Building Business w/ the Mount Pleasant Chamber of Commerce

Mount Pleasant Chamber of Commerce
  • 5.0 (1)
  • MARKETING
  • UPDATED MONTHLY

The Building Business podcast provides compelling stories of the Mount Pleasant Chamber of Commerce's journey, its steadfast commitment to the local community, and its forward-thinking approach to addressing the needs of businesses in an ever-changing landscape. It stands as an invitation to listeners to become part of a movement that values growth, connection, and the collective progress of the Mount Pleasant, South Carolina community.Be prepared to be inspired, informed, and motivated, as we provide a rich tapestry of stories that celebrate the dynamic interplay of business and personal growth right here, in our own backyard.

  1. From Smart Shades To Stronger Local Ties With Bumblebee Blinds

    DEC 16

    From Smart Shades To Stronger Local Ties With Bumblebee Blinds

    The right shade can change a room, but the right partner can change a business. We sit with Luis Ferioli of Bumblebee Blinds to explore how smart window treatments, outdoor enclosures, and thoughtful design turn hot, bright spaces into calm, livable rooms. From porches that finally feel good at noon to bedrooms that darken at the tap of a button, we unpack the details that make comfort immediate and maintenance light. Automation takes center stage as we walk through voice control, scheduled scenes, and climate-aware settings that manage glare and heat without sacrificing views. Luis explains why material choices and motor quality matter, how exterior shutters and screens extend the season for Charleston’s porches, and what it takes to specify solutions that look elegant and work flawlessly. We also get practical about operations: a hands-on showroom on Daniel Island where you can test fabrics and lifts, plus nearby warehouses that keep installations on time and on point. Underneath the product talk is a story about community-powered growth. Luis credits the Mount Pleasant Chamber with opening doors, connecting partners, and accelerating the learning curve from launch to scale. We get candid about shifting focus year to year—residential to new construction to commercial—and how sponsorships, collaboration, and showing up create compound trust. There is a clear throughline: buy quality, integrate smartly, and build local relationships that last. If you care about home comfort, energy efficiency, and design that earns its keep, this conversation is packed with ideas you can use today. Hear how to choose the right shades, when to automate, and where local manufacturing adds speed and service. Love what you hear? Follow the show, share it with a friend who’s upgrading their space, and leave a quick review to help others discover us. Presenting Sponsor: Mount Pleasant Chamber of Commerce Studio Sponsor: Charleston Media Solutions Expo Podcast Sponsor: ‪@PollenSocial‬ Production Sponsor: RMBO.co Design Sponsor: DK Design Interested in Sponsorship? Click here. Committee: Kathleen Herrmann | Host | MPCC Immediate Past President | Mount Pleasant Towne Centre Mike Compton | Co-host | Marketing Chair | RMBO.co Rebecca Imholz | Co-host | MPCC Executive Director Amanda Bunting Comen | Co-host | Social ABCs Ben Nesvold | Co-host | In-coming President | Edward Jones

    6 min
  2. LinkedIn, AI, And Community w/ Shaniequa Washington of Trio Solutions

    DEC 9

    LinkedIn, AI, And Community w/ Shaniequa Washington of Trio Solutions

    The room buzzed at the Mount Pleasant Expo, and that spark set the stage for a focused conversation on building real momentum: turning LinkedIn from a static profile into a pipeline, using AI as a practical tool, and leaning on community to move faster with less friction. We sit down with Trio Solutions’ marketing director to unpack what works now for small and midsize businesses that want measurable growth without losing their human touch. We start with LinkedIn strategy that goes beyond posting for vanity metrics. Think outcome-driven profiles, thoughtful comment engagement, and targeted searches that surface the exact titles and industries you serve. Then we get tactical: outreach cadences, conversation starters that feel human, and metrics that actually matter—responses, meetings, and revenue. From there, we shift to AI as a workflow booster. It’s not a replacement for taste and judgment; it’s a time-saver for research, summarization, and draft creation. We talk use cases, guardrails, and how to keep voice consistent while letting machines handle the heavy lifting. Community ties it all together. The Expo becomes a live map of partners and prospects standing steps away. We highlight Creatathon, a 24-hour sprint where marketers deliver free creative to nonprofits, as a model for impact and skill-building under pressure. And we revisit the “Who Not How” mindset: find the specialist, build the team, and stop wrestling alone with problems someone else already solved. Business is an ecosystem, not a silo—and collaboration beats isolation every time. If you’re ready to turn conversations into clients, align AI with your team’s strengths, and grow through partnerships, this one will meet you where you are. Subscribe, leave a quick review, and share this with someone who needs a nudge to find their “who” today. Presenting Sponsor: Mount Pleasant Chamber of Commerce Studio Sponsor: Charleston Media Solutions Expo Podcast Sponsor: ‪@PollenSocial‬ Production Sponsor: RMBO.co Design Sponsor: DK Design Interested in Sponsorship? Click here. Committee: Kathleen Herrmann | Host | MPCC Immediate Past President | Mount Pleasant Towne Centre Mike Compton | Co-host | Marketing Chair | RMBO.co Rebecca Imholz | Co-host | MPCC Executive Director Amanda Bunting Comen | Co-host | Social ABCs Ben Nesvold | Co-host | In-coming President | Edward Jones

    8 min
  3. From Zoning To Ribbon Cuttings: How Charleston Builds And Grows

    DEC 2

    From Zoning To Ribbon Cuttings: How Charleston Builds And Grows

    Want the real playbook for getting a project built in the Lowcountry without losing your mind or your margin? We sit down with eighth-generation Charlestonian and contractor Adam Ferrara to unpack the journey from spark to occupancy, why Charleston isn’t Charlotte, and how to grow without sacrificing the canopy, character, or coastline. We start with the truth behind timelines: rezoning, design review, stormwater plans, and DRB approvals can stretch to two or three years before vertical work begins. Adam maps the stages that matter, from early land diligence to choosing the right civil and architect, and explains why design-assist-build helps small businesses avoid “beautiful but unbuildable” plans. Then we get into market cycles—multifamily and storage cooled after a rush, industrial surged and is now leveling—and what that means for investors weighing Mount Pleasant against the Queen City. Charleston’s constraints are physical and philosophical. Height limits, tree preservation, and massing rules protect the town’s feel, while wind loads, seismic risk, and poor soils demand conservative structures and careful foundations. Adam breaks down liquefaction in plain English and shows how LID techniques, pervious pavements, and underground detention manage our flat terrain and heavy rain. Sustainability isn’t window dressing here; spray foam, LED lighting, and solar incentives deliver lower lifetime costs and better buildings. We also explore Point Hope’s intentional growth, where schools, restaurants, healthcare, and services follow rooftops to reduce highway dependence. On the tech front, AI speeds early site layouts and feasibility, saving weeks at the front end, while remote-controlled earthwork hints at safer, smarter job sites. And for a region hungry for childcare, Adam details the economics of early childhood education centers—why they’re vital, why they’re expensive, and how funding and rates shape access. If you care about smart growth, attainable housing, and building for generations rather than quarters, this conversation offers clear steps and hard-won lessons you can use now. Subscribe, share with a friend who’s planning a project, and leave a review to help more Charleston builders and business owners find us. Presenting Sponsor: Mount Pleasant Chamber of Commerce Studio Sponsor: Charleston Media Solutions Expo Podcast Sponsor: ‪@PollenSocial‬ Production Sponsor: RMBO.co Design Sponsor: DK Design Interested in Sponsorship? Click here. Committee: Kathleen Herrmann | Host | MPCC Immediate Past President | Mount Pleasant Towne Centre Mike Compton | Co-host | Marketing Chair | RMBO.co Rebecca Imholz | Co-host | MPCC Executive Director Amanda Bunting Comen | Co-host | Social ABCs Ben Nesvold | Co-host | In-coming President | Edward Jones

    55 min
  4. Inside Mount Pleasant’s Tech-and-Community Strategy: Incubators, Adaptive Reuse, and Jobs That Stick

    NOV 18

    Inside Mount Pleasant’s Tech-and-Community Strategy: Incubators, Adaptive Reuse, and Jobs That Stick

    A growing city doesn’t happen by accident—it’s built decision by decision, space by space, and win by win. We sit down with Mount Pleasant’s economic development lead to unpack a playbook that’s surprisingly simple and very effective: attract the right kinds of companies, give them plug-and-play space, and clear the small policy hurdles that block adaptive reuse. Along the way, we spotlight new arrivals—Tikva and Alita Health—whose smaller headcounts come with bigger paychecks and a better fit for the community’s talent and lifestyle. We take you inside the Harbor Entrepreneur Center’s rapid expansion, where more than 100 companies—from solo founders to growing teams—find a soft landing, shared resources, and the kind of peer collisions that accelerate progress. If you’ve ever wondered what makes a business “stick” to a place, this is it: mentors down the hall, turnkey offices, and a city that feels good to live in. Then we head to 450 Wando Park Boulevard, a 154,000 square foot, fully conditioned, divisible asset a stone’s throw from the port. With overhead cranes, multiple bay doors, and high-quality office, it’s a chameleon—equally suited to life sciences, device manufacturing, distribution, or a headquarters that needs room to scale. We also tackle the policy question shaping tomorrow’s corridors: how should parking minimums evolve when reimagining aging strip centers along Johnny Dodds and Coleman? We walk through the tradeoffs of zero minimums, case-by-case approvals, and strict code compliance—and why people choose districts for what’s there, not for the size of the lot.  Want to see the momentum up close? Join the October candidate forum and the mayoral breakfast at the Harbor, and follow Mount Pleasant Made for fresh business features. If this conversation resonates, subscribe, share with a builder in your life, and leave a quick review—what would you change to make growth smarter where you live? Presenting Sponsor: Mount Pleasant Chamber of Commerce Studio Sponsor: Charleston Media Solutions Expo Podcast Sponsor: ‪@PollenSocial‬ Production Sponsor: RMBO.co Design Sponsor: DK Design Interested in Sponsorship? Click here. Committee: Kathleen Herrmann | Host | MPCC Immediate Past President | Mount Pleasant Towne Centre Mike Compton | Co-host | Marketing Chair | RMBO.co Rebecca Imholz | Co-host | MPCC Executive Director Amanda Bunting Comen | Co-host | Social ABCs Ben Nesvold | Co-host | In-coming President | Edward Jones

    21 min
  5. Make Your Network Work: Leadership, Events, And The ROI Of Showing Up

    NOV 11

    Make Your Network Work: Leadership, Events, And The ROI Of Showing Up

    The room lights fade, the mic clicks on, and a familiar rink-side voice guides the crowd. That same calm command powers a 200+ event DJ company and a community leader who helped steer a chamber through the hardest year in recent memory. Shane Griffin joins us to share how a local entertainment brand scales without losing its soul. We dive into the craft behind great events: reading the room, pacing the night, and using MC work to support the host rather than steal the show. Shane explains how he built a nine-DJ roster, the training that keeps quality consistent across weddings, school dances, and corporate gatherings, and why his name is treated like a promise. You’ll hear how the Stingrays’ in-rink announcing sharpened his timing and presence, and how that same clarity shows up in every timeline, transition, and announcement. Community sits at the heart of the story. As a past chamber president during COVID, Shane unpacks what it took to protect member value when gatherings vanished and why strong financial stewardship and experienced boards matter. More importantly, he makes the case for moving from attendee to contributor: join a committee, take a role, and let your work be your marketing. That’s where referrals deepen and partnerships last. We close with practical playbook items: social proof that actually converts, simple ways to make booking painless, and how early planning protects your date and your outcome. Whether you’re planning a wedding, running school events, leading corporate programs, or growing a service brand, this conversation offers clear steps to build trust, deliver consistently, and stay booked. If this resonated, follow the show, share it with a friend, and leave a quick review to help more people find these conversations. Presenting Sponsor: Mount Pleasant Chamber of Commerce Studio Sponsor: Charleston Media Solutions Expo Podcast Sponsor: ‪@PollenSocial‬ Production Sponsor: RMBO.co Design Sponsor: DK Design Interested in Sponsorship? Click here. Committee: Kathleen Herrmann | Host | MPCC Immediate Past President | Mount Pleasant Towne Centre Mike Compton | Co-host | Marketing Chair | RMBO.co Rebecca Imholz | Co-host | MPCC Executive Director Amanda Bunting Comen | Co-host | Social ABCs Ben Nesvold | Co-host | In-coming President | Edward Jones

    6 min
  6. From Uniforms To Luxury: The 108-Year Evolution Of M. Dumas & Sons

    NOV 4

    From Uniforms To Luxury: The 108-Year Evolution Of M. Dumas & Sons

    Some stores sell product. M. Dumas & Sons sells want—crafted through people, place, and a century of smart reinvention. We sit with co‑owner Gary Flynn to explore how a 1917 military uniform shop became Charleston’s menswear destination, why customers still cross town for an in‑store experience, and what it takes to keep a legacy brand modern without losing its soul. Gary traces his path from Nordstrom’s merchandising ranks to Hugo Boss and Samsung before landing in Charleston, where he learned the art of specialty retail: knowing the regulars, serving visitors so well they become remote clients, and designing a store that tells stories instead of stacking tables high. We dig into the M. Dumas timeline—from early Levi’s dominance to spotting Tommy Bahama before it broke big—and the moves that kept momentum: a major renovation, premium tailoring, and, just in time for COVID, an e‑commerce launch that paired with doorstep delivery and constant outreach. Charleston’s style scene gets a closer look. Surprise: it’s dressier than many expect. Gary breaks down a go‑to uniform for today—sport coat, open‑collar shirt, five‑pocket pants, and a sharp sneaker—and explains why color thrives here year‑round. We talk Mount Pleasant Towne Centre and the strategy behind shop‑in‑shops from Barbour, Johnnie‑O, Duck Head, and Faherty to make outfitting intuitive. Then we go inside the service playbook: stylists who build wardrobes, label outfits for a colorblind client, host trunk shows, and even stage an annual Italian dinner pairing regions, wines, and makers. Along the way, Gary shares why he pays people well, collaborates with neighboring independents on King Street, experiments with influencers, and takes Dumas on the road with pop‑ups in DC, Florida, and Dallas. If you care about retail strategy, community, or simply looking great without overthinking it, this conversation delivers practical insight and plenty of Charleston flavor. Enjoyed the show? Subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend who loves great shops and good stories. Presenting Sponsor: Mount Pleasant Chamber of Commerce Studio Sponsor: Charleston Media Solutions Expo Podcast Sponsor: ‪@PollenSocial‬ Production Sponsor: RMBO.co Design Sponsor: DK Design Interested in Sponsorship? Click here. Committee: Kathleen Herrmann | Host | MPCC Immediate Past President | Mount Pleasant Towne Centre Mike Compton | Co-host | Marketing Chair | RMBO.co Rebecca Imholz | Co-host | MPCC Executive Director Amanda Bunting Comen | Co-host | Social ABCs Ben Nesvold | Co-host | In-coming President | Edward Jones

    56 min
  7. One-Click Marketing, Real Community

    OCT 28

    One-Click Marketing, Real Community

    What if your entire marketing workflow—social posts, emails, texts, analytics, and approvals—lived in one tab and actually made sense? We sat down at the Mount Pleasant Expo to unpack a practical way to run multi-channel campaigns without drowning in logins, spreadsheets, and “who has the code?” messages with Rachel Backal, Engagement Manager from Pollen Social. From agencies juggling a dozen clients to community orgs relying on volunteers, we break down how a single platform can reduce friction, restore consistency, and bring your team together around clear goals and clean data. We walk through real scenarios marketers face every week: hopping between Meta, LinkedIn, TikTok, Mailchimp, and Google Analytics; rebuilding the same message five times; and spending more time exporting reports than learning from them. You’ll hear how one-click cross-posting and extended scheduling windows keep campaigns on track, while unified analytics from GA, Google Business, Meta, and Shopify turn performance into a story you can share with clients or boards. With unlimited users and role-based permissions, teams can invite volunteers to upload event photos, let leaders view dashboards, and keep editors focused on content—all without paying per seat or risking access sprawl. AI shows up where it counts. Caption generation helps when the creative well runs dry, image tools fill gaps for promos and recaps, and newsletter helpers speed up drafting so you hit send on time. Most importantly, there’s real human support: strategy-led onboarding, hands-on guidance during your free 30-day trial, and a local team invested in the Charleston business community. If you’ve been hunting for a marketing stack that saves hours, cuts context switching, and still respects your brand voice, this conversation lays out a clear path. Ready to simplify your stack? Try the 30-day free trial at pollensocial.com, subscribe for more practical playbooks, and leave a review to tell us the one workflow you most want to fix next. Expo Podcast Sponsor: Pollen Social Presenting Sponsor: Mount Pleasant Chamber of Commerce Studio Sponsor: Charleston Media Solutions Expo Podcast Sponsor: ‪@PollenSocial‬ Production Sponsor: RMBO.co Design Sponsor: DK Design Interested in Sponsorship? Click here. Committee: Kathleen Herrmann | Host | MPCC Immediate Past President | Mount Pleasant Towne Centre Mike Compton | Co-host | Marketing Chair | RMBO.co Rebecca Imholz | Co-host | MPCC Executive Director Amanda Bunting Comen | Co-host | Social ABCs Ben Nesvold | Co-host | In-coming President | Edward Jones

    13 min
  8. Purpose Over Profit: When Business Becomes A Neighbor

    OCT 21 · BONUS

    Purpose Over Profit: When Business Becomes A Neighbor

    What does it look like when a local business treats community impact as the real bottom line? We sit down with Ken French of Crews Subaru at the Mount Pleasant Business and Community Expo to unpack a hands-on approach to giving that runs deeper than sponsorship logos and ad copy. Ken shares nine years of presenting sponsorship with the Chamber Expo, the roots of a family-driven dealership, and the decision to measure success by the smiles that come from service days, not sales charts. You’ll hear vivid moments from Surfers Healing at Folly Beach—kids with autism inching toward the ocean, trusting pro surfers, and riding back in with joy that fills the shore. Ken walks through partnerships with the Ronald McDonald House, Make-A-Wish, and a network of animal shelters across the Lowcountry, showing why Crews Subaru doesn’t pick one cause for optics but commits to many where presence matters. He also explains how team members get involved, from river cleanups to in-showroom wish reveals, turning everyday work into meaningful memories and a durable culture. We also get into Subaru’s Love Promise and its five pillars—love to care, help, pets, earth, and learning—and how October’s Subaru Loves Pets month and National Make A Dog’s Day spotlight “less adoptable” animals who deserve a home. Ken is candid about stepping back from day-to-day operations while leaning into the role that gives him energy: community work. In a relationship-driven city like Charleston, the payoff comes later, and that’s the point—do the right thing first, let trust do the rest. If you care about purpose-led business, corporate social responsibility that feels real, and the power of local partnerships, this conversation will stick with you. Follow, share with a friend who loves Charleston or rescue pets, and leave a review to tell us which nonprofit we should feature next. Presenting Sponsor: Mount Pleasant Chamber of Commerce Studio Sponsor: Charleston Media Solutions Expo Podcast Sponsor: ‪@PollenSocial‬ Production Sponsor: RMBO.co Design Sponsor: DK Design Interested in Sponsorship? Click here. Committee: Kathleen Herrmann | Host | MPCC Immediate Past President | Mount Pleasant Towne Centre Mike Compton | Co-host | Marketing Chair | RMBO.co Rebecca Imholz | Co-host | MPCC Executive Director Amanda Bunting Comen | Co-host | Social ABCs Ben Nesvold | Co-host | In-coming President | Edward Jones

    10 min
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The Building Business podcast provides compelling stories of the Mount Pleasant Chamber of Commerce's journey, its steadfast commitment to the local community, and its forward-thinking approach to addressing the needs of businesses in an ever-changing landscape. It stands as an invitation to listeners to become part of a movement that values growth, connection, and the collective progress of the Mount Pleasant, South Carolina community.Be prepared to be inspired, informed, and motivated, as we provide a rich tapestry of stories that celebrate the dynamic interplay of business and personal growth right here, in our own backyard.

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