Category Archives: Audio Interviews

Audio interviews conducted by WCU ME Cohort students

Audio Interviews Entrepreneur Audio Interviews Cohort Audio Interviews

Jose Figueroa Interview with Erica Shames, Susquehanna Life Magazine Owner

Published by:

After college, Erica Shames moved to New York City and worked several years as an editorial assistant and freelance writer for publications such as National Lampoon magazine and The Aquarian Weekly, where she interviewed many music celebrities, including John Cougar Mellencamp, Gloria Gaynor, Maureen McGovern, Thin Lizzy, the Little River Band and others. Her work also includes The St. Petersburg Times, The New York Times, Consumers Digest, Sport Magazine, American Cinematographer, and Southern Boating. In 1990, Erica moved to Lewisburg PA when her husband was offered a teaching position at Bucknell University.

Once in Lewisburg, Erica realized that there was not a professional publication in this area of Pennsylvania. A few months later she started a home business, without any previous experience running businesses and by investing her savings to launch it. She admitted, “In the beginning things were tough, people did not know me and trust me, and there was not valuable appreciation for this kind of publication.” Now Erica Shames and her company have achieved a well-respected, high quality reputation over a period of 19 years. Her lifestyle magazine offers residents and visitors a glimpse of the positive, little-known and under-appreciated aspects of life in central Pennsylvania, including more about the small but vibrant business community that exists here. But this is only part of what Erica shared during her interesting interview; I invite you to listen to her thoughts about her work and experiences running this professional publication…click below to continue with the audio interview:

Continue reading

Share
Audio Interviews Funding Expert Audio Interviews ENT 640

An Interview with Walter O. Farabee: Minority & Women’s Business Enterprise Coordinator, City of Winston-Salem

Published by:

Interview w Walter Farabee

by Prince John Gaither-Eli

A veteran of entrepreneurial consulting, business planning, and urban planning, Walter O. Farabee, Minority & Women’s Business Enterprise Coordinator for the City of Winston-Salem spoke with us regarding start-up funding and business planning for entrepreneurs. An alumni of UNC-Chapel Hill, Mr. Farabee spoke on a range of topics germane to start-up funding from group marketing, social networks, and the “Great Recession”.

Continue reading

Share
Audio Interviews Funding Expert Audio Interviews ENT 640

Insights from Interviewing Two Commercial Bankers

Published by:

I was fortunate to have the opportunity to learn about commercial lending and entrepreneurship from the perspective of two commercial bankers in one interview.

George Madden is a Senior Vice President of SunTrust Bank and has been a commercial banker since 1978, specializing in “giving clients accessibility, responsiveness, and results in their banking relationship.”  His colleague, Daryl Griffith, is a Vice President and Commercial Relationship Manager with SunTrust Bank and has over a decade of experience working with business owners, and often consults with entrepreneurs seeking funding for their new venture.

I gained insights both on commercial banking and entrepreneurship from both gentlemen, and here are some highlights…

Continue reading

Share