The Positively West Virginia Podcast

Today on Positively West Virginia, we sit down with Corinne Traub, co-founder and managing partner of Appalachian Heritage Group, a Lewisburg-based hospitality company creating experiential lodging that showcases the culture and beauty of the Mountain State. After the success of Firefly Ridge, their glamping resort near Berkeley Springs featured in the 2026 West Virginia Department of Tourism commercial, the company is launching Out in West. Through a public-private partnership with the WV DNR, it brings upscale glamping to Blackwater Falls, Summersville Lake, Lost River and Pipestem state parks. They're also providing much-needed workforce housing in Western Greenbrier County. In this conversation, Corinne shares how these projects came together and her vision for growing tourism and hospitality across West Virginia. Website: https://ahgwv.com/ Studio Powered by: Breezeline Sponsored by: Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of West Virginia | Freedom Kia of Morgantown | Inner Action Media | Humble Influence: The strength of true followership - by Jim Matuga | Portland Coffee WV | West Virginia Lottery Produced by: Inner Action Media | Jim Matuga

Today on Positively West Virginia, we sit down with Michael "Mike" Ruffing, founder and President & CEO of Problem Solver's Consultants, a West Virginia-based digital marketing agency helping small businesses build their brands and grow their businesses. Founded in 2013 in Buckhannon, the company was built on the idea that local businesses deserve access to effective, data-driven marketing strategies without the high costs and complexity often associated with larger marketing campaigns. With a background in corporate marketing and experience working with Fortune 500 companies, Mike has dedicated his work to helping small businesses throughout West Virginia and beyond compete in an increasingly digital world. In 2026, Problem Solver's Consultants was recognized by the U.S. Small Business Administration as West Virginia's Rural Small Business of the Year. In this conversation, we explore entrepreneurship, digital marketing and the challenges facing small businesses across the Mountain State. Mike shares his perspective on building a successful business, adapting to an ever-changing digital landscape, and helping West Virginia businesses find new opportunities to grow and succeed. Website: https://problemsolversconsultants.com/ Studio Powered by: Breezeline Sponsored by: Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of West Virginia | Freedom Kia of Morgantown | Inner Action Media | Humble Influence: The Strength of True Followership by Jim Matuga | Portland Coffee WV | West Virginia Lottery Produced by: Inner Action Media | Jim Matuga

Today on Positively West Virginia, we sit down with Grant Stewart, Founder of Performance Matrix and co-author with Ray Overdorf of the new book Transformational Leadership: False Assumptions and Missing Pieces. Grant shares how 15 years as an actor and director in New York City prepared him to lead organizations. He also explains the "upside-down pyramid," where the CEO sits at the bottom and makes sure everyone has what they need. Grant tells stories from his work with a Comcast call center and a NASA team. He explains why leadership of others begins with leadership of self, and his advice for West Virginia business leaders: be clear on your purpose, and find out what you don't know. Get the book: Transformational Leadership: False Assumptions and Missing Pieces  Website: https://www.performancematrixllc.com/

Today on Positively West Virginia, we sit down with Matthew Perry, founder and board president of SecureWV, to talk about cybersecurity, education and the growing importance of protecting West Virginia's businesses, organizations and communities in an increasingly connected world. SecureWV is an annual information security conference designed to promote cybersecurity awareness and education, bringing together industry professionals, educators and security leaders from across the region. SecureWV 2026 is set for October 22–23 at the Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center, featuring practical cybersecurity sessions, nationally recognized speakers and hands-on learning opportunities for attendees at all levels. Website: https://www.securewv.org/ Studio Powered by: Breezeline Sponsored by: Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of West Virginia | Freedom Kia of Morgantown | Inner Action Media | Humble Influence: The Strength of True Followership by Jim Matuga | Portland Coffee WV | West Virginia Lottery Produced by: Inner Action Media | Jim Matuga

Today on Positively West Virginia, we sit down with Sarah Robinson, Founder and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner at CanaryCare in Harrisville, West Virginia. Sarah shares how her own experience with postpartum OCD led her back to school and, eventually, to opening an outpatient mental health practice that started with a single patient and is now celebrating its two-year anniversary. The conversation explores the realities of rural mental health care — transportation barriers, food deserts, lingering isolation from the pandemic, and the stigma that still keeps people from asking for help. Canary Care serves patients ages six through adulthood with a mission to remove barriers to exceptional, evidence-based care and make sure no one leaves the office feeling alone. Sarah also shares the story behind the Canary Care name, why she believes leaders come last, and her advice for anyone sitting on a business idea: go for it.   Website: https://canarycarehealth.com   Studio Powered by: Breezeline Sponsored by: Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of West Virginia | Freedom Kia of Morgantown | Inner Action Media | Humble Influence: The Strength of True Followership by Jim Matuga | Portland Coffee WV | West Virginia Lottery Produced by: Inner Action Media | Jim Matuga