Mind Your Business - A Podcast Series produced by the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce

Latest Episodes:

Golf & Business - Closing the Deal at the Fairway Fore Foundation Golf Classic Apr 30, 2026

Show notes

This week marks the 3rd annual Fairway Fore Foundation Golf Classic at Jefferson Landing. This annual fundraising tournament fuels the work of the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation, providing support for economic development projects and investments in childcare, housing, workforce development, infrastructure, and organizational support.

The Boone Area Chamber of Commerce is not the only organization that does business on the golf course. In fact, 30% of small business owners say they have initiated or closed business on a golf course. This week on Mind Your Business, we are on location for this year's tournament, highlighting the ways golf and business lead to the relationship equity that can move a deal or project across the finishline.

Speaking of business, we have updates on two key project areas -- broadband infrastructure and local convention space. Edward Hinson of SkyLine/SkyBest takes time away from the range to discuss the company's continued Helene recovery efforts along with information about the future of broadband usage in the High Country.

Then, we visit with the owner of the Graystone Lodge, Justin Patel. In addition to serving alongside Carolina West Wireless as our tournament co-sponsor, Justin's team has been working on a project that could add valuable meeting and convention space inside the Town of Boone. We'll get the latest details on that project, as well as an early look at the performance of the 2026 tourism season.

Mind Your Business is written and produced weekly by the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce. This podcast is made possible thanks to the sponsorship support of Appalachian Commercial Real Estate.

Catch the show each Thursday afternoon at 5PM on WATA (1450AM & 96.5FM) in Boone.

Support the show

Recapping the Inaugural Trades Signing Day Ceremony at Watauga High School Apr 23, 2026

Show notes

On Tuesday, April 21st, the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce and Watauga County Schools hosted the inaugural Trades Signing Day at Watauga High School — recognizing students who have earned, or are on track to earn, an industry-recognized credential through the school's Career and Technical Education program.

On this week's Mind Your Business, we recap the event and dig into the 2026 Watauga County Attainment Profile from MyFutureNC, which tracks where our community stands on postsecondary credential attainment against the state's 2030 goals. Dr. Kim Case, Regional Impact Manager for myFutureNC's Northwest Region, joins us to connect the data to real career pathways for students across the High Country.

Mind Your Business is written and produced weekly by the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce. This podcast is made possible thanks to the sponsorship support of Appalachian Commercial Real Estate.

Catch the show each Thursday afternoon at 5PM on WATA (1450AM & 96.5FM) in Boone.

Support the show

An Appalachian Summer Preview & the Impact of the Arts on the High Country Economy Apr 16, 2026

Show notes

Earlier this week, tickets went on sale for the 42nd season of An Appalachian Summer Festival, an annual celebration of the performing and visual arts is held every July in venues across the Appalachian State University campus, featuring an eclectic, diverse mix of music, dance, theatre, visual arts and film programming.

This five-week series brings world renowned artists across multiple genres to Boone and the High Country at a highly popular time for summer tourism engagement, which provides a predictable and impactful annual economic benefit to the region.

On this week's Mind Your Business, we visit with Allison West, Director of Marketing for App State's Office of Arts Engagement and Cultural Resources. She will preview the full schedule of this year's festival and tell you which events feature the fastest-selling tickets! We'll also discuss the economic benefits of An Appalachian Summer, and how this annual showcase has provided unique opportunities for the development of local artists.

Speaking of economic impact, the taxes created by events like our summer festivals (occupancy tax, sales tax) provide impactful dollars to be spent on services in our local community. As the North Carolina General Assembly resumes its work this month in Raleigh, there are several legislative discussions around tax law that could have direct implications for communities across the State. The Chamber's Advocacy Task Force continues to monitor these conversations, and we'll bring you the latest details.

Mind Your Business is written and produced weekly by the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce. This podcast is made possible thanks to the sponsorship support of Appalachian Commercial Real Estate.

Catch the show each Thursday afternoon at 5PM on WATA (1450AM & 96.5FM) in Boone.

Support the show

The Sale of Hawksnest & the Understanding the Landscape of Business Succession Apr 09, 2026

Show notes

Earlier this week, Lenny Cottom announced the sale of Hawksnest Snow Tubing & Zipline after 35-years of family ownership. Fortunately, this was part of the Cottom's plan, and they worked to find a buyer that shared their vision for the future of this long-time outdoor playground.

Business succession does not always go so smoothly, and sometimes a lack of planning can force the hand of a business owner in a way that has a negative impact on employees, customers, and the surrounding community.

On this week's Mind Your Business, we hear directly from Lenny Cottom about the sale of Hawksnest, what drove the family's decision, and what comes next for one of the High Country's longest running outdoor attractions.

We then tackle the concept of business succession as we visit with Chris Grasinger and John Wilantowicz of Mountain BizWorks. We discuss how developing a plan around the sale of a business can help maximize the value of the return, and ensure employees and customers can continue to count on the goods and services provided. We'll also talk about the growing benefits of buying an established business versus starting a small business from scratch, and how that can factor positively into future financing, community positioning, and other similar considerations.

Mind Your Business is written and produced weekly by the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce. This podcast is made possible thanks to the sponsorship support of Appalachian Commercial Real Estate.

Catch the show each Thursday afternoon (except this week -- tune in Friday, April 10th) at 5PM on WATA (1450AM & 96.5FM) in Boone.

Support the show

FEMA Funds Headed to Watauga County Schools Apr 02, 2026

Show notes

Earlier this week, FEMA announced its allocation of $103 million in Hurricane Helene related Public Assistance funding across 50 projects throughout Western North Carolina. Watauga County schools is set to receive over $28 million for the repair and repurposing of the old Valle Crucis School site.

On this week's Mind Your Business, we'll talk to Dr. Leslie Alexander, Superintendent of Watauga County Schools, about how this process took place, and what could become of the site once repairs and other work is completed.

Consistent advocacy is how projects like this occur, and finding alignment on relevant priorities is an essential step in magnifying a community's collective voice. The Boone Area Chamber of Commerce has recently released its 2026 Legislative Priorities, which ground our work across many areas of community need. We'll outline these priorities and offer more details on our upcoming Vision Northwest North Carolina Summit.

Last week Governor Josh Stein announced the framework for his third Hurricane Helene relief bill. We'll breakdown some of the key highlights of his spending plan as it makes its way toward the NC General Assembly for discussion later this month.

Mind Your Business is written and produced weekly by the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce. This podcast is made possible thanks to the sponsorship support of Appalachian Commercial Real Estate.

Catch the show each Thursday afternoon at 5PM on WATA (1450AM & 96.5FM) in Boone.

Support the show

Recapping the 10th Annual 4 Under 40 Awards Mar 26, 2026

Show notes

The Boone Area Chamber of Commerce hosted its 10th annual 4 Under 40 Awards ceremony, Wednesday, March 18th, at the Appalachian Theatre in Downtown Boone.

On this week's Mind Your Business, we hear from each of the 16 finalists, including reaction from each of the category winners as their names were called.

Mind Your Business is written and produced weekly by the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce. This podcast is made possible thanks to the sponsorship support of Appalachian Commercial Real Estate.

Catch the show each Thursday afternoon at 5PM on WATA (1450AM & 96.5FM) in Boone.

Support the show

The Latest on the Blue Ridge Parkway Restoration Project Mar 19, 2026

Show notes

As we have discussed over the last several weeks, restoration work tied to the Great American Outdoors Act of 2021 has resumed along in the Blue Ridge Parkway in Watauga County. This work will impact areas around Boone and Blowing Rock, though detour routes and staggard closures will ensure access to popular attractions like Cone Manor, the Linn Cove Viaduct, and Price Park throughout the duration of the work.

On this week's Mind Your Business, we visit with Leesa Brandon, External Affairs Specialist for the National Park Service. She will provide the latest project details, anticipated timelines, detour information, and plenty more. We encourage you to bookmark www.nps.gov/blri for the latest information on closures, detours, and timing on potential shifts in foucs within the repair areas.

Also on this week's show, we begin our recap of the 10th annual 4 Under 40 Awards, which was held March 18th at the Appalachian Theatre. We'll unveil this year's Respect Your Elder Award winner, a long-time resident who is a motivator and business visionary.

Mind Your Business is written and produced weekly by the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce. This podcast is made possible thanks to the sponsorship support of Appalachian Commercial Real Estate.

Catch the show each Thursday afternoon at 5PM on WATA (1450AM & 96.5FM) in Boone.

Support the show

Built in Boone: Jackson Sumner & Associates Mar 12, 2026

Show notes

There are numerous businesses here in the High Country that we all drive by every day and wonder, "what do they do in there?"

This week we continue our 12-part series: Built in the High Country. This monthly feature will take us physically inside some of the most unique and successful businesses in Watauga County, as we examine what got them started and why they chose the High Country as the home for their business.

This week on Mind Your Business, we visit Jackson Sumner & Associates. Established in Boone in 1981, JSA has grown to become one of the top Excess & Specialty Lines Brokers in the eastern United States. CEO Danielle Wade explains the company's origin story, and how Boone's location plays in to their workforce recruitment and retention strategy. We'll also hear about JSA's place as an industry leader, and how they've earned that recognition while being located in rural North Carolina.

We'll also bring you the latest on Blue Ridge Parkway construction tied to the Great American Outdoors Act, including updates on detours planned for Watauga County in the near future.

Mind Your Business is written and produced weekly by the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce. This podcast is made possible thanks to the sponsorship support of Appalachian Commercial Real Estate.

Catch the show each Thursday afternoon at 5PM on WATA (1450AM & 96.5FM) in Boone.

Support the show

Business Dreams & the Community Supports that Make it Happen Mar 05, 2026

Show notes

Turning the napkin sketch into a viable business is one of the most exhilarating and equally terrifying tasks in the entrepreneurial journey. Here in the High Country, we are fortunate to have several partner organizations and programs that can help a small business move from theory to reality.

This week on Mind Your Business, we show how these partners work to provide insight and expertise for budding business owners -- through the lens of the food truck community.

Road Ready: Food Truck Fundamentals is an upcoming workshop for those seeking to grow or sustain a food truck business. This two-day experience will be held March 25-26 and is organized through the Small Business Center at Caldwell Community College at Technical Institute, in conjunction with AppHealthCare, Empowering Mountain Food Systems, and the Watauga County Cooperative Extension.

While this conversation may highlight the process of staring a food truck, much of our discussion with facilitator, Dani Black, owner of Bigger Tables Culinary & Service Consulting, centers on the fundamentals of entrepreneurship, with some helpful tips for those considering the creation of a business in any industry.

You'll also hear details about our entrepreneurship local support network, and how partners like the Small Business Center, App State's Center for Entrepreneurship, Mountain BizWorks, the SBTDC, and your local Chamber of Commerce can support the process of turning dreams into business realities!

Mind Your Business is written and produced weekly by the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce. This podcast is made possible thanks to the sponsorship support of Appalachian Commercial Real Estate.

Catch the show each Thursday afternoon at 5PM on WATA (1450AM & 96.5FM) in Boone.

Support the show

Passing the Leadership Torch to Light the Path for Future Generations Feb 26, 2026

Show notes

The Olympics may be complete, but this episode of Mind Your Businessis all about how we pass the torch. In communities across the High Country, we see the emergence of a new crop of leaders that are ready to make their mark. Events like the 10th annual 4 Under 40 Awards help spotlight those who are ready to do more, whether it's within their own business or industry, or by impacting the community through the giving of their time and expertise.

On this week's show, we visit with two of our past 4 Under 40 Award honorees.

Joseph Miller was recognized in 2019 for his work as a owner of Cobo Sushi Bistro & Bar and Black Cat Burrito, and now nearly seven years later, this restauranter is one of the lead influencers of the Downtown Boone business community. We'll hear how this local product used examples from his business-minded parents, combined with his own unique experiences off the mountain, to create two signature brands within the Boone restaurant scene -- and what it takes to make these businesses work.

Chelsea Helms is a Project Manager for STITCH Design Shop, and was our Rising Star honoree in 2025. She's used her Boonerang experience to establish community roots and fuel growth opportunities within her industry. Today, Chelsea and the team at STITCH are involved in some lasting, community focused projects, and the skills she learned in Boone are helping her shape the next version of this special place.

We will also unveil the 2026 class of 4 Under 40 Award Finalists.

Mind Your Business is written and produced weekly by the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce. This podcast is made possible thanks to the sponsorship support of Appalachian Commercial Real Estate.

Catch the show each Thursday afternoon at 5PM on WATA (1450AM & 96.5FM) in Boone.

Support the show

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