Against the Current with Adam Sheridan: Recent Episodes
Adam Sheridan
Against the Current with Adam Sheridan is a weekly podcast meant to elevate the stories of local business owners and leaders that are helping Lake Cumberland, KY thrive! These individuals will share stories about their successes, failures and risk they took along their journey.
Colby Hall, Executive Director at SOAR (Shaping Our Appalachian Region), joined me for this week's episode!
SOAR is a regional nonpartisan nonprofit that champions local projects, programs, and advocacy for the 54 ARC-mandated counties in Eastern Kentucky. Their mission is to fill the economic gaps left by the decline of the coal industry, and their goal is to rally the communities to help achieve these goals together for the good of all.
We talked:
- Colby's unique journey to Executive Director at SOAR
- SOAR's Blueprint
- Vital importance of getting broadband access for all right
- A 21st Century Workforce
- SOAR Innovation tools and resources
- Upcoming 2021 SOAR Summit
- And much more!
Colby's book recommendation: Ron Chernow's, "Alexander Hamilton" https://www.amazon.com/Alexander-Hamilton-Ron-Chernow/dp/0143034758
Interested in working with or the resources available through SOAR:
https://www.soar-ky.org
https://www.facebook.com/ShapingOurAppalachianRegion
https://www.linkedin.com/company/shaping-our-appalachian-region/
Shaping Our Appalachian Region
137 Main Street, Ste. 300
Pikeville, KY 41501
Conley Bottom is owned and operated by their family for families. Their passion is your passion- Lake Cumberland, and all of the beauty and activity that it has to offer. Amber's grandpa, Charlie Denney, started as a dock boy at the age of 14 and worked his way up through the years. He and his wife, Polly, bought into the business and started to operate it together in 1979, even converting part of their home into an office for Conley Bottom. Amber's mom, Robin married her husband Fred in 1981, and they began to manage the marina and worked very hard to make the marina what it is today. They bought into the business in 2019. Amber's brother, Knox and herself also grew up at the marina and now work very hard along with their spouses, Jeremy and Rachel to keep the family business alive and well. They all take great pride in promoting a family-friendly atmosphere for other families to enjoy.
We talked:
- Conley Bottom History
- The Fire
- What COVID Looked Like at the lake
- Rebuilding Bigger and Better
- And much more!
Interested in working with or visiting Conley Bottom:
https://conleybottom.com/
https://www.facebook.com/Conley-Bottom-Resort-103535429689617/?ref=page_internal
Conley Bottom Resort
270 Conley Bottom Road
Monticello, KY 42633
Tiffany Finley, Executive Director of Master Musicians Festival, joined me for the latest episode.
MMF is a non-profit music festival dedicated to bringing musical excellence to rural Kentucky while making a 3 million dollar economic impact on the Lake Cumberland area. Tiffany currently serves as vice president of the Somerset-Pulaski County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. During the pandemic, Tiffany also co-founded Black Mountain Management, a music management company that focuses on giving Kentucky artists a voice in the music industry.
We talked:
- MMF's History
- Economic Impact of the annual festival
- Which headline artist they almost landed
- Launching Black Mountain Management
- And much more!
Tiffany's podcast recommendation: Dax Shepard's, "Armchair Expert" https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/armchair-expert-with-dax-shepard/id1345682353
Interested in working with or purchasing tickets through MMF:
https://mastermusiciansfestival.org/
https://www.facebook.com/mastermusiciansfestival
Master Musicians Festival
PO Box 1212
Somerset, KY 42502
mastermusiciansfestival@gmail.com
Michelle Allen, Executive Director of the Somerset-Pulaski County Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB), joined me for this episode!
Michelle's long time career in tourism began as a tour coordinator with Renfro Valley Entertainment Center. After serving on the CVB Board for five years, an opportunity arose for her to become the new Executive Director where she now leads an organization at the heart of her passion. The CVB plays a key role, not only in promoting Lake Cumberland, but in so many great events in our community.
Did you know tourism has an over $120 million dollar annual impact just in our community?
We talked:
- Economic impact of tourism in our community
- Tourism + COVID
- The No Boat Show Boat Show
- Upcoming Spring Events
- And much more!
Michelle's book recommendation: Delia Owens, "Where the Crawdads Sing" https://www.amazon.com/Where-Crawdads-Sing-Delia-Owens/dp/0735219095
Interested in working with or the resources available through CVB:
https://lctourism.com/
https://www.facebook.com/LakeCumberlandTourism/
Somerset-Pulaski County Convention & Visitors Bureau
522 Ogden St
Somerset, KY 42501
Ameet Patel, Principal at Thoroughbred Hospitality Group, joined me to kickoff season two!
Thoroughbred Hospitality Group is a Hospitality Development Management Company with the sole purpose of creating value-added projects that are both sustainable and made to last. Formed off a strong ethical foundation, they are highly regarded throughout the Commonwealth of Kentucky for their unwavering commitment to quality, as well as their creative use of building materials to keep costs low.
We talked:
- The Thoroughbred Hospitality Group Portfolio
- Impact of COVID on the Hospitality Industry
- Hometown Kid to SPEDA Board Member
- Crumbl Cookies--Opening Soon!
- And much more!
Ameet's book recommendation: Barack Obama, "A Promised Land" https://www.amazon.com/A-Promised-Land-Obama-Audiobook/dp/B08HGH9JMF/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=barack+obama&qid=1617884772&sr=8-2
Interested in working with or the resources available through THG:
https://thghotels.net/
https://www.facebook.com/THGHotels
https://www.linkedin.com/company/thghotels/
Thoroughbred Hospitality Group
82 Jolin Drive
Somerset, KY 42503
Brett Traver, Executive Director of Southeast Kentucky Economic Development Corporation, better known as SKED, joined me for episode number thirteen.
SKED's mission is to improve the quality of life and vitality of their service area by promoting sustainable economic development and employment opportunities with creativity, professionalism, and integrity in collaboration with local, state, and federal partners.
We talked:
- SKED's 35th Anniversary
- The Many Services and Programs of SKED
- Recruiting and Expanding Businesses
- Small to Large Business Lending
- Connecting people to their community banks for PPP Loans
- And much more!
Brett's book recommendation: Gordon R. Sullivan, "Hope is Not A Method" https://www.amazon.com/Hope-Not-Method-Business-Americas/dp/076790060X
Interested in working with or the resources available through SKED:
https://skedcorp.com/
https://www.facebook.com/skedcorp/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtPGWJqcRpWcyHJW_dGT4yw
https://www.linkedin.com/company/skedcorp/
SKED
2292 S Hwy 27
Somerset, KY 42501
606-677-6100
Chris Girdler, President + CEO of the Somerset-Pulaski County Economic Development Authority, better known as SPEDA, joined me for episode number twelve.
SPEDA is a groundbreaking and innovative economic development organization that oversees and focuses on a well rounded and collaborative approach to bettering the community and region. It's focus is business creation, expansion, retention, and attraction.
We talked:
- Upcoming Two-Year Anniversary of SPEDA
- How Somerset-Pulaski County Now Has a "Seat at the Table"
- Establishment and progress of community re-entry programs
- KY FAME Program through Somerset Community College
- Horse Soldier Bourbon's timeline
- What's on the horizon for 2021
- Stay tuned the next 30-60 days...
Chris' book recommendations: Dr. Meg Meeker's "Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters" https://www.amazon.com/Strong-Fathers-Daughters-Secrets-Father/dp/0345499395
Stephen Ambrose's "Undaunted Courage" https://www.amazon.com/Undaunted-Courage-Meriwether-Jefferson-American/dp/0684826976
Interested in working with or the resources available through SPEDA:
https://somersetkyleads.com/
https://www.facebook.com/spedaky/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLN8BF7gbxL7lWWlUaymXgw
https://www.linkedin.com/company/spedaky/
606-425-5409
Jordan Adams, Owner of Zilla Meals, joined me for episode eleven.
Zilla Meals has quickly become a success story in downtown Somerset. From humble beginnings, they have poured everything in to growing their business.
They started by renting the backroom of an already established kitchen. They faced increasing rent, being denied for multiple loans, and yet still pushed forward.
With the retail store thriving in downtown Somerset, they also deliver to 19 drop-off location across the state and even into Indiana.
We talked:
- The humble beginnings of Zilla Meals
- Adversity they overcame
- The what/how/why of Zilla's food
- Exciting news on the horizon
- And much more
Like the Zilla Meals Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/zillameals
Follow Zilla Meals on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/zillameals/
Most importantly, order food today from Zilla Meals:
https://zilla-meals.com/
Book Recommendations:
"75 Hard" by Andy Frisella - https://andyfrisella.com/collections/75-hard
"Relentless: From Good to Great to Unstoppable" by Tim Grover - https://www.amazon.com/Relentless-Unstoppable-Tim-S-Grover/dp/1476714207
Adam Gullett, Director of Growth with Century 21 Advantage Realty, joined me for episode ten.
Everybody knows the Century 21 brand, but that wasn't the purpose of this discussion. How many of us struggle with time management, wish for more hours in the day, and so on, and so on?
Adam had a Facebook post recently that really caught my eye so I had to bring him on to take a deeper dive. He has solidified the habit of time blocking his day and journaling for nearly ten years now, and the payoff has been incredible.
We talked:
- How to stop being a "Yes Man/Woman"
- Tracking and auditing your time
- Tools and tips to boost your time management
- Journaling and the grateful heart it creates
- And much more
Like the Century 21 Advantage Realty page and subscribe to their YouTube channel to keep up with their weekly show: https://www.facebook.com/century21advantagerealty
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8MnEgJYdd58HxbR7rNoKGQ
Have more questions for Adam on time blocking, journaling, or something else? Email him at askadamtoday@gmail.com
Book recommendation:
"QBQ: The Question Behind the Question" https://www.amazon.com/QBQ-Question-Behind-Practicing-Accountability/dp/014305709X
Journal/Planner Recommendations:
Michael Hyatt "Full Focus Planner": https://www.googleadservices.com/pagead/aclk?sa=L&ai=DChcSEwig1rrWoNXtAhVPVdUKHXpkDeoYABAjGgJpbQ&ae=2&ohost=www.google.com&cid=CAESQOD2Vwe-dKmR6ExEZpB52k5ySnqBBg3RswKURI2wphBCJg5yPBdZhCUTLLphm56TcHCbT7P-jjnuoOb7K86x46Q&sig=AOD64_3nV9uXy53xZ76wW1O6ydO9KYdpMQ&q&adurl&ved=2ahUKEwjQ4rHWoNXtAhWbZ80KHUApD1YQ0Qx6BAgHEAE
"Goal Crazy Planner" : https://goalcrazyplanners.com/
"Rocketbook Panda Planner" : https://getrocketbook.com/products/rocketbook-panda-planner
Jeremy Taylor, speaker, trainer, coach, and owner of Taylor Leadership Development, joined me for episode number nine.
Jeremy began his career as a teacher and coach, but has since followed his passion of launching Taylor Leadership Development. Through his company, he speaks to many businesses, schools, and organizations to help inspire people to connect their why with their work.
Like and Follow Jeremy:
- https://www.facebook.com/jeremyataylorspeaker/
- https://www.instagram.com/jermataylor/?fbclid=IwAR0ZCHW2yCHMcIcdfRiGd_Evkt15mz6khiq1LlwknIBkPSe78jC5Usgmi1Y
- https://twitter.com/jermataylor
Subscribe to Jeremy's podcast, "Let's Grow" - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lets-grow/id1268398975?mt=2
If you're interested in having Jeremy speak at your event or school, visit his website:
- http://www.jeremyataylor.com/speaking
If you're interested in one-on-one coaching from Jeremy, visit his website here:
- http://www.jeremyataylor.com/coaching
Dan Cheshire, owner of multiple Dairy Queen locations and Secure Storage, joined me for episode number eight.
Since 1970, the Cheshire family has owned what we've come to know and love as Dairy Queen. What started as Burger Queen, transitioned to Druther's, and eventually became Dairy Queen. Secure Storage is Somerset's newest climate controlled self storage facility.
In this episode, we talked about
- the history of Dairy Queen locally
- how they've expanded
- applying lessons from Jocko Willink
- culture
- does Dairy Queen have a secret menu?
- Secure Storage
- Plans for 2021
If you're interesting in applying at one of Mr. Cheshire's Dairy Queen locations, you can:
- reach out to Dan directly danielcheshire@gmail.com
- Reach out to any of the store General Managers
- Visit www.snagajob.com
Interested in renting a storage unit at Secure Storage:
- reach out to Dan directly at 606-305-4252
- Visit www.securestorageky.com
Teachers interested in having Dan speak at your school's career day also feel free to reach out to him!
Greg Gover, Area Director for Southeast Kentucky Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA), joined me for episode number seven.
Since 1954, FCA has been challenging coaches and athletes on the professional, college, high school, junior high and youth levels to use the powerful platform of sport to reach every coach and every athlete with the transforming power of Jesus Christ.
In this episode, we keyed in on their upcoming 5th Annual FCA Thanksgiving meal. This is no doubt a community effort, and by partnering with God's Food Pantry, Lake Cumberland Regional Hospital, Team Modern, Good Samaritan Thrift Store, New Life Industries, and several others, this Thanksgiving Day event at Somerset High School has fed nearly 6,000 people a warm Thanksgiving meal. All local high schools have students that volunteer at this event, and in many cases, pray with and for those receiving meals.
This event simply wouldn't happen without the generous support of the community partners and monetary contributions. Last year, less than $2,000 was spent to feed nearly 2,200 people.
If you'd like to donate to this cause, you can do so here: https://my.fca.org/greggover
You can leave a one-time gift specifically for this event, or set up monthly giving. You can also reach out to Greg below with a cash/check/food donation.
Interested in working with or being a FCA Team Chaplain:
Contact Greg Gover
606-872-1867
ggover@fca.org
Michael Ray, Chief Financial Officer of Team Modern, joined me for episode number six.
Team Modern has been in business for over 50 years. What started as a jukebox and pinball machine company by the late Bill Ray, has transformed since into one of the largest family-owned wholesale distributors in Kentucky. From their C-Store distribution to Food Service, they are constantly evolving as a company to meet the ever-changing needs of the of their customers in today's world.
We talk how Team Modern has grown, the COVID impact, culture, and their new facility under construction.
Michael's book recommendation: Philip Yancey "What's So Amazing About Grace?" https://www.amazon.com/Whats-So-Amazing-About-Grace/dp/0310245656
Michael's podcast recommendation: "Invest Like The Best" by Patrick O'Shaughnessy https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/invest-like-the-best/id1154105909
Catch the Mike and Mike Bible Study podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mike-and-mike-bible-study/id1512004898
Interested in working at or want to learn more about Team Modern:
https://www.facebook.com/goteammodern
https://www.teammodern.com
606-679-1178
Kasey Pennington of Mindsight Behavioral joined me for episode number five. Mindsight was founded in 2015, and provides a variety of services including individual, family, couples, and group counseling, telehealth, case management, peer support, mental health assessments, community support, and much, much more.
We talk niches, processes, culture, and how to work on your business so you can scale.
Kasey's article: "Everything You've Been Told About Confidence Is a Lie" https://www.consultwithkc.com/blog/confidence?fbclid=IwAR1yc8GFFyHKCHgXrimGAqVOghyyJN5PNDIz0sMR-fppoSvJX3DpV1mBO-Y
Have questions for Kasey? https://www.facebook.com/hikaseycompton/
Interested in working at or want to learn more about Mindsight Behavioral Group:
https://www.facebook.com/mindsightbehavioral
https://www.mindsightbehavioral.com
Derek Phillips of Deco Architects, Inc., joined me for episode number four. Deco Architects, Inc. is a professional architecture firm, offering the comprehensive building design services necessitated by contemporary construction. They have designed many incredible buildings right here in Lake Cumberland already including Conley Bottom Marina, the Farmer's Market in downtown Somerset, the V.A. Clinic, and many more. Their team is trained in the latest standards from The Kentucky Department of Education and their KFICS system, meaning they are well-prepared to tackle your education project.
We talk Ninja Turtles, dispel the myth you must live in a big city to have a career like architecture, HGTV Personalities, and much more...
Deco Architects, Inc.
https://www.facebook.com/DecoArchitects
https://www.decoarchitects.com
Taylor Sears of Silent Guard joined me for this episode. Silent Guard has proudly served residents and businesses across Kentucky since 1994. Taylor joined the family business in 2019 after a stint with the Cincinnati Bengals, working directly under the Governor, and most recently with KY Economic Development. We talk about how Silent Guard has grown over the years, how his prior work experiences have shaped the changes he has helped implement including digitizing most of their operations, and why we should all "Seek Kaizen". There may also be a bonus feature of announcing their newest location...
Book Recommendation: "Traction" by Gino Wickman
Taylor Sears
taylor.sears@silentguard.net
Tony & Julie Roberts of Servpro of Pulaski & Laurel Counties, Servpro of Madison, Rockcastle, Garrard, & Lincoln Counties, Henderson, Webster, Union, McLean, & Crittenden Counties, and Servpro of Warrick, Spencer, & Dubois Counties joined me on this episode. We discussed why Servpro and why they chose to start their franchising in Lake Cumberland. It's no question a critical component of their success has come from the team first culture they've built which has enabled them to scale. We also had bonus feature of announcing their newest franchises in Western KY and Southern IN.
This episode was with Dr. Timothy Lonesky & Dr. Scott Lewis of Lake Cumberland Rheumatology. We discussed what brought them to Somerset, the processes they've implemented to allow and fuel their growth, the team culture they've built in their workplace, and a bonus feature of announcing their newest location now open in Bowling Green.