North Carolina Business Minds

North Carolina is facing a critical housing shortage with an estimated 800,000 units needed statewide. As major employers like Toyota, Boom Supersonic and JetZero bring tens of thousands of jobs to the state, the question becomes urgent: Where will workers live? Jon Hardister, president of the Triad Real Estate and Building Industry Coalition and former six-term state legislator, joins host Lloyd...

amie Ledford, president of Golf Pride, shares insights into the evolution of the brand, his career journey from a small town to leading a global golf company, and the importance of innovation and corporate culture. He discusses the challenges faced by the golf industry, including geopolitical issues and the impact of the pandemic on demand. Ledford emphasizes the significance of personal connectio...

In this conversation, PSA Airlines CEO Dion Flannery tells Erik Spanberg about the company’s headquarters relocation to Charlotte — a move consummated during a challenging time for the airline and the industry. Flannery and his colleagues endured a fatal crash in January 2025 and, later, a government shutdown that rattled air travel across the country. Despite those headwinds, Flannery explains wh...

As universities face enrollment challenges and questions about the value of a college degree, Wente discusses Wake Forest's position and strategies needed for today's higher ed challenges.

Seven years into leading the N.C. Museum of Art, Valerie Hillings is looking to broaden the Raleigh museum's reach. Here, she speaks with Dane Huffman of the Triangle Business Journal for the next edition of North Carolina Business Minds

North Carolina’s office market is in a new phase, one defined by strong absorption, renewed corporate expansion and rapid leasing in Charlotte’s top towers. CoStar’s Chuck McShane joins NC Business Minds to explain why 2025 became the turning point, how renovated buildings are gaining traction and what’s ahead.

From a merger to a groundbreaking dyslexia academy to a complex 130,000-square-foot wellness facility, Elon's president reveals timelines and strategies behind the university's major expansion projects in the Triad and Charlotte.

The Triangle Business Journal’s Dane Huffman sits down with North Carolina Commissioner of Labor, Luke Farley. In this episode, Commissioner Farley shares the story behind his photo in every elevator, discusses the state’s booming growth, and explains how the Department of Labor balances safety, economic development, and worker protection. From elevator inspections and amusement ride safety to wag...

Shelly Cayette-Weston, the Charlotte Hornets’ president of business operations, started her marketing career with Caesars Entertainment and then shifted to pro basketball. Now with her third NBA team, Cayette-Weston is leading a revamped front office that is presiding over major arena renovations and a $150 million training center now under construction. She speaks to Erik Spanberg about those and...

From hockey to baseball to women's basketball, learn how Zawyer Sports is bringing new pro teams to cities across North Carolina and attracting high-profile investors along the way.

In this conversation, Chancellor Karrie G. Dixon discusses her journey into higher education and her current role at North Carolina Central University. She highlights the challenges and successes in enrollment growth, financial stability, and the introduction of innovative academic programs. Chancellor Dixon emphasizes the importance of community partnerships and strategic planning for the future...

Host Erik Spanberg interviews historian Tom Hanchett about Charlotte’s efforts to address spiraling affordable housing needs and how those efforts offer lessons across the state and nation. Hanchett explains the myths and realities of 80 years of evolving housing policies.

NASCAR legend Richard Childress shares his journey from a $20 race car to an empire spanning racing, manufacturing, vineyards, and bull riding. Could bourbon be the next frontier?

Lauren Ohnesorge sits down with Kendal Bowman, North Carolina President for Duke Energy, to explore her journey from law school to leading in the energy sector. They discuss North Carolina's booming data center industry, the transformative role of AI at Duke Energy, and the future of clean energy in the state.

In this conversation, Chris Skibinski shares his extensive experience in the industrial real estate sector, discussing the evolution of the Charlotte market, the impact of major players like Amazon and Macy's, and the trends shaping the future of distribution and logistics. He highlights the importance of infrastructure, population growth, and investor perspectives in driving the industrial market...

In this episode of NC Business Minds, Bobby Long, co-chairman of the Piedmont Triad Charitable Foundation and a key figure in the Wyndham Championship, discusses the intersection of golf, business and leadership, reflecting on the late Jim Melvin and JetZero’s Co-Founder and CEO Tom O’Leary as examples. Long also remembers the influence and advocacy of the late Jimmy Buffett, whose role in Margari...

What does it take to walk away from a stable career and build a bank from scratch—especially when the odds (and the regulators) are stacked against you? In this episode, Lauren Ohnesorge sits down with Larry Barbour, CEO of North State Bank, for a candid conversation about risk, resilience, and the power of relationships in business. From the eureka moments that shaped his career to weathering the...

Sharon Gaber’s vision for UNC Charlotte includes more growth uptown, in A.I. — and beyond. Brought to you by Elon University .

New Toyota Battery president, Don Stewart, talks factory growth, hiring, military background. Brought to you by Elon University .

North Carolina Chief Information Officer, Teena Piccione, joins to talk about how she is changing digital use and what she expects in the coming years.  Brought to you by Elon University .

Steady as he goes: How Jim Phillips and the ACC have navigated the roiling waters of college sports. Brought to you by Elon University .

UnitedHealthcare’s Bachmann defends Medicaid funding, reflects on killing of CEO, leads as UNCG trustee.  Brought to you by Elon University .

Richard Boyd pivoted from law school to a life in tech. Now, he's one of the leading voices on the coming impact of artificial intelligence. Brought to you by Elon University .

Exciting insights from our recent conversation with Peter Pappas on the transformative landscape of real estate development. Discover how strategic investments and long-term visions are shaping better communities. Tune into Peter’s insights, including the innovative Pappas Real Estate Development Program at NC State, aimed at nurturing future leaders in the field.  Brought to you by Elon Universit...

CEO Scott Baxter talks tariffs, acquisition, innovation and Triad’s sweet spot as Triangle, Charlotte get pricey. Brought to you by Elon University .