Ep. 16 - Innovation Starts Here: Joshua Sahib and Auburn’s Startup Ecosystem

Ep. 17 – Driving the Future: The Story Behind Glory EV

Olkaris Marandu is the founder of Glory EV, an electric vehicle company focused on redefining low-speed transportation through sustainable, stylish, and practical electric vehicles. Under Olkaris’ leadership, the company has built a reputation for innovation, customization, and customer-focused design, providing EV solutions for neighborhoods, campuses, resorts, and community travel. With a vision centered on accessibility and the future of mobility, Glory EV continues to expand its impact in the growing electric vehicle industry. Tune in to We Spoke to hear Olkaris’ entrepreneurial journey, the story behind Glory EV, and his perspective on the future of transportation.

Ep. 16 - Innovation Starts Here: Joshua Sahib and Auburn’s Startup Ecosystem

Joshua Sahib is an entrepreneur, educator, and startup advocate dedicated to helping entrepreneurs turn ideas into sustainable businesses. As Managing Director of the Lowder Center for Family Business and Entrepreneurship at Auburn University Harbert College of Business, Joshua leads programs that support students, founders, and small business owners across Alabama through mentorship, startup resources, pitch competitions, and entrepreneurial education. A founder himself, Joshua has launched multiple businesses spanning technology, software, and creative industries, bringing real-world entrepreneurial experience into every conversation. Tune in to We Spoke to hear Joshua’s perspective on innovation, entrepreneurship, and how Auburn’s growing startup ecosystem is helping shape the next generation of business leaders.

Ep. 15 – A Lifetime of Leadership: Lessons from Ralph Olson

Ralph Olson is a longtime business leader, strategist, and mentor whose career has spanned some of the country’s most recognizable companies and industries. From helping develop the 2-liter plastic bottle at Pepsi to leading major organizations including E-Z-GO Golf Cars, Sherwin-Williams, Gibson Greetings, and R.A. Jones, Ralph has spent decades building businesses, leading turnarounds, and mentoring future leaders. Today, he continues to advise organizations and entrepreneurs through strategic consulting and leadership development. Tune in to We Spoke to hear Ralph’s incredible journey through American business leadership, innovation, and the lessons he’s learned from a lifetime of leading people and companies.

Ep. 14 – Creating Places People Return To: Matt Poirier’s Auburn Story

Matt Poirier is the owner of The Hound, a Southern-inspired restaurant known for its hospitality, storytelling, and deep connection to Auburn culture. Beyond The Hound, Matt has helped shape Auburn’s food and gathering scene through businesses including The Depot and Sneak & Dawdle. His approach blends community, creativity, and a passion for bringing people together through meaningful experiences. Tune in to We Spoke to hear how Matt built multiple businesses centered on culture, connection, and creating places people truly want to return to.

Ep. 13 – From Auburn to the Fairway: The Moon Golf Journey

Auburn graduates and lifelong golf enthusiasts who turned their shared passion for the game into one of the Southeast’s premier golf retail experiences. Together, they built Moon Golf around expert knowledge, genuine hospitality, and a deep connection to the Auburn community. Their mission is to create a welcoming environment where golfers of every skill level can find the right equipment, improve their game, and feel part of the golf community. Tune in to We Spoke to hear how Anne and Dan combined entrepreneurship, family, and a love for golf to build a business that continues to grow across the Southeast. Auburn graduates and lifelong golf enthusiasts who turned their shared passion for the game into one of the Southeast’s premier golf retail experiences. Together, they built Moon Golf around expert knowledge, genuine hospitality, and a deep connection to the Auburn community. Their mission is to create a welcoming environment where golfers of every skill level can find the right equipment, improve their game, and feel part of the golf community. Tune in to We Spoke to hear how Anne and Dan combined entrepreneurship, family, and a love for golf to build a business that continues to grow across the Southeast.