Conversation Mill

Today, we’re walking the streets of one of America’s fastest-growing and most recognized small cities—but we’re doing so with intention. Our guide is Kendra Williams, a South Carolina native, Greenville resident, and dedicated tourism professional who’s on a mission to ensure that the city’s Black history—American history—is seen, heard, and never forgotten.While Greenville has a rich and complex Civil Rights legacy, much of it has been overlooked or left untold. Kendra is helping to change that. Through her work, she’s shining a light on the stories, landmarks, and lives that have shaped this city—stories of resilience, resistance, and community that deserve a permanent place in Greenville’s narrative.Whether you're a local, a visitor, or someone who believes that history must include every voice—this conversation will open your eyes to the past and challenge you to see your city through a new lens.Let’s walk together.Book your tour here: https://bhigtours.com/AdvertisersHaving trouble hiring and keeping employees? Find out how Silverside Consulting + Creative can support your most valuable asset: a strong team. Book a Free Discovery Call: https://www.silversidecreative.com/booking-calendar/coaching-alignment-call

In this bonus episode, we’re taking a ride—literally and figuratively—into a global movement that’s as stylish as it is meaningful. We’re talking about The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride, a worldwide charity event where classic and vintage-style motorcycle enthusiasts suit up, saddle up, and ride out to raise awareness and funds for men’s health—specifically prostate cancer research and mental health initiatives through Movember.This episode isn’t just about motorcycles, tweed jackets, or polished boots—it’s about the power of community, the importance of showing up, and how one ride can ripple out into real, lasting impact. Whether you’re a rider, a supporter, or simply curious about how dapper style meets purpose, you’re in the right place.So polish that helmet, straighten that bowtie, and join me as we dive into the story behind The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride—what it stands for, how it started, and the passionate people who keep its engine running.DONATE HERE- Greenville's Ride Page:https://www.gentlemansride.com/rides/united+states/greenville+scGreenville's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/distinguishedridersgvl/Main event website:https://www.gentlemansride.com/Movember:https://us.movember.com/

On this episode, we have a special guest who is deeply passionate about empowering small businesses and solopreneurs, and has made it his mission to support entrepreneurs of all sizes. We talk A.I., Robotics, Modern Entrepreneurship and more. Ken Cox is the President of Rivercity Internet Group and the visionary behind InLink.com—a platform built specifically to provide every tool you need to be successful in business. InLink.com offers an Office suite that includes email, spreadsheets, documents, and cloud storage, along with a robust CRM that supports unlimited users—eliminating costly per-user fees. Ken is here to share his expertise on how small businesses can use these tools to streamline operations, boost productivity, and achieve new levels of success. To learn more about Ken visit: kencox.com https://inlink.comFor listeners, if you go to InLink.com, you can sign up for a 14-day free trial of the world's most robust CRM platform. This trial gives you a chance to experience all the tools InLink.com offers, allowing you to streamline your business operations, boost productivity, and see firsthand how it can help you succeed.AdvertisersNeed help getting organized behind the scenes of your small business? Silverside Consulting + Creative helps you delegate, document, and follow through with systems that actually work. Learn more at silversidecreative.com.

In this episode of Conversation Mill, we are in conversation with Liz Conroy, who leads business development at Palmetto Proactive Care, a direct primary care organization reshaping how healthcare is delivered in South Carolina and beyond.Liz shares how Palmetto Proactive Care offers an innovative, affordable, and transparent healthcare model that prioritizes preventative care, accessibility, and long-term patient relationships. We explore how their flat-fee structure, extended appointment times, and same-day access model provide an alternative to the traditional insurance-based healthcare system—and why that’s such a game-changer for individuals, families, and especially small businesses looking to provide quality care to employees.Learn more or become a member: https://www.palmettoproactive.com/AdvertisersAre you a small business owner that is Overworked? Underpaid? Create a framework today to start changing that. Business Coaching and Consulting with Silverside Consulting

Over the last several years we have had so many diverse and fascinating conversations from business owners that are champions of their various industries and specialities. I wanted to go back and revisit some of these brilliant, persevering, and community driven entrepreneurs. The first episode we are going to revisit is from our first season a conversation with the brilliant Vicario liquor creator, Renato Vicario. Since our episode, I am sad to report that Renato has passed. I feel so blessed to have had the chance to capture his history in this episode. Full EpisodeThe second episode we are revisiting is also from our first season. Musgrave pencil is a 107 year old pencil company based in Shelbyville TN, a real American company. And Henry Hulan, grandson of the founder join me to share the highs and lows of being in business for over 100 years. Make Musgrave our go to for unique customized American Made gift of cedar pencils and more. Full EpisodeThis last look back comes from season 2 when I had the chance to host a full season with Hawaiian business owners. Sitting down with Duke Sparks was such a joyful experience. His refusal to give up or have a plan b as a restaurant owner is I believe one of the keys to his success. If you have not heard this episode previously I think you are going to love this highlight from our episode, because Duke’s mindset is contagious. Full EpisodeAdvertisersOverworked? Unpaid Business Owner? Take back control of your business. Silverside Consulting + Creative

In this episode of Conversation Mill, we sit down with Josh Grandinetti, founder of Foundation Fortified, to discuss how mindfulness can serve as a proactive tool for first responders facing the unique challenges of their profession.The mental health crisis among first responders is undeniable, yet traditional approaches often take a reactionary stance—focusing on therapy after stress and trauma have already taken their toll. Josh, a career firefighter, paramedic, and certified mindfulness instructor, is shifting the focus to prevention. Through Foundation Fortified, he teaches first responders how to develop mindfulness as a skill, much like strength training for mental resilience.Learn More About Foundation Fortified HEREAdvertisersGet Your Small Business Back on Track with Silverside Consulting + Creative

Are you frustrated with the state of politics today? Do you feel like neither party truly represents your voice? You're not alone. In fact, the majority of Americans now identify as independent—but their voices are often overlooked in Washington.In this episode, we sit down with Lura Forcum, President of the Independent Center, to discuss how her organization is working to change that. The Independent Center isn’t a political party—it’s a movement. By researching, advocating, and engaging independent voters, they are ensuring that common-sense solutions and bipartisan collaboration become a priority in our government.If you believe in breaking free from the divisiveness of party politics and want to see leaders who prioritize people over party, this conversation is for you. Join the movement and learn more at Independent Center.AdvertisersSilverside Consulting + Creative for the overworked, underpaid business owner. Visit Conversation Mill to learn more about become a sponsor.

In this episode of Conversation Mill, we sit down with Chris Davidson and Ben LaGrange, owners of Blue Ridge Heating & Air, to discuss the practical and often challenging aspects of running a business. With locations in Brevard, NC, and Greenville, SC, Blue Ridge Heating & Air is committed to providing common-sense solutions for residential and light commercial heating, air conditioning, and indoor air quality needs across Western North Carolina and Upstate South Carolina.Chris and Ben share their journey from engineering and corporate management to small business ownership, offering insights into the realities of entrepreneurship, the importance of customer trust, and the balance of technical expertise with business operations. They also dive into the struggles of running a service-based business, and the evolving landscape of HVAC technology including their technology focused on protecting customers from mold.Connect with Blue Ridge Heating & Air:Website: https://blueridgeheatingair.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@blueridgeheatingair24For Sponsorship Opportunities: Conversationmill.comAdvertisers Silverside Consulting + Creative

In this episode of Conversation Mill, I sit down with Evan DeBiasse, General Manager of Keipi, a unique nonprofit restaurant bringing the rich culture and flavors of the Republic of Georgia to Greenville, SC. Nestled far away in the Caucasus mountains, Georgia is a place steeped in tradition, known for its breathtaking landscapes and a hospitality culture that feels almost mythical.But Keipi is more than just a restaurant—it’s a mission-driven nonprofit connected to First Things Foundation, an organization dedicated to supporting local communities around the world through sustainable, relationship-based initiatives. Keipi helps fund and support First Things Foundation’s work by bringing people together around the table, sharing heartfelt toasts, and celebrating life’s moments with friends old and new.From their delicious khachapuri (cheese-filled bread) to their Georgian wines crafted from an 8,000-year-old winemaking tradition, Keipi is on a mission to share the flavors and warmth of Georgian culture.Links Mentioned in the Episode:Visit Keipi in Greenville, SC: Keipi RestaurantLearn more about Conversation Mill: conversationmill.comSponsored by Silverside Consulting + Creative: silversidecreative.comDon’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review Conversation Mill wherever you listen to podcasts!

In this episode, we sit down with Mark Messina, Vice President at QRFup, a groundbreaking mobile crisis response app dedicated to supporting Service Members, Veterans, First Responders, and their Families during critical times.Mark shares his inspiring journey from early retirement as an active duty military member to starting his own company and ultimately joining the QRFup team. He dives deep into the unique challenges faced by those who serve—like financial stress, career transitions, and emotional struggles—and how QRFup is designed by the community, for the community, to address these issues without involving law enforcement or government agencies.Resources Mentioned:QRFup Website: https://www.qrfup.org/QRFup Instagram: @qrfup.organizationResearch on Crisis Support for Veterans and First Responders: PMC ArticleDownload the App:QRFup is available on Apple and Android stores, bringing life-saving support directly to those who need it most.Connect with Us:Don’t forget to subscribe to Conversation Mill for more stories that matter. If you enjoyed this episode, leave us a review and share it with someone who might benefit from hearing about QRFup’s mission!

In this episode of Conversation Mill, we welcome back Diane Hardy, entrepreneur, small business owner, public speaker, and founder of the Mom & Pop Alliance. Diane previously joined us to discuss the work of the Mom & Pop Alliance in South Carolina and the critical need for tort reform, particularly concerning liquor liability laws that are significantly impacting small businesses like bars, venues, breweries, and distilleries. Unfortunately, this issue remains unresolved, and we dive back into why reform is still desperately needed.Beyond tort reform, we also tackle another major topic that has entered the national conversation—Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). Recent events, including California wildfires and an executive order from former President Trump regarding the dissolution of DEI initiatives in government agencies, have sparked renewed debates. Diane and I explore the local implications of DEI in South Carolina, particularly in Greenville, and discuss how businesses navigate these policies.To provide further context, I’ve linked key resources in the show notes, including the definition of DEI and the history of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, particularly Title VI, which outlines protections against discrimination. Our goal is to present a balanced discussion, encouraging listeners to form their own opinions and engage in meaningful conversations about these critical issues.Resources & Links:Mom & Pop Alliance: https://www.momandpopalliance.org/Definition of DEI: LinkCivil Rights Act of 1964 - National Archives: Contact your local and state representatives: https://www.scstatehouse.gov/legislatorssearch.phpSilverside Business Resources & Coaching: silversidecreative.com

On this week’s episode of The Conversation Mill, Lieutenant Mike Austin of the Greenville, SC City Police shares powerful insights on community policing—emphasizing the importance of listening to citizens to build trust and connection.We dive into:✅ The role of community partnerships in effective policing.✅ The emotional challenges faced by officers.✅ The unique bond and responsibilities of K9 handling and an emotion story of how these dogs save lives.This conversation highlights the heart behind the badge. Join us in conversation and learn more at Conversationmill.com

In this episode, we have one of the most valuable conversations you’ll hear as a small business owner. Joining us is Courtney Epps, the founder of OTBTAX, a renowned tax strategist, international speaker, and author of More Relaxing Less Taxing and What’s Your Plan B?.It’s no secret that every small business owner shares the common goal of keeping more money in their pockets and reinvesting it into their business. Yet, despite this universal aim, many small business owners lack even the foundational step of categorizing their expenses, let alone having a robust tax strategy to prevent overpaying taxes.Courtney shares her expert insights and actionable tips that can empower business owners to start taking control of their finances and stop leaving money on the table. Her experience in working with businesses of all sizes has given her a unique perspective on how to legally and ethically free up money through effective tax strategies.Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting your business journey, this conversation is your sign to find a tax strategist and take back control of your financial future.Follow the show on Instagram Visit conversationmill.com

Today we honor and thank our veterans I think one of the many ways we can say thank you is by preserving history, learning our history and learning from our history so… Today’s episode is a history lesson. We are in desperate need of learning more of our history and the history that leads us to where we are now. Yet, we often fail to truly understand our history or appreciate the broader scope of world history. With so many agenda-driven retellings, misunderstandings, or outright disregard for history, I aim to bring more historical context to the podcast when it makes sense. With this episode releasing on Veterans Day, I thought it would be the perfect opportunity to begin incorporating more history into the show.To learn more about the history of Veterans Day, including the year all federal holidays were moved to Mondays, check out the links below. How WWI Changed America: America Goes to War   https://wisconsinfirstnations.org/ho-chunk-nation/African American Women and WWI | National WWI Museum and Memorialhttps://www.nationalgeographic.com/culture/article/world-war-iConversationmill.com

In this episode of Conversation Mill, host Rebecca Dehl sits down with Brian Beitler, the visionary founder of Sune, a new mobile app that’s redefining the way we shop for handcrafted goods. From the people behind QVC and HSN comes Sune—a virtual craft fair where you can discover, shop, and sell unique products made by talented makers across the United States. Tune in as Brian shares the story behind Sune, the inspiration for creating a digital craft fair, and how the platform brings makers and buyers together through immersive video experiences.Links and Resources:Visit Sune's Website: sune.comBecome a Seller on Sune: Sign Up HereFollow Sune on Social Media: Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube: @shopsuneJoin us for an inspiring conversation on how Sune is making handcrafted shopping more accessible and connecting buyers with the stories behind the products they love.

In this episode of the Conversation Mill, we sit down with Mitch Vazquez, founder of Heroes' Harvests, a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to providing therapeutic outdoor experiences to our nation's service members. Mitch, a veteran himself, shares the story behind Heroes' Harvests and its mission to support active duty military members, reservists, National Guard members, veterans, and Gold Star families through exclusive hunting, fishing, and outdoor activities.With nearly 20 million veterans and around 2 million active duty, reserve, and National Guard Soldiers in the United States, Heroes' Harvests was founded on the belief that time spent in nature can be a powerful form of healing. Mitch discusses how the nonprofit's dynamic events create therapeutic environments designed to help service members cope with the physical and emotional stress they have endured, whether from combat-related injuries, PTSD, or the challenges of transitioning to civilian life.Tune in to learn more about the incredible work Heroes' Harvests is doing to improve the lives of those who have served our country. Mitch’s passion for the outdoors and dedication to giving back is inspiring, and his insights offer a glimpse into how nature can play a vital role in the healing process.Learn how you can get involved- Here. conversationmill.comFollow us on Instagram

Welcome to another episode of Conversation Mill, where we discuss the heartbeat of communities—small businesses, local leaders, and the organizations working to make a difference. Today, we’re excited to welcome our special guest, the Mom and Pop Alliance of South Carolina, an organization dedicated to championing the needs of family-owned and small businesses across the state.About the Mom and Pop Alliance:Small businesses are the backbone of South Carolina's economy, yet their voices often go unheard in the development of government policies. The Mom and Pop Alliance was founded to change that. As a business owner herself, Diane Hardy, the founder understands the challenges faced by small businesses—especially when it comes to the ever-increasing influence of state government on business operations.This organization was created and is run by volunteers who are committed to serving as a bridge between family-owned businesses and state government. They work diligently to advocate for solutions and policies that support the "mom and pop" businesses that form the economic foundation of South Carolina. Diane, knows these challenges firsthand as the owner of a franchise bakery in Greenville, SC. Her experience fuels the alliance’s mission to ensure that small businesses have a strong voice in shaping policies that affect their success.Upcoming Event – Annual Dinner:The Mom and Pop Alliance Annual Dinner is just around the corner, and you won’t want to miss it! Ticket sales are now live for this year’s event, taking place on October 28th in Greenville.Last year's dinner was a sold-out success, so be sure to purchase your tickets early. This year's event will be emceed by radio personality Joey Hudson, promising an evening full of inspiration, networking, and celebration. Attendees will enjoy a chef-prepared meal, wine, and dessert in the stunning open-air dining room at Hotel Hartness.Why You Should Attend:Connect with fellow small business owners, advocates, and leaders.Gain insights into current policies impacting small businesses in South Carolina.Support the efforts of the Mom and Pop Alliance to create a business-friendly climate in the state.Thank you for tuning in to this episode of Conversation Mill, where we explore the stories that shape our communities. Remember, when small businesses thrive, so do the places we call home.

Andrew Reina, Founder of The Ragnar Group, joins me in conversation in this episode about insurance (personal & business), liquor liability, and solutions to help small businesses in South Carolina, but potential across the US. The Ragnar Group Inc. was formed with a singular goal in mind, to disrupt the insurance and financial services industries. For far to long this industry in our opinion has been built not with the client in mind but with what benefits the company’s, agents and advisors most. The result has been a frustrating relationship between financial professionals and the general public in which they strive to help.To learn more about the show, or to explore sponsorship or networking options visit: conversationmill.com Need business solutions? Financing? Lower CC rates? Coaching or Planning Services? Silverside Consulting + Creative founded and operated by your host Rebecca Dehl provides local and national services for businesses from start-up stage to large-scale companies preparing for a sale. Don't wait reach out today.

Laurel Harrop, founder of Busty Lush, joins the conversation to share what inspired her to start this line of non-alcoholic malt beverages that celebrate women. This female forward brand, delivers great taste with style. But entering the beverage space is not for the faint of heart. You have to be willing to take risks and create a great brand story to get the attention of buyers. Join Laurel and I in conversation as we discuss Laurels history as an entrepreneur, her advice to young entrepreneurs and more. conversationmill.comsilversidecreative.com

Replay, Original Episode Aired 9/23/2023.Mountain Care first opened its doors in 1986 as "Mountain Geri-Care". Over the years the name, location, and capacity have changed, but their goal has remained the same: to provide high-quality, community-based care for older adults and their caregivers.  Mountain Care is a nonprofit, located in Buncombe and Henderson county in North Carolina. But the topic of caring for aging adults is one that will continue to impact us all, and as Elizabeth explains in this episode there is not enough support to meet demand. Consider supporting Mountain Care with a donation or by volunteering: Learn More HereConversationmill.comsilversidecreative.com