Trevor Newberry of Newberry Consulting joins Carrie this week on The Localist. Trevor tells us about his recent pivot to the world of software development after pinpointing a problem that wasn’t being addressed. We learn a bit about the services Newberry Consulting offers and dig a little deeper into software products, the necessity of meeting your client where they are, and the surprising amount of creativity involved in web development. Trevor and Carrie then tell us how not to work with developers and how important management is in making a job incredible (take note, managers!). After discussing how to relay the value of your services to potential clients, Trevor details networking, mentors, building relationship and working with a digital assistant. Trevor and Carrie wrap up with building your team, the merit of some personality tests over others (the age-old question, Enneagram or Meyers-Briggs!), and the very real toll that decision fatigue can take.

Mentioned in this episode:
Newberry Consulting

Urban Standard

Infomedia 

Church Street Coffee and Books

5 Things to Do Before You Build Your Software Product - blog

UAB’s Anvil Student Startup Bootcamp

Motion Mobs

Pack Health

Swell Fundraising

Octane/Revelator

Belay

Enneagram types

Daughters Baking 

Reach out to Trevor at [email protected]

The Dispatch podcast

Susan Rollwagen, owner and founder of Pepperbox Solutions (and Carrie’s mom!), is back on The Localist this week. Susan and Carrie focus on the topic of stepping away from the workforce with the ultimate goal of returning at some point. Susan gives pointers for how to stay engaged during time away from work and encourages anyone considering time off to make a plan for re-entry. Susan and Carrie dive into Susan’s professional background, how she chose part-time jobs that would serve her both professionally and personally, and what you should consider if you’re currently looking for a part-time gig. Susan then gives us some killer tips for crafting a resume, discusses the power of transferable skills, and talks about finding opportunities for self development. Susan and Carrie discuss flexibility in the workplace and company culture, and the pros and cons of working remotely. We wrap up the conversation discussing boundaries, tough conversations with a partner, and how to actually reenter the workplace. 

Mentioned in this episode: 

Pepperbox Solutions 

Pacific Crest Trail  

Harvard Business Review 

Automattic
WordPress 

Slack 

Pepperbox Solutions Sounding Board Session (a call with Susan)

Craig Hurst, owner and founder of the Birmingham-based camper van rental company Gearbox Adventure Rentals, joins Carrie on this week’s episode. Craig and Carrie start off the conversation with what Craig loves about vans, his life long entrepreneurial spirit, and the valuable insights he gained while working retail. Craig tells us how Gearbox refined the process of camper van build outs, how the camper van experience differs from tent camping or an Airbnb, and gives some tips for traveling and parking while exploring with a camper van. Craig and Carrie then move on to business operations: marketing the business at events, deciding which vans to use, and the surprising benefits of not having investors in the beginning. Craig tells us the truly spectacular names of the vans in their fleet (hint: Alice in Wonderland!), where the name of the business came from, and gives us the scoop on some of the future plans for Gearbox. Craig and Carrie wrap up with some excellent resources for anyone looking to build or expand a business. 

 

Mentioned in this episode: 

Gearbox Adventure Rentals 

Icon Vans
Gearbox Adventure Rentals on Instagram 

Gearbox Adventure Rentals on Facebook

Asheville Van Life Rally 

The Market at Pepper Place

REI

Moss Rock Festival 

Vecchia Pizzeria  

Moss Rock Preserve 

Church Street Coffee and Books

Story Brand by Donald Miller 

Start With Why by Simon Sinek

The Lean Startup by Eric Ries

On this week’s episode of The Localist, Carrie is joined once again by showrunner Michelle Phillips. Carrie and Michelle take a deep dive into Carrie’s experience as a freelancer and writer, getting real about the feasibility of making a living as a freelancer, the misleading nature of social media, and whether all the hard work and hustling pays off. They discuss imposter syndrome, feeling like a failure, and whether the struggle between making art and making money is worth it.

Drea Z. Harbin, artist, graphic designer, creative entrepreneur, and owner of the vintage clothing and jewelry collection Eyes of Wise, joins Carrie on this week’s episode of The Localist. Drea and Carrie dive into Drea’s transition from agency art director to independent entrepreneur, how the advice from men can differ from the advice given by women, how change can sometimes feel like failure, and how slowing down and self care are crucial.

Aaron Lane of Lane Woodworking, a custom cabinetry and fine furniture company, joins Carrie this week on The Localist. Aaron shares his approach to Instagram and talks about what he got out of his marketing degree. Then they dive into business operations: how he discusses pricing with clients and how that has evolved through the years. Aaron and Carrie wrap up with the Airstream Aaron purchased as office space for the team — who wouldn’t want to have a meeting in an Airstream?!

Kelly Cummings of the Birmingham-based photography studio Spindle Photography joins Carrie on this week’s episode of The Localist. Kelly and Carrie dive into the behind-the-scenes aspects of running your own business: websites, accountants, hard stuff you never thought you’d have to learn, and the joy of finally being able to outsource. Kelly tells us the value in setting boundaries, explains what a styled shoot is, and gives the low down on what a second shooter does.

Susan Rollwagen of Pepperbox Solutions is a performance management consultant who works with small businesses. Susan also happens to be Carrie’s mom! They discuss than the pitfalls and benefits of working with family members (and friends). Susan shares how to go about entering into a professional relationship with someone you’re close to personally: how to tell if you’re making the right hire, have difficult conversations, and the importance of deciding on an exit strategy before you begin.

Javacia Harris Bowser is founder of See Jane Write, a community for writers that offers support, advice, guidance, and so much more to its members. Javacia tells us how she got started with events, how she went about getting those set up, and her goal of doing more events in 2020. Javacia and Carrie wrap up the conversation talking about the hustle of entrepreneurship, work/life balance (spoiler — it’s a myth!), and Javacia’s best tips for anyone who wants to start writing.

This week on The Localist, Mary Drennen of Nourish Foods, a meal delivery service based in Birmingham, AL that specializes in providing healthy meal and snack options throughout the southeast, joins Carrie. We talk about scaling a business, the woes of using new technologies, and the value of designing your products around meeting customers where they are. We wrap up the conversation with what Nourish has in store for expanding their offerings in 2020.