In this episode, I sit down with Kristin Dillard, she is the dealer principal at Team Automotive Group. During our conversation, Kristin shares the story of her career in the automotive industry which began at a young age. We discuss topics such as the current state of workforce development in the automotive industry, the importance of building a community culture at Team Automotive, and how Team Automotive works hard at building trust and developing relationships with its employees, vendors, and customers.  Not an easy task in the long-stigmatized retail automotive industry.  Under ..read more

In this episode, I sit down with the founders of Precision Office Solutions, Haris Delic and Chris Gonzalez.  Haris and Chris share the story of how they risked everything to launch their company during the pandemic, and how they’ve since grown that company to over 100 employees in 3 markets - with more markets on the way. Precision Office Solutions Shoutouts to these local businesses: H & H Distribution ServicesCrown Town CompostQueen City GroundsChicago Motor CarsLost & Found CharlotteBroken Promises South End Books recommended: The Art of War  by Sun Tzu The Laws of Human ..read more

In this episode, I sit down with Samantha Ward, the owner and Executive Pastry Chef at Wentworth & Fenn. Wentworth & Fenn is an all-scratch bakery specializing in custom cakes, pastries, and artisan bread. I joined Samantha at her Camp North End location and asked her to share the story behind her beautiful bakery. Sam takes us through her career in baking, which included some time at The Fig Tree Restaurant, one of Charlotte’s premier fine dining establishments. Sam also shares details about Wentworth & Fenn’s humble beginning, the story about opening her space at Camp North End ..read more

In this episode, I sit down with Kristy Kuhl - she’s the co-owner of Ladies Lifestyle Network - a social organization that brings together women in business for nights out and networking. The Ladies Lifestyle Network is empowerment, entrepreneurial spirit, and entertainment all rolled into one. Kristy shares her own career journey and how she was inspired to ditch the corporate lifestyle for a custom-designed entrepreneurial life on her own terms.  The Ladies Lifestyle Network is expanding all over the U.S., and Kristy shares some of the upcoming markets with us toward the end of the epis ..read more

In this episode, Jeff sits down with Taylor Calamese - she’s the founder of Charlotte FIT. Charlotte FIT is a local fitness company with locations in North Charlotte and South Charlotte. Charlotte FIT is a fitness company catering to the individual who desires a customized workout routine, an intimate environment, and community support to help them reach their health goals. Taylor shares the story of her personal fitness journey which began at a young age, and the inspiration for launching her own fitness company. During our conversation, I ask Taylor about what sets Charlotte Fit apart fro ..read more

In this episode, I’m going to be talking with Lauren Deese - the executive director of Charlotte Wine and Food week presented by Truist. Lauren shares the story of this annual event that brings together fine wine and dining experiences to benefit some very deserving local charities. Charlotte Wine & Food Week 2023 beneficiaries: The Learning Collaborative Augustine Literacy Project - Charlotte GenOne CLT A Child’s Place - a program of Thompson Child and Family Focus Follow the podcast on Instagram: @the_best_of_charlotte Support the show ..read more

I’m honored to be joined in this episode by Keva Walton, the Chief Executive Officer of the Mecklenburg County Alcoholic Beverage Control Board. Mr. Walton brings decades of leadership experience to the Mecklenburg ABC Board, including leadership roles with organizations like the City of Charlotte, the YMCA of Greater Charlotte, Goodwill Industries, the Charlotte Chamber of Commerce, and the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance organization. He holds a bachelor's degree in Urban and Regional Planning from East Carolina University, and a Master's in Public Administration from the University o ..read more

I’m honored to be joined in this episode by Brittney Bogues, the founder of Bogues Group, a Charlotte-based consulting agency specializing in PR and strategic communications, marketing, branding, and event planning for businesses and companies of all sizes, as well as nonprofits. Brittney shares with us the story of her entrepreneurial journey, and how some early challenges in her career gave her the experience needed to build a highly successful agency. We talk a bit about content marketing - a subject that I adore - and the importance of wrapping a business’s strategy around serving an ideal ..read more

I’m really honored to be joined by Cristina Rojas-Agurcia in this episode. Cristina is known as The Batchmaker and she’s the owner of one of the most adored small businesses in the Queen City.  I met with Cristina at the Batch House, the home of her bakery on the West Side of Charlotte in Station West. We talked about her journey in baking and the story behind building her first brick-and-mortar bakery.  Cristina shares the euphoric ups and the gutwrenching lows of her entrepreneurial journey, and her “why” for doing what she does. The Batchmaker | 901 Berryhill Rd, Charlotte, NC 28 ..read more

Welcome to the 2023 season of The Best of Charlotte Podcast!  I’m thrilled to be joined in this episode by Michelle Jones, the founder, and principal at Michelle Jones Creative.  Michelle Jones Creative is a Charlotte, NC web design studio specializing in smart & stylish website design tailor-made for businesses just like yours. M|J Creative partners with clients to develop an extremely effective strategy and design for their most valuable digital marketing asset - their website. Listen in as Michelle shares the story of her entrepreneurial journey and shares some website advice ..read more