What's Working with Cam Marston
355 episodes - English - Latest episode: 19 days ago - ★★★★★ - 20 ratingsInterviewing guests to better understand the trends shaping their workplace, workforce, and marketplace with the hopes that something they say will make each of us a little bit better at whatever it is we do.
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Episodes
REPLAY: Bill E Stitt Makes the Best Bacon in the Entire World
July 26, 2021 13:12 - 53 minutes - 99 MBBill-E Stitt impressed us with his bacon when we first met him. Now after sampling his bacon and hearing his story and getting to know the legend that is Bill E Stitt, we can't get enough of him or his product. Seldom do we interact with anything that is the "world's best," but Bill E's bacon is just that.
Taking The Macallan Scotch Whiskey to the Next Generation
July 19, 2021 12:30 - 55 minutes - 38 MBBased in Los Angeles, Kieron Elliot is national brand ambassador for the Macallan Scotch Whiskey in the US. We discuss the Macallan's strategy for introducing a whiskey typically preferred by older, white, affluent males to the next generation. Kieron tells me their customer is already much more diverse than I'm aware and we sample some of the Macallan's offerings on the air. (Warning - this episode will make you want to sample a good scotch. And you definitely should.)
The Hidden, Undiscussed Crisis of Boys: Educator Blair Fisher Discusses a Growing Concern
July 12, 2021 12:30 - 55 minutes - 38 MBThe overwhelming underperformance of boys in academics has slowly been revealing itself for years and now the data shows the depth of it. The impact ranges from the future of eduction, performance in the workplace, to the competitiveness of the United States. Blair Fisher is an educator and head of school at Mobile's St. Paul's Episcopal School and monitors education trends. He joins me to discuss this alarming phenomenon. Think this doesn't concern you? Think again. (This content will be co...
Mobilian BJ Scott Understands Personal Branding. It's Key to Managing her Fame in Europe
July 05, 2021 12:30 - 55 minutes - 38 MBSouth Alabama remains just under the surface of Beverly Jo (BJ) Scott. Born and raised near Mobile, BJ is now famous in Belgium with her face on billboards and on the sides of busses. Her celebrity comes from her remarkable talent as a singer-songwriter, her own radio and TV show, and her "what you see is what you get" approach to coaching singers on Belgium's version of The Voice. She also considers herself a "worldly American" which is a rare thing and endears her to her fans. Hear how she...
Josh Reed of Huk Brand Fishing Gear - REPLAY
June 28, 2021 15:44 - 54 minutes - 37.4 MBJosh Reed has a fantastic story to tell about the birth of Huk Gear, the fishing apparel company he began with his partners not too long ago. They've exploded with success due to ID'ing an underserved market, putting a team together, and letting them do their work. And I can vouch that their gear is fantastic.
John Hoyle Leads Elite Students at Alabama's School for Math and Sciences in Mobile
June 21, 2021 15:18 - 55 minutes - 38 MBJohn Hoyle leads the Alabama School for Math and Sciences in Mobile. The students there are exceptional - wanting to be pushed and stretched to become the best they can be. The faculty, per John, is the best in the state. The students come from across Alabama and are encouraged to return their eduction to their state by finding work in Alabama when they enter the working career.
High-End Home Theater Equipment Trends: Stagnant then Skyrocket
June 14, 2021 11:48 - 55 minutes - 38 MBDavid Stollmack was worried that his inventory wouldn't move ever again in March and April of last year. Then he started worrying that he couldn't find enough equipment to sell. His business boomed once people realized that quarantine meant lots of at-home TV time. David's years of experience taught him how to manage inventory and how to find and keep customer-centered installers. He takes us on the wild ride he's had over the past eighteen months and we get a peek inside his Springsteen fas...
Carla Williams Wouldn't Let Her Dreams Die. Now She's Poised for a Huge Album Release
June 07, 2021 16:35 - 54 minutes - 37.7 MBCarla Williams wanted to be a country music singer from the beginning. She had to put her dreams on hold to raise four kids and grow a successful business. Now she's back at it and her forthcoming album is a tribute to Karen Carpenter and includes a who's who of the Nashville music scene. This Mobilian is poised for the musical success she's waited for and she richly deserves.
Managing a Prestigious Hawaiian Resort - A Conversation with Charles Head of Fairmont Hotels
May 31, 2021 12:19 - 54 minutes - 38 MBCharles Head has climbed the ranks of Fairmont Hotels to land at the Fairmont Orchid in Hawaii where he leads a big team who delivers exceptional service to the guests. Charles' team - he calls them his "ohana" which roughly translates to "family" - is selected to work at the Fairmont based on their service skills which Charles and his leadership group uncover through assessments and, most importantly, personal interaction. It's a plum job in an extraordinary location and Charles is at the t...
REPLAY: Amy Morin Teaches Mental Strength. Never Has her Expertise Been Needed More.
May 24, 2021 12:00 - 54 minutes - 37.5 MBAmy Morin's start to fame began as a complete surprise. Her blog post titled Thirteen Things Mentally Strong People Don't Do caught fire. Today she's written multiple books, has podcasts, and is in-demand as a speaker. Why? Her message is needed and her delivery of her message is fantastic. I've met her and watched her work and I know you'll love her story and her message as much as I do.
Todd McGehee is a Corporate Chaplain for Hire. He's BUSY Because He's Needed.
May 17, 2021 13:12 - 53 minutes - 37.2 MBTodd McGehee won't push his faith on you. He's hired by local businesses to visit regularly and if you want to talk, he'll talk, if you want to pray, he'll pray with you. And if you want him to leave you alone, he'll do that, too. Todd sees a great demand for spirituality but people are done with institutions. They want God. They don't want church. And Todd brings a gentle, un-intimidating approach to God. His clients love him. You'll like him, too. As promised, Todd's email: ptmcgehee72@gma...
Checking In With Some of our Favorite Guests
May 10, 2021 12:49 - 54 minutes - 37.9 MBChelsea and Logan Green - The Yard Milkshake Bar Joe Brown - Your CBD Store of West Mobile Lane Zirlott - Murder Point Oysters
Bill E Stitt Makes the World's Best Bacon in Fairhope, Alabama
May 03, 2021 12:34 - 54 minutes - 38 MBBill E Stitt begin experimenting with curing his own bacon in college at Ole Miss. It made him plenty of friends - how could it not? Now his bacon is shipped across the country to the nation's most demanding bacon palettes. His process is a closely guarded secret but does involve the meat being serenaded by local musicians. Don't roll your eyes until you've tried it, then be prepared to be disappointed with anything less for the remainder of your life.
The Mighty WWOZ - A New Orleans Community Radio Station with Listeners in 192 Nations and Territories
April 26, 2021 12:30 - 54 minutes - 38 MBBeth Arroyo Utterback is the general manager of WWOZ in New Orleans. The station is staffed nearly entirely by volunteers, many of whom are in their twentieth year of donating their time weekly. Listeners stream the station from across the globe. How does such a small but mighty station create such a loyal following and what can we learn from them to apply to our own businesses?
United Bank and CEO Bob Jones - A Mission to Serve
April 19, 2021 19:20 - 54 minutes - 37.9 MBBob Jones has found his calling. His mission. And it all focuses around service. That rings true in his words and his actions and is one of the many reasons his bank, United Bank based in Atmore, Alabama, is thriving. You're going to like him because is mission to serve is both transparent and authentic.
United Bank & CEO Bob Jones - A Mission to Serve
April 19, 2021 19:20 - 54 minutes - 37.9 MBBob Jones has found his calling. His mission. And it all focuses around service. That rings true in his words and his actions and is one of the many reasons his bank, United Bank based in Atmore, Alabama, is thriving. You're going to like him because is mission to serve is both transparent and authentic.
The Quickly Evolving Insurance World - Allison Horner Updates Us on the Changes
April 12, 2021 13:29 - 54 minutes - 37.9 MBA lively chat with State Farm Agent Allison Horner reveals that the way most consumers think about insurance needs a refresh, and she's just the one to do it. An advocate of taking care of what matters most with her customers, she'll gives us the questions to ask to determine if we have our priorities set correctly. You'll enjoy this conversation.
Checking In Again with Shoe Station CEO Brent Barkin
April 05, 2021 13:24 - 54 minutes - 37.9 MBFriend of What's Working Brent Barkin sits down in the studio to catch us up on Shoe Station's moves since the pandemic hit just over one year ago. Brent's role as CEO of a retail company with twenty-one locations in five states gives him insight into fashion trends, logistics, retail trends, hiring and retention trends, and others. His insight is something we seek regularly - he never fails to offer dynamic insights.
REPLAY: Thom Shea - Retired Navy Seal - Now an Executive Coach
March 29, 2021 13:34 - 53 minutes - 37.2 MBThom Shea asks what is the single thing that prevents people from being the best versions of themselves. Their answer, by a landslide, is drama. Drama in the workplace. Drama in the home. Drama with their kids and with their spouse. So Thom coaches them to deal with drama so their best version of themselves will be available to the world. Thom was a powerful leader in the Seals. He's now a power leadership guide in the corporate world. n3q2fns9
Amy Morin - Thirteen Things Mentally Strong People DON'T Do
March 22, 2021 12:40 - 54 minutes - 37.4 MBAmy Morin, in a time of great difficulty, jotted down a list of mental attributes that she, as a counselor, knew she should avoid. That list became a blog post and that blog post went viral. Today she's written four books on the topic of mental strength, is in demand as a speaker, and her podcasts are a sensation. We talk about how you need to groom, protect, and work on your mental strength and how it applies to your work.
Huk and Nomad Brand Outdoor Performance Apparel - Josh Reed Spotted and Underserved Market
March 15, 2021 11:55 - 54 minutes - 37.4 MBJosh Reed had a hunch that fisherman wanted high-dollar performance clothing and they wanted access to it year around, not only in the summer. Frustrated with his employer's dismissive reply, Josh gathered partners and backers and they began Huk Performance Fishing Apparel. Since then they've added Nomad Outdoor Performance Clothes for hunters and sales are booming across the board. It's a story you'll want to hear.
Huk and Nomad Brand Outdoor Performance Apparel - Josh Reed Spotted an Underserved Market
March 15, 2021 11:55 - 54 minutes - 37.4 MBJosh Reed had a hunch that fishermen wanted high-dollar performance clothing and they wanted access to it year around, not only in the summer. Frustrated with his employer's dismissive reply, Josh gathered partners and backers and they began Huk Performance Fishing Apparel. Since then they've added Nomad Outdoor Performance Clothes for hunters and sales are booming across the board. It's a story you'll want to hear.
Craft Liquor - Competing for the Massive Millennial Market - Bob Angus of Standard Proof Whiskey
March 08, 2021 13:30 - 54 minutes - 37.4 MBOver thirty percent of all whiskey is consumed by the Millennials. Bob Angus runs Standard Proof Whiskey in Nashville and is gaining customers in this coveted consumer group by developing craft rye whiskeys with innovative expressions designed to catch their attention. I've tried a couple and they're GOOD. We get him to tell his story and explain his strategies to catch their attention. If you like a good rye you'll love this show.
Craft Liquor - Competing for the Massive Millennial Market - Bob Angus of Standard Proof Whiskey
March 08, 2021 13:30 - 54 minutes - 37.4 MBOver thirty percent of all whiskey is consumed by the Millennials. Bob Angus runs Standard Proof Whiskey in Nashville and is gaining customers in this coveted consumer group by developing craft rye whiskeys with innovative expressions designed to catch their attention. I've tried a couple and they're GOOD. We get him to tell his story and explain his strategies to catch their attention. If you like a good rye you'll love this show.
From Mass Cancellations to Record Setting Reservations - Brian Harris of Harris Properties Management
March 01, 2021 13:29 - 54 minutes - 37.3 MBBrian Harris run Harris Properties in Gulf Shores. He rents homes to the vacation market as well as buys and sells vacation homes all in the Gulf Shores, Alabama area. When Covid hit the cancellations flooded in. Brian found ways to not only continue, but found innovative ways to keeps his contractors in revenue. Then the phones rang again - this time for record reservations. "If we have to quarantine," his customers said, "let's do it at the beach." Boom. Record revenues.
Gregory Robinson Talks Ipe - a Hardwood Famous for its Hurricane Resilience
February 22, 2021 13:00 - 54 minutes - 37.4 MBIpe (pronounced "EEE-pay") is known for its weight and density. It sinks. Used as waterfront decking, it survives the storms. Southern pine - the most popular decking material - floats, its buoyancy pulling it upward in a flood, tearing it from its attachments. Ipe suffers none of this, explaining the post hurricane footage showing scores of docks destroyed by the storm surge. The docks that remain nearly entirely intact? Likely constructed from ipe.
Thom Shea - retired Navy Seal - now coaches execs to be the best version of themselves
February 15, 2021 13:54 - 51 minutes - 35.5 MBThom Shea asks his clients and his audiences what is the single thing that prevents them from being the best versions of themselves. Their answer, by a landslide, is drama. Drama in the workplace. Drama in the home. Drama with their kids and with their spouse. So Thom coaches them to deal with drama so their best version of themselves will be available to the world. Thom was a powerful leader in the Seals. He's now a power leadership guide in the corporate world.
Adam Heisler Teaches Non-Traditional Baseball Skills in a City Steeped in Baseball Tradition
February 08, 2021 13:36 - 53 minutes - 37 MBAdam Heisler uses technology to teach his students how to hit a baseball. The term "launch angle" is taboo in certain circles, but Adam stands behind the technology, the research supporting it and, most importantly, his student's improved at bats. He talks about how he's gone against the headwinds of tradition in a city with deep, deep baseball roots.
Louise McCown and Cliff Kennedy - Forty Under Forty Winners
February 01, 2021 15:20 - 53 minutes - 36.9 MBLouise McCown and Cliff Kennedy are 2021 Forty Under Forty Winners from Mobile Bay Monthly's annual tribute. Both lead impressive organizations and, at a young age, have impressive resumés. We talk about the lessons they'd give their younger selves and what those of us over fifty should know about the under forty leader.
Mike Adams Created a Way to Protect Spray Foam Insulation Buildings from Termites
January 18, 2021 16:11 - 50 minutes - 34.9 MBMost termite companies want nothing to do with protecting buildings with spray foam insulation - termites go undetected under the foam, leaving the termite companies on the hook for the damages. Enter Mike Adams and E3 Termite and Pest Control and his custom solution to treating spray foam insulated buildings. His product has entered a market desperate for it. I should know. I hired his company for my home, heard his story, and said, "Please let me interview you on my radio show."
Devin Marks Coaches Experts to Deliver their Powerful Messages Powerfully.
January 04, 2021 23:07 - 53 minutes - 36.9 MBDevin Marks has a recipe for delivering the spoken word powerfully. Story. Conflict. Resolution. Vulnerability. Empathy. Simplicity. Who new there was a method? Devin discovered the method and now teaches experts worldwide how to organize their message in such a way that audiences will NEVER forget what they heard.
Jeff Butler is building a mid-century American furniture retail empire.
January 04, 2021 21:46 - 52 minutes - 36.2 MBCovid forced Jeff Butler to change how he brought his furniture finds to market which began a banner year for Jeff and his team. He's focused today on building his business to scale larger and larger and the top lesson he's learned: sharing the pie will yield bigger results than keeping most of it for himself.
Holiday Trends in the Wine Business: A Chat with Jim Cox of Southern Napa Wines
December 14, 2020 17:07 - 50 minutes - 35 MBEasy to get excited about recording a radio show when the guest starts pulling out corks before we're even seated at our mics. Jim Cox is no stranger to teaching the neophyte to the most sophisticated palette how to enjoy wine. We discuss wine trends, his story, and how during Covid he and his team went through some reinvention that lead to one of the best years they've ever had.
Robert Tucker - A Peek into the Post-Pandemic Future
December 07, 2020 15:20 - 53 minutes - 36.9 MBRobert Tucker is a futurist with insights into how our work world will look once normalcy has returned. He makes big predictions that will impact the way business functions.
Suzanne Massingill - Barefoot Model and Talent - Discovering the "it" factor
November 30, 2020 14:10 - 53 minutes - 36.9 MBSuzanne learned her business by doing it at all levels. Moving to Mobile, she saw an opportunity to provide models and actors for productions along the Gulf Coast. As the popularity of this region as a filming destination increased and Netflix and the like began their own productions, she got busy and remains so today. Learn what it takes to find and market talent and the most surprising things that talent wanna-be's have to learn.
Andy MacDonald: The Art and Business of Music
November 16, 2020 12:45 - 53 minutes - 36.9 MBAndy MacDonald owns Picker's Paradise in Stockton, Alabama. Musicians from all around know of the store and the jam sessions that occur there. Has Corona shut him down? Not at all. Aspiring musicians, with time on their hands, have shown up to get lessons, upgrade their skills, and get new guitars (when Andy can find them - inventory nationwide is low.) Hear how Andy has evolved his business and himself and learn the state of the local music business.
Knox Boteler Talks about How the Little Guy can Take on the Big Corporations
November 09, 2020 12:28 - 53 minutes - 36.9 MBAttorney Knox Boteler knows how to protect the little guy when he's bought a defective product and can't get the major corporate manufacturer to take responsibility. Document everything, save receipts, and when all else fails, post to social media. Knox takes us through how the world of consumer protections are changing and, most importantly, what I should do about my chronically broken ice-maker.
Josh Duplantis - Working On Tomorrow's (and Today's!) Workforce
November 02, 2020 14:26 - 53 minutes - 36.9 MBPandemic + hurricanes + huge numbers of jobs available equals... what? No one is quite sure. Josh Duplantis isn't waiting, though. He's working to train the next generation in his role as Dean of Workforce Development for Coastal Alabama Community College.
REPLAY: Lane Zirlott and Murder Point Oysters
October 26, 2020 18:35 - 53 minutes - 36.9 MBLane Zirlott remains one of our favorites and fall means oysters to us so we're replaying Lane's interview. We can't get enough of him.
Victory Health Partner's Mission: Service plus Excellent Healthcare
October 19, 2020 13:39 - 53 minutes - 36.9 MBOn a mission trip providing medical care, Dr Robert Lightfoot felt a stirring inside that he couldn't deny and returned to Mobile, Alabama with the intent to provide healthcare to a marginalized community that needed it the most. In 2019 it totaled nearly 20,000 patient encounters and nearly $40M in free medication. Since Covid, he and his team have been in ever greater demand, continuing to serve his community and being obedient to a higher calling.
Turning Invasive Nutria Into Dog Food - The Fantastic Story of Marsh Dog Pet Treats
October 12, 2020 11:47 - 53 minutes - 37 MBHansel Harlan was reading newspaper stories of the devastation caused by an invasive species of water rodent about the same time his dog became allergic to the store-bought dog food. Harlan put one and one together and with help from his marketing genius sister, Marsh Dog Pet Treats was born.
John Grado - Innovating for Sound Quality for the Most Discerning Customers
October 05, 2020 11:56 - 53 minutes - 37 MBStarted by his uncle, John Grado now runs the family business that manufactures some of the industry's highest performing headphones, ear buds, and phonograph cartridges. They've never advertised, relying only on word of mouth and professional reviews to tell their story. Each item is hand made in the same Brooklyn facility where the company originated. Wood as a component of headphones? Yep. All stringed instrument's sounds are enhanced by the wood they're made from. Why not headphones? Bri...
Bruce Tulgan's New Book: The Art of Being Indispensable at Work
September 27, 2020 13:34 - 53 minutes - 36.9 MBBruce's new book offers insight from the hundreds of surveys he's conducted on the workplace. His conclusions are drawn from conversations with workplace leaders across the country. And he easily and comfortably relays the attributes one needs to become a go-to person in their workplace.
Silver Ships - Aluminum Workboats with a Backlog of Orders
September 14, 2020 12:14 - 53 minutes - 36.9 MBSteven Clarke offered his step-father some help when he returned home for vacation one Christmas. In a little time, he was running the business. He started by applying some business fundamentals to the company's processes and then building orders. Today their clients include the US Corps of Engineers, the US Navy, and police, fire, and natural resources departments all over the country.
Bill Rau - Third Generation Leader of World Famous M.S. Rau Antiques in New Orleans
September 07, 2020 14:58 - 53 minutes - 36.9 MBLocated on Royal Street in New Orlean's historic French Quarter, M.S. Rau Antiques sells everything from priceless gems to meteorites to cave bear skeletons to original Picassos. Bill Rau's workday has him moving among some of the world's most precious items but this self-described merchant has been taught to collect, admire, but most importantly, to sell these items.
Greer Myers: A Better Path for Palliative Care
August 31, 2020 01:06 - 53 minutes - 36.9 MBGreer Myers and his team envisioned better methods for palliative care. They combed through enormous amounts of data, interviewed palliative care patients and families, and set up a plan to refine the process. Their hunches paid off. His team's company, Turn Key Health, revealed opportunities to make the end of life process easier and cheaper on all parties involved. So they announced their findings and put their company up for sale and, viola, it was a snapped up. From beginning to end in f...
REPLAY: Sid Sexton Teaches a Remarkable Lesson on Recruiting and Retaining People
August 24, 2020 13:14 - 53 minutes - 36.9 MBWhen Sid Sexton first described his method of directing employment paths for his people, I knew what I was hearing was simple genius. I've since quoted and used some of his job descriptions as slides in my presentations across the country. If your challenge is motivating and retaining people what you'll hear here works.
Unclaimed Baggage Center - Where Luggage and Its Content Goes to be Reborn
August 17, 2020 13:15 - 53 minutes - 36.9 MBWhere does luggage that is truly lost end up? Well, after the airlines have settled with the owner and if the luggage is eventually located, it goes to the Unclaimed Baggage Center in Scottsboro, Alabama. It is opened, unpacked, and the contents is put out for sale in a 50,000 square foot store where you can find everything from watches, cameras, jewelry, and vintage T-shirts. The bargains are amazing and people come from hundreds of miles to shop here.
Dan Lyons - The 8 Secrets of Inspirational Leadership
August 10, 2020 12:00 - 53 minutes - 36.9 MBIs there a better metaphor for teamwork than rowing an eight-person rowing shell? Where every rower's movement must be attuned to every other rower's movement? Dan Lyons runs Team Concepts out of Philadelphia using rowing shells to teach teamwork. Nearly every famous business school on the East Coast engages Dan for his teaching. His insights deserve attention.
Cristian Druetta runs Tuku Lodge in northern Argentina. The birds have become a problem.
August 03, 2020 12:25 - 53 minutes - 36.9 MBIf you're a wing shooter, this is will fascinate you. Covid has eliminated air travel to the world-famous Tuku Lodge in the Salta province of Argentina. As a result, the bird population has exploded. Farmers are calling Cristian asking him how soon he can bring the hunters back; the birds (doves and pigeons mostly) eating 25 to 30% of the crops. Cristian tells us how he's managed, how he's kept his team working, and he begs us to come help his farmers when the travel restrictions are lifted.