TC Spotlight

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...

In this episode, we sit down with Will West, owner of Carolina Grits Company, to explore his journey from the East Coast to the West Coast and ultimately back home to the Twin Counties. Will shares the story of stepping into his father’s legacy and taking over Carolina Grits Co., a beloved local business rooted in tradition, craftsmanship, and Southern culture. We also dive into Will’s creative si...

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Will Lamb, founder of The Kainos School, a new hybrid education model that blends the flexibility of homeschooling with the structure and support of in-person instruction. Dr. Lamb shares the inspiration behind Kainos and how it draws from successful models like Heritage Leadership Academy in Raleigh, combining academic rigor, faith-based values, and community...

In this episode, we sit down with Jason Gupton, a Nash County native and veteran Hollywood stunt coordinator whose credits include the film Roofman starring Channing Tatum. Jason shares how his journey—from action sports and parkour to stunt work—led him to coordinate high-risk sequences in major productions.  We explore Jason’s experiences on set, the discipline and creativity required for stunt...

In this episode, we sit down with Kaila Billups, Vicky Mayer, and Madeline Mills, three dynamic team members from the Rocky Mount Family YMCA, to explore the incredible impact the Y has on families and youth in our community. Kaila, who serves as Associate Executive Director, leads the conversation on the Y’s mission, culture, and its role as a cornerstone for health, development, and connection i...

In this episode, we sit down with Bernnadette Yarborough , Director of the Day School at Good Shepherd Church in Rocky Mount , to talk about her lifelong dedication to early childhood education and her passion for nurturing young learners. Bernnadette shares her professional journey, the personal mission that drives her, and the deep sense of purpose she brings to leading one of the region’s most...

In this episode, we sit down with Devin Keaton, founder of Spring Hope Studios, David Keaton, founder of Film Finance Group International (FFGI), and Michael Dallas, the software developer bringing David's innovative ideas to life. Together, they share a fascinating look into how a family’s passion for film, technology, and entrepreneurship is helping shape a new creative hub right here in Nas...

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Wendy Cook, Vice President of Student Access & Success at Nash Community College, to dive into the college’s newly launched Strategic Enrollment Management (SEM) plan. Dr. Cook shares her journey in higher education and how it led her to NCC, where she now plays a crucial role in shaping student success and institutional growth. We break down what the SEM...

In this episode, we sit down with April Baker, Founder and CEO of A Touch of the Father’s Love based in Momeyer, NC. April shares her inspiring journey—how she started the nonprofit from humble beginnings, grew it through hard work and faith, and eventually secured a permanent home in the old Bass Brothers’ Appliance store. We discuss her vision to expand the organization’s reach, the number of pe...

In this episode, we bring together three leaders shaping the future of the Twin Counties: Susan Phelps (Economic Development Director, Nash County), Bob Pike (CEO, Carolinas Gateway Partnership), and Sandy Roberson (Mayor of Rocky Mount). We explore the region’s growth prospects across housing, infrastructure, job creation, and public policy initiatives. Our wide-ranging conversation digs into how...

In this episode, we sit down with Elton Daniels, the new City Manager of Rocky Mount, NC. Elton shares insights from his first days on the job — the challenges he’s faced, the early wins that have energized his team, and the vision they’re building for the city’s future. We explore Elton’s career journey and what prepared him for this leadership role, dive into Rocky Mount’s upcoming comprehensive...