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From Spark to New Venture

UMW Entrepreneurship Class

27 episodes

5 days ago

Nick Werderman and Evan Brooks sat down with local entrepreneur Jeff Small, the owner of Sammy T’s Pizza, a Fredericksburg favorite that was originally launched under the name YMMAS. After facing challenges with brand awareness, Jeff made the tough decision to rebrand an experience that taught him valuable lessons about marketing, community engagement, and adaptability. In this episode, Jeff shares his entrepreneurial journey, opening up about the realities of starting and sustaining a small ...

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Entrepreneurship

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Nick Werderman and Evan Brooks sat down with local entrepreneur Jeff Small, the owner of Sammy T’s Pizza, a Fredericksburg favorite that was originally launched under the name YMMAS. After facing challenges with brand awareness, Jeff made the tough decision to rebrand an experience that taught him valuable lessons about marketing, community engagement, and adaptability. In this episode, Jeff shares his entrepreneurial journey, opening up about the realities of starting and sustaining a small ...

Show more...

Entrepreneurship

Episodes (20/27)

From Spark to New Venture

Jeff Small--Lost In the Sauce

Nick Werderman and Evan Brooks sat down with local entrepreneur Jeff Small, the owner of Sammy T’s Pizza, a Fredericksburg favorite that was originally launched under the name YMMAS. After facing challenges with brand awareness, Jeff made the tough decision to rebrand an experience that taught him valuable lessons about marketing, community engagement, and adaptability. In this episode, Jeff shares his entrepreneurial journey, opening up about the realities of starting and sustaining a small ...

5 days ago

12 minutes

From Spark to New Venture

Ronnie Pittman--From sports fan to bread winner through bets and influencing

In this podcast I have Ronnie Pittman a professional sports bettor and influencer on to talk about how he has reached where he is in the world. We go into detail about what got Ronnie into the sports betting world and what made him want to become an influencer in that world. I ask him about his hardships and if he has ever thought he failed. The answers we get are great inside information and something you do not want to miss. You also will hear a little about his coming up and why he chose t...

1 week ago

12 minutes

From Spark to New Venture

Kaylee Knox--The Art of Hustle

This podcast is about Kaylee Knox an entrepreneur from Hartfield, VA who found her success in the art industry. Kaylee sells her various forms of art in art exhibits, local markets, art shows, and online, where she also shows it off on social media. She shared an inspiring story about perseverance and working through the weight of hard times. She is a prime example of how a small interest can become life changing with a little hard work.

2 weeks ago

10 minutes

From Spark to New Venture

Justin Sullivan—Striking Success with Sales Short

Justin Sullivan is a seasoned local entrepreneur out of Stafford, Virginia. With 18 years of experience building and selling homes as a partner through his company, Hour and Brookstone Homes, Justin has helped transform vacant acreage into vibrant neighborhoods and lasting communities for a commuter town in need of thoughtful housing. From navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship and running a successful business to shaping communities with purpose. He shares the story behind his busines...

2 weeks ago

11 minutes

From Spark to New Venture

David Dennis--Profit to Principles

In this episode of Profit to Principles, we sit down with a 20-year U.S. Navy veteran turned entrepreneur who shares how his service to his country shaped his values, leadership style, and path into the business world. From the discipline and teamwork learned in uniform to the drive needed to build a company from the ground up, his story highlights how military principles translate into entrepreneurial success. We explore his motivations, the resources and networks he relied on, and the obsta...

2 weeks ago

11 minutes

From Spark to New Venture

Mark Branca--Goldilocks & The Blueprint: Don’t Wait for It to Be ‘Just Right’

In this heartfelt She’s Soph special, Sophia Branca known for her creative entrepreneurship and growing online brand sits down with her father, Mark Branca, a self-made civil engineer turned successful land developer. Dressed as Goldilocks beside her “Papa Bear,” Soph blends whimsy with wisdom as they explore how their shared drive and creativity shaped both their journeys. From working construction to building communities, from self-publishing coloring books to creating viral content, this f...

2 weeks ago

12 minutes

From Spark to New Venture

Joe Torres--Starting Small & Staying True

In this episode, my co-host and I sit down with entrepreneur Joe Torres, founder of Pure Custom Audio Visual, to explore his inspiring journey of building a business from the ground up. Joe shares how he started small, faced major challenges during the 2008 economic downturn, and persevered through moments of uncertainty. His story highlights the importance of resilience, adaptability, and staying humble even in the face of success. Throughout the conversation, Joe offers valuable insight int...

2 weeks ago

16 minutes

From Spark to New Venture

Jackson Cooper--The Shirt-Selling Side Hustle

In this episode, we speak with Jackson “Coop” Cooper, a young entrepreneur who created his own business by reselling shirts on various online platforms. All students can learn from this episode because Coop is a student himself and started his business on the side to make extra money. Coop discusses how he was able to buy shirts for cheap and flip them for a profit. We also learn how he was able to start this side hustle thanks to the help of a close friend. Throughout this episode, Coop will...

2 weeks ago

13 minutes

From Spark to New Venture

John Flanagan--From Player to Founder of Universal Lacrosse

In this episode, we sit down with John Flanagan, founder of Universal Lacrosse, to explore how he turned his lifelong passion for the game into a thriving business. John shares how he first got involved in lacrosse, the story behind the name “Universal Lacrosse,” and the early challenges of building his first company. He reflects on the pivotal moment when he knew the brand was taking off and offers insight into his leadership style — especially when working with young athletes and fans. From...

2 weeks ago

19 minutes

From Spark to New Venture

Sarah Sullivan--From Telecom to Tech Leadership

In this episode of From Spark to New Venture, hosts Ashlyn Diederich and Saoirse Hunt sit down with Sarah Sullivan, Managing Director and founder of Gazed Technologies. With more than 27 years of experience in telecommunications, Sarah shares how she transitioned from leadership roles at major companies like MCI and Windstream to launching her own business in December 2024. She discusses the mindset shifts that come with entrepreneurship, the importance of building genuine professional networ...

2 weeks ago

13 minutes

From Spark to New Venture

Alyssa McDaniel: From Passion to Professional

In this episode, we sit down with Alyssa McDaniel, an extremely talented photographer who now works with Major League Baseball. While also running her own freelance business by making edits and mixtapes for youth athletes. Alyssa talks about her love for photography and her success as an entrepreneur in the filming industry. She walks us through her journey from being a freelancer to a professional as she talks about her day to day life as a freelancer as well as challenges she has faced alon...

1 month ago

15 minutes

From Spark to New Venture

Daniel O'Meara--The Blueprint to Freedom

In this episode of "From Spark to New Venture", Ashley shares the inspiring journey of Daniel, founder of O’Meara Restorations. After years of grueling work in the plumbers’ union, Daniel chose to leave stability behind to reclaim his freedom, provide for his family, and build something lasting. From saving every dollar and studying regulations to battling financial hurdles and earning respect, Daniel’s story reveals the sacrifices, grit, and determination it takes to turn a trade into a thri...

1 month ago

12 minutes

From Spark to New Venture

Adrien--Reaching for the prize

In this episode, we interviewed Adrien about his claw-machine business and learned about how he started it after working hard and saving up $20,000. We discussed how he operated his business, from its creation until he sold it, and his plans for another claw-machine business in the future. We also learned about how much hard work is really put into starting a business, and how, as an entrepreneur, you're in charge of making sure all the odds and ends are covered. Adrien shared insights about ...

1 month ago

15 minutes

From Spark to New Venture

Jennifer Knight -- Problem Solution

Jennifer Knight is a lifelong entrepreneur and founder of New Wing Studio, a company that offers stationery, cards, stickers, aprons, and more—all showcasing her hand-drawn designs. Among her products, the kitchen towels stand out: they’re made with eco-friendly materials and incorporate her artwork in a way that is both decorative and practical, cleverly concealing stains or signs of use. Knight is deeply passionate about inspiring young entrepreneurs to take risks with their ideas, stressin...

1 month ago

19 minutes

From Spark to New Venture

Jim Koch--Brewing Success

In this episode of From Spark to New Venture, hosts Keller Dillman and Reece Stone explore the inspiring journey of Jim Koch, founder of the Boston Beer Company and creator of Samuel Adams. A Harvard-educated consultant, Jim left a lucrative career after discovering a 150-year-old family beer recipe. Motivated by a desire to challenge the mass-market beer industry, he began brewing in his kitchen and pitching bars with a briefcase of samples. Despite rejection from banks and skepticism, even ...

1 month ago

12 minutes

From Spark to New Venture

Bill Zerly - Built from the ground

In this episode of Built from the Ground Up, hosts Tom and Andrew share the inspiring story of Bill Zerly, a true example of grit and entrepreneurship. Bill began his career as a metal building erector, but when a no-show subcontractor left a jobsite in chaos, he saw an opportunity and jumped. Through 80+ hour work weeks, trial and error lessons, and relentless determination, Bill grew from pouring small slabs to leading a company of over 200 employees, specializing in flawless foundations fo...

1 month ago

10 minutes

From Spark to New Venture

Katie Stribling--Expanding the Field Hockey World

In this episode of From Spark to New Venture, hosts Elizabeth Stribling and Josh Fowler sit down with entrepreneur Katie Stribling. She is the founder of Nova Field Hockey Xtreme, a nonprofit youth field hockey club. Katie shares her journey from player to program creator, highlighting the inspiration behind starting an organization that makes field hockey more accessible to young athletes. She talks about the challenges of launching a nonprofit, the importance of community support, and the l...

1 month ago

14 minutes

From Spark to New Venture

Roy Choi--From Kogi BBQ Truck to Food Revolution

In this episode of “From Spark to New Venture” , we explore the journey of Roy Choi, a pioneering chef who turned a simple idea into a food movement that redefined American cuisine. After losing his job during the 2008 recession, Choi embraced risk and creativity by combining Korean short ribs with Mexican street tacos, this fusion gave birth to the iconic Kogi BBQ food truck. More than just a business, Kogi became a cultural phenomenon, blending flavors, communities, and innovation, all driv...

1 month ago

14 minutes

From Spark to New Venture

Kaitlin Smith: From Credit Card Debit to Multimillion Dollar Company

In this episode, we talk about the story of Kaitlin Smith, the CEO and Founder of Simple Mills, a health focused food brand with premium ingredients. We talk about her journey from the start of the business to the struggles along the way to her eventual success. Her story exemplifies the traits of how she succeeds as an entrepreneur, with resilience, vision, and creativity.

1 month ago

16 minutes

From Spark to New Venture

Christina Hoy--The Glow Up Journey

In this episode of The Glow-Up Journey, the host, Maria, will be sharing the inspiring story of Christina Hoy, owner of River House Day Spa in Fredericksburg. Starting with only $2,000 and a dream, Christina built her spa from the ground up, navigating the challenges of launching a new business during a recession while balancing life as a young mother. Her story is one of resilience, faith, and determination. From handing out business cards door-to-door to creating a welcoming space that keep...

1 month ago

10 minutes