The Idea Vault Podcast

From Hobby to Hustle: How a Crochet Possum Sparked a Best-Selling Dream S4 EP1

From a hobby to a thriving business, Alex Ashendorf, owner and operator of The Cozy Corner (formerly The Cozy Stitch Crochet), has turned her passion for crochet into a top-selling brand. As a TROY student entrepreneur and Student-Made Troy Creator, Alex earned the title of Top-Seller during the opening semester of the Student-Made Store in Troy. Want to know the secret behind her success? Determination, a love for her craft, a willingness to evolve, and a crochet possum.
In the first episode of Season 4 , we dive into Alex’s journey—how she transformed her creative passion into a profitable business, the challenges she has faced, and how the Student-Made Store has helped shape her path. Tune in for an amazing conversation about creativity, growth, and unexpected surprises along the way that led to success!
 
Find out more about Alex and discover her products by visiting https://www.studentmadetroy.com/
 
Follow the Idea Vault Podcast on Instagram! https://www.instagram.com/ideavaultpodcast/

People Over Profits: Leading, Building, and Growing a Team S3 EP10

In this episode, we sit down with David Norris, a local entrepreneur and owner of Norris Insurance Group for an insightful converstaion on the triumphs and obstacles of leading a team.
David shares his experiences in building a strong team, fostering trust, and creating a positive company culture that drives success. Whether you're leading a small business or managing a growing team, David's practical advice and inspiring stories will empower you to cultivate a positive culture and supportive workplace.
Tune in to learn how to lead with purpose, build a team that aligns with your vision, and establish a culture that sets your business apart.

Idea to Impact: Meet the Innovators and Champions of the 2024 Business Idea Competition S3 EP9

In this special episode, we dive into the 2024 Troy Starters Business Idea Competition, powered by the Regions Foundation. Join us as we spotlight the brilliant minds, collaborative efforts, and dedicated talent that made this year’s event a success.
Hear from the competition winners as they share their innovative ideas, challenges, and the journey to securing startup capital. Gain valuable perspective from Bethany Allen, President of the Pike County Chamber of Commerce and judge of the competition, on what it took to stand out and win big.
Plus, join a discuss from behind-the-scenes of the competition to discover how the competition fosters entrepreneurship and empowers the next generation of business leaders.
 
Meet our guests:
- Bethany Allen, President of the Pike County Chamber of Commerce: https://pikecoc.com/about-us/
- Preston Pritchett, Program Coordinator of the Sorrell 360 Center: https://www.troy.edu/academics/colleges-schools/business/about/sorrell-360-center-for-professional-life/index.html
- Vamsi Jupudi, Co-Owner of BrightLyf and First Place Competition Winner
- Kameryn Mitchell, Owner of Details for Dayz and Second Place Competition Winner:
- Jamarion Willie, Owner of A Baller from the Ville and Third Place Competition Winner
 
Check out the full story here: https://today.troy.edu/news/regions-student-pitch-competition/

Generations of Grit: A Family's Legacy of Hard Work S3 EP8

In this episode, we chat with David Taylor and Abby Taylor, a father-daughter duo with an incredible story about building a business to stand the test of time. Tune in and be inspired by their family's grit and ability to turn hard work and determination into a lasting legacy.
David and Abby give us a behind-the-scenes look at what it’s like to run a family business. Whether you’re curious about entrepreneurship or just love a good family story, this episode has something for you!
 
Follow the Idea Vault Podcast on Instagram! https://www.instagram.com/ideavaultpodcast/?hl=en 
 
Learn more about the Taylor's family businesses:
Taylor Construction & Roofing Website: https://taylorconstructionandroofing.com/
Visit Taylor Construction & Roofing on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TaylorconstructionroofingGoshen 
Covey Point Outfitters Website: https://coveypointoutfitters.com/ 
Visit Covey Point Outfitters on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CoveyPointOutfiitters 

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