Clean canines Dog washing machines made here Page 15
June 19 - July 2, 2020 Vol. 21, No. 12
wilmingtonbiz.com
$2.00
WEB EXCLUSIVE NHRMC happenings The latest coverage of the potential sale or partnership wilmingtonbiz.com
SPECIAL SECTION ON REOPENING THE ECONOMY PAGE
Hospitality focus: A look at industr y employees
PAGE
Needed tool: Creating an African American business listing
8
10
PAGE
12
Buyer potential: Virus prompts some potential sales PHOTO BY MICHAEL CLINE SPENCER
Index Economic Indicators .............................. 3 Technology ............................................. 4 The List ............................................5, 17 Hospitality ..........................................8-9 Real Estate..................................... 12-13 In Profile...............................................15 Business of Life.............................. 22-23
SUBSCRIBE NOW SUBSCRIBE TO THE BUSINESS JOURNAL NOW AT WilmingtonBiz.com/subscribe Your subscription includes: • Unlimited access to stories on WilmingtonBiz.com • Bimonthly Business Journals, quarterly WilmingtonBiz Magazine and the 2021 Book on Business mailed to your office or home in January • At least 20 extra IQ points with your added business knowledge!
Health check: Chrystal Bradshaw, operations manager with Ward and Smith P.A. in Wilmington, takes the temperature of attorney Allen Trask.
A NEW WAY OF WORK
RETURNING EMPLOYEES ADAPT TO CHANGES AT THE OFFICE BY CHRISTINA HALEY O’NEAL
D
aily temperature checks and health screenings have become a regular part of the job for many employees heading back into the workplace. They are among some of the COVID-19-driven changes in office settings across the Cape Fear region, as companies face expectations to keep the work environment clean for employees, while navigating guidance at the local, state and federal level. Since early May, daily morning health checks are on the to-do list at Ward and Smith P.A. Employees are now being allowed back in the office, while some can use their discretion to work remotely for the Wilmington law firm. “I feel like this is the new normal,” said Allen Trask, a civil litigation attorney, who holds several positions
of firmwide leadership. “I think our leadership team is being as nimble as they can be with all of this,” he said. “To me, this is pretty close to the new reality, a reality where folks are still empowered to work remotely and encouraged to do so as makes sense for them. But we still have an underlying office presence to support everyone as well.” Many businesses at the early start of the COVID-19 pandemic put in place remote working protocols and implemented the technologies to do so. Some people are going back to work while other businesses in the region, however, are still gauging the timing of bringing back much of their office workforce. Pharmaceutical Product Development (PPD), for instance, still has employees working outside of headquarters in downtown Wilmington.
Officials said that all remote-capable PPD employees based in Wilmington were still working from home in early June, while the company determines when it would be appropriate for them to return to the office. “To protect our colleagues around the world and to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus, our employees are working remotely whenever possible rather than reporting to their respective work locations,” said Ron Garrow, PPD’s executive vice president and chief human resource officer. “We are closely monitoring the epidemiology and other safety factors related to the pandemic and are assessing the timing of the return of our colleagues to our headquarters in Wilmington, as well as other locations across the globe,” he said. See BACK TO WORK, page 7
Page 2
June 19 - July 2, 2020
wilmingtonbiz.com
Greater Wilmington Business Journal
wilmingtonbiz.com
Greater Wilmington Business Journal
June 19 - July 2, 2020
Page 3
| ECONOMIC INDICATORS | APRIL AIRPORT CARGO (IN POUNDS)
APRIL UNEMPLOYMENT NEW HANOVER APRIL 2020:
PENDER APRIL 2020:
BRUNSWICK APRIL 2020:
UP FROM APRIL 2019:
UP FROM APRIL 2019:
UP FROM APRIL 2019:
3.3%
3.6%
4.7%
15%
APRIL SALES TAX COLLECTION (NEW HANOVER COUNTY)
SALES TAX COLLECTION APRIL 2020
12.6% 17.3%
$18,080,147 DOWN FROM SALES TAX COLLECTION APRIL 2019 APRIL 2020 LOADED CARGO
APRIL 2020 UNLOADED CARGO
$21,814,955
96,643 104,908 DOWN FROM APRIL 2019 LOADED CARGO
DOWN FROM APRIL 2019 UNLOADED CARGO
104,373 Source: N.C. Department of Commerce
Source: Wilmington International Airport
MAY AVERAGE HOME SALES PRICE
300 300
350K
2018
$345,310
50K
$326,532
100K
$314,493
150K
2019
2020
APRIL ROOM OCCUPANCY TAX (NEW HANOVER COUNTY)
$1,295,730
Commercial
200 200
$164,136 2020 2020 Source: Wilmington CVB
APRIL 2020
150 150 100 100
5050 00
Source: Cape Fear Realtors
2019 2019
Residential
250 250
300K
200K
Source: N.C. Department of Revenue
MONTHLY BUILDING PERMITS (BRUNSWICK COUNTY)
(SINGLE-FAMILY, TRI-COUNTY AREA)
250K
118,820
4/19
419
5/19
4519
6/19
619
7/19
719
8/19
819
9/19
919
10/19
11/19
1019
12/19
1119
1/20
1219
120
2/20
220
3/20
320
4/20
420
Source: Brunswick County Code Administration
WILMINGTON MSA LEISURE & HOSPITALITY WORKFORCE (APRIL 2019-APRIL 2020)
4/19 5/19 6/19 7/19 8/19 9/19 10/19 11/19 12/19 1/20 2/20 3/20 4/20
20.5K 21.3K 21.8K 21.8K 21.7K 20.7K 20.9K 20.4K 20.5K 20.1K 19.9K 19.7K 6.3K Source: N.C. Department of Commerce
AVERAGE PRICE PER GALLON FOR REGULAR UNLEADED IN WILMINGTON ON JUNE 9, 2020:
$1.90 AVERAGE PRICE PER GALLON FOR WILMINGTON ON JUNE 9, 2019:
$2.53 Source: AAA
Page 4
June 19 - July 2, 2020
wilmingtonbiz.com
Greater Wilmington Business Journal
| TECHNOLOGY |
S
What’s next for Next Glass
ince its acquisition of Untappd in 2016, Wilmington-headquartered Next Glass Inc. has seen growth, including having more than 100 employees, about 8 million app users and being named the fastest growing technology company in the state in 2018 by Deloitte. This year marks a notable shift for the firm. In April, JOHANNA Next Glass announced it had received an undisclosed investment from Boston-based equity firm Providence Strategic Growth that officials said will accelerate the company’s growth. Its CEO and co-founder, Kurt Taylor, stepped down, and Trace Smith became the new CEO of Next Glass. Smith talks about his goals as the new CEO, how the company has been doing during the COVID-19 pandemic, the company’s goals to expand in Europe and more.
CANO
GWBJ: What do you hope to accomplish as the new CEO of Next Glass? SMITH: “I want to build on the success we've had over the past half-decade. Clearly, by bringing on outside capital and a firm like PSG, we want to accelerate growth both with our core business and product offerings, but also through acquisition. With that growth comes more jobs, which is a key goal of mine post-COVID-19. We’re proud to have created so many opportunities in Wilmington and will continue to do so.” GWBJ: How has Untappd been doing during the COVID-19 pandemic? From your perspective, how is the beverage alcohol industry doing? SMITH: “We’re weathering the storm as well as could be expected. There’s no denying that COVID-19 has been impactful, but we’ve managed through the chaos and used the interruption to sure up things internally that are hard to break stride in a normal environment to fix or improve. “The beverage alcohol industry is a tale of two worlds. The on-premise businesses like restaurants, bars and brewers, are just starting to re-open. Consumer demand there has been
high, but there are obviously constraints on capacity in most areas that is dampening the recovery for the time being. The off-premise (i.e., grocers) has been very strong. Brands that have significant off-premise distribution are doing well. Over 80% of U.S. brewers received PPP funding, so we’re hopeful that will put the industry in a strong position to bounce back once we return to some semblance of normalcy.” GWBJ: Why is Untappd looking to expand in Europe and what are the steps it is taking to accomplish this? SMITH: “Roughly half of our app users and 20% of our Untappd for Business customers are outside the U.S., and most those outside the U.S. are in Western Europe. The Smith European economy is larger than ours in the U.S. and both craft beer penetration and cloud software adoption in Europe are five to seven years behind us, but both are quickly catching up. We see a rising tide in Europe and want to put our boat in the water, so to speak. We’ve hired a VP of European Operations, based in The Netherlands, who will lead our growth on the ground in Europe.” GWBJ: Untappd recently added three new executive team members, Alison Hawkins as chief financial officer, Chris Herron as chief technology officer, and Tom Maneschijn as vice president of European Operations. What will these new hires bring for Untappd? SMITH: “Collectively, they bring a lot of relevant experience in their roles. Hawkins was the SVP of Financial Planning & Analysis, a large sponsor-backed business that experienced tremendous growth, both organically and through acquisition, during her tenure. Herron comes to us from TripAdvisor, where he was effectively the chief technology officer of their restaurants segment. He grew a 70-person engineering team and has spent time at both Audible and TripAdvisor, which is helpful context to bring to this role. Maneschijn brings a wealth of industry experience in innovative roles in the beer industry in Europe. The regulatory landscape and consumer preferences are so different in Europe, and
Tom’s insight here will be valuable as we look to grow abroad.” GWBJ: Untappd is one Wilmington business that has grown successfully over the years. As CEO of a tech company in Wilmington, how do you see the technology landscape in the region? How can Wilmington continue to grow when it comes to supporting tech startups? SMITH: “The San Francisco Bay Area historically had a firm grasp on the title of the sole home of fast-growing tech companies. That changed in the 2010s, with billion-dollar companies founded in markets like New York CIty, Los Angeles, Boston and Chicago. Towards the end of the last decade, we’ve seen even more geographic democratization of tech to markets like Austin, Salt Lake, and North Carolina. This trend will continue this decade. “As more young people build their careers at startups that have successful exits, they’ll take that experience to start the promising businesses of tomorrow. Experience and access to capital are the keys. “Wilmington can continue to grow by supporting its local startups. Supporting the tech scene means more than becoming users/ customers. It means continuing to build an attractive and vibrant community that attracts dynamic talent. The downtown area has grown up so much over the past five years – that development helps us recruit and retain talent.” GWBJ: How does Untappd continue to innovate its platform to continue to engage users? SMITH: “We listen to our customers. That’s paramount in building consumer facing technology or software as a service that serves tens of thousands of customers. Our sales, support and success teams do a great job of translating what they’re hearing each and every day from our customers into actionable feedback for our product and engineering teams.” GWBJ: Finally, any favorite local beers you’ve recently tried? SMITH: “I’m in the distinct minority in our office in that I prefer dark beers, like stouts and porters, to IPAs. I had a beer from New Anthem called Riding with Mary that I really enjoyed. The hot summer weather is not really dark beer time, but that’s a local beer I’ve enjoyed.”
INFO J U N K I E Rob Campbell Veteran, author, speaker and coach, Rob Campbell Leadership Through his website, Campbell showcases his work and allows people to contact him. “I am a frequent Zoom user to connect with leaders and veterans,” Campbell said. “I also use Facebook, LinkedIn and Google Email Suites to communicate my content and interact with potential clients. I’m also a Slack user.” Newspapers and magazines Campbell regularly reads for work or pleasure include Greater Wilmington Business Journal, The Economist, Army Magazine, Garden & Gun and Our State Magazine. Favorite websites and blogs include LinkedIn, VETtoCEO.org and Facebook. One favorite podcast is Coaching for Leaders. “Great guests, content and a host who really knows how to steer the conversation,” Campbell said. Favorite books include “The Culture Code” by Daniel Coyle, “Team of Teams” by General Stanley McChrystal and “Talking to Strangers” by Malcolm Gladwell. “I always love how Gladwell turns traditional beliefs on their head. This one really opened my eyes to how we react to each other,” he said. Campbell’s favorite apps include Slack for interacting with clients, Loomly for managing social media and Calendly for managing his calendar. Social media accounts that Campbell is a fan of include Brené Brown, John Maxwell and TED Talks. Find Campbell on the website robcampbellleadership.com and on LinkedIn and Facebook @ Rob Campbell Leadership.
wilmingtonbiz.com
Greater Wilmington Business Journal
June 19 - July 2, 2020
Page 5
| THE LIST |
Commercial Real Estate Agencies
Ranked by number of local licensed commercial real estate agents RANK
1 2 2 4 5 5 5 8 8 10 10 10 13 14 14 16
COMPANY ADDRESS PHONE EMAIL WEBSITE Coldwell Banker Commercial Sun Coast Partners 1430 Commonwealth Drive, Suite 102 Wilmington, NC 28403 350-1200 grayson.powell@cbcsuncoast.com www.cbcsuncoast.com Cape Fear Commercial 1051 Military Cutoff Road, Suite 200 Wilmington, NC 28405 344-1000 office@capefearcommerical.com www.capefearcommercial.com Century 21 Sweyer & Associates 1612 Military Cutoff Suite 200 Wilmington, NC 28403 256-0021 info@century21sweyer.com www.century21sweyer.com Maus Warwick Matthews & Co. 2524 Independence Blvd. Wilmington, NC 28412 791-0400 info@mwmrealestate.com www.mwmrealestate.com Eastern Carolinas Commercial Real Estate 4922 Randall Parkway Wilmington, NC 28403 399-4602 nick@eccrenc.com www.eccrenc.com KW Commercial 1001 Military Cutoff Road, Suite 100 Wilmington, NC 28403 777-2200 commercial@kwilm.com kwcwilmington.kw.com MoMentum Companies 103 S. Front St. Wilmington, NC 28401 (919) 270-1711 terry@momentumprojects.com www.momentumprojects.com Commonwealth Commercial Properties 1508 Military Cutoff Road, Suite 206 Wilmington, NC 28403 256-6477 sales@ccprealty.com www.ccprealty.com Swain & Associates 1131 Military Cutoff Road, Unit B Wilmington, NC 28405 256-2211 www.swainassociates.com Carolina Commercial Investment Properties LLC 1816 Jumpin Run Wilmington, NC 28403 297-9572 pjdoherty@atmc.net www.carolinacommercialprops.com Commercial Realty 1508 Military Cutoff Road, Suite 204 Wilmington, NC 28403 392-9800 John@CommercialRealtyCo.com www.commercialrealtyco.com Creative Commercial Properties 15894 N. U.S. Hwy. 17 Hampstead, NC 28443 251-2211 kcamlin@ccprealty.com www.creativecommercial.biz Coastal Realty Co. 1608 Market St. Wilmington, NC 28401 763-5411 www.coastal-realty.com Cameron Management Inc. 1201 Glen Meade Road Wilmington, NC 28401 762-2676 hill@cameronco.com www.cameronco.com Sloane Commercial Real Estate 790-1 Sunset Blvd. N. Sunset Beach, NC 28468 579-1808 chris.bryan@cbsloane.com www.sloanecommerical.com Town & Country Real Estate 401-A Chestnut St. Wilmington, NC 28401 763-7500; Toconis@aol.com www.ToddToconis.com
NO. OF LOCAL COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE AGENTS*/ NO. OF OTHER STAFF
% REVENUE-SALES/ % REVENUE-LEASING
SERVICES OFFERED
TOP LOCAL OFFICIAL/ YEAR LOCALLY FOUNDED
24 5
52 48
Buyer and seller representation, leasing, consulting and corporate management, development consulting, property management, facilities management, and market research and analysis
Grayson Powell 2004
Brokerage (sales & leasing), property management, facilities and maintenance services, development, equity investment services, asset management and receivership services
Brian Eckel Vin Wells Paul Loukas 2001
Sales and leasing of commercial and investment properties
Jeff Sweyer 1987
Commercial sales/leasing for land, office, retail, industrial, multi-family, investment property, property management, consulting
Steve Warwick Hansen Matthews Jeff Idol Bill Maus Steve Hall Jason Windham 1987
14 15
14 10
50 50
13 2
6 3
50 50
Investment, development, leasing, sales, property management, consulting, tenant representation and long-term real estate holdings analysis and planning
Garry Silivanch 2014
6 3
60 40
Land and development, office, retail, multifamily, industrial, hospitality, assessing local rent control issues, acquisitions, landlord representation, property management, buyer/seller representation
Christian Cardamone 2017
6 3
50 50
Real estate development services, business brokerage, commercial real estate brokerage and leasing
Terry Espy 2007
5 1
60 40
Commercial sales, leasing, site selection, exchanges, investment properties, property management
Harry Stovall 1995
5 2
0 100
Commercial development, professional consulting, third-party leasing and management, brokerage
David Swain Jason Swain 1970
4 1
60 40
Full-service commercial brokerage with expertise in nearly all facets of commercial realty including land sales, office and industrial leasing and sales. We perform syndication, entitlements and development services. Very involved in economic development with great relationships with city and county planning departments. We pride ourselves in giving back to our community through many hours of volunteer and donation.
P.J. Doherty 2013
Third-party brokerage for sales, leasing, site selections, real estate investments, advice on operating companies and some property management
John Hinrichs J. Robert Fullerton Phil Kraus Charles Paul 1972
Leasing and sales of commercial, industrial and investment real estate
Michael Nadeau 1977
3 2
Leasing, management and sales, acquisitions and development
Carlton Fisher Steve Hobbs Steve Wallace 1972
2 9
Brokerage, development, property management, equity participation, consulting
Hill Rogers Bill Cameron Scott Sullivan 2000
2 1
Commercial sales, leasing, tenant/landlord representation and 1031 tax deferred exchanges
Chris Bryan 1955
1 4
Commercial, industrial, multifamily leasing and sales, commercial property management and tenant placement
Todd Toconis 1995
4 1
4 1
75 25
List is based on voluntary responses to a Business Journal survey. *51% or more of business in commercial real estate
Want to be considered for The List? Request an industry survey by emailing lists@wilmingtonbiz.com. The Business Journal will feature the following lists in upcoming publications: Event Facilities • Restaurants
A’S
Page 6
June 19 - July 2, 2020
MEN WATCH TO
WILMA’S
WOMEN WATCH TO
AWARDS
AWARDS
A’S
WILMA’S
MEN WATCH
WOMEN WATCH
TO
TO
AWARDS
’S
MEN WATCH TO
AWARDS
Greater Wilmington Business Journal
wilmingtonbiz.com
AWARDS
WILMA’S
WOMEN WATCH NOMINATE YOUR TO
AWARDS
WOMAN TO WATCH
S
NOMINATIONS OPEN NOW! DEADLINE JULY 1
MEN ATCH TO
WILMA’S
W2WAWARD.COM TO
AWARDS
CATEGORIES ARTS EDUCATION
WOMEN WATCH
AWARDS NONPROFIT/VOLUNTEER
HEALTH CARE BUSINESS
PUBLIC SERVICE
RISING STAR
(UNDER 30)
Greater Wilmington Business Journal
wilmingtonbiz.com
June 19 - July 2, 2020
Page 7
| FROM THE COVER | From BACK TO WORK, page 1
“Again, safety will be the driving force behind those decisions.”
WORKPLACE CHANGES
Return-to-work measures at Ward and Smith, however, have been in place since May 11, when a whole host of health and safety measures, kicked in. Prior to that, starting March 13, the firm had nearly its entire Wilmington office of 37 total employees, including 19 attorneys, working remotely, with only a few exceptions, Trask said. That was around the time when the pandemic crisis started to reach the United States and significant changes were starting to be made to promote social distancing to keep the spread of the new coronavirus in check. Following a stay-at-home order that restricted movement of people and kept some businesses from operating, Gov. Roy Cooper implemented phase one of the state’s economic reopening plan on May 8. Phase two started May 22, allowing even more businesses to open, while some, such as bars and gyms, were to remain closed. In the second-phase orders, the state urged teleworking when possible, among other measures such as setting capacity limits for certain public industries, including restaurants and stores, and limiting the number of people allowed to gather together indoors to 10 people. Guidelines for reopening offices include keeping up to date with the latest public health guidance, communicating with employees, providing personal protective equipment (PPE) and establishing a response team, according to the N.C. Chamber. Locally, New Hanover County and the Wilmington Chamber of Commerce have also provided several guides and resources for businesses, including a Business Emergency Operations Center.
NEW MEASURES
At MegaCorp Logistics, about 50% of its employees are back in the office, and the firm is letting employees decide when they are ready to come back in, said Lindsey Zurcher, the firm’s human resources director. The company has implemented a COVID-19 policy for all employees going back into the workplace, she said. “This includes daily temperature checks when entering the building. Hand sanitizer stations have been set up all throughout the office, and
we are practicing social distancing amongst [employees in the] office as well as doing virtual team meetings interviews instead of in person,” she said. Every employee is given a reusable face mask, she said, adding, “Our employees and their family’s health and safety are most important to us.” Ward and Smith is now in phase two of its return-to-work plans, which began May 25, when it ramped up its administrative capacity at the offices, Trask said. Many of the basic protocol measures were implemented in the first phase, such as strongly encouraging the use of firm-issued PPE at the office and having print jobs delivered to attorney’s offices, as well as other social distancing measures. It also put in place at its office, located at 127 Racine Drive, sanitation and cleanliness measures, Trask said. In the second phase, “we continue to allow anybody who wants to work remotely to do so, especially highrisk folks, people who have children at home, or who are caregivers,” Trask said. There’s only a certain extent, however, that companies can prepare for employees’ full return to the office because so much is still unknown at this time, he said. Some companies are still monitoring the spread of COVID-19, hoping for a vaccination and other research to come about before employees report back to company buildings. Meanwhile, guidance and restrictions have businesses’ hands tied to bring back normal operations. “To some extent, we are all looking to the governor and other governmental authority for guidance. And we’re receiving that and then doing the best we can to not only implement those guidelines but also find a balance between safety and operation,” Trask said. During the statewide stay-at-home orders, Intracoastal Realty, which has several offices in Wilmington, closed its doors to the public. “We allowed our agents to come in and continue to work. Real estate was declared one of the essential businesses along with many others. We were still listing and selling property even during the shutdown,” said Trey Wallace, president of the local real estate firm. A week after the state implemented phase two reopening plans, Intracoastal Realty reopened the office to staff and the public. The firm put in sanitation stations, wipes, gloves and masks, all optional for the public, he said.
“We put in plastic glass panes at most of our lobbies … like what you would see at banks and grocery stores. Our offices are pretty spread out already,” Wallace said of other measures. Remote work is still facilitated for all Realtors, he said. The firm, however, had most of its supporting staff for the real estate agents return back in the office during phase two. “For the nature of our business, we have asked them to be here. It’s not efficient for us to run our business with everybody working from home,” Wallace said. “We feel like we’ve mitigated the risks the best we can. Honestly, people wanted to come back to work. They were tired of being at their house.”
BALANCING ACT
Intracoastal Realty is still using online communications, such as Zoom, and ordered dozens of webcams that it didn’t have before the crisis. All of the firm’s meetings, including manager and sales meetings, are still remote for now, he said. Wallace said he doubts that the firm will be having sales meetings, which usually have 100 people or more in attendance, for quite some time, due to current state standards for gatherings. On one hand, the technologies have been a boon, adding new elements to the business. It’s not, however, the same as personal interaction with the client, he said. “I do think that getting face-toface with people and having in-person conversations is essential to running a good business,” Wallace said. “I think we should accommodate and add these things to our toolbelt. But I hear about these companies that just want to send everybody home for the next year or two, and I just don’t think that’s very smart. I think the people element, and the interactions and the office environment, is hugely important at least to our business.” For both the real estate industry and business of practicing law, professionals said the digital transformation can’t replace personal interaction with employees and clients. “There’s just no replacement for in-person, one-on-one personal contact. These tools are great, but they are not a replacement for it,” Trask said. “Being able to appear before a judge, and read the room, and tailor your arguments along the way is a little harder to do when you are on a Webex platform.”
219 Station Road, Suite 202 Wilmington, NC 28405 (910) 343-8600 Fax: (910) 343-8660 wilmingtonbiz.com PUBLISHER Rob Kaiser rkaiser@wilmingtonbiz.com PRESIDENT Robert Preville rpreville@wilmingtonbiz.com ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Judy Budd jbudd@wilmingtonbiz.com EDITOR Vicky Janowski vjanowski@wilmingtonbiz.com ASSISTANT EDITOR Cece Nunn cnunn@wilmingtonbiz.com REPORTERS Johanna Cano jcano@wilmingtonbiz.com Christina Haley O’Neal chaley@wilmingtonbiz.com SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Craig Snow csnow@wilmingtonbiz.com ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Ali Buckley abuckley@wilmingtonbiz.com OFFICE & AUDIENCE DEVELOPMENT MANAGER Sandy Johnson KEN sjohnson@wilmingtonbiz.com
LITTLE
CONTENT MARKETING COORDINATOR Morgan Mattox mmattox@wilmingtonbiz.com EVENTS DIRECTOR Maggi Apel mapel@wilmingtonbiz.com EVENTS/DIGITAL ASSISTANT Elizabeth Stelzenmuller events@wilmingtonbiz.com CONTRIBUTING DESIGNER Suzi Drake art@wilmingtonbiz.com DESIGN/MEDIA COORDINATOR Molly Jacques production@wilmingtonbiz.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Jenny Callison, David Frederiksen, Kyle Hanlin, Jessica Maurer, Laura Moore FOUNDER Joy Allen SUBSCRIPTIONS To subscribe to the Greater Wilmington Business Journal, call (910) 343-8600 x201 or visit wilmingtonbiz.com. Subscriptions cost $9.95 per month or $95 per year. REPRINTS For article reprints, plaques and more, contact Jennifer Martin of Wright’s Reprints at (877) 652-5295. ADVERTISING For advertising information and rates, call (910) 343-8600 x204 © Copyright 2020 SAJ Media LLC
Page 8
June 19 - July 2, 2020
wilmingtonbiz.com
Greater Wilmington Business Journal
SPECIAL FOCUS: TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS
HOSPITALITY
Hospitality workers face risks BY LAURA MOORE ccording to a recent Wall Street Journal article, service businesses are starting to rehire with job gains of 1.2 million in leisure and hospitality. However, some local businesses are struggling to fill the jobs lost during the pandemic closures. Some terminated employees are afraid of returning to work amid the pandemic while others have medical issues or no childcare. With many banquets canceled and catering not happening, many employees are left out of work. Others continue to collect unemployment, making more than their typical salaries thanks to the federal government’s CARES Act. But that’s risky, too. Employers can choose to inform the labor bureau that these employees have been invited back to work and have declined or failed to return, and their benefits will end. According to Lynn Minges, president and CEO of the North Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association,
A
this is just one of several challenges facing the industry along with reduced capacity, accrued debt and additional costs. “Businesses are required to operate at 50% capacity, so in and of itself, that is a challenge considering the max amount of money to generate is just 50% of sales from the prior year,” Minges said. “The reality is that most of those businesses are remaining less than full at capacity which means that they are earning 75 to 80% less and not making any money. They are paying some bills, but not coming up positive.” Having been closed for 12 weeks during the shutdown, many businesses accrued a “substantial amount of debt,” according to Minges, and not making much money currently “exacerbates the problem.” The new mandates and protocols set forth for cleaning and sanitizing requires additional costs for face coverings, chemicals, and additional staff, which also burden the already fraught businesses.
“The cost of doing business has increased. The cost of food has gone up due to supply chain challenges, and the main issue is consumer confidence. We need to make sure consumers feel confident,” Minges said. The stark reality is many businesses have closed and will never reopen while others have chosen to remain closed and are “waiting, watching to see what happens, taking a wait-andsee approach,” Minges said. “These are huge risks that these businesses are choosing to take.” The workforce in North Carolina took a hit, with 300,000 employees losing jobs abruptly on March 17. The NCRLA took immediate action to protect their hospitality employees. “We wanted to make sure those in the hospitality community who are near and dear to our hearts were taken care of, making sure that unemployment insurance became immediately available to them, raising $1.2 million in relief funds, and having that additional $600 a week from the
federal government,” Minges said. With the Paycheck Protection Program, many employees were “never separated and paid the entire time,” according to Minges. And now as businesses are reopening, “most [employees] have indicated that they are eager to come back to work.” Even with some employees choosing not to return to work due to childcare or health conditions, businesses are not feeling the pinch. “Largely operating at reduced capacity and bandwidth, they have enough staff to be successful,” Minges explained. A business that had just reopened just in March after undergoing a year and a half of repair work following Hurricane Florence only to be shuttered again because of COVID-19 is The Savannah Inn in Carolina Beach. “Hurricane Florence destroyed me. It was a huge, devastating loss. But once we got all 22 rooms back up and running, we were shut down for COVID,” owner Susan Riggs said. Hundreds of thousands of dollars
Greater Wilmington Business Journal
wilmingtonbiz.com
June 19 - July 2, 2020
Page 9
SPECIAL FOCUS: TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS
HOSPITALITY
of Riggs’ own savings and retirement were spent to rebuild the inn after “massive” damage from the hurricane. She said she is currently seeking legal counsel to deal with her insurance company “who paid for nothing.” Just as she planned her grand reopening, the pandemic shut her down again, and Riggs had to lay off all her employees for two months, some of whom have chosen not to return due to childcare issues and making more, currently, on unemployment, according to Riggs. Now, back operating at full capacity, Riggs is busier than ever and working hard to keep up with the strict cleaning schedule she has put into place. “We went from zero to 60 overnight. We had nothing; now we’re slammed,” Riggs said. “I do not know what to base the summer on since it is nothing we have seen before, but we are crazy busy and after a year and a half, it is finally good to be back. I think it’ll be a good summer.” Riggs credits local and state officials for providing support and communication throughout the pandemic
FILE PHOTO
Booking it: Susan Riggs, owner of The Savannah Inn in Carolina Beach, said COVID-19 was a blow, but the summer season is looking up.
shutdown. “All my elected officials have just been tremendous, and I wouldn’t change a thing. They have been great and have been the best support network,” Riggs said. She said her heart goes out to those businesses that haven’t been as
lucky. “It pains my heart that small businesses like myself are still closed and that kills me. It is devastating,” Riggs said. One business that continues to be successful and sees growth despite the pandemic is Palm Air Realty in
Kure Beach. “We’re not having any challenges,” said Anne Brodsky, owner and guest services manager. “We applied and received some money and we kept our employees working, and now we are looking for more people to hire.” Despite having to cancel thousands of dollars in reservations, Brodsky said she is proud to note, “We walked away with happy customers who were reassured that thanks, in part, to my compulsive behavior, we can ensure our properties are clean and comfortable.” Palm Air Realty hired five additional staff members for cleaning crews to make sure customers feel comfortable visiting. “We have been impacted, but we are extremely optimistic that a new balance is going to come,” Brodksy said. She said many guests no longer can afford a full week at the beach, so Palm Air Realty has chosen to be flexible to suit their needs. “So that they can get down to the ocean and feel that sun,” Brodsky said, “and get back to feeling comfortable within your skin.”
Page 10
June 19 - July 2, 2020
wilmingtonbiz.com
Greater Wilmington Business Journal
SPECIAL FOCUS: TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS
IN THE NEWS
African American business listing on way BY CHRISTINA HALEY O’NEAL
G
irard and Tracey Newkirk, two Wilmington business owners and entrepreneurs, saw a need in the community: generating more exposure to the wide range of African American businesses in the Cape Fear region. The husband-and-wife team, through Genesis Block, has started a new initiative and is working to bring together community partners to develop the BlackBiz Listing, a tentative name, in an effort to launch and develop an online and mobile application platform to create a listing of African American firms. Genesis Block is a community collaborative, including a coworking, event and social space, where people come together in a creative environment to work and attend events, according to the website. The space is being planned for the second floor of 5 S. Water St. in downtown Wilmington. Businesses can fill out a survey to participate in the listing, the Newkirks said.
The group was meeting with its development team recently and aims to launch the website and mobile application, with all its features and testing, by late summer or early fall. “In the short time that we have started, people have started sending things in, and I’m finding businesses that I never knew about,” Tracey Newkirk said. The group seeks to work with partners to bring about a technology platform that helps to market and promote African American businesses and serve “almost with a Yelp-type interface,” said Girard Newkirk, who is also founder and CEO of Wilmington-based technology firm KWHCoin. Other features of the listing might also include GPS positioning so that users can find individual businesses and a ratings feature, he said. Tracey Newkirk, in her role as co-founder of the Genesis Block organization and chair of the African American Business Council in Wilmington, said that there has been a lot of interest in the region in a list
of African American businesses. While there are such lists out there, the Newkirks felt that having a website and mobile application to promote African American-owned businesses, that could be updated frequently and easily accessible to the Cape Fear community, would be a benefit to the region. Tracey Newkirk is also the founder of the consulting business, UNEXO. “Girard and I, talking about it, and him having a software company, we were like, ‘Let’s just put one together.’ It’s needed. Our whole goal with the Genesis Block being a community collaborative is to create solutions for needs in our community. And we felt like this was a huge need,” Tracey Newkirk said. Part of the workings of Genesis Block is to take “a scientific approach” to how it develops and collaborates with the community, Girard Newkirk said. “We thought that coming up with a mobile application and also a website and coming up with not only a listing but something that
was an interactive tool, something that would encourage people to use it, something that would encourage organizations to use it as well, would be the best way to serve as a foundation for meeting these principles,” he said. The majority of local African American businesses are sole proprietorships, he said. Building an ecosystem of support would help to bring visibility and accessibility to those businesses. “We’ve been doing research on how we can grow and how we can develop black businesses in the community. And the African American gross domestic product in the country is about $1.25 trillion. But of that $1.25 trillion only 2% is spent with black-owned businesses. So, there’s a major opportunity … if we can set up the infrastructure to have more support for black-owned businesses locally,” Girard Newkirk said. “This will be one of the key principles of driving economic prosperity and wealth generation for the future.”
Greater Wilmington Business Journal
wilmingtonbiz.com
June 19 - July 2, 2020
Page 11
Proven track record of successful partnerships Recognized national leader in health equity and community benefit Nationally known for elevating and keeping care local Financial strength to meet commitments Experience in growing successful regional medical school and residency program
“As the only finalist with a long-standing relationship with New Hanover Regional Medical Center, Atrium Health would be proud and honored to build upon our commitment to the communities in Southeastern North Carolina to improve health, elevate hope and advance healing – FOR ALL.“
Eugene A. Woods I President and Chief Executive Officer I Atrium Health
Gene NHRMC Ad_10x12.5.indd 1
6/11/20 10:29 AM
Page 12
June 19 - July 2, 2020
wilmingtonbiz.com
Greater Wilmington Business Journal
SPECIAL FOCUS: TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS
REAL ESTATE
Prompted to make a move F
PHOTO C/O BARBARA PUGH/COLDWELL BANKER SEA COAST ADVANTAGE
Still selling: This home in the Anchors Bend subdivision in Wilmington sold for about $612,000 in May.
BY CECE NUNN or some would-be homebuyers, particularly in large Northeastern cities in the U.S, the coronavirus pandemic helped them make up their minds to find a home in the Wilmington area. “I have talked to a couple of people that said this was kind of like the last straw for them,” said David Williams, Realtor with Century 21 Sweyer & Associates. “They were deciding, and this kind of pushed them to the edge to go ahead and make the move.” While Cape Fear Realtors, the Wilmington-based Realtors association with members who sell homes throughout a large portion of Southeastern North Carolina, doesn’t keep track of where homebuyers are coming from, anecdotal evidence indicates an increase in interest in general. Kathryn Ruth, relocation direc-
tor for Wilmington-based Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Advantage, said the company received more referrals, up approximately 11% from April to May this year compared to the same period last year. The majority of the personal referrals, she said, seem to be from the Northeast, specifically Pennsylvania, New Jersey and New York As of June 15, New Hanover County had 413 known cases of the novel coronavirus COVID-19, with five deaths. Whereas in New York City, at the height of their new case count in April, there were more than 8,000 new cases in one day, and the city had more than 21,500 deaths as of June 15. But that’s not the only reason. “We just don’t have the same problems that they have had there. They’re so concentrated and the taxes are so high there in the New York area and the Northeast in general. A
Greater Wilmington Business Journal
wilmingtonbiz.com
June 19 - July 2, 2020
Page 13
SPECIAL FOCUS: TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS
REAL ESTATE
lot of people I’ve talked to are looking to come down here,” Ruth said. According to the latest Cape Fear Realtors report available as of June 15, home sales dropped more than 26% in May, continuing an expected decline because of measures to slow the coronavirus pandemic. But pending sales, with a 26% gain over last May, showed signs of buyers coming back. “Sellers are taking a more cautious approach to entering the market while buyers are returning in full force due to consistent low mortgage rates and limited inventory,” according to a CFR news release. The inventory led to a median sales price increase of 5.6% to $262,000. “Townhouse/condo properties had the largest gain with an increase of 8.8% to $206,650,” the release stated. “Marketwide, days on market has decreased 9.3% to 68, holding steady month-over-month from April.” Tony Harrington, president of Cape Fear Realtors and owner and broker in charge of The Property Shop International Realty, said,
“The remaining inventory that is actually out there is flying off the shelf and because of it, the property values are going up. “And yet we’re showing the lowest inventory that we’ve had in a long time. So of course affordable housing is just non-existent.” As a result of a lack of homes at lower price points, homebuyers are continuing to look at areas outside of Wilmington and New Hanover County. “I’ve got several brokers that do nothing but the Duplin, Sampson, and northern Pender County market and everything they touch as far as a new listing pops off within a day,” Harrington said. Cape Fear Realtors recently added a weekly market tool to monitor market activity and review weekly fluctuations in the three-county region, the release stated. With the new tool, Realtor members can analyze weekly data points and compare them to the previous three months, according to the release. “Right now, most homeowners and potential buyers have questions
about the real estate market. This new tool allows Realtors to present those potential buyers and sellers with real-time data so they can feel confident moving through their transaction knowing exactly what the market is doing,” Harrington said in the release. According to the release, “The pressure nudging prices higher is a combination of 311 fewer homes coming to market across the three-county region and pent-up demand from the prior month’s dampened buyer activity.” On May 26, the National Association of Realtors released existing-home sales data showing that housing market activity nationwide fell 17.8% in April from March this year. “April’s sales of existing homes dropped 17.2% from April 2019,” a summary of the report said. “April’s existing home sales reached a 4.33 million seasonally adjusted annual rate, the lowest since September 2011.” Meanwhile, the national median existing-home price for all housing types was $286,800 in April, up 7.4% from a year ago, the NAR
report stated. Locally, Barbara Pugh, a Realtor with Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Advantage, said she hasn’t seen a massive slowdown. “I was still pretty busy during May … I had six properties to close in May and two lots that sold so I thought that the market was still pretty strong,” Pugh said. She recently showed a couple a house on Figure Eight Island. “I think they were looking for a safer place,” she said. Pugh said although she hasn’t had a ton of people from out of state looking at real estate in the Wilmington area, she has had a lot of inquiries from potential homebuyers who live outside of North Carolina. She’s also had a lot of local clients. “They’re taking advantage of the low interest rates,” Pugh said. “I had a young buyer, a first time buyer who bought a home at 2.8%” She added, “I think a lot of people were worried about the virus, but they still had to move. They still have to find a place to live.”
Page 14
June 19 - July 2, 2020
wilmingtonbiz.com
Greater Wilmington Business Journal
PROFESSIONAL ONLINE DEVELOPMENT TRAINING Let’s Grow Online. • Accounting & Finance • Business • Law & Legal • Computer Skills • Teaching & Education • Healthcare & Medical • Cybersecurity • Data Analytics • Emergency Management • Marketing • Project Management ...and more!
Structured Classes or Study At Your Own Pace
LEARN MORE
cfcc.edu/ce-online 910.362.7370
Commercial Site Signs
•
Residential Sale Signs
Open House Banners • Graphic Design Services
• Feather Flags
Your source for all wide format printing & design needs.
910.799.1111 112 N CARDINAL DR EXT, WILMINGTON, NC
Greater Wilmington Business Journal
wilmingtonbiz.com
June 19 - July 2, 2020
Page 15
| IN PROFILE |
K9000 embarks on new territory BY CHRISTINA HALEY O’NEAL
W
ith a new Wilmington headquarters and manufacturing facility in place, K9000 Dog Wash USA is further establishing its local roots while expanding its market. K9000 Dog Wash USA in December opened its Kerr Avenue location in Wilmington, which houses its manufacturing, warehouse, office, retail and showroom space, said Pete Peterson, president of the firm. The business makes, sells, distributes and services stainless steel selfserve, dog-wash vending machines. The K9000 Dog Wash business model is twofold. The firm has its own locations, where it places corporate-owned machines, paying rent or working under a profit share with a landowner or business. The company also sells its machines to business owners and entrepreneurs, offering customer service support. Its models range from $15,000 to $40,000 a machine, depending on the size and options. The metal framework is made at Leland-based Manufacturing Methods, of which Peterson also heads up. Frames are then sent to the Wilmington-based K9000 facility where the machines are built, with its components and tested. Quality control and research and development also take place at the Wilmington site. The K9000 business moved from underneath the umbrella of Manufacturing Method’s facility when it moved headquarters. Peterson, as part of Manufacturing Methods in 2018, partnered with the owner and founder of the Australian-based Tru Blu K9000 Dog Wash LLC business, and later took over the manufacturing and sale of the machines in the U.S. It took time to overcome some challenges with the business and to set it on the right path for the American market, Peterson said. “It’s going to be nothing but continued growth from here, I’m sure,” he added. Business for K9000 Dog Wash is picking up after a slowdown period from COVID-19 impacts. The void, however, was filled by some businesses looking add the dog-wash machines as amenities during the economic shutdown, said Cullen Seward, the firm’s vice president of sales and marketing. “We’ve been steady,” Seward said.
K9000 Dog Wash USA 951 S. Kerr Ave., Wilmington
PHOTO BY MICHAEL CLINE SPENCER
Gone to the dogs: Tim Hawkins, with K9000 Dog Wash USA, assembles one of the DIY dog-washing units at the company’s headquarters in Wilmington.
“We have taken the time to also install our own machines around town … We’ve really tried to use this time during the pandemic to move forward still.” The firm has grown to four corporate locations in Wilmington: two in Wrightsville Beach, one in the Monkey Junction area and another at headquarters. Another company-owned location is being planned for the Carolina Beach area. There is also a machine K9000 sold to Best Day Ever Dog Boutique off Racine Drive. In addition, the company has made sales this year in 14 states, including in Alaska and California. “This is such a broad market,” Peterson said, adding that the products can be used in a variety of settings including retail stores, car washes, and laundromats. The firm also aims to test out a new dog park and dog-wash business model off Eastwood Road, the details of which were are still being worked out, Peterson said. “That will be a flagship location
for us with a dog park, dog-wash vending machines, the whole nine yards; an investor model to be able to replicate in other cities,” he said. “It’s going to be our biggest dogwash location yet that will be corporate-owned as well.” For the project, the company is partnering with the landowner, with K9000 being an owner and operator of the park, Peterson said. “What we’re doing is locally here – of course, we want the revenue from the dog washes – but we’re basically looking at adding locations that are examples for other machine owners and investors,” Peterson said. “I think the dog and pet market has become so large that it’s made it much easier to be able to place these machines in just about any location where there is residential traffic for people to utilize just like a car wash,” Peterson said. “It’s much easier to go wash your car at a car wash than it is at home. And it’s much easier to wash your dog at a dog wash then it is at home – same exact concept.”
No. of employees: 7 Year founded: 2019 Top local officials: Pete Peterson, president; Gordon Reddick, vice president; and Cullen Seward, vice president of sales and marketing. Company description: K9000 Dog Wash USA manufactures, distributes, sells and services DIY dog-wash vending machines. Products made locally: The company manufactures three different-sized dog washes: a compact mini, classic single and twin version. All are made at the Wilmington facility. Product distribution: U.S. What made the company decide to make its goods locally? Cullen Seward: “Helping to promote a healthy local business ecosystem is important to us. Additionally, the technical talent we were able to bring onto the team made it a no brainer. In addition to manufacturing the machines locally and shipping them throughout the country, we also are opening our own dog wash locations to demonstrate our confidence in the product.” What’s your target market? Seward: “The K9000 is a great fit for many industries and is sold to a diverse customer lineup. Car washes and laundromats, pet stores – as well as boarding and daycare facilities. Stand-alone locations – such as one of the locations we own locally at 951 S. Kerr Ave. – municipalities, parks, breweries and more. We are primarily focused on North America but have aspirations to increase resources to grow the business in South America as well.”
Page 16
June 19 - July 2, 2020
wilmingtonbiz.com
Greater Wilmington Business Journal
the real estate company that shines like no other.
Founded in 1906, Coldwell Banker is the oldest and most established real estate brand in North America ‌ A Guiding Light. Our commitment to excellence and integrity has made us one of the most recognized and trusted brands in the world ‌ A Shining Star. Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Advantage has been the #1 Real Estate company in Southeastern North Carolina for the past 20 years ... Take Advantage.
SeaCoastRealty.com
Greater Wilmington Business Journal
wilmingtonbiz.com
June 19 - July 2, 2020
Page 17
| THE LIST |
Auto Dealerships
Ranked by number of local employees EMAIL WEBSITE
NO. OF TOTAL EMPLOYEES NO. OF LOTS/ LOCATIONS
1
Jeff Gordon Chevrolet 228 S. College Road Wilmington, NC 28403 791-2424
sales@jgchevy.com www.jeffgordonchevy.com
198 4
2
Bob King Automall 5115 New Centre Drive Wilmington, NC 28403 799-3520
sales@bobking.com www.bobking.com
185 3
3
Capital Ford Lincoln of Wilmington 4222 Oleander Drive Wilmington, NC 28403 799-4060
dbarbour@capitalofwilmington.com www.capitalofwilmington.com
4
Stevenson-Hendrick Honda 821 S. College Road Wilmington, NC 28403 395-1116
5
Neuwirth Motors 219 S. College Road Wilmington, NC 28403 799-1815
6
BMW of Wilmington; Porsche Wilmington 4920 New Centre Drive Wilmington, NC 28403 392-2700
7
Land Rover, Audi & Jaguar Cape Fear 20 Old Eastwood Road Wilmington, NC 28403 332-3500
8
Coastal Kia 6103 Market St. Wilmington, NC 28405 910-408-0100
COMPANY ADDRESS RANK PHONE
VEHICLES SOLD 2019
MAKES SOLD
TOP LOCAL OFFICIAL/ YEAR FOUNDED LOCALLY
New Chevrolet and certified pre-owned Toyota, Ford, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Mazda, Jeep, Chrysler, Volvo, GMC, Buick, Cadillac, Acura, Nissan, Lincoln, BMW and Mercedes-Benz
Todd Hamm General Manager 1998
3,026
Buick, GMC, Mercedes-Benz, Sprinter, pre-owned
Martha King President 1972
160 2
3,743
Ford, Lincoln, certified pre-owned
Doug Barbour Managing Partner 2003
sales@hendrickauto.com www.stevensonhendrickhonda.com
153 2
5,225
Honda and any brand of pre-owned
Dan Dehass Executive General Manager 1990
johng@neuwirthmotors.com www.neuwirthmotors.com
121 2
3,600
Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram, Fiat and pre-owned
John Gillilan President/Owner 1958
sales@bmwofwilmington.com www.bmwofwilmington.com; www.porschewilmington.com
89 2 dealerships on one campus
BMW, Porsche
Tommy Baker President, Baker Motor Co. BMW under new ownership 2015
aj@audicapefear.com www.landrovernc.com
52 2
N/A
Land Rover, Audi and Jaguar
AJ Aliah Owner 2001
pkoballa@coastalkia.com www.coastalkia.com
45 1
2,049
Kia, Kia Certified Preowned, All Makes Preowned
Patrick Koballa GM/Owner 2018
Page 18
June 19 - July 2, 2020
Greater Wilmington Business Journal
wilmingtonbiz.com
JOIN WILMA FOR THE ENTIRE MONTH OF JUNE
LEADERSHIP LEADERSHIP
ACCELERATOR ACCELERATOR
VIRTUAL WORKSHOPS FOR REAL
LEADERS
BOSS UP
TIPS ON LEADING DIFFERENTLY, BEING MORE INFLUENTIAL, AND AMPLIFY YOUR OPINION KATELYN MATTOX PROGRAM DIRECTOR (NOURISHNC)
In normal times, we’d hold our Leadership Accelerator women’s conference at the Wilmington Convention Center. Since these aren’t normal times, we’ve adjusted! WE’RE EXCITED TO BRING TO YOU AN ONLINE VERSION OF THE ANNUAL EVENT WITH LEADERSHIP DISCUSSIONS EACH MONDAY THIS MONTH. The Accelerator is a part of WILMA’s overall Women to Watch Leadership Initiative, now celebrating its five-year anniversary of helping develop more female leaders throughout the region.
CHANGING THE SCORE HOW TO INSPIRE TEAMS AND YOURSELF, ESPECIALLY THROUGH DIFFICULT TIMES
KAREN BAREFOOT UNCW WOMEN’S BASKETBALL COACH
A BOUT RACE
ROBBIN WILLIAMS INDIRECT SOURCING GOVERNANCE OPERATIONS LEADER (GE)
CONVERSATION
SHERI SHAW ASSISTANT DEAN FOR STUDENT SUCCESS (UNCW)
DISCUSSION ON RACE IN OUR COUNTRY AND COMMUNITY, COMMUNICATING WITH EACH OTHER AND WHAT HAPPENS NEXT
OWNING IT SPECIFIC ADVICE FOR SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS CATHERINE HAWKSWORTH OWNER (MODERN LEGEND)
MENTORING CONNECTIONS SURROUNDING YOURSELF WITH THE RIGHT PEOPLE CAN SET YOU UP FOR SUCCESS DONNA ESTEVES NORTH AMERICA REGIONAL SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGER (CORNING OPTICAL COMMUNICATIONS)
MELISSA PHILLIPPI PRESIDENT & CO-FOUNDER (PERFORMANCE CULTURE)
VELVA JENKINS CEO, YWCA LOWER CAPE FEAR
TRACEY NEWKIRK CHAIR, AFRICAN AMERICAN BUSINESS COUNCIL AND CO-FOUNDER, GENESIS BLOCK
KENDALL HURT OWNER (MEADOWLARK) LILY NICOLE CHAIR, WILMINGTON SCHOOL OF THE ARTS
FREE REGISTRATION
@ WILMALEADERSHIP.COM
TAMMY BENSON GENERAL MANAGER (ADVANCED MARKETING INTERNATIONAL)
Greater Wilmington Business Journal
wilmingtonbiz.com
June 19 - July 2, 2020
Page 19
| ACHIEVERS | Send information about company hires, promotions or awards to editor@wilmingtonbiz.com
nCino welcomes new board members Wilmington-based cloud banking firm nCino has welcomed three new members to its board of directors, PAM KILDAY, STEVE COLLINS and JON DOYLE. Kilday is a financial operations and technology specialist. She spent more than 30 years in senior management and has held executive roles in the financial services industry. Collins brings over 30 years of financial and technological experience to nCino’s board. He was previously the CFO of ExactTarget, a marketing automation SaaS provider acquired by Salesforce, and was also the CFO of Navteq, a digital mapping provider acquired by Nokia. Doyle is currently vice chairman, senior managing principal and head of financial services at Piper Sandler Companies, where he leads the overall strategy and vision of the financial services group.
Langa, McClintock gain leadership roles at Alcami Alcami Corp. has appointed SALLY LANGA and KIMBERLY MCCLINTOCK to its senior leadership team. Langa was appointed senior vice president of sales and McClintock was appointed to the role of vice president of marketing and client services Langa for Alcami, a North Carolina-based contract development and manufacturing organization with operations in Wilmington. Langa will be responsible for Mcclintock leading the business development teams. She has experience in leadership roles in the contract service industry. Before joining Alcami, she was the head of U.S. sales at Nanoform. McClintock, while leading the marketing team, will also oversee project management, bids and proposals, and the Alcami’s labora-
tory service offerings. She returns to Alcami after spending three years at Mayne Pharma.
Clancy & Theys adds Maggio in director job Clancy & Theys Construction Co. Inc. has welcomed DAVID MAGGIO as its new corporate environmental health and safety director. Maggio brings Maggio 11 years of industry experience to the team. He will be responsible for developing and implementing high-level environmental health and safety strategies. Maggio will also deliver and revamp Clancy & Theys Construction’s training programs, officials said. He earned a bachelor’s degree in safety and environmental science from Indiana University of Pennsylvania.
Meacham joins WCFHBA The Wilmington-Cape Fear Home Builders Association welcomed ELIZABETH MEACHAM as director of
programs and events in January. Meacham has four years of experience in public relations, communication, nonprofit work and event management. She is from the WilmingMeacham ton area and holds a bachelor’s degree in media and journalism from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Physician joins Community Care Board of Directors MARY KATHRYN RUDYK, a physician and specialist of geriatric medicine at Senior Health Associates, joined the Community Care of the Lower Cape Fear’s Board of Directors in April. She brings “extensive experience and expertise in the ACO model, specializing in developing care and discharge/transition plans to reduce readmissions, ensure safe discharges, and avoid silo effects,” stated a news release. Rudyk has owned an internal and geriatric medicine practice in New Hanover County for 25 years.
Page 20
June 19 - July 2, 2020
Greater Wilmington Business Journal
wilmingtonbiz.com
| BIZ LEADS | Reader’s Guide BizLeads is a collection of information gathered from greater Wilmington courthouses, state government offices and informational websites. These 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 that were recently incorporated in the state of North Carolina. All information is gathered from the North Carolina Secretary of State website. Addresses listed may not be the actual address of the business.
NEW CORPS
May 28 - June 5 1415 SOUTH LAKE PARK TOWNHOME OWNERS ASSOCIATION INC. 1415-1 South Lake Park Blvd Carolina Beach 28428 Agent: Jonathan David Rimer 803 SOUTH 6TH STREET TOWNHOME OWNERS ASSOCIATION INC. 1112 Lake Park Blvd Carolina Beach 28428 Agent: Quinn Marlow
A.R.T. ESTATES LLC 7391 Opal Stone Ct. Belville 28451 Agent: Randy Richard ABR HOLDINGS LLC 4002 1/2 Oleander Drive Suite 202 Wilmington 28403 Agent: David F. Ward ALL4MI 1440 Forest Hill Drive Navassa 28451 Agent: Keryn Vickers ASCETIC LABOR LLC 1311Element Way Apt. 1206 Wilmington 28412
Agent: Jamisan Ryder Smith B N K RESTORATION LLC 2577 Sanders Forest Drive NW Shallotte 28470 Agent: Joseph Brian Stevens
BLUE-N-CREW LLC 4631 Main Street Shallotte 28470 Agent: Tonia Trest Twigg BRIAN APPLE LLC 14281 NC Hwy 210 Rocky Point 28457 Agent: Brian Apple
BAKWATER SPECIALTY FARMS LLC 574 Bishop Lane Calabash 28467 Agent: Ryan J Kupersus
BUEN DIA INC 1302 Bird Dog Court Wilmington 28411 Agent: Sandro Agusto Ventura
BAY BAY FARMS LLC 8391 S Shoreside Way NE Leland 28451 Agent: Susan M Tiano
BUG N A RUG TURF TEAM LLC 3819 Park Avenue Wilmington 28403 Agent: GM Entity Services Inc.
BAY SHORE DEVELOPMENT LLC 719 Quinn Dr Wilmington 28411 Agent: Denise Clymer BLACK DOG HOME IMPROVEMENT LLC 130 Heron Cove Road Hampstead 28443 Agent: Patrick Mulvey BLAZE PIPING LLC 4812 Fish Factory Rd SE Southport 28461 Agent: Jonathan E. Sharp Jr. BLUE COLLAR ENDURANCE LLC 112 Island Mimosa Drive Carolina Beach 28428 Agent: Jon C Higgins
C&R MORTGAGE CORPORATION 4010 Passerine Ave Wilmington 28412 Agent: Paul Kessler CALABASH NC TRAILER SALES LLC 360 Shingletree Rd NW Calabash 28467 Agent: Roger Monsour CAROLINA CUSTOM TRAINS INC 5111 Partha Lane Wilmington 28409 Agent: Geoff Kirby CHARBREEZE LLC 205 Inlet Point Drive Wilmington 28409 Agent: William Stroud
CISNEROS AUTO SERVICES LLC 275 Willows Bay Dr Rocky Point 28457 Agent: Ramon Jaimes COASTAL PAINT PROTECTION LLC 6822 Lipscomb Drive Wilmington 28412 Agent: Matthew Doshier COBBLESTONE SERVICING CORP. 4022 Batik Court Leland 28451 Agent: Lorraine F. Zucker COPPER-BOTTOMED BOOKKEEPING LLC 5109 Everette Court Wilmington 28412 Agent: Jessica Woodard COSTA CAROLINA LLC 1701 Country Club Rd Wilmington 28403 Agent: Jason Wheeler CYBERSLEUTH LLC 1213 Culbreth Drive Wilmington 28405 Agent: Manuel W. Lloyd DAILY LAPHAM AUTOMOTIVE LLC 10200 Ocean Highway Calabash 28467 Agent: Melissa Daily DEVIN PATANE HAIRTCUTS L.L.C 156 Cormorant Way Wilmington 28412 Agent: Devin Patane
DRW VENDING LLC 243 Snowfield Rd SE Leland 28451 Agent: Sharon Dudley DUCK-N-COVER INITIATIVE INC. 1200 South Brook Rd Winnabow 28479 Agent: James Hamblin Jr DUTCHMEN INC. 3132 Lantern Way Wilmington 28409 Agent: Craig Voogt EAST COAST POWERTRAIN LLC 113 U.S. Hwy 117 S Burgaw 28425 Agent: Rance S Brown EMBERWOOD LLC 122 Emberwood Drive Winnabow 28479 Agent: Michael McCann F & A CONSTRUCTION AND HOME IMPROVEMENT LLC 5351 Willow Run St SW Shallotte 28470 Agent: Filiberto Rivera FALLING TIDE FISHING L.L.C. 124 Darby Street Wilmington 28409 Agent: William Zane Long GOINS GOING GONE JUNK REMOVAL LLC 1904 Eastwood Rd. Ste. 310A
Wilmington 28403 Agent: The Humphries Law Firm P.C. GREEN & SAVITS PLLC 217 Stoneybrook Road Wilmington 28411 Agent: Glen D. Savits HARDLINE ROOFING INC 161 Poole Rd Ste 4E Belville 28451-9660 Agent: Samuel Chadwick HEATH AND SONS REAL ESTATE COMPANY LLC 2617 Bradfield Ct Wilmington 28411 Agent: Andrew Heath HI SEAS LLC 1121 Military Cutoff Rd Ste C313 Wilmington 28405 Agent: Croix Paquin HOLLINGSWORTH UPFITS LLC 2915 Castle Hayne Rd Castle Hayne 28429 Agent: Robert M. Hollingsworth HOLLSCOR INC. 1428 Park View Circle Wilmington 28405 Agent: Michael Scordato HOMETOWN HELPER L.L.C. 1513 Corey Ln Wilmington 28411 Agent: Eric W Thompson HONOR BOUND LIFE
L.L.C. 2404 Zion Hill Rd SE Bolivia 28422 Agent: William Cody Gordon HUNDYS RENTAL L.L.C. 615 Princess St Wilmington 28401 Agent: James Rutherford L&M VENTURES LLC 3220 Graylyn Terrace Wilmington 28411 Agent: Katherine M Rose LATITUDE ELECTRIC INC 233 Antoinette Drive Wilmington 28412 Agent: Paul Sprague LET’S GO CAMPING L.L.C. 22-A West Salisbury St Wrightsville Beach 28480 Agent: William Bostic Jr. LILLY PROPERTY HOLDINGS LLC 5006 Carleton Dr Unit 65 Wilmington 28403-7415 Agent: Megan Elizabeth Carroll M & M TRUCKING LLC 545 NC Hwy 210 E Hampstead 28443 Agent: Martell Waddell MAMA CHERRY’S TASTY SCOOPS LLC 4523 Regent Dr Wilmington 28412 Agent: Michael Ormond
Greater Wilmington Business Journal
wilmingtonbiz.com
June 19 - July 2, 2020
Page 21
Page 22
June 19 - July 2, 2020
Greater Wilmington Business Journal
wilmingtonbiz.com
RESTAURANT ROUNDUP
BUSINESS OF LIFE
This is a sampling of stories from the Business Journal’s weekly Restaurant Roundup email. Subscribe at wilmingtonbiz.com.
Brewery plans to expand to Wrightsville Beach Flying Machine Brewing Co. co-founders Grant Steadman and David Sweigart have announced plans to expand their business by opening a second location at 530 Causeway Drive in Wrightsville Beach. Steadman and Sweigart purchased Banks Channel Pub from Ashley Adams and Doug Barker on May 15. Neal DePersia and Chris Thorpe of DePersia & Associates LLC represented both parties in the sale. Steadman and Sweigart opened their 17,000-square-foot taproom and production facility at 3130 Randall Parkway in November 2018.That location had been closed since midMarch, but reopened in a limited capacity this month. “Obviously the virus has affected us, but we are optimistic about the future of our business, of our industry and the economy,” Steadman said. “We’re confident that at some point in the future we will be able to operate both businesses at full capacity.” Flying Machine at Wrightsville Beach will have a kitchen and bar.
Downtown Wilmington eatery shutters Stalk & Vine owner Zac Brown announced via social media recently that his bar and restaurant would be closing for good in the wake of COVID-19. “Our 9 months of operations were riddled with a short first summer, Hurricane Dorian, the first slow winter, and then the COVID-19 pandemic,” Brown said in a Facebook post May 29. The fact of the matter is Stalk & Vine didn’t have enough time to develop the foundation needed to navigate that series of events, particularly this pandemic. “Though timing wasn’t on our side this go around, I truly believe in the spirit of Stalk & Vine and I hope to be able to take another stab at it one day.” Stalk & Vine shifted its service model to allow for carry-out for about two weeks in March, but its Riverwalk location made this difficult. Brown made the decision to close temporarily March 30.
Brown said he worked diligently over the next several weeks to try to secure emergency financial assistance, but was unable to qualify because he had been open for less than a year. “It was pretty clear that the playing field is not level for new businesses,” Brown said. Brown said he considered changing the concept, and taking on investors. But at a certain point, he said, it became obvious that the budget was just too tight. “If I had a well of money this wouldn’t be an issue, but I have to consider my future both personally and professionally,” Brown said.
Whiskey Trail set to open second location Chris Levesque, owner of Whiskey Trail, has announced plans for the opening of a second location this summer. Whiskey Trail Midtown is expected to open at 3525 Lancelot Lane, in the building that formerly housed Dig & Dive. The volleyball courts will no longer be a part of the complex. Levesque, who worked as an executive chef at the Bridge Tender, Fish House and Main Street Grill at Mayfaire Town Center, as well as general manager of Front Street Brewery prior to opening Whiskey Trail five years ago, said the menu at the new location will be the same. “We’re known for our burgers and wings and the coldest beer around,” Levesque said.
Oyster bar begins serving at center on Market Street Robert Pickens, owner of Kornerstone Bistro, has opened a second restaurant, Tidewater Oyster Bar, in Porters Neck Center at 8211 Market St. The restaurant held a soft opening at the end of May, and was open that week for dinner, with plans to open for lunch shortly. Located in the former K-Bueno Norte space just across Market Street from Kornerstone, Tidewater Oyster Bar features North Carolina seafood with a nod to the Cajun and Creole cuisines of Louisiana. Guests will find locally farmed oysters in classic preparations such as Oysters Rockefeller and Oysters Bienville, po-boys, steamed and fried seafood platters, shrimp creole and seafood gumbo. Tidewater is also offering steam pots to go. -Jessica Maurer
Greater Wilmington Business Journal
wilmingtonbiz.com
June 19 - July 2, 2020
Page 23
SPECIAL FOCUS: TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS
BUSINESS OF LIFE
Using UV light to fight germs BY CECE NUNN s cases of the novel coronavirus began to grow in the U.S. starting in March, David Greenough remembered his days in the Air Force, when he found out ultraviolet light was used to make sure missile guidance systems weren’t contaminated by bacteria or other microscopic residue. Those memories helped influence the start of the Wilmington resident’s company, USUVClean, co-founded by Stephen Bowen. Greenough’s wife, Melanie, is the firm’s CEO. “COVID-19 was going around and it was getting bigger and bigger, and I was like, ‘I wonder if there’s another way to clean ... to sterilize a place besides using chemicals,” David Greenough said. That’s when his Air Force memories kicked in. Now, David Greenough and Bowen are using custom-made lamps that emit UVC light for clients who want another tool to try to get rid of germs. It’s a type of ultraviolet light that comes from the sun but doesn’t reach Earth because of the ozone layer, explained Bowen. UVC has been used as a sterilization tool in hospitals, including at Duke University. According to a Duke Health article on the topic in 2017, a large randomized trial led by Duke Health found that the use of UVC machines could cut transmission of four major superbugs by a cumulative 30%. “The finding is specific to patients who stay overnight in a room where someone with a known positive culture or infection of a drug-resistant organism had previously been treated,” the article stated. And while the light hasn’t been definitively proven to kill the new coronavirus, studies have shown that it breaks down viruses, including other coronaviruses and bacterium like methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). A WebMD article in May examined the use of UV as a disinfectant in light of the coronavirus pandemic. “The sanitizing effects of UV lights have been seen with other coronaviruses, including the one that causes severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). Studies have shown that it can be used against other coronaviruses,” the article stated. “One study found at least 15 minutes
A
PHOTO BY MICHAEL CLINE SPENCER
Lighting the way: Stephen Bowen (from left) and David Greenough, co-founders of USUVClean, recently used their UVC process to treat G-Code Tactical Holsters in Burgaw.
of UVC exposure inactivated SARS, making it impossible for the virus to replicate.” The article also emphasized the potential dangers to humans, including cancer and cornea damage. People should not get near the light, Bowen and David Greenough said. The World Health Organization says UV lamps should not be used to disinfect hands or other skin areas because UV radiation can cause skin irritation and damage eyes. “Cleaning your hands with alcohol-based hand rub or washing your hands with soap and water are the most effective ways to remove the virus,” the WHO states on its website. But Bowen and David Greenough can disinfect surfaces up to 8,500 square feet an hour, they said, and they have found a market for their services, winning a contract with the state of South Carolina to use their UV treatment on modes of transportation and buildings. They’ll also be training people in need of employment in South Carolina on how to use the technology. In the Wilmington area, a recent job for USUVClean included treating 60,000 square feet for G-Code
Tactical Holsters, a company that makes holsters and other weapons-related accessories in Burgaw. Bowen and David Greenough both work for the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office, where David Greenough is a full-time employee in the public relations division, and Bowen is a part-time sheriff’s deputy. “This is a side gig now,” Bowen said, “but it seems like as more and more time passes, it’s starting to become full time.” Bowen, whose other job is working in the film industry, and David Greenough have also come up with a way to check the effectiveness of their UV lamp system. They use a camera and monitor to see whether the light has saturated a space. Bowen and David Greenough each have relatives who have suffered from staph infections. “This is kind of like a personal thing for us,” David Greenough said. The state of South Carolina and other organizations and companies aren’t the only places using UV technology to guard against viruses. In Southport, Frying Pan restaurant installed technology from a company called Air Knight in the
eatery’s HVAC system’s air handlers. “With the coronavirus and other stuff, we just want to make sure people feel as safe as they possibly can,” said Craig Blanks, chef at Frying Pan. “It was kind of a no-brainer to us once we found out what it does and did the research on it.” The idea came to the Frying Pan via Scott McCaffrey of Fire Mechanical. “Scott takes care of about everything in this building,” Blanks said, referring to the Frying Pan, 319 W. Bay St. “He brought the system to us right when the coronavirus started getting in the U.S.” The restaurant is open now, but while it was closed after Gov. Roy Cooper issued an executive order that closed restaurants, McCaffrey installed the system. “We think it’s going to be the new norm for any commercial building, to put this in,” Blanks said. Meanwhile, David Greenough and Bowen recently used their UV tool to treat a church in Wallace. “We want to do as much as we can,” David Greenough said, “so we can get the community back to normal.”
Page 24
June 19 - July 2, 2020
wilmingtonbiz.com
Greater Wilmington Business Journal
When you’re expanding your business,
make each moment matter. — PNC can help.
We’re making business banking easier. At PNC, we understand that expanding your business for the first time can be overwhelming. That’s why we’ll work closely with you to understand your unique needs and offer customized lending solutions that will help make your life easier. So, whether you’re looking to expand your office to meet increased demand or purchase a piece of state-of-the-art equipment, we’ll be there to help your business enter its next phase of growth.
Learn more at pnc.com/momentsmatter
All loans, lines of credit and PNC Bank credit cards are subject to credit approval. Requires automatic deduction from a PNC business checking account. Bank deposit, treasury management and lending products and services are provided by PNC Bank, National Association, a wholly owned subsidiary of PNC and Member FDIC. PNC Bank is a registered mark of The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. ©2020 The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. All rights reserved.
