Tech startup veteran Jarrod Morgan joins The Localist to share how he grew ProctorU, navigated pandemic-era challenges, and then pivoted to physical products with Tuff Dog Coatings and Morgan Muscle. This episode is a must-listen for entrepreneurs interested in reinvention, customer-first strategies, and applying tech skills to blue-collar businesses.

Mentioned in this episode:

Formerly Meazure Learning (Proctor U former) Website - https://www.meazurelearning.com/ Tuff Dog Coating Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/tuffdogcoatings/ Morgan Muscle Cars Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/morganmusclecars/

Born from a pandemic pivot, The Son of a Butcher has become a local favorite in Birmingham's Pepper Place. In this episode, we talk with Brian McMillan and John Litzinger about their journey from wholesale to storefront, the art of cheesemongering, and why food and community go hand-in-hand.

Mentioned in this episode:

Website: https://thesonofabutcher.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesonofabutcher_bham/

Evan's Meat & Seafood: https://www.instagram.com/evansmeatsandseafood/

Pepper Place: https://www.instagram.com/pepperplacebham/

Accounting doesn't have to be cold or confusing. In this episode, Carrie talks with Jordan Pridemore of LUCA about how they help small businesses use financial data to grow, not just survive. Learn why advisory services, tech-forward tools, and true partnerships are the future of accounting.

Mentioned in this episode:

Website: https://www.lucahq.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luca_hq/ Fox Hound Bee Company: https://www.instagram.com/foxhoundbeeco/

Janet King, founder of The Gathering Lab, joins The Localist to explore why modern friendships feel harder than ever—and what we can do about it. From her groundbreaking Circles model to the science of trust and connection, Janet offers a refreshing and hopeful roadmap for rebuilding community in a disconnected world.

Mentioned in this episode:

Website: https://thegatheringlab.com/

Instagram: @thegatheringlab Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/how-to-build-a-deeper-social-life-in-your-30s/id1842196653

Laura Smith of The Electric joins The Localist to share her journey opening a second restaurant location. From pandemic delays to vintage decor hunts, Laura dives into the highs and challenges of expanding her business without losing its soul. This one's packed with small business insight and local flavor.

Mentioned in this episode:

Website: https://www.theelectricbar.com/ The Electric Bluff Park: www.instagram.com/theelectricbp The Electric Avondale : www.instagram.com/theelectriceast Paramount: www.instagram.com/paramounthomewood El Barrio: www.instagram.com/elbarriobham

Michael Sellers is reviving Ghost Train, launching a new brand called Porch, and building an entire beverage collective on Birmingham's Hugh Kaul Trail. In this episode, he joins Carrie Rollwagen to talk about alcohol trends, risk, regulation—and building brands that last.

Mentioned in this episode:

Porch Instagram: www.instagram.com/drinkporch/ Porch Website: www.DrinkPorch.com Good People Brewing Company Instagram: www.instagram.com/gpbrewing/ Good People Brewing Company Website: www.goodpeoplebrewing.com Avondale Brewing: www.instagram.com/avondalebrewing Avondale Website: www.avondalebrewing.com Ghost Train Brewing Instagram: www.instagram.com/ghost_train_brewing/ Ghost Train Website: www.ghosttrainbrewing.com All Good Beverage Instagram: www.instagram.com/allgoodbeverage/ All Good Beverage Website: www.AllGoodBeverage.com

McCall Harwell of Nan Curated joins Carrie Rollwagen to talk about building Birmingham's most stylish pop-up. From sourcing vintage pieces across Alabama to turning social media buzz into real foot traffic, McCall shares her journey of turning taste into a thriving business — all while keeping the experience front and center.

Mentioned in this episode:

Website: https://www.nancurated.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nan.curated TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mccallharwell Zephyr Barbershop: https://www.instagram.com/zephyrbarber/

Bustle Gowns isn't your typical bridal shop. Owner Meredith Carter and creative director Laine White join Carrie Rollwagen to talk about creating a luxury experience with sample gowns, training consultants to be true guides, and navigating viral fame with grace. You'll hear stories of treasure-hunt dresses, intimate appointments, and why brides keep recommending Bustle long after the big day.

Mentioned in this episode:

Website

Instagram

Breakout Games

Asia Nicole

Ashley Wilhite

Carrie Rollwagen chats with her husband, Russell Marbut, about co-owning the Alabama Twisters, a state-based team in the Professional Grappling Federation. They explore how nine gym owners joined forces, the fast-paced PGF format, and their mission to grow Alabama's jiu jitsu community.

Mentioned in this episode:

Alabama Twisters Website: https://www.alabamatwisters.org/ Alabama Twisters Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alabamatwisters Watch PGF on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PGFWorld

Ohm Jiu Jitsu: https://ohmjiujitsu.com/

Russell's photo Instagram, Jiu Jitsu Still: https://www.instagram.com/jiujitsustill

Ohm Jiu Jitsu on The Localist: https://carrierollwagen.com/podcast-episodes/ohm-jiu-jitsu/

Carrie talks with Paul Shunnarah, co-owner of Fit Five Meals and Gauntlet Fitness, about how he turned a nutrition need at his gym into one of the Southeast's fastest-growing meal prep companies. Paul shares what makes Fit Five stand out, why they avoid subscriptions and how they've grown without sacrificing quality.

Mentioned in this episode:

Fit Five Meals

Fit Five Meals on Instagram

Gauntlet Fitness

Elite Nutrition

Wheelhouse Salon

Infomedia

Overtime Grill & Bar

Church Street Coffee & Books

Baba Java

Paul Shunnarah on Instagram

Absolute Nutrition