@Work Podcast

We're revisiting our conversation with John Tosco—a musician, teacher, and founder of Tosco Music. What began as a few friends sharing songs in his living room has grown into a nonprofit that produces over 100 live events a year across Charlotte, connecting hundreds of performers and audiences through music, outreach, and scholarships. John Tosco returns today on The @Work Podcast with Dr. Elizabe...

We're revisiting our inspiring conversation with Daniel Fogarty, Executive Director of First Tee of Greater Charlotte, and participant Isabella Mebane. First Tee is a nonprofit affiliated with the PGA that gives kids access to golf—and to opportunities that build confidence, resilience, and character both on and off the course. Daniel Fogarty and Isabella Mebane return today on The @Work Podcast w...

We're revisiting our conversation with Barbara Bleiweis, who has served as Supervisor for the Mecklenburg Soil and Water Conservation District since 2017. A passionate advocate for sustainable land and water practices, Barbara has been instrumental in advancing farmland preservation, soil health, and water quality initiatives across Mecklenburg County and beyond. Barbara Bleiweis returns today on...

Today we're joined by William McKee, co-founder and managing partner of Knowmad, a digital agency based in Charlotte. William leads the vision, revenue growth, and team well-being at Knowmad. He founded the company driven by a passion for helping organizations make smarter use of data and technology. Armed with a liberal arts degree from UNC-Chapel Hill and an entrepreneurship certificate from Bab...

We're revisiting our conversation with Melanie Henderson, owner of Therapy Hair Salon and Spa—one of Charlotte's highest-rated salons with two locations and a loyal following. From humble beginnings to leading a team of over 25 employees, Melanie shares her journey of resilience, growth, and building a thriving business. Melanie Henderson, Olivia Jones, and Megan Wilks return today on The @Work Po...

We're revisiting our conversation with Natalie Parmenter, founder of Primary Focus—a resource hub helping parents support their child's learning with simple, research-backed strategies. A former kindergarten teacher with a master's from Johns Hopkins, Natalie shares practical tips on school readiness, early literacy, and more through her YouTube channel, newsletter, workshops, and 1:1 coaching. Na...

On this episode of The @Work Podcast, we're revisiting our conversation with Karen Calder, Executive Director of Classroom Central. Karen brings a unique blend of nonprofit leadership and business savvy, with a career that spans fundraising, marketing, operations, and program development. Her work is driven by a commitment to ensuring every student and teacher has access to the tools they need to...

On this episode, Scott Dvorak talks about creating his own running story and why he's always been about leading with passion and why runners aren't coming to Charlotte running Company for shoes, but to make connections. Scott Dvorak's passion for running ignited in high school after a challenge from his brother led him to compete in a local five K. This experience propelled him into a lifelong com...

Wendy Hickey is the founder and executive director of ArtPop Street Gallery, a nonprofit organization which showcases local artists through billboards, public art installations, and art. Pop believes everyone deserves access to art. Wendy founded ArtPop after a 20 year career in the billboard industry. In order to help local artists gain national recognition opportunities to expand their work and...

Today we're joined by Greg Reagan, founder and managing member of Reagan FVL, a forensic accounting firm with offices in Charlotte and Birmingham. With decades of experience, Greg is a trusted expert in forensic accounting, fraud investigations, business valuations, and litigation support. Known for his integrity and innovative problem-solving, Greg has served as an expert witness in high-stakes f...

Today we're joined by Joel Sosebee, Director of Client Success at AT-NET, a Charlotte-based Managed Security Service Provider. With over 20 years in the tech industry, Joel helps businesses navigate IT challenges through customized solutions—from cybersecurity and cloud services to proactive system support. His mission: to make tech work smarter, safer, and more seamlessly for every client. Joel i...

Today we're joined by Kim Brattain, Emmy Award-winning former news anchor and founder of Kim Brattain Media. Since launching her production company in 2008, Kim has become a powerhouse in visual storytelling—leading her team to win over 40 awards, including Tellys, Muses, and Daveys. Her passion? Creating videos that truly move people—and businesses—forward. Kim is our guest today on The @Work Pod...

Today we're joined by Shannon Binns, founder and executive director of Sustain Charlotte. With over 15 years of leadership in sustainability and urban development, Shannon has helped secure over $200 million for projects like safer streets, parks, and affordable housing. He's a passionate advocate for building equitable, resilient communities—and a driving force behind local policy change and gras...

Today we're joined by Tim Edwards, owner of Splatter Charlotte and a seasoned strategist with a background in product development and creative storytelling. Tim has worked with major global brands to bring user-focused ideas to life—and when he's not building business solutions, you'll find him on stage doing improv or community theater. Tim is our guest today on The @Work Podcast . ----- Tim Edwa...

Welcome back to the @Work podcast with Dr. Elizabeth Teagarden, where we explore what it takes to build drama-free, people-centered workplaces. In this episode, we revisit our conversation with Bill Bartee, owner of Jesse Brown's Outdoors. For over 40 years, Bill has championed the outdoor lifestyle—turning a passion into a thriving community-driven business. From retail to radio, his leadership h...

Today we're joined by Tony Santoro, founder of Enderly Coffee in Charlotte, NC. A former teacher turned coffee roaster, Tony built Enderly from a driveway hobby into a thriving neighborhood café and roastery rooted in community and purpose. Tony is our guest today on The @Work Podcast . -- Tony Santoro -- Dr. Elizabeth Teagarden on LinkedIn CTK@Work

Today we're joined by Dr. Sharon Jones, an award-winning educator and founder of the Dottie Rose Foundation. With over 20 years in computer science and technology education, Dr. Jones has dedicated her career to making coding, data, and innovation accessible to all. Through her foundation, workshops, and creative projects, she empowers learners by connecting real-world challenges with practical te...

Today we're joined by Rick Douglas, President of Minit Maids, Charlotte's longest-running non-franchised residential cleaning service. Since 1981, Rick has led the company with a focus on professional training, eco-friendly practices, and top-tier service—from routine cleanings to deep cleans and post-renovation projects. Rick is our guest today on The @Work Podcast . -- Rick Douglas -- Dr. Elizab...

Today we're joined by Cathy Bessant, CEO of Foundation For The Carolinas—one of the largest community foundations in the country. Under her leadership, FFTC stewards nearly 3,000 charitable funds and leads major civic initiatives across the Charlotte region, from affordable housing and public education to the arts and environmental impact. Cathy is our guest today on The @Work Podcast . -- Cathy B...

Today we're joined by Will Bigham, the local force behind Stomp, Chomp and Roll—the team behind some of Charlotte's favorite neighborhood spots, including The Pizza Peel, The Improper Pig, and Flying Biscuit Café. Will's built a reputation for creative menus, strong community roots, and, yes—some seriously good secret sauces. He's our guest today on The @Work Podcast . -- Will Bigham Stomp, Chomp...

Today we're joined by Tony Mecia and Cristina Bolling of  The Charlotte Ledger . Tony is the founder and executive editor, a former award-winning business writer for The Charlotte Observer and a longtime voice in Charlotte journalism. Cristina is the managing editor, bringing two decades of storytelling experience from The Charlotte Observer and the Associated Press. Together, they lead The Ledger...

Today we're joined by James Yoder, co-owner and founder of Not Just Coffee, a beloved multi-unit specialty café brand based in Charlotte, NC. James is also the co-owner of Night Swim Coffee—a collaborative café and roastery created by Not Just Coffee and Undercurrent Coffee. With a passion for community and craft, James continues to shape Charlotte's coffee culture one cup at a time. James is our...

Today we're joined by Erin Santos-Primis and Blair Primis, a powerhouse duo. Erin is a nonprofit leader and founder of the Isabella Santos Foundation, where she's turned personal tragedy into millions raised for pediatric cancer research. Blair brings two decades of experience in brand building, marketing leadership, and business development, with a reputation for helping companies grow with creat...

Today we're joined by Juliet Kuehnle, a therapist, speaker, and founder of Sun Counseling and Wellness. With nearly 15 years of experience, Juliet is on a mission to make mental health conversations more human, relatable, and stigma-free. She leads a team offering holistic care and also shares her insights through media, keynotes, and her podcast. Juliet is our guest today on The @Work Podcast . -...

Today we're joined by Larry Farber, a lifelong music lover who turned his passion into a career. From playing in bands and performing at events to booking talent and launching live music venues, Larry has done it all. He's the founder of Music With Friends and Middle C Jazz Club in uptown Charlotte—two spaces that have brought unforgettable live music experiences to the community. Larry is our gue...