BrandBuilders: Recent Episodes
The Dunstan Group
The Brandbuilders Podcast with your hosts Scott Dunstan and Brian Young is brought to you by The Dunstan Group, Charlotte’s premier provider of branded merchandise and logo’d apparel. Brandbuilders is produced in partnership with well-run media + marketing. Got an idea for the podcast? Email us at social@dunstangroup.biz
Skip Norris is the President of The Building Center, one of the largest privately held lumber and building products companies in the United States. The company was founded in Charlotte in 1977 by his father, Ed Norris. And what started as a single building supply operation has grown into a vertically integrated powerhouse with lumberyards, truss plants, custom millwork operations, and door shops all across the Carolinas. We’re talking over 400 employees, a fleet of trucks that’s the largest in the Carolinas, and more than a dozen locations stretching from Boone all the way down to the South Carolina coast.
What makes this story especially interesting is how Skip has grown a business that his father built while keeping the values that made it worth growing in the first place.
Skip, welcome to the BrandBuilders Podcast.
Andrea Swope is a founding force behind Blueprint Financial Advisors — a Charlotte-based registered investment advisor that launched in 2021 with a single advisor and a little over $20 million in assets. Fast forward to the end of 2025, and Blueprint is managing $1.4 billion. That’s not a typo.
But what makes Andrea’s story compelling isn’t just the growth. It’s the how. Blueprint was built on a philosophy that, frankly, you don’t hear a lot in the financial world: put the advisor first. Handle all the infrastructure, compliance, operations, technology, and asset management behind the scenes, so the advisor can stay front and center with their clients.
In 2024, Blueprint doubled down on that vision in a big way, acquiring a broker-dealer, launching Blueprint Insurance Services, and creating a brand new ETF. It’s a full-service financial platform, built right here in Charlotte.
Andrea, welcome to the BrandBuilders Podcast!
There’s a new generation of wine professionals out there, replacing intimidation with invitation, and gatekeeping with genuine hospitality. Shay Gilchrist is one of those people.
She’s the founder of Wine & Vibes, a wine consulting and experiential brand built on four pillars: food, wine, hosting, and vibes. She holds a WSET Level 2 with Merit certification and works as a wine consultant and author and the creator of Vinology, a trademarked interactive word search collection that blends wine literacy with pairing guides, tasting notes, and flavor language.
She believes wine is a story, a mood, and a moment worth sharing. She brings food, music, and community to every glass, and believes wine is meant to be experienced.
Shay, welcome to The BrandBuilders Podcast.
There are two kinds of resilience stories. One is the kind where someone overcomes something hard and comes out the other side stronger, more polished. Like in the movies.
The other kind is messier. It’s told from inside; or what our next guest calls “the long middle.” It’s nowhere close to a straight line, and it’s a whole lot more complicated. Like real life.
On June 12, 2024, Eleanor Shell was pushing her infant daughter’s stroller out of the path of an oncoming SUV in a SouthPark parking lot. The car hit Eleanor instead. The traumatic brain injury that followed changed her life, her purpose, her family’s finances, and her identity.
And she is still in recovery.
Out of that experience, she is building a community and a body of work for anyone who has had a day that divided their life into “before and after.”
Eleanor, welcome to The BrandBuilders Podcast.
Next time you’re on your computer, look at the last five brand websites you visited. How many of them looked exactly like each other? Same stock photography, same font, same promise to “transform your business.” Marketing has a sameness problem, and most people in the industry have just accepted it.
Laurie “Nez” Donato is not one of those people.
After earning a BFA in Visual Communications from Auburn, she spent two decades in advertising, where she worked on brands from Nucor and KeyBank to Bojangles’ and GE.
Then 2020 hit. Instead of riding out the pandemic at her then-current role, she and her creative partner Ruben Lopez co-founded nez&pez, a branding agency specializing in the most un-creative-sounding industry on earth: cybersecurity.
Laurie, welcome to The BrandBuilders Podcast.
Charlotte is practically famous for its trees. They line the parking lots of office parks, anchor the corners of apartment complexes, shade the walking paths of neighborhoods we love. We trim them back when they get inconvenient, and sometimes — only when they fall — do we finally reckon with how much they were holding together. Trees are living infrastructure. Long-term investments that can outlast the buildings beside them.
Today’s guest has spent 20-plus years understanding that at the root level. (get it?) Chris Green is an ISA Certified Arborist with Schneider Tree Care in Charlotte. He came up through lawn care, spent years in sales, studied business management and information systems, and trained in CAD drafting before finding his calling in the canopy.
Chris, welcome to The BrandBuilders Podcast.
There’s a question that lives in the back of the mind of nearly every parent raising a child with special needs. It doesn’t announce itself — it just sits there, quiet and heavy. What happens to my child when I am no longer here?
For a long time, that question had no good answer. Families navigated a maze of government benefits, legal documents, and financial systems — often alone, guided by well-meaning professionals who didn’t have the depth of specialization this work demands.
In 2005, a financial planner from Charlotte decided that wasn’t good enough. Ryan F. Platt founded A Special Needs Plan with one mission: to serve families living with that fear and replace it with clarity, structure, and a road map forward. Today, the firm is an elite, nationally recognized practice serving families across the country.
Ryan holds credentials most financial advisors have never heard of — including the Chartered Special Needs Consultant designation — because he believes this community deserves a true specialist. He’s a former president of The Arc of North Carolina, a speaker at national conferences, a published author, and a champion for families who have spent too long facing the impossible alone.
Ryan, welcome to The BrandBuilders Podcast.
In 2009, Charlotte had the distinction of being the largest city in the United States without a single brewery. Most people would look at that and see opportunity. Ryan Self did, and built his entire career from that moment forward.
He spent thirteen years at Olde Mecklenburg Brewery — from self-distributing kegs to Charlotte bars to statewide distribution across North Carolina. Building something from nothing, rooted in German brewing tradition, earning gold medals at the European Beer Star along the way. Then he made the move to Triple C Brewing — Craft, Community, Charlotte — right in the heart of South End, steps from the Rail Trail.
And now Ryan has crossed to the other side of the industry, joining Carolina Premium Beverage and Caffey Distributing — an 80-plus-year-old, family-owned distributor that sits in the top one percent of beer wholesalers in the entire country.
He’s spent a career watching how brands rise, stumble, and earn their place on the shelf. And along the way, he landed on one of the sharpest observations I’ve heard about where craft beer is actually headed: “Only good beer equals good.”
Ryan, welcome to The BrandBuilders Podcast.
Every business runs on data. Every data breach costs money, erodes trust, and — in some cases — ends companies. The question isn’t whether cybersecurity matters. It’s who you trust to protect you when the stakes are that high.
Today’s guest built his career on that question. Matt Donato spent nearly two decades in professional services — starting in staffing and executive search, learning how organizations find, build, and keep top talent. He took that knowledge and co-founded HuntSource, an executive search firm focused on the cybersecurity sector. That led him deeper into the industry — through a leadership role at CyberSN, the largest cybersecurity talent acquisition firm in the country — and ultimately to where he is today.
Since January 2023, Matt has been a Partner at Echelon Risk + Cyber — an award-winning cybersecurity and risk management firm based in Charlotte, with a mission as clear as it gets: protecting security and privacy as basic human rights.
Charlotte is a city on the move — diversifying fast, with a tight-knit executive community where reputation is currency. And for Matt Donato, reputation is exactly the business he’s in.
Matt, welcome to The BrandBuilders Podcast.
What does it look like when someone builds their entire life around a question — not “what can I get?” but “what can I give?” Today’s guest has been quietly answering that for over a decade, and the results speak for themselves: hundreds of young lives redirected, a nonprofit that has become a genuine force in Charlotte, and a reputation so consistent that his colleagues simply call him Superman.
Jimmy McQuilkin grew up in Columbia, Maryland, graduated No. 1 in his high school class, and arrived at Wake Forest University with enough drive to talk his way onto the men’s basketball team as a non-scholarship walk-on. He earned two varsity letters and, in his own words, “dribbled out the clock a few times.” But it wasn’t the hardwood that changed his life — it was a volunteer experience at a Latino community services organization in Winston-Salem that set everything in motion.
After Wake Forest, he joined Teach For America, taught Spanish and coached basketball in Charlotte, and was named First Year Teacher of the Year. In 2013, he co-founded UrbanPromise Charlotte — a Christian-centered nonprofit that now serves 335 young people across three sites, employs 105 people, and runs one of the most inspired youth leadership models anywhere in this city.
People who know Jimmy describe him as “the most intentional” and “the most humble” person in the room — which, if you know anything about leadership, tells you everything.
Jimmy, welcome to The BrandBuilders Podcast.
The right lighting can transform a space—from how it feels to how it functions—and behind every smart system is someone who understands both the technical side and the relationship side of the business. Our guest today is Kenny Barnes, General Manager of FRM Lighting & Controls, based right here in Charlotte.
FRM has been a leader in the electrical industry since 1969, and in 2024 they launched FRM Lighting & Controls to bring that same experience and reliability to the lighting and controls market across the Carolinas and Florida. Kenny is at the helm of this new division, building the team, deepening partnerships with contractors and manufacturers, and helping clients navigate a fast-evolving world of energy codes, controls, and design.
Today we’re talking with Kenny about launching and growing a new division inside an established company, what’s changing in the lighting and controls world, and how strong partnerships can make or break a project.
Kenny, welcome to this episode of the award-winning BrandBuilders Podcast.
When you think “golf carts,” you might picture country clubs and fairways—but in Charlotte, golf carts are becoming a lifestyle, a way to move, connect, and have fun. At the center of that movement is Charlotte Golf Carts, led by entrepreneur and owner Fred Griffith.
Fred’s journey hasn’t been a straight line. He’ll tell you he’s “had it all, lost it all, and never gave up,” and that imagination is his superpower. From reinvention and manifestation to literally pulling himself up by his bootstraps, Fred has built and rebuilt his life and business through vision, hustle, and a refusal to quit.
Today we’re talking with Fred about the story behind Charlotte Golf Carts, how he turned carts into a community brand, and what he’s learned about resilience, creativity, and going all-in on a new chapter.
Fred, welcome to this episode of the award-winning BrandBuilders Podcast.
Charlotte is growing fast, and a lot of that growth is being shaped by people who don’t just build projects, they build communities. One of those leaders is Todd Collins, CEO and founder of Red Hill Ventures, a Charlotte-based real estate firm and investment platform focused on innovative, community-centered development.
Under Todd’s leadership, Red Hill Ventures has invested in and revitalized key properties across the region—from industrial parks to commercial spaces—while keeping an eye on long-term value, economic mobility, and the future of how people live and work. He’s also deeply involved in Charlotte’s civic and philanthropic circles, championing opportunity, diversity, and education alongside his wife, Janelle, and partners like Atrium Health.
Today we’re talking with Todd about how thoughtful real estate can shape a city, what he’s seeing in Charlotte’s market right now, and why purpose and profit don’t have to be mutually exclusive.
Todd, welcome to this episode of the award-winning BrandBuilders Podcast.
Today we’re talking about what it really takes to align brand, marketing, and revenue in a world where channels change daily but fundamentals still matter. Our guest, Jinnie Austin, is a Marketing and Ecommerce Strategic Advisor and fractional CMO who helps growing brands connect the dots between who they are, how they show up, and how they make money.
Jinnie has worked with organizations like 361º USA and Exponent Edge, advising on strategy, ecommerce, and digital growth, and she’s built a reputation for stepping into leadership gaps and bringing clarity to messy marketing situations. Based in the Charlotte area, she partners with founders and leadership teams to create practical, sustainable marketing systems that actually move the needle instead of adding more noise.
We’re going to dig into what she’s seeing in the market right now, how brands can get unstuck, and why a strategic advisor or fractional CMO might be exactly what a scaling company needs.
Charlotte’s movie scene has something truly special — and it’s not your average theater popcorn experience. The Independent Picture House isn’t just a cinema; it’s a community hub for film lovers, artists, and idea seekers. As Charlotte’s only nonprofit community cinema, IPH is building something more than a movie — a space where cultural conversations, local voices, and international films all meet under one roof.
Our guest today is one of the driving forces behind that mission — Claire Lechtenberg, Director of Marketing and Development at the Independent Picture House. Claire has been helping tell IPH’s story, growing its community impact, and turning film screenings into meaningful experiences that connect people. She’s also been recognized as one of Queens University’s “10 Under 10” alumni for her leadership and creativity in shaping Charlotte’s arts scene.
Let’s talk with Claire about how IPH is redefining what a movie theater can mean to a community — and why “more than a movie” perfectly captures this local treasure.
Claire, welcome to this episode of the award-winning BrandBuilders Podcast.
Today’s guest has gone from dancing in some of Europe’s most respected companies to becoming one of the most distinctive choreographic voices in contemporary ballet. Alejandro Cerrudo, danced professionally before he became Hubbard Street Dance Chicago’s first‑ever resident choreographer in 2008.
His work has been performed by more than 20 dance companies around the world, and he has been recognized with honors including the Boomerang Fund for Artists award, the Prince Prize for Commissioning Original Work, and the USA Donnelley Fellowship by United States Artists.
In 2020 he became Pacific Northwest Ballet’s first‑ever resident choreographer and premiered his own show, It Starts Now, at The Joyce Theater in New York. In 2022, he took on a new challenge as artistic director of Charlotte Ballet, where he is now shaping the future of dance in this city.
Alejandro, welcome to The BrandBuilders Podcast.
Today’s guest helps power a national network you may not know by name, but you’ve almost certainly lived with their work. Insulate America is a nationwide group of independently owned insulation contractors that serves builders, remodelers, and homeowners all across the country.
At the center of that network is David Beam, who works with member companies to strengthen their businesses, share best practices, and deliver consistent quality. And while Insulate America is firmly in the insulation contracting business, there’s another side to the story: a deep commitment to giving back to employees’ families and support for very local, often very small organizations in the communities where their members live and work.
David, welcome to The BrandBuilders Podcast.
Today’s guest has built one of Charlotte’s most beloved “shop local” destinations by turning a little bungalow in Plaza Midwood into a treasure hunt of vintage‑inspired gifts, home decor, and local makers. Michelle Castelloe is the owner and operator of Moxie Mercantile, a community‑centric, curated gift boutique that has grown from its original Commonwealth Avenue shop into multiple locations in the Charlotte region.
Michelle launched Moxie after a 14‑year career as a Brand Director with Anthropologie, bringing a corporate retail skill set to a business that blends soul, style, and substance. She’s passionate about building community, championing artists and small makers, and using retail as a vehicle for philanthropy—what she calls “retail for purpose”—so that every purchase can help give back to causes she cares about.
Michelle, welcome to The BrandBuilders Podcast.
Today’s guest wears two very different hats that actually fit together perfectly. Chuck Kistler is the co-owner of Vaulted Oak Brewing, the popular neighborhood brewery on Monroe Road, known for its community vibe, big patio, and eclectic tap list. When he’s not pouring into the local beer scene, Chuck is a General Account Manager at TIAA, bringing a financial professional’s discipline to a small business built on fun, hospitality, and community.
Chuck and his partners have turned Vaulted Oak into a true “third place” with food trucks, trivia, music bingo, live music, and family‑ and dog‑friendly events that connect the surrounding neighborhoods of Oakhurst, Echo Hills, Elizabeth, and Cotswold. Now he’s using that platform for something deeply personal: hosting Pancakes Over Parkinson’s, a fundraiser brunch at the brewery benefiting The Michael J. Fox Foundation’s work to cure Parkinson’s disease.
Chuck, welcome to The BrandBuilders Podcast.
She’s a strategic marketing pro, brand storyteller, and customer experience expert with more than two decades of experience driving growth for top organizations. Carly O’Brien is also the founder of Carly O’Brien Consulting, where she helps businesses refine their marketing, transform their messaging, and build brands that resonate. Her perspective blends creativity with data-driven insight — and her approachable style makes complex marketing strategy feel human and doable. We’re thrilled to welcome Carly to The BrandBuilders Podcast.
Our guest today is a serial entrepreneur and growth-minded leader who’s built an entire ecosystem around helping other business owners think bigger. Chad Jenkins is the Owner and CEO of SEEDSPARK and the creator of SEEDSPARK CoLAB, a collaboration-focused platform that helps entrepreneurs connect, innovate, and scale. Through SEEDSPARK, he and his team use technology, strategy, and what they call “The Digital Continuum” to solve real business problems and spark meaningful growth. From acquiring and growing dozens of companies to coaching others on how to “abandon convention and grow through collaboration,” Chad brings a unique, high-energy perspective on leadership and entrepreneurship.
Our next guest is a visual brand storyteller who helps businesses look as good as they really are. Mandi Boedicker is the founder of Dry Ink Designs, a Charlotte-based studio specializing in logo design, visual branding, and websites that tell a clear, compelling story. From new launches to rebrands, she guides clients through everything from concept and color to full brand systems and online presence. We’re excited to dig into how she builds brands that stand out and how her design and marketing background shapes the way she serves her clients.
Today’s guest has spent two decades in the trenches of outside sales, from pharmaceuticals and medical devices to capital equipment and beyond. Mike O’Kelly is the founder and host of the Surviving Outside Sales Academy – and podcast, where he helps sales professionals navigate a chaotic, ever-changing landscape with better habits, systems, and mindset. Through his show, coaching, and content, he shares real stories from his own career — the big wins, the missed deals, and the lessons that came from both. We’re excited to unpack what he’s learned about building a long-term sales career, creating processes that scale, and standing out in an ultra-competitive field.
She’s built a career around helping people find peace, balance, and real tools for navigating life’s challenges. Tammy Morath is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and the founder of Soho Therapy Group — a practice built on compassion, collaboration, and community. From individuals to families and couples, Tammy and her team focus on practical, strengths-based therapy that helps clients thrive. We’re excited to dive into the story behind Soho Therapy Group and how Tammy’s leadership approach has shaped both her business and her clients’ success.
Some stories are so improbable that if they weren’t true, you’d never believe them. Dean Otto’s story is one of them. A lifelong athlete, sales leader, and dad, Dean was out for a Saturday morning bike ride in Charlotte when he was hit from behind by a Ford F-150, paralyzed from the waist down, and given just a 2% chance of ever walking again. Less than a year later, he crossed the finish line of a half marathon—running side by side with his neurosurgeon, Dr. Matthew McGirt, who had performed the complex spine surgery that saved his mobility.
But the comeback is only part of the story. Dean chose to forgive the guy who hit him, invited him into his life, and turned a horrific accident into a lesson in grace, courage, and belief. We can’t wait to hear more about this one… Dean, welcome to The BrandBuilders Podcast!
If you’ve ever tried to shop for home or auto insurance alone, you know it can feel confusing, rushed, and a little bit like guesswork. The McElveen Agency and Goosehead Insurance flips that script. Led by agent and agency president Jay McElveen, the Charlotte-based firm uses cutting-edge technology and relationships with more than two dozen top-rated carriers to shop the market and build custom policies in just minutes.
Jay started his agency in 2017 with a focus on serving families and partnering closely with real estate and mortgage professionals, so that when someone is buying a home, refinancing, or just reassessing their coverage, they have a trusted advisor in their corner. Jay, welcome to the BrandBuilders Podcast!
Tiffany VanDeMark believes your brand is felt before it is understood — and she has spent her career helping people and organizations make that feeling count. From launching global experiential marketing and wellness initiatives at Chobani, to leading brand and revenue growth for health and fitness companies, she has built a reputation as a dynamic leader who blends strategy, storytelling, and heart. After founding her own consultancy, VanDeMark Partners, Tiffany expanded her work as a speaker, coach, and board member, guiding executives, founders, and especially women through seasons of reinvention in their lives and careers — reminding people that reinvention is not a failure, but a superpower.
If you’ve ever bought or sold a home around the Charlotte area, you’ve probably seen the work of our next guest — even if you didn’t realize it. Those crisp, professional real estate signs that pop up on lawns and properties all over town often come from Carolina Realty Signs.
Behind those signs is Wes Martin, owner and president of the company, who’s been growing this family business since he took it over more than two decades ago. Wes and his team handle everything from design and printing to installation and removal — serving real estate professionals, builders, and developers across the Carolinas. It’s a business built on reliability, relationships, and being a trusted partner in one of the fastest-growing housing markets in the country.
Wes—welcome to the BrandBuilders Podcast!
Food has a unique way of bringing people together, especially in life’s hardest moments. Feast for Good does exactly that for cancer patients in the Charlotte area — organizing meals from local restaurants and food partners for folks braving treatment. By tapping into Charlotte’s culinary community, Feast for Good not only feeds people physically, but also provides comfort, dignity, and a reminder that they are not facing cancer alone.
Our guest today, Kristi Martin, is the Founder and Executive Director of Feast for Good and the creator of the earlier FEAST Food Tours & Culinary Events brand. A cancer survivor herself, Kristi transformed her own experience with acute myeloid leukemia and a stem cell transplant into a nonprofit that cares for patients in need.
Kristi, welcome to The BrandBuilders Podcast.
A former first company dancer with Charlotte Ballet, Sarah spent 15 seasons on stage before pivoting into teaching Argentine tango and helping run one of the city’s most versatile, artist-friendly event spaces. From weddings and live performances to weekly tango sessions and brunches, The Long Room and Tango CLT are creating a warm, intimate home for dancers, musicians, and creatives of all kinds. Sarah, welcome to the program!
Charlotte’s arts scene continues to thrive, thanks to institutions that make creativity accessible and inspiring for everyone. At the heart of that movement stands the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art — a cultural landmark known for its stunning architecture, world-class collection, and inclusive approach to modern art. Since opening in 2010, the museum has become a hub for connection, conversation, and creative exploration for visitors from every walk of life.
Our guest today, Todd Smith, is the Executive Director of the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art. With decades of experience leading museums across the country, Todd is passionate about making modern art meaningful and relevant to today’s audiences. Under his leadership, the Bechtler continues to expand its community reach — through innovative programs like Wednesday Night Live, Jazz at the Bechtler, and Music & Museum — all of which invite visitors to experience art in new and unexpected ways.
Todd, welcome to The BrandBuilders Podcast.
There’s a lot of talk about “grind” and “hustle” in the marketplace. But how exactly does that translate to “success” in sales, sports, and business?? Attitude, Effort, Results was built to change that. Through coaching, speaking, and the Attitude, Effort, Results Podcast, the brand gives students, young professionals, and sales teams practical tools to level up their mindset, sharpen their skills, and break into competitive industries like sports.
Our guest today, Tanner Natzke, is the founder of Attitude, Effort, Results and host of the AER Podcast… Tanner, welcome to The BrandBuilders Podcast.
In a booming city like Charlotte, real estate isn’t just about selling homes — it’s about building communities, telling stories, and helping people find their place. At Charlotte Living Realty Group, that philosophy is at the heart of everything they do. Known for hyper-local expertise and client-first service, the firm has become a trusted name in one of the country’s most competitive housing markets.
Our guest today, is Kayla Haase. She’s the Marketing Manager at Charlotte Living Realty Group. With a background in digital strategy, social engagement, and creative content, Kayla brings a fresh, modern approach to real estate marketing. She oversees the brand’s storytelling across platforms — from social media and property listings to community partnerships — helping agents and clients connect in more authentic and exciting ways.
Few things are more powerful than the feeling of being cared for when you need it most. That’s exactly what the Hospitality House of Charlotte provides — a welcoming “home away from home” for patients and families traveling to the Charlotte for medical care. Since 1985, the organization has offered comfort, hope, and community to thousands of people during some of life’s most difficult moments.
Our guest today is Angie Bush. She’s the Chief Executive Officer of Hospitality House of Charlotte. With a dynamic background in nonprofit leadership and community engagement, Angie has spent her career building mission-driven programs that bring people together through compassion and service.
Angie, welcome to The BrandBuilders Podcast.
When it comes to securing your financial future, confidence and clarity make all the difference. Carnegie Private Wealth is a SouthPark-based wealth management firm, where Mary Ware and her team are proving that financial planning is about more than just numbers—it’s about tailoring strategies to help clients live their best lives and reduce stress around their finances.
Named one of Forbes’ Top Wealth Advisors and a Working Mother Top Wealth Advisor Mom, Mary brings more than expertise—she brings genuine care and a dedication to helping families and business owners navigate retirement, legacy planning, and changing markets. Today, she joins us in the studio to talk about building Carnegie Private Wealth from the ground up, her team’s purpose-driven service, and what it means to help clients find lasting confidence in their financial journey. Mary, welcome to the program!
Most people don’t think twice about who cleans their office, bank, church, or car dealership… until something goes wrong. But for businesses that care about first impressions, safety, and employee experience, having the right cleaning partner isn’t a nice-to-have—it’s essential.
Pure Commercial Cleaning has built a five-star reputation in the Charlotte area by promising something simple, but rare: above-and-beyond service, every single day. They specialize in janitorial services for offices, banks, religious spaces, car dealerships, and more—but what really sets them apart is a relationship-first mindset where no client is “just a number.”
Today, we’re joined by Pure Commercial Cleaning’s founder, Isabel Baker. We’ll talk about how she built a trusted, local brand in a crowded industry, and what it takes to grow a service business built on consistency and communication. Isabel, welcome to the program!
It’s no secret that the way we work has changed a lot in recent years—whether it’s the move to remote setups, hybrid teams, or flexible spaces that can do it all. But one thing that hasn’t changed? The need for a functional, comfortable, and inspiring workspace. That’s where Larner’s Office Furniture comes in.
For more than 60 years, Larner’s has been helping businesses across the Carolinas create spaces that reflect who they are and how they work. From small startups and home offices to corporate headquarters, they’ve built a reputation for quality furniture, personalized service, and solutions that make the workplace feel just right.
Today, we’re joined by the man leading that family legacy—President and Owner, Daryl Larner. Daryl, welcome to the BrandBuilders Podcast!
Today’s guest brings a strategic mindset and a “people-first” approach to one of the most complex and important industries out there: employee benefits and insurance. Price Litton is a Client Executive at OneDigital, where he’s spent the last several years guiding companies through the ever-changing landscape of healthcare, insurance, and workforce solutions.
Known for his ability to create long-term business growth while never losing sight of the human side, Price draws on a strong background in operational strategy — plus a deep commitment to helping local communities thrive. He’s not just about the numbers; he’s about making a real, positive impact for businesses and the people behind them.
Price Litton, welcome to the BrandBuilders Podcast!
Tim Rhodes is a guy who’s shaped one of Charlotte’s signature sporting events for over two decades. He’s the managing partner of the Novant Health Charlotte Marathon, now gearing up for its 21st annual running on November 15. Under his leadership, the marathon has not only shattered attendance records but also contributed more than $600,000 to Novant Health Hemby Children’s Hospital, making a real difference for local families.
Tim and his team have transformed the race into a weekend celebration of fitness, community, and giving back. The Charlotte running scene wouldn’t be the same without him… Tim, welcome to the BrandBuilders Podcast!
Our guest today is a builder in every sense of the word — of spaces, brands, and big ideas. Jared Londry is the founder of Point Blank Ventures, a Charlotte-based firm with a diverse focus that includes real estate investment, venture capital in hospitality and food & beverage, and creative brand design.
If you’ve seen projects like Tipsy Pickle CLT, or caught glimpses of his passions for motorcycles, travel, and design on social media, you know Jared brings a distinct mix of grit, vision, and style to everything he does.
From multifamily real estate to food startups, Jared Londry is a real renaissance man! Welcome to the BrandBuilders Podcast!
Our guest today has spent more than 25 years helping people find balance — not just in their careers or relationships, but in their entire approach to mental wellness. Lepa Modie is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker based right here in Charlotte, and the founder of SEW Balance, a platform she created to give adults access to affordable, actionable mental health tools.
Lepa recently shared her expertise in a new book called Well Sht! Now What?! Your Survival Guide for College Success*, which takes her signature no-fluff, real-world approach to mental health and applies it to helping college students navigate one of life’s biggest transitions.
Lepa Modie, welcome to the BrandBuilders Podcast!
Today we’re excited to welcome Jennifer Payne, from Core Innov8tions. With a rich background as a certified Pilates instructor, nutrition coach, and wellness educator, Jennifer is dedicated to helping clients move, improve, and transform through mindful movement and holistic health practices. At Core Innov8tions, she blends Reformer Pilates, nutrition coaching, functional training, and group fitness in a studio environment designed for everyone, no matter where they’re starting from. Jennifer’s mission is to empower others to build strength, confidence, and sustainable healthy habits, supporting every client on a journey toward feeling—and living—their very best.
You know what they say about opinions; everyone’s got one, and they all stink. You might be able to say that about most people’s… LinkedIn profiles. Today’s guest can fix that. She’s Amy George, founder and CEO of By George Communications, a boutique public relations and storytelling agency here in Charlotte. Amy’s LinkedIn Makeover and Training services have helped professionals and businesses transform their presence on the world’s top business networking site. Through in-depth one-on-one makeovers and dynamic workshops, Amy and her team help clients craft compelling personal and company narratives, optimize every profile detail, and teach strategic engagement habits that turn connections into opportunities.
Today we have Ashley Ausman on the program. Ashely is founder of The Essay Architect. A former AP English teacher at Charlotte Catholic with two decades of experience, Ashley specializes in helping high school seniors bring their authentic stories to life in college application essays. She launched The Essay Architect after seeing firsthand how even top students struggle to tackle the deeply personal writing required for college admission, and now she guides students and families through finding topics, building compelling narratives, and crafting essays that stand out to admissions readers. With a reputation for encouragement, insight, and results, Ashley is on a mission to raise confidence, clarify voices, and demystify every step of the essay process for the next generation of college-bound students.
Welcome back to the award-winning BrandBuilders Podcast. Today on the program, we’ve got Meg Fencil and Beth Suhr with us from Sustain Charlotte. Meg Fencil is Director of Engagement and Impact… Beth is Operations Director at Sustain Charlotte.
If you are one of the 157 people moving here every day, Sustain Charlotte is local nonprofit working to build a healthier, more equitable, and sustainable community. And one of the ways they help spread that message, and introduce Charlotteans to their own hometown is an event called Biketoberfest.
This annual people-powered adventure is an opportunity for folks to experience the city by bike, foot, and transit… and Meg and Beth are here to tell us about all of that. Welcome both of you to the program!
Welcome to The BrandBuilders Podcast. Today, we’ve got Ben Brown, the owner of CS Brown Tile Marble and Stone, joining us. With years of expertise in high-end home and commercial projects, Ben has built a reputation for quality craftsmanship, creative solutions, and standout customer service. Whether you’ve admired a stunning custom countertop or walked across a beautiful tiled floor in the Queen City, there’s a good chance Ben’s team had a hand in it. Ben—welcome to the program!
Welcome to The BrandBuilders Podcast, where we’ve got Liz Clasen-Kelly, Chief Executive Officer of Roof Above, here in the studio with us. Liz has guided Roof Above since its founding in 2019, when the Men’s Shelter of Charlotte and Urban Ministry Center merged to form the most comprehensive homeless service provider in North Carolina. Liz has led innovative initiatives—expanding shelter capacity, launching permanent supportive housing, and uniting community partners to address the crisis of homelessness one life at a time. Liz, welcome to The BrandBuilders Podcast!
Welcome to The BrandBuilders Podcast! Today, we’re excited to welcome Michael Stier, Area President of FocusCFO. Michael is a hands-on C-level executive and entrepreneur with over 35 years of experience growing companies in technology and financial services. As the founder and former CEO of Adhesion Wealth, he led the company from startup to $13B in managed assets. Today, at FocusCFO, Michael empowers small and mid-sized business owners to boost financial control, plan for scalable growth, and prepare for successful life-changing transitions.
In addition to his FocusCFO role, Michael is an active member of XPX Charlotte, a collaborative community of advisors dedicated to helping business owners achieve optimal exit outcomes and long-term value. We’ll get into all of that on this episode… Micheal, welcome to the program.
Welcome back to Brandbuilders Podcast! Today, we’re thrilled to have Jason Lucash, a true disruptor in the promotional products industry and a co-founder of Rupt. Alongside his business partner Mike Szymczak, Jason has launched a brand that goes far beyond the conventional — Rupt is a manifesto against the ordinary, merging visionary design with a deep commitment to environmental sustainability. Their products don’t just serve a function; they tell stories, create emotional connections, and turn everyday objects into chapters in a sustainable lifestyle. With a focus on recycled materials, carbon-neutral operations, and packaging that is artful and purposeful, Rupt challenges us to rethink what’s possible when creativity and sustainability unite. Jason, welcome to the Brandbuilders Podcast!
Welcome to The BrandBuilders Podcast! Today, we’re excited to have Courtney Swift-Copeland joining us— she’s the Owner and Creative Director of Salt Paper Studio + Productions, where she leads a powerhouse of a team, delivering full-service photography and video services. Known for her bold approach, collaborative leadership, and relentless pursuit of creative excellence, Courtney has built Salt Paper Studio into a destination for cutting-edge brand content and production.
Courtney, welcome to the program!
Today on The BrandBuilders Podcast, we’ve got Lou Fresta with us. Lou is Vice President of Sales & Marketing at CRC Industries—a company known for its HUGE line of chemical maintenance products serving industries from automotive to aviation. If you’re a car guy (or gal) you know.
With more than 17 years at CRC Industries, Lou is not only an accomplished executive but also a respected mentor and advocate for inclusion and leadership development within the automotive sector. Lou’s career spans decades of driving profitable growth, pioneering product strategies, and building high-performing sales organizations. And we are excited to have him on the show with us!
On this episode of the award-winning BrandBuilders Podcast, we’ve got Cat Babbie here in the studio with us. Cat is a celebrated fiber artist and entrepreneur whose innovative work is redefining the boundaries of textile and mixed media art. Based here in the Carolinas, Cat explores texture, color, and form, often weaving personal narratives into her work. In addition to exhibiting her art, she brings a spirit of entrepreneurship to her creative journey, connecting with communities through workshops, collaborative projects, and a thriving online portfolio of original fiber art.
Cat was a featured artist in the ArtPop Street Gallery – we’ll talk about that in a minute. And, she’s also working to help other creatives get their creative careers on track. Cat, welcome to the show…
Welcome back to the award-winning BrandBuilders Podcast. Our guest today is entrepreneur, athlete, and inspiration– Carson Clough. Carson is the co-founder of Giddy Goat Coffee Roasters, a local favorite coffee company known for its community focus and high-quality coffee craft. Prior to his entrepreneurial journey, Carson was a collegiate lacrosse player at Carolina and Florida Tech. Things changed dramatically after a life-altering accident that led to the loss of his leg. But that didn’t stop him.
In addition to growing Giddy Goat into a thriving brand, Carson is also a world-class Paralympic triathlete, proving that challenges are just another starting line. His story of perseverance, passion, and purpose has inspired many in Charlotte and beyond. Today, we’ll explore the intersection of sports, entrepreneurship, and overcoming obstacles as Carson shares insights from his unique life and career.
Welcome back to the award-winning BrandBuilders Podcast. We’ve got Jason Dumas with us in the studio. He’s the principal and founder of FLICK Studios, one of Charlotte’s premier creative production companies.
With a background in film, video, and digital media, Jason launched FLICK Studios to help brands, events, and organizations connect with their audiences through compelling visual storytelling. Since then, FLICK Studios has become a sought-after partner for commercials, branded content, documentaries, corporate video and a whole lot more. Jason, welcome to the program!
Welcome back to the award-winning BrandBuilders Podcast. We’ve got Courtney Oates and Mark Fontanilla with us. Courtney Oates is Marketing and Events Director at Nourish Up, and Mark Fontanilla is Event Director for Tour de Turns.
The Tour de Turns is a late summer staple, and one of Charlotte’s most loved charity bike rides. The event not only invites riders of all experience levels to explore the city’s neighborhoods but, most importantly, raises critical funds for Nourish Up and its programs to feed folks here in Charlotte.
On this episode of the award-winning BrandBuilders Podcast, we’re excited to welcome Mark Treichler, from Classic Speed and Custom. Mark and his team are the go-to guys for building, restoring, and repairing classic vehicles and performance engines.
Classic Speed and Custom has earned a reputation for quality and customer satisfaction—serving automotive enthusiasts and collectors who demand the best. Mark, welcome to the show!
On this episode of the BrandBuilders Podcast, we’re honored to welcome MaShonna Hughes, Executive Director and Chief Dignity Officer at Project Outpour. MaShonna is a compassionate, visionary leader with over a decade of experience in the nonprofit and government sectors, and a relentless dedication to social justice, equity, and restoring dignity in her community. Under her leadership, Project Outpour provides free mobile shower access and hygiene services to individuals experiencing homelessness across Charlotte. Project Outpour serves five locations weekly, providing showers, fresh clothes, and hygiene kits—all with the belief that being clean is a catalyst for change.
On this episode of the BrandBuilders Podcast, we’ve got Garrett Summers, CPA and Owner at Foard and Company. If you don’t know, Foard and Company is an accounting firm serving Charlotte and the surrounding region for over 50 years. Garrett brings a wealth of experience in audit and tax services, with a particular focus on not-for-profit organizations and churches. Since joining the firm in 2012 and becoming an owner in 2020, Garrett has played a key role in upholding the firm’s commitment to quality, trust, and client relationships. Garrett – welcome to the program!
Today on the BrandBuilders Podcast, we’ve got Ben Levenbaum, founder and CEO of Xceleration here with us. Xceleration has been a major player in enterprise rewards and recognition for over 25 years. Under Ben’s leadership, Xceleration has built a global reputation for its innovative, scalable technology—most notably the RewardStation platform. We’re looking forward to hearing about that one, too!
With a diverse team spanning multiple disciplines and a client roster that includes some of the world’s largest companies, Xceleration crafts tailored recognition programs that motivate teams and deliver measurable impact. Ben, welcome to the show!
On the award-winning BrandBuilders Podcast, we have David Walker with us, he’s the Commercial Development Officer at Standard Title. As the Southeast’s first specialized commercial title insurance agency, Standard Title empowers clients to secure and finance commercial real estate with confidence. In his role, David plays a key part in driving business growth and building partnerships, leveraging his expertise to help clients navigate complex commercial real estate transactions. We’re talking real estate on this episode of the BrandBuilders Podcast!
On this episode of the award-winning BrandBuilders Podcast, we’re pleased to welcome Dave Holtzman, President and Partner at Search Solution Group. If you don’t know yet, Search Solution Group is a leading full-service recruiting, staffing, and executive search firm with over 20 years of success.
Dave plays a pivotal role in driving the company’s mission to connect organizations with uniquely qualified candidates across a wide range of industries, including Accounting, Finance, Engineering, IT, Marketing, and more. Under Dave’s leadership, Search Solution Group has built a reputation for integrity, responsiveness, and teamwork — values that have helped them become one of the nation’s top recruitment firms. Dave thanks for being on the program!
Welcome back to the BrandBuilders Podcast! You know we love talking to folks with new ideas, and we’re excited to welcome Jake Corday to the show today. He’s an innovative entrepreneur revolutionizing in-store marketing with his company Waev.
Jake’s platform combines sleek HD digital screens, advanced targeting capabilities, and real-time analytics to help businesses deliver captivating, data-driven promotions that engage customers. We met Jake a few weeks back over a coffee, and knew we had to get him on the program.
Welcome back to the BrandBuilders Podcast! On this episode, we’ve got Matt Sharp with us, a seasoned nonprofit leader and the founder of Sharp Advising. With over 18 years of experience in the nonprofit and higher education sectors, Matt has dedicated his career to empowering organizations to maximize their community impact. Through Sharp Advising, he partners with small to mid-sized nonprofits, helping them optimize operations, streamline processes, and develop strategies for sustainable growth. Matt—welcome to the show!
Today on the BrandBuilders Podcast, we’re joined by Joe McMahan– an entrepreneur, passionate runner, and the founder of Azoia Endurance. His company is crafting all-natural energy gels for athletes right here in Charlotte. Joe’s journey is as inspiring as it is impressive: in just two years, he transformed his marathon time from 4:41 to an astonishing 2:56, all while recovering from stress-induced injuries and building a business.
Whether he’s on the road, in the lab, or sharing training tips on the IG, Joe doesn’t show any signs of slowing down. Joe, welcome to the show!
Welcome back to The BrandBuilders Podcast! Today, we’re honored to have Brigadier General Mark Towne, USA (Ret.), founder of VETS Leadership, LLC, join us. General Towne is a renowned leader with over 34 years of service in the U.S. Army, where he led organizations from small units to large global institutions. His expertise in building trust has been pivotal in his military and civilian career. He’s also an author, and his book, Build Trust First, offers insights into creating trust-driven leadership. General Towne, welcome to the program!
Welcome to another episode of The award-winning BrandBuilders Podcast! Today we’ve got Ashlyn Greer, founder and CEO of Fashivly, here with us. Ashlyn is a fashion influencer and entrepreneur who has revolutionized personal styling with her innovative platform.
After spending over a decade in the fashion industry—including roles at Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, and Belk—Ashlyn launched Fashivly in 2020 to make personal styling accessible to everyone. Her company helps clients discover their unique style through personalized shopping experiences, empowering them to feel confident and look their best every day. We’ll hear about her inspiring journey, how Fashivly is changing the way people shop, and what’s next for her growing Charlotte-based startup.
Welcome to this episode of The award-winning BrandBuilders Podcast! In the studio with us today is Hunter Parsons, the owner and founder of Hunter Window and Gutter Cleaning. A Charlotte native, Hunter has been serving the community since 1996 with top-notch window cleaning, gutter maintenance, and pressure washing services.
Over nearly three decades, his business has become synonymous with professionalism and quality in home care. But Hunter’s impact goes beyond his business—he’s also a big baseball guy, and had a little something to do with preserving a piece of local history! Hunter, welcome to the show!
Welcome to this episode of The award-winning BrandBuilders Podcast! Today, we have Meredith Robinson in the studio with us. Meredith is the Director of Brand Experience for Goodwill Industries of the Southern Piedmont, an organization that has been transforming lives through the power of work since 1965.
As a leader in nonprofit marketing and community engagement, Meredith has played a pivotal role in connecting Goodwill’s mission with the community it serves. From innovative workforce development programs to creative marketing strategies, Meredith ensures that Goodwill’s impact is felt far and wide. We’ll dive into the incredible work she’s doing and explore how Goodwill’s retail operations fuel life-changing opportunities for individuals and families across the region.
Welcome to this episode of the award-winning BrandBuilders Podcast. Today, we’re excited to have Sarah-Kate Pease, Director of Corporate and Community Engagement at Safe Alliance, joining us. Sarah-Kate is a longtime friend, community outreach and nonprofit management pro, and we’re thrilled to have her here on the show.
Welcome to The BrandBuilders Podcast! Today, we’re excited to have Megan S. King, Chief Development & Strategy Officer at Camp Southern Ground, joining us. Megan brings a wealth of experience in strategic planning, sponsorship activation, and new business development to her role at this unique organization.
If you don’t know about Camp Southern Ground, this remarkable organization was founded by Grammy Award-winning artist Zac Brown. And, we’ve got Megan here in the studio to tell us all about it!
Welcome to another episode of the award-winning BrandBuilders Podcast! Today, we’ve got Madison Gates with us. She’s VP of Marketing at Reliable Residential. Madison brings a unique blend of marketing expertise and athletic experience to her role.
For folks who don’t know yet, Reliable Residential is the largest franchisee operator within Neighborly, a leading home services company. Madison will tell us all about that, too!
Welcome to The BrandBuilders Podcast! Today, we’re excited to have two distinguished guests from Doggett Concrete, a company that has been laying solid foundations in the construction industry for over six decades. (Hear what we did there?) Joining us are Mike Kana, President, and Randy Brown, Director of Business Development at Doggett Commercial Concrete.
Doggett Concrete dates back to 1963 when Bill Doggett began pouring foundations for Charlotte’s expanding suburbs. Now, 60 plus years later, under the leadership of Bill’s son Doug, Doggett Commercial Concrete has grown into a hundred-million-dollar enterprise.
On this episode of the award-winning BrandBuilders podcast, we’re thrilled to welcome Marissa West, the founder and owner of West Kept Secret. If you’ve not heard of it yet, West Kept Secret is Charlotte’s premier boutique fitness studio, voted best in Charlotte multiple years running.
West Kept Secret is known for its effective methodology and supportive environment. Marissa and her team even serve as the official fitness trainers for the Carolina Panthers’ cheerleading team! Marissa, welcome to the show.
On this episode of the award-winning BrandBuilders Podcast, we’ve got Matt Thomas, a seasoned leadership coach, who’s dedicated himself to helping individuals and organizations unlock their full potential.
With years of experience guiding professionals across various industries, Matt specializes in empowering leaders to enhance their skills, foster high-performing teams, and achieve their strategic goals. Matt, welcome to the show!
On this episode of the award-winning BrandBuilders Podcast, we’re joined by Jim Guimond and Dick Sesler from Camp Blue Skies, an organization that offers unique camping experiences for adults with developmental disabilities. Camp Blue Skies Foundation enriches the lives of adults aged 21 and older through recreation, socialization, and life skills education. We’ve been longtime partners with Camp Blue Skies, so we’re stoked to have them tell their story on the show.
Jim, Dick — welcome to the show!
On this episode of the award-winning BrandBuilders Podcast, we’ve got Clifton Castelloe, the Executive Director of All-In to Fight Cancer with us. All-In to Fight Cancer has been a force in raising funds and awareness for cancer initiatives through – of all things — poker tournaments.
All-In to Fight Cancer has raised over $2.3 million for various cancer-related causes across North Carolina, including critical research and patient support. As they prepare for their next poker tournament in Charlotte, Clifton is in the studio to tell us all about it!
Welcome to another episode of the award-winning BrandBuilders Podcast! Today, we’re excited to have Mark Wojcik from East Park Avenue Talent Consulting joining us. East Park Avenue Talent, or EPA Talent, is a company dedicated to helping businesses accelerate hiring, boost retention, and drive growth through innovative talent acquisition strategies.
Welcome back to this episode of The award-winning BrandBuilders Podcast! We have Palmer Magri joining us. Palmer is a talented writer, reporter, and digital producer at Charlotte’s public radio station, WFAE. She recently graduated from Queens University of Charlotte with a Bachelor of Arts in Multimedia Storytelling. Which is ALL good, but what got us interested is a story Palmer wrote about the pampered life of Myers Park pets! Palmer, welcome to the show!
Welcome back to the BrandBuilders Podcast. Today, we have Chip Pettit, President of Stream Station, joining us. Chip and Stream Station specialize in managing video streams end-to-end, ensuring world-class experiences for broadcasters and viewers alike. With his background in graphic design from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and his experience in the streaming industry, Chip is a local guy doing BIG things in the digital broadcast space. Chip, welcome to the show!
Welcome to The BrandBuilders Podcast! Today, we’re honored to have Spencer Lueders back in the studio with us. Really he’s a guy who needs no introduction, but for folks who don’t know: he’s the founder of 24 Foundation. This incredible organization has been making a profound impact in the fight against cancer since 2002, raising over $28 million to support cancer navigation and survivorship programs. Spencer, welcome back to the show!
Welcome back to The BrandBuilders Podcast! Today, we have Priya Sircar with us on the program. You might recognize her name as the City of Charlotte’s first Arts and Culture officer.
Priya is onto another project these days: entrepreneurship. She’s the founder of Road Openers, a company dedicated to helping individuals and organizations break through barriers and achieve their goals. In addition to her work with Road Openers, Priya is also an accomplished short filmmaker, using her storytelling skills to inspire and connect with audiences. We’re excited to discuss her upcoming speaking engagement and her creative projects. Welcome to the show!
Welcome back to The BrandBuilders Podcast! Today, we’re excited to have Matt Zackon from Tax Credit Marketplace joining us. Tax Credit Marketplace is a company that specializes in the complex world of tax credits and incentives. Matt, we’re looking forward to hearing more about your expertise, and learning more about how you’re helping businesses navigate the complicated landscape of tax benefits.
Welcome back to The award-winning BrandBuilders Podcast! Today, we have our friend Lauren Evans from Beds for Kids on the program. For those who don’t know, Beds for Kids is an incredible organization that provides beds and other essential furniture to children and families in need. Lauren, we’re excited to get into this one with you!
Welcome back to The award-winning BrandBuilders Podcast! Today, we’re excited to have with us Huong Luu, the mind behind Luu Color Center. Luu Color Center has been making waves in the world of color and design, offering innovative solutions for both residential and commercial spaces.
Huong, welcome to the program!
Welcome back to another episode of the award-winning BrandBuilders Podcast! With us today is the incredibly talented Maddy Ebbert, an artist and muralist whose work is transforming Charlotte’s visual landscape one wall at a time. Maddy’s art is a celebration of color, nature, and self-love – themes that are earning her a devoted following both here and across the country.
Some of Maddy’s recent work around Charlotte include a commissioned design for the 2024 Novant Health Charlotte Marathon event t-shirts… and another high-viz project found at the corner of The Plaza and Central Avenue, where she completed the exterior murals for Seemingly Overzealous ice cream shop.
Maddy, welcome to the BrandBuilders Podcast!
Welcome back to another episode of the award-winning BrandBuilders Podcast. On the program today we’ve got Garrett Tichy with us; a dynamic entrepreneur who’s been a part of Charlotte’s small business scene for years now. Garrett is the co-owner of Seemingly Overzealous, an innovative dairy-free ice cream shop that’s working to become a local favorite.
OG small business folks may also know Garrett as the visionary and community-builder behind Hygge (HOO-gah), the popular co-working space that fostered collaboration and creativity among some of Charlotte’s up-and-coming brands and businesses.
Known for his insightful perspectives on small business dynamics and community support in Charlotte, Garrett brings a wealth of experience and a unique viewpoint to our conversation – welcome back to the show!
Welcome to The BrandBuilders Podcast. Today, we’re excited to have Kevin Young – my actual twin brother — joining us. Kevin is the founder of Young Crush LLC, which operates Crushr of Lexington, a business based in Lexington, Kentucky. We’re looking forward to learning more about his entrepreneurial journey and the unique services his company provides.
On this episode of the award-winning BrandBuilders Podcast we’re hosting two remarkable guests making waves in the world of brand strategy and storytelling: Blair Primis and Erin Santos.
Blair Primis and Erin Santos have joined forces to create Primtos, a dynamic company that specializes in helping businesses craft compelling narratives and build powerful brands. With their combined expertise in marketing, communications, and nonprofit leadership, Blair and Erin bring a unique perspective to the world of brand development.
Together, they’ve created a company that not only helps businesses grow but also empowers them to make a lasting impact on their communities. Their collaborative approach and diverse skill sets make them a real “power couple” in the world of brand building.
We’re thrilled to have Blair Primis and Erin Santos on this episode of the BrandBuilders Podcast!
Charlotte is Creative, and on this episode of the BrandBuilders Podcast, we’ve got two of the folks who help make it so: Sydney Duarte and Osiris Rain. These accomplished artists have joined forces to bring a unique and exciting project to life called the TAOH Outdoor Gallery.
Billed as Charlotte’s first graffiti park, this innovative space in NoDa is transforming the way the community interacts with street art. Sydney, known for her work as The Traveling Gypsy, brings her passion for adventure, wellness, and community engagement to the project. Osiris, with his background in classical painting and scenic murals, contributes his expertise in large-scale art. Together, they’re creating a magical space for artistic expression and community connection. Sydney and Osiris, welcome to The BrandBuilders Podcast!
Welcome back to the award-winning BrandBuilders Podcast – today we’re excited to welcome Greg Doggett. He’s the Division Manager of Moisture Loc. Since 1988, Moisture Loc has been a leading provider of basement waterproofing, foundation repair, and crawl space solutions in Charlotte and the surrounding areas. As part of a family-owned business with deep roots in the construction industry, Greg brings a ton of experience and expertise to the field of home moisture control and foundation repair. Greg, welcome to the BrandBuilders Podcast!
We’re back in the studios of the award-winning BrandBuilders Podcast. Today, we’re joined by Adam Cahill, the founder and CEO of SUPPLY POINTe. SUPPLY POINTe is a one-of-a-kind network connecting trucking, freight forwarding, pallet, and packaging companies to provide a wide range of cost-effective solutions for customers nationwide. Whether it’s packaging your product, finding a pallet, or arranging reliable shipping across the U.S., Canada, Mexico, or even overseas, Adam and his team have streamlined the process into a single, hassle-free connection. Adam, welcome to The BrandBuilders Podcast!
Clem McDavid is the visionary behind HomeLedgerApp. HomeLedger is an innovative digital solution designed to revolutionize home management and maintenance. With a focus on simplifying homeowners’ lives, Clem and his team have created an app that helps users stay on top of seasonal tasks, digitize home-related information, and streamline property management. Clem, welcome to The BrandBuilders Podcast!
Welcome back to another episode of the award-winning BrandBuilders Podcast. In the studio today we have Troy Smith, co-founder and partner of Smith Slovik Residential Design Group. Troy is a passionate residential designer with a unique background that has shaped his approach to architecture.
Born in Germany, Troy’s love for the craft was ignited at a young age as he traveled around Europe, surrounded by a diverse range of architectural styles. With over 25 years of experience in the field, Troy has worked on projects of various scales and styles, bringing his expertise to the Carolinas. In 2014, Troy partnered with Dave Slovik to create Smith Slovik Residential Design Group, a firm that specializes in providing a personal custom home design experience. Troy, welcome to The BrandBuilders Podcast!
Welcome to The BrandBuilders Podcast! Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Jorge Torres, a talented photographer and videographer based in Charlotte. Jorge has a unique ability to capture the essence of his subjects through his lens, whether it’s stunning landscapes or dynamic action shots. As a content creator and client services coordinator for Norsan Media, he brings a wealth of experience in visual storytelling.
Jorge, welcome to the show!
Photos mentioned in the episode:
https://www.instagram.com/p/CsPqCc9N9Vo/?igsh=bGc0dTlzZ3ExY3Z3
https://www.instagram.com/p/CufCxfWr9tG/?igsh=MWEzbW4zMXl2azlkMg==
Welcome to another episode of the award-winning BrandBuilders Podcast! Today, we are delighted to have Renee Breazeale, the founder of Victory in Time here with us. Renee has dedicated her career to providing innovative solutions and strategies that empower her clients. If you’re not following her on LinnkedIn, do it – and listen in now to find out what’s in it for you.
Renee, welcome to the BrandBuilders Podcast!
Welcome back to The BrandBuilders Podcast! Today, have Mitchell Kearney, an accomplished photographer known for his stunning portraits and captivating imagery. With a portfolio that includes iconic 1970s rock stars, Mitchell has a unique perspective on capturing the essence of his subjects. You can explore his work on Instagram at @mitchellkearneyphotography .. but before you do that, let’s talk with him now!
Mitchell, welcome to the show!
Welcome to this episode of the award-winning BrandBuilders Podcast! Today, we’re have Tchernavia Montgomery, the Executive Director of Care Ring here on the show with us.
Care Ring is a vital organization here in Charlotte that promotes, protects, and improves the health and well-being of folks who might not get the care they need. Tchernavia is a licensed clinical social worker with two decades of experience in health and human services. She’s a double graduate from UNCC’s School of Social Work – and she’s a heck of a singer, too!
Tchernavia, welcome to the show!
Welcome back to the award-winning BrandBuilders Podcast! Today, we’re thrilled to have Jason Atkins on the show, but you might know him as Greazy Keyz.
He’s a full-time professional keyboardist and organist, Jason has been a big part of the Charlotte music scene since he moved here in 1997. With over 100 local bands and 1,000 recorded songs to his credit, he has become a fixture here. And if you’re not part of the local music scene, you may know him for his lively performances at minor league hockey and baseball games.
From hosting Charlotte’s longest-running open mic night to playing with the Hot Sauce Party Band, Jason’s versatility and passion for music shine through in everything he does. Jason, welcome to the show!
Welcome to this episode of the award-winning BrandBuilders Podcast! Whether you’re a big company, a small business, or a nonprofit – branding is a HUGE part of how the outside world sees you and what you do.
On the show today, we’ve got Frank Expression, a talented artist and performer based in Charlotte, North Carolina – and a guy who walks the walk when it comes to personal branding.
Frank has made a name for himself in the local arts scene, captivating audiences with his unique blend of creativity and performance. In a world where personal branding is crucial, especially for artists, Frank could literally put on a clinic! Welcome to the show!
Welcome to this episode of The BrandBuilders Podcast! Today, we have Aaron Mullennix, from Charlotte City Tennis on the program today. Aaron has dedicated his efforts to promoting the sport and fostering a love for tennis among players of all ages and skill levels. Aaron, welcome to the show!
Welcome to The BrandBuilders Podcast! Today, we’re cooking up something good, with Chef Ron Ahlert, the Executive Director of the Community Culinary School of Charlotte (CCSC). Under Chef Ron’s leadership, CCSC has been transforming lives through culinary education, providing essential workforce training and job placement assistance to adults facing barriers to employment.
CCSC’s mission is to tackle the root causes of poverty by equipping students with the skills necessary for sustainable careers in the food service industry. Their innovative programs not only teach culinary arts but also focus on job readiness, life skills, and goal-setting, helping individuals move from dependency to self-sufficiency.
Welcome to this episode of the award-winning BrandBuilders Podcast — Today, we have Amanda Caldwell joining us. Amanda is a professional photographer based in the Charlotte area.
Her portfolio showcases a diverse range of stunning imagery, from portraits and weddings to commercial and editorial work. Amanda’s keen eye for detail and ability to capture genuine moments have made her a sought-after photographer in the region.
Amanda, it’s great to have you on the show!
Welcome to this episode of the award-winning BrandBuilders Podcast. Today’s guest is Morgan Smith, Construction Coordinator at Roby Services in Charlotte and Lead Chair of the Girls Construction Camp.
This two-day camp aims to inspire and educate girls about opportunities within the construction industry, promoting diversity and inclusion in a traditionally male-dominated field. Her leadership at Roby Services and her commitment to empowering the next generation of female builders make her story the kind we love to share here on the BrandBuilders Podcast.
Morgan, welcome to the show!
Welcome to another episode of the award-winning BrandBuilders Podcast. Today, we’re excited to have Connor Gans & Dave Murrell, co-founders of Fendo Golf, joining us.
Connor, Dave, and Fendo Golf have revolutionized golf club maintenance with their innovative cleaning device. Their product brings a modern twist to the age-old process of keeping golf club grooves in top condition, offering golfers a quick and effective way to clean and polish their clubs.
Connor & Dave, welcome to the show!
Welcome to another episode of the award-winning BrandBuilders Podcast. Today, we’re joined by Morgan Conroy, the events specialist and field marketing coordinator for Presidio. Presidio is a leading digital services and solutions provider that helps organizations navigate the complex world of IT and digital transformation.
Morgan plays a crucial role in coordinating Presidio’s events and field marketing efforts, helping to showcase the company’s expertise and build relationships with clients. Morgan, we’re excited to have you back on the show!
Welcome to this episode of the award-winning BrandBuilders Podcast. Today, we’re joined by Nina Louise Simonini, a Charlotte native and the founder of “In Good Hands Bodywork.”
Nina’s journey in health and wellness began at UNC Chapel Hill, where she double-majored in Exercise Sports Science and Spanish. Her passion for health led her on a pretty unique journey to entrepreneurship… from interning at the Duke Diet and Fitness Center to conducting nutrition research and working in a hospital in Portugal. In 2022, Nina became a licensed massage and bodywork therapist, founding In Good Hands Bodywork, which offers a unique blend of focused bodywork, sports, and therapeutic massage.
Welcome to another episode of the award-winning BrandBuilders Podcast, where we spotlight leaders who are driving innovation and making a difference in their industries. Today, we are excited to have Brock Fankhauser with us. Brock is a pro in the development and construction of maintenance-free residential communities, focusing on the active-adult demographic.
His company, NewStyle Communities, is the brand behind 1776 Gastonia, a unique 55+ community that blends American patriotism with the dream of homeownership. Welcome, Brock!
Welcome to this episode of the award-winning BrandBuilders Podcast, where we are honored to have John Gallina with us. John is the co-founder and CEO of Purple Heart Homes, an organization dedicated to providing housing solutions for service-connected and aging veterans.
Founded in 2008 by John and his late friend Dale Beatty, Purple Heart Homes works to ensure that no veteran is left behind or forgotten. John’s leadership and commitment to this mission have earned him a spot on the National Small Business Association’s Leadership Council, where he continues to advocate for small business interests. Welcome, John!
Welcome to this episoce of the award-winning BrandBuilders Podcast, where we’re diving into the stories and strategies behind some of the most innovative and successful brands out there.
Today, we are thrilled to have Molly Carroll with us. Molly is the Marketing and Communications powerhouse at Trinity Partners, a dynamic commercial real estate firm known for its entrepreneurial spirit and hands-on approach. With over two decades of significant growth and success across the Southeast, Trinity Partners continues to set the standard in the industry.
Molly brings a wealth of experience and creativity to the table, AND has a fascinating background as a former political talk show host! WHAT?!
Molly thanks for being on the show!
Welcome back to this episode of the award-winning BrandBuilders Podcast! Perk-up, y’all – today we have Mattie Finch, the dedicated roaster and founder of Sage Marie Coffee & Tea, here on the show! (See what we did there?)
Based right here in Charlotte, Sage Marie’s is not just a coffee and tea brand; it’s a lifestyle centered around refinement, luxury, and all-natural ingredients. Mattie, along with her childhood friend and Brand Specialist Liza Goncalves, has curated a collection of premium beverages and beauty products, inviting patrons to indulge in a customizable and exquisite experience. – Wow!
Mattie, welcome to the show!
Welcome to this episode of the award-winning BrandBuilders Podcast powered by The Dunstan Group. Today, we are honored to have Ward Blanchard, the founder of The Blanchard Institute, join us.
The Blanchard Institute stands out in North Carolina for its comprehensive outpatient treatment services for individuals and families struggling with substance use and mental health disorders, with a unique focus on the family system and co-occurring disorders.
With his extensive background and pioneering work in behavioral health, Ward has made significant strides in creating a community of healing, hope, and education.
Ward – welcome back to the program!
Welcome to this episode of the award-winning BrandBuilders Podcast powered by The Dunstan Group. Today, we’ve got something special teed-up for you, with Daniel Fogarty in the studio. He’s the one of the driving forces behind a remarkable organization called the First Tee of Greater Charlotte. (Could we use another golf pun in here?!)
Daniel is the Executive Director of The First Tee of Greater Charlotte. Since 2003, The First Tee has been making a significant impact on the lives of young people by teaching them the game of golf and instilling valuable life skills.
Daniel—welcome to the show!
Welcome to another episode of the award-winning BrandBuilders Podcast. Today, we’re
taking a dive into the strategies and insights that drive success in the world of branding
and marketing. That’s a VERY big world… more like a universe, actually.
Today, we have Alex Moore and Ryan Burkett from Stratagon joining us. Stratagon is
not your typical marketing agency; they are experts in crafting customer-centric
campaigns that fuel revenue growth for businesses. With a passion for solving complex
business challenges and a dedication to understanding their clients’ needs deeply,
Stratagon stands out as a strategic partner in the marketing landscape.
Welcome to the award-winning BrandBuilders Podcast. Today, we are honored to have Michelle Ernsdorff-May, the founder of Compass to Care, join us. We met Michelle at this year’s All-In to Fight Cancer Poker event and we KNEW we’d have to get her on the program.
Compass to Care is a nonprofit organization dedicated to removing transportation barriers for children with cancer living in poverty, ensuring they have access to life-saving medical care. Michelle’s personal journey, inspired by her own childhood experience with cancer and her parents’ financial struggles, has led to the creation of impactful solutions through Compass to Care.
Most of us probably don’t think about our insurance until we need it. And, the difference between an 800 number and a relationship with a real person is even mpre important when you really need. It.
On this episode of The BrandBuilders podcast, we’re talking with Bill & Paxton Laurie, the owners of Laurie Insurance Group, a leading insurance agency with a strong local presence and a regional reach that extends across multiple states in the Southeast.
Bill, Paxton, thanks for joining us…
It was one of SouthEnd’s most lovable and iconic eateries… and then it was gone. And after a 6 year hiatus, this beloved burrito joint returned to a new location in the LoSo arean and under new ownership.
We’re talking, of course, of the Phat Burrito. The former South End staple is back on the Charlotte culinary map. Michael Cox is the new owner, and he’s here with us on this episode of the BrandBuilders Podcast.
If you think “The Beast from Baku” or the “Magician of Riga” are pro wrestlers or characters from some “Harry Potter” sequel… prepare to be enlightened on this edition of the award-winning BrandBuilders Podcast.
Yes, professional chess players carry on with that much swagger.
For ten years, the Charlotte Chess Center has been providing a place to play, lessons, and camps for players of the royal game.
Peter Giannatos is the Charlotte Chess Center’s executive director and founder. And he’s our guest today on the BrandBuilders podcast.
Airo Mechanical is a leading multifamily HVAC and plumbing contractor based in Mooresville, with a remarkable 25 years of experience. The company is licensed in multiple states including North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia… if you’ve seen their work or met anyone on the team, you’ll know they take pride in hands-on leadership, emphasizing business development, education, and the highest quality standards.
Andrew Ward is Vice President of Business Development at Airo Mechanical and he’s our guest today on the award-winning BrandBuilders podcast.
Like Jimmy McGill said in Better Call Saul: Lawyers; we’re like health insurance. You hope you never need it, but man oh man… not having it? No.
Not all lawyering is as strange and unusual as it’s made it out to be in TV and movies. And that lawyer who handled your real estate closing is probably not the same one you’d call if you were in a car crash, selling your family business, or drafting a new will… Or in jail.
That’s where relationship with a multi-disciplined law firm comes in, giving you access to a wide range of services and specialties.
Johnston, Allison, and Hord is one of Charlotte’s oldest law firms. With more than 50 attorneys in Charlotte and access to national and international expertise – they’re right sized to still provide a personal touch.
Sheldon Stokes is a partner at Johnson, Alison, and Hord – and she’s our guest today on the award-winning BrandBuilders Podcast.
Like the cherry blossoms blooming or the first pitch at the Knight’s games… the King’s Drive Art Walk is arguably one of Charlotte’s rites of spring. For more than a dozen years, the folks at Festival in the Park have hosted this unique event that showcases local and national talent – and it’s all free!
Put this on your calendar now: The 14th edition of the King’s Drive Art Walk is May 4th and 5th.
Mark Boone is the board president of the Festival in the Park. He’s our guest today on the award-winning BrandBuilders Podcast.
Here’s a number that’s pretty sobering: More than 35% of households with children were considered “food insecure” in Mecklenburg County. Meaning, they did NOT know if food would be available from day to day.
Mercifully, there are organizations that are working to help change those numbers. But as Charlotte continues to get bigger and bigger, that need continues to grow with it.
Hearts and Hands Food Pantry is one of the only independent food pantries in the area, having served tens of thousands of folks in the Charlotte region since 2017.
Kenya Joseph is with Hearts and Hands, and she’s our guest today on the BrandBuilders Podcast.
“After an exhausting 16+ years, the founder of the Isabella Santos Foundation needed to make a change. Instead of folding, she’s planning a big expansion.”
With THAT headline in The Charlotte Ledger, we knew we’d have to get our friend, Erin Santos-Primis to tell us what this is all about.
For folks who don’t know, the Isabella Santos Foundation has donated more than $8 million dollars to cancer trials, research, and patient care. Most of that money, coming from donations from folks like you and me, and companies of all sizes.
And, now it’s time for something more… Erin Santos-Primis, welcome BACK to the BrandBuilders Podcast.
If you’ve noticed Charlotte streets, restaurants, schools, etc., getting more crowded… it’s not your imagination. You’d literally have to be living under a rock to have missed the news that 100-plus people moving here every day!
Charlotte is one of the fastest-growing cities in the country, and the real estate market here is forecast to be the hottest in the US. With all the new people moving to town, that gave one local realtor an idea.
Jay Seago from Helen Adams is our guest today on the BrandBuilders Podcast.
Business-owner and Chef Craig Barbour originally studied mechanical engineering at the University of Maryland before transitioning into the culinary field. After graduating from Johnson & Wales University here in Charlotte, he started his career at Carmel Country Club.
From there it was a food truck, event catering, a café in South End, and now a multi-brand food and beverage business. Craig is one of those people – and brands – that we can say, “we knew them when!” He’s our guest today on the award-winning BrandBuilders Podcast.
Aside from interest rates, real estate may have garnered the most headlines in the US economy over the last several years. If you’ve tried to buy or sell a house, you KNOW how the market’s been lately.
Things have been just as interesting on the commercial and industrial sides, too. And that’s where companies like Colliers shine, by providing a full range of services to real estate users, owners and investors. Grant Miller is executive vice president at Colliers – and he’s our guest on this episode of the BrandBuilders Podcast.
If you want to raise money to fight cancer in the MOST FUN way possible, the All-In to Fight Cancer poker tournament is your best bet. (Oh, and that’s not the end of our card-playing puns,)
With three events across North Carolina, All-In to Fight Cancer has raised more than 2 point 3 MILLION dollars. And here’s the deal: you don’t even have to be a good poker player to get in on the action! Heck, you’ll even feel pretty good about losing – since it’s all for a great cause.
Clifton Castelloe is the event series executive director. He got up early to join us here on the BrandBuilders Podcast.
For 20 years, Dress for Success Charlotte has been a champion of women’s economic upward mobility. It’s their vision that all women are economically self-sufficient, treated individually and with dignity and respect… and that they receive comparable pay to their male counterparts as they strengthen and shape their families and our communities.
They help hundreds of women each year with job placement, interview skills, financial education, career advancement services. Gale Bonnell is a community advisor with Dress for Success, and Emily Wheeler is executive director. They’re here as our guests on the BrandBuilders podcast.
Gale and Emily… thanks for joining us!
If you’ve ever tried to DIY big a project, you’re probably familiar with the feeling that you’ve taken on a little – or even a lot more – than you bargained for. The stakes might not be as high if you’re trying to wallpaper your bathroom.
But when projects are really BIG, the margin of error gets smaller and smaller as the stakes get higher and potentially more costly.
Strata Project Management Group is Full-service project management and real estate consulting, from feasibility studies and due diligence to post-construction and beyond.
Amy Johnson and Russ Little are founders of that firm. They’re our guests today on the BrandBuilders Podcast.
Covid and the pandemic changed a lot about how we work, shop, go to school –and even how we workout. One of the biggest “booms” during that time was in running. Depending on the report you read, 15 to 30 percent of runners surveyed say they came to the sport during the pandemic!
Many of them are still running, and looking for in-person opportunities to get together and run. That’s GREAT news for folks in the events business, you’d think. But there are also new challenges for the events and endurance industry.
Tim Rhodes is president of Run Charlotte and the managing partner for the Novant Health Charlotte Marathon. Tim, welcome to the BrandBuilders podcast.
Like my old man says, “at the end of the day, it’s all sales.” Whether you’re selling a product, a service, an idea – or yourself. And “sales” (I’m doing air quotes here) continues to evolve.
Retail sales numbers are “up,” and consumers have countless ways to engage with potential sellers with technology. The trouble is, not that technology continues to grow and change, making it harder for sellers to meet buyers.
Stephen Cozzolongo is the kind of pro you want in your bullpen when your digital marketing is missing the mark – or just not optimized for the constantly changing digital landscape.
If you’re a sports fan in the Charlotte area, you’re probably familiar with the Duke’s Mayo Bowl, the Jumpman Invitational, or the ally Tipoff.
Events like this generate MILLIONS of dollars in direct spending and local economic impact, hotel room rental, spending on food, drinks, and entertainment… as well as the millions of dollars that sports and sporting events mean for area nonprofits.
One of the drivers behind some of that impact is The Charlotte Sports Foundation. Miller Yoho is Director of Communications and Marketing for the Charlotte Sports Foundation. He is our guest today on the award-winning BrandBuilders Podcast.
Everyone loves a comeback story, and our next guest has one you will not want to miss.
With a promising future in collegiate and professional sports, our guest had that fairy tale derail when went to prison in his senior year of college as a result of a domestic violence conviction.
After receiving mental and behavioral services to recover, he emerged from prison as a “change agent,” charged to help individuals find the root cause of their violent behavior – and to help those individuals and their families break that cycle and recover.
Now, he is a Domestic Violence consultant, advocate, & speaker. He is the author of the book “The Family Man: Solutions To Permanently Eradicate Domestic Violence, Child Abuse, & Bullying.”
AW Burgess, welcome to the BrandBuilders Podcast…
There’s nothing like running in your own hometown. Waking up in your own bed. Enjoying breakfast in your own kitchen. Coming home to crash on your own couch… you get it.
It’s also pretty cool to run an out-of-town event, and traveling to someplace you’ve never been, and experiencing everything that “different” place has to offer.
But there is, of course, the headaches that come with all of that “unknown territory.” And that’s where Mark Janik saw an opportunity.
Mark, welcome to the BrandBuilders Podcast!
Pop quiz for you here: This nearly 200 BILLION DOLLAR industry employs is responsible for more than 4 million jobs in the US and generates nearly $70 million in tax revenue every year. Any guesses??
If your answer was the alcoholic beverage industry, you’d be right. And that market is forecast to continue growing, with new products and product categories entering the ring every day.
Daniel Sarjeant & Brian Thomason represent two of those newcomers to the market, and they’re here to tell us all about it here in the BrandBuilders Podcast studio.
North Carolina has come a long, long way since it earned an economic reputation based on tobacco, furniture, and textiles. Agriculture and manufacturing still play a role… but they share the spotlight with aerospace, fin-tech, energy, banking, bio-tech and more, in an a statewide economy that is far more diverse than it was just 10 or 20 years ago.
“Business North Carolina” magazine has been following the news, the trends, the ups and downs, and the names and faces that have shaped the state’s economy since 1981.
Ben Kinney has served as publisher for 20 years. He’s seen many of those changes first-hand … along with changes in the news business itself. He’s our guest today on this episode of the award-winning BrandBuilders podcast.
For years, SouthPark has had the reputation of being a destination for high-end retail and restaurants, active neighborhoods and desirable schools. SouthPark is, of course, home to one of the most popular malls in the region, several apartment complexes, offices, and restaurants, with more redevelopment coming to the area soon.
Adam Rhew is one of the names and faces you’ll see often as this fast-growing area continues to expand. He’s president of SouthPark Partners… and he’s our guest today on the BrandBuilders Podcast.
If you’ve been in Charlotte for even a few months, listening to the radio or watching local TV, or whatever… you’ve likely heard an ad for one of the Keffer Auto Group’s 8 car dealerships like Hyundai, Jeep, Volkswagen, or Kia – and many more.
What you may not know is that the Keffer family has a long, local history of putting people behind the wheel here in the Charlotte area. Jim Keffer is the owner and investing partner in a catalog full of car brands here in the Carolinas… and that’s not all he’s up to.
This Renaissance man is also our guest this week on the award-winning BrandBuilders Podcast.
Over the years we’ve had lots of new and emerging brands, products, and service providers appear here on The BrandBuilders Podcast. Each of them is unique, but the common thread they share is this: they all recognized there was something missing in the marketplace.
And as they say in science class, nature abhors a vacuum. For the makers, creators, and entrepreneurs that “vacuum” means opportunity. The folks behind Run Rak noticed something was missing from their travel and athletic pursuits, and entered the market with the products to meet active travelers needs.
Run Rak’s Marcel Coleman is our guest today, talking about one of the newest products coming out of this Charlotte-based company.
Most every parent tries to share some wisdom with their kids; some of it about life, some of it about business. Our next guest here has a real gem from his father. It goes like this:
“… after attending UNCW and working 3 jobs throughout college, I thought my dad would hire me in the family business. Instead, he told me that I needed to first learn the business on someone else’s dime.”
Now THAT is some sage advice! And it paid off, too. Jeff Owen ran with that advice. And after paving his own way in the sales world, he’s now CEO and president of that family business.
You’ve likely heard this one before: Charlotte IS Creative. Just look around and you’ll see artists, musicians, chefs, actors, muralists, sculptors, poets, and more that prove the point.
And there folks working in front of and behind the scenes to help those artists connect, be seen — and more importantly – make a living. Matt Olin is one of those people.
Matt is Co-Founder of Charlotte Is Creative; Co-Publisher of The Biscuit newsletter; Host of CreativeMornings Charlotte, “musical director” of OneBand, TV news host, husband, father, and all-around man about town… and today he’s our guest on the BrandBuilders Podcast.
A New York Times article from this summer pointed out what a lot of us probably know already. Social media is a lot less ”social” these days. Between the political commentary and all the ads… many brands are struggling to connect – or reconnect – with their audiences.
People and brands are once again seeing the value in creative and engaging IN REAL LIFE events. They key to their success, of course, is the “creative and engaging” part. Stephanie Bingham parlayed a stint with “The Cartoon Network” and Belk into her own agency that specializes in events that do just that. She’s our guest today on the BrandBuilders’s Podcast.
Data released this summer shows that the AIA Consensus Construction Forecast predicts a 20% increase in nonresidential building spending this year — a surge not seen since pre-Great Recession boom times.
Spending increases are anticipated across manufacturing, commercial, institutional, and industrial construction – but will it, or can it last?
If you look around the Carolinas, there seems to be plenty of work happening…
Poettker Construction is in the THICK of this “boom.” Their CEO, Keith Poettker is our guest today on the BrandBuilders Podcast. Welcome to the show!
Parks provide real life environmental, aesthetic, and recreation benefits to everyone. They’re some of THE most-requested amenities in most any community. And for good reason: they enhance property values, increase municipal revenue, they bring in homebuyers, create a sense of community… the list goes on!
But, parks can’t do it on their own. It takes folks in the community – and businesses and corporations – to keep parks and green spaces as part of the conversation when budget priorities, land acquisition, and other issues create opportunities for equitable access to parks and green spaces.
In Charlotte, “Partners for Parks” does that kind of lifting. Emily Condon is a board member with that local nonprofit and she’s out guest today on the BrandBuilders Podcast.
In the more than 300 episodes of the BrandBuilders Podcast, we have had some heavy-hitters here on the program. This is one of those episodes…
Very few people PERIOD can boast of a resume that includes: D1 collegiate athletics, modeling, law school, politics, entrepreneurship – work in the US Senate, entertainment, tech, programming, public affairs, advocacy…
And this man is FAR from riding off into the sunset. Brandon Andrews is way too young for that, and it is an absolute honor to have you on the program.
Fall means football, the eventual end to major league baseball, NHL and NBA preseason… and soccer!
Despite Americans playing soccer for over 100 years, it’s only recently started to really gain real traction. It’s now one of the fastest growing sports in the US. As of Q4 2022, soccer is the 4th most followed sport in the country.
Not sure if “Ted Lasso” had anything to do with that or not…
We are BIG fans of the game at my house (presuming you’re reading this, Brian!) and we are really excited about today’s guest on the BrandBuilders Podcast: Brad Wylde from Charlotte Soccer Academy!
If you consider yourself a dog “parent,” rather than a dog “owner,” then It’s pretty safe to assume you’re a REAL dog person. If movies like “A Dog’s Purpose,” “My Dog Skip,” or “Marley and Me,” have you clutching the kleenex… well, we have found your tribe.
“Paws Social Club,” bills itself as the social club FOR DOGS – and the humans who love them. They host dog-friendly events all over town, and keep tabs on others so you’ll always have a calendar FULL of “to do’s” with your four-legged friend.
Lindsey McGee is the human behind “Paws Social Club,” and she’s our guest today on the award-winning BrandBuilders Podcast.
LOTS of folks have hidden or underutilized talents. I’ll bet most of our listeners probably don’t know my co-host also plays guitar. Or, that our engineer is also a woodworker… go ahead and let that settle in.
Well, not everyone considers themselves creative. Either they never got the opportunity to “get creative,” don’t have the time, or maybe they just never found the right medium to work with.
We may have a solution to help you unleash your inner “Jackson Pollack.” Roll up your sleeves, folks. We’ve got Tim Edwards from Splatter Charlotte in the studio today!
Charlotte’s got a lot, as the marketing campaign says, and it’s enough to keep drawing people to town. In fact, more than 100 people are moving to town each and every day – that’s great for business and our national reputation, but there’s a yin and yang to everything, of course.
More traffic, less affordable housing, fewer seats at your favorite restaurant, longer lines at the grocery store… all that.
And it takes smart people to help forecast, design, and engineer solutions that can help fast-growing places like Charlotte roll with the punches. And the changes. And we’ve got one of those smart people with us here on the BrandBuilders podcast… welcome, Tobe Holmes.
George Carlin said it best: “All you need in life, is a little place for your stuff… This is my stuff, that’s your stuff, that’ll be his stuff over there.
That’s all your house is– a place to keep your stuff. If you didn’t have so much stuff, you wouldn’t need a house. You could just walk around all the time. Think about it.. A house is just a pile of your stuff with a cover on it!”
Well said, Mr. Carlin. Well said.
And when your house isn’t enough, there’s always storage! This is DCL sitting in for the vacationing Brian Young. I’m here with Scott Dunstan, the president of the Dunstan Group. We’re talking about a place for YOUR stuff with Brent Wright on this episode of the BrandBuilders podcast!
“Music With Friends” a unique membership that bills itself as a, ”one-of-a-kind experience, centered on legendary musical acts performing in intimate, acoustically superb venues.”
The artists they book are based the acts their membership wants to see, in settings that promise no bad seats in the house. Plus, pre-show cocktail parties and afterparties for every show – AND, members can attend meet & greets with the performers themselves!
If that sounds like your kind of jam, then you’ll be excited about today’s guest on the BrandBuilders podcast… we’ve got Larry Farber from Music With Friends with us today.
If your back hurts, everything hurts. And if you’re one of 65 million Americans who suffer from back pain, you know how important it is to get relief. A chiropractor can help! Whether you’re a serious athlete, a weekend warrior, or somewhere in between, your back is the the foundation of your health and fitness.
Dr. Doug Bradberry is a chiropractic physician at Greenapple Sports and Wellness. He’s an athlete himself, who has worked with Olympic-bound athletes from the U.S. and Canada, local sports teams, as well as “regular” folks like you and me.
He’s our guest today on the award-winning BrandBuilders podcast.
Whether people are coming to visit family, see a ballgame, take in a show, or stay for a convention — tourism means big money. In North Carolina, total domestic and international visitor spending reached over 33 billion dollars in 2022. That is up 15 percent from 2021 according to the CRVA.
The Charlotte Regional Business Alliance says that this year alone, the leisure and hospitality industry has added 15,000 jobs since the start of the year.
And when people come to town, they’ve got stay somewhere. Our next guest knows all about that. Erin Dennis is with the Hyatt Centric SouthPark.
Choate Construction Company was founded in 1989, as the economy headed into recession. Talk about great timing, right? Construction projects were few and far between, the team was small, and their “fleet” was just one old truck.
But they went ahead with it anyway. Now, they’ve got 6 regional offices, nearly 500 employee-owners, and experience in all kinds of construction. That’s one heck of a foundation for a successful future. (See what we did there?)
Adam Hawthorne is in business development with Choate Construction and he’s our guest today on the BrandBuilders Podcast.
Let’s talk about hair. Everybody’s got it. Some have a ton of it, others not so much. Over a lifetime, we wash it, dry it, style it, cut it, let it grow – or not. And, every one of us loses some of it every day. And for some of us, we lose it faster than it grows back.
Hair loss can be scary, traumatic, or depressing for lots of people. The good news is, there are LOTS of solutions for thinning hair and hair loss. You’ve probably seen a few ads in your social media feed just this morning…
Our guest today on the BrandBuilders Podcast is in the solutions business for folks with hair loss concerns. Byan Margolin is here from Pro Hair Labs.
Whether you’ve read it or not, you probably know the book, “7 Habits of Highly Effective People.” Steven Covey authored that one along with LOADS of other best-sellers about people, work, and productivity.
Covey’s books are as quotable as the movie “Caddyshack,” and packed full of “bottom line” insights like this quote: “So often, the problem is the system, not the people. If you put good people in bad systems, you get bad results.”
CTK at Work is a solution from local law firm Conrad, Trosch and Kemmy that FOR businesses looking to keep and get the best talent – and help them work at their very best. Dr. Elizabeth Teagarden is our guest today on the BrandBuilders podcast to tell us how THAT process works.
For a lot of people, one of the best things to come out on the other side of the pandemic… was the return to in-person events. The virtual thing was unique for a while, but we’re social beings. We WANT to be around each other and collaborate, congregate, and celebrate.
But, getting back to whatever normal looks like has presented plenty of challenges for people who work in the events space. Those who came out on the other side of quarantine times found themselves working with a whole new set of rules and expectations.
Jennifer Bishop is one of those event professionals who can tell those war stories. She’s our guest today on the BrandBuilders Podcast.
There was a commercial a few years back about a company that said they, “quote,” they make a lot of the things you know “better.” Truth is just about ANY product you use is PACKED with pieces and parts. And there are companies that may have never heard of that make those pieces and parts.
One of those companies is Sur-Seal. They engineer, design, and manufacture ALL kinds of parts for all kinds of industries. From aerospace, to medical, to automotive, heating and air, lighting… the list goes on!
Billy Lipari is Marketing Director for Sur-Seal. He’s our guest today on the BrandBuilders podcast.
Garage bands, listen-up! Charlotte has a NEW place to play for musicians and creative noise-makers of all types. No, it’s not a storage shed or your mom’s basement… it’s called Jambox.
Jambox is more than 2000 square feed of rehearsal rooms and event space for music videos, photo shoots, meetings, parties, and more. You can even rent amps, sound equipment, and other gear so you and your band can really rock – and not piss off the neighbors.
Justin Honigstein is THE MAN to know at Jambox. He’s our guest today on the award-winning BrandBuilders Podcast. Listen to the podcast to learn more.
Find out about:
Jambox: https://www.jmbxmusic.com/
The Dunstan Group: https://dunstangroup.com/
If you’ve been following us here at the Dunstan Group for any time, you know we’re big into working with folks who do great things in the community. One of those groups we’ve been working with for a looonngg time is the 24 Foundation. Since its inception in 2002, 24 Foundation has raised over $26 million to support cancer navigation and survivorship programs through local and national beneficiaries. And this whole things started right here in Charlotte! In the studio with us today is the 24 Foundation’s new executive director, Katherine Murphy. Katherine welcome to the show!
It’s probably more than fair to say that “traditional media,” like the kind our parents used to know, is a thing of the past. Newspaper subscriptions have dwindled for years… TV news is a shell of what it was in its prime. And car makers may not even include the AM band on the radio. Sorry folks, your Facebook news feed is NOT the actual news. And what’s left of the “news” is arguably entertainment at best, and loaded with pop-up ads. So where do you turn if you want to know what’s REALLY going on?? One local journalist decided to answer that question with a question: Would people be willing to subscribe to a newsletter that was JUST the local news?? Tony Mecia is the executive editor of the Charlotte Ledger. He’s our guest today on the BrandBuilders podcast!
For some people, the idea of running a marathon is just plain crazy. For some, it’s a bucket list item, and for others, it’s something they do over and over again! No matter where you are on that list, one thing’s for sure: running a marathon is a big deal. It takes time and training, and it also takes a team committed to doing the work to put on an event that has tons of moving parts. Charlotte is lucky enough to have not only a world-class marathon right here in our own front yard… AND a team of folks that spend an entire year working up to one very special Saturday. This year’s Novant Health Charlotte Marathon is coming up Saturday, November 4. Event Director Alaina Williams has slowed down just long enough to join us on this episode of the BrandBuilders podcast.
We read some headlines just this week that said, “the great resignation is over,” and that the economy is actually still adding jobs. But ask just about anyone and they’re STILL struggling to find talent. And when that talent can’t be found down the street or across town, that’s where companies like Oyster HR come in. They help businesses hire, run payroll, and provide benefits – for talent located all over the world. Kevin Pratt is our guest here on the Brandbuilders podcast to tell us how that all works.
Convergint is a company that works alongside a global network of partners and manufacturers to design, install, and service security, fire alarm, life safety, audio-visual, and building automation solutions for enterprise customers. They believe what sets THEM apart in the marketplace is their company culture, guided by their values and beliefs. This, they say, helps them stay accountable to their mission, and our number one objective: to be their customers’ best service provider. That is a TON to live up to. And Convergint’s Mark Anderson is here on the BrandBuilders Podcast to tell us how they do it.
Every business – and every business owner and founder – has an origin story. Some are pretty straightforward, others take a more roundabout route. Jim Mallory traveled the world in the Navy, started his own business, learning the ropes – and the paint trade – as he went along. Today there are twenty-two Mallory Paint Stores in the Puget Sound area of Washington State. Their Brand Manager, Sarah Ross, got up early to join us on this episode of the award-winning BrandBuilders podcast - and tell us her favorite paint color!
Our next guests are long-time partners and friends of the team here at The Dunstan Group. Jenn Snyder Gibson’s name comes up regularly around here, as Executive Director of the Hood-Hargett breakfast club. Her husband is Quinton Gibson, a world-class and world-traveled professional musician. But they’re not here to talk shop. They’re here today to talk about something really personal, and how opening up about their story can help other folks get on the road to recovery.
Tiffany Mielnik Parrish had a history of pain, illness, misdiagnosis, and frustration with no answers for the chronic pain and illness she had experienced since childhood. The pain persisted through her adult life as a professional, and into her role as a mother.
Rather than wait any longer for answers, she decided to create her own solution – and one that’s helping others, too. So she founded Selenite Beauty and the Spa at Selenite with the intention of its namesake, the mineral Selenite.
In the company’s words, “Selenite Beauty is more than just a place to shop for products. It’s more than a spa destination. It’s a haven where stories can be shared, it’s a place to be kind to yourself and to be kind to others, and it’s a destination with experts in clean beauty where you can gain knowledge without fear or intimidation.”
If we all scream for ice cream, then this episode of the BrandBuilders Podcast is going to get pretty loud. We’re talking to a pair of ice cream entrepreneurs who are bringing something new and different – and we’ll bet, pretty delicious – to the frozen treat game here in Charlotte.
Garrett Tichy and Jess Berresse are co-founders of Seemingly Overzealous, a dairy-free dessert location that opens this weekend at Camp North End. We’ve got them both here for the … yes, we have to say it: “the scoop,” on this all-new venture.
With work, school, kids, family, and every other type of distraction in our lives, it can sometimes be hard to find a quick meal that doesn’t compromise your commitment to a healthy lifestyle.
Most everyone WANTS to eat healthy, but sometimes it’s just hard, confusing, or just plain inconvenient. That’s where Nautical Bowls fits in. They combine healthy, fresh, superfoods in what they call an “uplifting atmosphere.” We sure want to hear all about that!
Nikki D’Errico is from Nautical Bowls Charlotte. She’s our guest here on the BrandBuilders podcast!
Founded in 1923 as the Charlotte Eye, Ear and Throat Hospital, CEENTA has grown to become one of the largest multispecialty practices of its kind on the East Coast. That’s good news if you’re a patient—since you won’t have to travel to get top-quality care. In fact, CEENTA doctors pioneered some procedures right here in Charlotte that are now used daily around the world. Today, CEENTA has more than 150 providers in nearly 20 across the Carolinas. One of those providers is Dr. Jag Gill. He’s on the BrandBuilders Podcast with some stories that were 100 yeas in the making.
Here’s a bold claim for you: We deliver results-driven professionals to results-driven companies.
That’s what Mach Partners says about their ability and expertise in the professional recruitment services. We love that kind of attitude!
Mach Partners is a leading Executive Search firm focused on delivering top Private Equity, Technology, Hedge Fund, Real Estate, Operations, Accounting, and Alternative Investments professionals. We’ve got Matt Carr here on the BrandBuilders podcast to talk about the kind of talent their looking for – and how they back up that big claim.
A potential client can’t find you without a website. But these days it takes more than a web address and some good-looking graphics to attract customers and rise above the competition. That’s where Antilles Digital Media comes in.
Antilles Digital Media delivers high quality website design and SEO services to rank ahead of your competitors on search engine results. This allows their clients to increase their online organic presence to get NEW clients and MORE revenue.
Today in the studio, we’ve got Lee Black III, CEO of Antilles Digital Media. Welcome to the show!
Starting over is hard work – whether it’s a job change, divorce, coming out, or living through grief… they all present unique challenges.
Sisters Olivia Howell and Jenny Dreizen are making those transitions easier with “Fresh Starts Registry,” a first-of-its-kind platform built to support those going through brave and bold changes.
They’ve told their story in interviews with Forbes, New York Magazine, NBC News, NY Post, and Daily Mail… now they’re our guests today on this episode of the BrandBuilders podcast.
Right out of college, our next guest began a career at Microsoft. Jonathan Kite held different roles that allowed him to interact with hundreds of different companies. He learned how they developed, supported, and evolved software to solve business problems. When his two other co-founders approached the idea of a startup, he knew the time was right to try something new and fill a gap in the multifamily industry.
Welcome, Jonathan Kite, co-founder of Rent Ready.
In case you haven’t been keeping score, sports history is being made fresh daily this fall, right here at Queens University. The Royals have notched first-ever Division 1 goals, points, and WINS in baseball, basketball, lacrosse, volleyball, field hockey… and more. To the doubters, let’s just say the Royals have put the A-Sun conference on notice!
Everyone loves a winner, and there’s LOTS to love over at Queens Athletics these days. We are stoked to have here in the studio — Jeff Dugdale, associate athletic director and swimming head coach.
There’s NOTHING easy about losing a family member. That heartbreak must be magnified exponentially when it comes to losing a child. In Charlotte, families who do suffer this life-altering event don’t have to go it alone.
Since 1978, KinderMourn has helped bereaved parents, grieving children and teens by offering support and counseling programs, creating awareness of bereavement issues and empowering the community to assist those who have suffered though this loss.
One of the many ways they bring their message and mission to the greater community is through the annual “Hope Floats” duck race. To tell us all about it, we have Katy Ryan, KinderMourn’s Executive Director, and KinderMourn parent, Kelly Burton.
So… how do you write an introduction for someone who’s in the business of making other people look and sound good? That’s easy! You “borrow” a couple of lines from their website! Here goes:
“Beth Booker is a creative entrepreneur with over a decade of experience in PR and Marketing with the education to match. As the CEO of two PR companies, her diverse background spans multiple industries, from fashion to music, beauty to lifestyle, and healthcare to food and beverage.”
Beth is Founder and CEO of Gracie PR, and she’s our guest today on the BrandBuilders podcast!
In 1977, Blake Annable began designing and manufacturing sports equipment and apparel in Western Canada for specialty retailers and corporate clients. What began as a small business venture eventually grew to become one of the largest privately-owned and operated international apparel companies.
That company is now called Stormtech. They got their first big break when a popular gym bag they made got picked up by local department stores. The rest, as they say, is history. Stormtech continues to write the book in our industry with designs and an eye on sustainability.
Kyle Annable from Stormtech is our guest on this week’s episode of the Brandbuilders Podcast.
Here’s a fun fact for you: Did you know George Washington is said to have created the FIRST promotional product? The story goes, Washington is credited with creating an election button for his 1789 campaign. How about that for some history they don’t teach in school?
LOTS has changed since then, and so has the promotional products industry. As we like to say around here at The Dunstan Group, we can put your name on almost anything!
We are excited to welcome one of the giants in our industry, Mr. Mark Chipcase, from MAC Marketing. Mark, it’s a treat to have you on this week’s episode of the BrandBuilders Podcast.
A breast cancer diagnosis is news no one wants to get. Mercifully, the Charlotte area is blessed with opportunities for state-of-the-art treatment. While access to that kind of care can be life-saving or even life-extending, there’s more to treating the entire person. That’s where resources like Carolina Breast Friends play a role.
From the big “pink house” on East Morehead Street, they work to provide a “holistic approach to meeting the needs of the breast cancer community through mentorship, programming and outreach.”
Our good friend Lisa Dale is Executive Director at Carolina Breast Friends. She’s our guest today on this episode of the BrandBuilders podcast.
Youth Advocate Programs – or YAP — is in 32 states and the District of Columbia and in its 47th year of partnering with systems to provide community-based alternatives to youth incarceration, congregate placements and neighborhood violence.
Last year, they launched the “But I’m Not” public service ad campaign highlighting how the nonprofit works to transform youth justice, child welfare, behavioral health, intellectual disabilities and other systems.
That’s a tall order, and Fred Fogg and Kelly Williams are up to the task, They’re with Youth Advocate Programs and today they’re our guests on the BrandBuilders Podcast.
Charlotte is incredibly lucky to have some amazing talent not only IN the arts scene, but also helping guide some of our creative institutions. Tom Gabbard is one of those people. He’s been President and CEO of Blumenthal Performing Arts for nearly 20 years! Today, he’s our guest on the BrandBuilders Podcast.
No matter what your station in life, there’s a style or genre of music you that speaks to you. Music is a HUGE part of the soundtrack of our lives. I mean, who doesn’t recall the songs that remind them of first boyfriends or girlfriends, breakups, spring breaks, weddings… you get the picture.
David Fisk has been around music for at least as long as his professional and formative years – and we’re guessing longer than that. He’s now the President and CEO of the Charlotte Symphony. Today he’s first chair with us on the BrandBuilders Podcast.
CBRE Group is a Fortune 500 and S&P 500 company headquartered in Dallas, and is the largest commercial real estate services and investment firm IN THE WORLD. Maybe you’ve heard of them? They have over 100,000 employees serving clients in more than 100 countries.
John Christenbury and Piers Wates work in CBRE’s Tenant Representation Group, serving as their strategic advisor, lowering real estate costs and occupancy risks, while maximizing workplace flexibility and productivity. Today, he’s our guest on the BrandBuilders Podcast.
As the world becomes more and more interconnected and tech-driven one thing is clear, data is king. Beyond what your favorite food is or how you like to dress, data in the 21st century can be an almost complete picture of who you are. With enough data on someone, you can begin to influence them and with our reliance on technology it is more important than it has ever been to have ethical tech companies and that wouldn’t be possible without all the people that work in them.
Today we are joined by Jack Hall from HuntSource. HuntSource is a partner for tech companies that helps them identify and hire the best talent in Cyber Security, Data Intelligence, and Analytics. Jack is here to tell us about the company and how things got started!
The law. It can be complicated beyond belief and stakes can be very high whenever you enter a courtroom. This is only multiplied when it comes to family law. Adding deep emotions on top of what can already be a stressful situation only adds to that stress! Anyone who has gone through a family court case can attest to the fact that it isn’t easy… but with the right lawyer helping you and your family navigate the law and each other it can be just a bit easier.
Today we are joined by Lynn Kruger-Andes, aka the right lawyer. Lynn specializes in family law, litigation, and arbitration meaning that she has been able to lead her clients through the system during some of the most difficult times in their lives. We’re excited to have Lynn here today to tell us more about what she does and how she started her business!
If there is one thing we know for sure it’s that everything is changing fast! New cars, space exploration, advanced medicine, politics, and of course the newest dances to learn on TikTok. Fashion has also undergone a massive change if you compare it to the 2000s, the 90s, 80s, or 70s! But with all of the changes going on, there has also been a resurgence in vintage fashion.
Today we are joined by Christian Thropp, one of the owners of Far Reach Vintage. Christian is at the center of the vintage fashion movement in the Queen City and his store boasts quite a collection that will make you feel like you are stepping back through time. You know what they say, there’s no school like the old school.
There are stories only you can tell, and the world needs to hear them. Not all of us believe that, but it doesn’t make it any less true. From ancient times stories have provided us with lessons, entertainment, and given us a way to record history. Storytellers, now known as authors, have therefore always been an integral part of the human experience. Even in a digital age we can be captured by a great book and a great story.
Today on the podcast we are joined by NY Times Best Selling Author, Michelle Gable. Michelle is here to talk to us about her writing journey, current books, and upcoming projects. We also hope she will give us a bit of insight into what makes a truly great story.
We know how to have a good time in the Queen City. It starts with finding the right group. Next onto the right outfit, we prefer to keep things fancy. And of course, you need the venue. Well, look no further than our next guest. They pair an expertly crafted drink program with world-class food to give you an experience like no other. All you have to do is find it!
Today we are joined by Stefan Huebner, the owner of Dot Dot Dot, one of Charlotte’s best-hidden gems.
Once upon a time, there was a farm just north of the river. The farm had the best produce anyone had ever seen. The two farmers each had a specialty, one could turn the food they grew into drinks that not only tasted good, but were good for you. The other farmer could transform the food they grew into the most delicious pies. Does this sound like the beginning of a fairytale? Well that’s what’s happening over at the Old North Farm.
Today we are joined by Keia Mastrianni and Jamie Swofford. They are going to peel back the curtain on the fairytale farm life and give us a glimpse into their other businesses, Milk Glass Pies and Old North Shrub.
Wait… where did that building come from? We’ve all been there. Driving down our usual route to work or school and we notice a building that has seemingly popped up out of nowhere. Of course, it took weeks and months to complete, but when we look at building construction from our vantage point, it seems like magic. Man and machine in perfect harmony creating buildings that reach up into the sky. The reality is much more down to earth.
Today, we are joined by David Privitera from Concorde Construction Company. David is here to shed some light on the craziness that goes on behind the scenes during construction jobs as well as tell us how Concorde Construction Company can help.
It’s that time of the year. The weather is getting cooler and the holiday season is in full swing. Family and friends are gathering from far and wide to celebrate with each other. But what really brings people together around the holidays? We know you’ll be excited about today’s show if your answer is the food. Food can bring us together around the holidays and special occasions, but it can also do so much more. Food can hold the memory of a culture. The right meal can tell the story of a nation. Our guest today knows the power food has to tell stories and keep cultures alive. Today we are joined by Oscar Johnson, the owner of Jimmy Pearl's restaurant. Jimmy Pearls prides itself on making sure Afro-Southern food is celebrated, respected, and maintained.
From the beginning we’ve told and listened to stories. Whether by moonlight, firelight, or electrical light stories have been and always will be a vital part of what makes us human. Stories record history, teach us lessons, spark our imagination, and so much more. The importance of stories cannot be overstated and neither can the importance of storytellers. Today we are joined by Megan Easterday, the storyteller behind Easterday Creative. When you have an important story to tell you can rely on Megan to help bring it to life, and today we are going to talk about her company and how she’ll help you tell your story.
If there’s one thing we know about small and medium-sized business owners, it's that they’re problem solvers. In fact, you could describe their jobs as solving one problem after another. However, when it comes to setting up great HR teams and providing best-in-class employee benefits, even business owners may need some help. Business owners can rely on PEO‘s or professional employee organizations to help them with some of the logistics. Still, with hundreds of options to choose from, our next guest is here to help business owners find the PEO that is right for them. Welcome, Jeff Wanner & Broc Buxton from PairPEO to the podcast. Jeff, Broc, and the rest of the PairPEO team, work to take the stress off business owners by curating multiple PEOs that can meet their business needs.
If there’s one thing we know about small and medium-sized business owners, it's that they’re problem solvers. In fact, you could describe their jobs as solving one problem after another. However, when it comes to setting up great HR teams and providing best-in-class employee benefits, even business owners may need some help. Business owners can rely on PEO‘s or professional employee organizations to help them with some of the logistics. Still, with hundreds of options to choose from, our next guest is here to help business owners find the PEO that is right for them. Welcome, Jeff Wanner & Broc Buxton from PairPEO to the podcast. Jeff, Broc, and the rest of the PairPEO team, work to take the stress off business owners by curating multiple PEOs that can meet their business needs.
Do you know what you’re capable of? At first, it seems like an easy question to answer, but the more you think about it the harder it becomes. What are you capable of? For an even harder question you can ask yourself what is my team or company capable of? Well if you ever decide that you want to find out if you are working at your full potential our next guest specializes in providing the tools to make sure you and your team are maximizing your performance. Matt Drinkhahn is a Coach with ProAdvisor, a business coaching and consulting company. They specialize in empowering individuals which allows teams and companies to perform at high levels.
Parenting can be tough! Take the kids to school, make sure they have lunch, pick them up, then to soccer practice… That schedule would be a lot for any parent, even more so if your child is having trouble with their behavior. All that pressure and stress can be enough to drive a parent crazy. New parents aren’t given a manual on how to take care of their children, and even experienced parents run into issues. It’s also important to remember that no one has given your child a manual on how to be the most well behaved kid in the world. We’re all doing our best, but sometimes we could use a little help. Our next guest might just be the helping hand you’ve been looking for. Michelle Tolison of Dandelion Family Counseling specializes in helping children understand and correct their behavior issues.
When you donate to charity how does it make you feel? Probably pretty good! Donating money to help someone or contributing to make changes that matters to us will naturally make us feel good. However when you donate to a charity, especially a big one, you may not actually know where your money is going. You still get a good feeling from your donation, but the actual impact of that donation will most likely never make it back to you. Our next guest is out to change that reality. Today we are joined by Madison Toal from Mite. Madison is half of the father daughter duo at the center of providing transparency for individuals that are hoping to give back to their communities both locally and globally. Mite is here to let you know exactly how your donations are impacting our world.
When you think of the company you work for, what thoughts come to mind? We are sure the company would hope words like, “fair, effective, agile, hardworking, and efficient” pop up first. However, that may not be the case for all of you listening. For those of you that come up with a list of less flattering words to describe your company it is important to know that just like you, your managers are relying on their training. Effective leadership is not something that just happens. Our next guest has made it her mission to make it happen! Esther Weinberg is joining us today from The Ready Zone. The Ready Zone creates work environments that are more effective and efficient by helping employers value and effectively create relationships with their most important assets… YOU and the other people on your team.
Your doctor tells you that you have cancer… What do you do now? Very few of us can really imagine what it’s like to have our world completely turned upside down like this. Even fewer would know the correct steps to take after such a diagnosis. That was the predicament our next guest Vince Todd Jr and his family faced when he was diagnosed at just 26yrs old. Not only do you have to deal with the physical effects of cancer and treatment, but there is also the emotional toll. What do you do? Vince and his wife made it through that uncertainty and have made it their mission to help other cancer patients and their families navigate what it means to have cancer and the next steps that they should take.
The game is 2-1, and everything is riding on these last penalty kicks from your opponent. You’re the goalie, the only one that can stop this attempt and secure the win for your team. Otherwise you go home with a tie and no one wants that. Just imagine it, can you feel the pressure? Our next guest on the podcast is very familiar with that pressure and is providing goalies with the training and equipment to make those moments just a little more bearable. Welcome to the podcast Brandon Miller, founder and owner of Prime Focus Goalkeeping. Brandon and Prime Focus Goalkeeping have made it their mission to instill confidence in goalies on and off the field. Time to dive in and learn more about this soccer star turned entrepreneur.
Dogs are man’s best friend. They live with us, sleep with us, eat with us, work out with us, and if you get a dog today you’ll be shocked how fast they become part of the family. It’s as though they have a sixth sense that helps them get in our heads. But what if we could get into their heads for a day? Well with our next guest, getting into the mind of your dog might be more than just science fiction. Today we are joined by Sara Ondrako, a Certified Canine Behavior Consultant with over 20 years of experience working with dogs and educating their owners. Fear, anxiety, aggression, and disobedience from your dog will become a thing of the past once Sara helps you understand why your pet is doing what they are doing. It really is, like getting into your pet’s head.
"Sweetie was a typical child until she became sick and didn't know why. After being diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, Sweetie learns how to manage the disease while continuing to enjoy all the things she has always loved. Sweetie's friends and family learn to help her not just survive but thrive within her new circumstance. Sweetie does not let type 1 diabetes hold her back from living a full and wonderful life!"
Joining us today is the author of Sweetie, Laura Self. Her fiction lets readers see the life of a child dealing with diabetes. It brings a great perspective for everyone to see that life won't end when the challenge seems too difficult to handle; especially for a child. Instead, this challenge allowed this one little girl to see the good in everything and not hold herself back from enjoying the best things that life has yet to offer her.
Do you remember riding bikes as a kid? The wind in your hair, maybe your mom or dad yelling behind you to “slow down”? Riding a bike may have been your first real taste of freedom as a child and it probably felt amazing, like you could keep riding to edge of the world. Some of you listening are probably thinking, “What do they mean, ‘as a kid?’ I still feel like that a few times a week when I get out there on the road!” We can probably all agree that be exposed to biking at a young age is not only fun, and a practical means of transportation but could be transformative for your life. This week our podcast guests could not agree more! We are joined today by Brandon Grant from Trips for Kids Charlotte and the Charlotte Re-Cyclery.
We try to plan for everything. Even those of us that don’t like to plan for things still have a vague plan of how things in their day, week, or even life might unfold. These plans make us feel safe and give us the ability to respond quickly to different things that might happen even if they fall just outside the plan. For parents that might mean taking time off from work to be with a sick child or for a business owner it might mean shifting work schedules for an employee that calls in sick. Most of us are pretty good at handling those small scale improvisations, but what happens when we are confronted by something completely out of the plan. What do you do if a tornado rips up the community, or a hurricane floods everything for 50mi? Today on the podcast we have one of the few people that actually has the answer. Brock Long is joining us today from Hagerty Consulting, a firm that, “Spends all of their time helping communities on their worst day.”
As office workers, athletes, and really just people in the world we all probably know a thing or two about aches and pains. It seems that as we get older a little pain here and there is to be expected. It just happens! The real problem comes in though when our healthcare provider can’t explain why we are in pain. Pain without a reason is suffering and unfortunately this disproportionately affects women for a variety of reasons. However, pain should not dictate what you can do! That is one of the core beliefs at Core Purpose Physical Therapy. Smith Christenbury is here with us today to tell us about her work and how she is helping women get the answers and care they need to live a lifestyle that isn’t dictated by discomfort and pain.
When you look at a new house it is easy to get caught up in the square footage and whether or not the kitchen has an island. But what about the windows and doors? You might not notice them right away, but if they weren’t there we’d bet a pretty penny you’d have a few words with the builder! Today we are joined by Issie Knapp, Ben Collins, and Ryan Lavelle at Morrison Millwork. At Morrison their goal is to create windows and doors that accent new home builds so well, that they’ll be the first thing you notice!
We’ve all had that million dollar idea. The one that kept us up nights because it just made too much sense, and we needed to figure out how to make it happen. That idea that you daydream about and put hours, days, maybe even years into bringing to life. All that work only to realize that you are the only one that knows about your world changing product or service. Ah shoot! Getting the word out can be one of the hardest parts of any entrepreneurial journey and if marketing yourself is beginning to take up all your time you may be wondering if you are utilizing your limited time wisely. Why is telling the story so hard? Annie Franceschi, today’s guest on the Brand Builders Podcast was thinking the same thing and that’s why she founded Greatest Story Creative!
Can you imagine rolling around town in your car, or spending time with your family in the house this summer? It sounds pretty nice. Now imagine those same scenarios with no air conditioning. Is it getting warm in here? This summer has been pretty hot, and since we know things won’t be cooling down anytime soon a good air conditioning system is a must! Whether it is for your business, your car, or your home, cool air is essential and at the same time we barely think about it. For most of us air conditioning is something we only think about when it isn’t working, but our next guest is a little more interested in A/C than the average Joe. Today we are joined by Kurt Ehlers from LG Air Conditioning Technologies!
When we think about food there are those that eat to live and then we have those that live to eat. People that would fly around the world to try a dish or stay up all night to get reservations at the newest restaurant in town. But who makes all of this amazing food that we can't get enough of? The Chef of course. Their culinary prowess always keeps us coming back for more! Today we are joined by one of the best chefs that is calling Charlotte home! We are joined by Sam Diminich. You may have heard the name before and today we are going to learn about some of the things this world class chef has going on!
When you think of Goodwill, what comes to mind? Maybe that basket of clothes that you’ve been wanting to donate for the past year? The place you find the best thrifting treasures? Well yes Goodwill is great for finding new and gently used clothes a new home, but they do so much more! The original goal was to provide the resources and opportunities for people looking for work to find jobs, but it has expanded even beyond that. Are you wondering what they do now? How you can help? It’s your lucky day because the next guest on the Brand Builders Podcast is Julie Drinkhahn from Goodwill Industries of Southern Piedmont. She’s here to answer all the questions you’ve had about their new mission and how they turn our clothes into opportunities for our community.
Have you ever wanted to host your own wine night? They always look like a great time in movies but where do you even start? If only there was someone that could help you plan, and not only supply the wine, but recommend food pairings for it! Wait… there is! That’s right, our guest today Edward Kuehnle created Somm for the Day to help create wine-centered events for book clubs, social events, or just groups of friends hoping to have fun and drink great wine!
When you’re getting ready to leave your house in the morning you grab your phone, keys, watch, and wallet. For the sneakerheads and fashion-forward folks among us, your shoe choice is probably also at the forefront of your mind. But have you ever had to think about whether or not you would have shoes to wear? There are millions of people around the world right now that live in that reality. Whole communities that don’t have shoes! Our next guest is on a mission to change that! Today’s guest on the show is Manny Ohonme, Co-Founder of Samaritan’s Feet.
Becoming a parent can be the most fulfilling, stressful, heart-warming, and chaotic time in your life. Your whole world, or at least a very big part of it, becomes centered around your kids. Every parent wants the best for their children, the best food, the best schools, and the best future! But for some families that future is cut terribly short. Our next guest has turned their personal tragedy into a blessing for so many others, throughout the Charlotte area. Today we are talking to Rachel Lee, philanthropist, wife, and mother who along with her husband Andy Lee started Madelyn's Fund to help families with babies receiving treatment in the NICU throughout Charlotte.
When most people or partners start a business, they’ve usually got an incredible idea, product, or service to bring to the marketplace. What they generally don’t have is all the info or the experience to manage the “business” of owning or starting a business. You know what we mean. The accounting, bookkeeping, taxes and such aren’t the tasks most business owners love to tackle. And it’s precisely how businesses that DO focus on those services provide solutions to companies of all sizes. Gordon Hippe from Smart Financials Accounting is the kind of guy you want on your team when accounting and taxes and stuff AREN’T the reason you got into business in the first place!
It was very big news when Food & Wine named Charlotte one of its next great food cities. With new restaurants openings, award-winning chefs, and a world-renowned faculty at Johnson and Wales all getting regular attention… it seems like the options and opportunities are everywhere. With all that, most of our audience – and probably many folks in Charlotte -- aren’t worrying about where their next meal is coming from. But there’s a significant number that does. And thankfully, there are folks working to help them bridge that gap. Danielle Moore is the community outreach director for Loaves and Fishes/Friendship Trays and joins us on this episode of the BrandBuilders podcast.
Arguably, no one loves coffee like our guest host here. BUT, our guests on this episode are real professionals. Let’s set the stage here: two successful Charlotte coffee shop owners decide they’ll try their hand at a JOINT venture in the local coffee space. Enter: Night Swim Coffee. James Yoder and Todd Huber met up at a coffee convention – how do we get a ticket to THAT show – and hatched this plan that is now four full-service cafés and a roastery. And all of those locations have come online in less than a year.
Most everyone remembers a line or two from that old “Dry Bones” song, right? Or maybe you’re a, “head, shoulders, knees, and toes,” type… Either way, all this stuff we’re made of is connected. And if you’ve ever been on the receiving end of great chiropractic care, you know what we’re talking about. And like any type of service, not all are created or provide care in the same way. On this episode of the award-winning BrandBuilders podcast, we’ve got Doctor Grant Lisetor from Greater Life Chiropractic.
We all dream of hitting it big with what we do – so it’s always a pleasure to meet someone who’s living that dream. Canaan Cox is a musician from right here in North Carolina, who grew up in a musical family and hit his stride after a lot of hard work and a little bit of luck. He’s got a fun mix of musical styles and a few singles already called hits – and he’s joining us right now on the BrandBuilders Podcast so we can learn more about him.
Charlotte once earned the designation of “Tree City USA” – but we have lost a significant part of our canopy to development in the last 10 years. The city is working on saving trees as part of its comprehensive plant, but a local organization has been at it for a while. Trees Charlotte is a public/private nonprofit whose mission it is to grow and diversify the city’s tree canopy through education and TONS of planting projects. And when we say education – we mean it. Not only does Trees Charlotte give away trees, they make sure you know how to take care of them! We’re excited to have their educator here with us today on the BrandBuilders Podcast. Kate Bolkin came to Trees Charlotte all the way from Madison Wisconsin to help keep the Queen City green.
Writing is a gift. It shares what you know, or, even better, what you’ve just made up but sounds really convincing because – you’re a good writer. It’s a form of communication that can either draw you in to stay up late, or put you to sleep. And let’s face it – social media would not have taken off the way it did if not for clever quips to convey thoughts in 280 characters or less, or with just the right pictures, because of writing. And we tell you this not just to praise people who write great stuff for us but because our next guest on the BrandBuilders Podcast is an accomplished author who has 3 novels and about a billion book reviews to her credit. Okay maybe we exaggerated that part – but before she published her first novel, she also went to medical school and became a doctor and also the mother of 3 children, and volunteers with a number of nonprofit boards. So we’re REALLY glad Kimmery Martin took some time out of her busy schedule to talk to US!
Cancer research is a big deal to us here at The Dunstan Group, because of how cancer has touched our lives personally. Our next guest on the BrandBuilders Podcast has also seen the devastation of cancer – she lost her husband, Chris, to Acute Myeloid Leukemia a little over a year ago in January 2021. Since then, Stephanie Perri has made up her mind to fight back, just like her husband Chris did and has put her hat in the running for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Woman of the Year. Stephanie joins us today with Dr. Josh Zeidner, chief of leukemia research at UNC, and Laura Blanchard, who is a PA in hematology. Vote for Stephanie here: https://pages.lls.org/mwoy/nc/triangle22/sperri
When we talk about the environment, we talk a lot about our limited resources and how to preserve them: clean water, clean air, and agriculture for our growing populations. All three conversations eventually come around to this: sustainability. How do we give back resources for the ones we use? Our next guest on the BrandBuilders Podcast doesn’t have ALL of the answers – but he has some good ones when it comes to sustainable farming. Sam Fleming of 100 Gardens is a hydroponic farmer, who grows two renewable foods that feed each other while they feed us. Yes, you heard that right – the foods feed each other, and also feed people while teaching school children about horticulture, chemistry, agriculture, business, and FISH. Yes, FISH! It’s called hydroponics, or in this case, Aquaponics, and it’s taking place at a handful of local schools including Myers Park, Garringer, West Charlotte, and Oakhurst. And Sam’s with us now on the BrandBuilders Podcast to tell us how it’s done.
So you have a renovation! Where do you start? Maybe it’s just a kitchen counter for your home or 100 kitchen counters for an apartment complex. You need someone who can do a lot of work or just a little – and we know some folks who can do that. For the last few years, while everyone was in a lockdown renovation frenzy, there was a company already at work making great transformations a reality. But they ran into a problem – how do they find the products and people they need for so many large jobs? Just like necessity is the mother of invention, it’s also the father of entrepreneurship. So who better to be “mom and dad” to a construction - renovation - and stone & tile business than a couple like our next guests on the BrandBuilders Podcast? They’re Howie and Lauren Lang, owners of Lang Construction and also, now, Gorilla Stone.
We all love a good story, but we also know delivery makes all the difference. It needs a beginning that reels in the audience, just enough content to keep their attention, and an end that gives them a “Wow” moment and a satisfying ending or call to action. Our next guests on the BrandBuilders Podcast learned to tell stories a minute and a half at a time – how’s that for being concise? – and turned that skill into a multi-media business that has thrived and “created a buzz” around Charlotte for 10 years now with Spiracle Media. Welcome to Tim Baier and David Kernodle!
If you’ve been to the Whitewater Center during the winter the past couple of years, one of your highlights has surely been the Whitewater “Lights” along their wooded trails. The popular exhibits have brought in thousands of visitors to the center during colder months when whitewater rafting is not top-of-the-list outdoor activities. Now the same artist is lighting up a couple of popular public exhibits around town – like the Rail Trail in SouthEnd and, in April, Charlotte Shout.
These are exciting times for Meredith Connelly, who blends light and technology with art that dazzles us. And now she’s here on the BrandBuilders Podcast to share what inspires her.
Let’s be honest – how many of you adopted a pet during the pandemic? It may have been your first pet, and you had a learning curve for how to take care of it. Specifically, what do you feed it? What’s IN what you feed it? Our next guest on the BrandBuilders Podcast wants you to think more deeply about that very topic.
Christi Busch is a former insurance risk manager and successful mother of four - past and present - happy, healthy basset hounds. Where did that take her? Well, “We’re all ears,” as Dutch would say. (Sorry we couldn’t resist.) For the love of dogs, the idea took hold for Christi to start her own organic dog food company. Fresh, wholesome meals to extend the life of your pups and keep them healthy throughout. And she’s here to tell us about her brand, “For the Love of Dutch.”
If you picture your average construction worker, he’s probably a strong, sturdy, male figure. But wait – you wouldn’t be entirely right! Women are making big gains in the construction industry, and our next guest on the BrandBuilders Podcast tells us it’s because there are some things women are traditionally very good at. Think about it – organizing, multitasking, and any detail-oriented management fit naturally into strengths commonly possessed by women in the workforce.
Christi Powell is the Women & Minority Business Enterprise Marketing Manager at 84 Lumber, a privately-held – and woman-owned – lumber company in the U.S. She’s also the head of a number of organizations to mentor women in the construction industry. She joins us now with the good news about what this means for your daughters, or anyone who works in a stronger, more diverse construction industry.
If you want to meet Super Woman, she’s here with us today on the BrandBuilders Podcast. We know her as fitness influencer Emily Breeze Watson – but to her 4 kids, she’s just Mom. And to her husband Montell, she’s “amazing.” They’re both pretty amazing, actually, and have documented practically their whole marriage and family life where you can see it, while encouraging others to get fit and be happy. Now they're here with us to share their story! Thanks for being with us today, you two!
Nothing sticks in your memory like the scent of perfume. It’s right up there with the smell of fresh-cut grass, flowers in spring, or baking cookies. And the perfume business is worth more than $31 Billion dollars globally! Wow! But in a world of fragrances, how do you find just the right scent for you?
Our next guest on the BrandBuilders Podcast has the answer: She makes them! Katrina Sellers is a self-proclaimed “perfume nerd” who started her own custom fragrance business, Jules & Vetiver, right here in Charlotte. And unlike those super-secret big companies, Katrina lets you know exactly what’s in the bottle, and helps you choose it. It’s become a pretty cool business and she joins us now to talk about it.
Unless you’re new in town or hiding under a ROCK, you know real estate is hot right now. So SO hot. The inventory is at historic lows and the prices are through the roof. The median home price is in $400,000 range. We’ve got someone here in the BrandBuilders Studio right now who’s in the business of selling homes to talk us through what this means.
Steve Lonnen is a Licensed Realtor with Costello Real Estate and Investments and he’s joining us now to talk about a lot of things, not just home sales.
If you’re a woman, or married to one, you probably know about purses. There are probably at least a half dozen (or a few dozen!) in your closet or around your house. And don’t say each one isn’t important – their size, style, and color all have different functions for a day at the beach or a night out on the town. But for most of them, you handle them lightly and store them carefully because they’re just not built to be a durable, one-size-fits-all option.
Welcome to Moost Bags. Durable, colorful, and interchangeable for any outing – and washable in your kitchen sink! Yes, you heard that right. You can build your own and make it uniquely yours, and change up pieces when you want. If this sounds pretty cool to you, you’ll love our next guest on the BrandBuilders Podcast – the creator of Moost Bags, Austin Applefield.
Creativity has always been a valuable commodity in business and marketing, but what that looks like has changed over the years. It’s not enough to go from mailers to TV to social media… you have to make your work stand out in whatever channel you’re using.
Lee Calderon is a classically-trained artist and architect who knows how to “build” marketing from the inside out – starting with great visuals and connecting them to great ideas. He has lent his colorful touch to several campaigns in his work on the West Coast, and now he brings his edgy work to Charlotte as he teams up with his daughter Sophia at Arthur Elliott.
If you’ve been in Charlotte for a few years, you’ve probably heard about the social mobility study that ranked the Queen City 50th out of 50 metropolitan areas for upward mobility. In other words, if you’re born poor in Charlotte, you’re likely to remain poor your whole life if you stay here. It is distressing, to say the least.
Our next guest on the BrandBuilders Podcast is part of a collaborative effort to change that statistic. Mark Talbot is Director of Economic Development at Freedom Communities – a nonprofit that’s more than a think tank – it immerses itself in the west Charlotte corridor with tools to change lives. With a resume in commercial real estate and ministry, his experience is the one-two punch Charlotte needs to tackle its social mobility problem.
This is a great time to be a builder in Charlotte. But before any structure can be used, it has to be certified as safe and sturdy. We can thank our engineers for that! And making sure you bring the right engineer to the project is an essential part of doing the job right. That’s why we’re glad to have Mike Iosue with us today on the BrandBuilders Podcast – he’s the guy who connects the right engineers to the right projects.
Mike is the Director of Business Development for Ellinwood + Machado – structural engineers who make sure buildings go up safely and remain sturdy for years to come. He’s also the founder of Carolina BUILT, an organization of builders and related industries who come together to help nonprofits across the area.
Right now we are all filled with the spirit of the season, or as a lot of people like to say, “The Reason for the Season.” But the reason goes beyond the season, and our next guest on the BrandBuilders Podcast is living that every day with his nonprofit for children with incarcerated parents.
Cyril Prabhu started Proverbs 22:6 because he saw that prison was breaking families – not just breaking them up, but breaking them. And that children of incarcerated parents had a more than 80% chance of someday being incarcerated themselves. And that the way to break that cycle was through reconciliation of parent and child – and that’s what he set out to do. His own story is incredible, too – and we’re excited that he’s joining us to tell us all about who he is and what he does.
Remember the good ol’ days? Yeah, we all do. Maybe you’re living them now! And maybe you have some great memories from your high school or college days that you love keeping around. For more than a few of us, there’s that T-shirt that brings back the good times, and we don’t hate feeling that vibe again.
That’s the idea behind Glory Days Apparel - streetwear that feels good and makes us feel like we’re living the glory days, even if those days are right now. JD Harris is the guy who made his favorite high school T-shirt into an entire business with a shop in South End, and this stuff is pretty cool. He’s joining us now on the BrandBuilders podcast to tell us how he took his communications degree- to a career in finance- to his own business with a distinctly Charlotte feel.
What are your methods for finding the best employees for your company? Recruiting services? Job postings? A Hail Mary pass to the end zone that you hope gives you a game-winning touchdown employee? Say it with me, ‘There must be a better way.’
Kelly Venable knows that too. As Founder and President of “Your Hiring Coaches,” she likes to “Put Aces in their Places” – as she likes to say. Why take chances on your next hire when data can point you in the right direction, to fill in gaps on your staff and create the energy and culture you want in your office? Sounds like a great idea, and Kelly and her Director of Recruiting Laura Stephens join us today on the BrandBuilders Podcast to tell us how they do it.
Staying sober during the holidays can be hard. Everywhere you go, there are parties and cocktails… and more parties. What can you do?
Our next guest is not a recovering alcoholic but just decided to stop drinking and pursue life sober. Molly Ruggere is a certified life coach and alcohol freedom coach who leads a club for people who want to be active and do fun things that don’t include alcohol. Simple, right? She’s joining us on the BrandBuilders Podcast just in time for New Years, to give us ideas on how to have fun that doesn’t require drinking.
If you feel good, you want to look good too. Our next guest on the BrandBuilders Podcast will have you looking good in your suit, but only if you’re accepted off his waiting list.
William Wilson makes custom men’s suits and clothing, and not everyone can have one. But the man is as unique and diverse as the suits themselves – an 8-year Navy veteran, who became the first African American man to win a NASCAR race, who became a successful customer builder, who became an upscale clothier and sought-after motivational speaker. WOW. That’s quite a resume, and we’re honored he’s spending a few minutes with us today.
If you’re a runner, you know running can save lives. There are a number of running nonprofits for kids in the Charlotte area, and even more running clubs and groups to get you up out of your chair and into a healthy, active lifestyle. But one running nonprofit will inspire you beyond just a smile – it will make you want to get up and help!
That nonprofit is RunningWorks – a program designed to promote healthy lifestyles for our neighbors experiencing homelessness and poverty. It not only fosters relationships through running, but helps connect its team members with community resources in healthcare, jobs, and housing… to name a few. Their Chief Operating Officer Matt Sharp is here with us today on the BrandBuilders Podcast to bring us up to date on new programming since the group worked through the difficult times of COVID.
It’s no secret that Charlotte is in a building boom. Everywhere you look, there are cranes and construction companies busy at work. They’re as varied as letters of the alphabet, too, so how do you choose one that fits your own project? Gary Olnowich and Karen Yoder are here on the BrandBuilders Podcast to give us some insight, and about how they grew their company to become established so quickly in Charlotte’s construction scene.
Catalyst Construction launched in 2018, but Gary’s experience goes all the way back to 1983 -- and he says his major influence was not even in the industry! His wife Karen brings a perspective about details, that makes Catalyst a complete package. We love the teamwork -- so welcome Gary and Karen!
Nothing touches our hearts more than a child with special needs. Sometimes it’s a terminal disease like cancer, or a physical disability, or even a lifelong chronic condition created by a birth defect. We often find ourselves opening our hearts to them through various charities like Make A Wish, Special Olympics, or a local group, started right here in Charlotte, that arranges Sports-themed wishes -- called Dream On 3.
Dream On 3 arranges VIP experiences for their “Dream Kids” with favorite sports teams or athletes, or an activity like snow skiing, that would otherwise be out of reach. It takes a lot of work, and a lot of fundraising, and the help of “Dream Teams,” to make it happen. But it was an idea that founder Brandon Lindsay couldn’t push aside, and almost 10 years later, with wife Liz working side-by-side, it’s a reality. We’re happy to welcome them both to the BrandBuilders Podcast! Thanks for being here!
When your love of bourbon goes beyond just needing a good, stiff drink -- to wanting a smooth taste and a history lesson -- Charlotte Bourbon Society is the place to go. Ken Bernardo, a banker by trade, and his wife Tracey love a good bourbon -- but they go beyond just taste-testing bottled drinks into a full-fledged discovery of flavors and where to find them.
The Charlotte Bourbon Society started 4 years ago as a way to raise money for a cause near and dear to Ken, and has grown to more than 2,300 members. He’s here with us on the BrandBuilders Podcast to share his story, and details about how you can join him.
We all want to be at least a little bit greener. And you’ve probably seen solar panels popping up on homes and businesses in your neighborhood. Is it right for you? And how does solar even work with Charlotte’s tree-lined streets?
Our next guest is here to help. Matt Stavis is director of utility, commercial, and industrial solutions for Powerhome Solar – and he knows a thing or two about residential solar. And when he’s not busy with solar solutions, he’s probably watching his kids play soccer – we have a lot to talk about!
You know that when the Realtors Association wants YOU to build their new office, that says something. I mean, these are the folks who sell buildings for a living! Well, the company that built the new Charlotte Regional Realtors building in Midtown Charlotte has been in business for nearly 70 years. That’s a long time, and you’ll see their work around the region in Atrium Medical offices, Cannon School, Quail Corners shopping center, the new Charlotte Humane Society Animal Resource Center, and many, many other places.
It takes a special commitment to be part of building a community for 70 years, and Bo South can share what sustains the local construction past, present, and future. He’s the VP of Sales & Marketing at Myers and Chapman, and was once named one of Charlotte Business Journal’s 40 Under 40.
Charlotte’s got Major League Soccer! We got the announcement a couple of years ago, and while the pandemic has delayed the launch of the “Charlotte Football Club” games, the fans have not taken any time off getting ready for the inaugural season. That’s why the club's “CFO” -- which in this case, means “Chief Fan Officer” -- is already hard at work.
Shawn McIntosh brings over a decade of pro sports experience to Charlotte, after sales and service jobs with the Norfolk Admirals hockey team, the Houston Dynamo soccer team, and pro basketball teams in Las Vegas and Phoenix. Now he’s building OUR team -- the Queen City’s first MLS team -- from fan 1 on up.
We’d all like to sleep in once in a while -- it's a great way to “rest up” when your mind or body is exhausted, and it’s something we just don’t do enough (ask any parent of young kids!) Adequate sleep is also important for mental health! How many of us get grouchy or short-tempered when we don’t get enough sleep? That’s most of us. And sleep really goes beyond just daily temperament when it comes to your mental health, too.
So if you throw a fundraiser to benefit the National Association on Mental Illness, or NAMI, but some at the table would rather sleep-in than run…. An idea is born. That’s where the “Sleep in 4 Good” woke up and joined the party. Megan Erber from “Promo Cares” and Annie Schmidt from NAMI of Wake County are here on the BrandBuilders Podcast to talk about mental health and how we can sleep in --on purpose-- to benefit NAMI.
It’s a race local runners look forward to all year: the Novant Health Charlotte Marathon. In fact, this year, they’ve waited TWO years to run it in person! The pandemic canceled last year’s marathon, just one year after so many people signed up that they exceeded the number of finishers’ medals available. That was a nice problem to have. On Saturday, November 13th, they’re back and better than ever.
Tim Rhodes is the Race Director who has shepherded the last several years’ marathons to the finish line. He’s the owner of RunCharlotte, which organizes the 26.2 mile race, and all of the other races that go with it. And he joins us now on the BrandBuilders Podcast to give us a peek at how they’re bringing the marathon back to Charlotte in style.
Starting your own small business can seem like an overwhelming task. First, you know your product -- it’s that thing you know you can make money doing or selling. But what about the rest? The details? Those little things that seem to take away so much time from the business you know you could grow exponentially if you could just. get. the details. done?
That’s the whole idea behind BC Creative -- a service to take the devil out of the details by organizing the tedious time-suckers in your business day. If necessity is the mother of invention, this business was the mother’s helper Brie Chrisman needed in the pandemic. Brie is the founder and owner of BC Creative, and she shares lessons about her first year in business on the BrandBuilders Podcast with us today.
In the land of fried chicken and juicy pork barbeque, it’s not every day you hear someone extolling the virtues of a meatless diet. I mean, we grew up with the food pyramid that had protein as the top tier, usually as a lean cut of meat like chicken or beef. Our next guest on the BrandBuilders Podcast, though, says you can re-think that top triangle on your food pyramid, and it could be a healthier choice for you -- even if you’re an athlete.
Matt Frazier is the author of No Meat Athlete, and writes the basics of being an athlete on a vegan diet. In fact, Matt says your performance will actually improve. He’s perfecting his diet every day, as an athlete and as a dad.
If you have students in middle school, it’s not too early to start looking at college and career options. I know -- you’re probably thinking your adorable youngsters just finished preschool (in your mind) -- but they are actually closer to the day they graduate from high school than they are to that day they started kindergarten. Yikes! How do you start making the choices about schools, majors, or possible careers?
Leave it to a former teacher to figure out a way to sort it all out. Gradify is a website and program that helps your middle and high school students find a career path they’d like to follow and points them to the tools to get them there. Its founder, Travis Manigan, is with us today on the BrandBuilders Podcast to teach us how to use Gradify to help your kids with their life choices.
About 1 in 54 children in our country were diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder last year, with boys 4 times more likely than girls to be diagnosed. But there is still so much we are learning about Autism -- and foremost, is that it can take many shapes and characteristics. In other words, it is a spectrum, not any one thing.
Rudy Thoms’ has spent his career in medical device sales, but the thing he’s passionate about is helping families who are making their way along with a child who is on the autism spectrum. His son Landon was diagnosed in 2009, when he was just a toddler. Rudy is the founder of Autism Strong here in Charlotte, and is joining us along with Stephanie Neuman and Choate Constructions's Richard Conway to talk about their partnership and upcoming Build Strong event.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AutismStrong
Facebook Buildstrong Event: https://fb.me/e/1xOMJ9azd
It’s no secret healthcare costs are pretty high, and one simple procedure or one bad illness can send you into personal bankruptcy. Even with insurance, your out-of-pocket costs are a significant chunk of money. No wonder health insurance benefits are one of the top expenditures for any company, too. So how does a business know it’s giving employees the coverage they need, without cutting corners or spending a fortune?
That’s where our next guests come in. Michael Fox and Josh Hyman have similar backgrounds… as athletes and teachers…. but they came together over their work in the insurance business. They both thought, there’s gotta be a better way. They launched K2 Advisors to help companies save money without cutting out important healthcare options. Michael and Josh join us on the BrandBuilders Podcast now to tell us how they do that.
The beauty industry for women in the US is a staggering $62 billion dollar business, and that goes up to $511 Billion worldwide for 2021. So you might guess, there’s money to be made in the beauty business, right? Well, of course. But in a year when a lot of women just didn’t feel comfortable shopping for make-up because of COVID, or salons were shut down, two Charlotte women brought a beauty box right to your door.
Leigh Humphry is an artificial intelligence and data pro who was looking for a way to bring a great customer experience to a new product. Lindsey Regan Thorne is a local beauty influencer who owns her own company as a make-up artist. Put the two together and you get Swan Beauty, a way to shop for personalized cosmetics -- and apply them -- without ever having to hit the mall.
There are a thousand internet gurus out there who can tell you how to start a business, and many more who preach the sermon of being your own boss as an entrepreneur. But how many of them can tell you how to grow your business while still enjoying life, and EXIT your business successfully -- as in, sell it for a lot of money and enjoy life a little more?
Our next guest on the BrandBuilders Podcast is in the business of doing just that, and he’s done it half a dozen times already himself. Mac Lackey is a Charlotte kid who, by his own admission, made mediocre grades in high school at East Meck and got kicked out of his D1 college, where he was on a soccer scholarship. Gosh, where does a guy go from there? Well if you’re Mac Lackey, you get your act together, become an All-American at a second school, make straight A’s, play pro soccer, and then start building and selling companies for 7 or 8 figures apiece. Wow. And he’s here on our BrandBuilders Podcast to tell us how to do that with our company…. Wait, no… not yet, anyway!
No doubt 2020 was a strange year for musicians -- after all, how can you play a gig if you can’t be live on stage and in person, with an audience? Yet at a time when a lot of musicians saw their source of income dry up, George Ramsay and his instructors at Bold Music had already transitioned to an online platform for some lessons. It wasn’t hard to go full virtual from there and they were busier than ever.
George started Bold Music with fellow Davidson music alum Dean Williams in 2013, and they won the Best of the Best Award for Music Lessons by Charlotte Magazine in 2018. George is the CEO and joins us now on the BrandBuilders Podcast to share a little about how he worked to bring music to Charlotte, even through a tough year.
Meet the man behind the mixing board. Yash Mistry has been with the BrandBuilders podcast from the beginning. Today we'll learn a little more about his brand - Mistry Projects - and what he does when he isn't making us sound good.
If you know anything about golf, you know the name Bobby Jones. The only golfer to ever win the pro/amateur Grand Slam, he left an unmatched legacy of sportsmanship and golf. After retiring at age 28 in 1930, he designed the world-famous Augusta National golf course and created the Masters Tournament. His legacy continued through his children and grandchildren… and now GREAT grandchildren, one of whom joins us on the BrandBuilders Podcast today.
Robert Jones Black has helped carry the Bobby Jones name to a current generation of golfers… and created a way for it to move into the future. The Generation Next Project leverages the game of golf for youth development.
If you have a business that stocks products, you probably have a warehouse. You also probably like to get the products out of your warehouse quickly through sales. But as you expand your product line, how do you store more products without adding warehouse space? Our next guest on the BrandBuilders Podcast is a pro at making it all fit.
Seth Weisberg is the CEO of ABCO Systems -- specialists in material handling and warehouse design. He grew up in the company, started by his father Michael as ABCO Equipment, and went to work there after college. He also worked for a few years as a business consultant, then came back and helped grow ABCO exponentially with new ideas. This year, his work was more important than ever as ABCO helped clients transition to e-commerce during the pandemic. He joins us now to share his secret of success.
It’s not breaking news that this year -- with all of its stay-at-home, work-from-home, kids-at-home-learning time -- has been tough on our mental health. Right now while the days are hot and the sun is shining -- and vaccinations are up -- we’re starting to go out again and breathe a little easier.
But while fresh air and sunshine can do a lot for our mood right now, sometimes we need something more to help us. Juliet Kuehnle is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor and owner at Sun Counseling and Wellness, whose practice also offers nutritional and integrative services for a whole mind, body, and spirit wellness package. She joins the BrandBuilders Podcast today to share some basics of mental health, and also how SHE kept up her own health after opening a new practice during a worldwide pandemic.
The basic premise about health insurance has been the same since the beginning of time: You pay a premium every month, and if you need healthcare, your insurance kicks in to pay for some of it, right? But the Affordable Care Act and other innovations have turned the health insurance industry on its ear. While the premise stays the same, the options can take you in a thousand directions.
We’re lucky Lester Morales has been a leader in the healthcare industry during all of this, and is leading the way with cost savings again with his company, Next Impact. He joins us now on the BrandBuilders Podcast to explain how.
We love cool shades, and we love the environment too. So does former race car driver Johnny Freeman -- who decided to put together new product lines of sunglasses and leather bags, in a more sustainable way.
So get this -- the frames for the shades are made from recycled cotton, and the arms are made of wood. You heard that right -- wood. He sells them online and from his flagship store in NoDa that bears his racing nickname, Johnny Fly. And his leather bags -- well, we’ll let him tell it. We’re glad to have Johnny Fly himself with us on the BrandBuilders Podcast to tell us his story
Are you feeling the Olympic spirit? Or want a unique Hornets Tee? Or just want to show some straight-up Charlotte pride? Then you need to show it with some swag with the QC crown or the 704 logo. And yes, the 704 Shop is where you get it.
You’ve seen the shirts and masks and hats with the popular logos around town, even on the mayor. Who are these guys? Well, we have them right here in our BrandBuilders Podcast studio. Let’s give a big, hometown pride welcome to Scott Wooten, Jerri Shepherd, and Chris Moxley.
You may have heard him on the news -- countless thousands of people woke up to his voice over the last five years in our area, and 10 years before that in his home state of Florida. Blaine Tolison recently left the morning news anchor job in Charlotte and is setting his own course using one of the great gifts of his profession -- his voice.
Robert Blaine Voiceovers is a new venture that will allow Blaine to bring his golden pipes to a variety of commercial ads and products, from the comfort of his own home.
In an era of products that are mass-produced -- especially this year, when we’ve been hesitant to go shopping just for fun and have ordered so much online -- one company makes it a priority to offer jewelry and home decor that is completely hand-made and artfully inspired.
Mary Hamby and her crew of artists are just settling into their new home in West Charlotte, where her store beckons you to browse. Located just across from Enderly Coffee in Enderly Park, Twenty Two West is a dream come true for artists and entrepreneurs who live to create.
You can find lunch or a cup of coffee in dozens of places in Uptown or South End Charlotte, but you can’t always get them with a side of helping humanity. We know a place where that’s possible -- not just easing your hunger but helping men and women who hunger for better lives after recovering from addiction and homelessness. Community Matter Cafe at Charlotte Rescue Mission is helping these men and women get back on their feet, by serving you lunch and getting you on your way.
Ed Price is the Director of Life Skills Operations at Community Matters Cafe, and he joins us on the BrandBuilders Podcast to talk about how the cafe fared in a year when a lot of restaurants struggled.
It’s been said that good marketing in today’s world is about storytelling -- that your brand has a story, and it draws people to your product or service and moves them to buy it. Our next guest on the BrandBuilders Podcast is all about storytelling -- he’s a former sports reporter, then digital media strategist, and now he’s an author, a keynote speaker, a podcast creator… and even teaches a class on, you guessed it -- storytelling!
Jay Acunzo is all about breaking the mold, breaking through conventional thinking to unleash your creativity and really go after the career and the goals you want. And he joins us today on the BrandBuilders Podcast to talk about it.
What do you get when you combine a designer and an engineer into one business? You get a well-run business with great-looking stuff, for one. In this case, you get two businesses -- a custom design company, and a popular DIY workshop franchise that has grown to 150 locations in three years. The brains behind it all are two women who were looking for something outside the corporate world when their children were small, and found each other and a great idea for a business.
Their latest endeavor is the AR Workshop, a DIY workshop that allows you to make your own personalized designs. We could go on and on -- really, we could -- but we’ll let them tell it. The BrandBuilders Podcast is happy to welcome Maureen Anders and Adria Ruff of AR Workshop.
Just a few years after its creation, Let Me Run was off and running as a program to give boys a physical and mental/emotional outlet for all of their energy. Best known as the “boy version” of the popular Girls on the Run program, Let Me Run has expanded to 56 regions of the country in just 10 years. Now, after a year off because of the pandemic, Let Me Run will return to schools in the Fall with an updated curriculum and coaches’ training that reflects the times we’re living in. In addition to teaching boys to have empathy and be supportive teammates, new components will teach boys to process trauma, as well as teach equity and equality for all genders and races. Their Executive Director Emily Battle is here on the BrandBuilders Podcast to tell us all about it.
When we think about exciting careers, “accountant” usually isn’t at the top of the list -- but BGW CPA firm bills itself as “Anything But Typical.” In fact, they have their own podcast of the same name, and its co-founder and co-host Gary Frey has an anything-but-typical title of “Connector, McGyver, and Confidant.” He’s also had an anything-but-typical career and he joins us today on the BrandBuilders Podcast to share the energy he has for everything he does.
We’ve all seen a bad horror movie where something sinister creeps up from a drain and frightens the life out of us. Our next guest on the BrandBuilders Podcast says that scenario can be very real… even if it’s not visible to us.
Jason Bocchino is an entrepreneur many times over who has led companies from international debt collections to diamond brokerages to now, something greener. It’s called a “Green Drain,” and it is a pipe designed to protect us from what starts seeping up the OTHER way when water’s not going down. Jason is here to explain.
It is rare to find a business these days without a significant web presence. Whether you’re in banking, or health care, or selling pants -- you’re online. But most websites now do more than inform customers about products; they’re interactive at multiple levels… which means your company either has to have an IT department to keep up, or hire one.
Dualboot Partners has the ability to “start small and scale up fast” for a company’s tech needs. And the founding partners also have a commitment to the community with the work they do for a number of nonprofits in the area.
Everyone loves firefighters -- they do only good. They arrive when you call 911, they help with life-threatening emergencies, they even run into burning buildings to put out fires and rescue people. So it seems like a special bit of irony that our next guest on the BrandBuilders Podcast is a firefighter who USES fire in his “other” line of work, to make cool, artistic furniture.
Ferney Mercado spends fire department shifts -- 24 hours, every 3 days for the most part -- responding to emergencies. The other days he practices an ancient Japanese technique that uses fire to char wood, that gives his pieces special appeal. If you check out his Instagram at Char’D Urban wood works, you’ll see what we mean. And he’s here to tell us how he makes it happen.
We loved him on the gridiron, and we loved him off the field too. Greg Olsen not only excelled as a tight end for the Carolina Panthers -- with 3, 1000-yard seasons in a row, and more than 8,600 yards for a career (WOW) -- but as a community philanthropist, which led to being a 2-time finalist for the Walter Payton Man of the Year award from the NFL. He even took first place in the Charity Challenge for most votes on social media one of those years.
Olsen’s HEARTest Yard foundation helps families of children with heart defects get the nursing care they need. This year, the nonprofit donated $2.5 million dollars to create the HEARTest Yard Pediatric Cardiac Care Clinic at Levine Children’s Hospital. We are honored to have Greg Olsen here with us on the BrandBuilders Podcast today.
Spring is in the air and you’re probably thinking about your yard. Maybe you want to grow your own food, or have cut flowers all summer. But how do you know what to plant where, and how to make it grow?
Flower Child Heirlooms nurtures gardeners and educates them on the importance of growing in a respectful manner. Founder Lauren Child is here to talk gardening – and how she can help with yours. Welcome, Lauren!
“Heart kids” are a special group -- kids born with heart defects who just want to do the same fun things other kids do, like going to camp. Often, that’s not possible because of medical limitations -- but in Charlotte, they’re in “LUCK.” In this case, LUCK stands for Lucky Unlimited Cardiac Kids, who have the opportunity to attend a one-week camp just for them, called Camp LUCK. The camp is a free, medically supervised, sleepover camp where “heart kids” can do traditional camp things like swimming, games, archery, canoeing, and campfires .. while building friendships and self-esteem with other kids like them.
It’s a great time, and always free -- which means they have to raise money all year to make it happen. Our guests on the BrandBuilders Podcast today are here to tell us about one of their biggest events, that’s a fun scenic tour of your favorite bike routes. Welcome Kim Jackson and Bryon Mulligan -- both parents of heart kids -- to talk about Bike LUCK.
Branding and design are important elements in getting your message across as a business, but are you doing that in a sustainable way? Our guest today on the BrandBuilders Podcast can perform the soup-to-nuts of your branding, packaging, and print in a socially conscious way. After all, why not leave the world a little better than you found it?
Rachel Martin is the founder and design director at Mindful & Good -- Sustainable Design that Ignites Positive Change. Wow - we want to hear more about what this is.
Returning to the office should feel like working from home -- except maybe cleaner and less noisy. In other words, your workplace should feel comfortable, approachable, and productive. It should reflect the company brand, your professional values, and how you feel about the work you do.
That’s a tall order for a designer or architect, but also a mission for today’s guest on the BrandBuilder Podcast. Jack Ossa is the founder of Ossa Studio, an architecture and design firm in Charlotte, that cares as much about you, your style, and your branding as he does about the buildings he designs.
Our next guest on the BrandBuilders Podcast wears a lot of hats. We mean that literally -- David Shaffer started as a Junior Golfer in the American Junior Golf Association, then became a collegiate golfer at Northwestern University. From there, he joined the business world … using his talents and love of his sport to sell apparel used in the game.
Now, literally -- as we said -- he ‘wears a lot of hats’ as the Vice President of Sales and Marketing of Imperial, the premier company for golf hats in the U.S. The company is more than 100 years old and if you’ve been to a golf pro shop, you’ve probably seen them there. And you’re going to see them in more than golf, too -- and David joins us now to tell us all about it!
These days of staying home A LOT have led a lot of us to feel -- well, less put-together on a daily basis than we used to. But ladies, I know the desire is still there to dress up with just the right touch of casual-yet-elegant. Your jewelry is one way to make that happen, amiright?
Our next guest on the BrandBuilders Podcast knows how you feel. Erin McDermott designs and creates beautiful handmade pieces to make your outfit -- casual or business -- feel complete.
“Office Space” is more than just a movie… it’s a place where we work, or now in a lot of cases, USED to work and would like to someday work again... Soon! COVID has changed our idea of a workspace -- both at home and at the office -- as companies adapt to keeping people safe.
One company that specializes in great interior spaces has its sight on helping people return to offices safely. Alfred Williams is taking its design know-how to a new level with enhanced social distance design for workspace and collaborative-space office designs. Amber Brown is regional president for Alfred Williams and is bringing her insights to the BrandBuilders Podcast today.
We’re checking in today with one of our favorite charities in Charlotte… dedicated to finding a cure for pediatric cancers, and helping families along the way. The Isabella Santos Foundation has already raised and invested more than $4 million dollars in pediatric cancer research locally and nationwide and has spent another half-million dollars supporting families whose children are fighting that difficult fight.
They have an important milestone coming up on March 9th… the 16th birthday of their founder-in-spirit, Isabella Santos. Our community has a chance this month to keep her fight going -- to beat cancer for other kids -- with ISF’s Star Light, Star Bright memorial. Isabella’s mom and valiant cancer warrior Erin Santos is joining us now on the BrandBuilders Podcast to tell us how we can take part.
We don’t have to explain the need for Healthcare Heroes right now. Doctors, nurses, PA’s, and other frontline healthcare workers have been running full speed since the COVID pandemic first surfaced here in March. The need is great.
Our next guest on the BrandBuilders Podcast was way ahead of this game before 2020. In 2017, Trey Ennis created a website and app, called HireMe Healthcare, to connect nurses with jobs they were looking for. It’s not an employment service – it’s a way to speed up the process for nurses looking for employment, and healthcare agencies and companies looking to hire nurses. Trey joins us now on the podcast to tell us more about his company – and his past year.
If there’s a bright spot in business this year at all, it’s that businesses who helped people out in the pandemic were able to thrive. Now, we understand it’s a weird year to talk about success – but if you’re helping people get outdoors to stay healthy and sane in a year like this, more power to you.
Ben Cooley at Bicycle Sport is one of those businesses, as demand for bikes soared during stay-at-home orders. It required some flexibility to stay safe and give his customers what they needed, but Ben and crew did it. Ben is joining us on the BrandBuilders Podcast now to share how.
Professional cameras all seem to have one thing in common – like cars 100 years ago, they are available in any color you want, as long as it’s BLACK. But most photographers we know are pretty colorful people – people who see the world differently, and have an innate ability to capture the angle through their lenses. So why shouldn’t their camera’s style reflect their personality?
I mean, everyone has a phone case that says a little about who they are, so why not professional photographers? Colin Dougherty thought the same thing and came up with CAMSKNS – colorful, protective cases for your “good” camera (you know, the one that’s NOT in your phone). Colin joins us now on the BrandBuilders Podcast to give us a glimpse through the lens that led him to create his colorful product.
Okay, listeners – raise your hand if you struggled with eating healthy last year –
Now raise your hand if one of your New Year’s resolutions is to eat better –
If your hand is up, your resolution is also the number one resolution made by folks every January, along with exercising more. (You can put your hands down now.)
The big question is HOW. You’re also not alone if you’ve run out of creative ways to create dinner while only going to the store once a week. Our next guest on BrandBuilders Podcast can help – Matt Dengler is a Registered Dietitian, owner and founder of RxRD Nutrition, and he’s made a pretty good business out of telling people in very simple terms, how easy it is to eat right and take care of yourself. Welcome, Matt!
Hitting the road this weekend? Along the way, you will see some of the most creative advertising work around…. on billboards. Adams Outdoors is one of the largest billboard advertising companies in the country and they have an office right here in Charlotte. Gale Bonnell and Jason Brannon from Adams are joining us today on the BrandBuilders Podcast.
A lot of us already belong to a business networking group, which means we’ve attended some happy hours, met people, collected business cards, and…. moved on. One professional networking group, though, wants you to put your time and talents to work for a good cause NOT necessarily related to your business – to help you grow personally and professionally.
The Charlotte Business Group calls itself the largest business networking group in the Greater Charlotte area, founded in 2017 on 3 basic principles—and first among them, is PHILANTHROPY. Their founder, Robert Hackney, is a volunteer at Loaves & Fishes food bank, a boys basketball coach at church, and a crew leader for Habitat for Humanity… and he serves in the National Guard Reserves. When does he sleep? We don’t know, but we’re happy to welcome him to the BrandBuilders Podcast.
When you have kids, you work hard to keep them active. In addition to “go play outside,” you also want them involved in some sort of coached sport so they learn good fundamentals of hard work and fair play. How do you do that, especially when they’re young?
Well first, you emphasize the fun, because kids learn best through play. Our next guests on the BrandBuilders Podcast know that too, because the organization they own has become a household name for anyone with kids who want to learn soccer. Soccer Shots has become a Charlotte youth institution, offered at dozens and dozens of schools, parks, and preschools around the region. If you ever played soccer or have kids, please welcome Matt Uher and Mike Stiner from Soccer Shots.
Getting new tires is probably not high on everyone’s list of ‘fun things to do.’ And you know who else noticed that? The manager of a tire store. Paul Hosage became an area manager of a tire chain, but he noticed along the way that customers, while happy to have new tires, almost universally did NOT enjoy sitting in the waiting rooms of tire stores. So he and his brother Alex came up with an idea: Let people sit at work or at home, or doing what they need to do, while we install new tires on their cars with a mobile tire installation van.
If you’ve ever been to summer camp – or even recess at school – you’ve probably grabbed a ball and dashed towards the pavement with the big painted square divided into four parts. Yes, foursquare. And as you grew up, you progressed to friendly games of volleyball at your company picnic or the beach. But what if you could combine the two? Seems like a no-brainer, right? Well, someone did. Three childhood friends, in fact, created a quick set-up game of volleyball four-square called CROSSNET.
Finding the right strategy for business is like standing at a 5-point intersection and wondering which turn will take you where you want to go. The smartest thing to do is ask someone who’s been there before, and follow their directions. Thinc Strategy is that partner who will guide you down the path to make your business successful. Their Founder and CEO, Cindy Anderson followed her own path of building and selling companies, to get where she is today. She’s here with us on the BrandBuilders Podcast to talk about the steps she took to get where she is now.
Could you use a little motivation right now? Is month after month of working at home, kids learning at home, and cooking at home, left you feeling in a rut? We've got the guy who can help. Our next guest on the BrandBuilders Podcast is someone who can look deep into your story, ask the right questions, and tell you exactly how to lift yourself up and get going.
Jeff Nischwitz is owner/founder of the Nischwitz Group, a lawyer, author, and motivational speaker here to set your day on fire.
Our country is looking for ways to safely return workers to offices and keep businesses open, even as a second surge of COVID threatens to set us back. Employee health surveys are one way, but wouldn’t it be easier to have a data-driven way for employees to test their own health before they leave home? Well, yes – and there’s an app for that! A Charlotte-based app developer has created a way for workers to check their own temperature and blood oxygen levels, and report it directly to an app to share with their employer. It’s a cool new way to use technology to solve a problem… and their CEO is with us today on the BrandBuilders Podcast. Welcome Greg Harris, from Vitacorpo.
It’s no secret this has been a tough year for breweries. Along with the rest of the restaurant business, breweries are under strict limits about how many people they can serve indoors. Now imagine you are building out your lifelong dream of opening your brewery when COVID hits – and you have to call an audible. That’s exactly what Petty Thieves Brewing did, and still opened in September just north of uptown off Graham Street. One of their founders joins us on the BrandBuidlers Podcast to give us some insight into how Petty Thieves jumped through hoops to land on opening day. Welcome, Ted Rosenau!
Construction is booming in Charlotte, and there are plenty of companies around to choose from -- but only one with a dog in its logo. Tyler 2 Construction has one of the most recognizable logos in town because, frankly, it's cool to have a dog on your official brand and no one expects that from a construction company. (The Charlotte Observer even did a story about the dog logo!)
Tyler 2 has been around since 1983 and Lauren Bremer is the Business Development Manager there. Yes, there are dogs in the office, and yes, Lauren is posing with her dog in her official company photo, which is also her LinkedIn profile picture. Yes, we have gone to the dogs.. as Lauren joins us now on the BrandBuilders Podcast.
No one likes for their hands to get cold or for their beer to get warm, and Kenny Ramsey has come up with a solution for that. It's not your normal can koozie though... it's the culmination of 10 years of thermodynamic technology at work. Kenny is the creator of 22below.. maker of the "subzero" koozie.. which is based in Charlotte and Made in the USA.
Whatever your product or service is, you depend on marketing to sell it. We have a thriving marketing talent pool in Charlotte, and The Creative Group is that agency that matches talent to the companies where they can fit in and shine the best.
Ashley Porto is Division Director at The Creative Group - a division of Robert Half agency - and she's also the incoming president of the Charlotte Chapter of the American Marketing Association.
As long as there is business, there will be consultants creating ways to make it faster, more efficient, and more profitable. LeapPoint is a consulting firm for finance, HR, IT, marketing, and government... to name a few. And in 2018, it was named to Forbes' list of America's Best Management Consulting Firms -- a high honor!
That same year, LeapPoint also acquired JumpSeat, a browser-based training platform that allows a company to build training modules right in the application, instead of in a separate program. That saves time and trains employees more effectively. Joining us today on the BrandBuilders Podcast is theCEO of LeapPoint and Jumpseat, Nicholas DeBenedetto.
There is a lot that goes into building a new home from the ground up, but to build a brand new home that matches the look and feel of an older neighborhood is a real gift that requires some homework. That’s what we’re seeing right now in some older Charlotte neighborhoods like Enderly Park, and that’s where our next guest on the BrandBuilders Podcast is hard at work.
Jeff Chance is a custom builder, and if you check out some of his work, you won’t know the difference between one of the homes he just built, and some of the Queen City’s historic homes that have been beautifully restored. They look THAT authentic. We’re going to find out how he does it.
Right now, a spa day sounds good. Maybe a deep-tissue massage, a body wrap, or a facial? It’s been a while for some folks, because of COVID-19. And if you’re in the spa business, it’s been a tough time… especially if you opened the door on your brand new salon on March 1st!
Our next guest on the BrandBuilders Podcast did just that. Palestra Spa moved into its new location off Providence Road in Cherry with a big Leap Day celebration. Two weeks later, their business was in jeopardy. Palestra’s owner Lora Lindquist joins us now to tell us how she’s getting through it.
BUILT is a networking group for architecture, engineering, and construction professionals who want to get together, share ideas, and do good in the community. Nationally, there are four chapters, including one here in the Carolinas. Each has a special nonprofit it supports, and the national organization has several. They have raised over half a million dollars and contributed more than 100 service hours to philanthropies since 2014. We’re talking about one of those today on the BrandBuilders Podcast – the National Kidney Foundation.
Do you know that one out of every three people is at risk for kidney disease? Abby Ailleo is here from the National Kidney Foundation, and she’s joined by Matt Marvel of BUILT.
What is your idea of a leisurely bike ride? How about a challenging one? How about 64 miles up a mountain, climbing 10,000 feet in elevation along the way? Do you break out in a sweat just hearing about it? Well, 10 cyclists are going to do it on October 24th in Taylorsville to raise money for Purple Heart Homes. Their reason is pretty special – it’s a unique way to honor veterans with disabilities, and raise money to help them at the same time.
Brad Borders from Purple Heart Homes is joining us now on the BrandBuilders Podcast to tell us more about “Take That Hill” - our legs hurt just thinking about it.
Remember that time you were planning a big vacation? A flight, hotel, crowded theme park, and shopping? You know, last March? We know you probably had to cancel it -- the Spring Break trip, the Memorial Day weekend, maybe even something you had planned for summer. But you want to get back out there, right?
Beth Pesakoff is here with us on the BrandBuilders Podcast to answer those questions. She's the owner of Let's Talk Travel, a travel agency that specializes in Disney, Universal, and Cruises -- and she's going to give us some travel advice, whether you want to dust off your Mouse ears and see Cinderella's Castle, or go somewhere else.
So have you been yearning for something besides beer and wine? (Nothing against those guys... just sometimes... you want something different.) If you're looking for something a little lighter, that you can sit and sip, and be social, too -- we know just what you're looking for. The hard seltzer industry is BLOWING UP this year, and Charlotte's about to get its first hard seltzery. Yes, that's a thing. There are only 2 others custom-built like this one in the country, and now, we have one here in Charlotte.
Let's give a big, bubbly welcome to Kristin Cagney, owner of Summit Seltzer and her general manager, Andrew Mayer. They're opening up on the West Side today!
Right now -- for a lot of us -- the same kitchen that is the center of breakfast and dinner, has become our corporate break room and snack vendor. And if you're like a lot of us, you've walked into your kitchen for the 33rd time each day and said, "This needs work." Kitchen and bath renovations have always been popular home improvement projects, and the centerpiece is always cabinets.
Today on the BrandBuilders Podcast we have Isaac & Asher Anthes, from Hardwood Creations, and let me tell you -- they do some beautiful work. If you want to renovate and put in some cabinets... listen in.
Getting up early to work out can be a real bummer. How many times have we felt alone in the dark, unmotivated by our isolation -- even in a gym? Probably too many times to count -- and, I'm going to say this cautiously -- especially if you're a guy. We guys tend to be singular and focused on doing our workouts in our own bubble, am I right? We're just not social or prone to leaning on each other in a lot of cases when it comes to working out.
Well, F3 is a workout group formed in Charlotte in 2011, and going strong across the nation 9 years later. It's about Fitness, Fellowship, and Faith -- and let's add that 4th F -- always Free. Frank Schwartz is the President of F3 and he's bringing all of his positive energy to the BrandBuilders Podcast today to get us fired up to get in shape!
Building is big business, and the Carolinas have seen their explosion in growth over the last decade -- just look at Uptown, South End, or anywhere south of I-485 for proof. The Associated Builders and Contractors of the Carolinas is a trade group representing merit construction contractors in North and South Carolina, watching and building our tremendous growth.
Their new President and CEO joins us on the BrandBuilders Podcast this morning to talk about her work -- Amy Sullivan Hicks is known for her work in the construction industry and also her energy and positivity in her work and relationships.
Growing a business is great. It’s kinda like having a baby – fun and challenging at first, then a little messy, then more complex as it grows. How do you parent this growing challenge? Well… sometimes you need a little help. Call it support, relief, or even bringing in grandma to take over for a weekend because she’s more experienced at all of this. And that’s kind of what our next guest does for businesses.
Cassmer Ward is a teacher, author, and consultant for entrepreneurs who need to pull all of their threads together to make a stronger fabric out of their business. He’s the experienced consultant you bring in when you need to step back and reorganize. He’s an adjunct professor at Queens University’s McColl School of Business and a consulting partner at Nexagy.
If you’ve lived in Charlotte the past 10 years, you can’t miss the way the center city has been transformed with apartments and other multi-family housing. Charlotte’s growth is exploding and all of our new residents have to live somewhere. In fact, a lot of cities have faced this problem as that large group of kids known as Millennials leave college and join the workforce.
So how do you build housing fast enough? And how do you make it affordable? Our next guests here on the BrandBuilders Podcast are on the cutting edge of the multi-unit design-build industry. Magued Eldaief is CEO of Prescient, which builds buildings up to 17 stories tall using a streamlined digital process that saves time and money. That sounds cool!
Brand marketers have one job: to make your business stand out, so you can sell your product or service. But in a pandemic, where a lot of businesses have to shift, or pivot, or close, a strong brand can help you just survive.
Arthur Elliott is a strategic marketing company that has been helping companies do that, but then went a step further. They’ve used their marketing expertise to help one group we know has been hit hard – restaurants. We welcome Andy Pfeiffer and Michael Hernandez of Arthur Elliott to the BrandBuilders Podcast to tell us about it.
The business of America is business, but if you’re going to start one, you have to know how to manage it so it can stay afloat and even expand. When you’re the owner, you’re also the Chief Financial Officer – unless you want to hire one to do that job for you.
That’s where David Worrell of Fuse Financial Partners comes in. He’s a fractional CFO – someone who can do the work for you, when you can’t afford to hire a CFO full-time. He can help your business grow and make more money, and he’s joining us on the BrandBuilders Podcast to tell us a few of his secrets.
All girls like to dream about what they'll be when they grow up.. and for most of them, that includes having a wedding someday. And what is a wedding without the perfect dress? It can take years of looking at dresses in magazines to know what you want, and when you finally need it, you have to find it. Our next guess can help.
One of our favorite brides joins us now on the BrandBuilders podcast and guess what... she has just opened her own bridal boutique with designer dresses girls will love. We welcome ReAnne Moyer, newlywed and owner of Lovely Bride bridal shop.
Making your brand stand out in our insta-ready world can be a challenge. How do you communicate your brand, your product, your service in a quick, eye-catching, and easy-to-understand format? Boingo Graphics in the business of making it happen.
Linda Kirby developed a love of "ink on paper" in high school and has worked her passion from her beginnings with Boingo in 1990. Sid Wood joined the team in 1994. They're joining us now on the BrandBuilders Podcast to share how the business is evolving in the digital age, to stand out on paper.
It's no secret the teen and preteen years can be tough years.. and sometimes, youth find themselves wanting to just run away from it all. We also know, that can create a lot of unsafe conditions for children who are vulnerable to crime and trafficking. The Relatives was established in 1974 for this reason - it is a safe place kids can go, while getting trained help to work on issues that can keep them with their families or another safe place.
Trish Hobson joins the BrandBuilders Podcast to tell us more about this important work being done right in the heart of Dilworth, on East Boulevard.
If you know anything about Panthers football, you know one of the greatest to ever play the game in Bank of America Stadium is Steve Smith Senior. And if you know anything about Steve Smith Senior, you probably know the phrase, "Ice up Son." Well not only is the Panthers great in the Hall of Honor, he's doing some very honorable work in the community.
The Steve Smith Family Foundation has committed itself to stopping domestic violence, and promoting the emotional, physical, medical, and spiritual needs of families. The Smith Family Wellness Center provides medical care for families, and events like the Strike Out Domestic Violence and Lace Up Son 5k raise money to support these programs. Gerard Littlejohn is their Executive Director and joins us now on the BrandBuilders Podcast to tell us more how the foundation's work is running touchdowns for Charlotte.
If you've been around Charlotte for a while, you probably know the name Kim Brattain. She was a news anchor for 16 years at WSOC, where she won multiple Emmy and Associated Press awards. Since leaving the news in 2008, she has owned her own media company, Kim Brattain Media, where she has done everything from corporate videos to sports to live events to documentaries that have appeared in film festivals from coast to coast. She's here to share how she built it all.
We all know yoga is a great exercise for mind and body. Bridget Zapolnik and Emily Reindollar also see it as a way for special needs children to get all the benefits of this great exercise, when far fewer sports are open to them. They started a program called Exceptional Yoga, and it is currently available to special needs students in more than 10 Charlotte-area schools. They join us, along with Noelle Glass, on the BrandBuilders Podcast today.
It’s no secret that Charlotte is growing fast — about 60 people a DAY fast — and all of those people need to live somewhere. While some move to apartments in and around uptown, others want houses, and that’s where our next guest on the BrandBuilders Podcast comes in. He builds really NICE houses. In fact, Arcadia Homes of Charlotte won Custom Home Builder of the Year from the National Association of Home Builders. That’s a pretty big honor, and their president and managing partner Jeremy Schumacher is here with us today to talk about building our community in a beautiful way.
Starting a business is tough, full of making the right decisions at the right time. We don’t always know the right path to take, which is why business consultants can help us a great deal as we grow and change, hire new employees, or upgrade our technology. Sakib Kadak is someone who can do that, with his organization Axiom Path. Axiom Path’s services range from recruiting and retaining top talent, to IT, to AI, to applied analytics. And he’s visiting us today on the BrandBuilders Podcast to explain how the right analytics can help any business.
We often hear about the struggles of living on the street… food, shelter, warmth, and the search for stable employment and housing. But once someone has secured a job and a place to live, what’s left over for basic necessities like a bed, or pillows, or a dining room table to eat on? Not much. Furnish for Good is a Charlotte non-profit that helps families with those necessities that are hard to come by after moving off the streets or temporary shelters, and into stable living spaces. They can furnish basic items families can’t afford after paying deposits for rent, electricity, and water. We have the founders with us today on the BrandBuilders Podcast to tell us all about how Furnish for Good got started.
This is no typical summer, for sure. Two months of stay-at-home orders make us eager to get out in the sunshine and fresh air, and in summer, that means pools too. But the logistics of pool openings this year are a little more complicated than years past. Luckily, we have an expert with us today on the BrandBuilders Podcast to talk about that. Jeff Gaeckle is well-known in our swimming community as a former SwimMAC coach who ran the UltraSwim swim meet every year in uptown, as it brought in Olympians like Michael Phelps and his international counterparts. He also is the founder and president of Carolina Pool Management, which runs 160 pools in the Charlotte area, including its first owned-and-operated pool at Starclaire Recreation Club, which re-opens with a whole new facility this summer. If there’s anyone who knows about opening pools for summer, it’s Jeff.
We can’t imagine anything worse than having a child so sick that they need to be in the hospital for care. There are so many things running through your mind — what’s going on, what’s the treatment, when will they get better… and if you don’t live close to Charlotte or the hospital your child is in… where can I stay, and how long will I be able to do that? Ronald McDonald Houses relieve some of that burden for parents by giving families a place to stay while their children are in the hospital. Kristin Young from Ronald McDonald House Charlotte joins us to tell us what’s going on there right now.
We know that if you want to start a company, it takes money to make money. Enter venture capitalists like Jeff Brokaw of Tabbris, who is a serial entrepreneur who’s always starting something… and when he’s not starting his own company, he’s giving advice and mentoring others. Jeff is a regular on the Charlotte entrepreneur scene, and his current ventures include a fin-tech firm, a co-working hub for disruptive new companies, and an e-sports team. That’s quite a mix!
You can get anyone from a neighborhood teenager to a giant national franchise to mow your lawn.. but if you want a lawn DESIGN, you need a landscape professional. This can mean a lot of different things – James Ormond of The Ormond Group is a Certified Landscape Professional, or CLP. And he’s going to tell us about all the things we need to be doing right now to really make our yards “another room of our house.”
We know having a mentor is the best way to learn a business, and if you’ve had one, you’re grateful someone would “show you the ropes.” Stacy Cassio is grateful for having many great mentors in her past, and wanted to create a way for women, in particular, to get mentorship. That’s how Pink Mentor Network was born. It’s Charlotte’s first female mentorship community. Stacy joins us on the BrandBuilders Podcast to teach us her vision about mentorship.. and why she’s still learning.
Who loves to golf on their day off? I know a lot of you are raising your hands now.. but our next guest on the BrandBuilders Podcast is an actual pro golfer, who is now, also, a commercial real estate broker. He’s also one of Charlotte Agenda’s “30 under 30”.. and a father of “4 under 4.” YES — 4 children under the age of 4. How does he do it all? We’ve got Cliff Blanquicet here from Blanq Real Estate and we’re sure he has some stories to tell!!
It’s been a while… specifically, 25 years… since Uptown Charlotte had one of these. Do you know what it is? You’ll be surprised when I tell you…. it’s a jazz club. Yes, it’s been THAT long since there was one dedicated place you could listen to live jazz in uptown. A long time, right?
Well we’re happy to report that there is now live jazz in uptown at the corner of MLK and Brevard streets, across from the Convention Center. You can find concerts 3 nights a week, and great, comfortable surroundings. And who would be brave enough to bring jazz back to Charlotte? A family with deep roots in local entertainment – including jazz. Adam Farber with Middle C Jazz is here to fill us in.
You have not truly tasted the South, until you have eaten pimento cheese. If you’re not “from here,” pimento cheese is a delightful spread made of cheese, cream cheese, mayonnaise, maybe some other ingredients like bacon or chives, and a few secret seasonings only the maker of said-brand cheese will ever know and certainly not tell you.
One of these cheeses to gain a lot of popularity here over the last 5 years since it was publicly “born” is Queen Charlotte’s Pimento Cheese. As the name suggests, it’s born and made right here in Charlotte and its owner and creator John Morgan has an interesting history, and a one-of-a-kind “how I got here” story.
You want people to think positive thoughts about your business, right? Building a good brand message is essential to your sales and profits, and building a good corporate image is important to your place in the community. Books have been written on how to do that, and our next guest on BrandBuilders Podcast does that for a living.
Jessica Martin Graham owns Fionix Consulting, and has more than 25 years designing and leading strategic communications and community outreach for companies. She helps them look good and communicate what they’re about to the public — in other words, public relations.
One of the oldest and most venerable institutions in Charlotte turns 105 this year, and hundreds of thousands of young men and boys.. and now girls.. can say they’ve been a part of it. We’re talking about the Boy Scouts, and if you weren’t one, you know someone who was.
We’re delighted to have a few folks from the Mecklenburg County Council with us on the BrandBuilders Podcast today. The local council here in Mecklenburg County boasts 349 packs, troops, teams, crews, and posts — and includes nearly 12-thousand participants! Welcome Mark Turner, Eric Davis, and Jennifer Clutter.
If you watch the corporate world, you wonder, ‘Why does one company succeed and another one fail? What does it mean to do things right, or where did the failing company go wrong?’ We hear a lot about Google and Microsoft and the fun corporate campuses providing interesting perks– but is that what it takes?
Our next guest specializes in “what it takes” to find success as a company. Tom Lane is with OneTeam Leadership, which helps companies find that key to success with what’s called a “One Team Performance Pyramid.”