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Stereotypes aren’t good for anybody, and usually the best way 
to dispel them is to start a conversation… and present something different.

Our guests on the BrandBuilders Podcast didn’t like the way young African-American men were being portrayed in popular media, and set out to present — even create — a different picture. That’s how Tammy and John Martin started the Young Black Leadership Alliance, and it’s making a difference.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 22:08 — 30.4MB)

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Wrap up your year with a listen to some of our favorite moments from 2018!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 24:48 — 34.1MB)

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So… 4 lawyers walk into a bar….

Okay, no… it’s not a joke — but these 4 lawyers and avid home brewers had an idea to open a brewery in a part of Charlotte that HASN’T been part of the brewery boom … so far.

Town Brewing is the first brewery to open its doors in FreeMore West — the historic west Charlotte Neighborhood where West Morehead Street and Freedom Drive meet. We welcome George Sistrunk and Allen West to the BrandBuilders podcast to give us a “taste” of their new taproom.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 25:01 — 34.4MB)

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With college football heading into playoff season, what do you do? Give ’em Hale! We mean David Hale of course, ESPN’s guru of college football, especially around the ACC.

David is based in Charlotte, and joins us today on the BrandBuilders podcast. What a treat! Thanks for being here.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 27:10 — 37.4MB)

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The award-winning Hickory Tavern has 27 locations in four states. And it all started 22 years ago with a couple of guys who just wanted a place to watch a game while eating great food and drinking a couple of beers. Co-founder and CEO Brad Smith joins us on the BrandBuilders Podcast for more on the brand’s backstory, what’s made the Hickory Tavern so successful, and the science behind “craveology.”

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 28:54 — 39.7MB)

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Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 22:28 — 30.9MB)

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Michael Trivette helps parents navigate the long, complex, and often-confusing world of college choice and admissions. He’s an App State grad, and holds a Ph.D. in Higher Education from the University of Georgia. He’s part of the team at College Transitions, a company that helps parents and high schoolers with one of the most important choices they’ll ever make. He’s our guest on the BrandBuilders Podcast!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 19:29 — 26.8MB)

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All of us wish we knew how to do “cool stuff” — like create a piece of art, homemade wreaths… or digital marketing with social media. But who has time for 8 weeks of classes? Not us. But we CAN set aside two or three hours for an introduction that gets us going, and that’s where SkillPop comes in.

The wildly popular classes are perfect for busy professionals or parents who have young families — because they teach a cool skill in just a couple of hours. Our guest on BrandBuilders is the woman behind this incredible concept, which has grown so quickly in 3 years that it’s now offered in 5 cities…  and the list of offerings is growing too. Welcome Haley Bohon, founder and CEO of SkillPop.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 24:38 — 33.9MB)

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Have you ever walked into a museum or trade show and been bowled over by the “wow” factor of a display or a booth, and thought “I’d like to meet the artist who created THAT”? Well, we’ve got one of them here with us today.

Our guest on the BrandBuilders Podcast is chief operating officer of one of Charlotte’s oldest and best-known display companies, Studio Displays. Founded nearly 40 years ago by the late Tom Pope, Studio Displays carries on the same artistic and creative passion, through the eyes and hands of Tom’s son Thomas, daughter Lori, and brother Chris — and a whole team of creative artists.

This week, we welcome Lori Pope to our studio — thanks for being here!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 25:14 — 34.7MB)

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How often do you buy yourself a new briefcase? How about luggage? Shaving kit? Wallet? These are all items that are commonly made of leather — or a leather look-alike — and most of us replace them about every 5 or 10 years, depending on what they’re really made of, and how well they’re made.

Our next guest on the BrandBuilders Podcast wants you to have just ONE case for your important papers, and he wants it to be one you’ll never have to replace. Scott Hofert is a former world traveler who wanted to be a homebody… and got to be, because of his passion for crafting leather. His business, ColsenKeane, was born from his desire to create lasting accessories that can be passed down through the generations.