In this episode, we sit down with business owner and singer-songwriter JB Roberts. JB is part owner of Moseley Industrial Supply Company and Lawrence/Ace Hardware here in Troy AL. As well as a father, husband, musician, and IDEA Bank member, JB talks about what it really looks like when your way isn’t working. He shares how learning to surrender, work under authority, and stay consistent through failure shaped both his businesses and his leadership. As he puts it, "work for someone else for several years. Learn what it’s like to have decisions made for you before making them for others, and learn how to be under authority before becoming the authority." From waking up early and doing the hard work to facing fear and trying again, this conversation highlights the foundation most young entrepreneurs skip.

We also get into building businesses that genuinely serve people, the importance of clear communication, and why humility is essential before stepping into leadership. This episode is especially for students and young leaders who want to grow the right way, not the fast way. Go stream his album More Than You Know and be on the lookout for his next album.

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In Season 5, Episode 4, “Building Businesses by Taking Chances,” we sit down with two of the three winners of the 2025 Business Idea Pitch Competition Program at The IDEA Bank to talk about what happens when you step up and share your vision. Wesley Tilghman pitched “Trojan Tailgate,” a full-service tailgate experience designed to elevate game days at Troy University. While Emma Rollins brought her already operating business, “Drone Sharks,” to the stage with a bold next step, securing funding for a thermal drone that will expand her services and unlock an entirely new client base. What started as a pitch became a launchpad, opening doors neither of them expected.

In this episode, you’ll hear how the competition became more than a contest, it became a catalyst. From building meaningful connections to meeting mentors and supporters who will help scale their businesses, both Wesley and Emma share how taking a chance changed their trajectory. Emma even received a job offer from the competition sponsors, MAX Credit Union, after setting herself apart during the program. Their stories highlight the true power of opportunities like this: you don’t need a perfectly polished idea to begin. Sometimes it’s the brainstorming, feedback, networking, and unexpected doors that make the biggest impact. If you’ve ever considered pitching an idea, or even just exploring one, this conversation will inspire you to take the leap. And keep an eye out for details about this year’s Business Idea Pitch Competition coming in Fall 2026.

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Episode 3 of Season 5 of the IDEA Vault Podcast takes listeners inside the IDEA Bank Incubator Program, a specialized track within the IDEA Bank membership made possible through funding from Innovate Alabama. In this episode, we sit down with our incubator tenants—Jared Hester of Studio 207, a local design firm; Jessica Goolsby of Goosehead Insurance, an independent insurance broker; and JoJo Meredith, owner of a local real estate company. Each bringing a unique perspective to entrepreneurship in Pike County. With dedicated office space inside the IDEA Bank and access to resources like printing and copying, internet, networking, and ongoing support, they share their individual paths to business ownership, the challenges that tested them, and how the IDEA Bank stepped in during pivotal moments. A recurring theme echoes throughout the conversation: “The result that you are wanting is in the work you are avoiding.”

The episode pulls back the curtain on the everyday realities of owning a business—the long hours, the sacrifices, and the small stepping stones that lead to real progress. From “If you want a day off, I have to work to earn it” to “It’s exciting to see our little town grow,” these founders reflect on what it truly takes to build something sustainable. Their stories highlight the power of simply showing up, pushing past comfort zones, and taking that first leap of faith. As they remind us, growth begins just outside your comfort zone—sometimes you just have to take a deep breath and jump, and most importantly, just start—that’s the first step.

Connect with the Idea Vault Podcast & IDEA Bank:

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www.troy.edu/ideabank

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