TC Spotlight

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....

In this episode, we sit down with Mark Edwards and Dr. Cassandra Conover, the Republican and Democratic Party Chairs for Nash County. We dive into their personal journeys into politics, how they both found a shared passion for the legal profession, and their dedication to representing Nash County. We also discuss why the Twin Counties and Rocky Mount have captured national attention as a critical...

In this episode, we sit down with  Jet Hatu , owner of  Elite Overhead Garage Doors  and a real estate agent, to talk about her journey as a business owner and her community philanthropic efforts. Jet shares how she and her husband, AJ, built their business from the ground up, providing top-quality garage door services across the region. We also explore Jet’s passion for giving back through her co...

In this episode, we sit down with  Chef Malik Williams , a key team member at Lou Reda’s, an upscale American eatery in Rocky Mount, and a private consultant and hospitality professional. Chef Malik shares his journey in the culinary world, his role at Lou Reda’s, and how the restaurant has become a local favorite for high-quality dining. We also dive into his work as a private consultant and cate...

In this episode, TC Media introduces an exciting new venture—the launch of our Tar River Arts + Culture magazine! We sit down with  Justin Sykes , founder of  Nash County Nosh , who is collaborating with TC Media to bring this publication to life. Set to release on October 24th, the magazine will showcase local artists, music, recreation, and the vibrant culinary scene in the Twin Counties. Justin...

In this episode, TC Media sits down with  David Joyner , General Manager of the Rocky Mount Event Center. David shares exciting updates, including the launch of their new  Date Night Series  and the highly anticipated upcoming  BBQ Festival . We also discuss the impressive growth of the event center’s onsite and offsite catering business and the significant economic impact the center is having on...

In this episode, TC Media sits down with Ashleigh Fleming, the newly appointed Community Culinary Director for  Ripe for Revival . Ashleigh shares her fascinating journey through the culinary world, from honing her skills as a chef to her time at  Blue Jay Bistro , where she made a significant impact with her culinary expertise. We dive into her new role at Ripe for Revival, discussing her vision...

In this episode, TC Media sits down with  Brett Hill , Founder and CEO of  1st Class Real Estate Triangle East , based in Rocky Mount. Brett shares his expert insights into the residential real estate market, reflecting on the trends over the past few months and where he believes the market is heading in the near future. We also dive into the implications of the recent Supreme Court case involving...

This week on the podcast, TC Media sits down with  Benjamin Briggs , CEO of  Preservation NC , for an insightful conversation about historic preservation across North Carolina. We begin by getting to know Benjamin personally, discussing his background, where he's from, and the journey that led him to lead one of the state’s most impactful organizations dedicated to preserving our architectural...

This week, TC Media is excited to feature  Matt Traub , a second-generation McDonald’s franchise operator, in our latest podcast episode. Matt shares his journey of continuing his family's legacy in the McDonald’s brand, now operating seven local franchises after recently buying out his father, who started working for McDonald’s over 50 years ago. In this episode, Matt reflects on the enduring...

This week on the podcast, TC Media is excited to feature the executive team behind  Building Shalom : Lemanuel Williams, Morgan Mull, and Jerry Edmonds. Building Shalom is making a significant impact by transforming blighted neighborhoods into vibrant, thriving communities. We start by diving into each team member’s personal journey and the inspiring story of how Building Shalom was founded. We al...