This episode retells the start up and hardships of a husband and wife duo as they navigate their own twist on a beignet business in the heart of central Oregon.

In this episode, host Will Ballow sits down with Jama Ibrahim, co-founder of the clothing brand Velocity Empire. Jama goes into what motivated him to help start this brand as well as the prior resources and knowledge he used to help it launch. Although he has run into obstacles throughout his journey, he has stayed determined to overcome them and continue on the path to success. This has given him a lot of experience and advice to share with people who also want to start building a successful...

In this episode, I went to Barley Naked Brewery in Stafford VA to interview Barry Boyd, a 29-year retired Coast Guard Veteran. I asked him about “why” a brewery in the first place? We discussed his first venture with partners and the lessons he learned along the way. Honoring promises made to his investors allowed him to start up again years later after the initial partnership didn’t work out. Barry gives potential entrepreneurs advice on the correct mindset to have when starting your busines...

In this conversation, Sammy, a young college soccer player, explains how he turned his love for the game into an entrepreneurial side job by training younger kids. He was motivated by a mix of passion for soccer, wanting to give back to younger players, and the need for flexible income that fits around school and his own training. He built his resources through his playing experience, advice from former coaches, and word-of-mouth connections with parents, teammates, and local families. Sammy ...

In this episode, I sit down with my uncle, a multi-business owner whose entrepreneurial journey is as inspiring as it is insightful. We talk about what sparked his drive to start his own ventures, the motivation that keeps him moving forward, ways to gather resources and garner support, and the challenges he’s faced along the way. Throughout the conversation, he offers practical advice, thoughtful reflections, and encouragement for anyone interested in starting their own business. His advice ...

Ben Francis’s journey from a college student delivering pizzas to the founder of a billion-dollar brand is seriously inspiring. At just 19, he started Gymshark in his garage with a sewing machine and a dream. He didn’t have investors or a big budget, but he used social media influencers before it was even a thing to grow his brand. Gymshark blew up after a fitness expo, and Ben dropped out of university to go all in. What makes his story so cool is that he built a community, not just a clothi...

In this episode we talk about the early motivation and bold decisions that took Bezos from Wall Street, to being one of the most successful entrepreneurs of all time. We see how he discovered this opportunity on the internet, and why he chose books of all things to be the starting point for his revolutionary online marketplace. We will go over the obstacles he faced including supply chain challenges and hear about the mindsets that make him so accomplished. All of his experiences, including f...

In this episode of From Spark to New Venture, we dive into the incredible journey of Jimmy Donaldson, better known as MrBeast. From posting videos in his bedroom at 12 years old to building a global digital empire, Jimmy has transformed the way we think about content, entrepreneurship, and generosity. We explore how his relentless curiosity, determination, and willingness to experiment fueled his growth, and how his focus on helping others became the foundation of his brand. Along the way, Ji...

In this episode, we sit down with Keith Haskett, founder of Rebyc Security, to explore his entrepreneurial journey from IT and finance professional to cybersecurity business leader. Keith shares how a decade of experience running the information security consulting division at Addis Technologies, combined with lessons from multiple CEOs, shaped his approach to building a company. He dives into the challenges of starting Rebyc Security from scratch, including navigating early setbacks, gaining...

In this episode, I sit down with my mom to talk about her handmade jewelry business, where she designs and creates unique clay pieces by hand. She shares how she got started, what inspires her designs, the process behind making her jewelry, and the challenges and joys of running a small creative business. It’s a warm, behind-the-scenes look at turning passion into a craft and a business.

Hello! Our podcast is called: Aldo Carrera-Hernandez: From College Dreams to a Company of His Own. I've also attached the image cover for the podcast above. Here is the short description. In this episode of From Spark to New Venture, Sol and Kyra share the story of Aldo Carrera-Hernandez, an entrepreneur from Guanajuato, Mexico, whose journey began with a childhood dream and a deep sense of responsibility to his family. As the first in his family to attend college, Aldo pursued a degree in ro...

In this episode, Ethan and Brayden interview Justin Jenkins, a lifelong waterman who makes his living on the Potomac River. He shares an inside look at the early mornings, hard work, and deep respect for the water that define his way of life. The discussion covers the skills and traditions passed down through generations, as well as the challenges posed by changing weather, environmental issues, and modern regulations. Through personal stories and thoughtful insights, Justin paints a picture ...

In this episode of “From Spark to Venture,” hosts Salma Abdalla and Paige Knudson sit down with Gavin Robyn, local owner of Next-Door Photos. Gavin shares how he got his start in the business at just 19 through a friend's recommendation, and how that opportunity evolved into running his own team of photographers. He opens up about the skills he developed, the mentors who shaped his journey, and the mistakes that taught him valuable lessons along the way. Gavin also highlights the importance o...

In this podcast episode, I will be going over the entrepreneurship journey of John D. Rockefeller. When I’m recording my podcast episode, I want to make sure that what I’m talking about answers all the required questions. I will briefly discuss his early life and how that motivated him to pursue a business path and how he got into the oil industry because it is a crucial part for him starting standard oil and also why it because so successful. I will also discuss how he was able to start Stan...

In this episode, we spoke with Bill Fritton about his journey as an entrepreneur in the tax return business. Listeners will gain valuable insights into what it takes to navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship, build client trust, and stay competitive in a constantly changing industry. From marketing strategies to lessons learned during tax season, this conversation offers practical advice and inspiring reflections on turning numbers into freedom. Perfect for aspiring business owners and a...

Have you ever wondered what it really takes to turn a simple idea into a thriving business? In this episode of From Spark to New Venture, we explore the inspiring story behind Kembel Tax Service, a company built on trust, precision, and dedication to helping others. Our guest shares how they transformed their passion for financial services into a successful tax and bookkeeping firm, overcoming challenges and learning valuable lessons along the way. Tune in to discover the mindset, motivation,...

Nick Werderman and Evan Brooks sat down with local entrepreneur Jeff Small, the owner of Sammy T’s Pizza, a Fredericksburg favorite that was originally launched under the name YMMAS. After facing challenges with brand awareness, Jeff made the tough decision to rebrand an experience that taught him valuable lessons about marketing, community engagement, and adaptability. In this episode, Jeff shares his entrepreneurial journey, opening up about the realities of starting and sustaining a small ...

In this podcast I have Ronnie Pittman a professional sports bettor and influencer on to talk about how he has reached where he is in the world. We go into detail about what got Ronnie into the sports betting world and what made him want to become an influencer in that world. I ask him about his hardships and if he has ever thought he failed. The answers we get are great inside information and something you do not want to miss. You also will hear a little about his coming up and why he chose t...

This podcast is about Kaylee Knox an entrepreneur from Hartfield, VA who found her success in the art industry. Kaylee sells her various forms of art in art exhibits, local markets, art shows, and online, where she also shows it off on social media. She shared an inspiring story about perseverance and working through the weight of hard times. She is a prime example of how a small interest can become life changing with a little hard work.

Justin Sullivan is a seasoned local entrepreneur out of Stafford, Virginia. With 18 years of experience building and selling homes as a partner through his company, Hour and Brookstone Homes, Justin has helped transform vacant acreage into vibrant neighborhoods and lasting communities for a commuter town in need of thoughtful housing. From navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship and running a successful business to shaping communities with purpose. He shares the story behind his busines...