Join us for Episode #50 of our podcast! 🎙️ This week, we’re thrilled to feature Nathan Ballentine, the Richland District 71 Representative and an influential leader in South Carolina. Nathan’s journey from a University of South Carolina graduate to his current role as Market Leader at Movement Mortgage highlights a career defined by service and dedication. Now nearing 20 years of representing his district in the South Carolina Statehouse, Nathan continues to make a lasting impact through his leadership and commitment to the community.

In this episode of The Cola Guys Podcast, we’re excited to welcome Kerry Powers, CEO and President of the Greater Irmo Chamber of Commerce! Kerry shares insights into the Chamber's latest initiatives, how she’s driven its growth, and what’s coming up for local businesses. Tune in to hear about her work to support and expand the Chamber’s impact, her leadership role in Leadership Lexington, and her vision for strengthening the community and connecting local businesses in Irmo and beyond. Whether you’re a small business owner, community leader, or just interested in Irmo’s growth, this episode is packed with great conversation and community updates!

🎙️ Cola Guys Podcast: Interview with Dr. Akil E. Ross, Sr. In this episode, we chat with Dr. Akil E. Ross, Sr., Superintendent of Lexington-Richland School District Five. With over 20 years in education, Dr. Ross shares his journey from teacher and coach to educational leader and consultant. He discusses the district's unique characteristics, key priorities for the academic year, and strategies to address achievement gaps and budget challenges. We also explore the importance of student safety, mental health, and teacher support, along with plans to adapt to changing demographics and technological advancements. Tune in for valuable insights from a passionate leader dedicated to empowering every child! 👉 Subscribe to the Cola Guys Podcast for more inspiring conversations!

In this episode, we dive into the comeback of Bourbon. We interview Kristian Niemi the founder of the American Whiskey Fair, which has grown tremendously over the years, becoming a premier event for whiskey enthusiasts. Kristian shares insights on how bourbon’s resurgence is impacting the industry and what it takes to pull off such a fantastic event. Don't miss out on this exciting episode as we explore the world of whiskey and celebrate the festival's growing popularity!

In this episode, we sit down with Delanore Troupe, the Director of Client Success at AS-Build 3D, to explore the exciting advancements in Matterport technology and its growing impact on the real estate industry. Delanore shares his insights on how Matterport is transforming the way properties are showcased online, offering immersive 3D virtual tours that allow potential buyers to explore homes in unprecedented detail. He discusses the benefits of using Matterport technology for real estate listings, including enhanced viewer engagement, time-saving advantages for both buyers and agents, and the potential to reach a wider audience. As this technology becomes more widespread, Delanore predicts that Matterport could revolutionize the real estate market, making virtual tours a standard feature in listings and drastically changing how we buy and sell homes. Tune in to learn more about this game-changing innovation and what the future holds for real estate visualization. 🎥 Topics Covered: - Introduction to Delanore Troupe and AS-Build 3D - The rise of Matterport technology in real estate - Benefits of 3D virtual tours for listings - Future predictions for Matterport and the real estate industry - How agents and buyers can leverage this technology Don't miss this insightful conversation! Be sure to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes featuring industry experts.

Join us as Hunter Robinson from the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SC DNR) shares insights on protecting wildlife and ensuring boater safety on Lake Murray. Learn about the lake's laws, where to find specific regulations, and the broader rules you need to know. Don't miss this informative podcast!

Glenn Matthews from Modern Exterminating joins us on the show this week to talk all about the pests in South Carolina... How to prevent them from taking over your home and what to do once it's too late! YIKES...

We speak with Cormac Cannon, the USC Director of Bands, to learn about the students comprising the Carolina Band and other musical ensembles at the University of South Carolina, delving into their experiences.

We're joined by Billy Chastain, who may just know more about Lake Murray than anyone, to discuss all the recent developments and changes happening around the lake. Today, we'll dive into topics such as the ongoing construction projects, new plans for Lake Murray, and the exciting news of the lake returning to its normal level.

We're joined by Billy Chastain, who may just know more about Lake Murray than anyone, to discuss all the recent developments and changes happening around the lake. Today, we'll dive into topics such as the ongoing construction projects, new plans for Lake Murray, and the exciting news of the lake returning to its normal level.

Join us as we engage in a conversation with Bill Danielson, the recently elected mayor of Irmo. Discover the inspiration behind his decision to pursue this role and gain insight into his vision for the future of Irmo!

We sit down and talk with Irmo's newest mayor Bill Danielson. Find out what motivated him to run for this position and future plans he has for the town of Irmo!

In this episode we have the pleasure of hosting two visionary brothers, Austin and Alex Bowers, the founders of Future Fuels. Tune in as we delve into their journey of creating a pioneering electric vehicle charging business born out of a pressing need for innovation in the industry.

In this episode we have the pleasure of hosting two visionary brothers, Austin and Alex Bowers, the founders of Future Fuels. Tune in as we delve into their journey of creating a pioneering electric vehicle charging business born out of a pressing need for innovation in the industry.

In this episode we are joined by Wanda Austin and Todd Martin of Columbia Parks and Recreation to talk about future plans for Parks & Rec and how they are serving the community.

In this episode we are joined by Wanda Austin and Todd Martin of Columbia Parks and Recreation to talk about future plans for Parks & Rec and how they are serving the community.

We are excited to day to have been joined by Matt Perron the Public Relations Manager for the Riverbanks Zoo & Garden. Matt talks to us about the future of the zoo along with sharing lots of unique stories from his experience working at Riverbanks.

We are excited to day to have been joined by Matt Perron the Public Relations Manager for the Riverbanks Zoo & Garden. Matt talks to us about the future of the zoo along with sharing lots of unique stories from his experience working at Riverbanks.

We sit down with Nick Kremydas the CEO of the South Carolina Realtors association and talk all things real estate with him. Learn what it means to be a Realtor and an outlook on SC housing!

We sit down with Nick Kremydas the CEO of the South Carolina Realtors association and talk all things real estate with him. Learn what it means to be a Realtor and an outlook on SC housing!

We sit down and talk with Avery Blevins and James Fleshman on this episode about VA Loans and some of the common misconceptions people have about them!

We sit down and talk with Avery Blevins and James Fleshman on this episode about VA Loans and some of the common misconceptions people have about them!

On this weeks episode we talk with former SC Senators Vincent Sheheen & Joel Lourie who host their own podcast Bourbon In The Backroom that takes an inside look at South Carolina Politics! Lots to learn from these two great men!

On this weeks episode we talk with former SC Senators Vincent Sheheen & Joel Lourie who host their own podcast Bourbon In The Backroom that takes an inside look at South Carolina Politics! Lots to learn from these two great men!

In this episode we sit down with Emile DeFelice the founder of Soda City! Find out how the idea behind this weekly weekend tradition came about and how the name Soda City was chosen!

In this episode we sit down with Emile DeFelice the founder of Soda City! Find out how the idea behind this weekly weekend tradition came about and how the name Soda City was chosen!

For over a year Dick Dyer Mercedes has helped our clients ride through Columbia in style! Find out about a few of the new electric Mercedes that have come to market and will be coming to market!

For over a year Dick Dyer Mercedes has helped our clients ride through Columbia in style! Dick Dyer Mercedes and Volvo will be bringing a few of their new electric vehicles to Soda City Tomorrow (09/23/2023)! Check out these awesome new rides!

Excited to have been able to sit down with Gritty Flyright & Ben Bound to talk a little mortgage and a lot of country! Gritty is an up and coming country artist in South Carolina!

Excited to have been able to sit down with Gritty Flyright & Ben Bound to talk a little mortgage and a lot of country! Gritty is an up and coming country artist in South Carolina and will be performing at Gamecock Village this Saturday!

Excited to have sat down with Corwyn Melette for a second time! Our first time hosting a podcast with him since the opening of EXIT Realty New Horizons! Lots shared about the new brokerage and future plans as well!

Excited to have sat down with a Corwyn Melette a second time! Our first time hosting a podcast with him since the opening of EXIT Realty New Horizons! Lots shared about the new brokerage and future plans as well!

We welcome back Kerry Powers to our podcast! This episode was filmed not once but TWICE! Audio didn't record the first time 😂! Kerry is a tremendous figure in the improvement and progress of Irmo! Listen to find out how the Chamber continues to grow and how the Cola Guys have continued to build their brand as well!

We welcome back Kerry Powers to our podcast! This episode was filmed not once but TWICE! Audio didn't record the first time 😂! Kerry is a tremendous figure in the improvement and progress of Irmo! Listen to find out how the Chamber continues to grow and how the Cola Guys have continued to build their brand as well!

Kristian Niemi has had many titles... Soldier, Chef, Waiter, but all of that changed when he opened his first restaurant (Mr. Friendly's). From there he went on to open many more restaurants and bars in the Columbia, SC area. You may know him as the owner of Bourbon but did you also know he is the man behind Gervais & Vine, Solstice, Rosso Trattoria, Black Rooster, & The Dragon Room!Kristian does it all. We sit down with him to talk about #1 How he did it #2 Why he did it #3 Advice for entrepreneurs. This is a two part podcast with the second half releasing Friday, July 21st. Enjoy!

Our first guest to ever make a third appearance on the show! We welcome Andrea Grinstead back to talk about her first experience buying! Of course she will share stories with a comedic humor that is unmatched to promote a positive spotlight on the Irmo Police Department!

In this episode we sit down with our friend Anna Edmonds from the Irmo Chamber of Commerce! Anna is a serial entrepreneur and has started multiple magazines. Whether empowering females in business or the reverse magazine which helps adults with aging parents Anna has done it all!

In this episode we sit down with our friend Anna Edmonds from the Irmo Chamber of Commerce! Anna is a serial entrepreneur and has started multiple magazines. Whether empowering females in business or the Reverse magazine which helps adults with aging parents Anna has done it all!

For this podcast we are joined by are good friends at Capital Kitchen & Bath. Find out what all goes in the design process of a renovation and what all this local company has to offer!

For this podcast we are joined by are good friends at Capital Kitchen & Bath. Find out what all goes in the design process of a renovation and what all this local company has to offer!

For this podcast we are joined at Capital Kitchen & Bath by Bin WIlcenski the president of the BIA! We talk about the annual home show and the overall building market in Central, SC!

For this podcast we are joined at Capital Kitchen & Bath by Bin WIlcenski the president of the BIA! We talk about the annual home show and the overall building market in Central, SC!

We head to the Lexington County Blowfish where we speak with team general manager about the team and its upcoming season as a member of the Coastal Plain League.

We head to the Lexington County Blowfish where we speak with team general manager about the team and its upcoming season as a member of the Coastal Plain League.

We are joined by Cynthia Giles who is the Owner and CEO of Cut Throat Marketing! Learn about internet safety and why it is important to keep some of your personal data private!

We are joined by Cynthia Giles who is the Owner and CEO of Cut Throat Marketing! Learn about internet safety and why it is important to keep some of your personal data private!

We are joined by Cynthia Giles who is the Owner and CEO of Cut Throat Marketing! Learn about internet safety and why it is important to keep some of your personal data private!

We wrap up our final part of the episode by finding out how to get into contact with the SCHS and where the first golf clubs were in the United States!