Sam Riggs on Seaplanes, Aviation, and Building a One-of-a-Kind Experience for Virginia Aviation

Build It to Last: Eric Svedberg on Mastering Operations in Any Service Business

In this episode of Discover Virginia, we sit down with Eric Svedberg, the force behind European Autowerks and a sought-after business coach helping service providers build companies that actually run. With more than three decades owning one of Hampton Roads’ premier European automotive shops—and a track record for transforming chaotic businesses into structured, scalable operations—Eric reveals the systems that turn small companies into sustainable, profitable machines. This conversation uncovers: • Personal — the hard-earned lessons from Eric’s early years, leadership journey, and why he committed to building businesses that serve the owner… not the other way around. • Business — how he diagnoses operational bottlenecks, builds processes for finance, HR, and automation, and helps owners create predictable profit without burning out. • Community — the ripple effect of better-run service businesses: stronger teams, higher customer standards, and a healthier local economy in Hampton Roads. Eric breaks down the mindset shift every owner needs, the structure most shops are missing, and the systems that drive freedom, growth, and longevity. Whether you run an auto shop, manage a service team, or simply want a business that doesn’t depend on you 24/7—this episode gives you the blueprint to build it to last. Who should we interview next? [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206204/fan_mail/new] Support the show [https://stan.store/DiscoverVirginia/p/support-the-discover-virginia-podcast] Discover Virginia Beach Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206204 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206204]  Discover Virginia Beach Fb Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/discovervirginiabeach [https://www.facebook.com/groups/discovervirginiabeach]

Sam Riggs on Seaplanes, Aviation, and Building a One-of-a-Kind Experience for Virginia Aviation

For the first time in Discover Virginia Podcast history, we’re taking the conversation off the ground. In this episode, we sit down with Sam Riggs, founder of Coastal Seaplanes, while flying in a coastal seaplane — marking our first-ever interview recorded in the air. Launching directly from the water and soaring above Virginia’s coastline, this episode captures local innovation and storytelling from an entirely new perspective. Mid-flight, we make a pit stop at The Tides Inn in Virginia, where we land on the water and take viewers along for a bonus on-location tour of one of Virginia’s most iconic waterfront destinations. It’s part aviation, part entrepreneurship, and part destination discovery — all in one experience. Once back in the air, Sam breaks down what it really takes to operate a seaplane business, from safety and regulations to building unforgettable experiences that elevate Virginia tourism. We explore: How Coastal Seaplanes created a one-of-a-kind aviation experience What makes water-based aviation uniquely challenging The logistics behind landing at premier destinations like The Tides Inn Why experiential businesses are redefining how people explore Virginia How bold, local ideas can create national-level attention This episode is more than an interview — it’s a Discover Virginia milestone, blending adventure, business, and destination storytelling in a way we’ve never done before. If you want to see Virginia from a completely new angle, this is a flight you won’t want to miss. Who should we interview next? [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206204/fan_mail/new] Support the show [https://stan.store/DiscoverVirginia/p/support-the-discover-virginia-podcast] Discover Virginia Beach Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206204 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206204]  Discover Virginia Beach Fb Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/discovervirginiabeach [https://www.facebook.com/groups/discovervirginiabeach]

Local Stories, Global Stages: Dr. Ashlie on Writing Fiction That Wins Awards

In this episode of the Discover Virginia Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Ashlie, a Virginia-based author whose fictional I Remember trilogy has gained national recognition, including winning at the LA Film Festival. Her work is a powerful example of how storytelling, imagination, and craft can take a local voice to a global stage. We talk not only on her book, but her award winning podcasts on sports and podcasts. For podcasts check out Pardon My Politics, "Leaning on 18+ years of government study and writing, we discuss news and issues surrounding government policies, current administration, congressional leadership, and more" and for Sports, Not Your Average Cheerleader, NFL updates, news, highlights, game recaps, interviews with players and trainers, fantasy football, and much more!  To top it all off, we’re giving away a copy of Dr. Ashlie’s I Remember fiction trilogy, with the winner announced the week of Christmas 2025. This episode is a reminder that world-class creative work doesn’t have to come from major media hubs — sometimes it starts right here, with a story worth telling. to learn more about Ashlie and support her work, visit: https://www.ashliegibbs.com/  Who should we interview next? [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206204/fan_mail/new] Support the show [https://stan.store/DiscoverVirginia/p/support-the-discover-virginia-podcast] Discover Virginia Beach Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206204 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206204]  Discover Virginia Beach Fb Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/discovervirginiabeach [https://www.facebook.com/groups/discovervirginiabeach]

Win Online in 2026: How Smart Branding & Websites Help Separate YOU from the Noise

In a digital world where attention is short and competition is everywhere, looking professional is no longer enough — you need to be strategic, clear, and conversion-focused. In this episode, we sit down with Tania and Courtney, two experts at the intersection of branding, website design, and online positioning, to unpack what actually makes businesses stand out heading into 2026. This isn’t about trends for trend’s sake — it’s about building a digital presence that earns trust, communicates value fast, and turns attention into action. We talk about: * Why most business websites fail before the first scroll * The difference between “pretty branding” and profitable branding * How consumer expectations are changing — and what businesses must do to keep up * Common mistakes business owners make when DIY’ing their brand * What a high-performing online presence must include moving forward Whether you’re a local business, service provider, or founder scaling your brand, this conversation will challenge how you think about your website, your messaging, and how customers experience your business before they ever speak to you. If you want to win online in 2026, this episode is your blueprint. Who should we interview next? [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206204/fan_mail/new] Support the show [https://stan.store/DiscoverVirginia/p/support-the-discover-virginia-podcast] Discover Virginia Beach Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206204 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206204]  Discover Virginia Beach Fb Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/discovervirginiabeach [https://www.facebook.com/groups/discovervirginiabeach]

From Court to Character: The Excel Basketball Story with Lance Hurdle

In this episode of Discover Virginia, we sit down with former pro athlete and founder of Excel Basketball Academy, Lance Hurdle, to explore how basketball becomes a vehicle for discipline, mindset, and personal growth. Lance has built more than a training program—he’s created a culture where young athletes learn to lead with character long before they chase trophies. We unpack his journey from player to coach, the philosophy behind Excel’s development system, and how structure, accountability, and mentorship shape the next generation both on and off the court. This conversation breaks down: Personal — Lance’s story, the lessons that shaped him, and why he chose to build Excel in the 757 Business — how Excel Basketball Academy designs athletes from the foundation up—skills, mindset, work ethic Community — the ripple effect of developing leaders, not just hoopers, and the impact Excel is having across Hampton Roads Whether you're a parent, an athlete, or a leader invested in youth development, this episode gives a real look at what it takes to build champions who excel beyond the game. Who should we interview next? [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206204/fan_mail/new] Support the show [https://stan.store/DiscoverVirginia/p/support-the-discover-virginia-podcast] Discover Virginia Beach Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206204 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206204]  Discover Virginia Beach Fb Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/discovervirginiabeach [https://www.facebook.com/groups/discovervirginiabeach]