In this episode of Buttoned Up, Andrew Allen talks with Emily Sham, the regional philanthropy officer for the American Red Cross in Alabama and Mississippi, and shares her journey from Madison, Mississippi, to the Gulf Coast. She discusses her background in marketing and event planning, her impactful work at Two Men and a Truck, and her passion for community engagement. Emily details the Red Cross's diverse efforts, disaster relief, home fire response, blood drives, and military family support, emphasizing the need for local involvement and volunteerism. The conversation highlights the unique spirit of the Mississippi Gulf Coast and ways listeners can give back.


Here's What You'll Learn In This Episode:

The surprising statistics behind local disasters: Did you know home fires are the #1 disaster the Red Cross responds to here? Emily explains why—and how you can help.

Why the Gulf Coast is America's most disaster-prone region, and what that means for support and preparedness.

The Red Cross goes beyond disaster relief in many ways, including free smoke alarm installation in at-risk neighborhoods, blood drives, and special support for military families.

How you can make a difference: Volunteer, donate blood, or contribute financially—Emily gives you real, actionable ways to get involved locally.

The story behind Two Men and a Truck's international journey and their Movers for Moms campaign helping women in need each spring.

3 Episode Key Takeaways

1. The Power of Community Involvement: Whether it's coordinating disaster relief, supporting military families, or running blood drives, engaging with your local community can make a huge difference. Emily is proof that one person's network can amplify support for entire regions.

2. Disaster Relief Goes Beyond Headlines: While the Red Cross is known for responding to hurricanes and fires, they're also working behind the scenes – most disaster calls in their region are actually home fires, not the natural disasters we typically think of.

3. Anyone Can Get Involved: From donating blood or volunteering, to simply staying informed, there are so many ways to support vital organizations like the Red Cross. 90% of their workforce is made up of volunteers, and local contributions stay local!

Show Overview

00:00 Emily Sham: Local Philanthropy Insights

05:35 Franchise's First Marketing Efforts

06:17 Community-Centric Marketing Approach

11:35 Horn Island's Unique Coastal Experience

15:01 Joining Chamber, Focusing on Marketing

17:22 Red Cross: Beyond Disaster Relief

19:46 Mission-Focused Financial Efficiency

24:05 Red Cross: Certification and Military Support

28:34 Mississippi Red Cross Deficit Solution

30:45 Blood Donation App Simplifies Process

33:47 Coastal Life and Community Bonds

In this episode of Bottled Up, host Andrew Allen chats with Monica Daniels, Executive Director of Special Olympics Mississippi. Monica shares her personal journey into the nonprofit world, inspired by her daughter's experience with Magnolia Speech School. She explains how the Special Olympics empowers athletes with intellectual disabilities through competitive sports. She discusses the history of the Special Olympics, its focus on inclusion and unified teams, and highlights how athletes now compete at high levels with dedicated training and support. Monica also talks about the organization's year-round events, the importance of community support, and ways people can get involved or volunteer. The conversation sheds light on how Special Olympics is changing lives both on and off the field, building confidence, independence, and community.

3 Episode Key Takeaways


Empowering Athletes Through Competition and Voice

Monica Daniels emphasizes that Special Olympics Mississippi focuses on being a truly competitive sports organization rather than just a recreational one. The goal is not only to train and prepare athletes for high-level competition but also to empower them to advocate for themselves, both on and off the field. Monica emphasizes the importance of allowing athletes to discover and utilize their own voices, developing not only physical skills but also confidence and self-advocacy.

Unified Sports and Community Inclusion

The organization has made significant strides in growing unified sports programs, primarily through partnerships with schools and Boys & Girls Clubs. These unified teams, made up of athletes with and without intellectual disabilities, help break down social barriers, promote inclusion, and foster friendships. Monica discusses successful unified teams in Mississippi and the broader effort to integrate these programs into schools and communities, helping to change mindsets and encourage greater acceptance.

Comprehensive Support and Opportunities for Athletes

Special Olympics Mississippi doesn't just focus on competition; it also provides extensive health screenings (vision, hearing, dental, podiatry, and overall health management) at state-level events, all free to athletes. The organization ensures no athlete pays to participate in competitions, including national-level events, thanks to donor support and community partnerships. They also make it easy for athletes, parents, and potential volunteers to get involved, highlighting a robust, community-driven support network.

In this episode of Bottled Up, host Andrew Allen sits down with Mike Hinton and Jeff Weatherford, two longtime leaders at Allen Beverages. With over 50 years of combined experience, they share how they worked their way up from trainees to management, recall how technology and the soft drink business have evolved, and highlight what makes their workplace culture feel like family. From hilarious stories of soda mishaps to practical advice for new hires, Mike and Jeff stress the importance of building relationships, adapting to new challenges, and supporting each other. Whether you’re curious about the real work behind your favorite drinks or just want to hear what it’s like working at a local business, this episode is packed with honest insights and memorable moments.

3 Key Listener Takeaways

1. The Power of Customer and Team Relationships

Both Mike and Jeff emphasized that building and maintaining strong relationships—with customers, colleagues, and team members—is at the heart of their work at Allen Beverages. They highlighted how personal connections and mutual trust are essential for successful operations and overall satisfaction, whether it’s working directly with store owners, managing employees, or collaborating with long-time colleagues.

2. Adapting to Change and Embracing Technology

The soft drink distribution industry has evolved significantly over the years, especially in terms of technology. Mike and Jeff discussed how the move from handwritten orders and pricing guns to sophisticated scanning and inventory systems has changed daily operations. Despite the sometimes overwhelming pace of technological change and the constant addition of new products (SKUs), adaptability has been a crucial skill for thriving in the business.

3. Perseverance and Culture Matter

Decades-long careers like those of Mike and Jeff are a testament to the value of perseverance, adaptability, and a supportive company culture. They both attributed their longevity and enjoyment at Allen Beverages to the company’s commitment to promoting from within, its familial work environment, and the sense of pride they feel from their work. The stories and inside jokes shared throughout the episode also underscored the importance of camaraderie and a positive, resilient workplace culture.

These lessons reflect not just their individual experiences, but key values that contribute to the company’s ongoing success.