The Good Guide to Business

For those who know and love someone with autism or an intellectual disability, you may be familiar with SOS Care. Their mission is to empower those with autism and intellectual disabilities to thrive on their own. Through their range of programs, SOS Care works to support people of all ages on their journey towards independence. Adam Law, Chief Officer of SOS Care Employment and Oak Tree Farm, is...

If you are familiar with The Good Guide to Business, you are probably familiar with this episode's guest. A proud partner of BBB, Activate Good has served our community in more ways than one. Individuals and businesses alike can and have used Activate Good as a resource to lend a hand wherever it is needed most. In this episode, we sit down with Rose Thompson of Activate Good to explore how her te...

Education is ongoing in today’s evolving job landscape, and ProTrain aims to help prepare professionals for their next steps. This is part two of our two part deep dive into ProTrain, a proud partner of Better Business Bureau, Eastern Carolinas. Join us as we learn more about what ProTrain has to offer from their COO and Provost, Mike Schroder. The Good Guide to Business focuses on featuring conve...

Knowledge is power feels like a simple phrase until given personal meaning. Today’s guest has felt the power a proper education can provide. Join us for part one of our two part deep dive into ProTrain, a proud partner of Better Business Bureau, Eastern Carolinas. From humble beginnings to running a large business, Betty Gardner, CEO and President of ProTrain, has used her education to empower and...

Every 20 minutes, a child is diagnosed with a critical illness—a reality that reshapes lives across the globe. At the heart of the response is Make-A-Wish, an organization dedicated to delivering hope through life-changing experiences. Granting these wishes requires a powerful blend of community support, strategic leadership, and local partnerships. In this episode, we sit down with Mary Elizabeth...

This year has been filled with meaningful conversations and fresh perspectives, including the introduction of a new host. From a nonprofit connecting businesses with important causes to a small business helping clothe women in need, we’ve shared stories of leaders and organizations making a real impact in our community. In this episode, we’re reflecting on the conversations and moments that have s...

Eastern North Carolina is on the rise. The region has been experiencing remarkable growth, from new businesses and expanding industries to partnerships with schools and community organizations. At the center of much of this momentum is the Greenville Eastern North Carolina Alliance, helping to attract opportunities and support the local economy. In today’s episode, we’re sitting down with Josh Lew...

From the Triangle to the coast, this part of the Carolinas is home to countless organizations dedicated to strengthening our local communities. In this episode, we’re going to take time to highlight some of BBB's own educational initiatives and share how we’ve embedded ourselves in the community to help make it a better place. By working alongside businesses, nonprofits, and local leaders, BBB...

Exciting changes on the Good Guide to Business podcast! In this episode, we say goodbye to Meredith as she heads off on a new adventure in Japan, and welcome Saige as the newest member of the BBB team and cohost of the show. Tune in to get to know Saige and hear Meredith reflect on some of her favorite podcast moments in this fun, lighthearted episode. The Good Guide to Business focuses on featuri...

What if fashion could do more than make a statement— what if it could spark confidence, community, and change? In this episode, we talk with Shont’e Mason, owner of Vivrant Things and winner of the 2025 BBB Spark Award. Shont’e shares how her boutique has become a hub for empowerment, self-expression, and purpose-driven work. From launching a nonprofit that provides clothing to women in need to ho...

One year after our first conversation with communication coach Mark Burlinson, we're back to explore how effective communication can shape every facet of an organization—from leadership and team dynamics to customer relations and community engagement. For non-profits and mission-driven businesses, communication is more than messaging—it's a strategic tool that fuels collaboration, strength...

In this episode, we’re rolling out the blue carpet! Join us as we spotlight the 2025 BBB Scholarship winners— outstanding students recognized for their commitment to ethics and leadership. Then, take a front-row listen to our Blue Carpet Interviews from the 2025 BBB Awards Ceremony at Marbles IMAX. Hear directly from award winners, finalists, and community supporters as they share what trust, reco...

The annual BBB Awards Ceremonies are coming up next month! To hear more about that, we’ve brought one of BBB’s own. Along with being a producer on the show, Alyssa Parker is in charge of coordinating all of BBB’s large-scale events, like our upcoming Awards. The Good Guide to Business presented by Capital Vacations focuses on featuring conversations with local businesses, organizations and leaders...

North Carolina has long been a hub for film and television production, with major studios and independent filmmakers alike choosing the state as their backdrop. But what goes into attracting these productions, and what impact do they have on local businesses? How do communities benefit when a film crew rolls into town? To break it all down, we’re joined by Guy Gaster, Director of the North Carolin...

Imagine waking up to find your business locked out of its own systems, held hostage by a hacker demanding a ransom. Or realizing too late that a seemingly harmless email was actually a phishing scam. Cyber threats aren’t just an IT issue— they’re a business challenge, and they happen every day. In this episode, we speak with Marty Parker and Letia James with Heritage Digital, a South Carolina-base...

Trust and community are the foundation of great businesses. In this episode, we sit down with Elaine Buxton, president of Confero, to explore how mystery shopping helps businesses improve the customer experience. By providing real-world insights, mystery shopping helps companies identify service gaps, ensure consistency, and enhance customer satisfaction. We’ll also discuss how businesses can use...

Entrepreneurship is the driving force behind the hospitality industry, fueling innovation and crafting unique experiences that captivate travelers. It also plays a vital role in economic growth, job creation, and helping businesses remain competitive in an ever-evolving market. In this episode, we visit Heights House Hotel in Raleigh, North Carolina— a historic mansion thoughtfully restored into a...

What does it take to unite a community for the greater good? In this episode, we’re diving into the new year with some of our favorite changemakers: Activate Good. From empowering volunteers to supporting nonprofits across the Triangle, Activate Good has been a driving force for good in our region. Today, we’ll hear about what’s new for 2025, their plans to amplify their impact, and how they’re ra...

This year has been packed with insights, inspiration, and meaningful conversations. From local nonprofits dedicated to providing clothing for children to student entrepreneurs developing AI models, we’ve highlighted stories of businesses and leaders making a real impact. In today’s episode, we’re looking back at some of our favorite moments, lessons, and key takeaways from the year. Whether you’ve...

We’re all familiar with seeing influencers online, showing us new and trending products, showing off the coolest local spots and spreading the word about businesses they love. But, not everyone is familiar with how, as a business, you can build relationships with influencers and find the right one to help promote your brand. In this episode, we’re talking with Jensen Savannah, a local influencer b...

In a world where countless children face daily challenges beyond their control, something as simple as having clean, well-fitting clothes can be life-changing. Here in the Triangle, one nonprofit is transforming lives by meeting this fundamental need, empowering underserved youth with dignity and confidence. In this episode, we hear from Nancy Bono and Kristina Isaac from Note in the Pocket about...

What if building your dream home could be a straightforward and enjoyable process? Our guest today has turned that vision into reality. As a BBB Spark Awards Winner, they focus on creating a seamless experience for homeowners from design through to completion. With a commitment to clear communication and meticulous planning, they’re all about ensuring that the journey is just as satisfying as the...

Running a small business can be a rewarding journey, but it comes with its fair share of challenges. From managing day-to-day operations to navigating growth and market changes, business owners often wear many hats. This is where consultants come in— offering expert advice, fresh perspectives, and targeted strategies to help businesses thrive. Whether it's improving efficiency, solving complex pro...

In an industry where projects can be complex and stressful, prioritizing the client’s needs and keeping them informed every step of the way can make all the difference. At the same time, embracing sustainable building methods isn’t just a trend—it’s a responsibility. In an era where sustainability and client satisfaction can make or break a project, forward-thinking companies are leading the way b...

Earlier this year, a long time reporter headed into retirement, after a 17-year career in Raleigh with CBS17. During his career, he’s taken on countless scammers and brought consumer issues into the light, building a reputation as a reporter who cares deeply for his community. Though he's officially retired from TV news, he didn’t spend long taking time off, as he’s now continuing his reportin...