compton, Rachel Backal, Tom Keppeler, Amanda Bunting Comen, 

Silicon Harbor Hot Take Host: Stanfield Gray, https://digsouth.com

Produced and edited: RMBO Advertising

Photographer | Co-host: Kelli Morse

Score by:  The Strawberry Entrée; Jerry Feels Good, CURRYSAUCE, DBLCRWN, DJ DollaMenu
Studio Engineer: Brian Cleary and Mathew Chase

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How are we doing? Who do you want to learn from next? Text us with notes and ideas.

What happens when two marketing professionals with complementary strengths join forces? In this candid conversation with Amber and Rachel of Matchstick Social, we explore the remarkable journey of a Charleston-based agency that's grown from a King Street startup to a thriving full-service marketing firm over the past 12 years.

The duo shares how their partnership began with a late-night phone call from a steakhouse bathroom and a spontaneous decision that would change both their lives. Despite facing the challenge of geographic separation when Amber moved to Oklahoma for five years, their business persevered through what they describe as "two steps forward, one step back" until reuniting in Charleston reignited their momentum.

What truly stands out is their refreshing perspective on Charleston's marketing community. Rather than viewing other agencies as competition, they celebrate collaboration, resource-sharing, and mutual support. "If you raise your rate, I can raise my rate," they explain, highlighting how elevating industry standards benefits everyone. This philosophy extends to their approach with clients—evolving from selling services to finding the right fit, creating partnerships rather than transactions.

The conversation takes fascinating turns through discussions of AI in marketing (a tool, not a replacement for creativity), balancing motherhood with entrepreneurship (five kids between them!), and why Charleston has become a hub for marketing innovation. They even weigh in on the great debate about remote work versus office culture, sharing insights from their TEDx talk on the unintended consequences of working from home.

Whether you're a marketing professional, business owner, or simply curious about Charleston's thriving creative community, this episode offers valuable insights into building successful partnerships, adapting to industry changes, and creating a business that truly reflects your values. Join us for this engaging conversation that's as entertaining as it is enlightening.

The Harbor House Party Vol. II brings together conversation, connection, and live music for one unforgettable night in Charleston - all while raising funds to support the Harbor Entrepreneur Center.

On September 23, guests can choose how they experience the night, from an intimate VIP gathering at Share House to the roundtable and live music at Music Farm featuring the Futurebirds.

HarborEC.org

Join Camp Happy Days on Saturday, September 19th for Happy Steps, a 5K run/walk on Sullivan's Island in honor of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. The race starts and finishes at The Island Club, where we invite you to stick around for the afterparty featuring food, drinks, raffles, auction items, music, and race awards — all benefiting Camp Happy Days and the children and families we serve. 

https://www.camphappydays.org/happysteps

How can Charleston businesses get noticed, found and chosen? The Charleston Marketing Podcast, brought to you by Charleston AMA and recorded at Charleston Media Solutions, answers the marketing and media questions local business owners are asking. We explore media buying, advertising budgets, radio, digital marketing, storytelling and the customer journey, with practical strategies for growing your business in today’s attention economy. CharlestonMediaSolutions.com

Support the show

Title Sponsor: Charleston American Marketing Association

Presenting Sponsor: Charleston Media Solutions

Annual Sponsor: ‪SCRA; South Carolina Research Authority

Quarterly Sponsor: King and Columbus

CAMACast Cohosts: Stephanie Barrow, Mike Compton, Rachel Backal, Tom Keppeler, Amanda Bunting Comen, 

Silicon Harbor Hot Take Host: Stanfield Gray, https://digsouth.com

Produced and edited: RMBO Advertising

Photographer | Co-host: Kelli Morse

Score by:  The Strawberry Entrée; Jerry Feels Good, CURRYSAUCE, DBLCRWN, DJ DollaMenu
Studio Engineer: Brian Cleary and Mathew Chase

YouTube...

How are we doing? Who do you want to learn from next? Text us with notes and ideas.

Have you ever wondered who actually controls the internet? Or how standards like email and web protocols come to be? The Charleston Marketing Podcast dives deep into this fascinating world with special guest Thomas McCarthy-Howe, co-author of a groundbreaking new internet standard called Virtual Conversations.

Broadcasting live from Dig South in Charleston, hosts Mike and Stephanie discover how this first-ever AI standard aims to solve one of technology's most pressing challenges: making conversation data useful for analysis while protecting individual privacy rights. Thomas explains how his work with the Internet Society—a global organization of engineers, government officials, and human rights advocates—is creating a file format that enables companies to analyze conversations while simultaneously allowing individuals to exercise their digital rights.

The conversation reveals surprising insights about the Internet Engineering Task Force, where a thousand brilliant minds from companies like Cisco, Microsoft, Google, and Mozilla collaborate as individuals, giving up their intellectual property rights for the greater good. As Thomas puts it, "The most dangerous place in tech is the microphone at an IETF conference." With equal parts technical expertise and warm humor, he demystifies how these standards are created and why they matter for everyone who uses digital technology.

Perhaps most compelling is the discussion of practical applications—from preventing deepfakes by verifying authentic conversations to enabling individuals to access, correct, and delete their data from companies. His passion for digital rights is evident as he explains why protecting biometric data like voice recordings is particularly crucial: "I can change my name, but I can't change the way I sound."

Join us for this eye-opening exploration of the invisible architecture that governs our digital lives, and discover how standards like Virtual Conversations are shaping a more secure, transparent future for AI technology. Check out ietf.org or conservr.io to learn more about this important work.

The Harbor House Party Vol. II brings together conversation, connection, and live music for one unforgettable night in Charleston - all while raising funds to support the Harbor Entrepreneur Center.

On September 23, guests can choose how they experience the night, from an intimate VIP gathering at Share House to the roundtable and live music at Music Farm featuring the Futurebirds.

HarborEC.org

How can Charleston businesses get noticed, found and chosen? The Charleston Marketing Podcast, brought to you by Charleston AMA and recorded at Charleston Media Solutions, answers the marketing and media questions local business owners are asking. We explore media buying, advertising budgets, radio, digital marketing, storytelling and the customer journey, with practical strategies for growing your business in today’s attention economy. CharlestonMediaSolutions.com

Support the show

Title Sponsor: Charleston American Marketing Association

Presenting Sponsor: Charleston Media Solutions

Annual Sponsor: ‪SCRA; South Carolina Research Authority

Quarterly Sponsor: King and Columbus

CAMACast Cohosts: Stephanie Barrow, Mike Compton, Rachel Backal, Tom Keppeler, Amanda Bunting Comen, 

Silicon Harbor Hot Take Host: Stanfield Gray, https://digsouth.com

Produced and edited: RMBO Advertising

Photographer | Co-host: Kelli Morse

Score by:  The Strawberry Entrée; Jerry Feels Good, CURRYSAUCE, DBLCRWN, DJ DollaMenu
Studio Engineer: Brian Cleary and Mathew Chase

YouTube...

How are we doing? Who do you want to learn from next? Text us with notes and ideas.

Meet Ada Pasternak, a musical force whose extraordinary journey defies conventional paths. Born in Moscow to musician parents and raised on the East Coast, Ada's early life as a violin prodigy took an unexpected turn when debilitating tendonitis threatened to end her musical career entirely. What followed wasn't defeat but a remarkable reinvention.

During our conversation, Ada reveals the pivotal moment when—encouraged by her mother's intuition—she applied to Berklee College of Music minutes before the deadline and earned a full scholarship despite not having played violin for years. This turning point opened a world beyond classical music, as Ada discovered her voice as a singer-songwriter and expanded her repertoire to include folk, pop, jazz, and country influences. Her collaborations with Postmodern Jukebox launched her Los Angeles career before Nashville beckoned with its rich songwriting community.

What truly sets Ada apart isn't just her versatility across musical genres or her mastery of violin, voice, and songwriting—it's her profound commitment to using music as a vehicle for connection and healing. Her newly established nonprofit, "Ada's Gift of Music," brings musical experiences to children in hospitals and underserved communities, reflecting her belief that music's true power lies in its ability to transform lives. During her first visit to Charleston, she immediately sought opportunities to perform at the children's hospital and historic synagogue rather than typical tourist activities.

Ada's hit song "Perfectly Imperfect" has struck a chord with listeners seeking authenticity in a world obsessed with curated perfection, inspiring her upcoming children's book of the same name. Between performing from her vast catalogue of hundreds of original songs, designing merchandise, and planning collaborations, Ada exemplifies the modern independent artist—one who refuses categorization and creates on her own terms.

Subscribe to follow Ada's musical journey and discover how sometimes our greatest challenges—like being forced to put down the violin—lead to gifts we never imagined possible. Visit AdaPasternak.com to explore her music and support her philanthropic efforts bringing music to those who need it most.

The Harbor House Party Vol. II brings together conversation, connection, and live music for one unforgettable night in Charleston - all while raising funds to support the Harbor Entrepreneur Center.

On September 23, guests can choose how they experience the night, from an intimate VIP gathering at Share House to the roundtable and live music at Music Farm featuring the Futurebirds.

HarborEC.org

Join Camp Happy Days on Saturday, September 19th for Happy Steps, a 5K run/walk on Sullivan's Island in honor of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. The race starts and finishes at The Island Club, where we invite you to stick around for the afterparty featuring food, drinks, raffles, auction items, music, and race awards — all benefiting Camp Happy Days and the children and families we serve. 

https://www.camphappydays.org/happysteps

How can Charleston businesses get noticed, found and chosen? The Charleston Marketing Podcast, brought to you by Charleston AMA and recorded at Charleston Media Solutions, answers the marketing and media questions local business owners are asking. We explore media buying, advertising budgets, radio, digital marketing, storytelling and the customer journey, with practical strategies for growing your business in today’s attention economy. CharlestonMediaSolutions.com

Support the show

Title Sponsor: Charleston American Marketing Association

Presenting Sponsor: Charleston Media Solutions

Annual Sponsor: ‪SCRA; South Carolina Research Authority

Quarterly Sponsor: King and Columbus

CAMACast Cohosts: Stephanie Barrow, Mike Compton, Rachel Backal, Tom Keppeler, Amanda Bunting Comen, 

Silicon Harbor Hot Take Host: Stanfield Gray, https://digsouth.com

Produced and edited: RMBO Advertising

Photographer | Co-host: Kelli Morse

Score by:  The Strawberry Entrée; Jerry Feels Good, CURRYSAUCE, DBLCRWN, DJ DollaMenu
Studio Engineer: Brian Cleary and Mathew Chase

YouTube...

How are we doing? Who do you want to learn from next? Text us with notes and ideas.

Rob Concannon's journey from hockey player to president of the South Carolina Stingrays is a testament to Charleston's magnetic pull. After arriving in 1995 as a player for the Stingrays, a friend's prophetic words—"if you go to Charleston, you will never move home"—proved remarkably accurate. Nearly three decades later, Rob has transformed from a "mouthy" left-winger to the visionary leader behind the Stingrays' remarkable success.

The conversation reveals how the Stingrays have mastered the art of sports marketing in a competitive landscape. Rob explains their creative approach to themed promotional nights, from Star Wars extravaganzas to Bluey appearances that draw thousands of families who might not otherwise attend hockey games. "In minor league sports," he notes, "you have to become creative in terms of attracting fans." This strategy has paid dividends as attendance soars and community excitement builds around the team's record-breaking season—52 wins, 109 points, and the prestigious Bradham Cup as regular-season champions.

Community engagement emerges as the heartbeat of the Stingrays' organization. The team's commitment to "Tikamolam"—repairing the world—manifests through their "Community Assist of the Game" program supporting local nonprofits, school visits, reading programs, and countless other initiatives that forge meaningful connections throughout the Lowcountry. These efforts aren't mere publicity stunts but genuine expressions of the organization's values, established by former owners Anita and Jerry Zucker and carried forward by current owner Todd Halloran.

As the Stingrays head into the playoffs with home-ice advantage, Rob balances present excitement with future planning. The team's participation in "ECHL Unfiltered," a documentary offering unprecedented behind-the-scenes access, further demonstrates their innovative approach to fan engagement. Whether discussing marketing strategies, player development, or community impact, Rob's passion for both hockey and Charleston shines through.

The Harbor House Party Vol. II brings together conversation, connection, and live music for one unforgettable night in Charleston - all while raising funds to support the Harbor Entrepreneur Center.

On September 23, guests can choose how they experience the night, from an intimate VIP gathering at Share House to the roundtable and live music at Music Farm featuring the Futurebirds.

HarborEC.org

Join Camp Happy Days on Saturday, September 19th for Happy Steps, a 5K run/walk on Sullivan's Island in honor of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. The race starts and finishes at The Island Club, where we invite you to stick around for the afterparty featuring food, drinks, raffles, auction items, music, and race awards — all benefiting Camp Happy Days and the children and families we serve. 

https://www.camphappydays.org/happysteps

How can Charleston businesses get noticed, found and chosen? The Charleston Marketing Podcast, brought to you by Charleston AMA and recorded at Charleston Media Solutions, answers the marketing and media questions local business owners are asking. We explore media buying, advertising budgets, radio, digital marketing, storytelling and the customer journey, with practical strategies for growing your business in today’s attention economy. CharlestonMediaSolutions.com

Support the show

Title Sponsor: Charleston American Marketing Association

Presenting Sponsor: Charleston Media Solutions

Annual Sponsor: ‪SCRA; South Carolina Research Authority

Quarterly Sponsor: King and Columbus

CAMACast Cohosts: Stephanie Barrow, Mike Compton, Rachel Backal, Tom Keppeler, Amanda Bunting Comen, 

Silicon Harbor Hot Take Host: Stanfield Gray, https://digsouth.com

Produced and edited: RMBO Advertising

Photographer | Co-host: Kelli Morse

Score by:  The Strawberry Entrée; Jerry Feels Good, CURRYSAUCE, DBLCRWN, DJ DollaMenu
Studio Engineer: Brian Cleary and Mathew Chase

YouTube...

How are we doing? Who do you want to learn from next? Text us with notes and ideas.

Ever wondered what happens when innovative minds tackle agricultural waste? Meet Tom Bessell, co-founder of ALBON, who's revolutionizing how we think about wastewater and soil health.

Tom joins us from Dig South to share his startup's groundbreaking approach to environmental challenges. Albon has developed proprietary photobioreactors that harness microalgae's natural ability to clean agricultural wastewater. The process removes phosphorus, nitrogen, and grease from contaminated water while simultaneously capturing atmospheric carbon. But the innovation doesn't stop there - the nutrient-rich algae is transformed through pyrolysis into biochar, a powerful soil amendment that helps farmers improve crop yields and water retention naturally.

What makes this technology particularly fascinating is its circular nature. The dirtier the wastewater, the faster the algae grows and the more nutrient-dense the resulting biochar becomes. It's a perfect example of turning a problem into an opportunity. Tom explains how their technology can help revitalize over-farmed soils by reactivating natural carbon cycles that industrial agriculture has disrupted. Currently piloting with the Sydney local government, Albon is eyeing future expansion into meat and dairy processing facilities where wastewater is especially nutrient-rich.

Tom's entrepreneurial journey offers valuable lessons in adaptation. What began as a carbon capture concept in late 2023 evolved into their current wastewater treatment model after the initial approach proved impractical. This pivot demonstrates how environmental innovation often requires flexibility and responsiveness to real-world constraints. Follow Albon's continuing development on Instagram at @albon_au or on LinkedIn to witness how this Australian startup is transforming agricultural waste streams into sustainable resources for the future of farming.

The Harbor House Party Vol. II brings together conversation, connection, and live music for one unforgettable night in Charleston - all while raising funds to support the Harbor Entrepreneur Center.

On September 23, guests can choose how they experience the night, from an intimate VIP gathering at Share House to the roundtable and live music at Music Farm featuring the Futurebirds.

HarborEC.org

How can Charleston businesses get noticed, found and chosen? The Charleston Marketing Podcast, brought to you by Charleston AMA and recorded at Charleston Media Solutions, answers the marketing and media questions local business owners are asking. We explore media buying, advertising budgets, radio, digital marketing, storytelling and the customer journey, with practical strategies for growing your business in today’s attention economy. CharlestonMediaSolutions.com

Support the show

Title Sponsor: Charleston American Marketing Association

Presenting Sponsor: Charleston Media Solutions

Annual Sponsor: ‪SCRA; South Carolina Research Authority

Quarterly Sponsor: King and Columbus

CAMACast Cohosts: Stephanie Barrow, Mike Compton, Rachel Backal, Tom Keppeler, Amanda Bunting Comen, 

Silicon Harbor Hot Take Host: Stanfield Gray, https://digsouth.com

Produced and edited: RMBO Advertising

Photographer | Co-host: Kelli Morse

Score by:  The Strawberry Entrée; Jerry Feels Good, CURRYSAUCE, DBLCRWN, DJ DollaMenu
Studio Engineer: Brian Cleary and Mathew Chase

YouTube...

How are we doing? Who do you want to learn from next? Text us with notes and ideas.

What if your tax dollars could directly fund life-saving innovations happening right in your backyard? For South Carolinians, this isn't just a possibility—it's a reality through the South Carolina Research Authority.

Adrianne Grimes, Director of Marketing and Communications at SCRA, joins the Charleston Marketing Podcast to pull back the curtain on how this unique organization is transforming healthcare, manufacturing, and technology across the state. Despite its name, SCRA doesn't conduct research—they fund and support the brilliant minds who do, ensuring groundbreaking innovations actually make it to market.

From a device helping premature babies learn to feed properly to 3D imaging technology revolutionizing cancer diagnosis, the innovations supported by SCRA solve real human problems. The organization maintains six innovation centers across South Carolina, providing specialized facilities for researchers and tech startups who might otherwise leave the state. The impact is measurable—jobs supported by SCRA typically pay 72% higher than the state average.

What makes Adrianne's perspective particularly fascinating is her own remarkable career journey. Before championing innovation at SCRA, she managed communications for Tim Scott's first congressional campaign, rolled out the Affordable Care Act across two states, and advocated for telehealth solutions in rural South Carolina areas where medical care is sparse. Her story exemplifies the diverse opportunities available in marketing and communications when you're willing to pivot and embrace new challenges.

Whether you're an entrepreneur looking for support, a professional seeking career inspiration, or simply a curious South Carolinian wondering how to make your tax dollars work harder, this conversation offers valuable insights into the innovation ecosystem that's quietly transforming the Palmetto State. Visit SCRAorg to discover how you can redirect your tax dollars to fund the next generation of groundbreaking ideas.

Show Notes:

https://www.scra.org/get-to-know/who-we-are/our-team/

https://www.scra.org/get-support/lease-space/

https://musckids.org/about-us/news/2018/09/05/using-new-therapies-to-teach-critical-skills

https://www.pensievision.com/

https://www.scra.org/give-support/ipf/

https://www.scra.org/sc-launch/our-portfolio/

https://www.palmettolifesc.com/video/2025/02/11/video-live-5-love-story-33-year-marriage/

The Harbor House Party Vol. II brings together conversation, connection, and live music for one unforgettable night in Charleston - all while raising funds to support the Harbor Entrepreneur Center.

On September 23, guests can choose how they experience the night, from an intimate VIP gathering at Share House to the roundtable and live music at Music Farm featuring the Futurebirds.

HarborEC.org

Join Camp Happy Days on Saturday, September 19th for Happy Steps, a 5K run/walk on Sullivan's Island in honor of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. The race starts and finishes at The Island Club, where we invite you to stick around for the afterparty featuring food, drinks, raffles, auction items, music, and race awards — all benefiting Camp Happy Days and the children and families we serve. 

https://www.camphappydays.org/happysteps

How can Charleston businesses get noticed, found and chosen? The Charleston Marketing Podcast, brought to you by Charleston AMA and recorded at Charleston Media Solutions, answers the marketing and media questions local business owners are asking. We explore media buying, advertising budgets, radio, digital marketing, storytelling and the customer journey, with practical strategies for growing your business in today’s attention economy. CharlestonMediaSolutions.com

Support the show

Title Sponsor: Charleston American Marketing Association

Presenting Sponsor: Charleston Media Solutions

Annual Sponsor: ‪SCRA; South Carolina Research Authority

Quarterly Sponsor: King and Columbus

CAMACast Cohosts: Stephanie Barrow, Mike Compton, Rachel Backal, Tom Keppeler, Amanda Bunting Comen, 

Silicon Harbor Hot Take Host: Stanfield Gray, https://digsouth.com

Produced and edited: RMBO Advertising

Photographer | Co-host: Kelli Morse

Score by:  The Strawberry Entrée; Jerry Feels Good, CURRYSAUCE, DBLCRWN, DJ DollaMenu
Studio Engineer: Brian Cleary and Mathew Chase

YouTube...

How are we doing? Who do you want to learn from next? Text us with notes and ideas.

Artificial intelligence isn't just for tech giants anymore. Two Charleston-based entrepreneurs are proving that small businesses and traditional industries can harness AI's power to compete at unprecedented levels.

Meet Tanqueray Edwards, owner of TR Edwards Consultancy, who specializes in empowering small to mid-sized businesses with strategic AI solutions. Her mission resonates deeply in South Carolina, where small businesses constitute approximately 94% of the state's economy. Rather than approaching AI as a blanket solution, Edwards works closely with clients to identify specific pain points and develop customized digital roadmaps that align with their business objectives. The results speak volumes – some clients report productivity gains equivalent to adding 2.5 full-time employees through strategic AI implementation.

Alongside her sits Susannah Dellinger, CEO and founder of Bright Beauty Collective, who's revolutionizing how beauty brands enter major retailers like Sephora and Ulta across North America. Beyond her agency work, Dellinger demonstrates how business success and social responsibility can intertwine beautifully. Her company partners with One World Health to support healthcare initiatives, including underwriting Uganda's first neonatal center. As if running a successful beauty agency weren't enough, Dellinger also recently launched "fieldly," an innovative app that transforms field marketing management for brands.

Both entrepreneurs challenge the common fear that AI will replace human workers. Instead, they view artificial intelligence as a complementary force that unlocks human potential and enables businesses to operate more efficiently. As Edwards succinctly puts it: "The AI train is leaving the station" – and Charleston's business owners would be wise to climb aboard. Whether you're struggling with operational inefficiencies, seeking to scale without massive hiring, or looking to maximize your team's impact, the insights shared in this conversation provide a practical roadmap for leveraging technology to transform your business landscape.

The Harbor House Party Vol. II brings together conversation, connection, and live music for one unforgettable night in Charleston - all while raising funds to support the Harbor Entrepreneur Center.

On September 23, guests can choose how they experience the night, from an intimate VIP gathering at Share House to the roundtable and live music at Music Farm featuring the Futurebirds.

HarborEC.org

How can Charleston businesses get noticed, found and chosen? The Charleston Marketing Podcast, brought to you by Charleston AMA and recorded at Charleston Media Solutions, answers the marketing and media questions local business owners are asking. We explore media buying, advertising budgets, radio, digital marketing, storytelling and the customer journey, with practical strategies for growing your business in today’s attention economy. CharlestonMediaSolutions.com

Support the show

Title Sponsor: Charleston American Marketing Association

Presenting Sponsor: Charleston Media Solutions

Annual Sponsor: ‪SCRA; South Carolina Research Authority

Quarterly Sponsor: King and Columbus

CAMACast Cohosts: Stephanie Barrow, Mike Compton, Rachel Backal, Tom Keppeler, Amanda Bunting Comen, 

Silicon Harbor Hot Take Host: Stanfield Gray, https://digsouth.com

Produced and edited: RMBO Advertising

Photographer | Co-host: Kelli Morse

Score by:  The Strawberry Entrée; Jerry Feels Good, CURRYSAUCE, DBLCRWN, DJ DollaMenu
Studio Engineer: Brian Cleary and Mathew Chase

YouTube...