Greater Fayetteville Business Journal - March 24, 2023 Issue

FirstHealth Cancer Care

New Cancer Center opens in Pinehurst on March 27

Page 16

Town plans for building and businesses Page 11

SPECIAL FOCUS: WOMEN IN BUSINESS

A TOUCH OF ITALY

By Stephanie Meador

he name Antonella may ring a bell for many in the Fayetteville community. Those familiar with downtown Fayetteville may think of the corner restaurant located at 300 Hay St. While the name has become synonymous with yummy Italian cuisine within the community, it is also the name of the restaurant’s Owner and Head Chef, Antonella Scibilia.

DTaphne Sanitz, a Veteran entrepreneur, has made quite the name for herself through her work of “preserving what most throw away” here in Fayetteville. Sanitz has developed eight properties in downtown Fayetteville including the building at 108 Person St. which now hosts the popular restaurant CIRCA 1800.

Sanitz spoke with the Greater Fayetteville Business Journal about her latest project, the Kress Lofts on Maxwell St.

A Brooklyn born restaurateur, Scibilia was raised in the industry by immigrant parents Giovanni and Concetta Giannone.

“My dad put us to work at, I think

Sanitz first began the steps to renovating the Kress building in 2017.

PHOTO PROVIDED BY: GFBJ

Owner and Head Chef Antonella Scibilia opened her first restaurant at the age of 19, since then she has grown to become a staple of downtown Fayetteville.

Antonella’s Italian Ristorante owner discusses her inspirations, drive and history that lead her to create her own slice of Sicily in downtown Fayetteville

PHOTO PROVIDED BY: DARDEN JENKINS

An artist's rendering of the fully renovated Kress Lofts building. Daphne Sanitz has developed eight historic properties in Downtown Fayetteville.

Fayetteville native finds restoring historic buildings to be a rewarding outlet for her artistic expression

FEBRUARY 2023 MEDIAN HOME SALES PRICE (SINGLE-FAMILY BY COUNTY)

SAMPSON COUNTY JANUARY 2023: 3.6% DOWN FROM JANUARY 2022: 3.9%

ECONOMIC INDICATORS

ROBESON COUNTY JANUARY 2023: 5.5% DOWN FROM JANUARY 2022: 6.4%

Source: NC Department of Revenue

LABOR FORCE JANUARY 2023 BY INDUSTRY (FAYETTEVILLE MSA)

Source: Longleaf Pines MLS and Mid Carolina Regional MLS

HOMES SALES DAYS ON THE MARKET (SINGLE-FAMILY, FAYETTEVILLE MSA)

Source: NC Department of Commerce

CumberlandHokeHarnettSampsonRobesonBladenMoore

4424 Bragg Blvd, Fayetteville, NC 28303

910-240-9697

bizfayetteville.com

PUBLISHER

Marty Cayton martyc@bizfayetteville.com

EDITOR

Faith Hatton faithh@bizfayetteville.com

ASSISTANT EDITOR

Stephanie Meador stephaniem@bizfayetteville.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Charity Brandsma

Kate Griffin

Diana Hansen

Kathie Harris

Suet Lee-Growney

Jenna Shackelford

Eddie Velazquez

CONTRIBUTING WRITER MARKETING CONTENT

Stacie Borrello

CONTRIBUTING DESIGNER

Samantha Lowe samanthal@bizfayetteville.com

ACCOUNTING

Priscilla Nelson billing@bizfayetteville

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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Greater Fayetteville Business Journal

Silicon Valley Bank. Government Protection or Overreach?

By now most everyone has heard about the second largest bank failure in US History, Silicon Valley Bank (SVB). This bank was taken over by regulators on March 10 after its depositors withdrew $42 billion dollars relatively overnight.

Of course, you probably also know that the government took action to secure 100 percent of the SVB’s deposits (including those of Signature Bank) on Monday, March 13.

The depositors of these two banks undoubtedly issued a huge sigh of relief and welcomed the help - and who wouldn’t! Those who represented our two main political parties lined up to applaud or condemn the action-no surprise here.

It seems that history will determine who made the right move but, for now, it seems that the short term crisis has been averted.

The long term debate will go on and the questions of too big to fail versus government overreach will continue to be raised.

The reality, from my perspective is, this move by the government was necessary to protect the economy from spiraling into a major crisis. There’s no doubt also that the costs of this effort, even though necessary in my opinion, will be borne by the taxpayers and probably be felt by mostly the poor due to increased or prolonged inflation. This will be caused by the inevitable increase in the monetary supply which will happen to cover the losses that these banks had at their demise.

I am a firm believer that the first and foremost job of any government is to protect its citizens, and the move by the Fed to secure these banks was motivated by this effort.

But, I also believe the government also needs to understand what got us into this mess and how to keep us

from repeating it again and again. I liken it to a term called “helicopter parents.” Anyone with kids knows what this means. When we as parents protect our kids to the point of hurting them in the long run, that ultimately proves to be bad parenting. Our government (local, state and federal) need to know the difference between protection and overreach. Too much “protection” requires more overreach and that’s where we are today. Knowing where to cut the cord is the necessary challenge!

On a different, and much more positive note, March is Women’s History Month and we have highlighted some great businesses in this issue that are Woman-led or Woman-owned. It’s an honor to share their stories with our readers!

Also in this issue, we have made a slight change in one of Economic Indicators on page three. One of our area’s local realtors, Tony De La Vega, with Coldwell Banker Advantage, came to us to offer a more accurate assessment of our housing numbers. We had been reporting from Realtor.com data for the Fay-

etteville MSA (Cumberland, Hoke and Harnett counties). Tony was kind, but also direct in stating that he didn’t believe our previous numbers depicted our market correctly. With Tony’s challenge, we are now getting our information directly from the Regional MLS, and we are not just looking at the Fayetteville MSA, but our entire readership area, which also includes Robeson, Sampson, Bladen and Moore counties. When we placed this data in the infographic on page three, you see some surprising details about where growth in new construction is happening in our region. We will have more details and stories about this in the coming months ahead!

As we see the first quarter of 2023 come to a close, I just want to thank all of our advertisers and sponsors. I am confident that your investment will continue to pay dividends for our community and your organizations.

God bless you and yours!

PHOTO TAKEN FROM WWW.SVB.COM

Silicon Valley Bank's homepage on Monday, March 13 noting at the top the new operating bank, Silicon Valley Bridge Bank, N.A. a newly created, full-service FDIC-operated ‘bridge bank’.

Learning and teaching

COLDWELL BANKER ADVANTAGE'S LISA GEDDIE SHARES LESSONS LEARNED FROM HER PROFESSIONAL JOURNEY

From salon owner to president of the largest real estate company in our area, Lisa Geddie has proven herself a talented business woman with a myriad of skills. After being promoted within Coldwell Banker Advantage to her current role of President of the Sandhills Region in October of 2022, Geddie now heads up the #1 Coldwell Banker in the state of North Carolina and the #3 Coldwell Banker in the entire nation, according to the company’s website.

Coldwell Banker Advantage’s recent achievements under her leadership include being named a Chairman’s Club and President’s Club Award winner by Anywhere Leads for its outstanding performance in 2022.

Before getting her real estate license, and starting her nearly 18 year tenure with Coldwell Banker Advantage, Geddie shared that she was a cosmetologist and a salon owner for about 15 years.

Once she got her real estate license, Geddie immediately went to work for Coldwell Banker. From there she put in the time and effort to move on up in the company ranks. She became a manager for one of the smaller offices in 2010 before she moved up to director of operations a couple of years later. Further down the road she was promoted to general manager, then to senior vice president, and then to the title she currently holds which is President of the Sandhills Region.

Though the transition from salon owner to real estate agent might seem surprising to some, Geddie explained some of the ways in which she’d been exposed to real estate work throughout her life. “...I am a second generation realtor, so it always had been in my blood, I guess. And my husband and I invested in some rental properties and did a few flips prior to me getting my real estate license…” stated Geddie.

Geddie shared that skills she’d developed as a business owner served her well in her new roles.

“...my prior experience in managing different hair stylists—you have different personalities, and everybody works at their own pace—so that sort of I think placed me in a good position in order to be able to manage independent contractors,” said

Geddie.

In addition to being self-driven, Geddie recognizes the importance of learning from those around you and those that have experience doing what you want to do.

“…you have to seek people out that have been successful and try to spend as much time as you can to gain the knowledge that they’re willing

that I had any barriers in front of me. I’ve always had a very purposeful mindset,” said Geddie. “I guess I have never thought about what could be viewed as an obstacle the same way as others might. Gender, age, nationality, etc. I know that it is in my nature to show others through my actions and how I respond to situations that all things can be worked through if

that everyone I have crossed paths with has taught me something. (Good or not so good.) I tend to focus on the good,” shared Geddie.

Another element to success is this idea of growing where you are planted. Geddie spoke on how important it is to take advantage of the opportunities you are given.

“For me it has been less about my various career positions or titles, but about showing up and learning from whoever or wherever I was afforded the opportunity to participate. Whether it be serving on various boards or my involvement with my church, or my day to day obligations and responsibilities with my work family,” added Geddie.

One woman who inspires Geddie is Dolly Parton. Parton’s giving spirit and authenticity are characteristics Geddie admires in this woman who went from living in a house with no plumbing to being one of the most respected women in her industry. A quote from Parton that rings true for Geddie is “You never do a whole lot unless you’re brave enough to try.”

Within the real estate industry, Geddie shared that she has been inspired by Lori Arnold, owner of Coldwell Banker Apex in Texas. “She’s been a big help to me as far as sharing her knowledge and experiences.”

When asked to share a piece of advice to young professionals navigating the workforce, Geddie said this: “I think it would be “sometimes it’s best to tune out and not tune in.” Geddie’s advice encourages people to be careful not to get too wrapped up in the 24/7 news reports and to focus on the goals they have and take the steps necessary to achieve them.

Geddie is grateful for the professional journeys she has been on and enjoys what she’s able to accomplish through her work.

to share with you, and most people throughout my life have been very willing to share their knowledge and experiences with me. I think you mold yourself after those that you've been around…”

Geddie shared that she’s always trusted that she was capable of achieving her goals. “I never did feel

we listen to understand not to just respond.”

Geddie attributes her positive outlook and the success she has earned largely to her faith. “My faith has always been my foundation. I know that I am just an ordinary person that trusts God to do the extraordinary in my life and those around me. I know

“The greatest joy I receive is knowing that I can share with others to help them grow and prosper with the experiences and knowledge that have been given to me by those that have been so gracious to share with me. Every season in life is preparing me for something, I just have to embrace it and wait for the transformation,” concluded Geddie.

PHOTO PROVIDED BY: COLDWELL BANKER ADVANTAGE

After climbing the ranks within Coldwell Banker Advantage, Lisa Geddie assumed her current role as President of the Sandhills Region in October of 2022.

The greatest joy I receive is knowing that I can share with others to help them grow and prosper with the experiences and knowledge that have been given to me by those that have been so gracious to share with me. Every season in life is preparing me for something, I just have to embrace it and wait for the transformation.

>> By Faith Hatton

From ITALY, page 1

I was nine years old bussing tables, so I feel like I have been working my whole life,” shared Scibilia. She learned firsthand the ins and outs of the restaurant industry from her father who opened his first restaurant in Winston Salem before relocating to Fayetteville in the late 1980s where he opened his second restaurant.

“He opened up a restaurant called Valentino's on Bragg Boulevard, used to be Empire Steakhouse; it seated over 350 people,” recalled Scibilia. “And I guess I just stayed, you know, I moved maybe a couple times throughout my life, but I ended up coming back. It's like a city that just kind of pulls you in, in a way, it's kind of weird.”

Scibilia has come a long way since opening her first restaurant, Roma Pizza, at age 19 in Buies Creek. Her restaurant resume includes opening a second Roma Pizza location on Person Street and opening the Little Italy Pizzeria and Restaurant franchise before shifting gears to an entirely new career.

“I left there [Little Italy] in 2012 and I felt like I wanted to do something different because I've always been in the restaurant business,” said Scibilia. “And you know, I've been doing this my whole life and I was really scared but I thought ‘I want to try something different and just grow.’ So, I went in, and I got my real estate license, and that was a challenge.”

However, it was only a matter of time before she came back to her passion with a little encouragement and an introduction to her future restaurant space.

“I got into real estate, and I think I was in it for about a year, and then my [current] landlord, he owns a lot of properties on this street, he called me one day and he's like, ‘Have you ever thought about opening something just for yourself?’” recalled Scibilia. “And I was like, ‘No, I don't want to do it anymore,’ but he would not take no for an answer. He just kept on and on and I came and looked at the space, there was nothing here, it was just kind of concrete, and I just envisioned it.”

That vision soon came to life and in 2017, Antonella’s Italian Ristorante opened its doors to customers offering an array of Italian dishes and recipes with a Sicilian twist, a personal touch from Scibilia’s own family legacy.

“Being Sicilian, the recipes are very different, and the recipes have been handed down for many, many years,” shared Scibilia. “We have to

make everything fresh literally every day, which is tiring, but it's a good thing, because you are getting fresh quality every time you come and eat. We don't have any of our sauces pre-made except for like our house tomato sauce, which we make daily. So that's another plus because everything is made to order.”

Some of the featured nightly items truly are one of a kind, with Scibilia often custom creating the featured dishes for the day.

“It's funny, because before we open, I don't know what the special is going to be, and then everybody's like, ‘It's five minutes to opening, what's the feature tonight?’ And I'm like, ‘Well, let’s throw this together. What are we going to call it?’ And I start thinking of cities in Italy or Sicily, I might call it Santorini,” said Scibilia. “And it's true, that's how I come up with my feature specials. I'll go back there, and I'll just throw it together in five minutes, and I feel like maybe it’s an art, I guess.”

One of the things Scibilia prides herself in is providing not only delicious, fresh food, but also a memorable dining experience for customers when they come in.

“The decor of the restaurant, I think, was my biggest goal. I think that's very different compared to a lot of restaurants in town. It’s just like, you're not really in Fayetteville, you're somewhere else and that's probably one of the biggest compliments I get all the time, they [customers] love it. You have to see the atmosphere at night. It's very differ-

ent, you kind of feel like you're in a really big city and that's what I was shooting for,” said Scibilia.

Scibilia shared that she wouldn’t be anywhere without her staff that help her every night, particularly her youngest son Giancarlo who helps with daily operations and lets her know when to take a step back.

“He’s selfless. He got his college degree in business, and he could probably be doing something else that he would probably enjoy more so because I don’t think he wants to follow in the family footsteps. It’s

because without him it would be like, 13-hour days for me, and I wouldn't be able to go home until midnight. And so, a lot of times, it might be nine o'clock, and he's like ‘Mom, go home, I'll close it for you.’ But I don't know how much longer he’s going to want to do it. So as of right now, he's there for me so that's comforting,” shared Scibilia.

Scibilia said that having her name on the building serves as a personal motivator to continue providing food and service she can be proud of.

“It pushes me even more because it's my name up there. I don't think I'm a hard person to work for, I really don't, I just want it done right. Without my customers, I'm not going to be able to open the doors and so it's like you’ve got to give good service, you’ve got to give good quality food,” said Scibilia. “I take a lot of pride in what I do. I’m just blown away because I never ever thought that Antonella’s would be as successful as it is. I thought I would do okay, but my customers are just amazing, and they say such nice things about me. It’s just humbling.”

not something that he wants, and I would love to give it to him, but I think he’d rather do something else and, I’m all for it, I support him,” shared Scibilia. “He’s a huge help

Scibilia shared that while there are no plans to expand her restaurant beyond its location on Hay St, she and her staff are considering maybe in person or virtual cooking classes as a way of further connecting with the community in the future.

“And here I am, five and a half years and still going strong. I’ve gotten older and more tired at times, but you know, I’m still here.”

PHOTO PROVIDED BY: GFBJ

Antonella credits her staff and her youngest son Giancarlo (pictured right) for the success of her restaurant, working to maintain the standard behind her name.

PHOTO PROVIDED BY: ANTONELLA’S Antonella’s serves up featured menu items- some created on the fly by Scibilia — but all made with love. Above: Stuffed jumbo cheese ravioli Alfredo topped with Chicken Milanese.

ACHIEVERS

Cumberland County agent honored by Farm Bureau Insurance Company

JAMES COOK, a Cumberland County Agent for North Carolina Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company was named among the Top 75 Agents for 2022, by Allen Houck, CPCU, Executive Vice President and General Manager. Agent Cook was selected for this honor based on his outstanding sales and service record for multi lines of insurance during 2022. North Carolina Farm Bureau Insurance Company has more than 850 agents across the state. This announcement was made at the Annual Sales Conference of the Farm Bureau Insurance Companies held at the Sheraton Hotel Four Seasons/Joseph S. Koury Convention Center in Greensboro on Feb. 26 & 27.

Beasley Media Group’s Fayetteville WKML-FM Studio named in honor of Danny Highsmith

Beasley Media Group paid tribute to recently retired Regional Vice President DANNY HIGHSMITH by officially naming the WKML-FM broadcast studio in his honor on Friday, March 3, 2023 in Fayetteville.

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.”

Edwards, who currently serves as the Vice President and Market Manager of the company’s Charlotte and Detroit operations.

Highsmith worked at Beasley Media Group for 51 years in a variety of capacities, many of which included serving as the Market Manager of the Fayetteville cluster. Employees shared in a press release that the media veteran’s legacy continues to be felt around the studios, along with his famous sentiment, “Remember, if you see someone today without a smile, give them one of yours,” which is now permanently etched, along with his image, on the WKML studio window at the station.

Michelle Skinner named new general manager for the Fayetteville Woodpeckers

The Fayetteville Woodpeckers have announced a new addition to their team with MICHELLE SKINNER joining on as the team’s new General Manager. Skinner is one of two current female General Managers in the Carolina League.

Ball State University and is a mentor for students in the Sport Administration Program.

“It is great to rejoin the Houston Astros organization; I look forward to meeting the Woodpecker fans and working alongside the team to provide fun entertainment throughout the summer,” shared Skinner in a press release. “When I visited Fayetteville in January, I was impressed by the world-class baseball facility, the enthusiasm of the community, and the dedication of the staff. I can’t wait to see everyone at the ballpark this season!”

Simpson receives scholarship for Economic Development Academy

Fayetteville’s MERICA SIMPSON has received an investment in her education after being awarded a scholarship from the The North Carolina Economic Development Corporation.

Thank you to the NCEDA board for affording me this opportunity.”

Simpson was presented with the scholarship at the NCEDA’s 2023 Spring Conference held in Pinehurst.

FSU students win first, third place in U.S. Army’s Inaugural xTechHBCU Student Technology Competition

Fayetteville State University students DENEEN ROYAL and SHIRLEY JACQUET placed first and third, respectively, on Feb. 11, in the first-ever xTechHBCU Student Competition of the U.S. Army’s xTech Program.

A senior computer science major at FSU, Royal earned the top prize for her project, “AI For Independent Surveillance Missions (ASIM).” She conducts research in FSU’s Intelligent Systems Lab.

Shirley Jacquet, a student in FSU’s Department of Biological and Forensic Sciences, received $2,000 for her third-place project, “QTL Mapping and Correlation Analysis of Amino Acids Contents in Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] Population.”

The xTechHBCU Student competition offered undergraduates from historically Black colleges and universities, who met the eligibility criteria, the opportunity to present their inventive technological concepts aimed at

The dedication, hosted by Vice President and Market Manager Kent Dunn, also included a special presentation by Mayor Mitch Colvin, who officially proclaimed it “Danny Highsmith Day” in the City of Fayetteville.

The ribbon cutting ceremony also featured remarks from Chief Executive Officer Caroline Beasley, Chief Operations Officer and Executive Vice President Brian Beasley and former cluster Market Manager Mac

Michelle Skinner comes to the Fayetteville Woodpeckers after 13 seasons with the Tri-City ValleyCats of the Frontier League, formerly the MiLB Short Season Affiliate of the woodpeckers affiliate company the Houston Astros. Starting in 2010 as the Administrative Assistant, Skinner held the roles of Fan Development Manager and Community Relations Manager prior to being named the Assistant General Manager in 2015. Looking forward to being active in the Fayetteville community, Skinner was a member of the Capital Region’s Women's Business Council, President of the Troy Salvation Army’s Advisory Board, former President of the Troy Kiwanis Club, and is an avid supporter of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and Make-A-Wish. She serves on the Alumni Council of

Simpson, who currently serves as Director of Marketing and Communications for the Fayetteville Cumberland County Economic Development Corporation was awarded a North Carolina Economic Development Academy Scholarship, which will help curb the costs to attend one course offering of the North Carolina Certified Economic Developer program at East Carolina University.

“I'm very grateful to have been awarded this scholarship through the North Carolina Economic Development Association. As part of my NCCED certification, I’ll utilize this at my alma mater, ECU,'s Economic Development Academy,” shared Simpson. “I look forward to broadening my knowledge of economic development to further aid FCEDC in promoting the community.

tackling issues such as climate change, safeguarding the mental and physical well-being of soldiers, and integrating artificial intelligence and machine learning.

The finalists represented nine HBCUs across the U.S. They were invited to participate in an eightweek xTech Accelerator program that prepared students for their pitches, educated them on Army priorities and areas of interest, and provided insight into Army career pathways. The 16 finalists were also awarded a total of $3,500 for their achievements.

PHOTO PROVIDED BY FAYETTEVILLE WOODPECKERS Skinner

Simpson

Associate State Sales Manager Les Renfrow (left) congratulates Cook (right).

Left to right: Caroline Beasley, Brian Beasley, Faye Highsmith (Danny’s wife) and Danny Highsmith in front of the studio named in his honor.

Pictured: Shirley Jacquet (left) and Deneen Royal (right)

ERA Strother and more

CEO DENISE STROTHER REFLECTS ON THREE DECADES IN REAL ESTATE, AND THE EXPANSION INTO SERVICES NOW AVAILABLE WITH ERA STROTHER

“I don't want to be in real estate man, that's crazy. Why would I want to be a real estate agent?” That was the response ERA Strother’s Chief Executive Officer Denise Strother gave more than 30 years ago at the thought of becoming a realtor. Interesting words to begin a career spanning 33 years.

“I went to school to be an accountant. And actually, my sister and I had our own little business that we ran. We did people's taxes, did the books for small businesses and stuff like that,” recalled Strother inside of her corner office in the Festival Park Plaza located in Downtown Fayetteville. “And the more I got to thinking about it, I said ‘What the heck I want to go ahead and get my license.’ And then bam, it just went from there.”

After encouragement from her sister’s boss, Strother received her real estate license in 1989 and officially got her start in the real estate industry in 1990, a time she recalls as not being the most ripe for home buyers.

“My first year was during Desert Storm, and how in the world I made it, I don't know because there was not any business going on in this town at all. The streets rolled up you know, because everybody was in Iraq fighting that war. And so that's, that's how I got started. I didn't know any better, so it just went ahead and went for it.”

Strother said she got her start selling new homes in her home county of Harnett County under Bill Shaw, and later went into business for herself before moving into the ERA Real Estate franchise which she said offered the tools and resources she needed.

“I practiced real estate for a while, and then had an independent company and then moved on into getting a franchise later on just because you can’t offer every tool that you need as an independent,” recalled Strother. “I wanted to make sure that I was providing the best for the people that work for me, and recreating the wheel every day was kind of difficult and I couldn't grow the company. So, by going to a franchise, they had all the tools and systems that anybody can ever offer to be able to help them grow and help the company grow as well, so ERA was the best fit.”

Now in Fayetteville under the

name ERA Strother, Denise is celebrating 23 years with the franchise.

“The franchise has actually helped me grow locally, just because their brand is all over the world, even in China and all these locations that you wouldn't imagine, they're in Japan and all over the Middle East. So, they've helped me grow and be a better leader. By offering all of the

be beneficial to me.”

With two offices in Fayetteville and Sanford, ERA Strother covers six counties and staffs between 85 to 100 agents at any given time. Strother said that while growth is important, it’s important to monitor the real estate market so that growth remains sustainable and take care of the people that make your business possible.

most important and that’s your agent base. Grow your agent base and your company will grow. Help them be more productive. Teach them more, knowledge is power in real estate. You need to be the smartest person in the room. Teach your agents, educate them, groom them, help them be better every day, inspire them, motivate them and encourage them and your company will grow.”

Strother has been able to not only handle the growth of her company, but has also expanded, opening, owning, and partnering with different companies and bringing them all to the second floor and into her office space to keep the entirety of the home buying process under her roof.

Strother is the President and CEO of Five West Media Group, a media production company that her agents are free to use to market themselves. Strother also owns Empower Commercial Group which focuses on property management. She is also a partner with and brought in Lendello Mortgage, a mortgage lending service, and she partnered with Attorney Grey Newell Thomas, LLP who handles residential real estate and other areas of law. With all these businesses available under one roof, Strother said the goal is to become a ‘one stop shop’ for all her client’s real estate needs which includes expanding into insurance in the coming weeks. Strother also shared that her goal is to continue to provide a great buying experience for her clients and continue growing into new markets.

things that they do,” shared Strother. “I'm able to interact with other top brokers in the country and understand how they're running their business. I can bring those kinds of things back home to my people and help them grow and we help one another. The greatest thing about the ERA brand is that they are very helpful and warm and really want you to succeed and I've always found that to

“Don't overwhelm yourself, make sure you stay close to the vest and stay lean. Because you know, a lot of times when the market is really hot, you want to add a lot of people and do a lot of things to overgrow. You just have to really be mindful of that and be smart and strategic about your growth: Grow smart and not overgrow,” advised Strother. “You should be just focusing on what's

“At the end of the day, every transaction has to be rooted in caring. And if you don't have that, people don't care what you know, if you don't care about them, they're going to kick you to the curb. They just are and you have to be genuine, and our mission is to be ‘Bold, fearless and authentic.’ That's our company statement,” shared Strother. “I think that pretty much describes who we are. You have to be bold, you have to be able to stand up and take a risk when nobody else will and be a disruptor, so that can carry out. You just got to stay in town, believe in what you're going to do. And fight for your clients and be true to who you are.”

PHOTO PROVIDED BY: GFBJ

Denise Strother is celebrating 23 years as a franchisee of ERA Real Estate, and with 33 years in real estate, she says she remains committed to her employees and her clients.

You have to be bold, you have to be able to stand up and take a risk when nobody else will and be a disruptor, so that can carry out. You just got to stay in town, believe in what you're going to do. And fight for your clients and be true to who you are.

Not just someone’s daughter

PHYLLIS GODWIN SHARES ABOUT HER EXPERIENCE ESTABLISHING HERSELF IN A MALE DOMINATED INDUSTRY

Pat Godwin left his steady job with Pepsi Cola to go into the welding and repair business in 1966. Now, nearly 60 years later, the company has grown from an operation in a garage in Dunn, NC to the largest family-owned truck body and equipment manufacturer in the country.

Over the years Godwin acquired other businesses in various states and evolved from Godwin Manufacturing to the Godwin Group which accounts for the various companies started and acquired by the Godwin family. For the entire Godwin Group there are about 400 employees, but at the heart of it, the family is still doing a large part to keep things running. Pat’s daughter Phyllis Godwin is Corporate Vice President of the company and her brother is President. However, Phyllis shared that her dad does still come to work every day.

Phyllis plays an important leadership role at this signature manufacturing company in Harnett County. She shared that since she was about 12 years old she would help out during breaks from school, and she officially joined the payroll when she was 18.

Phyllis shared that growing up, she always wanted to be involved in her family’s business.

“I kind of grew up knowing that I wanted to carry on the legacy, so to speak. I’ve always taken great pride in what my parents did. And knowing that I can be here to help and to build the company and make it even better. I think I’ve always aspired to that…I did not go to college. Once I got out of high school, basically I came to work. I’ve always wanted to be here. I’ve never wanted to be a doctor or a teacher or anything like that. I guess it was kind of in my blood,” shared Phyllis.

Being a woman, Phyllis experienced certain challenges that her brothers and father didn’t necessarily face while working with the family business.

“There are challenges…when I was 15 years old, or 16 years old, and I’m running errands to go pick up parts and so forth, they will look at me as, ‘Oh, there’s this cute little girl that’s coming in here and she doesn’t know what she's doing,’ and then

when I start talking to them, and I know what I’m talking about, it’s like ‘Oh,’...there are the challenges, but my parents always taught us, because I do have two siblings, earn the respect,” remarked Phyllis.

“The other thing that I have found…you have to speak in a way that they know that you know what

When asked if she believed this need to walk a fine line between competent and condescending was more of an issue for women than for men, Phyllis said absolutely.

“I think it’s just the nature of the business, especially in the industry that I’m in. I am in a very male dominated industry, very male dominated.

ple was also amplified by the fact that sometimes individuals would jump to conclusions about her credibility due to her being the daughter of the owner.

“...when I started going around, traveling to see customers and so forth, they’d even still give me a look or maybe [they] had the disposition of ‘Oh well, she’s Pat Godwin’s daughter. She draws a paycheck, she doesn’t know anything about what she’s doing.’ Being a family member in the business can have its hurdles, but you go in and you expect that when you talk to people, and you just have to prove yourself. You know, just because you may wear cute shoes and a dress you can still be really smart at what you do,” said Phyllis.

Though the Godwin family has a great reputation among Harnett County community members, Phyllis takes care to ensure that she is connecting with people on a personal level and not just as a member of this larger unit.

When I’m here at the plant, everybody just considers me Phyllis, I’m a coworker, that’s another thing I think is very important. They do not work for us, they work with us. So I think it's important that when I’m in the community, I’m part of the community. I don't like to look at it as ‘Oh, I’m gonna throw the name around,’ I want to put the sweat into it too.

you’re talking about without being condescending, and not like you’re bragging. You just have to talk to them like I know what I’m doing, I know what’s expected, I know what it takes to get there, you’re gonna help me,” added Phyllis.

I’m not saying that they are not open to females coming into the industry, but you're gonna have to have the knowledge, the experience and the know-how, not just a pretty smile,” shared Phyllis.

This need to prove herself to peo-

“When I’m here at the plant, everybody just considers me Phyllis, I’m a co-worker, that’s another thing I think is very important. They do not work for us, they work with us. So I think it's important that when I’m in the community, I’m part of the community. I don't like to look at it as ‘Oh, I’m gonna throw the name around,’ I want to put the sweat into it too,” remarked Phyllis.

Phyllis is on the Harnett County Economic Development Partnership Board of Directors and is part of some civic organizations as well.

Phyllis’s passion for her community is also upheld by the entire Godwin Group. “We want to help the community grow and we want to see other businesses thrive,” shared Phyllis.

When asked if she had any message to share with young girls and women pursuing their professional and personal goals this is what she had to say: “Don’t settle. Don’t settle for what you think you’re supposed to have. Go for your goal, personal and business.”

PHOTO PROVIDED BY: THE GODWIN GROUP Godwin has been employed in the family business since she was 18, and now serves as vice president of The Godwin Group.

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

Friends Hospitality Group LLC

225 Green Street Ste 101

Fayetteville Agent: Portia S

Grady

Bee You Cosmetics & More LLC

5120 Wyoming Court

Fayetteville Agent: Bianca

Mack

Scoops in a bucket

L.L.C

2425 Caithness Drive

Fayetteville

Agent: Yolanda

Morrison

Reeds R&R LLC

6812 Bluman Rd.

Godwin Agent: Steven Thad Reed

AJOY2B LLC

4012 Shire St

Hope Mills

Agent: Alonzo

Joyner

Cotton Methodist Church & Memorial Association

4514 Mill Street

Hope Mills

Agent: Michael L

Hale

U.S. Energy Solutions Inc.

3526 Rittenour Dr

Fayetteville Agent: Stephen Hayes

Odom Drive LLC

5749 Cher rystone

Fayetteville

Agent: Darian Gore

Black Moon Affiliate LLC

6085 Raeford Road

5355 Debut Ave

Hope Mills

Agent: Marcus Thomas Chambliss

Profound Images by SNC LLC

1220 For t Bragg Rd suite 217

Fayetteville

Agent: Shanna Nicole Corley

BD PROPERTIES INVESTMENT LLC

6216 AZELIA DR

Stedman

Agent: BRYAN DO

HAND AND HAND

LIFE SAVING SERVICES LLC

1241 For t Bragg Rd

Agent: D. Ralph Huff III

Magnum Sourcing Solutions LLP

2726 Glider Street

Ste 102

For t Bragg

Agent: Peter White Almeida

Fayetteville Agent: Nakeita M

Johnson

Notarized By Janelle LLC

1560 Alabaster Way

Fayetteville Agent: Janelle N Chandler

Pentecostal M.I.

Fayetteville 1

1526 Eureka Avenue

Fayetteville Agent: Francisco Colan

NAEESAF

Hope Mills

Agent: Allen Collins

Hutch Pilot Car Ser vice LLC

2127 Buckhor n Road

Fayetteville Agent: Ykeshia Margaret Hutchinson

Dawkins Luxury Stays LLC

114 Johnson St. Spring Lake

Agent: Tania Dawkins

Cardiovascular Sono Inc.

4311 Huntsfield Rd

Fayetteville Agent: Tien Nguyen

Forbes Realty LLC

1411 Canyonland Court

Fayetteville Agent: Jason Mark Anthony Forbes

Sozo Brothers LLC 103 Roxie Ave Suite C

Fayetteville Agent: Nicholas Wiegand

Real Estate Endeavors LLC

9731 Gooden Drive

Fayetteville Agent: Jade Renee Ripp

Sam and Samantha Enterprises LLC

940 Johnson Farm Rd

Fayetteville

Agent: Taishaun Mcfadden Stephen F. Onley LLC

410 Bubble Creek Cour t Unit 8

Fayetteville Agent: Stephen F Onley

Mindset V ision Homes LLC 225 N Main Street box 3

Spring Lake

Agent: Trudy-Ann Nicola Elliott

Ar tisan Homes Inc

2908 Rigsbee Ct

Fayetteville

Agent: Jeffrey Allen Michaud

MableLean's Soul Food LLC

6 Briar Circle Apt E Fayetteville Agent: Brittany Munn

OneziesTwozies L.L.C

2844-N Attor ney Drive

Fayetteville

Agent: Kadejhra A Barnes

Tay's Tasty Treatz Inc.

2705 Lake Club drive

Fayetteville Agent: Cheryl Astwood

Clear Grove Property Solutions LLC

Fennell's Trucking LLC

5694 Matt Hair Road

Fayetteville Agent: Kiyonte Fennell

Pick up Drop off Transportation LLC

3324 Ar rowhead Rd

Spring Lake Agent: Quanesha Melissa Glaspie

W inners Only Network LLC

936 Pedro Drive

Fayetteville

Agent: Winter Carla Glenn

Elegant Nails Spa and Lashes LLC

713 Emeline Ave

Fayetteville

Agent: An Thu Hoang Chu

The Bratz Vault LLC

3114 Capri St

Fayetteville

Agent: Brittany Aleigha Andrews

ORJ LLC

429 Person St. Suite 1-A

Fayetteville Agent: BossLady Corporate Services LLC

All In One Plumbing Ser vice & Repair LLC

1824 Paisley Ave

Fayetteville Agent: Michael J. Zamora

Fayetteville Agent: Sherri Patricia Hinson

A & B Transportation LLC

215 Sharpsburg Rd

Fayetteville Agent: Alexis Barber

Steel and Stone LLC

7333 Ryan Street

Fayetteville

Agent: Jon David Boyles

Liber ty Estates LLC

6830 Towbridge Rd

Fayetteville

Agent: Brandon M

Libby

Life Leaders Inc.

2928 Hybar t Street

Fayetteville Agent: Darrin Collins

BOUGI3 ROSE ANESTHETICS LLC

1521 Laguardia Dr

Hope Mills

Agent: CHARLES ADAM COGDELL

OL' Family SmokeHouse LLC

1111 Thistle Gold Dr

Hope Mills

Agent: Rachael A Bowes

Riverlake of Holden LLC

2919 Breezewood Ave Suite 100

Fayetteville

CAIN'S INCORPORATED TOWING & RECOVERY INC

927 CREEKSIDE RUN

Fayetteville

Agent: JEFFREY L CAIN

Special Operations Intelligence Association Inc.

1605 Reilly Road Box 70478

For t Bragg

Agent: Deborah Rosen

Trap Popi LLC

6085 Raeford Rd Suite 110

Fayetteville

Agent: PROLIFIC TAX AND MULTI-SERVICE LLC

Peace not Pieces Wellness Consultant LLC

3409 Amour Dr

Fayetteville

Agent: Somonia Marie Lewis

MRH Real Estate LLC

639 Executive Pl. #100

Fayetteville Agent: Meredith Rains Hartsook

Breeze Behavioral Health LLC

9934 W Reeves

Bridge Rd Linden Agent: Keeneya Williams Glenn

Power Up Vending LLC

4605 Brecknock

NikkiNikki Nails

L.L.C.

1211 Cullen Drive

Fayetteville Agent: Nicollette Andrea Graham

Heads Gone Wild

L.L.C

2425 Caithness Drive

Fayetteville Agent: Yolanda

Morrison

Custom Ink and Designs LLC

363 Kimberwicke Drive

Fayetteville Agent: Brendon

Paul

LADS LLC

5909 Hunting Ridge rd

Hope Mills

Agent: Lisa Lynn

Bowden

Mclean & Adams Enterprises LLC

5075 Morganton Road STE 10C

Fayetteville Agent: Brandon

Montae Mclean

Worldwide Novelty Distribution INC.

3763 Dunn Rd

Eastover Agent: Sultan S

Albadabi

BevArt Boutique LLC

5546 Hedrick Dr

Fayetteville

Agent: Mildred

Bevins

Iglesia de Dios

7517 Paxton Dr Fayetteville Agent: Kevin Ashton

26 MAFIA APPAREL LLC

3740 OWEN DR Fayetteville Agent: Donovan T Mcgeachy

JAM Gillis LLC 8623 Galatia Church Rd.

Fayetteville Agent: Joseph H. Gillis

Ranesha Renee And Co. LLC

5269 Parkton Rd Hope Mills Agent: Ranesha Roberts

LVRDGE Inc.

5590 Quietwood Pl Fayetteville Agent: Zairis TaJion Miles Sr.

Haymount Homes Retail LLC 214 Hillside Ave

Fayetteville Agent: Casey Benander

DONKEY PUNCH LLC

4595 OAKFIELD CT Fayetteville Agent: SHANNON WAGNER

Tootsies Catering LLC

100 Hay Street Ste 503 Fayetteville Agent: Abundant Living Consulting Corporation LLC

>> By Stephanie Meador

Cancer Care Center coming

FIRSTHEALTH OF THE CAROLINAS HAS A NEW CANCER CARE FACILITY OPENING IN PINEHURST

FirstHealth of the Carolinas is getting ready for the official opening of their new Cancer Care facility with the community that helped make it possible.

FirstHealth previously held a ribbon cutting ceremony on March 7. At the ribbon cutting held on March 7, they had both their founders and their cancer patients participate in cutting the ribbon, along with a community open house on March 18.

Raising funds for the new building utilized a combination of private donations as well as the charity of the local community.

“On June 6, 2022, The Foundation of FirstHealth launched the public phase of the Building the Dream campaign—a $30 million effort to complete the construction of the new cancer center. The Foundation’s capital campaign raised nearly half the cost of the $68 million center. With the opening of the FirstHealth Cancer Center, generously supported by gifts from the community through the Foundation, the dream comes true” added Foster.

A section of the center will be dedicated to research and clinical trials, and there will be areas for newly diagnosed patients to meet with their care teams. It will include a healing garden, spaces for support group meetings and even yoga studios and a gym.

Foster shared that approximately 200 staff will work at the FirstHealth Cancer Center and they will continue to invest in their team and services.

“Growth in FirstHealth cancer services combined with increased demand from patients were attributing factors in the development of an all-encompassing cancer center on Moore Regional’s campus. We wanted to create a patient-centric space that would allow us to consolidate multiple cancer services into one comprehensive center,” shared FirstHealth Chief Executive Officer Mickey W. Foster, MHA.

The official opening date for the cancer center is March 27.

PHOTO PROVIDED BY: GFBJ Founders and contributors cut a ceremonial ribbon on March 7.

PHOTO PROVIDED BY: GFBJ

The first of two public ceremonies held at the new center on March 7 for founders and sponsors.

Communities in Schools

CIS OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY PROGRAMS IN NORTH CAROLINA HELP KIDS EXPAND AND EXCEL

“Communities in Schools (CIS) in North Carolina is over 40 years old with a presence in Cumberland County since 1992,” stated President and CEO of CIS of North Carolina Jill Cox.“The program creates ‘lights of opportunity to shine’” and “I have the best job in the entire world.”

CIS works in five different schools in Cumberland County; with several more schools showing ongoing interest in the program. Cox notes, “The program’s main theme is, ‘if you can see it, you can be it.’ CIS disrupts cyclical poverty and shows students new possibilities, like a tour of community colleges.”

CIS supports kids with trauma, bullies, learning disabilities and more, offering strong collaboration with the school district. “Schools experience understaffing with social workers, nurses and counselors. CIS steps in to assist schools with their support staff to change and rewrite the futures of these students,” said Cox.

By connecting with students and showing them positive examples, like bringing business leaders into the classroom to show the results a quality education provides, students embark on a world of exploration and see what opportunity exists.

According to Cox, kids feel less stress, anxiety, worry and, when unburdened, engage more fully when someone takes time to show them gifts and abilities they possess.

“Many of these older kids might

go work a job in the very early morning before school and help with younger siblings, too, especially when parents must work multiple jobs as inflation and cost of goods increases. Nobody really knows or sees the responsibilities on their shoulders,” said Cox. “Focusing on a smaller group of kids helps the program leverage so at the time these kids sit down in school they are present and focused on learning rather than the subconscious worry and anxiety about all the other issues in their lives.”

These include concerns like what they face when they get home, will there be enough food and related thoughts that run through their minds. The program helps meet alternative needs by providing food to students, and providing compassion and support for traumatic in-home issues and experiences, such as parental loss and other distress.

Cox believes every parent wants the best for their child, but perhaps has no view of what that can be in their own understanding or place in the world. Parents possibly feel unwelcome at school and work schedules prohibit contributions and discussions during their workday. CIS provides conduit to homes and increases parent engagement and pathways to school to assist with interruption of the poverty cycle. This proactive stance by CIS helps kids see their resilience shine through and allows them to flourish.

CIS creates a “bridges across

tracks support system for skill building workshops,” according to Cox. Through testing, parents learn how to support their child.

The Communities in Schools “By the Outcomes” data shows the program results in four schools served by CISNC in Cumberland County.

Between 2021 and 2022, CIS provided 1,328 students support and resources.

203 parents and families were engaged through CIS.

165 students received targeted/ intensive support.

97 percent of K -11 students were promoted to the next grade. The graduation rate for seniors was 100 percent.

98 percent of students met/ progressed toward attendance and behavior goals.

86 percent of students showed progression toward academic goals.

Outcome data is independently verified by RTI International to ensure programs accurately meet goals.

One student recommended into the program, Javayah, a Southview High School student, joined and now shines as an excellent student. She and a group of students took a trip

to Washington D.C, during which she experienced her first plane ride, met with legislators on The Hill and, in her insistent style, caught their attention and told them her story. Although she felt hesitant to take the plane back home, she boarded, with a boost to her self-confidence and a newfound empowerment thanks to CIS’ focus on experiential learning that removes students from classrooms to real life, hands on, out in the world encounters.

CIS has an upcoming “All in for Kids – Adults Only Comedy Night” on April 1, 2023, at Segra Stadium at 7:30 p.m. North Carolina’s Funniest Person, J Bliss, winner of the “Fan Favorite” award, is scheduled to perform. Hosted by Tameka Bright of 104.5 FM, this event is for ages 21 and up. Tickets are $50. CIS invites you to join in for lots of laughs while supporting students and families across Cumberland County!

Kids with strong foundations contribute now as they recognize their special talents and later, the community experiences a wonderful reinvestment when students today reach future goals and reward the community with their unique contributions.

You can find more information on CIS of Cumberland County and how “lights of opportunity to shine'' creates a whole new world at: www.cisnc.org.

PHOTO PROVIDED BY: CIS OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY

CIS student participant Javayah (far left) and other Students on a Trip to Washington, D.C.

PHOTO PROVIDED BY: CIS OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY CIS Specialists in Cumberland County work to support student success through key pillars: Attendance, Behavior, Coursework and Parent Engagement while supporting positive school culture and building healthy relationships with students.

MILITARY AFFILIATED AND VETERANS STUDENT RESOURCE CENTER