Charleston’s business community gathered on Wednesday, February 27, for an inspiring networking and learning event hosted by What Now Media Group. Held at the Striped Pig Distillery and Ghost Monkey Brewery, located at 2225-A Old School Drive, the event brought together local entrepreneurs from various industries to share experiences, seek advice, and discuss strategies for growth.
Striped Pig Distillery and Ghost Monkey Brewery offer a unique combination of handcrafted spirits and small-batch craft beers. Striped Pig specializes in vodka, rum, and whiskey, while Ghost Monkey features a variety of rotating beers, from IPAs to stouts. The businesses provide a welcoming space for tastings, tours, and locally sourced drinks. With a focus on quality and community, Striped Pig and Ghost Monkey offer a memorable experience for anyone exploring Charleston’s craft beverage scene.
Mariah Medley, Director of Events + Partner Engagement at What Now Media Group, organized the event to help business owners collaborate while providing valuable insights to attendees. The relaxed setting, filled with craft brews and spirits, allowed business owners to network while gaining expertise from industry leaders and What Now Media Group’s network of Preferred Partners.
Several prominent local entrepreneurs attended, including Derek Phillips, owner of Vampire Penguin; Lillie Smalls and Livia Thomas, the co-owners of Mae’s Sweets With Soul, were both in attendance, as well as Joe Caradonna, CEO of Caviar and Bananas; and Ed Brown, co-owner of King Street Foods. They shared their growth and challenges stories, inspiring other local businesses striving for success.
Also in attendance were Tim Breckenridge, operations partner of Neighborhood Tap House, John Eldredge Ropolo, director of operations at Legami, and Mike Whiteley, owner of Sissy Bar, who provided valuable insights into the realities of running a business in Charleston’s competitive market.
The event highlighted not only individual success stories but also the importance of community support and the role of strategic partnerships. Zalome, general manager, and Santiago Sierra, owner of Ciudad Bonita, discussed their upcoming Colombian restaurant in Park Circle, sharing lessons from the planning and opening process.
In addition to the entrepreneurs, several partners from What Now Media Group’s network offered invaluable support and advice. Mark Coats of Dressler Construction, Faith Adkins and Austin Solaguren of Easy Ice, Hunter Lott and Garett Rikard of Ecolab, Trevor Collins of Heartland EHPS, and Bassam Safi of Our Town America were all in attendance to share their expertise on topics such as construction, refrigeration solutions, marketing strategies, and payment systems.
Throughout the event, attendees discussed key strategies for business growth, including the importance of building strong relationships within the community, adapting to changing market conditions, and staying true to one’s brand and values. Key takeaways from the event included the value of pivoting effectively in response to unexpected challenges, finding solutions through partnerships, and staying committed to passion and purpose.
What Now Media Group continues to offer valuable networking opportunities for business owners in Charleston and beyond, making events like this an essential resource for those looking to elevate their ventures in today’s competitive landscape.
What Now Media Group shares restaurant opening news in 33 cities across North America, breaking news and providing timely insight into yet-to-open brick-and-mortar businesses.
The industry-leading experts in What Now Media Group’s network of Preferred Partners help new businesses open and existing businesses grow.
Stay tuned for future Accelerate events from What Now Media Group in 2025. For more details, see the Accelerate page here.
