Biz-eWerk

When’s the best time to start a business? Jake Kozmor, founder of the Charleston-based video production company Koz Films, began his entrepreneurial journey in 7th grade with a GoPro camera and has continued developing his creative and business skills ever since. In this episode, Biz-eWerk speaks with Jake about his video production process emphasizing storytelling and client collaboration. He also describes his involvement with the American Marketing Association and his upcoming projects, including a new web series. Check out Instagram @kozfilms for more info.

Happy 100th (episode) Biz-eWerk! Join us as we celebrate our podcast journey and reflect on the challenges of being "busy." Listen in as Biz-eWerk shares the difficulties and learning experiences encountered along the way and gives thanks at Thanksgiving to all the people who have taken the time to support the show – guests and listeners alike.

What comes to mind when you hear, "Nuclear Energy"? Maybe something scary like atomic bombs or Three Mile Island? But what about radiation treatment for cancer? Or irradiated food to extend shelf life? In this episode of Biz-eWerk, we use nuclear energy as the technological thread between the Six Laws of Technology. (For more information about the Six Laws, check out the article referenced in this episode, The Six Laws of Technology Everyone Should Know by Christopher Mims in The Wall Street Journal)

In the age of AI, we’re more aware than ever of how technology influences history and vice versa. In 1985, Dr. Melvin Kranzberg, a professor of the History of Technology at Georgia Institute of Technology, presented his Six Laws of Technology offering a nuanced take on technology's role in history. Kranzberg challenged the simplistic view of technology as either a purely positive or negative force. He argued that it’s a "very human activity" intricately intertwined with our values, beliefs, and choices. In this two-part Biz-eWerk podcast, we’ll discuss relatable examples of everyday tech to illustrate the impact of advancements from the perspective of Kranzberg’s Six Laws. From adjusting rabbit ears on TVs to relying on GPS navigation we’ll review the rapid evolution of technology within a single lifetime. (For more information about the Six Laws, check out the article referenced in this episode, The Six Laws of Technology Everyone Should Know by Christopher Mims in The Wall Street Journal)

Real estate development is all around us and involves many moving pieces from pre-development to construction to operation and beyond. In this episode, College of Charleston School of Business alum Joseph Velazquez discusses his role at one of the world's premier commercial real estate firms and tells us more about the skills and abilities needed for success in this industry.

“Unless we come together and get to know somebody, you won’t know how much you have in common.” – Benjamin Klutsey In this episode, Benjamin Klutsey, Executive Director of the Mercatus Center at George Mason University discusses the film UNDIVIDE US. The film reminds us that while polarization is a genuine concern, fostering civil exchange is a crucial step toward building a more cohesive and understanding society. Along with our guests, Pete Calcagno, and Mike Lee, we discuss how individuals can engage in respectful dialogue by recognizing that common ground and shared values often outweigh perceived differences. (The screening of UNDIVIDE US is sponsored by the College of Charleston Center for Public Choice and Marketing Process, the College of Charleston Civility Initiative, and the American Institute for Economic Research – Charleston Bastiat Society)

“Retail is Detail.” Gary Flynn, CEO and co-owner of distinguished menswear retailer M. Dumas and Sons. With a 107-year history, Dumas continues to grow throughout the Charleston area. What began in 1917 as a small shop selling Navy uniforms and hunting and outdoor apparel has grown to become an iconic fixture on King Street with a national and international reach. Flynn has been leading Dumas for over eight years and has played an instrumental role in the company’s expansion, including successfully opening two brand partner stores.

Is your work worth it? What is meaningful work? Do I have a job, career, or calling? In this episode of the Biz-eWerk Podcast, I interview ⁠Christopher Wong Michaelson⁠, co-author with ⁠Jennifer Tosti-Kharas⁠, of the book, ⁠Is Your Work Worth It? How to Think About Meaningful Work⁠. "This essential book combines inspiring and harrowing stories of real people with recent scholarship, ancient wisdom, arts, and literature to help us clarify what worthy work looks like, what tradeoffs are acceptable to pursue it, and what our work can contribute to society.”

Genevieve (Genny) McCutcheon from our College of Charleston School of Business Center for Public Choice and Market Process stopped by the studio for a wide-ranging convo about marketing, writing, lifelong learning, and more. For more information about CPCMP, check out Biz-eWerk episode 54, "Peter Calcagno and Adam Smith Week."