TC Spotlight

In this episode, we sit down with Kari Young, Executive Director of the Nash Community College Foundation, to discuss her inspiring journey from Washington to North Carolina and the impactful work she’s doing to support students in the Twin Counties. Kari shares how her background in education and nonprofit management led her to the Foundation, and how her passion for community-driven success fuel...

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Keisha B. Spivey, founder and Executive Director of Ripple Effects Group, a transformative nonprofit organization dedicated to serving the Twin Counties. Dr. Spivey shares her inspiring journey from ministry to nonprofit counseling, highlighting the pivotal moments that led her to establish Ripple Effects in 2016. Motivated by a series of community tragedies,...

In this episode, we sit down with Melanie Meeks, Anthony Hopkins, and Diane Porter of the C.A.R.E. Coalition—a vital organization in Rocky Mount dedicated to supporting individuals facing mental health and substance use challenges. Since its inception in 2017, C.A.R.E. has been a cornerstone in providing resources, education, and support for those in need, embodying a community-driven approach to...

In this episode, we sit down with Barden Winstead, Co-Branch Manager and Senior Vice President of Investments at Stifel in Rocky Mount. With over 40 years in the financial services industry, Barden shares his journey from his early days in the field to his current role at Stifel, a national investment management firm with a strong local presence. Beyond his professional achievements, Barden is dee...

In this episode, we sit down with Dean Taitz, a founder at the  Ruddell Group , to discuss the upcoming Rocky Mount Industrial Village—a transformative 55-acre industrial park set to begin construction in the next few months.  Dean shares his vision for the park, emphasizing the importance of attracting light commercial and light manufacturing tenants to foster sustainable economic growth in the r...

In this episode, we sit down with  Jeff Johnson , CEO of  GXP Storage , to discuss his journey in growing the company and his decision to establish GXP Storage in Nash County. Jeff shares how the company's strategic location near the Biopharma Crescent and the Research Triangle made Eastern North Carolina an ideal choice for expansion. We also dive into Jeff's belief that the Research Tria...

In this episode, we sit down with Tony and Trevor Foote, a talented married couple who are leaders in the Twin Counties’ real estate and construction industries. Tony Foote, a high-end residential builder, and Trevor Foote, who runs  Foote Real Estate Group  and is a community partner of Twin County Media, combine their expertise to provide a comprehensive service for clients navigating both the c...

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Christina R. Peyton, MD, and Charity Stewart, Clinical Director of the UNC Health Nash Women’s Center. Together, they share insights into the center's recent recognition by  U.S. News & World Report  as one of the top women's centers in North Carolina . We also discuss the remarkable milestone of over 8,000 babies being born at the Women's Cent...

In this episode, we sit down with Trey Braswell, President and CEO of Braswell Family Farms, to discuss the current state of the egg market and the impact of avian flu on egg supply. Trey provides insights into the challenges and opportunities within the industry and shares how Braswell Family Farms continues to support the community through various events. We highlight upcoming local events spons...

In this episode, we sit down with Kristina Simpson, owner of  Victory Learning Academy Inc . and the visionary behind the restoration of the OR Pope School in Rocky Mount. Kristina shares her passion for early childhood education and the journey that led her to open her own academy, offering a nurturing environment for young learners. We dive into the challenges facing the early childhood educatio...

In this episode, we sit down with Captain Will Paul, founder of  Tar River Co  and a seasoned fishing guide with expertise in Eastern North Carolina’s waterways. Will shares his deep passion for fishing and his journey as an angler, traveling annually to Alaska’s  Tikchik Narrows Lodge  as a professional fishing guide. He spends his springs and falls guiding guests down the Tar and Roanoke Rivers,...

In this episode, we sit down with  Steve Bastian , Executive Vice President of Business Development at  The Nautical Group , a firm specializing in executive search assignments for both private businesses and public organizations. Steve shares his journey, from his roots in Rocky Mount to his successful career in business development. He reflects on his experiences and how they shaped his path to...

In this episode, we sit down with  Tia Foula , Assistant County Manager for Nash County, to discuss her inspiring journey in municipal government and her commitment to servant leadership. Tia shares her experiences working within local government and how she’s contributed to the growth and development of Nash County through her work in strategic planning. A key focus of our conversation is Tia’s r...

In this episode, we sit down with Chris Dwight , a partner at Poyner Spruill , a prominent corporate law firm with deep roots in North Carolina, including a strong presence in Rocky Mount. Chris shares insights into the rich history of Poyner Spruill, their diverse practice areas, and his personal journey into the field of law. We delve into how he discovered his passion for legal practice and wha...

In this episode, we sit down with  Harris Walker , a Rocky Mount native whose impressive career journey spans from the U.S. Department of Energy to the forefront of innovation in the private sector. Now working for Focused Energy, a groundbreaking cold fusion startup, Harris shares insights into the evolving energy landscape and the exciting developments happening in fusion technology. We also dis...

In this episode, we sit down with  Neill Nelson , co-owner of  Davenport Autopark , to explore the rich history of this fourth-generation family business. Neill shares the story of how Davenport Autopark has evolved over the decades, navigating changes in the automotive industry and representing a variety of auto brands along the way. We also discuss the company's deep commitment to the commun...

In this episode, we are joined by Kathleen Fleming, Director of the  UNC Health Nash Foundation , and Kirby Slade, Community Development Director, to discuss the vital work being done to improve healthcare and community well-being in the Twin Counties. Kathleen and Kirby share insights on the hospital’s progress in the region and how the new tower has elevated the level of care for patients. They...

In this episode, we sit down with  Heidi Kirk , the Eastern North Carolina reporter for  WRAL , who has become a trusted voice for news in our region. Heidi shares her personal upbringing and career journey, detailing how she became a live reporter and what drew her to storytelling in Eastern North Carolina. From breaking news to human interest stories, she reflects on some of her favorite pieces...

In this episode, we sit down with  Andrew Stocks  of  Stocks Engineering , a full-service civil consulting firm based in Nashville, North Carolina. Stocks Engineering was founded by Andrew’s father, Mike Stocks, in 1999 and has since grown into a leading firm providing engineering services for residential, office, and commercial development projects across North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virgi...

In this episode, we sit down with Anthony Cunningham and Joanne Saget, the husband-and-wife team behind Kafe Louverture, a standout eatery in downtown Rocky Mount. Specializing in authentic Haitian patties, Kafe Louverture also serves healthy juices, soups, and their famous Haitian rum cake. Originally from New York, the couple relocated to Rocky Mount during the COVID-19 pandemic, recognizing the...

In this episode, we sit down with  Bob Pike , CEO of the Carolinas Gateway Partnership, to discuss economic development and why the Twin Counties are poised for significant growth. Bob shares insights into the area’s ability to attract businesses in advanced manufacturing, logistics, and food processing, bolstered by assets like the Carolina Connector Intermodal Terminal and the Kingsboro Business...

In this episode, we sit down with  Ursula Forrester , an account executive at Lewis Advertising and co-founder of the  Mill Chill , a 4-mile race that supports the National MS Society. Ursula shares the deeply personal connection behind the event—her own journey with Multiple Sclerosis—and how she and her husband turned their passion for running into a powerful community fundraiser. The Rocky Moun...

In this episode, we sit down with  Adam Hodges , President of  Crown LSP Group , a global transport and third-party logistics company based in the Twin Counties. Adam shares the rich history of his family business, detailing how it has grown and evolved over the years to become a trusted name in the logistics industry. From its roots to its present-day operations, Adam sheds light on the core valu...

In this episode, we sit down with Executive Chef Michael Williams and General Manager James Michael Olivieri, the talented duo leading Rocky Mount’s newest dining destination, Lilyann’s Steakhouse, set to open in early December at the Gateway Centre. They share their unique career journeys and the inspiration behind Lilyann’s, from the upscale steakhouse theme to their commitment to bringing a top...

In this episode, we sit down with Sarah Hicks, founder of  Bin & Barrel  in Rocky Mount. Sarah shares her deep passion and expertise in the wine industry, tracing her journey from the vineyards of California to becoming an entrepreneur in North Carolina. She talks about what inspired her to launch Bin & Barrel and the experience she aims to create for wine enthusiasts and newcomers alike....