Community Leaders, Insurance Innovators and Distillery Artisans

From Print to Podcast: Abby Hamilton of United Way of Roanoke Valley
From Print to Podcast: Abby Hamilton of United Way of Roanoke Valley

Season 2 / Episode #5: Community Leaders, Insurance Innovators and Distillery Artisans

This month’s lineup is all about community and local excellence, thanks to the 2024 Best of Roanoke Awards as voted on by YOU! First, meet Abby Hamilton, CEO of United Way of Roanoke Valley, voted “Best Community Builder of the Year.” She shares her inspiring journey, celebrates the organization’s 100th year of service and offers advice for fellow do-gooders.

Then, we chat with Bill Meador, owner of Bill Meador Insurance Agency and multi-award winner for several years in our reader poll. We learn more about your insurance questions and his renowned experience for tailored coverage and community involvement.

And finally, we dive even deeper into Roanoke’s craft spirits scene, thanks to Tim Brady, co-owner of Brady’s Distillery, who blends history and passion into every sip. Let’s raise a glass and toast to the spirits of Roanoke with a fun episode highlighting YOUR 2024 Best of Roanoke awards winners!

_

Thanks so much to our friends, Abby Hamilton, Bill Meador and Tim Brady for sharing their inspiring stories with us today. Special thanks to Bill Meador Insurance as our second segment sponsor, and to you, our readers and listeners, for supporting your premier city magazine!

Don’t forget to hit that subscribe button on your preferred platforms to never miss an episode. Stay tuned for more inspiring stories and community highlights as we uncover the magic of every issue over at TheRoanoker.com.

See our videos below or on YouTube:


Segment 1 featuring Abby Hamilton, CEO and President of United Way of Roanoke Valley, and our May/June 2024 cover star as your platinum award winner for “Best Community Builder”:

Read our feature on Abby Hamilton and her 2024 Best of Roanoke Award win HERE.

And learn more on helping United Way of Roanoke Valley, including how to donate, volunteer, celebrate the 100th anniversary and more on their website HERE.


Segment 2 featuring Bill Meador of Bill Meador Insurance Agency:

Learn more about the Bill Meador Insurance Agency HERE.

See our previous feature on Bill Meador on his 2022 Best of Roanoke wins HERE.


Segment 3 featuring Tim Brady of Brady’s Distillery:

Read our May/June ’24 feature on Brady’s Distillery and other local spirits and craft brews HERE.

Learn more about Brady’s Distillery on their website HERE.


Love what you heard? Don’t miss a single episode! Click here to subscribe and listen on Spotify or Apple Podcasts from your favorite device!

Author

You Might Also Like:

Screenshot 2026-04-01 at 4.02.30 PM

On the Record with Beth Macy

It's a can't-miss season finale as we chat with bestselling author and local champion Beth Macy about her new book, the craft of writing and the power of community.
From Print to Podcast: Shaken & Skilled with Bartender Brittany Browning

Shaken & Skilled with Bartender Brittany Browning

From her unique approach to bartending to the way she inspires everyone around her, Brittany Browning is a force behind the bar.
From Print to Podcast: Exploring Australia & New Zealand with Martin Travel

Exploring Australia & New Zealand with Martin Travel

We're hitting the road with Martin Travel as we explore incredible travel in Australia and New Zealand.
From Print to Podcast: Inside Virginia Tech Football and the NIL Era

Inside Virginia Tech Football and the NIL Era

Roland Lazenby joins us to unpack the impact of NIL on Virginia Tech Football, Coach Brent Pry’s approach and the evolving landscape of college athletics.
From Print to Podcast: Finding the Funny with Roanoke Comedy Fest

Finding the Funny with Roanoke Comedy Fest

Go behind the scenes of Roanoke Comedy Fest with the local comics turning our city into a laugh-out-loud destination.
From Print to Podcast: Behind the Wheel with Sunshine Tours

Behind the Wheel with Sunshine Tours

Join us for a ride behind the scenes at Sunshine Tours as COO Kendra Flinchum shares how this beloved local company creates unforgettable travel experiences, one mile at a time.
From Print to Podcast: Behind the Anchor Desk with Logan Sherrill

Behind the Anchor Desk with Logan Sherrill

WDBJ7 anchor and Best of Roanoke 2025 platinum winner Logan Sherrill joins us for a wide-ranging conversation on storytelling, local favorites like Hometown Eats and the people who keep him grounded on and off camera.
Unveiled: Dreaming of Diamonds with AmRhein's Jewelry

Unveiled: Dreaming of Diamonds with AmRhein’s Jewelry

Originally shared with our sister magazine, bridebook, this podcast episode with AmRhein’s Jewelry continues to celebrate local love stories, wedding day sparkle and happily-ever-afters.
From Print to Podcast: A New Chapter in Public Service with Mayor Joe Cobb

A New Chapter in Public Service with Mayor Joe Cobb

In this episode, fresh off reader-voted platinum wins as "Best Thing to Happen in Roanoke" and "Star City Hero of the Year," Mayor Joe Cobb reflects on leadership, legacy and what it means to serve with heart in a place he’s proud to call home.
From Print to Podcast: Spring Into Fun with Roanoke Parks & Rec!

Spring Into Fun with Roanoke Parks & Rec!

In this episode, Roanoke Parks and Recreation’s Ellie Rigby and Tim Pohlad-Thomas share their favorite parks, seasonal events and tips for making the most of Roanoke’s beautiful outdoor spaces this spring and summer.