The Greater Fayetteville Business Journal is published twice a month throughout Fayetteville and the Cumberland County region. News related to the region’s business sector is posted daily at bizfayetteville.com.
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Have you ever contemplated the question, “How thankful am I?”
With Thanksgiving and the holidays approaching, it’s a good time to consider this question. From the time we are learning to talk, good parents are training their children to be thankful. Being thankful is usually a natural human reaction when someone does something good to you or for you. It is; however, also a learned and practiced skill that, according to science and psychology experts, has many benefits.
When you feel and express thankfulness and gratitude, your brain releases neurotransmitters and hormones that improve your mood, relationships, sleep and reduce stress. These areas of improvement can be game changing for families and businesses during this holiday season.
One way we at Greater Fayetteville Business Journal practice
MARTY V. CAYTON is the publisher of the Greater Fayetteville Business Journal. 910-240-9697, Ext 101 • martyc@bizfayetteville.com bizfayetteville.com
Remaining thankful
thankfulness is by celebrating and recognizing our Health Care Heroes. Last week, we hosted a wonderful night of networking, dinner, recognition and awards for these special people who give so much to all. On page 12, you can see who the winners were. We are extremely grateful for our sponsors who made the event possible and especially for all of our health care professionals, whose knowledge, dedication and commitment to our area’s health needs deserves praise!
We are also extremely thankful for our Veteran community in our area. Another way we are exercising our thankfulness muscle is by focusing this issue on Veteran owned businesses. As a Veteran of the US Navy, I was very honored for the opportunity to serve our country. So many lessons I learned in the military have been applied in business and entrepreneurship. Of course
there are hard skills that are also acquired, but none more important than the soft skills of resilience, ingenuity, commitment and perseverance. I hope you will contemplate the question of thankfulness this year and put it into practice. If you need a little help with being more thankful, please talk with a loved one, someone who practices thankfulness regularly, a pastor, and of course, the Creator!
Happy Thanksgiving.
God bless you and yours!
MEGAN WATSON/UNSPLASH.COM
Power Breakfast Series
FAYETTEVILLE'S MOST INTRIGUING PEOPLE OF 2024; SAVE THE DATE AND JOIN THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY FOR THE LAST POWER BREAKFAST OF THE YEAR
Mark your calendars and plan to join the Greater Fayetteville Business Journal at the Cape Fear Botanical Garden on Dec. 5 from 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. for the last Power Breakfast of 2024.
The next Power Breakfast features Fayetteville's Most Intriguing People of 2024. We'll hear from a panel of experts about a range of topics such as new business recruitment, investment growth from our giving, our military economy and helping our neighbors in WNC.
“Our final Power Breakfast of the year will be an opportunity to hear from leaders in our community who are running organizations with a wide reach of impact. While these organizations may seem to have very straightforward goals and missions, you’d be surprised at the impact they have in areas you might not think they would be connected with. We plan to speak with them about past, current and future projects that may be coming to our community, and encourage everyone to come out to learn more about these amazing leaders who usually stay out of the spotlight,” shared Greater Fayetteville Business Journal Editor Faith Hatton.
THE FOUR PANELISTS FOR THE DEC. 5 POWER BREAKFAST ARE:
Executive Director, North Carolina Military Business Center
Scott Dorney has served as the Executive Director of the North Carolina Military Business Center (NCMBC) since Dec. 1, 2004. The NCMBC grows the defense economy by expanding federal contracting and supporting retention of transitioning military personnel and recruitment of defense contractors to North Carolina.
FAYETTEVILLE’S MOST INTRIGUING PEOPLE OF 2024
Prior to joining the NCMBC in 2004, Dorney served six years as the Chief Officer for Support Services for the City of Fayetteville. In this capacity, he directed Human Resources and had management responsibility for other departments, including Risk Management and Information Technology. Prior to joining the City of Fayetteville, Dorney served nearly 22 years on active duty as a commissioned officer in the United States Army.
Dorney currently serves as a Governor-appointed member of the North Carolina Board of Science, Technology and Innovation. He previously served on boards of the USO of North Carolina, the North Carolina Defense Business Association and the North Carolina Sustainable Energy Association, as Chair of the Cumberland County Business and Education Partnership and as President of the Fayetteville Area Society for Human Resource Management.
PHIL HARRIS, JR.
Executive Director, Sandhills Chapter of the American Red Cross
Phil Harris, Jr. currently serves as Executive Director of the Sandhills Chapter of the American Red Cross serving 10 counties: (Cumberland, Harnett, Lee, Hoke, Sampson, Bladen, Moore, Richmond, Scotland and Robeson Counties) along with
two offices on Fort Liberty. He is a lifelong resident of Fayetteville, NC. Harris Jr. is a graduate of Wake Forest University. He joined the Red Cross in August 2013 after spending 30 years in the banking industry. He has been active in numerous civic and charitable organizations over the years.
MARY HOLMES
President/CEO, Cumberland Community Foundation, Inc.
Mary Moorman Holmes is President/CEO of Cumberland Community Foundation, a community-focused resource for donors and nonprofits of wide ranging capacities. Since 1997, CCF has grown from $4 million in endowed assets to $141 million. The community foundation focuses on raising unrestricted endowments to build community wealth and the capacity to meet changing needs. CCF also promotes designated endowments that support the missions of specific charitable organizations, small or large.
In 2021, Business North Carolina identified Holmes as one of the state's 100 most influential leaders in the inaugural Power List 100. She is the 2024 recipient of the Mary Mildred Sullivan Award, presented by the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Foundation and awarded by Methodist University. She has presented
at national conferences for Council on Foundations and Advancement Network (AdNet) on endowment building, donor stewardship, partnering with nonprofit organizations to build sustainable revenue and giving days.
President/CEO, Fayetteville Cumberland County Economic Development Corporation
Robert Van Geons has been President and CEO of FCEDC since January of 2017. With the support of local leaders, in five years, he and his team have announced more than 5,000 new jobs and $1.6 billion in new investment. With 20 years of experience, Van Geons has assisted companies from a variety of industries, successfully completing projects with businesses from across the US and more than a dozen countries, resulting in over $3.5 billion of announcements and more than 11,000 jobs.
Van Geons received his Master of Science in Economic Development from the University of Southern Mississippi and completed his Bachelor of Arts at Catawba College. He has also earned his Certification in City/County Management from the University of North Carolina School of Government, is a graduate of the University of Oklahoma’s Economic Development Institute and is a Certified Economic Developer (CEcD). He is a member of IEDC's Board of Directors, a 4X Business NC Power List honoree, NCEDA's 2022 Innovator of the Year, and was previously recognized as one of the "Top 50 Economic Developers in North America" (Economix 2017).
Tickets are on sale now at fayettevillepowerbreakfast.com.
Join us as we hear from leaders in our community who have made a significant impact in 2024.
SCOTT DORNEY
ROBERT VAN GEONS
Nighttime Could Be the Right Time to Save.
With PWC’s Super Off-Peak Rate
Optional Whole Business rate features substantially lower rates for electricity used during Super Off-Peak Hours, 9:00 p.m. – 5:00 a.m. daily, all year long. Business customers who sign up for this option pay a slightly higher basic facility charge and Peak rate, while benefiting from much lower rates during the nighttime hours. Your business may be able to lower your electric bills with this rate plan. Some of the ways you can save money with this plan include doing things like:
• Charging fleet-managed EVs, or providing managed EV charging for multi business/residential units, during Super-Off Peak hours
• Performing power-hungry tasks or running large machinery/ non-essential equipment between 9:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m.
For more information, visit: FayPWC.com and click on the TOU Rates for Business in the business section of the website. Or call 910-483-1382 to speak with a PWC representative and learn how our new Whole Business electric rate may benefit your business
>> By Eddie Velazquez
From BUSINESSES, page 1
the center serves Veterans, their families and transitioning members all across North Carolina. Since 2017, it has served 4,612 clients, created 954 jobs, helped start 269 businesses, generated more than $9 million in capital and secured more than $251 million in contracts awarded to entrepreneurs.
“The program was started in 2010 at Fayetteville State University [and] is one of 31 centers nationally,” said Robin Livingston, the center’s director. “Our services encompass everything from access to cutting edge entrepreneurial resources to enhance all entrepreneur training to invaluable networking opportunities.”
One of the monthly missions of the VBOC is to hold Boots to Business training at military installations like Fort Liberty and Camp Lejeune. The program is typically coordinated with local business agencies and military bases.
“Boots to Business is a two day event that is kind of entrepreneurship by fire hose, if you will,” Ashley Lambeth Christian, the outreach and marketing specialist at the Small Business Administration’s North Carolina office has said in previous interviews.
Lambeth Christian has worked on the curriculum for the program. “There are eight modules that go into it and those cover your introductory vetting of a business idea, the different types of legal entities that your business can take on, marketing, the economics of a small business, financing, legal and then resources available to small businesses.”
BUSINESS EDUCATION
Working in partnership with the Small Business Administration, the VBOC provides courses, training,
opportunities like National Small Business Week to help uplift Veteran owned businesses.
“A lot of challenges that we see when our Veterans and sponsors come in, is the access to capital,” he noted. “But also the learning curve that comes with being an entrepreneur, and we try to help alleviate some of that with our business plan templates and operational agreements, as well as some business structural document registrations and certifications.”
Additionally, Livingston said the center provides checklists and resource tools to get entrepreneurs on the right track.
When transitioning service members, Veterans and/or their families approach the VBOC to start a new business, whether to Boots to Business outreach or otherwise, Livingston said the VBOC takes a holistic approach to exploring entrepreneurship.
“We pretty much ask entrepreneurs ‘what do they want to do?’” he said. “Then we study that industry. Whatever industry [it] is and however that industry looks like, we do feasibility studies and an industry analysis of that industry. We let them know if that is a feasible market for them to go into.”
Then, Livingston said, the center points entrepreneurs in the right direction toward valuable resources.
The Veteran and transition service member community in North
They have the fortitude, the toughness, the resilience that is needed to be an entrepreneur...”
— Robin Livingston, Director, VBOC “
Carolina is one of the most talented in America, Livingston said.
“They have the fortitude, the toughness, the resilience that is needed to be an entrepreneur,” he said. “We get a lot of people who say they are entrepreneurs, but once you get into the nuts and bolts and the everyday grind, and the long hours and sweat… I think our Veterans have that skill set to endure and persevere over the struggles.”
Most businesses, Livingston noted, tend to lose steam and ultimately fail in the first three years.
“I think with that work ethic, our Veterans are better positioned to be more successful in starting and growing their business,” Livingston said.
When it comes to growing their business, Livingston typically sees barriers and challenges in securing funding.
“If you want to scale or grow your business, you have to be able to fund it,” he said. “But we also help with always evaluating those new trends in the industries that are coming in and that may threaten your business or the way you do business.”
A strong business plan, Livingston said, is key.
“It is very important because if you don't have a plan, you're not really setting yourself up for success,” he said. “Also not shying away from using new technologies is part of our advice. Some people hesitate when they see change or new things they don’t understand. We embrace that and try to move our Veterans, our clients forward in that area.”
and
To close out the year, the VBOC will be hosting the following events in the Fayetteville/Fort Liberty areas:
PHOTO PROVIDED BY VBOC AT FAYETTEVILLE STATE UNIVERSITY
networking
spotlight
ACHIEVERS
Fayetteville Technical Community College
recognized as a top college for military service members and Veterans
Fayetteville Technical Community College has been recognized as a top college for military service members and Veterans by Military Times, landing in the publication’s 2024 Best for Vets: Colleges rankings.
Each year, Military Times surveys colleges and universities nationwide to evaluate their Veteran-focused programs. These survey responses, along with public data sourced from the Department of Education and Department of Veterans Affairs, undergo analysis by the Military Times data team to produce the ranking.
FTCC is 10th in the state this year and the highest-rated North Carolina community college on the list. It was recognized for its in-person and online offerings to students.
According to Military Times, the publication evaluates information on success metrics, admissions, resources, human resources, financials and record keeping to compile its ranking. FTCC offers a wide range of classes, and programs are available in a variety of settings, including on FTCC’s campuses, at Fort Liberty and online. FTCC awards appropriate credit for prior military learning and follows up with comprehensive services to meet the special educational needs of military personnel and their families.
FTCC’s All American Veterans Center, which is located on its Fayetteville campus, provides educational assistance and support to Veterans. The College’s Transition Tech program provides industry-focused training for military members who are preparing for civilian life.
In addition, FTCC has full-time staff located at Liberty Training and Education Center at Fort Liberty, serving active duty military personnel.
Walsingham Group, Inc. awarded the HIRE Vets Platinum Medallion for 2024
The Walsingham Group, Inc. has been recognized for the corporation’s
What are you and your peers achieving? Have you reached a new goal? Have you acquired another business? Maybe your business has a new hire you would like to highlight.
Greater Fayetteville Business Journal wants to hear from you and your business to shine a spotlight on your accomplishments.
To nominate someone for GFBJ’s Achievers section, email editor@bizfayetteville.com with the subject line “Achiever.”
efforts and emphasis on hiring Veterans. At a ceremony held virtually on Oct. 31, the Walsingham Group, Inc. was awarded the HIRE Vets Platinum Medallion. This isn’t the first time the organization has been recognized, with Walsingham also receiving the Platinum Award in 2023.
This award stems from the Honoring Investments in Recruiting and Employing American Military Veterans Act of 2017 (HIRE Vets Act) and recognizes employer efforts to recruit, employ and retain Veterans. As described in the Act, there are different awards for large employers (500-plus employees), medium employers (51-499 employees) and small employers (50 or fewer employees). Additionally, there are two award tiers: platinum and gold. To win the Platinum Medallion, criteria such as percentage of new hires during the previous year that are Veterans, percentage of Veteran employees retained for a period of at least 12 months and percentage of employees who are Veterans were taken into consideration along with other requirements.
Chief Operating Officer Kelly George shared that WGI believes in “Veterans helping Veterans.”
“Walsingham employees are given the opportunity to participate in both internal and external Veteran and military spouse resource groups during their workdays,” shared George. “Our senior leaders often give their time to military transition groups in the forms of mock interviews, resume reviews and networking events.”
George shared that the Walsingham Group Inc. will also continue to support Veterans outside of employ-
ment as well.
“Our employees also participate in local and national events that support Veteran benevolent organizations that give scholarships to Veterans and their children as well as many other causes,” shared George. “As an example, we are pleased to support the Special Forces Charitable Trust (SFCT) on many endeavors and our CEO is a board member. On Nov. 21-22, Walsingham Group is teaming up with professional surfer Kelly Slater to support the SFCT in the Celebrity Tactical Challenge.”
Along with being able to display their HIRE Vets Platinum Medallion, The Walsingham Group, Inc. will also appear on “The Map” on HIREVets.gov, which showcases other award winners throughout the country.
FAY airport unveils flag honoring fallen soldiers and first responders
The Fayetteville Regional Airport (FAY) unveiled a memorial flag honoring fallen military members and first responders on Friday, Nov. 8 at 2 p.m. during a special ceremony.
This unique flag is made from 73 name tapes nominated by family members and friends of their fallen service members and first responders.
“In my short time at Fayetteville Regional Airport, I have seen the importance of the military and first responder community here,” said Airport Director Andrew LaGala in a press release. “We feel extremely fortunate to honor those that have sacrificed for our community and nation as a whole.”
FAY partnered with Flags to Remember, a local nonprofit created by Sergeant First Class Anthony Peterson, an active-duty soldier at Fort Liberty. Flags to Remember
was inspired by his actions to cope with the loss of military friends which now helps others navigate their grief. Families and friends are invited to join the flag unveiling when their loved one’s name has been added to a flag.
The Fayetteville Regional Airport is the host of Flag 12.
Other memorial flags created by Flags to Remember can be found around the city of Fayetteville at locations like Segra Stadium in the Avex Lounge, Cape Fear Hospice, Charlie Mike’s Pub, as well as Fayetteville and Sanford Veterans of Foreign Wars #652 and #6018.
TRP Sumner PLLC tax accountant earns North Carolina CPA License
TRP Sumner is proud to announce Tax Staff Accountant, MATTHEW RAYNOR, recently earned his Certified Public Accountant (CPA) License. This outstanding accomplishment is a testament to Raynor’s commitment to upholding the highest standards of expertise, professionalism and service in the accounting field. The CPA License is a prime benchmark in accounting that recognizes achieving a deep understanding of various complex financial regulations and ethical standards. Obtaining the license requires passing a rigorous four-part exam, completing extensive educational coursework and gaining qualified professional experience.
Raynor’s achievement demonstrates TRP Sumner’s continuous efforts toward professional development and excellence. The company shared in an announcement, “We look forward to the added growth and support Matthew will bring to the team and the enhanced service our clients will receive. Join us in congratulating Matthew Raynor on this tremendous accomplishment.”
PHOTO PROVIDED BY DAVID R. SCOTT WITH THE CITY OF FAYETTEVILLE
The Fayetteville Regional Airport is the host of Flag 12, this unique flag is made from 73 name tapes nominated by family members and friends of their fallen service members and first responders.
Raynor
HOSPITALITY
Well vetted gift guide
VETERAN-OWNED BUSINESSES IN FAYETTEVILLE, NC TO SHOP FROM THIS HOLIDAY SEASON
The season of giving is upon us, and with it comes the task of finding the perfect gift for loved ones. Fayetteville is home to a variety of exceptional Veteran-owned businesses that offer unique, high-quality products—ideal for everyone on your shopping list. From hand-crafted home goods to self-care essentials, this holiday gift guide features a selection of Veteran-owned establishments, each bringing their passion and expertise to their craft.
Curate Essentials: Housed in a charming 1914 home adorned with twinkling lights and rocking chairs, Curate Essentials is a haven for pampering and healthcare products, nearly all made on-site.
Driftwood Sculptures ($40-$60): The driftwood sculptures will add a touch of simplicity and rustic, natural appeal to a home or office. The driftwood is sustainably sourced from the shores of Hunting Island, SC, and the base is made from reclaimed oak wood and features a beveled edge.
For more details about Curate Essentials visit www.curateessentials.com.
CURSIVE
CURATE ESSENTIALS
Curate Essentials is owned by Leslie Pearson. Pearson was a photojournalist and public affairs specialist with the Army.
“My husband and I decided to make Fayetteville our home after leaving the military. In 2019 we opened Vizcaya Villa, a wedding and event space. We also opened Fayetteville Pie Company, which we sold to open Curate Essentials, an herbal apothecary, coffee shop and boutique. At Curate Essentials we focus on herbal education, holistic wellness and preventative medicine,” shared Pearson.
Curate Essentials has been open for two years now.
Visit Curate Essentials for items such as all-natural soaps, herbal remedies, hand-painted eco-friendly scarves and more. Highlights include:
Peppermint Self-Care Bundle ($28): Infused with peppermint essential oil, this invigorating bundle features a sugar scrub, bar soap, and moisturizer.
Cursive’s eclectic range includes jewelry, totes, candles, and more. Standout items include:
Charcuterie-Serving Boards with City Designs ($53.00)
Fayetteville Cityscape Wine Glass ($25.00)
For more information about Cursive go to www.shopcursive.com.
Nestled in downtown Fayetteville, Cursive is a go-to for thoughtful gifts that resonate. The store is owned by Bruce and Molly Arnold.
Bruce served three years in the Army.
“After saving our second downtown building from demolition, we renovated it with the concept of having storefronts available to lease to new entrepreneurs. To get started, we planned on occupying one space to attract other tenants, selling some of the vintage items and other unique things Molly had collected. A pop-up shop before it had that name, it was meant to be a temporary thing, as I was recovering from a construction injury and out of work. We named it White Trash & colorful accessories for the shabby chic distressed things and the accompanying art, gifts and unique finds,” shared Bruce.
Cursive (then known as White Trash & colorful accessories) was opened in 2005.
“It has been extremely rewarding to be able to offer a great space on Franklin Street to other small business owners pursuing their dreams and vision, and having their great businesses contributing to our downtown's revitalization and awesome specialty shops,” remarked Bruce.
the right wax and wicks to exploring fragrance combinations that ignite your creativity.
Learn more about Scented Wicks Candle Bar by visiting their website: www.scentedwickscandles.square.site.
SCENTED WICKS CANDLE BAR
Scented Wicks offers handpoured soy wax candles and an interactive candle-making experience. The eco-friendly focus and distinctive scents make for memorable gifts.
Scented Wicks is owned by Shaylin Bell. Bell explained that her candle making journey began during COVID in 2020 as a hobby. Once she’d perfected the craft, she began selling her candles at local farmers markets and craft shows.
“After retiring in 2022, my husband and I opened the candle bar to provide a unique candle making experience for the local area. Opening the candle bar exceeded our expectations to just having locals, to having people travel from as far as Virginia and South Carolina to make candles at our Bar,” shared Bell.
Featured products at Scented Wicks include:
Aromatherapy Manifestation Candles ($27.00): Hand-poured soy wax candles infused with fresh mint, bergamot and spearmint
Candle Making 101 ($45 per person): This hands-on experience is a perfect gift for both beginners and those looking to refine their skills. Under the guidance of expert instructors, learn the fundamentals of candle crafting, from selecting
BATH SNOB
Run by a mother-daughter team, Bath Snob treats customers like family, offering a range of all-natural, handmade bath products.
Bath Snob has been in Hope Mills since 2019. The business was created by and is now owned and operated by a mother, Mary Thompson, and her two daughters, Connie MelvinRushing and Tammie Melvin-Carlile. Thompson worked for the Army & Air Force Exchange Service for over 30 years, providing her with extensive retail experience.
From soothing bath bombs to luxurious body butters, notable items include:
Skincare Gift Set ($26.98): Made with turmeric and lemongrass essential oil, this skincare gift set features a lemongrass soap and rejuvenating facial elixir.
Beard Kit (32.99): Includes a conditioning beard balm, beard oil and trimming set.
Go to www.bathsnob.com for more information about the business.
These are just some of the many Veteran-owned businesses in our community. Take the opportunity this season to support our local businesses and invest in our local economy.
And the winner is…
GREATER FAYETTEVILLE BUSINESS JOURNAL CELEBRATES 2024 HEALTH CARE HEROES WINNERS
Over 200 healthcare professionals from the Fayetteville MSA gathered together at the Cape Fear Botanical Garden on Thursday, Nov. 7 to celebrate and honor the medical professionals that keep their communities happy and healthy. This is the event's second year honoring the community, with winners recognized for their hard work across nine categories and the ever esteemed Lifetime Achievement Award being presented to Dr. Franklin Clark III.
PHOTOS TAKEN BY 5 WEST MEDIA
FELLOW AWARD RECIPIENTS WERE AS FOLLOWS:
HEALTH CARE HEROES COMMUNITY ACHIEVEMENT
Honors an individual or team who successfully implemented a program addressing a problem in health care administration, delivery or community outreach.
WINNER: Sharon Gallagher, DNP, MSN, RN & Murtis Worth, PhD, RN for their work with the FTCC Nursing Program
HEALTH CARE HEROES INNOVATION
Honors an individual or team behind a new scientific discovery, procedure, treatment or device that can save lives or improve the quality of life for a large number of people.
WINNER: Jennifer Green, PhD, MPH, Health Director, Cumberland County Department of Public Health
2024
Keep an eye on the Greater Fayetteville Business Journal’s social media pages to hear words from the winners.
HEALTH CARE HEROES HEALTH CARE EXECUTIVE
Honors an individual whose job performance is considered exemplary by people within their organizations, peers and community members.
WINNER: Susan Beaty, MSN, R.N. President, Eastern Region, Administrator of MRH-Hoke
HEALTH CARE HEROES NURSE
Honors a nurse whose performance is considered exemplary by patients, peers and other health care providers.
Honors a physician whose performance is considered exemplary by patients, peers and other health care providers.
HEALTH CARE HEROES UNSUNG HEROES
Honors anyone working in health care who may not fit into the other categories highlighted in Health Care Heroes and includes anyone in the field whose performance is considered exemplary by patients, colleagues and other health care providers.
HEALTH CARE HEROES VOLUNTEER
Honors a volunteer at a health care provider or other health-related organization who is considered exemplary by people within those organizations.
HEALTH CARE HEROES LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT
Honors an individual for achievements throughout his or her career. Judges considered the individual's professional accomplishments, impact on the community and assistance they gave to others.
W.
WINNER:
Dickson Schaefer, Orthopedic Surgeon, President, Fayetteville Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine of Cape Fear Valley Health
WINNER: La'Toshia Bagley, Regional Manager KidzCare Pediatrics PC
WINNER: Dr. J. Wesley Jones, Retired Private Practitioner, Community Volunteer
WINNER: Dr. Franklin S. Clark, III
L-R: Murtis Worth, Sharon Gallagher with award presenter Kelly Gold
Award presenter Glenn Adams (L) with Dr. Jennifer Green (R)
Award presenter Tara Ledford accepts the Health Care Executive Award on behalf of winner Susan Beaty
Anastasia Jennings (L) pictured with award presenter Tara Ledford (R)
MyTrang Dang (L) pictured with presenter Melissa Saunders (right)
W. Dickson Schaefer (L) with award presenter Dr. Stanley T. Wearden (R)
La'Toshia Bagley (L) with award presenter Melissa Saunders (R)
Award presenter Christopher Hoffman (L) with Dr. J. Wesley Jones (R)
Dr. Franklin S. Clark III (L) with presenter Dr. Stanley T. Wearden (R)
Veteran spotlight
COMMERCIAL REALTOR PATRICK MURRAY TALKS ABOUT THE IMPACT MILITARY SERVICE HAS HAD ON HIS CAREER
From serving the country to serving the greater Fayetteville area, Veteran and co-founder of Grant-Murray Real Estate, Patrick Murray, has been involved in the real estate industry since 2005 and has completed over $100 million in real estate transactions.
But before he became a key partner and Broker in Charge for what is today known as Grant-Murray Real Estate in 2011, Murray served for over five years in the Army Reserves.
“I was inspired to join the military not only by my family’s legacy of service -my father in the Army and both grandfathers in the Marines- but also by a strong personal sense of duty to my country. The military offered me a path to serve while also providing essential financial support for college tuition, which made it the right choice for me,” shared Murray.
Murray earned the prestigious Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM) designation in 2007 and the Society of Industrial and Office Realtors (SIOR) designation (office specialty) in 2023. Murray prides himself on being a knowledgeable and active member of the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC), the North Carolina and Fayetteville Realtor Association, and being a part of the Fayetteville-Cumberland County Chamber of Commerce. In 2021 he became president of the NC CCIM Chapter’s executive committee board of directors.
“For Veterans transitioning into a civilian career in real estate, pursuing certifications like CCIM can provide the advanced training and knowledge needed to succeed in the field,” said Murray. “This kind of specialized education helps bridge the gap between military and civilian work by giving Veterans practical skills and a strong foundation in real estate.”
When asked how his previous military experience helped him transition to a civilian career in real estate, Murray responded:
“My military experience instilled in me a strong sense of discipline
“My military experience instilled in me a strong sense of discipline and strategic planning, which have been invaluable in real estate.”
Patrick Murray VETERAN & CO-FOUNDER, GRANT-MURRAY REAL ESTATE
and strategic planning, which have been invaluable in real estate.
Military service also taught me the importance of organization and how to prepare adequately for any situation. These skills allow me to approach each client and property with a thorough, well-structured plan, ready to handle challenges effectively.”
Murray is currently helping in the process of a number of construction projects coming to the Fayetteville area, with a highly anticipated project being the recently announced “Midtown at Coalition Food Hall” AKA: “The Forge” project which will be a new two-story food hall spanning 11,675 square-feet.
The Forge will be located off of Santa Fe Drive in the Military Business Park with the goal of blending modern design with vibrant culinary offerings.
The project is currently under construction and is expected to be completed between 2025 - 2026.
Murray shared his appreciation for his fellow Veterans on social media this past Veterans Day.
“Of all of the important decisions I have made in life, serving in the Army Reserves was one of the best, high-impact things I could have done when I was 17 years old. I spent nearly six years in the Army Reserves with a year of that in Iraq. I’m thankful for all of the other Veterans today who have sacrificed so much to serve this great country,” shared Murray in a LinkedIn post.
PHOTO PROVIDED BY GRANT-MURRAY REAL ESTATE Murray is currently helping in the process of a number of construction projects including the recently announced “Midtown at Coalition Food Hall” AKA: “The Forge,” a new two-story food hall coming soon to the Military Business Park in Fayetteville
BIZ LEADS
Reader’s Guide
BizLeads is a collection of information gathered from greater Fayetteville courthouses, state government offices and information websites. The listings are intended to help the business community find new customers and stay on top of happenings with current customers, vendors and competitors.
New Corporations lists firms from the Greater Fayetteville Business Journal region that were recently incorporated in the State of North Carolina.
CUMBERLAND COUNTY
Candle City LLC 232 Tiverton Street
Fayetteville Agent: Ebony Emani Shortt
Sam's Lucky 777 LLC
2897 OWEN DR STE 101
Fayetteville Agent: ZAKARIA D. ALI
Nicole Knows Travel Too! LLC 9012 GROUSE RUN LN
Fayetteville Agent: Nicole Marks
Sam's Lucky 7 LLC
2897 Owen Dr. Ste 101 Fayetteville Agent: Nooraldin Derhim Ali
Touch & Pay LLC
3737 Alson Rd Apt 305
Fayetteville Agent: Justyce Tyree Bennett
AMZTronics LLC
3333 N. Main St. Suite 150 Box
agement Group LLC
517 Cypress Trace Dr
Fayetteville Agent: Jason Kinsey
billieboyz LLC 1498 Joe Hall Rd
185
Hope Mills Agent: Phillip Lee Lover
Grill Masters Club Inc 3602 Main St
Hope Mills Agent: Jessica Marie Boerste
Srs Building Products Inc 5630 Shenandoah Dr
Fayetteville Agent: Zachary James Oakes
The Lavish Lady LLC 6116 Ackerman Dr
Hope Mills Agent: Ashley Turner
Ignite Realty Group LLC 3109 Braddock Drive
Fayetteville Agent: LaTricia Donaldson
Elpis Alliance For Veterans 2927 Middlesex Road
Fayetteville Agent: Courtney John Marshall
LionHeart Man-
Hope Mills Agent: Mostafa Hosseinzadeh
CLARUS SOLUTIONS LLC 439 Westwood Shopping Center Suite 14
Hope Mills Agent: caribe D Billie
Caring Commute LLC
2919 Breezwood Ave
Fayetteville Agent: Jasmine D Johnson
Custom Performance LLC
505 Taproot Ct
Fayetteville Agent: Gabriel Picard
SoSo's Art Play Space LLC 4452 Chesterbrook Dr
Fayetteville Agent: Kimberly Sophia Bakhakh
OverFlowTransactions LLC
123A Anderson Street
Fayetteville Agent: Trellishia M Delbridge
El Arca De Adoracion 305 Elaine Street
Spring Lake Agent: Hilda Iris Cruz
XYZ Distribution LLC 344 Derby Ln
LLC
100 Hay Street Ste 503
Fayetteville Agent: Abundant Living Consulting Corporation LLC
Fayetteville Agent: Lorenzo Hartwell
Low Country Boil NC 29418 LLC 1800 Skibo Rd #300
Fayetteville Agent: HEFENG LIU
Mediterranean & Yemenis Restaurant Inc 3612 Ramsey St
Fayetteville Agent: Thabet M Hauter
Grace Community Church of Grays Creek Inc.
2002 Chicken Foot Road
Hope Mills Agent: Richard Johnson
Gillespie Tobacco N Vape Inc 2800 Gillespie St Ste 106
Fayetteville Agent: Hani A Saleh
COZY DAY SPA INC
1011 MARLBOROUGH RD
Fayetteville Agent: HONGHUA LIU
J
& Tax Solutions LLC
402 Longthorpe Rd
Fayetteville Agent: Vincent George McAnuff Jr
Brighton Cleaning LLC
6747 Vaughn Rd
Fayetteville Agent: Zachery Chaz Holmes
BEN'S INVESTMENTS LLC
5117 Boxcut Ln
Hope Mills Agent: JORGE C BEN
Fanatical Health & Fitness LLC
6923 Twin Creek Ct
Fayetteville Agent: Rachel Ann Shontz
Lunastella Publishing LLC 810 Chapel Hill Rd
Spring Lake Agent: Ashley King
Pistols and Pearls Gun Shop LLC
1240 Thistle Gold Dr
Hope Mills
Agent: Alice Regan Dodd
Level Up Tobacco Corp. 1738 Bingham Dr Ste B Fayetteville Agent: Sadeq Alashram
Accurate Notary
Fayetteville Agent: Ezikiel
Frank Weaver III
Jessie Hollywood LLC 6912 Twin Creek Court
Helen Tech Solutions LLC 593 West Cochran Ave
Fayetteville Agent: Christopher J St Helen
Saravia's Renovation & Roofing LLC 2309 Camden Rd
Fayetteville Agent: Rigoberto Saravia-Castellanos
InfiniteLux Realty LLC
100 Hay Street Ste 503
Fayetteville Agent: Abundant Living Consulting Corporation LLC
Aspire to Zenithal Therapy LLC 6112 Proverbs St
Linden Agent: Desirea Domininque Satterwhite
Avail Marketing Service LLC 1416 Deer Trail Dr Apt 108
Fayetteville Agent: Shanece O'Shea McMorris
Crockers Station LLC 350 Wagoner Dr
Fayetteville Agent: Jeremy Ethan Alip
Watch Out Cumberland County NC LLC 1148 Honeycutt Rd
