In Your Business

In this episode of In Your Business, we sit down with the third-generation owners of Austin’s Homemade Ice Cream, Taylor Strickland Chambers and Tim Ruff, to hear the sweet story behind their recent expansion into the mobile food scene. After decades of serving up delicious scoops from their beloved brick-and-mortar locations, they’ve hit the road with a brand-new ice cream truck!

We discuss the inspiration behind the decision, the challenges they faced in bringing the truck to life and what they’ve learned along the way. From navigating permits to managing construction and operational hurdles, they share valuable insights for anyone looking to take their business on the road. Plus, you’ll get a taste of their future plans and how they keep Austin's legacy alive.

In this episode of In Your Business, we sit down with Christian Spears, Marshall University's Director of Athletics, to explore the powerful connection between Marshall Athletics and the local business community.

Marshall Athletics is more than just sports programs; it's a driving force behind economic growth, community engagement, and the broader identity of Huntington, West Virginia. Join us as we discuss how Marshall Athletics supports local businesses, the ways the business community can give back to the program, and the impact of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) on Marshall’s student-athletes.
We’ll also dive into what it’s like working with Marshall University President Brad Smith and explore Christian's goals for the future

In this episode of In Your Business, we sit down with Alys Smith, the First Lady of Marshall University and founder of the Women Warriors Summit. This annual one-day gathering aims to inspire, build, and celebrate the women of Appalachia by addressing the complex issues and opportunities they face both at work and at home. Now in its second year, the Summit continues to grow, featuring high-profile speakers like Trisha Yearwood, Soledad O'Brien, and Emily Gregory.
Alys shares the inspiration behind the Summit, her goals, the importance of sponsors in making the event possible, and the carefully crafted structure that includes educational training, breakout sessions, and panel discussions.

To kick off our second season, we have a great story to share about resilience and transformation. We are joined by Ashley Casto, owner and founder of The Haute Wick Social, a business that navigated the tumultuous waters of COVID-19 by shifting its entire business model.
Before the pandemic, The Haute Wick Social was renowned for its vibrant candle-making parties. However, when the world suddenly shifted gears, so did Ashley. Recognizing the need to adapt, she made the bold decision to transition from in-person experiences to a thriving e-commerce and retail venture.
In this episode, we'll explore the journey of pivoting a business model amidst uncertainty. We'll uncover the challenges faced, the strategies used, and the lessons learned along the way.

This week, we sit down with Andrew Hines, the owner of Butter It Up, located in The Market in Downtown Huntington. Butter It Up isn't just your ordinary spot for gluten-free breakfast and lunch delights, along with an array of coffee and meal prep options. It's also become a great place for individuals in the recovery community seeking employment opportunities.
Join us as Andrew sheds light on his preference for hiring from the recovery community, navigating and dismantling the stigmas surrounding recovery and offering advice for fellow entrepreneurs interested in fostering inclusivity within their workforce.