Around The Upstate Podcast

Steve Davis
  • 1.0 (1)
  • MARKETING

The podcast is a weekly exploration into the stories that shape Upstate South Carolina’s vibrant Christian Business Community. Each episode, we spotlight local Christian-owned businesses, uncovering the challenges they've faced, the triumphs they've achieved, and how they connect with the growing region. Through a mix of local storytelling, community credibility, and innovative technology, we highlight the Christian businesses that are making a difference, while providing insights on how to navigate the evolving landscape of marketing and customer engagement in the age of AI - with faith, hope, and love.

Episodes

  1. MAR 13

    A Conversation About Water: Around the Upstate with David Sullivan of Set Free Alliance

    This video features a conversation between host Steve Davis and David Sullivan, the Development Director for Set Free Alliance. The discussion focuses on the ministry's mission to bring clean water to villages and rescue children from modern-day slavery. David Sullivan’s Personal Journey and Calling David describes his journey from making poor decisions in his youth to being mentored and returning to his faith through the guidance of a local pastor. He left a successful career as an agency manager for an insurance company to join Set Free Alliance. His decision was rooted in a belief in biblical stewardship and the principle that God will provide for the work He calls his people to do. The "Well" Strategy: Water as a Key to Ministry The ministry works primarily in South Asia and West Africa, partnering with local pastors and nationals to run operations and dig wells. Providing clean water acts as a "key" to open closed villages to the gospel, building trust with community members who are facing life-threatening water shortages. The strategy has successfully planted over 4,500 "Christ villages" that now operate with a focus on loving neighbors and rescuing children. Child Rescue and Redemption Efforts David explains that child trafficking often occurs when loan sharks prey on the poorest families, offering small loans with high interest that become impossible to repay. Parents, often unable to read or write, sign contracts with a thumbprint, unknowingly giving their children to traffickers to work off the debt in dangerous places like brick factories or slate mines. Set Free Alliance intervenes by paying off these predatory debts to immediately rescue the children and provides education to prevent future trafficking. Transformational Stories of Rescued Children David shares the story of a young man named Raju, who was forced into slate mines as a child. Through the ministry's support and education, Raju is now on a scholarship to study medicine to become a doctor and treat rescued children. Another story highlights a woman rescued at age 12, who now works in software and gives 90% of her income back to the ministry to rescue other children. How to Engage with the Ministry The video encourages viewers to support the ministry through three primary actions: pray, support, and share. Donations can be made directly through the website to fund well drilling, child rescues, and educational programs.

    59 min

  2. FEB 20

    Around the Upstate Podcast with Kristina Harris and Matina Kazameas

    In this engaging conversation, Steve Davis interviews Kristina and Matina, the founders of Two Tidy Tina's, a home organization business based in South Carolina. They share their personal journeys, the challenges of launching a business during the pandemic, and the profound impact their services have on clients' lives. The discussion highlights their unique offerings, community involvement, and the emotional aspects of decluttering, emphasizing that their work goes beyond mere organization to help clients reclaim their spaces and lives. takeaways Kristina and Matina bonded over their shared faith and desire to start a business. The idea for Two Tidy Tina's emerged from their experiences in public health. They launched their business in September 2021, after planning during the pandemic. Their first client came three months after launching, leading to steady growth. They emphasize the emotional impact of clutter on clients' lives. Their services include luxury concierge moving and holiday decorating. They offer a membership program for ongoing support to clients. Community engagement is a key part of their business model. They were featured in a book about the emotional impact of clutter. Their journey reflects a strong faith and commitment to helping others. Sound Bites "It's a courageous move." "It's a unique concept." "We built this business." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Two Tidy Tina's 03:44 The Journey to Entrepreneurship 10:44 Launching the Business During a Pandemic 16:22 Impactful Client Stories 18:53 Service Offerings and Unique Projects 24:14 Community Engagement and Future Plans

    26 min

  3. JAN 30

    Around the Upstate with Steve Josey of Art of Drawers

    Join Steve Davis, founder and CEO of Patmos Marketing, as he welcomes Steve and Sharon Josie to "Around the Upstate." Discover how the Josies transitioned from long-standing careers to launching "Art of Drawers," a business that transforms cluttered spaces into organized havens. This episode delves into the journey of faith-driven entrepreneurship, the art of home organization, and the impact of customized storage solutions. Whether you're seeking inspiration for a career change or practical tips to declutter your life, this conversation offers valuable insights. Tune in to explore the stories that make the Upstate thrive. #HomeOrganization #Entrepreneurship #FaithDrivenBusiness

    34 min

  4. JAN 30

    Around the Upstate with Chris Brown of Window Depot Upstate

    What happens when faith, community, and craftsmanship come together in one Upstate business? In this powerful episode of Around the Upstate, host Steve Davis sits down with Chris Brown, co-leader of Clear Vision, Inc - parent company of Window Depot Upstate and its family of brands — Bath Depot, Kitchen Depot, and Gutter Depot. Chris shares how he and his team are doing more than just remodeling homes — they’re rebuilding trust in the home services industry. You’ll hear about: The real difference between a business owner and an entrepreneur How Clear Vision is fighting back against corporate buyouts and keeping it local Their secret sauce for 5-star customer service and lifetime warranties Why faith and prayer are at the center of their company culture And how they’re expanding showrooms across the Upstate — including inside Walmart Whether you’re new to South Carolina and searching for a reliable contractor — or a local entrepreneur looking for leadership wisdom — this episode delivers.

    27 min

  5. JAN 23

    Around the Upstate With Stephanie Hoffer of Precision Pest and Wildlife Removal

    This episode of Around the Upstate, hosted by Steve Davis of Patmos Marketing, features Stephanie Hoffer of Precision Predator, a trusted wildlife and pest control company serving the Upstate of South Carolina. Steve Davis, founder and CEO of Patmos Marketing, introduces the common problem many homeowners face—wildlife in attics, walls, and yards—and welcomes Stephanie and Jodie Hoffer, the founders of Precision Predator. Beyond business owners, the Hoffers are entrepreneurs, innovators, homeschool parents, and community builders who also run a local coffee shop. The conversation explores both their business journey and how they balance work, family, and impact. Stephanie Hoffer grew up in Michigan in a hunting and farming family, giving her early familiarity with wildlife. The idea for Precision Predator began with her husband Jodie, an Army veteran of 26 years who originally aspired to become a DNR officer. While working in wildlife control as part of that path, Jodie started Precision Predator as an LLC during a deployment. Stephanie describes Jodie as the visionary and herself as the detail-oriented workhorse. The couple met six months after the business began and grew it alongside starting their family. In the early years, the biggest challenge was a lack of business systems and experience. They created estimates in Word documents and learned processes as they went. Precision Predator began as a wildlife-only company, but later expanded into general pest control after realizing customers wanted ongoing service beyond one-time wildlife removal. This expansion created stability and deeper client relationships. The Hoffers emphasize ethical wildlife practices, following state laws while working with animal rehabilitators when needed and respecting animal life cycles. Stephanie notes that building a reliable team was one of their hardest challenges. Jodie’s deployment in 2023 forced them to step out of daily operations, develop systems, and trust their team. Beyond skills, they hire for integrity, accountability, and adaptability to change. Family is central to their lives. They have four children and chose homeschooling to stay closely involved and teach life skills like financial literacy and communication. A non-negotiable boundary is family dinner every night. They also prioritize work-life balance for their employees, even during busy seasons. In addition to Precision Predator, the Hoffers run a permanent and landscape lighting business and a coffee and ice cream shop. Their long-term goal is for Precision Predator to become the number-one provider in the area with a team-led operation, keeping options open for either selling or building a legacy company. Stephanie’s advice to entrepreneurs is simple: don’t sacrifice your family for your business. She believes steady growth has strengthened their marriage and family more than nonstop hustle ever could. In the lightning round, Stephanie shares that she enjoys Ed Mylett for motivation, recommends leadership books and conferences, and notes that the worst wildlife calls involve long-dead animals. Her favorite coffee is a cold brew with sweet foam, while the shop’s most popular drink is the “Salty Sailor,” a caramel truffle coffee. Precision Predator primarily serves the Upstate of South Carolina and focuses not just on trapping, but on sealing homes properly to ensure wildlife problems are solved for good.

    24 min
  • 5 Episodes

About

The podcast is a weekly exploration into the stories that shape Upstate South Carolina’s vibrant Christian Business Community. Each episode, we spotlight local Christian-owned businesses, uncovering the challenges they've faced, the triumphs they've achieved, and how they connect with the growing region. Through a mix of local storytelling, community credibility, and innovative technology, we highlight the Christian businesses that are making a difference, while providing insights on how to navigate the evolving landscape of marketing and customer engagement in the age of AI - with faith, hope, and love.

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