Building Business w/ the Mount Pleasant Chamber of Commerce

The room buzzed at the Mount Pleasant Expo, and that spark set the stage for a focused conversation on building real momentum: turning LinkedIn from a static profile into a pipeline, using AI as a practical tool, and leaning on community to move faster with less friction. We sit down with Trio Solutions’ marketing director to unpack what works now for small and midsize businesses that want measurable growth without losing their hum...

Want the real playbook for getting a project built in the Lowcountry without losing your mind or your margin? We sit down with eighth-generation Charlestonian and contractor Adam Ferrara to unpack the journey from spark to occupancy, why Charleston isn’t Charlotte, and how to grow without sacrificing the canopy, character, or coastline.

We start with the truth behind timelines: rezoning, design review, stormwater plans, an...

A growing city doesn’t happen by accident—it’s built decision by decision, space by space, and win by win. We sit down with Mount Pleasant’s economic development lead to unpack a playbook that’s surprisingly simple and very effective: attract the right kinds of companies, give them plug-and-play space, and clear the small policy hurdles that block adaptive reuse. Along the way, we spotlight new arrivals—Tikva and Alita Health—whose...

The room lights fade, the mic clicks on, and a familiar rink-side voice guides the crowd. That same calm command powers a 200+ event DJ company and a community leader who helped steer a chamber through the hardest year in recent memory. Shane Griffin joins us to share how a local entertainment brand scales without losing its soul.

We dive into the craft behind great events: reading the room, pacing the night, and using MC ...

Some stores sell product. M. Dumas & Sons sells want—crafted through people, place, and a century of smart reinvention. We sit with co‑owner Gary Flynn to explore how a 1917 military uniform shop became Charleston’s menswear destination, why customers still cross town for an in‑store experience, and what it takes to keep a legacy brand modern without losing its soul.

Gary traces his path from Nordstrom’s merchandising ...

What if your entire marketing workflow—social posts, emails, texts, analytics, and approvals—lived in one tab and actually made sense? We sat down at the Mount Pleasant Expo to unpack a practical way to run multi-channel campaigns without drowning in logins, spreadsheets, and “who has the code?” messages with Rachel Backal, Engagement Manager from Pollen Social. From agencies juggling a dozen clients to community orgs relying on vo...

What does it look like when a local business treats community impact as the real bottom line? We sit down with Ken French of Crews Subaru at the Mount Pleasant Business and Community Expo to unpack a hands-on approach to giving that runs deeper than sponsorship logos and ad copy. Ken shares nine years of presenting sponsorship with the Chamber Expo, the roots of a family-driven dealership, and the decision to measure success by the...

A city can shape a designer, and Charleston does it with flair. We welcome Mary Welch Fox—interior designer, HGTV host, and founder of a woman-led studio—to unpack how place, personality, and process turn houses into homes people can’t wait to live in. From crossing a bridge and feeling the style shift to honoring each client’s taste without falling into copycat trends, Mary shares the mindset that keeps her work fresh and deeply p...

From the soccer pitch to the boardroom, Tanner Clay's journey with the Charleston Battery exemplifies how sports can build bridges between businesses and communities.

As a former College of Charleston soccer player who parlayed his passion into a leadership role with America's longest continuously running professional soccer club, Clay offers a refreshing perspective on sports marketing in a growing industry. &qu...

Are you ready for what Mother Nature might throw our way? When Hurricane Erin rapidly intensified from Category 1 to Category 5 in just 24 hours, it served as a stark reminder that preparedness isn't optional for coastal communities—it's essential.

Shannon Whitehead, Emergency Management Resilience Officer for the Town of Mount Pleasant, joins us to share her expertise on hurricane readiness and community resilie...

What does it truly take to build a premier school district? Superintendent Anita Huggins reveals the transformation underway at Charleston County School District with remarkable candor and vision that extends far beyond typical education rhetoric.

After nearly three decades serving Charleston's students—first as a middle school English teacher, then through various leadership roles—Huggins brings a uniquely grounded p...

The iconic Ravenel Bridge isn't just visible from every angle of Charleston—it symbolizes Mount Pleasant's rising prominence as an economic and innovation hub in South Carolina. In this engaging conversation with Town of Mount Pleasant Economic Development Officer Matt Brady, we explore how this thriving community balances growth with livability.

Discover the exciting public space developments enhancing Mount Ple...

Ever wonder what happens when you combine Southern charm, culinary expertise, and literary talent into one dynamic personality? Meet Victoria Benton Frank, the daughter of beloved bestselling novelist Dorothea Benton Frank, who has found her own voice in the literary world after living what she calls "eight lives already."

From the moment Victoria begins speaking, her magnetic energy fills the room. Self describe...

Ever wondered how a thriving community balances rapid growth with maintaining an exceptional quality of life? Matt Brady, Economic Development Officer for the Town of Mount Pleasant, takes us behind the scenes of this delicate balancing act in our latest podcast series, Mount Pleasant Made.

Brady reveals that economic development in Mount Pleasant isn't about pursuing any and all business opportunities – it's str...

What does it take to build a thriving tech recruitment company while navigating the challenges of being a female entrepreneur? Christina Lock, founder of Catch Talent, pulls back the curtain on her remarkable 10-year journey in Charleston's evolving "Silicon Harbor" ecosystem.

Starting as the second employee at software company Sparc before launching her own venture, Christina shares how she took just three ...

What happens when a coastal town becomes the fastest-growing municipality east of the Mississippi? Mount Pleasant Mayor Will Haynie joins us to reveal how this thriving community balances explosive growth with quality of life—and why he's fighting to keep it a "town" despite its booming economy.

The conversation demystifies Mount Pleasant's unique government structure, where contrary to what many newcom...

Tucked away on 110 acres of pristine Lowcountry forest sits a place where healing happens every day. Rick Lhotan, Major Gifts Manager at Windwood Farm and Home for Children, pulls back the curtain on this remarkable organization that has kept over 5,000 local children with their families instead of entering protective custody over the past decade.

The numbers are staggering, but the stories behind them are even more powerf...

Get ready to feast on a culinary journey through Charleston with our latest episode featuring Alyssa Smith, the Executive Director of the renowned Charleston Wine and Food Festival. This week, we delve into the heart of what makes this festival a must-visit for food enthusiasts near and far. From its humble beginnings in 2005 to becoming a significant economic force for local businesses, the festival not only promises delicious dis...

Join us for an insightful conversation with Allison Hunt, the Executive Director of Patriot's Point Development Authority, as she takes us through the illustrious history of the USS Yorktown and USS Laffey. These iconic World War II museum ships, stationed in Mount Pleasant, offer more than just a glimpse into the past. Discover how the Patriot's Point Development Authority is preserving history while contributing to the ...