Tage Talks Business

Founder & CEO Ed Hopper, and Sales Manager Lindsey Shortridge, of Altor/50 discuss starting a new business, community involvement, giving back and partnering with non-profits.

Rita Dahan & Sophia Woods, Co-Founders of Hemp House Wellness, discuss entrepreneurship, starting a new business, the business of hemp and CBD products, and providing personal service to their customers' unique needs.

Charles Hackworth II, Vice President of Hackworth Graphics - Printing - Technology, discusses his career within a family business, adapting and growing a company, taking risks, the importance of building relationships, and the role faith and blessings play in the success of the business.

Dr. Corey McCray, President of Camp Community College, discusses the benefits of community college, connections to the businesses and local communities they serve, the importance of workforce development, G3, and the continued growth & value of the college to our region.

Ashley Brown, Director of People of The Honor Foundation, discusses her journey to the Foundation, providing career transition programs for U.S. Special Operations Forces professionals, and partnering with local businesses and leaders to support the THF mission.

Stephanie Gorham, CEO of VOLUNTEER Hampton Roads, discusses VHR's mission, partnering with the business community, managing the past couple years, lessons learned, successes, and the future of the organization.

Gino Colombara, Executive Director of Alzheimer's Association Southeastern Virginia Chapter, discusses his professional journey to leading the local Alzheimer's Association, how Alzheimer's affect both the personal and professional lives of the individuals and their families, lessons learned, and partnering with the local business community. 

Eric Stichler, President and Leonard Provost, Executive Vice President of Heartland Construction, discuss their experience in commercial construction, merging companies, retaining a strong workforce, lessons learned and community involvement.

Gina Benefiel, Executive Director of Virginia Beach Rescue Squad Foundation, discusses the value of volunteer emergency services to the residents and business community, opportunities to serve, and neighbors saving neighbors.

Georgie Marquez, Principal of Andre + Marquez Architects, Inc., discusses her journey to becoming an architect, learning to be a business owner and entrepreneur, utilizing her culture and diversity to grow her business, and her community involvement.

Chris Stuart, Vice President of Top Guard Security, discusses his partnership with spouse Nicole Stuart as they began their journey as entrepreneurs and small business owners, understanding and developing your target market, growing a family-owned & regional security company, the importance of community involvement, and the future of the security industry.

Joe Young, President of GovConPay, discusses starting a new business, working with companies and the government, the ability to scale a business through technology, the important of building strong partnerships and community involvement.

Mickayla Brandly of Thrivent discusses providing financial services and advice for a diverse range of members, learning to grow a business, networking & development, adapting as a young professional, and giving back to your community.

Brian Poole, President of Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Virginia Beach, discusses his professional journey to becoming a business owner & entrepreneur, lessons learned, managing a successful team of professionals, and future growth.

Lois Weinblatt, Coach, Facilitator, Speaker & Owner of True North Visionaries, discusses your journey to entrepreneurship, partnering with leaders to create clarity through vision, working with different cultures, and establishing your value as a business and service.

Rudy Patel, President of ARCpoint Labs of Virginia Beach, discusses opening a new business, the importance of exceptional customer service in a variety of industries, solutions for businesses and individuals, and future opportunities.

Scott Danner, CEO of Freedom Street Partners, discusses his career path, the importance of community involvement, his approach to serving clients, team development, and business growth.

Chuck Thornton, Managing Partner of the Virginia Beach Sportsplex and Hometown Sports Management, discusses his professional journey in hospitality, sports & entrepreneurship, business, public private partnerships, athletics, facilities, Virginia Beach and the 757.

Sujoy Brahma, General Manager of Town Point Club, discusses private club membership at a business & social club, providing superior service, their focus on providing a quality experience, and how professionals can get started when looking to join a private club.

Janice Tuckman, Senior Sales Executive of ROX Rapid Overland Xpress, discusses a no hassle, premium business and leisure travel option, providing exceptional, consistent & reliable customer service, and starting then re-starting a new business.

Todd Waldemar, CEO & Founder, and Ludo Frequelin, Area Manager, of ChowCall, discuss transitioning from the military to the civilian business world, starting a food & restaurant delivery service, managing a workforce and lessons learned.

Pamela Jones, The Branding Icon & Founder of ICONIC, discusses her journey to entrepreneurship, branding, public relations and lessons learned.

Tim Harrell, Sr., President, CEO & Founder of Environmental Building Services, Inc., discusses his career path, starting his own business, managing and leading a team of employees and managers, mentorship, growing a business and transitioning.

Jay Klebanoff, Chief Executive Officer of Hercules Fence Company, discusses the company’s long history, growing a regional business and lessons learned, managing a skilled workforce, favorite projects and giving back to the community.

Dean Ives, Franchise Owner - Mosquito Squad of Hampton Roads, discusses franchise ownership, lessons learned, building & knowing your value, and services provided in Hampton Roads.

Pat Tamakloe, President of Global Reach Leadership Institute discusses leadership, strategy & training, working with entrepreneurs & organizations, people/processes/performance, and the leadership transition from military to private sector.

Camille Crofton Cherry, Marketing Director of Crofton Industries, discusses the history of the company, safety within the industry, workforce needs, the maritime community, and family-owned & managed business resources.

Trevelle Baker, Owner & Barber of KingCuts, discusses becoming a barber, developing as an entrepreneur, managing a team, and the current state of barber industry.

Richard D. Mills, Vice President of Plasser American, discusses history and place within the City of Chesapeake and Hampton Roads region, the services and products provided to the rail industry, the connection to our port, maritime and transportation industry, future expansion and growth, and Plasser American's exceptional level of professionalism and execution.  

Alfred Howard, CEO of Lider Counseling & Consulting, discusses his journey as a counselor and clinician, work life balance, and working with business professionals and entrepreneurs.

Caroline Taylor, President of Taylor Made Diagnostics, discusses her humble beginnings, success as a female entrepreneur, being a problem solver, and working within occupational medicine & healthcare.

Dr. Mary Ojo-Carons, Founder of EvoScient Gynecology Center for Pelvic Health and Surgery, discusses her journey as a medical professional, entrepreneur and founder of a new medical practice, and serving the diverse needs of women throughout the community.

Sherri Miles, President of Miles Roofing & Co-Founder of Meta Team, discusses the history of J.D. Miles & Sons, Miles Roofing, managing a family-owned business, developing as a national service provider, and giving back to the community.

Tim Ryan, Executive Director of StartWheel, discusses his career within the entrepreneurial community, the consolidation of all things entrepreneur within the 757, collaboration and future opportunities.

Anna Helmer, CTE Supervisor, and Lori Martin, STEAM/CTE Coordinator of Chesapeake Public Schools’ Career & Technical Education program discuss CTE awareness efforts, new initiatives, partnerships with local businesses, and future workforce opportunities for our region’s students.

Matt Tuttle, Vice President of Total Business Solutions, discusses managing a family-owned business, pivoting during times of transition, growing a business and giving back to the community.

Holly Burgess, Founder & Chief Marketing Guide at Heartwork Marketing, discusses her journey to entrepreneurship, staying ahead of industry trends, learning to build a team, and building a brand.

Kirk Cizerle, Founder & CEO of RecoveryTrek, discusses starting a business, technology, adapting to market needs, mobiles services and PROOF.

George McLaughlin, Co-owner of Jon Smith Subs, discusses starting a new business, incorporating his skills as a military veteran, his business partner Tony Vaughn, and giving back to his community.

Jessica Bedenbaugh, Business Development Manager / Marketing of Portsmouth Economic Development, discusses their continued success, marketing efforts, retention, outreach and future opportunities.

Bryan Stephens, President & CEO of the Hampton Roads Chamber, discusses leadership, the mission of the Chamber, advocacy, regionalism and recovery.

Tom Chamberlain, Founder & CEO of EdLogics, discusses starting a gamified platform to promote health literacy in the 757 and beyond, entrepreneurship and business management, and reaching underserved communities.

Michael Fowler, First Vice President of Even Keel Wealth Advisors of Raymond James, discusses his professional journey, the development of Even Keel, serving customers, and community involvement.

Jim Carrol, Executive Director of the Hampton Roads Small Business Development Center, discusses the Center’s resources, expectations of entrepreneurs and their new business ideas, pivoting during COVID, and the need for professionals to adapt in today’s business environment.

Scott Krick, Co-Owner of MoMac Brewing Company, discusses his transition from home brewer to entrepreneur, learning to match the tastes of the consumers, adapting the business model to current market conditions, and connecting with the community.

Michelle Wren, Executive Director of Portsmouth Partnership, discusses the mission and history of the Partnership, the organization’s affiliates, the Lefcoe Leadership program, and Bloom Coworking.

Randy Thompson, Owner/Publisher of VistaGraphics, discusses starting and growing a print media business, developing and publishing high quality print and digital publications, managing a downturn/recovery, and remaining the premier product offering in the market.

Delceno Miles, President & CEO of The Miles Agency, discusses starting her own niche marketing & public relations firm, working with young professionals, volunteerism, adapting to industry trends, and providing exceptional service for her clients.

Phil Damuth, Vice President of Damuth Trane, discusses the growth of a business celebrating 50 years of service, the importance of developing a strong team of employees and partners, the evolution of the company, and their future.

John McCormick, Owner & Attorney of McCormick Law & Consulting, discusses starting his own business, entrepreneurship, networking & outreach, growth and changes in the legal profession.

Tad Sellers, President and Chief Electrical Engineer of Vansant & Gusler, discusses his new role as President, his journey of 25 years with the business, the company's 60 years of doing business in the region, and managing design services in mechanical and electrical engineering.