Greater Fayetteville Business Journal - August 15, 2025 issue
JUNE UNEMPLOYMENT
Source: N.C. Department of Commerce
2504 Raeford Rd, Fayetteville, NC 28303
910-240-9697 bizfayetteville.com
PUBLISHER
Marty Cayton martyc@bizfayetteville.com
ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER/EDITOR
Faith Hatton faithh@bizfayetteville.com
ASSISTANT EDITOR
Stephanie Meador stephaniem@bizfayetteville.com
SPECIAL PROJECT/EVENT MANAGER
Ellie Rhoades events@bizfayetteville.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Stacie Borrello
Kate Griffin
Thomas Manning
Brian Miner
Rachel Townsend
Eddie Velazquez
CONTRIBUTING DESIGNER
Samantha Lowe samanthal@bizfayetteville.com
ACCOUNTING billing@bizfayetteville
SALES & MARKETING marketing@bizfayetteville.com
The Greater Fayetteville Business Journal is published twice a month throughout Fayetteville and the Cumberland County region. News related to the region’s business sector is posted daily at bizfayetteville.com.
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Young professionals are the focus in this issue—and we are a better community because of them. However, we must work harder to know that our region’s strength comes from five generations working side by side. From shop floors in Hope Mills to coffee shops in Spring Lake, classrooms at FSU, Methodist and FTCC to the entrepreneurship streets of downtown Fayetteville, our economy thrives when experience and fresh perspective meet.
A quick look at the mix helps set the stage for the point I'm trying to make. As of mid-2024, millennials are the largest slice of the U.S. labor force (about 36%), followed by Generation X (around 31%). Gen Z is rising fast at roughly 18% and, for the first time, surpassed baby boomers (about 15%) last year. The Silent Generation has nearly fully retired (about 1%).* These percentages shift slowly year to year, but the direction is clear: more Gen Z joining, more boomers passing the torch and Gen X and millennials carrying the managerial middle.
These generational labels can be useful, but they don’t explain everything. Pew Research Center states that we should “compare people at similar life stages and not over-generalize from stereotypes.” Age cohorts matter; exaggerations don’t. What matters inside our organizations is how people actually work together.
I’m a 58-year-old Gen Xer, raised by parents from the Silent Generation. They taught me that steady work, humility and a sense of duty are not old-fashioned—they’re foundational. Gen X learned to be scrappy and pragmatic. Millennials pushed collaboration, transparency and mission. Gen Z arrives with native digital fluency and a bias for speed. Boomers bring institutional knowledge and client relationships you can’t download. The melting pot of these strengths is where teams win.
Young professionals often communicate they want two things at once: to grow quickly and to do work that matters. Global data backs that
*(2024 stats from Department of Labor)
up. In Deloitte’s 2025 survey, large majorities of Gen Z and millennials said soft skills—communication, leadership, empathy, networking— are essential, and they’re hungry for mentorship and on-the-job learning. In fact, 86% of Gen Z and 84% of millennials emphasized mentorship, and close to nine in 10 in both groups value practical, on-the-job development. That’s not a rebellion against the past; it’s a request to be taught—and to contribute.
So how do we make our multigenerational mix a competitive advantage for the Fayetteville area?
Make mentoring two-way. Pair a boomer or Gen X account lead with a Gen Z analyst and a millennial project manager. Trade relationship wisdom for digital shortcuts and fresh research habits.
Standardize the “why.” Different generations tolerate different processes, but everyone aligns faster when the purpose is clear and tied to customer impact.
Be flexible with the communication style, but keep the performance bar high. It’s fine if one teammate prefers email and another prefers chat—set response-times that keep projects moving and hold everyone to them.
Put learning on the clock. Protect one hour a week for cross-training, job shadowing or a quick skill teach-back led by a rotating team member.
Honor the hand-off. When a seasoned member of the team retires, capture playbooks, contacts and lessons learned. Celebrate it as progress, not loss.
Our local economy—anchored by defense, healthcare, education, logistics and a growing small-business scene—needs every generation at full strength. That means respecting the people who built the institutions we now steward, while opening real lanes for younger professionals to lead earlier. It also means refusing the false choices between “the way we’ve always done it” and “let's move fast and break things.” We need both: wisdom and speed.
Bridging the gap starts with the right attitude. Let’s assume good things across all ages. Let’s hire for potential, promote for impact and measure what matters: results, not birth years. If we do, we’ll keep more of our best young professionals here, attract talent from outside and protect the heritage and continuity that make this community special. My parents’ generation taught me to leave things better than I found them. That’s my hope for this moment: that our youngest professionals find room to stretch, our most seasoned colleagues feel recognized and essential and the rest of us in the middle keep building sturdy bridges between them. If we get that right, Fayetteville won’t just have a pipeline of talent—we’ll be able to shift into a higher gear for the race ahead!
God bless you and yours!
PHOTO FROM PEXELS/KAMPUS PRODUCTION
Expanding excellence
FAYETTEVILLE OTOLARYNGOLOGY JOINS PINEHURST SURGICAL CLINIC AND FIRSTHEALTH OF THE CAROLINAS
FirstHealth of the Carolinas and Pinehurst Surgical Clinic (PSC) are thrilled to announce that Fayetteville Otolaryngology, Facial Plastics & Reconstructive Surgery, a premier ear, nose and throat (ENT) and facial plastics practice in Fayetteville, N.C., has officially joined the FirstHealth and Pinehurst Surgical Clinic family.
This partnership enhances access to high-quality ENT and facial plastic surgery services for residents of Cumberland County and beyond, bringing together a team of seasoned experts dedicated to exceptional patient care. The Fayetteville Otolaryngology clinic will remain at its current location at 1839 Quiet Cove in Fayetteville.
Shan Tang, M.D., who joined Fayetteville Otolaryngology in 2015 and currently serves as president of the practice, said this partnership strengthens the team’s commitment to delivering specialized surgical and clinical care to the Fayetteville community.
“We are proud to integrate with FirstHealth and Pinehurst Surgical Clinic, bringing their legacy of excellence into our practice, and we look forward to continuing our tradition of providing outstanding patient care,” shared Dr. Tang in a press release.
Steven Pantelakos, M.D., and William Wiggs, M.D., who have both been with Fayetteville Otolaryngology for three decades, emphasized the benefits this partnership will bring to patients.
“This collaboration enhances our ability to offer comprehensive ENT care with the support of a respected regional health system,” said Dr. Wiggs in a press release.
“We’re expanding access to high-quality, coordinated care while maintaining the personalized approach our patients know and trust,” added Dr. Pantelakos.
Fayetteville Otolaryngology has been a trusted provider of ENT and cosmetic services in the Sandhills region since the 1970s. The practice is staffed by board certified otolaryngologists, doctorate-level (Au.D.) audiologists, a physician assistant and a medical aesthetician. ENT services include medical and surgical treat-
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ment of the ear, nose, throat, sinuses and neck, including advanced allergy testing and immunotherapy. On-site sinus CT scanning allows for immediate diagnosis and treatment planning as well as seamless transition to image-guided in-office procedures such as balloon sinuplasty. Expert audiologists offer comprehensive
hearing evaluations and state-of-theart hearing aids to enhance patients’ quality of life. Cosmetic services are provided by Deidra Blanks, M.D., a double board certified otolaryngologist and facial plastic reconstructive surgeon who offers a wide scope of treatments to restore natural beauty ranging from Botox, fillers and laser skin resurfacing to skilled surgery including facelift and rhinoplasty.
patients. We are honored to have such a talented group join us in our commitment to improving lives through exceptional care.”
Their team of experienced specialists brings a wealth of expertise in ENT and facial plastic surgery, aligning perfectly with our mission to provide highquality, patientcentered care to the communities we serve.”
— Dan Barnes, D.O., President, FirstHealth Physician Group “
“We are incredibly excited to welcome Fayetteville Otolaryngology to FirstHealth,” said Dan Barnes, D.O., president of FirstHealth Physician Group in a press release. “Their team of experienced specialists brings a wealth of expertise in ENT and facial plastic surgery, aligning perfectly with our mission to provide high-quality, patient-centered care to the communities we serve.”
Wyman McGuirt, M.D., section chief of otolaryngology at Pinehurst Surgical Clinic, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration in a press release stating: “The addition of Fayetteville Otolaryngology to our team enhances our ability to provide comprehensive ENT and facial plastic surgery services across the region. Their board certified specialists and advanced treatment options, from sinus care to cutting-edge cosmetic procedures, will greatly benefit our
The integration of Fayetteville Otolaryngology into the FirstHealth and Pinehurst Surgical Clinic’s network will expand access to specialized services offered in Fayetteville. FirstHealth’s multispecialty clinic located at 3716 Morganton Road in Fayetteville offers convenient care, occupational health, interventional pain medicine, vascular care, orthopedics and neurology. FirstHealth also offers primary care and gynecology in the Fayetteville area.
Current Fayetteville Otolaryngology patients will receive additional communications from the clinic with more detail about this exciting new development. Patients should continue to attend their regular appointments and call the clinic if they have any questions at 910-323-1463.
To learn more about Pinehurst Surgical Clinic, visit www.pinehurstsurgical.com.
PHOTO PROVIDED BY FIRSTHEALTH OF THE CAROLINAS
to
Dr. Shan Tang, Dr. William Wiggs, Dr. Deidra Blanks and Dr. Steven Pantelakos have officially joined the FirstHealth and Pinehurst Surgical Clinic family.
YOUR PATH TO A NEW LIFESTYLE STARTS WITH A GREAT LOCATION
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PROFILE
>> By Eddie Velazquez
From IMPACT, page 1
he can also guide them moving to succession planning, mergers or acquisitions and sales.
Puryear’s skillset includes contract drafting, litigation, mediation, member and shareholder agreements, corporations, corporate dissolutions, partnerships and other areas of business litigation. In the estate planning realm, Puryear works with clients on wills, powers of attorney matters, trusts, business succession plans and real estate planning deeds.
Puryear left Fayetteville to pursue his undergraduate degree in finance and marketing at the University of South Carolina where he graduated in 2012.
Initially, Puryear said he wasn’t sure what he wanted to do professionally. He knew he wanted to be in the world of business and finance, but was dissatisfied with the prospect of working as an investment banker.
“I just didn’t really think that was going to be right for me,” he noted. “And I took a couple pre-law classes, I took some criminal justice classes as an elective, and took my business law class as part of my undergrad work, and really enjoyed all of it.”
Although his goal wasn’t initially to become an attorney, he shared that the coursework directed him in the right direction.
“I just kind of fell into it and enjoyed it since then,” he added.
Puryear went on to earn his law degree from Campbell University’s Norman Adrian Wiggins School of Law in 2015 and was admitted into the North Carolina State Bar Association that same year. His interest in the world of business and finance ended up becoming an asset as he started forging his law career.
“I just had the opportunity to start doing more of the transactional work and I really enjoyed doing it,” he said. “So I started building those practice areas back up here, and now that’s all I do. I certainly think my background and my business degrees from school have kind of pushed me into that direction.”
Puryear’s areas of practice both get him in touch with his hometown in different, yet extremely meaningful ways, he said.
His business law clients and his work in that space can sometimes intersect with the economic development of Fayetteville.
“It means a lot to me,” Puryear said. “I grew up here. I’ve seen Fayetteville, what it was 35 years ago. We’ve certainly grown a lot. I’m ecstatic to watch it grow, and how we
“It means a lot to me,” Puryear said. “I grew up here. I’ve seen Fayetteville, what it was 35 years ago. We’ve certainly grown a lot. I’m ecstatic to watch it grow, and how we tried to grow the business center of the area, and how we’re growing and coming up as a relevant and a big player.”
ATTORNEY DAVIS PURYEAR
tried to grow the business center of the area, and how we’re growing and coming up as a relevant and a big player.”
Sometimes that growth means Puryear is representing a startup, or a small business seeking to scale up or, according to Puryear, when a business owner would like to sell their business to a new employee or their child.
“I always get excited when somebody comes into my office and says: ‘Hey, I want to open this new business.’ I'm honored to be able to do my part in growing Fayetteville,” Puryear said.
In other instances, Puryear’s job is even more personalized, particularly in the area of estate planning. Puryear said he enjoys how much of a change of pace that type of work brings to his workload.
“So much of the law is adversarial. If your client is winning that means somebody else is losing. Estate planning is different. It’s an area in which I’m able to just help someone,” Puryear noted. “I can go and talk to them, talk about what their goals are, and then hopefully we put an estate plan together that not only helps them, helps their dependents, beneficiaries, children or family and puts them at ease.”
Building trust with clients during estate planning services is also facilitated by the personal nature of the job, he added.
“It’s also a time where people trust me to talk about some very personal and vulnerable things,” Puryear said. “I meet with folks with small kids, growing kids, whose intention is to take care of family members that need some help. I also meet with folks frequently at the end of life. I’m able to help them and make their time with their family easier.”
Puryear’s work has earned him some distinctions throughout the years. For instance, he was named on the “Rising Stars” list from 20222025 by SuperLawyers.com. He was also included in the “Ones to Watch” category of the best lawyers list compiled by bestlawyers.com from 2021-2025.
Much like his hometown, Puryear wants his job to continue evolving locally.
“My family and I are invested here in Fayetteville. We want to make it a better place, not only for me, my kids, but for everybody around us.”
PHOTOS PROVIDED BY HUTCHENS LAW FIRM.
Puryear serves as a partner with Hutchens Law Firm at their main office in Fayetteville located at 4317 Ramsey St.
ACHIEVERS
Timothy B. Brooks appointed to Lumbee Guaranty Bank Board of Directors
Lumbee Guaranty Bank is pleased to announce the appointment of TIMOTHY B. BROOKS to its board of directors. The decision was unanimously approved by the board at its most recent meeting.
Mr. Brooks brings more than two decades of executive leadership experience to the board. He currently serves as president and CEO of HealthKeeperz, Inc., a communitybased healthcare provider dedicated to serving individuals and families across North Carolina. A long-time customer, shareholder and supporter of Lumbee Guaranty Bank, Mr. Brooks offers deep business insight and an authentic connection to the communities the bank serves.
“Tim Brooks is a values-driven leader with a proven track record of service to both business and community,” said Lumbee Guaranty Bank Board Chair Sybil Bullard in a press release. “We are honored to welcome him to the board and look forward to the unique perspective he brings.”
Mr. Brooks holds a Bachelor of Science in Public Health from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a Master of Business Administration from Methodist University.
Mr. Brooks also shares a legacy connection with the bank—his father, Howard Brooks, served as the first chairman of the board at the time of the bank’s founding in 1971.
Emerging
Technology Institute intern receives 2025 Gates Scholarship Intern for Emerging Technology Institute (ETI) CARLOS CARRANZA is gearing up for a successful future.
Carranza is a recent graduate of PSRC Early College High School at RCC in Lumberton where he was part of the robotics team. He has been an intern with ETI since May 2025 and has been putting those skills to use.
“I am part of a sub program here at ETI. And since I’ve been here we’ve been developing a curriculum for JCLCs, for smart training, for JS robotics, drones, programming and
What are you and your peers achieving? Have you reached a new goal? Have you acquired another business? Maybe your business has a new hire you would like to highlight.
Greater Fayetteville Business Journal wants to hear from you and your business to shine a spotlight on your accomplishments. To nominate someone for GFBJ’s Achievers section, email editor@bizfayetteville.com with the subject line “Achiever.”
3D printing. And last month we were travelling the east coast, we went to Columbia, South Carolina and Maryland to do these summer training programs,” shared Carranza. “Being here at ETI as an intern, it’s provided me with a lot of opportunities to learn and engage with members of the community. There’s a lot of networking and it’s just a great learning environment, because you get to work with people who are very proud of the work that they do.”
Now, with an associate degree from Robeson Community College and his internship experience, Carranza is preparing to go to UNC Chapel Hill in the fall where he will be pursuing a degree in environmental science.
Carranza will be off to a great start, as he is a 2025 recipient of a Gates Scholarship, a highly selective, last-dollar scholarship for outstanding high school seniors. Scholars receive funding for the full cost of attendance that is not already covered by other financial aid. Carranza was one of only two students in his school district to receive this scholarship.
Leah Scarlotta, MD, FACOG joins Cape Fear Valley Health
Cape Fear Valley Health is proud to welcome LEAH SCARLOTTA, MD, FACOG, a board-certified OB/GYN, to their team of women’s health specialists. Dr. Scarlotta brings extensive experience in the medical and surgical management of gynecologic conditions, with clinical interests that include abnormal uterine bleeding treatments, pelvic pain therapies,
fibroid resolutions and more, along with a surgical skill set that includes minimally invasive procedures via robotic, laparoscopic or vaginal approaches, as well as open abdominal procedures.
Dr. Scarlotta earned both her undergraduate and medical degrees from the University of Pittsburgh. Following her academic training, she joined the U.S. Army, where she completed her residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. She went on to serve as the Women’s Health Service Line Chief at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, where she earned the Meritorious Service Medal for improving clinical outcomes for OB/GYN patients. She later continued providing full-scope OB/GYN care at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, until fulfilling her military service this spring.
An advocate for patient-centered care, Dr. Scarlotta shared in a press release: “I’m committed to delivering high-quality, evidence-based care with a focus on a positive and supportive patient experience. It’s an honor to serve the women of North Carolina, and I’m grateful to Cape Fear Valley Hospital for its dedication to women’s health.”
Dr. Scarlotta joins the team at CFVH’s new Gynecologic Oncology Clinic, opened in May of 2025. The new subspecialty clinic is located at 413 Owen Dr., Suite 101.
Cumberland County building inspectors receive statewide
honor for service during Hurricane Helene relief efforts
Four Cumberland County building inspectors have been honored with the Barry Gupton Award, the highest recognition given by the North Carolina Building Inspector’s Association (NCBIA), for their exceptional volunteer service during Hurricane Helene cleanup efforts in western North Carolina.
Inspectors GILBERT SANCHEZ, TERRY STREETS, KIM CANNIZZARO and CHASE LLOYD were recognized during the Association’s Annual Conference for their distinguished service and outstanding contributions to the mission of the NCBIA. The Barry Gupton Award is presented to individuals or organizations who demonstrate exemplary commitment to the advancement of the North Carolina State Building Codes and to the support of communities in times of need.
“We are incredibly proud of our inspectors for embodying the spirit of public service and community support,” said County Manager Clarence Grier in a press release. “Their willingness to volunteer their
time and skills in the aftermath of a disaster speaks volumes about their character and the values we uphold in Cumberland County.”
The Cumberland County team dedicated their time, expertise and resources to assist in recovery operations following the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene. Their efforts ensured damaged structures were assessed quickly and safely, enabling rebuilding efforts to move forward for affected residents and businesses.
“This award reflects the selflessness, technical expertise and leadership of our staff,” said Planning and Inspections Director Rawls Howard in a press release. “Our team represented the true spirit of community service in times of crisis.”
PHOTO PROVIDED BY CUMBERLAND COUNTY
Pictured from left to right are Chief Building Official Michael Naylor, Building Inspectors Kim Cannizzaro, Chase Lloyd, Terry Streets and Planning & Inspections Director Rawls Howard. (Not pictured, Gilbert Sanchez).
Brooks
Carranza
Scarlotta
Questions & Answers
DEVELOPMENT AND MARKETING PROFESSIONAL PUTS
COMMUNITY CARE FIRST IN THEIR MISSION TO PROVIDE RESOURCES
Development and Marketing Director for The CARE Clinic Nicole Ryan is passionate about connecting her community to healthcare resources. Joining the clinic staff in January 2025 and working her way from administrative assistant to her current position, Ryan is committed to building support and awareness for the clinic’s mission.
When she isn’t running marathons for charity or shredding on rollerblades, she’s cultivating clinic events and creating connections. The Greater Fayetteville Business Journal sat down with Ryan to learn more about her drive and passion behind helping the most vulnerable in our community access healthcare.
GFBJ: What inspired you to pursue a career in nonprofit healthcare development?
RYAN: It’s likely to sound cliché, it’s because I personally know what it’s like to need help, but either not know where to turn, or not be able to afford it.
In ter ms of The CARE Clinic, I actually was a patient here long before my initial role of administrative assistant. When I moved here from New York with my partner for her career advancement, I ended up with a bit of a health scare, and I was only working part-time remotely. I did not have insurance, and The CARE Clinic was able to help me.
GFBJ: How did you get started in this field, and what was your first role?
RYAN: My first role in development was with To Write Love On Her Arms (TWLOHA), which is a mental health and suicide prevention non-profit with a mission that’s dedicated to presenting and finding help for people struggling with depression, anxiety, self-injury and suicide. I followed them since the MySpace days when I was in college and took a chance on a remote internship at the end of 2022. I ended up being the only intern they kept on as a contracted employee for an additional year and a half. Not only was I a development assistant, but I also ran the 2023 TCS NYC Marathon on Team TWLOHA.
GFBJ: What does a typical day in your role look like?
RYAN: My focus is on all things Toast of the Town. That includes seeking sponsorships and vendors, as well as obtaining donated items for the silent auction portion of that event. It’s answering emails, making phone calls and making trips to local businesses either to pitch the event or pick up donated items. Up until [recently] my day also included two interns working directly with me over the last eight weeks. It’s also juggling other community initiatives such as The Lung Bus, which will return on Aug. 27. It’s ensuring proper stewardship for donors. It’s researching prospective donors and volunteers, because The CARE Clinic can’t exist without either of them.
GFBJ: What’s one lesson you learned early in your career that still guides you today?
RYAN: This goes for any role...but it’s that at the end of the day, we are all human. So much is out of our control, but what we can control are our reactions, actions, effort and attitude. Be a good human, be accountable, have integrity. Show others the same grace that you wish to see.
GFBJ: What kinds of campaigns or projects are you most proud of so far?
RYAN: With regards to TWLOHA, I had the honor and privilege of handling many aspects of their Legacy of Hope Campaign which deals directly with In Memory of Campaigns
Nicole Ryan
DEVELOPMENT & MARKETING DIRECTOR
for those lost to suicide or overdose. I would assist in finding obituaries in which TWLOHA was listed in lieu of flowers, logging all donations related to the loved one that was lost; keeping the direct family contact up to date on donations; ensuring memorial flowers were sent each year and helping with proper stewardship regarding those donors. It was both heavy and light.
In ter ms of The CARE Clinic, we brought back our golf tournament for the first time since 2022. We hosted it at the end of June, and I only entered this role at the end of April. I am very proud that we ended up with 70 golfers across 18 teams, and after major expenses (and including in-kind sponsorships and donations), we raised over $16,000. I was amped to bring in 18 new sponsors/team sponsors. I was also part of linking up with FirstHealth of the Carolinas to bring The Lung Bus to the Clinic.
GFBJ: What’s the biggest challenge in development for a nonprofit health organization?
RYAN: Specifically, here at The CARE Clinic it would be that we receive no government funding. We rely on grants, our major fundraising events and the generosity of individuals, families, churches and businesses within the community and beyond. I have also discovered that awareness of The CARE Clinic as a whole needs improvement, so I am working to get our name out there more.
GFBJ: What keeps you motivated in a mission-driven organization?
RYAN: The answer is in the question. It’s the mission. To continue to provide invaluable medical and dental services to those that so badly need them but can’t afford them (and to be able to do it at no charge to them).
GFBJ: What does “success” look like for you in this role?
RYAN: Success looks like me sitting here for this interview. It’s to continue to improve the impact that The CARE Clinic has within the community. It’s attending and being invited to more community events and increasing awareness. It’s approaching our annual fundraisers with a new perspective. It’s maintaining relationships with existing donors and volunteers, while cultivating relationships with prospective donors and volunteers. It’s pulling myself out of my comfort zone to continue to grow personally and professionally.
GFBJ: What advice would you give to someone wanting to enter nonprofit healthcare development and marketing? Or the nonprofit sector?
RYAN: Be ready for long days and long hours, but also be ready to see how hard work pays off for those directly (and indirectly) affected by your efforts. Follow your heart. I know that for me personally, I need to be serving a purpose, and when I am, it makes all of the ups and downs worthwhile
GFBJ: How can the community support the CARE Clinic?
RYAN: We could always use donors and volunteers. We have our Toast of the Town on Sept. 18 which is an amazing wine, beer and spirits tasting and silent auction event. Tickets for that directly benefit the Clinic, as do the proceeds of our other annual fundraisers. For volunteers, we have roles for licensed clinic volunteers including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, dentists, phlebotomists and others. We also have non-licensed roles such as receptionists and those that wish to help with fundraising and special events. We accept gift cards to grocery stores too and all meals on clinic nights are also donated.
A livable community
FAYETTEVILLE’S NEW MIXED-USE PROPERTY HAS EVERYTHING FROM APARTMENTS TO THE CITY’S FIRST LARGE-SCALE ASIAN MARKET
Fayetteville is on the cusp of a cultural and economic transformation as plans move forward for a large-scale Asian market as part of Fayetteville’s first truly mixed-use development. The ambitious project aims to bring together retail, dining, housing and community spaces in a vibrant new district.
For years, Fayetteville’s Asian community has lacked a central hub for groceries, dining and cultural connection. On 3 Build Owner Hung (Jerry) Truong is working to amend that. In partnering with Sun Supermarket, a locally owned and operated Asian grocery store here in Fayetteville, Truong and the team are gearing up to give Fayetteville what it has been missing.
Truong believes Fayetteville is “more than ready” for this type of Asian community. Between the growing Asian population, the many soldiers at Fort Bragg who’ve lived overseas in Asia and have grown familiar
“
RENDERINGS PROVIDED BY JERRY TRUONG WITH ON 3 BUILD Midtown at Coalition is a mixed-use property featuring apartments, townhouses and a two-story food hall in Fayetteville’s Military Business Park just outside the gates of Fort Bragg. In addition to this, the developer recently revealed “Midtown East,” another phase of the project on an adjacent lot which will be home to Fayetteville’s first large-scale Asian market.
My
passion is in building things… we want to be on the leading
front in how we build and and how we set the standard in how Fayetteville should build… If we want Fayetteville to change, we have to stop building the same way we’ve been building for the past 20-30 years.”
— Jerry Truong, Owner, On 3 Build
with different foods and products from that experience and even from the increasing influence of Asian pop culture in America, Truong shared that he knew the demand was there for a centralized Asian community.
“People don’t really realize how much exposure they’ve had to different Asian cultures and stuff, and how excited they get when they come in there [to the store] and they see things that they’ve already looked at and they’re wanting to cook and stuff like that. So it’s very exciting to just see so much growth,” shared Sun Supermarket Co-owner Linda Rojas.
The new development is an extension of the previously announced Midtown at Coalition – a modern, mixed-use property featuring apartments, townhouses and a two-story food hall being built in Fayetteville’s Military Business Park just outside the gates of Fort Bragg.
The Forge Food Hall will feature an enclosed and covered food hall concept with space for multiple vendors, a two-story brewery space and outdoor dining areas. The apartments will be a mix of one, two and three bedroom units.
This extension, dubbed “Midtown East,” adds 32,000 square feet of
market space, along with restaurants, retail and additional extended-stay residential units. The design draws inspiration from modern Asian architecture, with low-lying roofs, breezeways and intentional landscaping meant to evoke the feeling of walking through a bustling market in Asia.
Sun Asian Supermarket, a local Asian grocery store that has been in business for almost 20 years, will be the anchor tenant in this new development with a new multi-story store offering a greater selection of products to the greater Fayetteville community.
“It’s really an opportunity to take all the different Asian nationalities… and bring us together,” shared Rojas. “Everyone is so separate in a way in Fayetteville… but here, it’s an opportunity for all of us to come together as one big community, and invite others in too.”
The project is expected to triple the size of the current Sun Supermarket in both square footage and staff. Store departments will include produce, meat, seafood, housewares and more, so the store will be bringing on additional employees to manage the increased inventory.
Food Market Designs, a design
studio specializing in supermarkets and convenience stores, is helping the local team to create a unique, vibrant market space capable of serving all of Fayetteville. FMD is known for its one-of-a-kind designs. This aligns with Truong’s vision as the builder for bringing something fresh to Fayetteville.
“My passion is in building things… we want to be on the leading front in how we build and and how we set the standard in how Fayetteville should build…If we want Fayetteville to change, we have to stop building the same way we’ve been building for the past 20-30 years,” remarked Truong. Construction is already underway for the food hall and apartments. With Midtown East still in an early stage, the ground breaking date and opening date are “moving targets.” However, Truong shared that he hopes to break ground in the second quarter of 2026. Assuming this is the case, construction would then be anticipated to wrap up in time for a grand opening at the end of 2027.
BUSINESS EDUCATION
Too bright to dim
MY FUTURE SO BRIGHT PROGRAM SEES EXPONENTIAL GROWTH DURING THIRD YEAR
It has been an explosive year of growth for the My Future So Bright (MFSB) summer work program.
Organized by the Mid-Carolina Regional Council, backed by NCWorks and supported by the city of Fayetteville, the work-based learning program saw a total of 84 interns across three summer cohort sessions for 2025. This is up from 24 interns that enrolled in the program last year. Organizers of the program shared that they increased their recruitment sources to include separate workforce development programs District C and Cumberland County Schools’ ICON (Innovative Career Opportunities Now) summer internship program, which led to an increase in student interest.
“Because we worked with District C, that’s where most of the kids came from. We did have some that went straight into the [MFSB] program. Those individuals already knew what they were looking to do, and for us, it was connecting them,” said Jennifer McArthur, APRA and NextGen compliance monitor for Mid-Carolina Regional Council. “Because they were already in college, they kind of knew, ‘Hey, this is what I want to home in on.’ So, it was easy to place them.”
The program also saw a 109% increase in the number of businesses that participated this year, with almost 120 signing up to take on student workers for the summer; a huge jump from the 11 businesses that signed on in 2024.
“Once we put the notice out that we were looking for businesses, we started getting a lot of emails. We peeked through them to see what would be beneficial for the student’s career pathways,” said Veronica Rozier, business services coordinator for Mid-Carolina Regional Council. “Most of them were small businesses and a lot of organizations like Veterans Bridge Home. They were the key to a lot because they cover a lot of areas within North Carolina.”
For Veterans Bridge Home, who returned for their second year taking interns for the summer, one student may not have been enough.
“Knowing what I know now, we probably could have taken on two or
L to R: A total of 84 interns participated in this year’s My Future So Bright program. At the graduation ceremony held on Aug. 1, each student was able to receive their graduation certificates from Mid-Carolina Regional Council Executive Director Samantha Wullenwaber; During the graduation ceremony, returning business leader Al Lampkins, sandhills market president for Veterans Bridge Home shared his experiences with the program and highlighted its value to the community.
three more interns to be able to impact their growth but also be able to help the organization,” shared Sandhills Market President for Veterans Bridge Home Al Lampkins. “I really love mentoring the youth, that’s part of my passion. But if I took on an intern, I wanted to be able to maximize what it is they were trying to do. So initially, I was like ‘Oh, let’s try one.’”
While Veterans Bridge Home is a nonprofit organization for Veterans seeking assistance in housing, healthcare, employment or VA benefits, they were able to fill the interest of their intern. Lampkins shared that his intern, Julius Bradshaw-Mitchell, was able to use his skills and show his passion through digital storytelling.
“We always want to show people what we do; we think that it’s good for our community to hear success stories,” shared Lampkins. “Having an intern that was able to capture that, to capture the stories, to take photographs about it, to be able to write about it, which is going to connect to something that he wants to do later, I think, helped him to excel
even more. And then outside of that, we also gave him an opportunity to work in an office environment, which I think will be important for his growth later on down the road.”
Lampkins shared that he is already planning to get involved with the program again next year and will gladly recommend it to other area businesses.
“I believe that this program is vital to our youth, but it’s also vital to our community too, because it gives our community energy. It helps our youth with future goals and helps them to be able to work in a professional setting,” said Lampkins. “When you think about what it does for youth that would have just been maybe just sitting around playing games, not doing a lot of things this summer, the impact that it made. I think it's important that these programs stay around, and that as business owners, that we take part in doing our part in helping.”
Organizers also shared that the most important part of the program overall is the student experiences.
Local student and MFSB intern Khadija Bibi shared that she has
always had an interest in healthcare, but her internship this summer with Wolinsky Primary Care really helped her get the hands-on experience she needed to know what her future career path might entail.
“I would take vitals, help with restocking stuff and sometimes I would help with procedures like EKGs and this one time, I even did a urine sample,” shared Bibi.
“I would say it definitely exposes you to the real world. It helps you grasp what you want to do in the future. It makes you really want to be sure about what you're doing. I know it definitely helped me with that. I always knew I wanted to go into healthcare, but when I did that internship, it just made me all the more passionate about it.”
Moving forward, organizers are working on bigger partnerships to bring this program beyond Fayetteville and to the county level.
Learn more about the Mid-Carolina Regional Council and their other events and programs at www.mccog.org.
PHOTOS PROVIDED BY GFBJ
Hungry for success
LOCAL ENTREPRENEUR KELTON BATTLE IS CHANGING THE VENDING MACHINE GAME IN NORTH CAROLINA
Hungry Snacks Vending LLC, created by Fayetteville native Kelton Battle, has quickly become one of the fastest-growing vending machine companies in the state.
Battle shared that his parents were both entrepreneurs, so he’d been inspired from a young age to own his own business. In January of 2024, Battle bought his first two vending machines.
What began as a modest investment soon blossomed into a thriving enterprise, especially after Battle secured his first government contract with the city of Fayetteville.
“I bid on my first government contract and won it for the city of Fayetteville, and that was for 67 machines. So then I had a total of 69 [machines] and from there, the company really started to pick up,” explained Battle.
Recently, he won another contract with the city of Greensboro, adding another large sum of machines.
Today, Hungry Snacks Vending operates 140 machines across North Carolina, with locations ranging from schools to public transit stations. These government contracts have played a pivotal role, providing guaranteed placement for machines and fueling rapid expansion.
Battle also received mentorship through the Tulsa Leadership and Entrepreneurship Academy, a local organization committed to empowering young men by providing them with knowledge and opportunities in entrepreneurship, mentorship and education.
“It was great. I got a lot of great input and experience [and] knowledge from other people coming in and then me having a mentor on my side, giving me knowledge and game, and he helped me a lot, and especially Qu’Derrick. The connections he put me with, it really put me in the spotlight, to where I feel like it got Hungry Snacks out there,” shared Battle.
The company’s innovative approach includes acquiring and refurbishing used machines, often purchasing broken units and having them repaired by a trusted technician, making the business both cost-effective and scalable. Each
machine is equipped with card readers that provide real-time sales and inventory data which Battle can track on his phone, allowing the team to efficiently manage refills and product selection.
Product selection is driven by experimentation and customer feedback. Rather than filling machines to capacity, Battle prefers to start with a small variety and adjust based on sales trends. This approach minimizes waste and ensures that each location is stocked with snacks that customers want.
Currently, Hungry Snacks Vending offers over 120 different items. Battle shared that he tries to shop weekly to make sure the products he’s stocking the machines with are fresh. He is also exploring the possibility of manufacturing their own branded chips, with ambitions to distribute them beyond vending
machines and into major retailers.
“We have so many machines now statewide, to where I want to now start making our own chips. So right now I’m looking at different warehouses and everything to where we can start making our own chips in house here in Fayetteville, North Carolina…we want to be able to sell our own chips in our own machines, but not just in our own machines. In the long run, we want to be able to sell it in different distributions and different stores, like Walmart, Food Lion, Costco, places like that,” explained Battle.
Battle shared that he’s already been working with some collaborators to experiment with the recipe for the chips and different flavors they’ll be able to offer.
“I want to be able to sell Hungry Snacks Classic, Hungry Snacks Barbecue. I want to make popcorn,
our own popcorn. I want gluten free items too…I want to be able to do different things,” added Battle.
The Hungry Snacks team is small but effective. Battle has two team members helping with regular operations and social media management. He also has a subcontracted technician overseeing machine repairs.
As a born and raised Fayetteville resident, Battle is passionate about his business and his community. “I love my city. I love that it’s growing. They’re expanding,” remarked Battle.
Hungry Snacks regularly donates to food banks and churches and is involved in back-to-school initiatives. Battle also shared that they try to keep their snacks affordable for consumers.
Hungry Snacks Vending machines can be found in a number of public locations such as the Greensboro bus station and recreation centers throughout the city of Fayetteville. They also have machines in local schools and private businesses.
Looking ahead, Battle envisions Hungry Snacks Vending as not just a business, but a movement.
“Hungry Snacks will be one of the biggest companies coming up soon. I do want to take over the state of North Carolina. I do want to have one of the biggest companies in the state,” stated Battle.
With a blend of entrepreneurial grit, innovative thinking and community focus, Hungry Snacks Vending is set for continued success.
To learn more about the business, check out their social media. Find them by searching “Hungry Snacks Vending” on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.
PHOTO PROVIDED BY KELTON BATTLE
Hungry Snacks Vending LLC is owned and operated by Kelton Battle, a young entrepreneur born and raised in Fayetteville. With 140 vending machines across the state, Battle is excited to continue expanding his business and to eventually manufacture and sell his own Hungry Snacks products.
Building on the basics
ADVANCED CONTRACTORS ACADEMY EQUIPS LOCAL FIRMS TO COMPETE FOR GOVERNMENT PROJECTS
For years, many Fayetteville-area contractors have watched major public construction projects awarded to firms from outside the region. Local companies, despite proven technical skills, often struggle to navigate the complex procurement process required to win government work.
A new initiative from the Fayetteville-Cumberland Regional Entrepreneur & Business HUB aims to change that. The Advanced Contractors Academy, a free six-week program, is designed for established contractors ready to pursue larger-scale public contracts with agencies such as Fayetteville State University (FSU), Cumberland County and Cape Fear Valley Health.
For contractors seeking to transition from residential or small commercial work into institutional projects, the program offers a clear, structured entry point into a market segment with steady demand and competitive margins. Its mix of technical, financial and strategic training reflects a recognition that successful government contracting is as much about business systems as it is about building skills.
“This gives our businesses the tools to compete successfully for
PHOTOS PROVIDED BY FAYETTEVILLE STATE UNIVERSITY
specifications and submitting competitive, accurate bids.”
Exercises emphasize accurate cost estimating, including less obvious expenses such as extended payment cycles, bonding requirements and compliance costs. Underbidding, a common first-time mistake, is addressed through practice bids and group feedback.
The Academy also tackles operational readiness for public-sector work through an introduction to cash flow management, insurance and bonding capacity, workforce planning and access to credit. Business development support includes refining capability statements, upgrading websites and assembling project portfolios.
Cohorts are limited to 15 contractors to allow for peer exchange and individual guidance. Sessions progress from procurement fundamentals to advanced topics such as subcontractor coordination, change order processes and regulatory compliance, concluding with a timed mock bid exercise.
Eligibility is limited to established businesses with at least two years in operation with demonstrable trade experience and revenue, reflecting the program’s emphasis on preparing firms already positioned for growth.
— Dr. Tamara Colvin, Director, Fayetteville-Cumberland Regional Entrepreneur & Business HUB “
This gives our businesses the tools to compete successfully for local and regional government contracts. We want to ensure local companies are positioned to win these bids.”
The Advanced Contractors Academy, a free six-week program, is designed for established contractors ready to pursue larger-scale public contracts with agencies such as Fayetteville State University (FSU), Cumberland County and Cape Fear Valley Health.
local and regional government contracts,” said Dr. Tamara Colvin, the HUB’s director. “We want to ensure local companies are positioned to win these bids.”
The opportunities available in the government contracting sphere are significant. FSU has multiple capital projects on the horizon, including a new College of Education building, parking structures and major renovations. Cumberland County also has infrastructure upgrades planned, and Cape Fear Valley Health has plans for continued expansion.
Filling a Knowledge Gap
The Advanced Contractors Academy focuses on trades that frequently secure public project work—such as concrete, drywall, landscaping, electrical and plumbing—yet often encounter barriers to entry. Participants are guided through each stage of the procurement process, from understanding Requests for Information (RFIs) and Requests for Qualifications (RFQs) to preparing complete bid packages that meet strict compliance standards.
“It’s about more than knowing the terminology,” Dr. Colvin said. “Participants work through real scenarios—reading plans, interpreting
Enhancing Economic Impact
Dr. Colvin, who previously led the nationally recognized Veterans Business Outreach Center, brings to the Advanced Contractors Academy her experience in helping firms secure capital and create jobs. Since opening in 2022, the HUB’s 6,500-square-foot facility at Bronco Square has provided a centralized resource for entrepreneurs across the region.
The Academy’s long-term goal is to keep more public construction dollars circulating locally. Contracts awarded to regional firms translate into local hiring, supplier relationships and reinvestment in business capacity.
BIZ LEADS
Reader’s Guide
BizLeads is a collection of information gathered from greater Fayetteville courthouses, state government offices and information websites. The listings are intended to help the business community find new customers and stay on top of happenings with current customers, vendors and competitors.
New Corporations lists firms from the Greater Fayetteville Business Journal region that were recently incorporated in the State of North Carolina.
CUMBERLAND COUNTY
Wade Consulting & Logistics LLC
6747 Wade Stedman Rd
Wade Agent: Deanna Carroll
Velvet Quill LLC
502 Edwinstowe Ave
Fayetteville Agent: Priscilla Ashley Gray
2291 Rivermeade Dr LLC
417 Mangum Ct
Fayetteville Agent: Nancy M Alba
Accessible
Interpreting Services LLC
4005 Baywood Point Dr
Fayetteville Agent: Charles Lynch JR.
Surratt Bookkeeping LLC
805 Pebble Ridge Ct
Fayetteville Agent: Ze
Surratt-II
Hair.byylaiii LLC
6213 Bristol Dr
Fayetteville Agent: Lailah Jordan Sharrock
Action Care
Therapies PLLC 5511 Raeford Road
Fayetteville Agent: J.M. Cook
Clay's Trailer Sales
Full Service Cleaning Solutions LLC 3450 Sandystone Cir
Fayetteville Agent: Edward Whitfield
Dominant Investments LLC 6290 Yadkin Rd
Fayetteville Agent: Floyd Chambers
LLC
200 Dick St Ste D
Fayetteville Agent: Abundant Living Consulting Corporation LLC
K Renovations LLC 3934 Newgate St
Fayetteville Agent: Briana Keirstead
BRYANT FREIGHT MANAGEMENT LLC
824 Bellingham Way
Fayetteville Agent: TOWANDA BRYANT
Next Mission Claims Veteran Services LLC 924 Brighton Rd
Fayetteville Agent: Larry DeShawn Eubanks Sr.
Elliott Strategic Solutions LLC 4009 Newgate St Fayetteville Agent: Jerrod Wayne Elliott
Nexus Carolinas Inc
3333 Nor th Main St Ste 150 # 117
Hope Mills Agent: Paul Hinson
VitalOps Janitorial LLC
554 Snowhill Rd
Fayetteville Agent: Scott Roady Whimpys LLC 414 B St
Fayetteville Agent: Winston Evans
Agent: Mark Alan Mayoras
ARE U WASTING TIME? International LLC
2223 Flanagan Pl Fayetteville Agent: ARE U WASTING TIME?
Youth Empowerment Corporation
LR Fayetteville MC LLC
5520 Murchison Rd
R & L Restaurant Group inc.
1933 Pamalee Dr Fayetteville Agent: Montietta Wilson
Fat Daddys Restaurant Group INC.
1933 Pamalee Dr
Fayetteville Agent: Montoya Murphy
iamdjdaffie inc.
500 St Thomas Rd
Fayetteville Agent: iton julius anderson
Johnson & Ragan Incorporated 522 Nor thumberland Ct Apt 13
Fayetteville Agent: Jason Elliot Johnson
Samuel Council Foundation 606 Johnson Street
Fayetteville Agent: Deborah Cunningham
Legacy Roots Investments LLC 6290 Yadkin Rd
Fayetteville Agent: Floyd Chambers
Tapia's Roofing LLC 500 Sage Meadow Ct
Hope Mills Agent: Lucio Carbajal Tapia
Vesterra One LLC 910 Hay St
Fayetteville
Foundation USA 4200 Final Approach Dr Eastover Agent: Maleka Zafreen Ahmed M.D
Morrison Urban Developments LLC 5820 Chason Ridge Dr Apt B Fayetteville Agent: Ynick A Morrison
Fayetteville Agent: Rodrick Williams Sr
ERG Realty LLC 100 Hay St Ste 704
Fayetteville Agent: Gary Walker
Restore360 LLC 1551 Tony Dr
Fayetteville Agent: Darryl Ennis Mason
Rex Carolus LLC 1014 Hay St
Fayetteville Agent: Charlton Roberson
Me3foodllc@gmail. com
5075 Morganton Rd Ste 10C
Fayetteville Agent: Sandra E Arthur Ansah
Get Up & Fight Back Enterprise LLC
7081 Kings Lynn Loop
Fayetteville Agent: Richard Kaewliam Prater
C&R Property Maintenance LLC 1318 Fort Bragg Rd
Fayetteville Agent: ReDonna Goodman Lighthouse Capital LLC 5109 Maddie Creek Ln
Fayetteville Agent: Cameron Watts
Sylhet Kidney
C-Ragg Chique LLC
7774 S Shield Dr Fayetteville Agent: Mary Hunter Rivers Mrs
Linden-Marqs Entertainment LLC 6113 Dandy Loop Rd
Fayetteville Agent: Sade M Howard
Jacquet of All Trades Inc. 3926 Tasha Dr Hope Mills Agent: Shirley Jacquet
