The Idea Vault Podcast

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 [https://www.studentmadestore.com/studentmade-manager-application] Student-Made Troy Creator Positions [https://www.studentmadetroy.com/join-student-made]    Connect with Student-Made Store: Making It Creative Podcast [https://www.studentmadestore.com/stories-podcast] Read About ArisDesigns-Creator Story [https://www.studentmadestore.com/stories/creator-story-arianna-guzman]   Connect with the Idea Vault Podcast & IDEA Bank: https://ideabank.podbean.com/ [https://ideabank.podbean.com/]  www.troy.edu/ideabank [http://www.troy.edu/ideabank] Subscribe to our Newsletter [https://ideabank.substack.com/]   Follow us: Idea Vault Podcast on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/ideavaultpodcast/?hl=en] IDEA Bank on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/TROYIDEABank/] IDEA Bank on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/troyideabank/?hl=en]

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 [https://www.instagram.com/clydemayswhiskey/?hl=en] Clyde May's Website [https://clydemays.com/]   Connect with the Idea Vault Podcast & IDEA Bank: https://ideabank.podbean.com/ [https://ideabank.podbean.com/]  www.troy.edu/ideabank [http://www.troy.edu/ideabank] Subscribe to our Newsletter [https://ideabank.substack.com/]   Follow us: Idea Vault Podcast on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/ideavaultpodcast/?hl=en] IDEA Bank on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/TROYIDEABank/] IDEA Bank on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/troyideabank/?hl=en]

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 [https://www.youtube.com/@JBRobertsMusic]   Connect with the Idea Vault Podcast & IDEA Bank: https://ideabank.podbean.com/ [https://ideabank.podbean.com/]  www.troy.edu/ideabank [http://www.troy.edu/ideabank] Subscribe to our Newsletter [https://ideabank.substack.com/]   Follow us: Idea Vault Podcast on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/ideavaultpodcast/?hl=en] IDEA Bank on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/TROYIDEABank/] IDEA Bank on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/troyideabank/?hl=en]

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/ [https://ideabank.podbean.com/]  www.troy.edu/ideabank [http://www.troy.edu/ideabank] Subscribe to our Newsletter [https://ideabank.substack.com/]   Follow us: Idea Vault Podcast on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/ideavaultpodcast/?hl=en] IDEA Bank on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/TROYIDEABank/] IDEA Bank on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/troyideabank/?hl=en]

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/ [https://ideabank.podbean.com/]  www.troy.edu/ideabank [http://www.troy.edu/ideabank] Subscribe to our Newsletter [https://ideabank.substack.com/]   Follow us: Idea Vault Podcast on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/ideavaultpodcast/?hl=en] IDEA Bank on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/TROYIDEABank/] IDEA Bank on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/troyideabank/?hl=en]