The Idea Vault Podcast

A Student's Pitch turns to Profit: Starting Small, Dreaming Big S3 EP7

In this episode, we chat with Alden Barentine, a senior at Troy University and winner of the 2023 Business Idea Competition. Alden shares how he turned his winning pitch into an operating business. Alden dives into the importance of starting small while aiming for big success, providing insight on the ways he strategically utilized his pitch's winning prize: startup capital!
Tune in to discover what Alden has done while preparing to launch his business and his plans for the future. If you're interested in business or want to hear how a simple idea can become something big, this episode is for you!
 
Subscribe to our newsletter for updates on the latest from Alden as he sets his business into action: https://ideabank.substack.com/

Beyond the Game: How a Former Star Athlete Built a Tech Empire S3 EP6

In this episode, we're joined by Eric Sloan, CEO of 1Sync Technologies, who shares the incredible journey of building his tech empire.
Eric dives into how he found entrepreneurial success by investing in his community and building meaningful relationships. From humble beginnings to leading a global tech companies, Eric opens up about the ups and downs of business ownership, specifically after his journey as a TROY Student Athlete.
 
Connect with Eric:
Website: https://1synctech.com/ 

Turning Countryside Ideas into Reality: The Non-Stop Life of a Student Entrepreneur with Two Local Businesses S3 EP5

In this week's episode of the Idea Vault Podcast, we dive into the fast-paced life of a student entrepreneur who refuses to slow down. Join us as we explore the story of a Troy University student entrepreneur and visionary who has built not just one, but two thriving local businesses from the ground up.
Discover what fuels Sarah's passion for making a difference in the community as we unpack the challenges and rewards of balancing studies and responsibilities with entrepreneurship. 
 
NEW: Check out the Idea Vault Podcast, now on YouTube with content professionally produced by 7Shots Media Company.
 
Connect with Sarah and Countryside Kennels or Countryside Acres:
Website: https://www.countrysidekennels.net
Countryside Kennels Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CountryideKennelsOn3327 
Countryside Acres Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61564675239189 
Contact: 334-344-0914 

Leaving the 9-to-5 for Entrepreneurship: The Small Town Life Story S3 EP4

In this episode, we sit down with Shaun Spivey, a local entrepreneur and owner of Small Town Life and Small Town Graphics. Shaun shares his journey of leaving a steady career at the Montgomery County Road Department to pursue his passion for graphic design, small town living, and entrepreneurship.
Discover how he built his own business from the ground up, the challenges he faced, and the rewards of taking the riska and going from employee to business owner. Whether you're dreaming of starting your own business or seeking a better understanding of entrepreneurship, this candid conversation is filled with wisdom and awareness of the highs and lows of business ownership.
 
Connect with Shaun and Small Town Life:
Website: https://thesmalltownlife.com 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_the_small_town_life?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y%3D 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheSmallTownLife 
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thesmalltownlife?_t=8W7KHJ9WYTj&_r=1 
Shaun's Podcast (The Small Town Life - Conversations from the Porch): Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Podcasts
Contact: shaun@thesmalltownlife.com 
 

Student-Made, Student-Led, and Student-Run: The Story of the Student-Made Store S3 EP3

In this week's milestone episode, we dive into the remarkable journey behind the creation of the newest addition to the Downtown Troy Square and Troy University, Troy's Student-Made Store.
Join us as we chat with Student-Made co-founders Lindsay Reeth and Ryan McElhinney, along with one of Student-Made's creators and managers, TROY student entrepreneur Jessica Roberts, owner of Jaxon Lane Boutique.
Discover how these visionaries brought a platform to life where student entrepreneurs can showcase and sell their products. Better yet, hear how Jessica, an active creator, manager, and student entrepreneur, finds and uses this opportunity to better herself and her business.
This same-day release episode is one that you don't want to miss! Tune in and make plans to shop online or in-store soon! 
 
Jaxon Lane Boutique
Creator Website: https://www.studentmadetroy.com/shop?tag=Jessica%20Roberts 
IG: https://www.instagram.com/shopjaxonlaneboutique/?hl=en 
 
Student-Made Store - Troy
Website: https://www.studentmadetroy.com/ 
IG: https://www.instagram.com/studentmade_troy/?hl=en 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560996577385 
 
Student-Made Store
Website: https://www.studentmadestore.com/about 
IG: https://www.instagram.com/studentmadestore/?hl=en 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/studentmadestore 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/student-made-store/posts/?feedView=all 
 
IDEA Bank
Website: https://www.troy.edu/community-outreach/idea-bank/index.html 
IG: https://www.instagram.com/troyideabank/?hl=en 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TROYIDEABank 
LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/troy-university-idea-bank 

The Hard-Earned Hustle: A Millionaire in the Making S3 EP2

In this episode, we sit down to talk with Jonas Shaw, the Owner/CEO of 7S Media + Studio 7 and a graduate of Troy University. Jonas shares his story of how he's taken his media and videography business from the lens of an iPhone to a full-fledged successful media company. 
Tune into this week's episode and discover what Jonas contributes his success and ability to overcome obstacles to. 
As a special-edition episode produced by 7S Media, you can find this week's full episode in video format on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9395FOV8Cdo

The Power of Showing Up: Grit, Growth, and New Voices S3 EP1

We kick off Season 3 with a healthy dose of personal inspiration and entrepreneurial insight!
In this episode, we chat with Reanna Thompson, Co-Owner of Studio 207, Graphic Designer, MBA Student, and Graduate Assistant at the IDEA Bank. Reanna shares her journey through entrepreneurship, design, and student life, highlighting the grit and growth that drive her success.
Plus, get a sneak peek at upcoming IDEA Bank programs that support local and student entrepreneurship. Don’t miss this empowering conversation!

Local Art and Business Through the Ages and Stages: A "Person on the Street" Segment S2 E5

In this month's episode, our host, Chris Stagl, introduces a new "Person on the Street" segment, featuring local Community Member, Entrepreneur, and Professor of Art: Greg Skaggs.
Join us as Greg leads us on a journey throughout the ages and stages of art and business in the local community of Troy, Alabama. This episode features exciting topics such as the revitalization of a community through the increase of art and investment into business!
 
To discover more about Greg and find his work, visit: https://gregskaggs2.wixsite.com/skaggs/our_story
 

Student Start-Up: Entrepreneurial Creators Forge their own Creative Path S2 EP4

In this episode, we delve deep into the inspiring journey of a group of student entrepreneurs who are paving their own paths in the world of creativity and business.
Studio 207 consists of five Troy University students who discovered that their dreams could become a reality by starting their own creative needs company, specializing in many areas such as graphic design, branding, and much more!
Join us as we explore the story of an ambitious group of students who are making a tangible impact in the local creative market by pouring their creative skills and innovative ideas into their business.
 
Discover and contact Studio 207 by:
- Instagram: @studio207.design
- Facebook: Studio 207
- Email: troystudio207.design@gmail.com
- Phone: 205-532-3984

Behind an Entrepreneur's Lens: Filmmaking and Finding Meaning S2 EP3

From a young age, Wiregrass native Tyden "Ty" Rickard knew that he had a passion for filmmaking. His willingness to break the status quo has been met with success, allowing him to pursue his passion for filmmaking along his entrepreneurial journey.
Join us from The Vault Studio as we take a glance behind the lens of an entrepreneur and discover the importance of finding meaning and following a passion.
 
Ty Rickard, founder and CEO of T. Rickard Producations, author of You're Just a Statistic, nonprofit founder of Houston County Creative Exchange, and creative director of the soon-launching AlabamaCreates.
T. Rickard Productions Website: https://www.trickardproductions.com/ 
AlabamaCreates Website: https://alabamacreates.com/ 
Houston County Film Exchange Website: https://www.hcfilmexchange.com/
Email: tyden@trickardproductions.com