TC Spotlight

In this episode of TC Spotlight, we sit down with Dr. Kenyon "KJ" Askew Jr., D.B.A., Director of Marketing & Strategic Engagement at Nash Community College. We start with KJ's story — growing up in Colerain, NC (Bertie County), the path from Bertie County Schools to a leadership role at Nash, and what that journey taught him about opportunity, drive, and what it takes for talente...

In this episode, we sit down with Eric Evans, County Manager of Edgecombe County, North Carolina, for a conversation about what it takes to lead a rural county through rapid economic transitions. We dig into Edgecombe's current budget priorities and the fiscal realities of governing a community balancing growth with preservation. Eric walks us through their innovative "Get Off the List&qu...

This week we sat down with Justin Sykes , the multi-talented creative force and content producer behind Twin County Media’s Tar River Arts + Culture (TRA+C) Magazine . In this episode, we dive into the creative evolution of the publication and look at how TRA+C  has become the definitive spotlight for the incredible, home-grown talent thriving right here across Nash and Edgecombe Counties. The cor...

In this episode, we sit down with Derrick Vick, President of Freedom Industries in Nash County, to trace the growth trajectory of this local mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) construction powerhouse. Derrick shares his personal journey of coming back home to Eastern North Carolina and details the company's transformative path to becoming a 100% employee-owned ESOP (Employee Stock Owne...

In this episode, we sit down with Kevin Wilson , owner of The Oak Grove Retreat  in Tarboro, North Carolina. Kevin shares the unique story of how a small historic church was transformed into a peaceful retreat center dedicated to rest, reflection, and renewal. What began as a vision to preserve a meaningful space has evolved into a destination where individuals, couples, and small groups can step...

In this episode, we sit down with Ron Green , CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tar River Region, along with Melvin Mitchell  and Gus Tulloss , who are helping lead the capital campaign for one of the most ambitious youth development projects in our area: Project DREAM . Project DREAM is a transformational initiative that will convert the former National Guard Armory in Rocky Mount  into a...

In this episode, we sit down with Bryan Braswell , fourth-generation operator of Rocky Mount Radiator , to discuss the incredible story of a family business that has been serving the region since 1927 . Bryan shares how his family started the company nearly 100 years ago and the many industry changes and economic challenges they’ve successfully navigated across four generations. We dive into the h...

In this episode, we sit down with David Farris , President of the Rocky Mount Chamber of Commerce, Beth Covolo , Head of School at Rocky Mount Academy, and Bunn Boddie  of Boddie-Noell Enterprises to discuss a community-led effort to keep a critical summer camp program alive for local Rocky Mount children. For years, this summer camp served inner city children ages 5–8 whose families may not be ab...

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Nettie Williams , founder and artistic director of the Tarboro Choral Society , to talk about her journey in music and her vision for bringing high-level choral performance back to Eastern North Carolina. A Tarboro native with a distinguished career as a conductor and educator, Dr. Williams returned home and launched the Tarboro Choral Society to enrich the re...

In this episode, we sit down with  Chris Edwards , Manager of Broadcast & Media Relations for the Wilson Warbirds, to talk about his journey into the world of sports media and broadcasting. Chris shares his early aspirations in media, how he got his start, and the path that ultimately led him to join the Warbirds organization. We dive into what it’s like to help launch a new Minor League team...

In this episode, we sit down with George Thorne , Commissioner for Edgecombe County, to talk about his decision to return home after college and invest his time and energy back into the community that raised him. George shares what drew him to public service, what he’s learned as a county commissioner, and why he believes local leadership plays such a critical role in shaping the future of Eastern...

In this episode, we sit down with Joseph Bobbitt , a local financial advisor and Momeyer native, to talk about his incredible journey from a novice runner to qualifying for the Boston Marathon . Joseph shares how he first got into running, the discipline it took to improve, and the mindset required to push through setbacks and reach an elite level of performance. We also dive into Joseph’s roots i...

In this episode, we sit down with Cutchin Anderson, Town Councilman in Tarboro and manager at Anderson Farms, to talk about leadership, agriculture, and the future of Edgecombe County. Cutchin shares his background growing up in Tarboro, his work in the family farming business, and what ultimately led him to step into public service. We dive into the momentum building in downtown Tarboro, the broa...

In this episode, we sit down with Kristen Brabble , COO of First Carolina Bank and the founder of the Tackle the Tar  race in Rocky Mount. Kristen shares the story behind launching the event nearly a decade ago and how a simple idea—bringing the community together for a fun but challenging race—has grown into one of the region’s most impactful fundraisers. Tackle the Tar  is a 5K obstacle course r...

In this episode, we sit down with Nasir Dukes , founder of Dukes Properties & Construction , to discuss his firm’s growing development footprint in both Raleigh and Rocky Mount. Founded in 2004, Dukes Properties & Construction is a real estate investment and development firm focused on building high-quality residential and commercial projects and revitalizing neighborhoods through thoughtf...

In this episode, we sit down with Susan Phelps , the new Director of Economic Development for Nash County, to talk about her eight-year journey with the county and her transition into this leadership role. Susan shares what energizes her about economic development, the relationships she’s built along the way, and why she’s passionate about positioning Nash County for long-term growth. We dive into...

In this episode, we sit down with Julie Baggett , General Manager of Rocky Mount Mills, and Anne Parker Chambliss , Director of Marketing and Communications for Ripe for Revival, to talk about an exciting new announcement: The Seed . This new hosting and event space, complete with a full commercial kitchen, is designed to bring people together around food, education, and community. We discuss how...

In this episode, we sit down with Nish Patel , President of Greystone Hospitality , a Rocky Mount–based hospitality group making strategic investments across the region. Nish shares his journey into the family business, how he stepped into leadership, and the vision that’s driven Greystone’s growth over the years. We dive into the investments Greystone Hospitality has made in the local community—w...

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. John Kim , owner of Rocky Mount Periodontics , to talk about his journey to becoming a nationally recognized periodontist. Dr. Kim shares his educational path—from studying at Harvard to completing his fellowship at UNC —and how those experiences shaped his clinical philosophy and approach to patient care. We also discuss how Dr. Kim balances running a leading...

In this episode, we sit down with  Kevin Walsh , owner of  Flying-Iron Harley-Davidson  in Rocky Mount, NC, to talk about his unique entrepreneurial journey and life in the motorcycle world. Kevin shares his backstory, including how he built and sold a flight instructor school before making the leap into owning the local Harley-Davidson dealership—a move that blended business, passion, and communi...

In this episode, we sit down with Whit Barnes, President of Wildwood, the renowned lamp and lighting company with deep roots in Rocky Mount. Whit shares his background and the family history behind Bulluck’s Furniture, the original business that eventually spun out Wildwood Lamps. While now operating as two separate companies, Bulluck’s and Wildwood remain closely connected through shared heritage...

In this episode, we sit down with Matt Dameron , a stand-up comedian based in North Carolina whose comedy is deeply rooted in his upbringing right here in Rocky Mount. Matt grew up with a classic rural Southern background—fishing, riding four-wheelers, working land—and that “country life meets small-town reality” perspective has become a defining thread in his stand-up. Matt began performing comed...

In this episode, we sit down with John Lea and Gardner Noble of Simmons & Harris, a full-service commercial real estate firm based in Rocky Mount. As key brokers serving the industrial, land, office, retail, flex, and multifamily markets, John and Gardner join Benton Moss, President & CEO, for a wide-ranging conversation about the firm’s strategy, the region’s economic momentum, and the fu...

Join us this week for a fun and inspiring episode with Khatari Lane , Founder and Managing Arts Director of NextUp Theatre , a youth community theatre dedicated to giving local young talent a place to shine. Khatari shares the story behind launching NextUp Theatre and his passion for creating accessible, high-quality performing arts opportunities for kids and teens in our community. We talk about...

In this episode, we talk with Spring Hope Mayor Kyle Pritchard, who’s just been reelected this year, about his journey to public service and what it means to lead a small town with vision and heart. Kyle reflects on how he took on the mayor’s role and the values that drive him to serve the community. We dive into Spring Hope’s economic and downtown development efforts—from revitalizing local busin...