Our Town Podcast

EP 66 is up! Carla Stiles' took her father's advice to include her name in the official name of her business.  Thus, "Designed By Carla" was born 25+ years ago and Carla has not turned back since. Carla believes in strategy-driven marketing to help companies create marketing strategies based on their business goals and objectives and then design the right plan to get them there. In addition, Carla is the host of her own podcast called "Coffee & Hustle" in which Carla has candid conversations featuring other successful business owners and sharing tips and tricks. Carla shares some amazing stories and experiences from her life that have shaped her into the person and business woman that she has become.  We talk Banana sandwiches, her pet deer, and so much more!

Episode Timeline:

00:00 Start

00:10 TPG Shoutout

03:05 RISE

07:00 Carla

10:00 Anchoring Design/SEO

18:08 Boundaries & Effort

26:05 Vacation

30:01 Troy University | Early Computer Experience

37:21 Computer Literacy 

44:50 Work Travel

47:26 Intro to Web Design

51:00 Father's Legacy

01:02:14 Mindset of College

01:07:15 Broken Van

01:13:20 Grandma "GG"

01:19:15 Dad's Passing

01:28:10 Full Scale Marketing

01:36:00 Picture Pack

01:55:48 Giving More

02:02:40 Alexander Shunnarah

02:06:53 Conclusion

For more information on Carla Stiles and Designed by Carla visit https://designedbycarla.com Follow Designed By Carla on Instagram or Facebook Host/Interviewer: M. Troy Bye, Owner, Our Town Podcast Website: www.ourtownpodcast.net Spotify Channel: https://spoti.fi/3QtpT8z Audio available on all platforms - just search for "Our Town Podcast" Follow us on social media: LinkedIn: http://bit.ly/41rlgTt Facebook: https://bit.ly/ourtownpodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ourtownpodcast/ TikTok: http://bit.ly/3XIFsgo

Are you ready to be inspired? Lauren Mills Marsh has more than made her presence felt in the construction industry as she is the President of Ridgeline Roofing & Exteriors. While she certainly did not plan to have her first child during her senior year of high school, Lauren channeled her competitiveness and stubbornness to begin her career in the male-dominated industry of construction where she met her husband Terry. Not long after getting married, Terry decided to go off on his own and start Ridgeline, in which Lauren would soon join forces with him and now operates as the company's President. The proud parents to 4 children, Lauren shares the incredible story of their youngest, adopted from China, and the miracles that have transpired thus far in her young life. Lauren is heavily involved in giving back to her hometown community and providing an opportunity for women to succeed in construction. 00:00 Start 01:00 Born and Raised | Family 04:45 All-In 08:03 Kids Names 15:00 Teenage Pregnancy 18:33 Internship | Terry 23:08 Foundation Story 26:52 Dancing Career 33:00 Starting Ridgeline 36:52 Roofing Specialty 40:05 Website | Video 45:27 Expansion Plan 50:30 Becoming President 57:04 Branding/Architecture Styles 01:05:04 Size of Company | Subs 01:12:52 Diversity Inclusion 01:15:04 Quality Control 01:19:00 Roof Styles | Network 01:24:00 Shooting the Video 01:29:42 Anniston's Story 01:38:45 Birth Parents 01:43:00 Picture Pack 01:53:12 Conclusion For more information on Lauren and Ridgeline Construction visit them at https://ridgelineconstructionhsv.com Follow Ridgeline on Instagram or Facebook Host/Interviewer: M. Troy Bye, Owner, Our Town Podcast Website: www.ourtownpodcast.net Spotify Channel: https://spoti.fi/3QtpT8z Audio available on all platforms - just search for "Our Town Podcast" Follow us on social media: LinkedIn: http://bit.ly/41rlgTt Facebook: https://bit.ly/ourtownpodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ourtownpodcast/ TikTok: http://bit.ly/3XIFsgo

When the pandemic hit, Bill's home poker group couldn’t meet in person to play, so he asked his fresh-out of college son to use that new computer science degree to write some software that would enable he and his buddies to play a high-low game called 7-27, along with a video interface. Within a few days, Bill and his crew were up and running playing a basic game over the internet. Seeing his group “together” laughing, playing cards, and having a great time was the spark that started PokerCows. Bill figured if his group was having this much fun with one basic game, imagine what a platform with a variety of games and options could deliver. In March of 2023, PokerCows beta-launched with 15 dealer’s choice games, including No-Limit Texas Hold ‘Em. PokerCows provides a private table environment for friends and family to play dealer’s choice poker games. You can make them as crazy as you want with options ranging from “low hole wild” to “roll your own” to “high-low split.” It’s designed for fun and to bring friends and family together along with all the laughs that accompany a home dealer’s choice poker game. Bill and I had a lot of fun talking about his new endeavor as well as plenty other topics. 00:00 Start 00:05 TPG, Inc. Sponsor 02:08 Shoutout to Bill Neiland& Active 8 05:27 Poker Cows 09:27 Platform for Friends 11:09 Split Pot Games 13:36 Promo Video 18:51 Poker Cows Interface 25:37 Software Development 27:54 Entrepreneur Background 32:13 Foundation and Team 38:50 Marketing & Promotion 42:53 Compatibility 47:50 Career & Education Lessons 51:45 Rentals in HSV 57:05 Retirees & Assisted Living 01:00:43 Father & Golf League 01:05:45 Golf Talk/Vegas 01:15:45 Pebble Beach/Bandon Dunes 01:22:15 Gambling Story/More Golf 01:33:10 2 Amazing Gambling Stories 01:36:59 Conclusion For more information on Poker Cows visit them at https://www.pokercows.com Photo credit and video clip credit to Active 8 Communications. https://active-8.com Host/Interviewer: M. Troy Bye, Owner, Our Town Podcast Website: www.ourtownpodcast.net Spotify Channel: https://spoti.fi/3QtpT8z Audio available on all platforms - just search for "Our Town Podcast" Follow us on social media: LinkedIn: http://bit.ly/41rlgTt Facebook: https://bit.ly/ourtownpodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ourtownpodcast/ TikTok: http://bit.ly/3XIFsgo

Karen Petersen is an inspiration! Currently, Karen works and serves the community in her role as Director of Development at Wellstone. Karen was overcome with her own addiction to alcohol for 15 years of her life. She is now 20+ years sober and shares her story to inspire others that there is Hope! We can overcome those addictions that just seem impossible to overcome. In addition to sharing her own story, Karen talks about the many advances and improvements in Huntsville to helping those with mental health issues, addiction, and so much more where a concerted effort is being placed into bringing more treatment centers to our area. Karen is actively involved through events like the Beacon of Hope to raise the money needed to bring a much needed in-patient facility to North Alabama. We also discuss her Norwegian roots, the exciting times ahead for her family, and so much more. 00:00 Start 00:51 Intro 02:02 Shoutouts and TPG Sponsorship 04:30 Petersen Daughters 08:30 Troy Owes his Big Sister 11:02 Karen Having Kids 13:05 Wellstone & Mental Health Addiction Intro 15:38 YMCA Health Fair and State of Mental Health 19:40 Hiring on at Wellstone 23:38 Mental Health Facility 29:28 I Can't Be Diagnosed 31:53 Getting Treatment 35:26 Peer Counseling 37:41 Recharge 40:28 Embedding Professionals 44:51 Showing True Colors 47:14 Entrepreneurial Spirit 48:58 Raising Funds 51:43 Beacon of Hope 55:39 Lauren Sisler's story 01:00:39 First Stop Partnership 01:01:48 Attendance Targets & Sponsorships 01:04:48 Breaking the Cycle 01:08:49 Growth and Impact of the Event 01:14:38 Surname and Parents Story 01:22:29 Homecoming Story - Origin of Alcohol 01:29:23 Comparison to Siblings 01:31:17 College Years 01:36:37 Friends Circle/Blog Post 01:42:37 Never Lost Hope/Getting Help 01:44:30 "I AM TOO" Moment 01:47:27 Parents & Journal Entry 01:50:37 Overcoming Temptation 01:54:10 I Love You & I Am Too 01:55:39 Conclusion For more information on Wellstone visit their website at https://wellstone.com For more information on the 2023 Beacon of Hope visit https://go.wellstone.com/boh23 Host/Interviewer: M. Troy Bye, Owner, Our Town Podcast Website: www.ourtownpodcast.net Spotify Channel: https://spoti.fi/3QtpT8z Audio available on all platforms - just search for "Our Town Podcast" Follow us on social media: LinkedIn: http://bit.ly/41rlgTt Facebook: https://bit.ly/ourtownpodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ourtownpodcast/ TikTok: http://bit.ly/3XIFsgo

Jennifer and her husband “Doc” retired to the Huntsville area after a distinguished military career. Jennifer’s service to the military and its families continues in so many ways, some of which are highlighted in this episode - Alabama Military Family Liaison and the Semper Fi Task Force - to name just a couple. Jennifer also walks us through some of her hobbies and interests, the highlight being, at least for me, a beautiful photo she took and we discuss during the “picture pack” segment. A native of New Jersey, Jennifer is yet another example of how lucky we are in North Alabama to have committed citizens to serve each other and the greater good. Episode Timeline:

00:00 Start

01:38 Purple Star Schools

04:09 Jennifer Intro

05:57 Westpoint/Meeting Doc

08:40 Sports Fandom and Growing up

15:52 Living in D.C.

17:48 Rutgers/Courtship

18:40 First Assignment

21:12 9/11

23:02 Orders for Bragg

26:15Home-based businesses

30:55 Deployments

32:31 Remaining Assignments

35:13 Carlisle/Army War College

40:34 Staying Involved

41:39 Huntsville

44:15 Semper Fi Task Force

56:37 Military Family Liaison

01:01:07 State Websites

01:09:05 Design Studio Work

01:14:00 Semper Fi New Logo

01:17:47 Conclusion For more information on the Alabama Military Family Liaison visit https://www.heroeswelcome.alabama.gov/the-alabama-military-stability-foundation-designates-military-family-liaison/ For more information on the Semper Fi Task Force https://semperfictf.org/ Follow Jennifer Holliday on Instagram or Facebook Host/Interviewer: M. Troy Bye, Owner, Our Town Podcast Website: www.ourtownpodcast.net Spotify Channel: https://spoti.fi/3QtpT8z Audio available on all platforms - just search for "Our Town Podcast" Follow us on social media: LinkedIn: http://bit.ly/41rlgTt Facebook: https://bit.ly/ourtownpodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ourtownpodcast/ TikTok: http://bit.ly/3XIFsgo

Ashley Engles-Ross is a treasure in the Huntsville community and North Alabama region. After supporting her husband's military career and settling into Huntsville, Ashley has put her career into full throttle and is thriving in her role at the Chamber of Commerce as the Vice President for Small Business. Ashley highlights the great team at the Chamber who work so well together and support one another in the many events that occur each year. Originally from Pittsburgh, Ashley shares many great stories and experiences from her early years like going eye-to-eye with a Deer while working a McDonald's drive thru window! Please remember to Like, Subscribe, and tell at least one other person about the podcast, which is proudly supported by our platinum sponsor, TPG Inc. 00:00 Start 01:53 Paralympics 03:33 TPG, Inc. Shoutout 05:05 Ashley Intro/Chamber 09:11 '22 Localopoly 14:50 Chamber Website/Econ Dev 20:40 Ashley Engels-Ross 25:45 PIttsburgh 28:24 Home Economics 35:44 McDonald's Drive Thru Stories 37:50 CarWash 47:27 Teslas 49:15 Fort Bliss 54:58 Meeting Jim 57:47 Military Career 01:05:48 Moving to HSV 01:13:00 The Chamber 01:18:00 Mangging with Confidence 01:25:55 Career in HSV 01:27:25 Small Business Awards 01:31:14 Picture Pack 01:38:40 Shoutouts/Conclusion For more information on the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce visit https://hsvchamber.org Follow the Chamber on Instagram or Facebook Host/Interviewer: M. Troy Bye, Owner, Our Town Podcast Website: www.ourtownpodcast.net Spotify Channel: https://spoti.fi/3QtpT8z Audio available on all platforms - just search for "Our Town Podcast" Follow us on social media: LinkedIn: http://bit.ly/41rlgTt Facebook: https://bit.ly/ourtownpodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ourtownpodcast/ TikTok: http://bit.ly/3XIFsgo

"This call may be monitored for quality assurance purposes". That famous tag line is the brainchild of Lisa DeFalco, Founder & CEO of TPG Inc. A gutsy and determined woman raised by her grandmother in Newark, Lisa overcame the odds and the voices of naysayers to not only found her company in 1996 but, she also founded the entire industry for quality assurance for customer contact centers. For 26 years Lisa has achieved a masterful "blend" of her time and life by managing a residence in Sarasota and raising (3) children while also expanding and overseeing TPG operations in both Omaha and Huntsville. The Huntsville TPG family has created and is evolving "Anna" an AI-based communication assessment platform. You will thoroughly enjoy hearing Lisa's story. Episode Timeline: 00:00 Start 01:28 Lisa Intro 05:10 Starting the Industry 12:17 Williamsport, PA 14:15 High School Jobs 19:05 TPG Early Days 22:31 Value-Add/Six Sigma 26:34 Call Volume 29:40 Tagline is Born 32:05 Single Mother 36:50 Grace & Learning Process 45:20 Use Cases & Competitors 51:28 Lobbying Congress 55:55 TPG Locations 01:02:43 Meet "Anna" 01:09:43 Definitions of a "Good Call" 01:15:36 Realities of Expansion 01:24:10 Meaning of "Anna" 01:32:46 Managing Ups and Downs 01:41:52 Picture Pack 01:53:52 Quick 6 01:57:54 Shoutouts & Conclusion For more information on TPG Inc. visit https://tpginc.com Follow TPG Inc. on Instagram or Facebook Host/Interviewer: M. Troy Bye, Owner, Our Town Podcast Website: www.ourtownpodcast.net Spotify Channel: https://spoti.fi/3QtpT8z Audio available on all platforms - just search for "Our Town Podcast" Follow us on social media: LinkedIn: http://bit.ly/41rlgTt Facebook: https://bit.ly/ourtownpodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ourtownpodcast/ TikTok: http://bit.ly/3XIFsgo

Chad Emerson returns to the program in his new job as Managing Director of Business Operations for Huntsville's new soccer team. The Huntsville City FC competes in the MLS Next Pro league and is an affiliate of the Nashville MLS team. Chad is 6 months into this role and discusses the renovation progress at Joe Davis Stadium, season tickets, corporate hospitality, parking, marketing, food and beverage, and so much more. The season is underway but the team will not play its first home game until 19 May at the brand new Joe Davis Stadium. It's full steam ahead over the next month to put all of the remaining pieces in place as Huntsville welcomes its newest addition to pro sports! 00:00 Start 00:30 Welcome/Intro 02:45 Half Marathon Challenge 08:30 Joe Davis Stadium Rebuild 12:14 Initial Involvement 16:20 Legacy from Downtown HSV 19:03 Scope of New Role 21:30 HSV Soccer Community 23:30 MLS Next Pro Rules Experiments 26:00 Business Operations 31:15 Master Lease Agreement 36:22 Branding/Logo Design 42:58 Nashville Partnership/Hybrid Model 46:01 Food and Concessions 49:40 Pro Level Soccer 52:00 Downtown HSV 54:50 Infrastructure Improvements at Joe Davis 58:37 Picture Pack 01:09:20 State of U.S. Soccer 01:13:00 Word Association 01:16:20 Shoutouts & Conclusion For more information on Huntsville City FC visit their website at https://huntsvillecityfc.com Follow Huntsville City FC on Instagram or Facebook Host/Interviewer: M. Troy Bye, Owner, Our Town Podcast Website: www.ourtownpodcast.net Spotify Channel: https://spoti.fi/3QtpT8z Audio available on all platforms - just search for "Our Town Podcast" Follow us on social media: LinkedIn: http://bit.ly/41rlgTt Facebook: https://bit.ly/ourtownpodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ourtownpodcast/ TikTok: http://bit.ly/3XIFsgo

Mark Brazeal has a cool job within a very unique company that is doing things that are unprecedented in the auto manufacturing industry. An Alabama native, Mark started in textile manufacturing before making the switch to automotive manufacturing- first with a Tier-1 supplier and then making the move to Toyota. His career with Toyota now stretches past the 20 year mark and he is bringing his decades of expertise and experience to the first class operation known as Mazda Toyota Manufacturing. Mark takes us through every aspect of the journey for MTM to build their first-of-its-kind facility in Huntsville and the many challenges they faced and, more importantly, how they have overcome them - to include protecting two endangered fish species, endemic to Limestone County. Awesome conversation! Episode Timeline: 00:00 Start 01:14 Baseball 03:26 Shoutouts to Jessica & Toni 05:07 Brazeal Surname 07:02 Mark w/Toyota High-Level 09:10 Endangered Fish Species 17:58 MTM Major Challenges 20:30 COVID Impact 25:00 Unique Mazda/Toyota Relationship 30:04 Auto Chip Shortage 39:25 Playbook for Challenges 46:14 Tornados 49:12 Career Start in Textiles 53:20 Family Influence 58:00 Teamwork Philosophy 01:01:00 Supplier Pace Challenges 01:07:25 Foreign Company in U.S. 01:13:50 Picture Pack 01:19:18 Buffalo, WV Assignment 01:23:27 Mazda/Toyota Partnership 01:29:15 Coopetition 01:34:54 "Team One" Concept 01:37:17 Game "Put the Pics in Order" 01:44:12 Closing For more information on Mazda Toyota Manufacturing visit their website at https://mazdatoyota.com Follow Mazda Toyota on Instagram or Facebook Host/Interviewer: M. Troy Bye, Owner, Our Town Podcast Website: www.ourtownpodcast.net Spotify Channel: https://spoti.fi/3QtpT8z Audio available on all platforms - just search for "Our Town Podcast" Follow us on social media: LinkedIn: http://bit.ly/41rlgTt Facebook: https://bit.ly/ourtownpodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ourtownpodcast/ TikTok: http://bit.ly/3XIFsgo

Mark Brazeal has a cool job within a very unique company that is doing things that are unprecedented in the auto manufacturing industry. An Alabama native, Mark started in textile manufacturing before making the switch to automotive manufacturing- first with a Tier-1 supplier and then making the move to Toyota. His career with Toyota now stretches past the 20 year mark and he is bringing his decades of expertise and experience to the first class operation known as Mazda Toyota Manufacturing. Mark takes us through every aspect of the journey for MTM to build their first-of-its-kind facility in Huntsville and the many challenges they faced and, more importantly, how they have overcome them - to include protecting two endangered fish species, endemic to Limestone County. Awesome conversation! Episode Timeline: 00:00 Start 01:14 Baseball 03:26 Shoutouts to Jessica & Toni 05:07 Brazeal Surname 07:02 Mark w/Toyota High-Level 09:10 Endangered Fish Species 17:58 MTM Major Challenges 20:30 COVID Impact 25:00 Unique Mazda/Toyota Relationship 30:04 Auto Chip Shortage 39:25 Playbook for Challenges 46:14 Tornados 49:12 Career Start in Textiles 53:20 Family Influence 58:00 Teamwork Philosophy 01:01:00 Supplier Pace Challenges 01:07:25 Foreign Company in U.S. 01:13:50 Picture Pack 01:19:18 Buffalo, WV Assignment 01:23:27 Mazda/Toyota Partnership 01:29:15 Coopetition 01:34:54 "Team One" Concept 01:37:17 Game "Put the Pics in Order" 01:44:12 Closing For more information on Mazda Toyota Manufacturing visit their website at https://mazdatoyota.com Follow Mazda Toyota on Instagram or Facebook Host/Interviewer: M. Troy Bye, Owner, Our Town Podcast Website: www.ourtownpodcast.net Spotify Channel: https://spoti.fi/3QtpT8z Audio available on all platforms - just search for "Our Town Podcast" Follow us on social media: LinkedIn: http://bit.ly/41rlgTt Facebook: https://bit.ly/ourtownpodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ourtownpodcast/ TikTok: http://bit.ly/3XIFsgo

Joe Carlucci, Owner of Valentina's Pizzeria & Wine Bar in Madison, AL, competed and won it all at the World Pizza Games in Las Vegas. He is the reigning World Champion in the Traditional category, and this year, he brought home both the victory in the Non-Traditional category and won Pizza Maker of the Year!! You can hear Joe's full story in his prior appearance on the Podcast - Episodes 22 & 50 Episode 57 was shot live in the Our Town Podcast studio and is posted on Facebook on the Our Town Podcast (or M. Troy Bye) page and will also be posted to our website and everywhere you watch or listen to your podcasts. For more information on Valentina's Pizzeria and Famous Joe, visit: https://www.valentinaspizzeria.com Instagram: valentinaspizzeria Facebook: Valentina's Pizzeria & Wine Bar or Joseph Carlucci Host/Interviewer: M. Troy Bye, Owner, Our Town Podcast Website: www.ourtownpodcast.net Spotify Channel: https://spoti.fi/3QtpT8z Audio available on all platforms. Just search for "Our Town Podcast" Follow us on social media: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/our-town-podcast-50033a234/ Facebook: https://bit.ly/ourtownpodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ourtownpodcast/

Born and raised in South Jersey, our town of North Alabama is privileged to have citizens like Kerry Straub call this home. The son of hard working parents and brothers, Kerry graduated from Rutgers, served his country in the Army before then deciding to apply to the FBI Academy and subsequently becoming an Agent. He retired after 20+ years with the Bureau working some amazing cases during his tenure. Kerry now leads the Huntsville Area Crime Stoppers organization, which encourages citizens to provide any info or tips that could lead to an arrest for any unsolved case(s). Kerry's transparency and insights are incredible and worth a watch/listen. 00:00 Start 00:20 HSV Spotlight 04:15 Intro to Kerry 06:13 P3 Tips App 10:31 Background 12:33 Life's First Thought 16:10 Mob Story 20:06 Dad/Mom/Brothers 24:09 Military Career 28:42 Fort Jefferson 32:00 FBI Academy 40:00 How The Bureau selected Kerry? 43:45 Celebrities 45:20 FBI Career 48:40 9/11 at FBI 52:00 Notorious Cases 57:30 Greatest Satisfaction 01:03:20 Bank Robberies 01:09:43 Balancing Career and Family 01:17:12 Job vs. Career 01:20:57 Retirement - Community Involvement 01:26:24 Crime Stoppers 01:48:15 TV Influence 01:58:05 40th Year Celebration/Shaq 02:03:20 Cold Cases 02:09:10 Running for Office ***Merch Store Now Open (Open until March 31) http://bit.ly/3ytRDmQ T-Shirts, Long Sleeve, Hoodies, Hats, and Tumbler. Act Fast!!** For more information on the Crime Stoppers visit their website at https://53crime.org Follow Huntsville Area Crime Stoppers: https://www.facebook.com/HuntsvilleAreaCrimeStoppers/about Host/Interviewer: M. Troy Bye, Owner, Our Town Podcast Website: www.ourtownpodcast.net Spotify Channel: https://spoti.fi/3QtpT8z Audio available on all platforms - just search for "Our Town Podcast" Follow us on social media: LinkedIn: http://bit.ly/41rlgTt Facebook: https://bit.ly/ourtownpodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ourtownpodcast/ TikTok: http://bit.ly/3XIFsgo

Don't let Carolyn Kimbro's smile and friendly disposition fool you, she is as competitive as they come. A former collegiate-level swimmer, she has taken advantage of earning her degree from Auburn's Interior Design program (consistently ranked one of the Nation's top) and being the daughter of two business owners, to create two successful businesses. Carolyn's first company is the Peachtree Interior Design Company, which has been in operation since 2016. Most recently, Carolyn opened the Peachtree & Co. Home Furnishings store located at Stovehouse's Gaslight Alley, which proudly supports only locally-owned and woman-owned businesses. Carolyn reveals the inspiration behind the company name, discusses design trends, bringing her kids to work, and also some of the realities of owning a small business. 00:00 Start 00:15 Intro/Kudos 03:20 Design Podcasts/Examples 05:50 Carolyn Kimbro Intro 08:50 Hiring & Vetting Applicants 16:03 Design Education 19:25 Value of 4-year Degree 24:40 Psychology/Color Psychology 30:51 Color Opposites & Material Aversion 33:04 Auburn Appeal 40:35 Plan B 44:46 Binge Watching 48:05 Complex College Project 54:11 Studying Aboard in Italy 57:05 Current Design Trends 01:00:25 Design Shows 01:02:42 Picture Pack 1 01:12:43 Swimming 01:20:10 Negative Influences/Competition 01:24:30 Family Examples 01:27:35 Peachtree Name 01:30:41 HSV Market 01:36:05 Digital vs. Hardcopy 01:40:38 Iron Bowl Fundraiser 01:44:58 Family Accomplishments 01:53:58 Name That Tune 02:03:39 Shoutouts 02:04:45 Signature Design Element 02:08:30 Grading the Our Town Studio 02:11:13 South & Southeast Influence ***Merch Store Now Open (Open until March 31) http://bit.ly/3ytRDmQ T-Shirts, Long Sleeve, Hoodies, Hats, and Tumbler. Act Fast!!** For more information on the Peachtree Interior Design Co. visit https://peachtreeinterior.com Follow Peachtree on Instagram: @peachtree.co & peachtree.and.co Host/Interviewer: M. Troy Bye, Owner, Our Town Podcast Website: www.ourtownpodcast.net

Spotify Channel: https://spoti.fi/3QtpT8z Audio available on all platforms - just search for "Our Town Podcast" Follow us on social media: LinkedIn: http://bit.ly/41rlgTt Facebook: https://bit.ly/ourtownpodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ourtownpodcast/ TikTok: http://bit.ly/3XIFsgo

A native of Hazel Green and graduate of Madison Academy, Jacob Clark is fulfilling his dream of owning his own company aptly named Clark Holding & Development Co.  An idyllic boyhood took a tragic turn when Jacob's older brother passed away in an accident just as he was starting his adulthood.  Family has always been at the center of Jacob's life and has provided the strength to overcome various challenges along the way; and to now be raising (5) children of his own.  Jacob shares the ups and downs of his career in home building and land development and now his sights are set on not only helping to bring a Zoo to North Alabama on a very large plot of land, but to bring a one of a kind, state-of-the-art sports complex at that same site.   And you will enjoy hearing some things that might surprise you -- as they did me -- while he and I talked.

Episode Timeline:

00:00 Start

01:35 Downed Helicopter

06:50 Jacob Clark/Fitness Challenge

10:58 Bodybuilding

13:00 Homebuilding Career

17:30 Bankruptcy

20:43 Career post Divorce

24:50 Clark Holding & Development Company

27:15 The New Zoo

32:00 Sports Complex Option

40:15 Growth Potential

44:50 Company's Target Areas

49:50 Support of Spouse

54:42 Memorabilia/Card Collecting

01:00:15 Family/Kids

01:10:30 Growing up in Hazel Green

01:13:26 The Passing of Wes Clark

01:21:00 Faith of the South

01:24:30 "Picture Pack" walkthrough

01:29:30 Fow Wow Basketball Teammate

01:36:30 Atlanta Braves/Caray's

01:39:10 Multiple Kids

01:45:25 Madison Academy Basketball

01:47:08 "The 6"

01:59:00 Conclusion

Host/Interviewer: M. Troy Bye, Owner, Our Town Podcast

Website: www.ourtownpodcast.net

Spotify Channel: https://spoti.fi/3QtpT8z

Audio available on all platforms - just search for "Our Town Podcast"

Follow us on social media:

LinkedIn: http://bit.ly/41rlgTt

Facebook: https://bit.ly/ourtownpodcast

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ourtownpodcast/

TikTok: http://bit.ly/3XIFsgo

Amy Lemley Bailey is another amazing Huntsville native that I have had the pleasure to interview.  She has been fashion and style conscious since a very early age and was hugely influenced by her grandmother.  While she attended college Montevallo and did an internship at Southern Living post graduation, she quickly found herself living and working in New York City.  Ultimately, she returned to her beloved Alabama and you will hear her amazing journey in following her dreams and passion of honing her craft as a style expert, travel writer, gardener, and recipe creator.  Amy is the owner of City Lifestyle Huntsville, which is proudly focused on delivering a monthly magazine serving as a one-stop-shop for hyper local, expertly created content for you that inspires and connects the community.  You will love this episode as we will tour both the hard copy and digital version of City Lifestyle's first issue for FEB 2023.  

Episode Timeline:  

00:00 Start  

01:38 Intro/Spring Weather  

07:31Grandmother's Influence  

12:50 High School Years  

16:00 Picking a College/Beauty Pageant Contestant  

22:09 Leaping to NYC  

27:00 US Weekly  

33:50 Roots of MyScoop  

38:00 Catalyst to Ramping Up  

44:00 Fashion Trends Commenting  

49:02 Blog Posts/Content Pressure  

53:03 Hyper Local  

59:50 City Lifestyle Magazine  

01:05:16 Magazine Debut  

01:10:20 Digital Walkthrough  

01:22:35 Mocktails  

01:27:20 Anticipating the Market  

01:33:40 Artemis Piece  

01:36:02 Name That Tune  

01:40:30 Shoutouts   

For more information on Amy and City Lifestyle Huntsville visit: https://citylifestyle.com/about-us Follow Amy on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/myscoop/  

Host/Interviewer: M. Troy Bye, Owner, Our Town Podcast  

Website: www.ourtownpodcast.net 

Spotify Channel: https://spoti.fi/3QtpT8z 

Audio available on all platforms - just search for "Our Town Podcast"   

Follow us on social media: 

LinkedIn: http://bit.ly/41rlgTt

Facebook: https://bit.ly/ourtownpodcast 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ourtownpodcast/ 

TikTok: http://bit.ly/3XIFsgo

Brandon Bishop grew up in Stevenson, AL, attended the University of Alabama, and established roots and raising his family in Madison. Brandon shares the interesting circumstance in which he met his wife, Trina, and how they would later become foster parents even with their own biological children.  We discuss the obstacles and myths that still prevail delaying qualified individuals and couples from starting the process of fostering or adopting a child.  Brandon shares many stories and insights from his many experiences as a foster parent, which proved to be both educational and emotional.  Brandon is a songwriter and we discussed the lyrics to a song he wrote entitled  "You're Doin it Wrong" and then watched it performed by Christina Lynn. Brandon is definitely a selfless person who leads a selfless life and you will be amazed to hear the other things he is involved with all aimed at community building.  

Episode Timeline:  

00:00 Start 

00:25 Episode Recap 

03:00 Intro 

05:53 MCFAPA Overview 

12:05 Meeting Trina 

17:04 Beginning the Foster Journey 

21:40 Re-energizing 

25:45 Myths of Fostering 

32:30 Relationship with Birth Parents 

41:28 Focusing on the Child 

50:20 Reuniting with a Former Foster 

52:39 Rules and Parenting Style 

01:01:20 Kids Opening Up 

01:05:02 Taking Care of the Host Family 

01:10:27 "You're Doing it Wrong" 

01:23:55 Personal/Solo Time 

01:28:40 Music Producers 

01:33:23 Picture Pack 

01:54:53 The Quick 6 

02:09:45 What would an Ad say? 

02:12:04 Conclusion  

For more information on MCFAPA visit https://mcfapa.life

For more information on Alabama's Foster and Adoptive Parent Association visit https://afapa.org

Host/Interviewer: M. Troy Bye, Owner, Our Town Podcast 

Website: www.ourtownpodcast.net 

Spotify Channel: https://spoti.fi/3QtpT8z

Audio available on all platforms - just search for "Our Town Podcast"  

Follow us on social media: 

LinkedIn: http://bit.ly/41rlgTt

Facebook: https://bit.ly/ourtownpodcast

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ourtownpodcast/

TikTok: http://bit.ly/3XIFsgo

Reigning World Champion and original member of the World Pizza Champions, Joe Carlucci, returns to the Podcast for milestone episode 50!  Joe catches us up on the progress of the new store that will open in the summer, which requires tripling his staff and adding a Bourbon room, lessons and instruction from his mentor, handling frustrated customers and implementing quality control measures, raising a daughter in 2023, and the behind the scenes of what took place during his appearance on Hulu's "Best In Dough".  Joe is always entertaining but also very thoughtful and drops some great nuggets of wisdom that you will not want to miss.

Episode Timeline: 

00:00 Start 

01:45 EP 22 Recap 

03:00 Impact of Bucee's on Business 

05:45 Summary of Joe's Story 

08:08 Influence of Tony Gemignani 

12:43 Building a Team/Life Coach 

18:40 Plans for New Valentina's Store 

23:50 Amazing Staff 

29:43 Adding a Bourbon Room/ New Commercial 

33:15 Delivery and Pickup 

39:00 Handling Frustrated Customers/Quality Controls 

46:55 Joe's Dad 

55:50 Raising Valentina 

59:11 Appearance on Hulu's "Best in Dough" 

01:15:00 Prayer Group/YT Channel for Valentina 

01:19:30 Trends in Pizza Style 

01:22:00 Educating Staff to Differentitate 

01:28:57 The Quick 6/Empathy & Sympathy for Others 

01:37:05 Surrounding Yourself with Positive Influence 

01:44:45  Using Analogies to Teach 

01:50:55 Valentina Dating 

01:56:10 Projection for Move-In/Plan for Murals 

02:06:00 Conclusion  

For more information on Valentina's Pizzeria and Famous Joe, visit: https://www.valentinaspizzeria.com 

Instagram: valentinaspizzeria 

Facebook: Valentina's Pizzeria & Wine Bar orJoseph Carlucci  

Host/Interviewer: M. Troy Bye, Owner, Our Town Podcast Website: www.ourtownpodcast.net 

YouTube Channel: https://bit.ly/3HJWfe9

Audio available on all platforms.  Just search for "Our Town Podcast"  

Follow us on social media: 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/our-town-podcast-50033a234/

Facebook: https://bit.ly/ourtownpodcast

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ourtownpodcast/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@UCP5NjTsQ72k00C5n7ghLapA

Drew Gilbert is an example to the younger generation.  With the love of a caring,strong, and selfless mother, Drew was raised well in Alabaster, AL and now proudly serves the public good in his job at First Stop and as a Captain of the EMS team for the Harvest Volunteer Fire Department. He served his country in the Army National Guard and deployed to Iraq to support Operations Iraqi Freedom and New Dawn.  Through his military and fire fighting training he has received extensive training and certifications related to emergency response and tactical medicine, which he uses to save lives in the greater huntsville area on a regular basis.  This interview will simply make you feel good that our town has amazing citizens like Drew who live and work here.  

00:00 Start 

03:00 First Stop 

11:10 HSV Homeless Population 

13:52 Alabaster, AL 

17:15 Incredible Mom 

22:30 Westminster Christian Academy 

26:31 National Guard 

31:05 Military Career 

34:35 Deployment 

37:30 Bin Laden News 

40:10 Public Good 

43:10 Medical Training 

48:15 Volunteer Firefighter 

53:45 Training and Benefits 

01:00:40 Emergency Notification 

01:07:25 Scene Size-ups 

01:23:10 Cardiac Arrest Incident 

01:32:10 Mult-Injury Accidents 

01:37:58 Picture Pack & Commentary 

02:00:36 Name That Tune 

02:04:40 The Quick 6 

02:19:30 HVFD Challenge Coin and Patch  

For more information on First Stop visit https://firststop.org

For more information on the Harvest Volunteer Fire Department visit https://harvestvfd.com 

Host/Interviewer: M. Troy Bye, Owner, Our Town Podcast a brand of the Our Town Company, LLC 

Website: https://ourtownpodcast.net  

YouTube Channel: http://bit.ly/3HJWfe9

Audio available on all platforms.  Just search for "Our Town Podcast"

Travel Hacking Bros we will teach, guide, and plan your trips, big or small. The best part is these trips can be done for free or nearly free using points and miles! Travel Hacking Bros focuses on utilizing different credit cards and their sign up bonuses and using those points to redeem hotels, flights and all inclusive resorts all around the world. The best part is, it is all achievable with your everyday purchases and you do not have to worry about going into debt. After all, if you go in to debt then you are not really travelling for free. Travel Hacking Bros will be by your side to walk you through each step along the way to make your DREAM VACATIONS and other trips a reality. Feel free to reach out to us through our page or send us an email and we will set up a consultation to further explain the process. Consultations from Travel Hacking Bros are free to you as well! 

In this episode, you will hear from Alex and Darren White, whom are the brothers behind the THB, as they talk about how they embarked on this journey to create a travel hacking company.  They have a great relationship and we had some fun moments in watching them banter back and forth recounting fun memories and experiences.  Most of the episode is devoted to teaching you, the travel consumer, how to master the system that has been created by Credit Card companies to be hacked for your benefit. 

Episode Timeline: 

00:00 Start  

01:47 Alex & Darren White Intro 

07:05 Genesis of THB 

12:30 Collecting CC Points 

19:50 CC Sequencing Strategy 

22:30 No Escape from Taxes 

26:55 Favorite Hotel Chain 

31:00 The Masters 

36:28 Extra Benefits 

45:12 Cross Collaboration 

53:30 Travel Training Camp 

58:10 Customer Experience 

01:08:10 THB Logos and Marketing 

01:24:20 CC Myths 

01:29:00 Paradigm Shift 

01:38:00 Fescue Grass 

01:42:05 Picture Pack 

01:52:02 The Quick 6  

Follow the Travel Hacking Bros on Instagram "travelhackingbros" 

Email them at travelhackingbros@gmail.com  

Host/Interviewer: M. Troy Bye, Owner, Our Town Podcast a brand of the Our Town Company, LLC

Website: https://ourtownpodcast.net  

Spotify Channel: https://spoti.fi/3QtpT8z

Audio available on all platforms.  Just search for "Our Town Podcast"

Our Town Podcast - EP 45 | Part 1-Sonya Bailor, Founder, The Bailor Group.  

Each of us has a story and each of us grew out of a circumstance.  This week's episodes feature Sonya Bailor, Founder of the Bailor Group, in which you will hear, in direct detail, how her circumstance falls into the "exceptional" category.  In EP 45 (Part I) we discuss her children and the successful business that she runs.  We discuss business and marketing strategy, the psychology of consumers, and her two children, of whom she is immensely proud..  Then in EP 46 Sonya takes us into her life as a child in which she and her siblings were subject to traumas, horror, and sadness that none of us would wish on anyone.  But, Sonya has triumphed and developed into a smart and strong leader, a loving mother, and is full of optimism and hope.   

Episode Timeline 

00:00 Start 

04:00 Intro & Family 

11:56 Playground Story 

13:35 Savannah 

17:25 Shoutouts  

22:35 The Bailor Group | Core Competence 

26:45 Business Value Mix 

32:30 Power in Connections 

35:00 Inventing a Word 

36:40 Business Minds 

38:30 Focus Group/SWOT 

42:45 Marketing Illustration 

46:30 Bad Products/Bad Business 

49:30 Fashion Industry  

For more information on Sonya, visit www.sonyabailor.com  

Host/Interviewer: M. Troy Bye, Owner, Our Town Podcast a brand of the Our Town Company, LLC 

Website: https://ourtownpodcast.net  

Spotify Channel: https://spoti.fi/3QtpT8z

Audio available on all platforms.  Just search for "Our Town Podcast"

EP 44 brings back a guest from one of the earliest OTP episodes.  Thad Forester is from Haleyville, AL and he and his family created the Mark Forester foundation to honor his brother who was KIA in Afghanistan. EP 5 of the podcast goes into great detail of Mark's story. Thad and Troy have been friends for years and this episode highlights that friendship.  Thad and Troy catch up on life in North Alabama, which features Thad turning the tables and asking several questions of Troy.  Troy talks about the various jobs he had in high school, his biggest regrets of early life, songs he despises and, he also talks to Thad about the second degree burn he suffered late last year. Episode concludes with Thad's strong performance in Name that Tune.

Episode Timeline: 00:00 

Start 03:15 Thad Intro 

08:00 Candy Bomber episode 

11:35 Episode 44 

16:00 F3 Nation 

28:41 Southwest Airlines 

37:54 Good Samaritan on Green Mountain 

41:52 256 today story 

47:27 2nd Degree Burn 

01:01:40 Name That Tune 

01:08:00 Songs Despise 

01:13:25 High School regrets 

01:19:13 High School jobs 

01:30:25 Thad & Furniture Plant 

01:36:58 MFF Update 

01:39:46 Closing  

Host/Interviewer: M. Troy Bye, Owner, Our Town Podcast a brand of the Our Town Company, LLC 

Website: https://ourtownpodcast.net  

Spotify Channel: https://spoti.fi/3QtpT8z

Audio available on all platforms.  Just search for "Our Town Podcast"

EP 40 is here!  This was a very touching and -- at times -- difficult interview.  Cynthia Parker has dedicated much of her life to charitable causes, non-profits, and otherwise serving her beloved community of Huntsville.  The National Children's Advocacy, founded in Huntsville in 1984, models, promotes, and delivers excellence in child abuse response and prevention through services, education, and leadership.  Cynthia not only expertly explains the differences and purposes of CAC's at the national, regional, and local levels, but also shares some of the tender stories and experiences of those that have been abused.  On a personal level, Cynthia is immensely proud of her son and daughter, both of whom are working in professions that allow them to server their communities and make a difference in people's lives.

Episode Timeline:

00:00 Start

00:31 Shoutout to FowWow Designs

02:24 Intro to Cynthia

05:00 National CAC

12:10 Multi-Disciplinary Teams

16:30 Forensic Interviews

23:30 Abuse Statistics

27:10 Abuse Prevention Program

36:01 "Joseph's Story"

46:00 Unique Campus

52:15 Accreditation 

56:40 Fundraising

01:04:10 Giving Back

01:26:30 Family

01:33:40 Picture Time

01:54:10 Quick 6

02:06:16 Closing

For more information on the National Children's Advocacy Center - https://nationalcac.org 

Host/Interviewer: M. Troy Bye, Owner, Our Town Podcast a brand of the Our Town Company, LLC 

Website: www.ourtownpodcast.net 

Spotify Channel: https://spoti.fi/3QtpT8z

Audio available on all platforms.  Just search for "Our Town Podcast"

Jessica Brown is a resource development manager for the amazing non-profit First Stop, which provides resources and service to the homeless community in Huntsville, Al.  Jessica has an amazing story of struggle, determination, and triumph, which has shaped her into the person she is today.  One drawback to the growth of a city like Huntsville, is that the homeless population will rise as well.  Jessica details what First Stop is doing to meet the homeless and unsheltered where they are in their circumstance.  Jessica also is a professional photographer and has run her own business named Moonbelle Photography since 2009.   

Timeline:

00:00 Start

04:11 First Stop Overview

10:49 Realities of Growth

17:05 New Facility

20:50 Classifying Homelessness

29:50 Pregnant & Homeless

37:32 Living in Egypt

43:00 Pregnancy Cravings

47:00 College Years

51:01 HSV Supply of Housing

58:16 Encountering the Homeless

01:15:10 Largest City, Biggest Heart

01:27:41 The Pic 6

01:38:50 Committee of 100

01:47:15 Closing

https://moonbellephotography.com 

https://firststop.org Host/Interviewer: 

M. Troy Bye, Owner, Our Town Podcast a brand of the Our Town Company, LLC 

Website: www.ourtownpodcast.net 

Spotify Channel: https://spoti.fi/3QtpT8z

Audio available on all platforms.  Just search for "Our Town Podcast"

Born and raised just North of Lansing MI, Colonel John Kuenzli, U.S. Army (Ret), became the first in his family to enter into Military  service.  He had a distinguished career in which he rose through the ranks in management and leadership, deployed almost a dozen times to overseas assignments, and ultimately was the Brigade commander for two brigades totaling 64,000 soldiers, civilians, and contractors while a Colonel in the Army Materiel Command.  John grew up on a 60 acre farm and you will hear many great stories and experiences from his growing up years that have shaped him into the man, father, and husband that he is today.    

00:00 Start 

00:50 Kuenzli Origin & Family 

06:45 Halloween Stories 

09:56 AUSA Vets Week Activities 

19:24 WWII Ford Motor Co. Story 

24:07 Generational Impact 

27:07 Diversity in the Military 

32:00 John's Military recruiter story 

35:20 A Plan for John 

38:10 Siblings 

51:13 Foreign Exchange Students 

59:52 Newspaper clippings 

01:07:00 Lions All-State Band 

01:24:31 Career Step-through 

01:36:22 Battalion Commander 

01:42:31 Transition Process 

01:49:30 Brigade of 64,000 

01:57:40 Military Education 

02:05:22 Running Stories 

02:07:36 The "Quick 6" 

02:32:45 The "Pic 6" 

02:38:08 Closing Remarks  

Host/Interviewer: M. Troy Bye, Owner, Our Town Podcast a brand of the Our Town Company, LLC 

Website: www.ourtownpodcast.net 

Spotify Channel: https://spoti.fi/3QtpT8zAudio available on all platforms.  

Just search for "Our Town Podcast"

Josh Caray is a versatile media talent who has worked in television and radio in both news and sports. Josh is currently the play-by-play broadcaster for the new Rocket City Trash Pandas (AA-Angels) in Madison, AL, and I also freelance for the University of Alabama on their SEC Network-plus coverage of volleyball, soccer, and other sports. Previously, Josh was the play-by-play man for theStony Brook University Seawolves on Long Island, NY. In addition, to calling games for the Hudson Valley Renegades of the New York-Penn League as well as baseball and softball games for Yale University. Previous to that Josh was a television news anchor for the 5p, 6p and 10p news on KAVU-TV in Victoria, TX.  

Prior to 2015, Josh was a multi- media journalist with Fox 5 News and All News 106.7 in Atlanta, GA. He wrote, edited, produced, and reported stories for both television and radio in the eighth-largest media market in the country. He met several deadlines a day. On a full slate, he turned as many as 20 reports for radio and three packages for television.   

In addition, Josh also works as a freelance play-by-play broadcaster for Learfield Sports calling college basketball. In the past, Josh  also called college football and minor league baseball on radio and television. In 2009, he called games for the triple-A Gwinnett Braves. 25 games we're carried regionally on Comcast Sports Southeast, two of which were beamed nationally by the MLB Network.  Josh is the grandson of Hall of Fame broadcaster and well-known Harry Caray.  Josh is the son of Atlanta Braves broadcast legend Skip Caray.  Josh's brother, Chip, is now the lead broadcaster for the Braves and he also has two nephews who are trying to enter the business of sports broadcasting.    

0:00 Start 

02:05 Josh Intro 

06:01 Radio vs. TV broadcasting 

12:25 Pets 21:31 Caray family background 

24:20 Sports and Hobbies Interests 

36:45 Trash Pandas and Organizations 

42:05 AA Southern League 

55:55 Magic of Toyota Field 

01:05:15 Model Minor League Teams 

01:14:05 Pandas Players 

01:28:20 Minor League Development 

01:38:37 Tommy John Surgery 

01:41:05 AA Weaknesses 

01:44:35 Chip Caray 

01:47:56 Randy Johnson Perfect Game 

01:50:46 Josh's Career Decision 

01:54:52 Broadcaster Salaries 

01:57:56 TV Demo Tape 

02:01:28 Field Reporter for Documentary 

02:04:44 Harry Caray - 7th inning stretch 

02:08:31 Big Break 

02:13:20 Skip Caray 

02:22:23 "The Pic 6" 

02:26:18 Death his Mother 

02:32:08 Pic 6 cont'd 

02:47:16 Closing  

Host/Interviewer: M. Troy Bye, Owner, Our Town Podcast a brand of the Our Town Company, LLC 

Website: www.ourtownpodcast.net 

Audio available on all platforms.  Just search for "Our Town Podcast"

Eric received his Alabama Real Estate License in June 2020. He currently assists with all phases of property management, including budgeting, tenant relations, CAM reconciliations, day to day maintenance of the Huntsville properties, and assisting management.  Eric will transition over to the brokerage side in the future, where he will complete his training at Chase Commercial.  Before entering commercial real estate, Eric served in the Marine Corps for 6 years. After graduating from The University of Alabama, with an accounting degree, he accepted a position with a service and support educational company as a project manager. He was tasked with finding school sites, marketing, and helping assemble the non-profit board, in order to open new charter schools across the country.  

Host/Interviewer: M. Troy Bye, Owner, Our Town Podcast a brand of the Our Town Company, LLC 

Website: www.ourtownpodcast.net 

Spotify Channel: https://spoti.fi/3QtpT8z

Audio available on all platforms.  Just search for "Our Town Podcast"

Megan’s background ranges from working in non-profit to multi-million-dollar organizations, engaging in digital marketing, public relations, strategic communications, business development, and more.

Prior to starting Flourish in 2018, she served as Vice President for Huntsville-based startup accelerator The Foundry; prior to that, she served as the Director of Digital Marketing for Internet of Things (IoT) tech firm, Synapse Wireless. In addition, she held various roles with leading Advertising firm McCann Erickson, where she managed marketing and public affairs for their client, the U.S. Army, for both USAREC and ROTC Commands. Prior to that, she served as the Executive Director for the Muscular Dystrophy Association, where she opened the first office in North Alabama.

Megan’s passion is people and finding solutions to problems – whether it’s mentoring students, guiding non-profits, helping her kid’s maneuver life’s challenges, or working with clients to determine areas for growth and overall success.

In addition to managing her business, she volunteers her time, including serving as a mentor for the Madison, AL CEO high school program, being an active student mentor through the University of Central Florida (go Knights!), serves as a business coach for The Catalyst Center for Business and Entrepreneurship, volunteers as a communications committee member for Semper Fi, speaks at various events to educate and inform about the public relations/marketing/communications field and was most recently chosen for Leadership of Greater Huntsville’s Flagship 35 class.

0:00 Start

3:45 Intro

4:40 Shoutout to Morgan Vick

6:20 Fall Break and Client Strategy

12:20 Marketing Concept Flip

15:20 Teaching Employees the Flourish approach

16:40 UNA shoutout

18:50 Special Mother/Daughter Relationship

25:22 Megan’s Family

30:09 A Father’s Impact

32:26 Clearwater FL

35:50 Application to the Wheel of Fortune

39:05 UCF days and journalism

44:15 Creative freedom

48:26 Competitive Nature

52:35 Fake it till you make it ?

59:37 Starting Flourish

01:10:50 The idea behind the SheBoss! Podcast

01:24:25 Toni Eberhart and Urban Engine

01:27:24 Ragnar, Fitness, stress management

01:41:50 The Zegan World Tour

01:50:56 The Pic 6 - Outdoor Venues

01:58:56 The Quick 6

02:04:40 Conclusion

Host/Interviewer: M. Troy Bye, Owner, Our Town Podcast a brand of the Our Town Company, LLC 

Website: www.ourtownpodcast.net 

Spotify Channel: https://spoti.fi/3QtpT8z

Audio available on all platforms.  Just search for "Our Town Podcast"

If you love modern comfort food, uncomplicated yet inventive cuisine, and a good cocktail, look no further than Paula Naumcheff.  A Huntsville native with experience in the restaurant business in Memphis, TN, Paula's recipes are based on years of professional and home cooking experience.   In this episode, we talk about her family including her Father who came to to work at Marshall Space Flight Center in 1958.  Additionally, we explore the ups and downs of being a restaurant owner in the Memphis area and the great joy and satisfaction that that brought to Paula. Now, Paula is taking advantage of the power of social media to build a brand and create a market for her products and services that often extends beyond North Alabama.   Paula conducts live and virtual culinary classes, current offerings and dates can be found under the "Cooking Workshops" tab at her website www.paulanaumcheff.com. One of her 2022 highlights is the lovely culinary skill to master focaccia bread art. Join her as she decorates focaccia, sip wine and snack on a stunning charcuterie board. Ticket information is on the Cooking Workshops tab.  

Check out Paula's YouTube channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCy67x_Cxn6JnYsGOweH9RVw 

0:00 Start 

04:06 Paula Intro 

06:26 Food Memories 

10:13 Huntsville Roots 

19:00 Arrested Jaywalking? 

23:45 Memphis Restaurant 

42:30 Homemade Foods and Quality 

53:20 Life After Closing the Restaurant 

01:03:21 Collaboration in Huntsville 

01:10:54 Showcase of Content 

01:39:47 Paula's Dogs 

01:43:30 Closing

Rob Hamilton is the Chair of Launch 2035.  This episode serves as a capstone to several of the prior episodes related to efforts born out of Launch 2035. Born in Forth Worth, TX. Rob Hamitlon takes us on his journey through life, which ultimately brought his family to Huntsville in 2017.  He shares his increcible story of determination and persistence to gain acceptance to the Air Force academy.  After a career in the Air Force he joined the FBI is a unique capacity to prepare the Redstone Arsenal for the Bureau's arrival..   Rob is currently a VP for Business Development at Ignite and also has a cool opportunity to teach a 400 level business class at  UAH - and he loves his Students!

Show Timeline: 

0:00 Start  

03:20 Tribute to Fallen Hero 

08:20 UAH Business Class  

25:56 Growing up in Ft. Worth TX  

31:03 Dad's Passing Away and Rangers Baseball  

36:45 Texas High School Football  

50:58 Apology to Former Teachers  

52:00 USAF Academy Dreams  

58:14 Divine Help from a Cadet  

01:09:15 Selected as Cadet Wing Commander  

01:13:38 USAF Career  

01:23:06 Transition to Special FBI Post  

01:41:25 Separating from FBI  

01:43:24 Launch 2035  

01:57:40 Innovate Alabama   

02:05:25 College Gameday stories  

02:12:05 The Quick 6  

02:28:53 Air Force/Navy Game  

02:35:52 Air Force/Notre Dame Game  

02:38:36 Closing

Decatur native John Joseph IV is a national Truman Scholar who has been named a “Mover and Shaper” by the statewide Business Alabama magazine. He has also been named Decatur-Morgan County Chamber of Commerce Young Professional of the Year. John is a graduate of the Alabama Leadership Initiative. After accepting an academic scholarship to the University of Mississippi, where he served as student body president and was inducted into the University Hall of Fame, John received a fellowship to the Eagle Rock School and Professional Development Center in Colorado and worked for the American Youth Policy Forum in Washington, DC. He attended law school at the University of Alabama, earned his law degree and license, and later completed the Birmingham Venture Club’s Entrepreneur Accelerator Program which led to various startup roles. As director of Decatur Corridor Development, John led creation of the first comprehensive incentive package in the country for STEM young professionals, the nationally recognized Best and Brightest Initiative. Currently Executive Director of the Decatur-Morgan County Entrepreneurial Center business incubator, which has been ranked #1 overall in the state for number of graduated companies, John leads implementation of a long-term strategic vision to diversify the area's economy. John also serves as chair of the Entrepreneurship Pillar of Launch 2035, a regional organization promoting joint projects between North Alabama counties. He serves on various boards including Decatur Heritage Christian Academy, GeneCapture Inc. of Huntsville, and a Nashville company in the healthcare space in addition to serving on a Decatur City Schools advisory group. He has also been a board member of Kiwanis Club of Decatur and the Princess Theatre Center for the Performing Arts. John’s presentations include the national TVA Economic Development Forum, national Chamber of Commerce convention (ACCE), Fortune 500 companies, and the Tennessee Valley Corridor National Summit.  He has written a book, contributed to another, and had his writing included in a Kauffman Foundation publication. John and his wife, Annah, live in Decatur with their two children, a cat, and a spoiled puppy.

Host/Interviewer: M. Troy Bye, Owner, Our Town Podcast a brand of the Our Town Company, LLC 

Website: www.ourtownpodcast.net

Audio available on all platforms.  Just search for "Our Town Podcast"

Video available on Spotify and YouTube

0:00 Start

01:36 Intro and Pandas

10:05 E-Center Overview

16:44 Types of Entrepreneurs

25:41 North Alabama Coopetition 

37:54 John's Family Roots 

44:45 Feelings of Loneliness 

51:19 John's Beloved Mother 

59:00 Receiving Constructive Criticism 

01:02:49 Working in Colorado 

01:19:45 Why study Law? 

01:27:31 Launch 2035 

01:39:31 Plea for Investor Funding 

01:51:25 Launch Tank Event 

02:08:18 Solo Retreats 

02:13:18 The Pic 6 

02:27:30 Closing Comments

Ethan is the Chairman of the Founding Board for NALZS and currently operates as the Executive Director.  Ethan is currently a Principle Consultant for Integrated Solutions for Systems.  He graduated with Physics and Mathematics degrees from the University of Montana.  His 20 year career has been a mixture of engineering, marketing, sales, and business development in the high tech software world.  He grew up taking care of animals on his parent's and grandparents' farms in the beautiful Mission Valley on the Flathead Indian Reservation of Montana.  He married Christie, who also shares a love for animals.  That love has continued as they and their four daughters have regularly visited the nearby zoos and aquariums where his career has taken them.  It was one of these visits to the Birmingham Zoo on a daddy daughter date that started the "A Zoo For You, North Alabama" wheels turning. 

Host/Interviewer: M. Troy Bye, Owner, Our Town Podcast a brand of the Our Town Company, LLC

Website: www.ourtownpodcast.net

Audio available on all platforms.  Just search for "Our Town Podcast"

Video available on Spotify and YouTube

Show Timeline: 

0:00 Start 

03:30 Background - 

Who is Ethan Woodruff? 

16:52 Growing up on a Montana Farm 

20:42 NALZS Origin 

29:30 Why no Zoo in North Alabama?  

38:07 Getting the Word Out  

43:32 Projected Cost of the Zoo 

48:53 Target Location for the Zoo 

58:30 Alabama Zoo Trail  

01:05:15 Animal Interactions with Public  

01:15:25 Mission Statement and Vision 

01:25:14 Planned Zoo Layout 

01:34:29   U.S. Cities w/ Zoo Comparison 

01:46:22 Target Market/Demographics 

01:59:00 The Quick 6

John Allen is the CEO of the Huntsville Committee of 100.  The Committee of 100 is a group of 300 business professionals and CEO's. The mission of the Committee of 100 is to engage in local efforts that support high quality public education, develop long range strategies that impact economic vitality, and encourage cooperative local government. The Committee of 100 consistently engages in the issues that will bring success to the entire community.  

John is a Huntsville native and graduate of Auburn University with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering.  He spent most of this career running a residential construction company before joining the Committee of 100 as the CEO in 2017.  John is an avid Cross-Fitter and has been competing the the Chattajcack endurance Kayak event for the past few years. He also has climbed at Mt. Rainier and Everest and part of a new passion he is pursuing.

Host/Interviewer: M. Troy Bye, Owner, Our Town Podcast a brand of the Our Town Company, LLC

Website: www.ourtownpodcast.net

Audio available on all platforms.  Just search for "Our Town Podcast"

Video available on Spotify and YouTube

"Tricky" Ricky Fernandez began interning at 104.3 WZYP in February 2014, and was hired part-time in May 2014, and made full-time producer of The Mojo Radio show in June 2014. Ricky held this job until January 2020 when he left to take a position with The Rocket City Trash Pandas. Ricky's years in radio have helped him learn the ins and outs of being in front of an audience and what it takes to keep people entertained. Of course he does not know everything so he strives to learn and master everything that goes into being a successful with his job. Ricky's goals are to improve his skills and interpersonal relationships every year with the aim that each year of improvement will allow him more and more opportunities to expand his career.

Host/Interviewer: M. Troy Bye, Owner, Our Town Podcast a brand of the Our Town Company, LLC

Website: www.ourtownpodcast.net

Audio available on all platforms.  Just search for "Our Town Podcast"

Video available on Spotify and YouTube

Lauren Gowins is the owner of Bold Agency, an award-winning strategic creative agency located in Huntsville, Alabama. As owner she oversees integrated campaigns for both large and small companies that include services such as web design/development, branding, digital strategy, photography, and videography.  

Gowins lived her childhood in four countries, immersing herself into a wide variety of cultures. Through her experience, she developed a knack for gaining insights into diverse human behavior.  

In addition to running Bold Agency, she established Huntsville’s first annual Design Week event series in 2019. Design Week Huntsville is a multifaceted event that unites interior designers, graphic artists, illustrators, multimedia designers, industrial designers, etc. together to discuss and promote great design in the community.

Host/Interviewer: M. Troy Bye, Owner, Our Town Podcast a brand of the Our Town Company, LLC

Website: www.ourtownpodcast.net

Audio available on all platforms.  Just search for "Our Town Podcast"

Video available on Spotify and YouTube

Carl is the Creative Director of Zellus Marketing, an online marketing company that currently shows up #1 in Google for "Huntsville Marketing.” They specialize in web design, social media management, email marketing, search optimization, blogging, graphic design, marketing automation and strategy development. Zellus services a large range of clients from lawyers to a gas department to retail stores, providing a website and maintenance all the way to managing the entire marketing function of a business. We have several well-known clients such as Legacy Homes, LawLers Barbecue, and the Madison Chamber of Commerce.   He is also passionate about game design. It has been a hobby of his off and on since I was 16. In 2018, he started Video Game Design Club, a local business that teaches kids how to build video games: coding, graphics, writing, mechanics and more! I love how game design can give people a sense of accomplishment, especially in our youth. The Club continues to grow each year he does it!  Carl is also an author of Amazon Best Seller "The INVEST Method," a book about modern marketing principles that replace the antiquated 4 P's of Marketing. He's a public speaker at local business events, universities, and Toastmasters.  Carl graduated at UAH with a BSBA in Marketing and occasionally guest lecture at the school. With over 10 years of marketing, speaking, sales, and design experience, he has the the expertise you're looking for.

Host/Interviewer: M. Troy Bye, Owner, Our Town Podcast a brand of the Our Town Company, LLC

Website: www.ourtownpodcast.net

Audio available on all platforms.  Just search for "Our Town Podcast"

Video available on Spotify and YouTube

Paulette Risher is twice retired, once as a civilian Organizational Psychologist with the United States Air Force and once as a Major General (2-Star) in the United States Army. With 34-years of active and reserve service, Paulette was the first woman to serve in U.S. Special Operations Command as a flag-officer. Upon leaving active duty, Paulette joined Booz Allen Hamilton and led their Organization, Strategy, and Learning team in Huntsville for three years. Additionally, Paulette served as the Principal Director for DigiFlight, Inc.

Today, Paulette serves as the President/CEO of Still Serving Veterans (SSV), a Huntsville-based non-profit. SSV's mission is to serve and honor Veterans and their families by empowering them to build meaningful lives through connections to fulfilling careers, benefits and services; and to proactively strengthen Veteran communities through leadership and collaboration. Prior to assuming the position of President/CEO, Paulette served as SSV's Chief Programs Officer for five years.

Additionally, Paulette established Learning for the Journey, LLC in 2010 as a sole-practitioner consulting practice. Her specialization is designing and delivering customized workshops and seminars.

Paulette is a lifelong learner. She holds a BS and MA in Psychology, as well as an MEd with a focus on workplace learning and educational technology.

Paulette is a member of the American Psychological Association, the International Positive Psychology Association, the Society of Military Psychologist, the American Evaluation Association, the Women's Economic Development Council, the Association of the United States Army; the National Career Development Association, the American Legion, and the Disabled American Veterans (DAV). Paulette serves on the Alabama Veterans Executive Network (AlaVetNet), the Alabama Workforce Development Board, the Alabama Small Business Advisory Board and is Chair of the Alabama Veteran Suicide Task Force and co-lead of the Alabama Governors Challenge to Prevent Veteran Suicide.

Host/Interviewer: M. Troy Bye, Owner, Our Town Podcast a brand of the Our Town Company, LLC

Website: www.ourtownpodcast.net

Audio available on all platforms.  Just search for "Our Town Podcast"

Video available on Spotify and YouTube

Clayton Hinchman was Founder, President and CEO of USi. USi was acquired by Ignite in 2016.  After working for Ignite as Chief Marketing Officer for three years Clayton took over as the President and COO of SPS. SPS is a global aviation and ground systems logistics company primarily supporting Department of Defense readiness efforts.

Clayton Hinchman served in the United States Army as an Infantry Officer.  He medically retired as a Captain due to wounds sustained during an improvised explosive attack while conducting a night raid to kill or capture Al Qaeda in Iraq.

After serving in the military, Clayton worked for the Joint IED Defeat Organization and with various non-profit organizations in Washington, DC. Clayton is an ambassador to the Vail Veterans Program and a past board member to the Elizabeth Dole Foundation.

During his Army career, he was assigned to 10th Mountain Division and Special Operations Task Force 17. He earned his Airborne and Air Assault wings, and also graduated as the Honor Graduate from the US Army Ranger School. His military decorations include the Combat Infantryman Badge, Bronze Star, Purple Heart, and Meritorious Service Medal.

Clayton earned his undergraduate degree from the United States Military Academy at West Point, Masters from Georgetown University, continuing executive education at Vanderbilt University’s Owen Graduate School of Management, and is a graduate of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Business Program at Babson College.

Host/Interviewer: M. Troy Bye, Owner, Our Town Podcast a brand of the Our Town Company, LLC

Website: www.ourtownpodcast.net

Audio available on all platforms.  Just search for "Our Town Podcast"

Video available on Spotify and YouTube

Clayton Hinchman was Founder, President and CEO of USi. USi was acquired by Ignite in 2016.  After working for Ignite as Chief Marketing Officer for three years Clayton took over as the President and COO of SPS. SPS is a global aviation and ground systems logistics company primarily supporting Department of Defense readiness efforts.

Clayton Hinchman served in the United States Army as an Infantry Officer.  He medically retired as a Captain due to wounds sustained during an improvised explosive attack while conducting a night raid to kill or capture Al Qaeda in Iraq.

After serving in the military, Clayton worked for the Joint IED Defeat Organization and with various non-profit organizations in Washington, DC. Clayton is an ambassador to the Vail Veterans Program and a past board member to the Elizabeth Dole Foundation.

During his Army career, he was assigned to 10th Mountain Division and Special Operations Task Force 17. He earned his Airborne and Air Assault wings, and also graduated as the Honor Graduate from the US Army Ranger School. His military decorations include the Combat Infantryman Badge, Bronze Star, Purple Heart, and Meritorious Service Medal.

Clayton earned his undergraduate degree from the United States Military Academy at West Point, Masters from Georgetown University, continuing executive education at Vanderbilt University’s Owen Graduate School of Management, and is a graduate of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Business Program at Babson College.

Host/Interviewer: M. Troy Bye, Owner, Our Town Podcast a brand of the Our Town Company, LLC

Website: www.ourtownpodcast.net

Audio available on all platforms.  Just search for "Our Town Podcast"

Video available on Spotify and YouTube

Tim is the Broker/Owner of Revolved Realty. Tim is a native of Madison, and with his 30+ years of marketing and business experience, he is an expert at getting homes sold quickly for the highest price. His average listing sells in less than a week over market price, due in part to his network of buyers and Revolved's effective marketing strategy that uses all available avenues to market a client's home.

Tim also specializes in investment property acquisition, renovation, management, and sales (single family, multifamily, etc.).  He works with investors from around the country helping them build their portfolio in the Tennessee Valley.

Tim works with a select number of clients each year. If you'd like to talk to Tim about representing you, just email tim@revolved.com or call him directly at 256-679-0704.

Host/Interviewer: M. Troy Bye, Owner, Our Town Podcast a brand of the Our Town Company, LLC

Website: www.ourtownpodcast.net

Audio available on all platforms.  Just search for "Our Town Podcast"

Video available on Spotify and YouTube

Tim is the Broker/Owner of Revolved Realty. Tim is a native of Madison, and with his 30+ years of marketing and business experience, he is an expert at getting homes sold quickly for the highest price. His average listing sells in less than a week over market price, due in part to his network of buyers and Revolved's effective marketing strategy that uses all available avenues to market a client's home.

Tim also specializes in investment property acquisition, renovation, management, and sales (single family, multifamily, etc.).  He works with investors from around the country helping them build their portfolio in the Tennessee Valley.

Tim works with a select number of clients each year. If you'd like to talk to Tim about representing you, just email tim@revolved.com or call him directly at 256-679-0704.

Host/Interviewer: M. Troy Bye, Owner, Our Town Podcast a brand of the Our Town Company, LLC

Website: www.ourtownpodcast.net

Audio available on all platforms.  Just search for "Our Town Podcast"

Video available on Spotify and YouTube

Dr. Albert E. “Bo” Rivera is a licensed physician and surgeon in Alabama, board-certified diplomat of the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology, a fellowship-trained member of the American College of Mohs Surgeons as well as member of several dermatology and medical specialty organizations such as the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, American Society for Mohs Surgery, American Academy of Dermatology, Skin Cancer Foundation and the Madison County Medical Society.

He was born and grew up in nearby Haleyville, Alabama, graduating from Haleyville High School. Afterward, he completed his undergraduate education at Auburn University, earning a degree in Premedicine and Zoology while also a letter-winning member of its’ nationally ranked track and field teams. Following his hometown friend and primary care doctor’s footsteps, he completed his medical training at Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences in Kansas City, Missouri. His internship in General Surgery was done at the University of Kentucky, in Lexington, Kentucky, followed by an Internal Medicine residency at Northside Hospital and Heart Institute in Saint Petersburg, Florida. At Northeast Regional Medical Center in Kirksville, Missouri, he completed both a Dermatology residency as well as a Dermatology research and laser fellowship under the direction of Lloyd J. Cleaver, DO. Upon completion of his residency, Dr. Rivera was nationally awarded the James Bernard, D.O. Residency Leadership Award based on integrity, respect, empowerment and initiative. The final honor in his training was completing a Mohs Micrographic Surgery subspecialty fellowship under the direction of Roger I Ceilley, MD and Andrew K. Bean, MD in West Des Moines, Iowa. Over the years he has had the opportunity to publish several articles in national and international medical journals as well as authoring chapters in medical textbooks and online. Dr. Rivera serves on the editorial boad for the Jounral of Clinical and Aesthtic Dermatology and the Journal of the American Ostepathic College of Dermatolgy as well as serving on the AOCD Editorial/Public Relations Committee and as an American Academy of Dermatolgy Liason. He has also given presentations at local, national and international venues to both non-medical and medical professionals throughout his medical career.

Host/Interviewer: M. Troy Bye, Owner, Our Town Podcast a brand of the Our Town Company, LLC

Website: www.ourtownpodcast.net

Audio available on all platforms.  Just search for "Our Town Podcast"

Video available on Spotify and YouTube

@ ToryontheRadio and I turn the tables and have her interview me in this episode.  I am new to Huntsville and Tory had the great idea to allow our viewers to get to know me more.  I walk her through the livestream production company that I previously owned and share some of the cool experiences I had in building up something from just a hobby to a viable small business.  I share some of the details of my persona life and family, however, and most importantly, we spend a good deal of time discussing all the things I/we love about Huntsville!  It was a lot of fun to be the subject of the interview and all you all to learn more about who I am and why I am doing this. Enjoy!

Host/Interviewer: M. Troy Bye, Owner, Our Town Podcast a brand of the Our Town Company, LLC

Website: www.ourtownpodcast.net

Audio available on all platforms.  Just search for "Our Town Podcast"

Video available on Spotify and YouTube

 Kroschel is a WAAY 31 senior reporter and anchor after more than a decade covering news across the country. Matt is an Emmy Award winning journalist with a passion for his community.  Kroschel grew up in the mountains of Colorado. He is the son of a county undersheriff and began his journalism career in high school landing a part time job at his hometown daily newspaper as a photographer and reporter.  Kroschel started his television broadcasting career in Grand Junction, Colorado anchoring and reporting for a local tv station while he attended college classes at Colorado Mesa University.  Matt spent 2012-2015 working as a journalist covering North Alabama before being called back to cover Colorado news. He served as a reporter for CBS News in Denver before coming back to Huntsville.  Matt and his family, that includes three rescue dogs and a cat named Gris, call Madison County home.  When not tracking down great stories, you can find Matt chasing waterfalls, paddling down local rivers and cycling on the greenway trails.  Matt frequently breaks news first and posts behind the scenes content on his social media channels.

Host/Interviewer: M. Troy Bye, Owner, Our Town Podcast a brand of the Our Town Company, LLC

Website: www.ourtownpodcast.net

Audio available on all platforms.  Just search for "Our Town Podcast"

Video available on Spotify and YouTube

Darren J. Mott entered on duty with the FBI in 1999 and during his 20-year career he worked both the cyber and counterintelligence threats. SSA Mott worked in the Charlotte and Cleveland Field Divisions and worked at the cyber and counterintelligence national program level at FBIHQ.  SSA Mott was responsible for building a working relationship between the FBI and Russian Federal Security Service to collaboratively combat the cyber threat and in 2011 he created the first national level program blending of the counterintelligence and cyber disciplines within the FBI.  This program recognized the burgeoning relationship between nation state intelligence services and cyber actors and helped blend the investigative resources within the FBI to more effectively mitigate both threats across the United States. In 2014 he moved to the Birmingham Division to manage the counterintelligence program in Northern Alabama where the second largest research park in the United States is located. In 2019 he retired from the FBI and he is currently a Senior Executive managing the National Cyber Security Operations Center in Huntsville, Alabama. The NCSOC provides no-cost cybersecurity-related services to companies in the Defense Industrial Base as well as those associated with critical infrastructure within the US. Mott also hosts "The CyBUr Guy podcast" with discusses new and emerging cyber issues with guests from across the law enforcement and cyber spectrum. Mott possesses two Masters Degrees, one in Education and one in Cybersecurity Policy and Risk Analysis.

Host/Interviewer: M. Troy Bye, Owner, Our Town Podcast a brand of the Our Town Company, LLC

Website: www.ourtownpodcast.net

Audio available on all platforms.  Just search for "Our Town Podcast"

Video available on Spotify and YouTube

Chad serves as the President & CEO for Downtown Huntsville, Inc. He previously served as Director of City Development for Montgomery, Alabama as well as a consultant to over 30 different cities on downtown and urban redevelopment strategies. He received his undergraduate degree from Lipscomb University and his law degree from the University of Tennessee. He and his five children live in Huntsville.

Host/Interviewer: M. Troy Bye, Owner, Our Town Podcast a brand of the Our Town Company, LLC

Website: www.ourtownpodcast.net

Audio available on all platforms.  Just search for "Our Town Podcast"

Video available on Spotify and YouTube

Fow Wow was created to spread weird, random love to locals and non-locals who have (and maybe haven’t) discovered Alabama awesomeness!    Fow Wow realizes sometimes it’s cheaper and maybe more convenient to stay with the “chain gang." Don’t be afraid to break those “chains” every once in a while and BUY & SHOP LOCAL!!! It’s proven that local businesses recycle more money back into the local economy and give back to community needs. Local businesses are better positioned to respond to the special needs of the community and tied to the community’s future.

Growing up Justin's mind wondered and wandered off constantly. He'd start reading a book and three minutes later would find himself wondering what a leprechaun’s favorite food was..    Not much has changed now that he's an “adult”. He has become one with his wondering/wandering mind. Nine years ago he decided that when a random thought came to mind he would write it down, either as a note on his phone or with a sharpie onto his hand. This is where those thoughts have wound up—on the designs that make it on to shirts, stickers and even tea towels, really, he will print on anything….

Host/Interviewer: M. Troy Bye, Owner, Our Town Podcast a brand of the Our Town Company, LLC

Website: www.ourtownpodcast.net

Audio available on all platforms.  Just search for "Our Town Podcast"

Video available on Spotify and YouTube

Tory is the newest member of the ZYP Radio Family, and is on the air Monday-Friday from 10a-3p.  She does the ZYP Throwback Lunch every weekday at 12 noon!

Tory is a Pittsburgh, PA native with a deep love for the Pittsburgh Steelers! She enjoys spending time with friends and family, traveling, the beach, movies, Barre and Pliates. Tory is a cupcake connoisseur, loves live music, red wine, and she falls in love with every dog she meets.

Say hi and follow Tory on Twitter and Instagram @ToryOnTheRadio!

Host/Interviewer: M. Troy Bye, Owner, Our Town Podcast a brand of the Our Town Company, LLC

Website: www.ourtownpodcast.net

Audio available on all platforms.  Just search for "Our Town Podcast"

Video available on Spotify and YouTube

Thad Forester's brother, Mark, was killed in Afghanistan while in the 2nd day of a full-scale operation.  He received the Silver Star and Purple Heart to name a just a couple of honors he received for his courageous actions before being KIA on 29 September 2010.  Thad and his family started the Mark Forester Foundation to provide scholarships to students who attend Hayleville High School in Haleyville, AL, where the Foresters were born and raised.  Thad walks us through their growing up years, time at the University of Alabama where he and Mark lived together, his brother enlisting in the Air Force, Mark being killed in action, and then Thad discusses his "Patriot the Core" podcast and his book "My Brother in Arms".  

Here is an excerpt from the About section of the website www.markaforester.com

As a young man of 20 years old, Mark Forester was outraged by the events of 9/11 and knew then it was his calling to fight terrorism. He received his college degree, and then enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in June 2007. Despite everyone telling him to go in as an officer, he wanted to enlist because he wanted to start from the bottom up and he knew his chances of getting better deployment opportunities would be increased as an enlisted airman. He wanted the toughest job the military could offer, and Air Force Combat Controller was what he was looking for.

He was deployed to one of the most coveted areas by Combat Controllers in May 2010, FOB Cobra (Tinsley). He was awarded the Bronze Star Medal with Valor for his heroic actions while engaged in ground combat against the enemy on 6 August 2010. Mark was fatally wounded during combat on 29 September 2010. He was posthumously awarded the Silver Star for his actions during that fateful battle, and the Purple Heart for paying the ultimate price for freedom. He was killed in action alongside one of his Special Forces teammates. JAG 28, which was his call sign and the only name many pilots knew him by, was immediately retired after his death.

Most of his teammates/leaders who spoke at his funeral and memorial services ended their speeches with “Roll Tide” because they knew what a big Alabama fan he was. - adapted from the www.markaforester.com website.       

Host/Interviewer: M. Troy Bye, Owner, Our Town Podcast a brand of the Our Town Company, LLC

Website: www.ourtownpodcast.net

Audio available on all platforms.  Just search for "Our Town Podcast"

Video available on Spotify and YouTube

A graduate of North Alabama, TonyMac resides in Athens and is the Program Director for Cumulus Radio 103.9 The Ump.  Along with co-hosts Ricky Fernandez and Clint Lamb, he hosts The Bullpen each weekday from 2 to 5PM.  TonyMac is also the Public Address Announcer for the Pandas.  We covered a lot ground during this interview and covered a lot of different topics.  Great interview!  You will enjoy every second and his insights.

Host/Interviewer: M. Troy Bye, Owner, Our Town Podcast a brand of the Our Town Company, LLC

Website: www.ourtownpodcast.net

Audio available on all platforms.  Just search for "Our Town Podcast"

Video available on Spotify and YouTube

"Tricky" Ricky Fernandez, Promotions Manager for the Trash Pandas, is a well-known figure in the Huntsville, AL area.  Ricky has his own podcast called "Its Ricky" and also co-hosts the program "The Bullpen" each weekday afternoon on 103.9 The Ump.  Ricky joins Troy to discuss growing up in Huntsville, playing football for Bob Jones High School, getting his start in Radio on WZYP, the joy of working with the Trash Pandas organization, Ricky answers the "Quick 6" question and you will find out where he watches Crimson Tide games and...SO MUCH MORE.    Enjoy the Episode and spread the word!!

Host/Interviewer: M. Troy Bye, Owner, Our Town Podcast a brand of the Our Town Company, LLC

Website: www.ourtownpodcast.net

Audio available on all platforms.  Just search for "Our Town Podcast"

Video available on Spotify and YouTube

Penn Garvich is in his 2nd year as Tournament Director for the Huntsville Championship, which is one of 26 international tour stops for the Korn Ferry Tour.  The Korn Ferry Tour is the feeder tour into the PGA Tour.  The Huntsville Championship will be played from 28 APR - 1 MAY at the Ledges in Huntsville and will feature 156 of the best golfers in the world.  Penn and I talk about his experiences in sports marketing and management on the PGA Tour and most recently as a member of the Knight / Eady staff, a sports marketing firm.  Penn offers great insight for college-aged kids who have an interest in sports management, event management that you will not want to miss.  Additionally, he offers very interesting insights into how this golf tournament is not just about golf rather, a vehicle that will be a force for good in the entire community.

Host/Interviewer: M. Troy Bye, Owner, Our Town Podcast a brand of the Our Town Company, LLC

Website: www.ourtownpodcast.net

Audio available on all platforms.  Just search for "Our Town Podcast"

Video available on Spotify and YouTube

Morgan Vick is a Sr. Account Manager for Active 8 Communications a Design and Marketing firm in Huntsville with their HQ in Lincoln Mill.  Morgan  discusses some of the accounts that she is working and provides some  in-depth detail on each.  We have some fun talking about her interests, playing Ultimate Frisbee in college, and Morgan answers the Quick 6!

Host/Interviewer: M. Troy Bye, Owner, Our Town Podcast a brand of the Our Town Company, LLC

Website: www.ourtownpodcast.net

Audio available on all platforms.  Just search for "Our Town Podcast"

Video available on Spotify and YouTube