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PODCAST

Fervent Four

Zack Miller, Tim Ryan

Where Hampton Roads entrepreneurs tell their stories. Since 2020, The Fervent Four Show has been the weekly conversation connecting the entrepreneurs, innovators, and community builders shaping the future of Hampton Roads, Virginia. Each Thursday at 11 a.m. EST, hosts Tim Ryan and Zack Miller sit down with founders, CEOs, investors, and ecosystem leaders to explore the real stories behind regional growth — from bold startups and 757 trailblazers to nationally recognized brands born right

business entrepreneurship

All Episodes

01:01:03

Mastering Barber Business: Growth, Client Retention,...

Fervent Four ·

2025/07/17

The team behind Anchorage Barbershop discuss their journey into the barber world, focusing on client satisfaction and transitioning to owning a barbershop. They cover their business model, the impact of COVID-19, and hiring strategies. The episode explores haircuts, customer preferences, and hair loss products, along with business growth and expansion strategies. They discuss subscription services for client retention, partnership dynamics, and future plans, including licensing and regulations.

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58:11

A Global Look at Healthcare, AI, and the Future of...

Fervent Four ·

2025/07/10

Tim Armstrong joins the show for a deep and thoughtful conversation covering the future of healthcare, the impact of AI, and what global workforce trends mean for all of us. From military technology and nurse recruitment to immigration challenges and travel experiences, Whether you're curious about the nursing shortage, healthcare quality around the world, or how technology is shaping the future of work, this episode delivers valuable takeaways for a wide audience. (0:00) Introduction to AI,

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01:07:34

Navigating Media Evolution and Community Growth with...

Fervent Four ·

2025/07/03

Cathy Lewis shares her journey of career transition and her embrace of the Norfolk community. The conversation delves into the impact of COVID on office spaces and local attractions, as well as the evolution of journalism and media. Cathy discusses the balance between practical experience and college education in journalism, along with the challenges and opportunities in targeting demographics. The episode explores entrepreneurial challenges, regional business development, and campaign ideas to

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01:01:19

Diving Deep: Exploring Underwater Careers and...

Fervent Four ·

2025/06/26

Martin Dorn takes listeners into the depths of commercial diving, sharing insights on the Elizabeth River and the crucial role of underwater work in infrastructure maintenance. The episode explores the dynamics of diving teams, management preferences, and the technicalities of deep diving, including cutting operations and tunnel construction. Martin recounts fascinating underwater encounters and the dangers of the profession. The conversation highlights career paths, certifications, and the economic

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01:03:44

From Apple to AI: Building Startups and Communities...

Fervent Four ·

2025/06/19

Jake Spracher shares his journey from working at Apple to becoming an entrepreneur, discussing challenges in the Bay Area and the role of AI in software development. The episode covers the 757 Build Weekend and Startup World Cup, highlighting opportunities for local startups. Jake emphasizes building a startup ecosystem,.. Cultivating community interaction in Hampton Roads and focusing on core business principles are also discussed. (0:00) Introduction and casual banter with Jake Spracher (5:37)

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01:06:14

From Donuts to Disruption: Community, Innovation &...

Fervent Four ·

2025/06/12

This episode is a dynamic journey through Hampton Roads’ innovation, leadership, and community spirit. Zack and Tim kick things off with a behind-the-scenes look at Innovate Hampton Roads' latest board meeting, including a warm sendoff for longtime chairman Paul Hirschbiel and the introduction of new leadership. From donut deliveries and swag debates to the Yeti vs. Stanley showdown, the episode mixes fun with serious takeaways. The hosts dive into the real challenges of live shows and event

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01:07:03

Tech Communities, AI in Development, and Roller Coasters

Fervent Four ·

2025/06/05

Kevin Griffin shares insights on managing offshore teams, quality control, and the importance of developer events. He discusses handling live TV nerves, roller coasters, and blending travel with work. Discover vibe coding, AI in development, and Hampton Roads' tech evolution. Hear about Kevin's networking skills and resilience in local entrepreneurship. Topics include his career journey, LinkedIn strategy, the origin of Shedquarters, promoting the developer community, and event catering challenges

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01:02:22

Avoiding Common Pitfalls in Offshore Outsourcing

Fervent Four ·

2025/05/29

In this episode of the Fervent Four Show, we’re joined by Ravi Chhatani, co-founder of RS Global Staffing Solutions. From launching his career at Morgan Stanley to relocating to Norfolk and building a global staffing firm, Ravi shares an inspiring journey of growth, grit, and global perspective. The conversation dives deep into the world of remote staffing, including the power of nearshoring, navigating international labor laws, and how to build a unified team culture across borders. Ravi breaks

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01:04:14

The Answer to Every Single Legal Question

Fervent Four ·

2025/05/22

Join Crystal Brown as she delves into the complexities of trademarks, including the importance of thorough searches and policing. Discover when startups should trademark and how to tackle email scams. Crystal shares insights on AI's impact on copyright enforcement and infringement. The episode also covers franchising, documenting business processes, and creating systems for entrepreneurs. Explore cost considerations for legal services and common startup mistakes, with valuable advice for founders

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01:09:05

Tech, Talent, and Tourism: The New Virginia Beach...

Fervent Four ·

2025/05/15

Christian Green joins the conversation to discuss his passion for community development and his role in Virginia Beach Economic Development. The episode begins with a look at the Savannah Bananas' success before diving into the history of Virginia Beach's Dome and plans for a surf park. Christian shares his long-term vision for the city's growth, highlighting tech opportunities and the defense community. His career journey and management philosophy are explored, emphasizing collaboration and

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01:06:24

Harnessing LinkedIn for Business Growth and the Power...

Fervent Four ·

2025/05/08

Lauren Krailo, founder of Krailo Socials, joins us to break down why LinkedIn is the most underutilized tool in B2B marketing—and how companies in commercial construction and beyond can turn connections into contracts. A self-proclaimed gym rat and business strategist, Lauren shares how discipline from fitness transfers into marketing success. We dig into how to boost your Social Selling Index (SSI), decode LinkedIn’s algorithm, test video lengths, and use AI to streamline content. Lauren also

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01:03:23

Is Hampton Roads the Next Seattle Tech Powerhouse?

Fervent Four ·

2025/05/01

Berry Brunk joins the discussion, sharing insights from Hampton Road's entrepreneurial ecosystem and his background in media ventures. The episode examines financial challenges, economic downturns, and the importance of educating outside capital. Berry discusses the role of pitch contests, the evolving landscape of founder resources, and the impact of social media on deal flow and networking. The conversation addresses remote work challenges and economic development incentives, focusing on current

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01:02:34

The Music Industry Mindset That Builds Better Businesses

Fervent Four ·

2025/04/24

Jarrett Beeler, Sway Creative Labs, shares his journey from the music industry to advertising, highlighting lessons applicable to business success. The discussion explores Norfolk's startup incentives and local business climate, emphasizing fostering creativity and talent. Jarrett delves into the economics of streaming, changing revenue models, and educating clients on music industry dynamics. Topics include personal growth, leadership, managing responsibilities, and acquiring advertising clients

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01:02:55

Navigating Funding: Venture Capital, Integrated...

Fervent Four ·

2025/04/17

Himalaya Rao-Potlapally discusses the dynamics of venture capital and startup funding, advising founders on when to avoid VC money. The episode delves into various funding types and the significance of the TomTom festival. Himalaya shares insights on starting a venture fund, early startup events, and the importance of mentorship for new entrepreneurs. The conversation touches on investor motivations, matching capital to business needs, and integrated capital approaches. Challenges like funding

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01:03:30

Building Better Founders at Lighthouse Labs

Fervent Four ·

2025/04/10

Debbie Irwin, Lighthouse Labs, explores metrics for evaluating entrepreneurial resilience, inspired by Rick Rubin's creativity. She shares insights and her experiences supporting founders. Topics include regionalism in startup funding, inspiration from the Kaufman Foundation, and Debbie's personal journey. The episode delves into founders' motivation, feedback dynamics, mentorship's impact, the Lighthouse (Labs) Network's evolving support, Richmond's corporate scene, and founder responsiveness.

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01:07:04

Shaping Cities: Landscape Architecture and Urban...

Fervent Four ·

2025/04/03

Nate Lahy joins the episode to explore landscape architecture, sharing his morning routine and favorite inspirational books. He discusses Orbis Landscape Architecture and the field's evolution, focusing on innovative flood management in Norfolk. The conversation emphasizes historical context, networking, and community-building. Additional topics include insights from Rick Rubin's book, the value of authors narrating their works, and fostering relationships with Assembly. The episode wraps up with

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01:00:35

Jumping Into Business: Niche Markets, Innovation, and...

Fervent Four ·

2025/03/27

Sanele Lasana joins this episode to explore the power of embracing unique business ideas and the importance of celebrating milestones along the entrepreneurial journey. The conversation delves into learning and risk-taking in business, and a discussion on the Startup World Cup. The episode highlights innovations in adult tumbling and exercise science, uncovering niche acrobatic communities and the significance of play for adults. Challenges like insurance in gymnastics and strategic partnerships for

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01:03:58

A Founder’s Journey: From Startup to Exit

Fervent Four ·

2025/03/20

Join Ned Lilly as he discusses the evolution of open source ERP software and XTuple's acquisition journey. Explore the role of data in AI and the challenges of remote work. Ned shares insights into Start Norfolk and Hatch, emphasizing regional leadership and community engagement. The episode covers talent recruitment, customer engagement strategies, and trends in mergers and acquisitions. Ned offers investment banking perspectives from Quorum Group, highlighting M&A preparation and due diligence

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01:03:37

Unlocking Government Market Opportunities

Fervent Four ·

2025/03/13

(0:00) Importance of staying on tune and finishing tasks (0:19) Making lots of little bets in government contracting (1:01) Weekly struggles, motivation, and guest introduction (2:27) Meeting William Randolph and his background (4:53) Overview of MicroMarket and government purchase card program (10:33) Challenges and features in government marketplace (13:08) Impact of government resolutions and spending on businesses (16:22) Preparing vendors for government opportunities and DOGE purchase freeze

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01:01:30

Is It Time to Sell Your Business? What’s Next in Your...

Fervent Four ·

2025/03/06

Mark Coster joins this episode to share his insights on business succession planning and the evolution of the startup scene. The discussion begins with a look at Apple product longevity and Zack's experience with a new MacBook. Tim's recent trip to Maui and ergonomic chairs segue into a conversation on targeted and geolocated advertising. Mark delves into his career background, highlighting growth experiences with PRA Group and CarMax. The episode explores regional business competition, search

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290 results

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