Join us as we sit down with the inspiring April Nash from the Western Women's Business Center, who shares her journey from a budding entrepreneur to a pivotal community leader in Western North Carolina. If you've ever wondered how to transform a business idea into a viable opportunity, this episode is a treasure trove of insights. April discusses the ample resources available to entrepreneurs, from business planning and marketing to financial strategy and capital access. Her personal story of giving back to the community that once supported her highlights the power of resilience, especially in the wake of natural disasters, and reminds us of the importance of thorough planning and distinguishing between mere ideas and actionable opportunities.

As we explore the EPIC components of entrepreneurship—Education, Planning, Inspiration, Commitment, and Energy—we unravel the critical elements that can make or break a business. April emphasizes that having a skill is not enough; entrepreneurial education is key to turning a personal talent into a successful venture. We touch on the unique resilience of the Asheville community, seeing economic recovery as a chance for growth and innovation. With potential funding through the WNC Strong Business Initiative grant and other local opportunities, the path to sustainable business is clearer than ever. This episode is all about turning passion into purpose, and purpose into profitable ventures, with a strong emphasis on strategic planning and effective energy management.

Thanks for Listening. You may contact me at https://billgilliland.actioncoach.com/

All the best!
Bill

Thanks for listening. Please hit the subscribe button and share this podcast. You can reach me at williamgilliland@actioncoach.com.

All the best!

Bill

Shelton and Joe from the Wrong Way River Lodge share their incredible journey through adversity after Hurricane Helene wreaked havoc on their business. With resilience and strategic planning, they quickly restored their operations and emphasized the importance of partnerships, preparation, and community engagement.

• Outlining the origin story of Wrong Way River Lodge
• Sharing experiences of facing Hurricane Alene and flooding
• Highlighting the importance of financial preparedness and insurance
• Discussing partnership dynamics and balancing optimism with pragmatism
• Emphasizing lessons learned about commitment and focus in entrepreneurship
• Encouraging community engagement as a means of recovery and growth

The core mission of Wrong Way is to connect guests with the transformational qualities of the outdoors through comfortable accommodations, convenient access, inspiring experiences, and a little local culture.

Wrong Way is a first-of-its-kind lodging option in Asheville and unique in the hospitality space, as it pulls the best qualities from several traditional lodging types: including campgrounds (simplicity, nostalgia), hotels (comfort, group amenities, professionalism), Airbnbs (efficiency, originality), and resorts (curated experiences).

Thanks for Listening. You may contact me at https://billgilliland.actioncoach.com/

All the best!
Bill

Thanks for listening. Please hit the subscribe button and share this podcast. You can reach me at williamgilliland@actioncoach.com.

All the best!

Bill

Russ's story is one of resilience and reinvention, especially in the face of a natural disaster that devastated the business. Undeterred, Russ and his team, supported by the community's goodwill, demonstrated remarkable determination to rebuild and relocate. This episode sheds light on the realities of entrepreneurship, emphasizing the dedication, energy, and strategic planning required to overcome adversity and keep a business thriving. Tune in for a captivating discussion filled with lessons on perseverance, the power of community, and the unwavering spirit needed to turn a small idea into a successful venture.

guest bio:

Russ is the founder and co-owner of Second Gear, a consignment-focused retailer specializing in outdoor adventure gear, clothing, footwear and accessories since 2004. He has over 35 years of commercial and investment real estate experience, including assisting numerous Asheville entrepreneurs to secure locations for their businesses. Russ is a graduate of Leadership Asheville and currently serves on the boards of the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce and the Asheville Buncombe Regional Sports Commission. He was named by the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce as the 2016 Small Business Leader of the Year for businesses with fewer than 15 employees. Russ is a 1987 graduate of Cornell University and a 1985 graduate of Paul Smiths College.

Thanks for Listening. You may contact me at https://billgilliland.actioncoach.com/

All the best!
Bill

Thanks for listening. Please hit the subscribe button and share this podcast. You can reach me at williamgilliland@actioncoach.com.

All the best!

Bill