Starting with nothing but a pickup truck and a need for beer money, Parker Snell and Brandon Britt turned a college side hustle into one of Columbia’s most trusted moving companies, ProHelp Movers.

In this episode of The Soda Citizen, Brad Allen and Mary Lane Sloan sit down with the founders to talk about how they built their business from the ground up learning lessons along the way, navigating licensing hurdles, and figuring out what it really takes to run a successful moving company.

They also break down:

• The biggest mistakes people make when moving
• What actually happens behind the scenes on moving day
• Why hiring the right mover matters more than you think
• The wildest things they’ve ever had to move
• And how Columbia has grown alongside their business

Plus, the conversation dives into life in Columbia, South Carolina from favorite local spots to why it’s such a great place to live, work, and build something meaningful.

Whether you’re planning a move or just love hearing how local businesses get their start, this episode gives you a real look at the hustle behind the scenes.

For more on ProHelp Movers: https://www.prohelpmovers.com/

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What’s really behind the buzz around Forest Acres?

In this episode of The Soda Citizen Podcast, Brad and Mary Lane sit down with Forest Acres council members Stephen Oliver and Haskell Kibler to break down why this Columbia, SC community continues to grow in popularity.

From its small-town feel with big-city amenities to its loyal local businesses, top grocery spots, parks, and family-friendly lifestyle, Forest Acres has become one of the Midlands’ most talked-about areas and for good reason.

They also share updates on major developments like the Richland Mall redevelopment, future park plans (including an amphitheater), and what’s next for growth in the area.

Plus, they get into topics like:

• What makes Forest Acres different from the rest of Columbia
• Why businesses are choosing to open here
• Local favorites, hidden gems, and community events
• Short-term rentals, annexation, and city growth
• What the real estate market looks like right now

Whether you're thinking about moving to Columbia or just want to stay in the know on what’s happening locally, this episode gives you a true inside look at Forest Acres.

📍For more on Forest Acres: https://www.forestacres.net/
https://www.instagram.com/cityofforestacres/

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Columbia’s food scene is having a moment and if you haven’t noticed yet, you’re about to 👀

In this episode of The Soda Citizen Podcast, we sit down with Ashley Elsey, co-director of the Columbia Food and Wine Festival, to talk about how the city’s culinary scene has evolved into one of the South’s best-kept (and quickly discovered) secrets.

From nationally recognized chefs to hidden gem restaurants and unforgettable events, Columbia is stepping into the spotlight and the Food & Wine Festival is at the center of it all.

We get into:

• What makes the Columbia Food and Wine Festival so unique
• A breakdown of events—from the Grand Tasting to the Cheese Rave
• How the festival has grown over the years
• Why Columbia’s food scene is gaining national recognition
• The power of supporting local restaurants and businesses

We also talk about what it’s like to live, work, and build community in Columbia, SC and why more people are choosing to stay (and move here).

Whether you’re a local foodie, new to the area, or just looking for your next great experience in Columbia, this episode gives you a behind-the-scenes look at what’s happening right now in the city.

🎟️ Thinking about going to the festival? Don’t wait—many events sell out quickly!

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