Biz-eWerk

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Episodes

123

Latest episode

Jun 2026

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About the show

Powered by the College of Charleston School of Business - Charleston, SC Have you ever been told (or told someone else) to Mind Your Own Business? Normally, that means you’re getting into something you shouldn’t. But here at Biz-eWerk, our sole focus is helping you Mind Your Business. How? By keeping you updated on the latest economic, business, technology, and career news with interviews and special episodes focused on our dynamic and ever-changing world. Biz is where it’s at. Biz-eWerk – Mind Your Business.

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60 recent

June 9, 2026Episode 11813 min

Part I - Lidija Davidson: The Analytical Marketer (Ep115)

How does a math and applied science degree from UCLA lead to a career launching national products every five weeks at Taco Bell? In this episode, marketing strategist Lidija Davidson explains the "Analytical Marketer" mindset, showing how data can uncover deep consumer insights that drive real innovation. We also dive into the true heart of branding, how a company’s origin story and brand purpose are far more critical to success than just a logo or a tagline.Lidija is a marketing consultant and the owner of Sift, Cipher, and Bloom advertising and marketing agency.

May 20, 2026Episode 11418 min

Andrew Bartholomey, International Business (Biz-eWerk 114)

How do you go from being a student in Charleston to a finance professional in Europe? In this episode of the Biz-eWerk Podcast, Andrew Bartholomey (CofC ’23 – International Business, Finance, German) shares his journey building a global career, discusses the impact of his internships, and tells us how those experiences prepared him for life after college. We also get into what it takes to thrive in a foreign workplace, like the challenge of teaching yourself to write Excel formulas in German and mastering SAP on the fly. Whether you’re a student wondering how to use your campus resources or a professional curious about the reality of working across time zones, Andrew’s story is a fantastic roadmap for building a global career while keeping your professional network strong.

May 19, 20262 min

Biz-eWerk is Back!

Everyone needs a break every now and again, and Biz-eWerk is no exception. After a little unplanned hiatus (if you noticed, it’s nice to be missed; if you didn't notice, don't tell me), we’re back with new energy, new interviews, and some big ideas on deck, including a three-part series talking about AI and nuclear power. Hit play, and let’s get back to helping you mind your business. All engines are go, and we've cleared the tower! (Music Credit: Maarten Schellenkens, To the Moon)

November 20, 2025Episode 11319 min

"Adam Ferrara, Managing Partner, Ferrara Buist Contractors" Ep113

Biz-eWerk is on the air! In this episode, Charleston native Adam Ferrara of Ferrara Buist Contractors visits our Liberty Street Studio to discuss the philosophy behind their Design-Assist-Build (DAB) model: "Measure twice, build once". Adam also explains how AI technology is being used for real estate development site planning, generating initial concepts in minutes rather than months, and the critical role of site selection and managing the unique challenges of Lowcountry construction.

October 16, 2025Episode 11214 min

"Dolly Pelto, Executive Director, Advanced Technology International Foundation" Ep112

Biz-eWerk is on the air! Join us for an interview with Dolly Pelto, a graduate of the Merchant Marine Academy and theExecutive Director of the Advanced Technology International Foundation. Discover her journey from shipyard operations to managing thousands of national and international technology projects for the government, often focused on national security and strengthening the nation’s maritime programs. Learn how she transitioned to her new role as Executive Director of the ATI Foundation, where she's leveraging her project management skills to tackle critical issues in education and workforce development. Don't miss this insightful conversation on how the ATI Foundation is working to address maritime workforce and shipbuilding issues in South Carolina and across the nation.

September 29, 2025Episode 11122 min

"Darren Hartford, Oliver Pluff & Co." Ep111

Biz-eWerk is on the air! In this episode, we interview Darren Hartford, retired Air Force general and the owner of Oliver Pluff & Company! Discover the fascinating origin story of this company, how Oliver Pluff & Co. sources and recreates historic beverages such as Martha Washington's favorite cacao tea, and how they partner with iconic locations like Mount Vernon to help historic sites tell their stories through custom-labeled teas and coffees. Darren, a 28-year veteran of the Air Force and pilot, explains how his interest in history led to this business venture. He also discusses the creative process, from aging tea in whiskey barrels to tell the story of the Whiskey Rebellion, to the story behind "Jasmint" tea inspired by Charleston's spring florals. Plus, get the inside scoop on their storefront at 49 John Street in Charleston, designed to offer an immersive experience. Tune in now to hear how this unique business blends history, storytelling, and delicious beverages!

August 27, 2025Episode 11017 min

"Part II - Business History of the Pennsylvania Railroad with Al Churella" Ep110

Episode 2 of 2: In the age of video conferencing and packages delivered by a drone, we ofttimes forget that at one time, the railroads were our link to the world and the business titans of their day.Iron and steel rails crisscrossed the country, connecting communities and supercharging commerce and communication throughout the tectonic changes of the Industrial Revolution and beyond. Join us for part 2 of Biz-eWerk's first video interview, a two-part series with Albert Churella, historian and author of a three-volume history of the storied Pennsylvania Railroad.For more information about Al's PRR trilogy:⁠⁠The Pennsylvania Railroad, Volume 1, Building an Empire, 1846-1917⁠⁠⁠⁠Volume 2, The Age of Limits, 1917–1933⁠⁠⁠⁠Volume 3, The Long Decline, 1933–1968

August 14, 2025Episode 10918 min

"Part I - Business History of the Pennsylvania Railroad with Al Churella" Ep109

Episode 1 of 2: In the age of video conferencing and packages delivered by a drone, we ofttimes forget that at one time, the railroads were our link to the world and the business titans of their day.Iron and steel rails crisscrossed the country, connecting communities and supercharging commerce and communication throughout the tectonic changes of the Industrial Revolution and beyond. Join us for part 1 of Biz-eWerk's first video interview, a two-part series with Albert Churella, historian and author of a three-volume history of the storied Pennsylvania Railroad.For more information about Al's PRR trilogy:⁠The Pennsylvania Railroad, Volume 1, Building an Empire, 1846-1917⁠⁠Volume 2, The Age of Limits, 1917–1933⁠⁠Volume 3, The Long Decline, 1933–1968

July 29, 20250 min

"Business History of the Pennsylvania Railroad with Al Churella" Limited Video Series Trailer

In the age of video conferencing and packages delivered by a drone, we ofttimes forget that at one time, the railroads were our link to the world and the business titans of their day.Iron and steel rails crisscrossed the country, connecting communities and supercharging commerce and communication throughout the tectonic changes of the Industrial Revolution and beyond. Join us for Biz-eWerk's first video interview, a two-part series with Albert Churella, historian and author of a three-volume history of the storied Pennsylvania Railroad.Be sure to subscribe to Biz-eWerk so you don't miss any episodes of this special two-part video podcast premiering August 12th.For more information about Al's PRR trilogy:The Pennsylvania Railroad, Volume 1, Building an Empire, 1846-1917Volume 2, The Age of Limits, 1917–1933Volume 3, The Long Decline, 1933–1968

July 22, 2025Episode 10815 min

"Part II - Chris and Amy Minkle, Fleet Feet Charleston" Ep108

Episode 2 of 2: Running a business is a race, and when your business is running, walking, jogging, and exercising, it’s a race to ensure the best possible customer experience. In this episode, Biz-eWerk speaks with Amy and Chris Minkle, co-owners of ⁠Fleet Feet Charleston⁠, about changing career paths, launching a successful franchise, overcoming challenges, and utilizing complementary skills. They'll share how their collaboration, including Chris's financial acumen and Amy's marketing and HR expertise, drives their business and how they've built a thriving brick-and-mortar experience in an online world by focusing on unparalleled customer experience and community engagement.