In this episode, we interview Oby Morgan, the founder of Capital at Play.

Oby takes us back to the early days of starting Capital at Play and talks about how he got the idea for the magazine. We learn about the first steps he took to get it off the ground and running, from navigating the world of printing companies to selling magazine advertising.

We also discuss entrepreneurship and the characteristics of successful businesses. Oby has met and profiled hundreds of local entrepreneurs and small businesses, and so he was able to share with us his own insights and observations.

Here’s What You’ll Learn in this Episode:

  • The story of how and why Oby started a print magazine media company
  • Oby’s advice for telling better stories and creating better content
  • The three things you need to have in order to have a successful business, according to Oby
  • Why Oby believes that blind ambition and optimism are necessary as an entrepreneur
  • Oby’s approach to selling magazine advertising

Enjoyed this interview? We think you might also dig this episode with Kyle Brown, founder of Clawhammer Supply.

Show Notes

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About Oby Morgan

An Asheville native, Oby Morgan is the founder of Capital at Play magazine. Prior to establishing the magazine in 2010, Oby graduated with a degree in Marketing and International Business from Appalachian State University. In addition to managing the magazine, from 2018 to 2020, Oby worked as the VP of Marketing, Media, and Communications for Carofin, an investment banking firm located in Brevard, NC.

Oby lives in Asheville, NC with his wife and daughter. He continues to help companies teach, sell, communicate, and connect with people.

About Capital at Play

Capital at Play is a business lifestyle magazine based in Western North Carolina. A print publication, it embodies the idea that capitalism thrives with creativity—that work requires an element of play. In every edition, Capital at Play profiles those who take the risk, those who share that risk, and those who support them—telling the untold story of how capitalists are driven by their ideas and passions.

Other Notes from this Episode

Oscar Wong is the founder of Highland Brewing and was one of the first entrepreneurs that Capital at Play profiled.

VC: an American History (affiliate link) by Tom Nicholas is a book that explores the history of venture financing in the U.S.

Foothills Meats is a local butcher shop and restaurant. They have one of Oby’s favorite burgers in town

Hole Doughnuts is a local doughnut shop offering a limited selection of made-to-order, handmade doughnuts.

Music by Commonwealth Choir