Mid-Ohio Valley Main Street

Stephanie Plant

Join Stephanie Plant each Saturday for Mid-Ohio Valley Main Street, a warm, community-first podcast that highlights the people who make our towns thrive. Stephanie sits down with local business owners, entrepreneurs, artists, and community leaders to share the stories behind their businesses—the challenges, the triumphs, and the small moments that shape local commerce.  

  1. Jun 27

    Episode 18, 740 Hobby

    What does it take to turn a passion project into a thriving business in just five years? For Cody Gutberlet, owner of 740 Hobby in Marietta, the answer is simple: start with your uncle, work full-time jobs on the side, and never stop believing in the community. In this episode of Mid-Ohio Valley Main Street, host Stephanie Plant sits down with Cody Gutberlet, owner of 740 Hobby in Marietta, Ohio. Together with his uncle Aaron, Cody took over a trading card store that’s been in the community since 1992 — and transformed it into one of the region’s hottest gathering spots. From two people working weekends to six employees hosting 80+ person tournaments, here’s how a side hustle became a success story. In This Episode: How a family legacy of entrepreneurship shaped Cody’s path to business ownership Why starting as a “side hustle” while working full-time jobs was actually the secret to success The explosive growth: from 2 people to 6 employees, 1,000+ customers, and three relocations in five years What “the toughest year in business” really means — and why it was also the best year How social media strategy changed everything for 740 Hobby in the last year and a half The power of hiring for passion: building “the best team out of any card shop, period” Why tournaments every night of the week keep the community coming back The diverse customer base: from 4-year-olds to collectors in their 80s Work-life balance as a business owner: the reality of 1 PM–8 PM hours (and 2 AM tournament finishes) Pokémon dominance in the trading card game market — and why 740 Hobby is the area leader What’s next: online expansion, new games, and a mystery Kickstarter project His simple advice for anyone thinking about starting a business: “Do it.” About 740 Hobby: 740 Hobby is a trading card game store located at Pike Street in Marietta, Ohio, right beside Panera Bread. Services include: Pokémon cards, Magic: The Gathering, One Piece, Dragon Ball, sports cards, booster boxes, elite trainer boxes, singles, supplies (sleeves, top loads, binders), and more. Weekly Events: Tournaments every night of the week Mondays: One Piece Trading Card Game Tuesdays: Dragon Ball League Thursdays: Pokemon League Day Fridays & Saturdays: Magic: The Gathering

    Episode 18, 740 Hobby
  2. Jun 20

    Episode 17, Malia & Company

    What does it take to open a salon at 23 years old — in the middle of a pandemic — with nothing but a passion for hair and a group text that said, “Are you ready?” In this episode of Mid-Ohio Valley Main Street, host Stephanie Plant sits down with Leah Brown and Callie Dixon, two of the three co-owners of Malia and Company in Vienna, West Virginia. Together with co-owner Misty Wright, these three friends built a boutique salon experience from the ground up — and five years later, they’re still going strong. 🎙️ In This Episode: How a text message in the middle of COVID sparked the idea for Malia and Company What “attainable luxury” really means — and why it’s the heartbeat of everything they do The story behind the name Malia — a creative blend of all three owners’ names What it was like to open a business at 23 with no roadmap — and what surprised them most How they’ve grown from 2 stylists to 11 employees over five years Why culture fit matters just as much as talent when building a salon team Their brand-new service launching soon — spray tans — heard here first! The importance of continuing education and how they keep their team sharp and inspired What the next 10 years could look like — including owning their own building 📍 About Malia and Company: Malia and Company is a boutique salon located at 1500 Grand Central Avenue, Suite 107, Vienna, Ohio — on the backside of the PMC Plaza, beside the physical therapy office and Fitness with Phyllis. Services include hair, color, extensions, curly hair services, facials, lashes, waxing, nails, tanning, men’s cuts, and more. Walk-ins welcome based on availability. Facebook: Malia and Company (Book now directly through Facebook) Mid-Ohio Valley Main Street is produced by WTAP Plus. New episodes shine a spotlight on the small businesses shaping the Mid-Ohio Valley.

    Episode 17, Malia & Company

About

Join Stephanie Plant each Saturday for Mid-Ohio Valley Main Street, a warm, community-first podcast that highlights the people who make our towns thrive. Stephanie sits down with local business owners, entrepreneurs, artists, and community leaders to share the stories behind their businesses—the challenges, the triumphs, and the small moments that shape local commerce.