How to Grow a GOOD Network, Not Just a Large One

Why a Video-First Marketing Strategy Wins Every Time with Kevin Klepeis of Kentucky Fried Creative

In this episode of What’s the Startup?!, Kevin Klepeis shares how small businesses can use a video-first marketing strategy to make a big impact without big-agency budgets. After years in corporate marketing, Kevin founded Kentucky Fried Creative in Paducah, KY, to help local small and mid-sized businesses create smart, affordable marketing that works. He explains what a true video-first approach looks like, how to get the most out of one day of filming, and why listening to your customers should drive your creative decisions. You’ll learn: * How to structure a video-first marketing strategy for long-term results * Simple ways to repurpose video content across multiple platforms * How AI tools can help you brainstorm and plan video ideas faster * Why local creative talent can rival big agencies—and deliver with more heart Whether you’re ready to shoot your first video or looking to refine your overall marketing strategy, this conversation offers practical, actionable advice to help you connect with your audience and grow your business. Connect with Kevin Klepeis: Website: kycreative.com [https://kycreative.com] Email: kevin@kycreative.com Listen to more episodes of What’s the Startup?!: https://sprocketwky.com/podcasts [https://sprocketwky.com/podcasts] Thank you for tuning in to this episode of the Sprocket Podcast! If you’re ready to dive into the world of startups and innovation, visit us online at Sprocket [https://sprocketwky.com]WKY to learn more about our mission and how we support entrepreneurs like you. Ready to check out the space? Book a tour with Tiffany, our Community Coordinator! [https://www.sprocketpaducah.com/tour] Got a business idea? Apply for a mentorship session with one of our experienced mentors! [https://api.leadconnectorhq.com/widget/form/1eeLZptPLX3IOXF3Chvq] Stay connected and join our growing community on Instagram [https://instagram.com/sprocketpaducah] for the latest updates, inspiration, and behind-the-scenes looks at what’s happening at Sprocket. Let’s turn your ideas into reality—together! Sprocket is proud to be supported by Team Kentucky, the Commonwealth's Cabinet for Economic Development. Learn more about their initiatives and resources at ced.ky.gov [https://ced.ky.gov/].

Should You Pursue Venture Capital? Startup Funding Advice from Diego Rubio of CORI

In this episode, we’re sharing a powerful excerpt from one of our most popular mentor-led workshops—an intro to venture capital with Diego Rubio from the Center on Rural Innovation (CORI). Diego unpacks how venture capital really works, what VCs are looking for, and whether this funding path makes sense for your startup. You’ll learn: * The structure behind VC funds and why they chase big wins * How equity dilution works across funding stages * What signals investors look for in early-stage startups * When founders should not pursue VC funding * What it takes to be “VC-ready” 🎧 To access the full one-hour workshop (plus book a free call with Diego), create a free account at sprocketwky.com/join [https://sprocketwky.com/join]. This episode is sponsored by Kentucky Fried Creative [https://kyfriedcreative.com]—authentic marketing for the Common Wealth, from right here in the Commonwealth. Thank you for tuning in to this episode of the Sprocket Podcast! If you’re ready to dive into the world of startups and innovation, visit us online at Sprocket [https://sprocketwky.com]WKY to learn more about our mission and how we support entrepreneurs like you. Ready to check out the space? Book a tour with Tiffany, our Community Coordinator! [https://www.sprocketpaducah.com/tour] Got a business idea? Apply for a mentorship session with one of our experienced mentors! [https://api.leadconnectorhq.com/widget/form/1eeLZptPLX3IOXF3Chvq] Stay connected and join our growing community on Instagram [https://instagram.com/sprocketpaducah] for the latest updates, inspiration, and behind-the-scenes looks at what’s happening at Sprocket. Let’s turn your ideas into reality—together! Sprocket is proud to be supported by Team Kentucky, the Commonwealth's Cabinet for Economic Development. Learn more about their initiatives and resources at ced.ky.gov [https://ced.ky.gov/].

How to Grow a GOOD Network, Not Just a Large One

A strong network doesn’t have to be a big one—it just has to be built right. In this episode, Josiah Wright of Optrivo breaks down what actually works when it comes to networking as a founder. Spoiler: it’s not about cold DMs or handing out business cards to strangers. Josiah shares how building real relationships, doing consistently great work, and showing up as a trusted expert can open the door to massive opportunities—without all the gimmicks. From turning a $50 blog gig into a thriving copywriting career to landing high-paying clients through reputation alone, this conversation is packed with real talk and actionable takeaways for anyone trying to grow their business the smart way. You can learn from Josiah and book a free mentorship call with him inside SprocketWKY—just join at sprocketwky.com/join [https://sprocketwky.com/join]. 🎙️ This episode is brought to you by Kentucky Fried Creative [https://kyfriedcreative.com]—authentic marketing for the Common Wealth, from right here in the Commonwealth. Thank you for tuning in to this episode of the Sprocket Podcast! If you’re ready to dive into the world of startups and innovation, visit us online at Sprocket [https://sprocketwky.com]WKY to learn more about our mission and how we support entrepreneurs like you. Ready to check out the space? Book a tour with Tiffany, our Community Coordinator! [https://www.sprocketpaducah.com/tour] Got a business idea? Apply for a mentorship session with one of our experienced mentors! [https://api.leadconnectorhq.com/widget/form/1eeLZptPLX3IOXF3Chvq] Stay connected and join our growing community on Instagram [https://instagram.com/sprocketpaducah] for the latest updates, inspiration, and behind-the-scenes looks at what’s happening at Sprocket. Let’s turn your ideas into reality—together! Sprocket is proud to be supported by Team Kentucky, the Commonwealth's Cabinet for Economic Development. Learn more about their initiatives and resources at ced.ky.gov [https://ced.ky.gov/].

Thinking About Starting a Business? Here’s What You Need to Know with Aaron Harned of the SBDC

Thinking about starting a business—but not sure where to begin? In this episode, we sit down with Aaron Harned, Center Director of the Paducah Small Business Development Center (SBDC), to unpack what really goes into launching and growing a business. From funding myths and feasibility checks to business plans and buying an existing business, Aaron shares real-world insight from working with hundreds of entrepreneurs across Western Kentucky. If you’ve ever wondered what the SBDC does, when to reach out, or what might stop your idea before it starts—this conversation is packed with value. What you’ll learn: * What the SBDC is and how it supports business owners at no cost * Common funding misconceptions (like the “free grant” myth) * What makes a business idea truly feasible * The #1 reason small businesses fail—and how to avoid it * How to prepare for your first meeting with the SBDC Whether you’re dreaming, building, or scaling—this episode will help you take smarter steps toward success. 👉 Learn more or book a meeting with your local SBDC at: https://kentuckysbdc.com [https://kentuckysbdc.com] 🎙️ This episode is sponsored by Kentucky Fried Creative—authentic marketing for the Common Wealth, from the Commonwealth. From strategy to video to web, they help small businesses grow with clarity and confidence. Whether you’re starting your first business or looking to grow something that already exists, Sprocketwky.com connects you with what—and who—you need. Thank you for tuning in to this episode of the Sprocket Podcast! If you’re ready to dive into the world of startups and innovation, visit us online at Sprocket [https://sprocketwky.com]WKY to learn more about our mission and how we support entrepreneurs like you. Ready to check out the space? Book a tour with Tiffany, our Community Coordinator! [https://www.sprocketpaducah.com/tour] Got a business idea? Apply for a mentorship session with one of our experienced mentors! [https://api.leadconnectorhq.com/widget/form/1eeLZptPLX3IOXF3Chvq] Stay connected and join our growing community on Instagram [https://instagram.com/sprocketpaducah] for the latest updates, inspiration, and behind-the-scenes looks at what’s happening at Sprocket. Let’s turn your ideas into reality—together! Sprocket is proud to be supported by Team Kentucky, the Commonwealth's Cabinet for Economic Development. Learn more about their initiatives and resources at ced.ky.gov [https://ced.ky.gov/].

Want to Start a Coffee Hour in Your Community? Here’s How.

What if one weekly gathering could change the game for your startup community? In this episode, mentor Terri Lundberg sits down with Amie Tooley to talk about how to create and sustain a thriving community Coffee Hour—no matter where you live. Together, they unpack what makes these gatherings work, how to grow from a few people to a full room, and why ownership, engagement, and mentorship matter more than perfect planning. If you’re looking to start something meaningful in your region—or need a reminder of your own value as a founder—this one’s for you. Join our coffee hour community at sprocketpaducah.com/coffeehour 🎙️ This episode is sponsored by Kentucky Fried Creative—authentic marketing for the Common Wealth, from the Commonwealth. From strategy to video to web, they help small businesses grow with clarity and confidence. Learn more at kyfriedcreative.com. Thank you for tuning in to this episode of the Sprocket Podcast! If you’re ready to dive into the world of startups and innovation, visit us online at Sprocket [https://sprocketwky.com]WKY to learn more about our mission and how we support entrepreneurs like you. Ready to check out the space? Book a tour with Tiffany, our Community Coordinator! [https://www.sprocketpaducah.com/tour] Got a business idea? Apply for a mentorship session with one of our experienced mentors! [https://api.leadconnectorhq.com/widget/form/1eeLZptPLX3IOXF3Chvq] Stay connected and join our growing community on Instagram [https://instagram.com/sprocketpaducah] for the latest updates, inspiration, and behind-the-scenes looks at what’s happening at Sprocket. Let’s turn your ideas into reality—together! Sprocket is proud to be supported by Team Kentucky, the Commonwealth's Cabinet for Economic Development. Learn more about their initiatives and resources at ced.ky.gov [https://ced.ky.gov/].