We have a special guest today who embodies entrepreneurial spirit and community connection. Joining us is Janelle Doyle, the dynamic owner of It's Poppin' Gourmet Kettle Corn.

In this episode, Janelle takes us through her incredible journey from a corporate banking job in Pittsburgh to becoming a thriving entrepreneur in Charlotte. She shares how a leap of faith and a unique take on kettle corn led to over 60 flavors, including her famed fried chicken and cookies and cream varieties.

As Janelle prepares to open her first brick-and-mortar store in University City, we explore her motivations, the importance of legacy, and why University City is the perfect place for her business. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, a kettle corn enthusiast, or just love a good success story, this episode is for you!

Episode Highlights

05:42 - When I wanted to have a brick and mortar, then I wanted to add funnel cakes to it. And we're going to make them original. When you come in, it's popping. It's going to be an experience. You're not going to have a funnel cake like you've ever had before. You're not going to taste kettle corn like you've ever had before.

06:32 - I always wanted to be an entrepreneur. I didn't know if that was actually going to be my path, but it was something that I wanted to do. I have a a son that just turned 13, so I want to leave something to him.

09:21 - I would encourage anybody to if they're starting a business to definitely look at University City. If they are moving to the Charlotte area, this is a great place to live. The houses are beautiful. The neighborhoods and the neighbors are nice, and it's a beautiful place. I encourage anyone if they're starting a business, sometimes you just got to take that jump or keep your side job and then have your hustle, have your legacy that you're building on the side, until eventually you can quit that 9 to 5 and only focus on yours.

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In the bustling heart of University City, small businesses often find themselves grappling with financial challenges that could make or break them. Enter Lionel Sargent, the accounting wizard behind Cobb Accounting, who has been a cornerstone of financial guidance for University City Partners.

In this episode, Lionel sheds light on the core aspects of accounting and its undeniable importance for small business owners. From understanding your debits and credits to meticulous tax planning and cash flow management.

Discover Lionel’s single most important piece of advice for keeping your business finances on track and compliant.

Episode Highlights

01:43 - We are a virtual CPA firm, and we focus on bookkeeping, accounting, tax prep, tax planning and advisory services for small businesses, non-profits, and individuals obviously.

02:19 - If you don't know your debits and credits, consult someone who does, because this is very important to your business as far as how it's doing, making sure you're in compliance with the laws and being able to run your business.

04:44 - Get professional advice because you may not know the regulations you need to adhere to or the documents you need to file. Don't try to do your own payroll.

10:26 - My hope is that we can continue to maintain the look of the area as it is now, while still attracting good businesses and things that meet the needs of the community.

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Today we're diving into the world of Boardwalk Billy's, a local gem that's been serving up smiles and delicious food for 26 years. Joining me is Logan Thompson, the energetic manager of this beloved restaurant. Logan shares insights about what makes Boardwalk Billy's a standout eatery, from its famous crab queso to its deep ties with UNC Charlotte.

Whether you're a student, an alumni, or a part of our local community, there’s something for everyone at Boardwalk Billy's. Stick around as Logan takes us through the heart and soul of this cherished University City institution. Let's get started!

Episode Highlights

03:06 - I would say that it's pretty rare in Charlotte to be able to find somewhere to eat on the water. It's kind of like a vacation spot, so I think that really sets us apart as well.

05:34 - We've been perfecting it for a very long time. We're also not a chain restaurant like some other ones, so we can tweak and make modifications to make sure it's perfect. But I think after 26 years, we've probably nailed it down pretty good.

06:40 - We transitioned a lot to online ordering and things like that that were really not something we focused on before, and that kept us going and then made it a lot easier for us to regroup and regrow back into where we are now.

08:00 - It's the same people you see every day. They're coming from work just to get their lunch or they're regulars that have been coming there for probably longer than I've even been around. And that's always awesome just to kind of see, the community that we've developed over the years and them coming back and being loyal.

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We'll explore the fascinating world of small businesses within the community, focusing on the unique Real African Art Gallery. Our special guest, Calstain Ganda, originally from Zimbabwe, shares his inspiring journey of bringing authentic Zimbabwean stone sculptures and art to the local scene.

Learn about the cultural significance, the challenges, and triumphs of running this extraordinary gallery, and how it contributes to the vibrant tapestry of University City. Stay tuned as we uncover the passion and dedication behind one of the coolest art spaces in North Carolina.

If you're an art enthusiast or simply love inspiring stories, you won't want to miss this episode. Tune in now!

Episode Highlight

02:31 - My mother is a big inspiration for this venture. She's late now. Throughout her life, she supported many people. Many orphans came through our house, and when she passed away, I felt the need to support the community as well. For these guys that I'm representing, this is their lifeline. This is their livelihood. Having a chance to showcase my own culture and heritage while supporting my people was quite the drive in the gallery being established.

05:20 - Everything we have in the gallery is 1 of 1, so there's no duplicates. It's very unique as you've been there and you've seen it. And most people, quite frankly, are fairly impressed with the setup that we have.

08:51 - Most people will say, "Look, it looks so beautiful, and it looks so nice. I thought it'd be so expensive, and it's not."

11:55 - I oftentimes say it's not about arrogance, but confidence. And I can confidently say it would be hard to find a place like ours.

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We're excited to provide insights into sustaining wellness for family caregivers. Our guest, Carolyn Dowdy, Founder of Caregiver Mental Wellness, shares her personal journey as a caregiver after her husband's stroke and discusses the burnout many caregivers face.

She highlights the vital role her nonprofit plays in offering educational programs, resources, and support to caregivers. Carolyn's vision for University City and her dedication to helping caregivers will leave you inspired. Tune in to learn how you can prioritize self-care and support the caregivers around you. Stay with us for this enlightening conversation!

Episode Highlights

02:53 -  Caregivers, a lot of times, they will smile at you every day, put their mask on, and you ask them how they are in the workplace or wherever they're going. Adult and children may ask them, and they'll say, "Oh, I'm doing pretty good." And they really may not be.

05:08 - They may be getting an exhaustion, and they may cover up because they don't want people coming in and taking over their life. And so it's important to be proactive. And what I mean by that is call mom, get your other sibling or friend, and say, "Hey, mom. I'm going to keep dad. You go out and have a day in the park. You go out with your friends."

08:10 - It's difficult to understand, but I had a burden on my heart that would not let up because at my age, I wasn't looking forward to starting another company. But the burden over that 5 years kept being there, and I couldn't get rid of the burden. So I can't tell you where that burden came from, but I can tell you that I have the strength, and I'm sitting here now.

11:03 - We could have all kinds of wellness programs, including the family, because most families are family caregivers even if they have children and they're they're still family caregivers in some sense of the word.

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Today, we explore the small business scene in University City with Christopher Peterkin, the Founder of University Care Services. After being laid off, Christopher made a significant career shift from grocery operations to the non-medical home care industry.

He shares his inspiring journey to becoming a small business owner, detailing the services his company offers, the obstacles he faces, and the growth opportunities in the dynamic University City area.

Emphasizing quality control, cultural sensitivity, and meticulous business documentation, Christopher provides valuable insights for both entrepreneurs and local residents.

He also discusses his aspirations for University City's future, envisioning its growth into a thriving community like other successful Charlotte neighborhoods. Join us as we delve into the secrets of small business success and community development in this lively part of our city.

Episode Highlights

01:16 - Non-medical home care means home care services that do not have to be prescribed by a doctor. So you could call me, and we set up something, and I can send out services.

02:26 - Got laid off from a job during the COVID and 2008 recessions. My wife, a nurse at the time, grew tired of hearing complaints. When the recession hit as Obama became president, I lost my job in grocery operations. After coming home, I talked to a friend, wrote a business plan, and told my wife, "This is what we're going to do," as I wanted something we could both control.

09:08 - It's just not trying to move so fast because we get caught up so much in chasing the bag instead of making sure the paperwork is right.

10:18 - I want to see the community flourish like South End, Uptown, NoDa, and Ballantyne. It feels like we got left behind. If we can achieve the same level of traffic and economic development in our community, I think that's a win.

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Keith Stanley sits down with David Korany, a dedicated pharmacist and business owner of David's Pharmacy in Charlotte's University area. David shares his journey from studying pharmacy in Egypt to running his own independent pharmacy amid big chain competitors. He opens up about the unique challenges and rewards of being a small business owner, especially during the unpredictable times of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Tune in to hear how David's commitment to personalized service has fostered strong relationships with customers and allowed his business to thrive. Don't miss this insightful conversation about entrepreneurship, community growth, and the vibrant spirit of University City!

Episode Highlights

01:41 - I was looking to go into engineering school, but then I changed career the last moment because of the idea of wanting your own business and opening your own pharmacy.

02:20 - It is still challenging just to keep up with them, but then by doing different things and what the customer is looking for, so that give me the niche in the business.

05:34 - Make sure you do a good job with the customers and have everything stocked, meet their needs, and that's the best way to do it.

06:25 - I know a lot of people are moving here from big cities like New York, from California, and from Florida and we're growing so fast, so small businesses would do well with the big diverse community that we have.

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Keith Stanley sits down with Patrick McManaman, the driving force behind the beloved University City hotspot, Famous Toastery. Together, they explore the unique journey of how this local gem has become an integral part of the community and the secrets behind its culinary successes.

Patrick McManaman shares candid insights about the inspiration and strategic decisions that led to the establishment of Famous Toastery in University City. Both Keith and Patrick discuss the restaurant's commitment to high-quality food, exceptional customer service, and community involvement, setting the stage for an engaging and informative conversation.

Episode Highlights:

03:42 - We've had several large parties come in celebrating their kids' graduations. They come in for birthday parties, office parties, and Christmas parties. We also do after-hours events for wedding receptions and baby showers.

03:54 - It's just the atmosphere of the restaurant and the location and the food and the staff, and everything just kind of draws everybody into wanting to be part of that to have that experience for themselves.

07:44 - I've seen both sides of us grow in the last nine years. The area itself is beautiful, with the water, the college, and all the new developments.

08:23 - For us as a business, it's going to continue to help us grow and get me more involved in community activities. With all these developments and families coming in, it makes us more able to give back to the community as well.

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Keith Stanley welcomes outdoor adventure expert James Smith on University City Partners Podcast to demystify outdoor activities for beginners and intermediate explorers. James, co-owner of MyOutdoorJoy, shares his unique insights into making outdoor activities accessible and enjoyable for all, shattering stereotypes and encouraging inclusive participation.

James reveals how his personal experiences as an “unlikely” outdoorsman have fueled his passion for teaching a diverse community basic and advanced outdoor skills. This episode is packed with actionable advice, inspiring stories, and transformative tips that will motivate even the most hesitant individuals to explore the great outdoors.

Does the idea of outdoor adventures intimidate you? Tune in to learn how James Smith and My Outdoor Joy make hiking, camping, and even scuba diving accessible and enjoyable for everyone, regardless of background or experience level.

Join Keith and James as they discuss the empowering journey of becoming outdoor-savvy, and discover how you too can take your first step into nature with confidence and joy.

Episode Highlights:

05:29 - One of the demographics for us that has been surprising is that we are as an organization, we have a membership that's probably 80% women across all racial lines, across all economics.

06:47 - When you're in a group of beginners that are doing something for the first time, it really lowers the stress level. It lowers the intimidation factor for going on a hike.

08:09 - So the first thing I tell people is write down what you want to do. I don't call it a business plan. Write down what you want to do, and then start interviewing people, having questions.

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