We Spoke’s goal is to take you inside the heart of Auburn's business scene. Every episode, we sit down with creative and determined entrepreneurs who are shaping our community, one idea at a time. Hear from businesses such as WildFlower Bakery, Fungi Farms, and new startup BandIt Duck Calls. We Spoke is a podcast from the Harbert College of Business.
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.
19 May 2026
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.
19 May 2026
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.
19 May 2026
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.
19 May 2026
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.
13 May 2026
Ep. 12 - Growing More Than Flowers: The Story of Nourish Blooms
Tune in to We Spoke as we sit down with Nourish Blooms, a unique flower farm and community-focused initiative serving the Auburn-Opelika area. Founded by pediatrician Dr. Katie Wolter, Nourish Blooms combines sustainably grown flowers with a larger mission of supporting food-insecure families and wellness programs through the Nourish Foundation. In this episode, we explore how flowers, wellness, and community impact come together to create something truly meaningful in Opelika.
28 Nov 2025
Ep. 11 - Thankfully Coffee: We Roast it; You Sit Back and Enjoy
Shotts recounts his unique upbringing and how his desire to honor coffee farmers through his roasting and packaging drives his business.
3 Nov 2025
Ep. 10 - Fungi Farm: The New Mushroom Revolution
Griffith and Carroll talk all about fungi in this episode about the science behind mushroom varieties and why so many people are flocking to buying and growing clean mushrooms for consumption.
17 Oct 2025
Ep. 9 - Volcanica Coffee: From the Source Does Matter
Contreras discusses the business drive he has to provide sustainable, expertly produced coffee products while maintating farmer relations and running a forward-thinking business model.
3 Oct 2025
Ep. 8 - Wild Flour Bakery and Espresso: Good Food and a Passion for Service
The Jones's reveal their drive for homemade baked items that keep bringing back customers while fulfilling a life-dream for this couple to own and work hard for a business.
19 Sept 2025
Ep. 7 - Early Bird Company: New Product for the Up-and-Early Crowd
Lester reveals the impetus for designing and selling a single-use self-heating canistor for coffee drinkers on the go.
5 Sept 2025
Ep. 6 - New Venture Accelerator: Got a Business Idea; Start Here
Leonardi recounts his vast experience with company startups and the excitement that working with the NVA affords for building up new entrepreneurs.
15 Aug 2025
Ep. 5 - BandIt Duck Calls: Making a Sustainable Duck Call
Worley recalls the path that led him to create a new kind of Duck Call for enthusiasts interested in bird health and long-lasting products.
Brown discusses his passion for coffee and how he's helping create a space for students to find a career in the science of coffee production.
18 Jul 2025
Ep. 3 - J&M Bookstore: A Legacy in Transition
Johnston relives some of his favorite memories as owner of one of Auburn's iconic bookstores and the changes the company must now make to stay competitive.
4 Jul 2025
Ep. 2 - Room to Room: How a Student's Need Became a Business
Weston and Morgan discuss their business plan as young start-ups with an idea; growing an entrepreneurial venture one valuable employee at a time.
13 Jun 2025
Ep. 1 - Well Red: Make a Connection; Gain a Loyal Customer
Tomasello talks through opening multiple coffee shop/bookstore locations in Auburn and Opelika with a focus on employee satisfaction and retaining loyal customers by making strong connections.
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