The Idea Vault Podcast

Troy University IDEA Bank
  • 4.8 (5)
  • Entrepreneurship

Welcome to The Idea Vault Podcast, where we explore paths to unlocking your ideas and helping you reach your full potential, all from the inside of an iconic bank vault in Downtown Troy, Alabama. The Idea Vault Podcast features a series of interviews with existing and budding small business owners, innovators, designers, educators, and other key people in the entrepreneurship space. Listeners can expect to hear stories of both success and failure as they gain tips for unlocking new ideas, pursuing entrepreneurship and paving their own path.

  1. 14h ago

    “No More Garbage Bags in Pike County” - S5EP9

    For the Season 5 finale of the IDEA Vault Podcast, Amanda Johnson and Brittany Owings share how Fostering Hope began with a moment they couldn’t forget: seeing a child displaced from their home with their belongings packed in a garbage bag. When Vine Church was asked to help provide bags for children entering foster care, the question quickly became something much bigger. Amanda and Brittany got connected and began looking at the difficult transitions foster children experience, the needs DHR cannot always immediately meet, and the foster parents stepping in to be the hands and feet of their community. From essentials during an unexpected placement to making sure a child is remembered with a Walmart gift card on their birthday, Fostering Hope is working to make an incredibly hard season feel a little less uncertain. As that mission was taking shape, the 2026 Idea Empowerment Competition came along at just the right time. Amanda entered Fostering Hope and was awarded $7,000 as the first-place winner, with funding provided by the Regions Foundation. Now, Amanda and Brittany have created the "Healing Heart Threads Care Closet", a physical storefront in Troy designed to bridge the gap between foster children, foster families, DHR, and a community ready to help. In this Season 5 finale, they share how one tug on the heart became a growing local mission- and the promise behind the work: “No more garbage bags in Pike County.” Connect with Healing Heart Threads:  Healing Heart Threads Facebook   Connect with the Idea Vault Podcast & IDEA Bank: https://ideabank.podbean.com/  www.troy.edu/ideabank Subscribe to our Newsletter   Follow us: Idea Vault Podcast on Instagram IDEA Bank on Facebook IDEA Bank on Instagram

  2. Jul 31

    Ribbon Cuttings & Bedtime Stories - S5EP8

    In Season 5 Episode 8 of the Idea Vault Podcast, were interviewing a familiar face here at the IDEA Bank. Some people wear many hats, but for Bethany Grimes, they all have one thing in common: serving others. As President of the Pike County Chamber of Commerce, she's the face of the Chamber, championing local businesses through ribbon cuttings, Lunch & Learns, networking events, and innovative programs that strengthen the community. But when the workday ends, another full-time job begins as a mom of five. In this episode, Bethany shares what it's really like balancing two 24/7 callings while leading with purpose everywhere she goes. We also dive into the personal journey that brought her here, from finding love after the loss of her husband, to moving back home, trusting God's plan, and discovering how the puzzle pieces of a small town often fit together in unexpected ways. Bethany shares how she knows everyone you meet is carrying something you can't see and how showing up with a smile and leading with kindness can change someone's day. Her story is a reminder that purpose isn't just found in the big moments, it's found in the way you serve others, every single day.   Connect with the Pike County Chamber of Commerce:  https://pikecoc.com/ https://www.instagram.com/pikecountycoc/?hl=en   Connect with the Idea Vault Podcast & IDEA Bank: https://ideabank.podbean.com/  www.troy.edu/ideabank Subscribe to our Newsletter   Follow us: Idea Vault Podcast on Instagram IDEA Bank on Facebook IDEA Bank on Instagram

  3. Jun 19

    From Nine to Nineteen: Family Celebrations + Mexican Culture Defines ArisDesigns - S5EP7

    In Season 5 Episode 7 of the Idea Vault Podcast, we're doing something a little different. This special episode features an installment of the Student-Made Store's podcast, Making It Creative, where Student-Made Store co-founder Ryan McElhinney sits down with student entrepreneur Arianna Guzman, founder of ArisDesigns, to discuss her journey as both a business owner and student leader. From organizing products, managing inventory, and creating welcoming displays as Student-Made Troy's Retail Store Manager to building a growing event decorating business inspired by her family's Mexican heritage, Arianna shares how creativity, culture, and entrepreneurship have shaped her path. The conversation explores balancing college and business ownership, building a brand rooted in meaningful experiences, and learning the skills necessary to grow a venture while pursuing a degree. The episode also highlights Arianna's experience supporting fellow student entrepreneurs through Student-Made Troy and how that role helped prepare her for the next chapter of her entrepreneurial journey. Looking ahead, she shares her ambitions for expanding ArisDesigns, sourcing products on a larger scale, entering new markets, and ultimately owning her own event venue. This episode offers an inspiring look at leadership, perseverance, and the power of turning passion into opportunity while showcasing the entrepreneurial talent being developed through the Student-Made community. Interested in gaining hands-on retail, merchandising, and entrepreneurship experience? Applications for Student-Made Troy's next Retail Store Manager are now open. Shop Ari's Designs and follow Arianna's journey as she steps into her new role as Student-Made Troy's Events & Partnerships Manager. Apply to Student-Made Troy: Student-Made Troy Manager Applications Student-Made Troy Creator Positions    Connect with Student-Made Store: Making It Creative Podcast Read About ArisDesigns-Creator Story   Connect with the Idea Vault Podcast & IDEA Bank: https://ideabank.podbean.com/  www.troy.edu/ideabank Subscribe to our Newsletter   Follow us: Idea Vault Podcast on Instagram IDEA Bank on Facebook IDEA Bank on Instagram

    From Nine to Nineteen: Family Celebrations + Mexican Culture Defines ArisDesigns - S5EP7

  4. May 8

    From Moonshine to Market Leader - S5EP6

    In Season 5, Episode 6 of the Idea Vault Podcast, the IDEA Bank team sits down with L.C. May, the driving force behind Clyde May's Whiskey and Conecuh Ridge Distillery, for a conversation rooted in heritage, entrepreneurship, and Alabama history. From stories of the original Clyde May, a veteran awarded the Bronze Star and Purple Heart, to the evolution of whiskey production in Alabama, L.C. shares how a once-illegal industry grew into one of the state’s most recognizable and respected brands. The episode explores the realities of building a nationally recognized company while remaining grounded in family values and community impact. L.C. discusses the importance of reputation, the challenges of scaling a business across all 50 states, and why investing back into Alabama continues to matter most. With reflections on leadership, risk-taking, criticism, and believing fully in your vision, this episode delivers an authentic look at entrepreneurship through the lens of legacy, resilience, and Southern craftsmanship. Connect with the Clyde May's Whiskey & Conecuh Ridge Distillery: Clyde May's Instagram Clyde May's Website   Connect with the Idea Vault Podcast & IDEA Bank: https://ideabank.podbean.com/  www.troy.edu/ideabank Subscribe to our Newsletter   Follow us: Idea Vault Podcast on Instagram IDEA Bank on Facebook IDEA Bank on Instagram

  5. Mar 27

    The Leader Who Learned to Listen S5EP5

    In this episode, we sit down with business owner and singer-songwriter JB Roberts. JB is part owner of Moseley Industrial Supply Company and Lawrence/Ace Hardware here in Troy AL. As well as a father, husband, musician, and IDEA Bank member, JB talks about what it really looks like when your way isn’t working. He shares how learning to surrender, work under authority, and stay consistent through failure shaped both his businesses and his leadership. As he puts it, "work for someone else for several years. Learn what it’s like to have decisions made for you before making them for others, and learn how to be under authority before becoming the authority." From waking up early and doing the hard work to facing fear and trying again, this conversation highlights the foundation most young entrepreneurs skip. We also get into building businesses that genuinely serve people, the importance of clear communication, and why humility is essential before stepping into leadership. This episode is especially for students and young leaders who want to grow the right way, not the fast way. Go stream his album More Than You Know and be on the lookout for his next album. Connect with JB Roberts Music   Connect with the Idea Vault Podcast & IDEA Bank: https://ideabank.podbean.com/  www.troy.edu/ideabank Subscribe to our Newsletter   Follow us: Idea Vault Podcast on Instagram IDEA Bank on Facebook IDEA Bank on Instagram

  6. Mar 2

    Building Businesses by Taking Chances S5EP4

    In Season 5, Episode 4, “Building Businesses by Taking Chances,” we sit down with two of the three winners of the 2025 Business Idea Pitch Competition Program at The IDEA Bank to talk about what happens when you step up and share your vision. Wesley Tilghman pitched “Trojan Tailgate,” a full-service tailgate experience designed to elevate game days at Troy University. While Emma Rollins brought her already operating business, “Drone Sharks,” to the stage with a bold next step, securing funding for a thermal drone that will expand her services and unlock an entirely new client base. What started as a pitch became a launchpad, opening doors neither of them expected. In this episode, you’ll hear how the competition became more than a contest, it became a catalyst. From building meaningful connections to meeting mentors and supporters who will help scale their businesses, both Wesley and Emma share how taking a chance changed their trajectory. Emma even received a job offer from the competition sponsors, MAX Credit Union, after setting herself apart during the program. Their stories highlight the true power of opportunities like this: you don’t need a perfectly polished idea to begin. Sometimes it’s the brainstorming, feedback, networking, and unexpected doors that make the biggest impact. If you’ve ever considered pitching an idea, or even just exploring one, this conversation will inspire you to take the leap. And keep an eye out for details about this year’s Business Idea Pitch Competition coming in Fall 2026.   Connect with the Idea Vault Podcast & IDEA Bank: https://ideabank.podbean.com/  www.troy.edu/ideabank Subscribe to our Newsletter   Follow us: Idea Vault Podcast on Instagram IDEA Bank on Facebook IDEA Bank on Instagram

    Building Businesses by Taking Chances S5EP4

  7. Jan 30

    Just Start - Thats the First Step S5EP3

    Episode 3 of Season 5 of the IDEA Vault Podcast takes listeners inside the IDEA Bank Incubator Program, a specialized track within the IDEA Bank membership made possible through funding from Innovate Alabama. In this episode, we sit down with our incubator tenants—Jared Hester of Studio 207, a local design firm; Jessica Goolsby of Goosehead Insurance, an independent insurance broker; and JoJo Meredith, owner of a local real estate company. Each bringing a unique perspective to entrepreneurship in Pike County. With dedicated office space inside the IDEA Bank and access to resources like printing and copying, internet, networking, and ongoing support, they share their individual paths to business ownership, the challenges that tested them, and how the IDEA Bank stepped in during pivotal moments. A recurring theme echoes throughout the conversation: “The result that you are wanting is in the work you are avoiding.” The episode pulls back the curtain on the everyday realities of owning a business—the long hours, the sacrifices, and the small stepping stones that lead to real progress. From “If you want a day off, I have to work to earn it” to “It’s exciting to see our little town grow,” these founders reflect on what it truly takes to build something sustainable. Their stories highlight the power of simply showing up, pushing past comfort zones, and taking that first leap of faith. As they remind us, growth begins just outside your comfort zone—sometimes you just have to take a deep breath and jump, and most importantly, just start—that’s the first step.   Connect with the Idea Vault Podcast & IDEA Bank: https://ideabank.podbean.com/  www.troy.edu/ideabank Subscribe to our Newsletter   Follow us: Idea Vault Podcast on Instagram IDEA Bank on Facebook IDEA Bank on Instagram

  8. 10/09/2025

    Small Pond, Big Impact: Students Who Leapt from Local Organizations to Career Roles S5EP2

    In the latest episode of The Idea Vault Podcast, “Small Pond, Big Impact,” we dive into the journeys of two exceptional Troy University past and present students, who leveraged their involvement with Student-Made Troy organization into significant corporate opportunities. Izzy Stokes, the current A Student-Made Creator and local business owner of The Beaded Bella, Website Manager for Student-Made Troy, and Website Assistant for 10 other schools. She shares her insights on balancing a demanding role managing 1,000 products, along with her full-time student responsibilities—all while making a huge impact. We also feature Maddie Reed, former Student-Made Troy Campus Manager, who discusses how her initial internship led to a full-time position with Student-Made headquarters as a Program Manager overseeing manager teams from 10 other schools. Maddie highlights the invaluable networking and connections she made, emphasizing that while burnout is inevitable, readjusting and persevering is key. This episode is a testament to how small roles in the right organizations can open doors to a future shaped by experience, engagement, and strategic networking. Also while giving listeners the understanding of how to make the most of their opportunities and to bloom where you are planted.   Connect with Student-Made Troy:  Student-Made Troy   Apply to be a Student-Made Creator: Student-Made Troy   Connect with the Idea Vault Podcast & IDEA Bank: https://ideabank.podbean.com/  www.troy.edu/ideabank Subscribe to our Newsletter   Follow us: Idea Vault Podcast on Instagram IDEA Bank on Facebook IDEA Bank on Instagram

    Small Pond, Big Impact: Students Who Leapt from Local Organizations to Career Roles S5EP2
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About

Welcome to The Idea Vault Podcast, where we explore paths to unlocking your ideas and helping you reach your full potential, all from the inside of an iconic bank vault in Downtown Troy, Alabama. The Idea Vault Podcast features a series of interviews with existing and budding small business owners, innovators, designers, educators, and other key people in the entrepreneurship space. Listeners can expect to hear stories of both success and failure as they gain tips for unlocking new ideas, pursuing entrepreneurship and paving their own path.

Information

  • Creator
    Troy University IDEA Bank
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    34
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2023 All rights reserved to Troy University IDEA Bank.
  • Show Website
    The Idea Vault Podcast