The Lewisville-Clemmons Chamber of Commerce Podcast

Susan Campbell of South 23rd returns to the Chamber podcast with an update that is equal parts inspiring and delightful. Denise opens the conversation by revisiting Susan’s unique niche in the home and garden world: the So.CachePot, a beautifully designed fabric planter cover created to hide the “ugly pot” and elevate any plant instantly. Susan shares how the idea grew out of her own frustration with finding stylish options that matched the high‑end looks she admired in design magazines. What began with two patterns has now expanded into a full line, with new designs on the way for spring.

The two talk about Susan’s recent shows, including her first home-and-garden event in Greenville, where she found herself set up between a flooring specialist, an arborist, and a Caterpillar machinery vendor. Despite the unexpected lineup, she connected with enthusiastic customers and gained valuable insight into new markets. Susan also explains how her products are sewn locally, how she collaborates with her artist to develop patterns, and why she focuses on classic, long‑lasting designs rather than fleeting trends. With three boutique partners already carrying her line and more shows planned in South Carolina, she is steadily expanding her reach.

The episode closes with a look at what’s ahead for South 23rd, including updated packaging, new retail opportunities, and Susan’s goal of taking her line to Atlanta Market next year. Denise and Susan share laughs over tartan patterns, rotary phones, and the winding path of entrepreneurship, but the heart of the conversation is clear: Susan has built something thoughtful, beautiful, and rooted in local craftsmanship. Her So.CachePot line continues to grow, and her passion for design and community shines through every step of the journey.

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Produced by our Partner, Tim Beeman of Such-N-Such Media.
Recorded in the Such-N-Such Media Studios at Liberty Plaza.

The post Susan Campbell: South 23rd first appeared on Lewisville-Clemmons Chamber Podcast.

Nick Mason joins Denise for a candid and energetic conversation about the current mortgage landscape and what buyers need to know as the spring market arrives early. Nick, a longtime Chamber member and trusted mortgage broker with Nexa Mortgage, shares the big news shaking up the industry: new legislation designed to stop the flood of unsolicited calls consumers receive after applying for a mortgage. His passion for consumer protection shines through as he explains why this change matters and how it will help borrowers feel more secure and respected throughout the process.

The gang digs into rates, market trends, and the realities of buying. Nick explains why stabilization has brought buyers back into the market, why he expects a busy season ahead, and how both first‑time buyers and seasoned homeowners can position themselves for success. He talks openly about affordability, the dangers of becoming house poor, and the importance of choosing a mortgage professional who prioritizes long‑term financial health over short‑term transactions. His stories about guiding young couples, helping investors, and walking clients through multi‑year journeys reveal the heart behind his work.

The episode closes on a personal note, with Nick sharing updates about his family, his pride in his clients, and his commitment to educating buyers so they can make confident, informed decisions. He offers practical advice for anyone preparing to shop for a home, from getting pre‑qualified to interviewing lenders to understanding the true cost of a mortgage beyond the interest rate. It’s a conversation filled with clarity, humor, and the kind of grounded guidance that makes Nick such a valued part of the Chamber community.

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Produced by our Partner, Tim Beeman of Such-N-Such Media.
Recorded in the Such-N-Such Media Studios at Liberty Plaza.

The post Mortgages with Nick Mason first appeared on Lewisville-Clemmons Chamber Podcast.

In this episode, Denise sits down with her friend Kristin Johnson, who recently embarked on a new journey as a professional speaker and author. The conversation flows effortlessly as they discuss Kristin’s fresh venture, Kristin Johnson Speaks, her insights on availability, and the impact of her upcoming book.

After years of contemplating this path, Kristin finally feels ready to embrace her mission. She expresses optimism rather than nerves, signaling a deep belief in the importance of her work. She has been involved in public speaking and workshops for some time, and is now stepping into a more defined role as a communicator, eager to inspire others.

As the conversation unfolds, the theme of “availability” emerges as a pivotal concept for Kristin. For her, being available means recognizing one’s unique purpose and being open to pursuing it, emphasizing that many people have untapped potential waiting to be realized.

Denise and Kristin explore the significance of being available not only for others but also for oneself. Producer Tim shares how Kristin’s message has influenced his own life and health journey. This personal connection highlights the power of Kristin’s words and the transformative effect they can have on individuals seeking purpose and fulfillment.

This episode encapsulates the essence of connection, purpose, and the journey of personal growth. Kristin’s insights on availability serve as a reminder to prioritize not just helping others, but also nurturing oneself.

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Produced by our Partner, Tim Beeman of Such-N-Such Media.
Recorded in the Such-N-Such Media Studios at Liberty Plaza.

The post Small But Mighty: Kristin Johnson Speaks first appeared on Lewisville-Clemmons Chamber Podcast.

Angelia Cornatzer welcomes Stephanie Pace-Brown, President and CEO of Visit Winston-Salem, to discuss the vital role tourism plays in strengthening local communities and economies. With an impressive background leading tourism organizations in Asheville, Alexandria, Colonial Williamsburg, and Mount Vernon, plus service on numerous boards, including the U.S. Travel Association and North Carolina State Tourism Board, Stephanie brings a wealth of expertise to Winston-Salem. She explains that tourism isn’t just about attracting visitors, it’s about expanding the customer base for local businesses, generating tax revenue for community services, and ultimately making Forsyth County a better place to live. The people who visit Winston-Salem come for the same reasons residents love living here, but what truly sets the area apart is the warm, welcoming Southern hospitality that visitors consistently praise.

Stephanie reveals the behind-the-scenes work most residents never see: a sales team representing Forsyth County at trade shows and securing sporting events and conventions (the Benton Convention Center broke records last year with $8 million in revenue, double their pre-COVID levels), plus extensive leisure marketing reaching 60 million impressions annually through paid advertising in publications like Southern Living and Garden & Gun. Since Stephanie joined Visit Winston-Salem two years ago, the website traffic has skyrocketed from 200,000 annual visitors to over 2 million, demonstrating the powerful combination of art and science in tourism promotion. The result? Groups of 5,000 people filling the Benton Convention Center and spilling out onto downtown streets to enjoy local restaurants and bars, sports tournaments happening throughout the county, and a constant stream of overnight visitors supporting local businesses.

The episode highlights free resources available to local businesses and residents through Visit Winston-Salem’s occupancy tax funding. Stephanie encourages business owners to sign up for their monthly newsletter reaching over 1,000 locals, upload events to visitwinstonsalem.com (the most popular section getting 2+ million visits annually), ensure their business has a free listing with vibrant descriptions and working links, share news through simple emails, and collaborate on social media to amplify reach. For residents, Stephanie emphasizes that the community calendar is the best resource for discovering what’s happening, recently showing 60 events available on a single winter weekend. Visit Winston-Salem also offers workshops, socials, and networking opportunities throughout the year, treating tourism as a team sport where partnerships and community engagement drive collective success for everyone in Forsyth County.

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Produced by our Partner, Tim Beeman of Such-N-Such Media.
Recorded in the Such-N-Such Media Studios at Liberty Plaza.

The post Local Tourism with Visit Winston-Salem first appeared on Lewisville-Clemmons Chamber Podcast.

Angelia Cornatzer sits down with Morgan Reitzel, a realtor with Leonard Ryden Burr Real Estate, to discuss the power of vendor events for building business relationships and community connections. The episode shares compelling statistics about event marketing. The conversation explores how vendor events aren’t just about immediate sales, they’re about the long game of building know-like-trust relationships and staying top of mind in your community. Morgan emphasizes using events as touchpoints for clients, especially new residents who want to get connected to their community, making realtors look ingrained and knowledgeable about local happenings.
The episode dives into practical strategies for standing out at vendor events, with both Morgan and podcast producer Tim Beeman sharing their approaches. Morgan’s secret is asking herself, “What would make me stop at this booth?” This leads to creative interactive elements like balloon pop games at Clemmons Community Day and golf plinko at the chamber’s golf tournament. Both emphasize the importance of branding everywhere and definitely attracting attention. They discuss budget-friendly promo items that are both memorable and practical—silicone bracelets that kids and adults love, koozies for golf tournaments, chip clips that people actually use, and tools related to your industry that people will keep at home.
Looking ahead to Clemmons Community Day on April 25th, the team announces an exciting new feature: overnight security, allowing vendors to set up Friday evening instead of arriving at 6 AM Saturday. Morgan and Tim share essential vendor event best practices: bring a wagon for load-in, make detailed checklists, plan accordingly, invite your team and clients to join you, and more. The key takeaway? Don’t go in expecting immediate sales—go in planning to have fun, build relationships, and be memorable. As Morgan puts it simply: “Come.” Show up, engage authentically, support your community, and the business relationships will follow naturally over time.

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Follow Lewisville-Clemmons Chamber of Commerce on Instagram and Facebook.

Produced by our Partner, Tim Beeman of Such-N-Such Media.
Recorded in the Such-N-Such Media Studios at Liberty Plaza.

The post How to Make the Most of Vendor Events with Morgan Reitzel first appeared on Lewisville-Clemmons Chamber Podcast.

In this episode of the Lewisville Clemmons Chamber of Commerce podcast, Angelia Cornatzer sits down with Paul Jones of Cruise Planners, Ed Dean Travel, and producer Tim Beeman to talk about the excitement surrounding Clemmons Community Day. Both guests share their first impressions from attending the event as vendors, describing how its scale, organization, and energy exceeded expectations. What they thought would be a typical local gathering quickly revealed itself to be something much bigger, drawing thousands of attendees and creating an atmosphere that felt both professional and welcoming.

The conversation highlights what makes the event stand out, from its partnership with the farmers’ market to the thoughtful layout that keeps visitors moving and engaged. With stories about packed walkways, meaningful conversations, and connections that extend beyond the day itself, listeners get a glimpse into how the event blends business networking with genuine community spirit. There is also a look at what goes on behind the scenes, including volunteers, local agencies, and organizers who help transform a small-town gathering into an experience that rivals large-city festivals.

As anticipation builds for the upcoming celebration, the group shares advice for first-time vendors and attendees, emphasizing fun, authenticity, and relationship building. Whether you are a business owner hoping to connect or a resident looking for a memorable day out, this episode paints Clemmons Community Day as more than an event. It is a celebration of community, collaboration, and the small moments that make people feel like they belong.

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Produced by our Partner, Tim Beeman of Such-N-Such Media.
Recorded in the Such-N-Such Media Studios at Liberty Plaza.

The post Why Clemmons Community Day first appeared on Lewisville-Clemmons Chamber Podcast.

Angelia Cornatzer sits down with Martha Larson, director of the Small Business Center at Forsyth Tech, along with two of the center’s longtime mentors, Samantha McKinney of Create A Heart Marketing and Ray Mitchell of Made For You Media. The conversation explores the wealth of free resources available through the Small Business Center, including one-on-one mentorship in areas like business planning, accounting, finance, legal, marketing, website design, and nonprofit operations. Samantha shares her unique story of knowing about Small Business Centers since high school and now giving back as both a mentor and workshop facilitator, while Ray reflects on nearly a decade of service, having experienced the center from both sides as a participant in the Launch Challenge incubator program and now as a dedicated mentor helping other entrepreneurs navigate their journeys.

The mentors reveal what really happens in their sessions; it’s not always about the presenting problem. Ray explains how a conversation about website design often uncovers operational issues like staffing or communication gaps, emphasizing that small business owners “don’t know what they don’t know.” Samantha discusses the constant challenge of social media strategy and helping clients assess their actual capacity for consistent engagement rather than overwhelming themselves. Martha highlights that legal issues are the number one concern for most clients, followed closely by accounting and marketing, noting how interconnected all these areas become in small businesses where “every part touches every other part.” The team stresses the importance of simply saying problems out loud to a mentor, which often makes challenges feel smaller and more manageable.

Martha announces upcoming events, including quarterly business breakfasts held in different areas of Forsyth County (the next one is on February 23rd in Kernersville) and a new Build Your Business Roundtable cohort focused on product and service development. The mentors share their final advice: Samantha reminds aspiring entrepreneurs that there’s no time limit to achieving their dreams; Ray emphasizes knowing what makes their business different and being proud of those differences; and Martha encourages business owners to build a team around themselves because “you’re not out there alone.” All three stress the importance of getting out from behind the computer, attending events, joining chambers of commerce, and leveraging the surprisingly robust ecosystem of support available for entrepreneurs in the Winston-Salem area… resources that are often free and underutilized.

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Follow Lewisville-Clemmons Chamber of Commerce on Instagram and Facebook.

Produced by our Partner, Tim Beeman of Such-N-Such Media.
Recorded in the Such-N-Such Media Studios at Liberty Plaza.

The post Small Business Center Mentorship first appeared on Lewisville-Clemmons Chamber Podcast.

Denise Heidel and Tim Beeman welcome Natalie and Amanda Gogolak, the mother-daughter duo behind Be Kind Coffee, to discuss what sets their five-year-old Clemmons coffee shop apart from competitors. The conversation quickly moves beyond typical “customer service” talk to explore the deeper philosophy that has made Be Kind Coffee a cornerstone of the community. The name itself came from Natalie’s constant refrain to her three children growing up: “Just be kind to each other,”which evolved from a family joke into a genuine business philosophy rooted in serving and loving their community, with coffee simply being the vehicle for connection.

One of Be Kind Coffee’s most remarkable achievements is its staff loyalty in an industry known for high turnover. Amanda and Natalie explain that they hire for servant hearts rather than barista experience, requiring all employees to sign a code of conduct that prohibits gossip and promotes kindness at every level. This culture creates an environment where the team genuinely enjoys working together, hanging out on weekends, and showing up with purpose every day. The result? Customers walk in and are greeted by name, their usual orders remembered, and encouraged when needed, creating an experience that goes far beyond grabbing coffee.

The episode features the heartwarming story of Bob, Be Kind Coffee’s unofficial PR ambassador, who greets customers, gives tours, and even shows up in costume for holidays. As Be Kind Coffee expands into evening hours with beer and wine service, live music on their patios, and continues building community through events like their famous Harry Potter week, Amanda and Natalie demonstrate that investing in your community, even without immediate ROI, creates the kind of loyalty that brings customers from as far away as Virginia and West Virginia.

Amanda even brought the preferred coffee drink of both hosts. How can they not be loyal?

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Produced by our Partner, Tim Beeman of Such-N-Such Media.
Recorded in the Such-N-Such Media Studios at Liberty Plaza.

The post How to Keep Customers Loyal with Be Kind Coffee first appeared on Lewisville-Clemmons Chamber Podcast.

Denise Heidel and Tim Beeman welcome Virgil Dwyer of TCS Leadership to discuss the critical importance of leadership development in today’s rapidly changing business environment. Virgil, a certified John Maxwell coach with over two decades of military experience and a current full-time pastor at First Baptist Church in Stanleyville, brings a unique perspective to leadership training rooted in servant-leadership principles. The conversation explores the three fundamental questions every employee wants answered about their leader: Can you help me? Do you care about me? Can I trust you? Virgil emphasizes that servant-leadership isn’t just one style among many; it’s the only true form of leadership.

The episode tackles modern leadership challenges, from managing intergenerational workforces to adapting to unprecedented market changes where long-term planning has shrunk from 5-10 years to just 12-18 months. Virgil discusses how leaders must become lifelong learners, constantly developing themselves before they can effectively develop their teams. The conversation touches on common organizational pitfalls, such as promoting top performers into leadership roles they’re not suited for, and the critical importance of identifying blind spots through external coaching and objective assessment. Virgil shares insights from working with tools like John Maxwell’s materials, Patrick Lencioni’s Working Genius, and other leadership frameworks to create customized development plans.

Perhaps most compelling are the statistics Virgil shares about the return on investment in leadership development. The episode emphasizes that leaders must invest in their own growth, learn to delegate effectively, and create systems that allow them to step away without everything falling apart. Virgil’s philosophy is clear: you can’t give what you don’t have, and the best investment any business can make is developing leadership from within through intentional, ongoing training.

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Follow Lewisville-Clemmons Chamber of Commerce on Instagram and Facebook.

Produced by our Partner, Tim Beeman of Such-N-Such Media.
Recorded in the Such-N-Such Media Studios at Liberty Plaza.

The post Enhance Your Leadership in 2026 With Virgil Dwyer first appeared on Lewisville-Clemmons Chamber Podcast.

Denise Heidel and Tim Beeman sit down with Denise’s personal friend, John Richardson, to discuss the upcoming AI workshops at the Lewisville-Clemmons Chamber of Commerce. Despite Denise’s admitted reluctance about AI technology, she trusts John to present a balanced perspective on this rapidly evolving topic, thanks to his 27 years in the IT industry. The conversation opens with honest skepticism about AI’s impact on creative industries, from voiceovers to music composition, while acknowledging the undeniable reality that AI is here to stay and businesses need to understand how to navigate it responsibly.

John shares fascinating insights into how AI actually works, explaining the difference between AI-generated responses and traditional search engines. He demonstrates AI’s practical applications through his own experience building an iOS and Android app using technologies he’d never worked with before, leveraging AI to accelerate development while still applying human expertise to verify and refine the results. The discussion touches on critical concerns like copyright protection, plagiarism, and the importance of maintaining human creativity and critical thinking in an AI-driven world. John even reveals his late-night “virtual battles” with AI agents, as well as his sometimes strong, colorful words at them, to get accurate results.

The episode previews two chamber workshops scheduled for 2026: “An Introduction to AI” on February 17th and “Next Steps in AI” on November 17th. John emphasizes the importance of understanding how to use AI safely in business contexts, particularly around data security and protecting sensitive information from potential threats. While AI offers tremendous efficiency gains for those who know how to use it properly, John stresses that you can’t remove the human element, and users must be able to discern good information from bad and verify AI-generated content against their own expertise.

Be sure to subscribe! Like, rate, review.
Follow Lewisville-Clemmons Chamber of Commerce on Instagram and Facebook.

Produced by our Partner, Tim Beeman of Such-N-Such Media.
Recorded in the Such-N-Such Media Studios at Liberty Plaza.

The post All About AI with John Richardson first appeared on Lewisville-Clemmons Chamber Podcast.