Episodes

  • Unlocking AI's Potential in West Virginia with Jacob Lesher

    Unlocking AI's Potential in West Virginia with Jacob Lesher
    Jul 30 2024
    Today on Kanawha Valley Hustlers, I'm at Meetup 64 with Jacob Lesher, CTO of West Virginia Integrated AI Solutions. Jacob explains how his company helps small West Virginia businesses integrate AI into their operations, highlighting AI's evolution from niche use cases to broadly applicable tools. He clarifies that AI, which improves itself using training data, is now capable of handling tasks like data entry and professional writing. Jacob emphasizes that AI acts as a tool, following human instructions accurately without autonomy. He addresses common concerns about AI's impact on jobs and reassures listeners that AI enhances rather than replaces human work. Jacob shares contact details for those interested in learning more. I conclude by reminding everyone to hustle hard, smart, and with a smile.
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    7 mins
  • Exploring the Huntington Museum of Art with Jennifer Wheeler

    Exploring the Huntington Museum of Art with Jennifer Wheeler
    Jul 25 2024
    Exploring the Huntington Museum of Art with Jennifer Wheeler
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    4 mins
  • Inside the World of Legal Marketing with Prim Law Firm's Cameron Collins

    Inside the World of Legal Marketing with Prim Law Firm's Cameron Collins
    Jul 23 2024
    Today on the Kanawha Valley Hustlers podcast, I'm talking with Cameron Collins from Prim Law Firm. She handles PR, marketing, and intake for the firm, specializing in personal injury and asbestos exposure cases. We discuss the challenges of competing with large national firms that dominate the advertising space but lack the personal touch of local firms. Cameron explains the difficulties of marketing legal services, especially in a saturated market, and the importance of staying top of mind through social media and local campaigns. She emphasizes the value of supporting local businesses and shares her experience as a young professional constantly learning and adapting in her role. It's a great conversation about the nuances of legal marketing and the significance of community connections.
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    9 mins
  • From Elections to Elvis: The Multifaceted Life of Lee Dean

    From Elections to Elvis: The Multifaceted Life of Lee Dean
    Jul 18 2024
    On this episode of Kanawha Valley Hustlers, I talk with Lee Dean, the senior field representative for the West Virginia Secretary of State's office. Lee oversees elections across the state, ensuring everything runs smoothly, which has made West Virginia a model for election integrity. Beyond his day job, Lee performs tribute shows for Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra, and Johnny Cash, entertaining audiences at state parks, resorts, festivals, and nursing homes. He highlights the joy of connecting with people through music, especially in nursing homes where residents come alive during his performances. Lee also serves as a minister, balancing his technical job with his creative passions. He shares tips for starting a tribute act and managing a busy performance schedule. Lee’s dedication to both his public service and musical pursuits is truly inspiring. Learn more about Lee at his Facebook page, Lee Dean Sings, and his website, https://leedeansings.com/
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    7 mins
  • Transforming Huntington: A Conversation with Mayor Steve Williams

    Transforming Huntington: A Conversation with Mayor Steve Williams
    Jul 16 2024
    In this episode I chat with Mayor Steve Williams at Meet-Up 64 in Huntington to discuss the city's progress. Steve, who's been mayor for 12 years, talks about Huntington becoming a go-to city with new developments like a cybersecurity center and new buildings at Marshall University. He highlights the economic growth driven by the city's purchase and redevelopment of an old factory site, now a hub for digital innovation. Brad Smith, the new president of Marshall and former CEO of Intuit, plays a crucial role in this transformation. Steve attributes Huntington's success to strong fiscal management and business-friendly policies, turning a near-bankrupt city into one with a $25 million surplus. As we wrap up, Steve announces his run for governor of West Virginia, promising to bring his successful strategies to the state level. Visit https://stevewilliamswv.com/ to learn more.
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    6 mins
  • Andy McKee and the Zoology Zone Science Center: Hands-On Learning

    Andy McKee and the Zoology Zone Science Center: Hands-On Learning
    Jul 11 2024
    I visit the Zoology Zone Science Center in Valley Park and chat with Andy McKee, the founder. He explains how the center started as a reptile and amphibian rescue and evolved into an educational facility with all rescued animals. Inspired by his parents, Andy's love for herpetology led him from teaching to creating the center. Despite challenges as a nonprofit, the Zoology Zone thrives with community support and plans significant expansions, including an alligator exhibit and a Valley Con fundraiser. Located in a park with a playground and trails, the center offers hands-on, immersive education, reconnecting kids with nature through interactive experiences. Andy’s dedication and vision make the Zoology Zone a vital community resource.
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    11 mins
  • Juggling Hustles: Inside Jakob Hardman’s World

    Juggling Hustles: Inside Jakob Hardman’s World
    Jul 9 2024
    I'm at Meetup 64 in Huntington for the Kanawha Valley Hustler podcast, where I meet Jakob Hardman. Jakob juggles multiple roles: CFO of West Virginia Integrated AI Solutions, an accounting student at Marshall University, and the facility administrator of the Nitro Athletic Complex. We talk about the upcoming Metro 911 program, Serving for Safety, pickleball tournament at the Nitro Athletic Complex from July 11th to 14th, which he expects to be even bigger than last year's record-breaking event. Jakob explains the rising popularity of pickleball and admits he often plays during work hours. We also discuss his role at the AI solutions company, focusing on managing finances and customer expectations. Starting this business has been both exciting and challenging for him, especially in educating clients about realistic AI capabilities. Jakob emphasizes the importance of translating technical details into simple benefits for customers.
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    7 mins
  • Kanawha Valley Spirit Shines at Our Ribbon-Cutting

    Kanawha Valley Spirit Shines at Our Ribbon-Cutting
    Jul 2 2024
    In this special edition of the Kanawha Valley Hustlers Podcast, I share highlights from our ribbon-cutting event on June 26th. I'm thrilled and humbled by the incredible turnout, showcasing the strong community spirit here in the Kanawha Valley. During the impromptu live stream, I chat with many attendees, including local business owners, community leaders, and even a representative from Senator Joe Manchin's office. It's an exciting moment for our new office at 600 Westmoreland Office Park, and I can't wait to share this journey with everyone. Thank you for your support, and if you missed the live stream, you can catch it in today's episode.
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    14 mins