Greater Fayetteville Business Journal - August 1, 2025 issue
PHOTO PROVIDED BY HINKAMP JEWELERS
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Trades transforming futures
MILLER-MOTTE COLLEGE PRESIDENT CHAMPIONS GROWTH, TRADES EDUCATION AND COMMUNITY IMPACT
Dr. Janell Geddis assumed the role of president for Miller-Motte College’s Fayetteville campus in February of 2024. Dr. Geddis joined MMC with 15 years of experience in higher education, with most of her roles serving community colleges, technical colleges and two year colleges.
“Not everybody is going to go to the traditional four-year college, and so usually you’ll hear that you’ve got to go to the four-year college or the military, or just find a job somehow and start working. I think what the two-year colleges or the technical career training schools do is give people an opportunity to have a lucrative career in a short amount of time,” shared Dr. Geddis.
Miller-Motte College, part of the larger Ancora Education network, has seen significant growth in recent years. MMC Fayetteville currently has 309 students enrolled and anticipates numbers to continue to climb.
The Fayetteville campus, once known primarily for barbering and massage therapy, now boasts robust programs in welding, HVAC, electrical, medical clinical assistant, CDL and plumbing. The addition of the new plumbing program and the expansion of the welding shop from six booths to 20 are just the latest steps in a broader strategy to meet the needs of both students and local industries.
A key strength of the college is its dedicated faculty.
“Our instructors are all journeyman level instructors in those different trades. No one has less than five years of experience, and so everyone is getting that hands-on experience from very skilled, experienced professionals. They’ve worked along with some of these companies that we [partner with], or owned their own businesses themselves, and they have so much to pour into the students. And I love that that passion is seen inside the classroom. I mean, the passion is seen when they’re out there welding and the instructors are excited to talk about their programs and what it is that they’re doing – that carries on to our students, and when that carries on to the students, it carries on to the community, because the students are going to be the ones that
L to R: One of the programs MMC offers is welding. Students learn common welding joints like corner joints, tee joints and edge joints. Students also learn the four main positions for welding which are flat, horizontal, overhead and vertical. The student pictured above is working on a tee plate in the overhead position; Dr. Janell Geddis joined Miller-Motte College as president of the Fayetteville campus in February of 2024. Under her leadership, the college has seen increased enrollment and expansion of programming.
tell everybody what they experience,” stated Dr. Geddis.
As industries change and new technologies such as Artificial Intelligence reshape the workforce, the trades promise a level of job security that many fields cannot guarantee at this time.
“People are always going to need HVAC. You’re always going to need plumbers. You’re always going to need those types of fields. And so what it does is it positions a person to have a successful, lucrative career, without that four-year college commitment. And so now we have a 10 month program here, for example, where a person can leave making decent salaries and have long term careers, where there’s opportunity for growth in so many different ways,” added Dr. Geddis.
The college’s commitment to job placement is evident in its partnerships with local employers such as Carolina Comfort Air, Cape Fear Valley Health, Goodyear, Ivey Mechanical, Ryder and more.
“We’re very serious with career services. Our accreditation requires that we have at least 70% of all of our graduates placed inside of their field by the time they are done here within a year,” shared Dr. Geddis.
Some students even secure jobs before their schooling is complete. While the 10-month program
provides a gateway to many careers, MMC also offers further educational options for students who wish to continue their studies. The campus is actively promoting its construction trades management associate’s degree, which allows graduates of the trades programs to continue their education and move into supervisory and project management roles. MMC online also offers expanded programming.
“A lot of times, like we talked about before, you may not go to a four-year college, but when you see that ‘Man, I did this in 10 months, and I completed that,’ [then you think] ‘hey, let's add on a few more months,’ and now you’ve turned that career training into an associate’s degree. And that speaks a lot, and sometimes now that becomes a motivator. So then that person would be able to do a degree completion, from an associate’s degree to then a bachelor’s degree. And what’s nice is we have that all here internally, Miller-Motte College online can go all the way up to a bachelor’s degree at this time. So it’s a nice matriculation for the student that started off with that 10-month program, and then we see some of them that just walked across our stage at graduation the other week that had bachelor’s degrees,” shared Dr. Geddis.
Looking ahead, Dr. Geddis is
focused on deepening the college’s impact in Fayetteville.
“We’re always looking for partnerships with people in the community, and it's not just for us to be able to gain new students. I want to impact Fayetteville. That is the goal. Miller-Motte wants to impact Fayetteville. How do we make our community better? How do we service the community? …I really want to impact the community,” shared Dr. Geddis.
As Miller-Motte College continues to grow, Dr. Geddis’s message is clear: technical education is not just an alternative, it’s a powerful engine for personal and community transformation.
MMC’s Fayetteville campus is located at 3725 Ramsey Street. For more information check out their website: www.miller-motte.edu/campuses/northcarolina/fayetteville-career-training
PHOTOS PROVIDED BY GFBJ & DR. GEDDIS
2504 Raeford Rd, Fayetteville, NC 28303
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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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Well, in case LinkedIn failed to inform you I have now been at the Greater Fayetteville Business Journal for three years.
When I think about the growth I’ve seen, the rooms I’ve been in and the people I’ve met, I am extremely grateful and blessed to be in this position.
Not a lot of people know this but I actually grew up in Fayetteville, I went to John Griffin Middle School where I got my first journalism gig writing for The Griffin Gazette. If anyone from Cumberland County Schools is reading, I’d actually love to know if those files still exist nearly 20 years later. I graduated from Jack Britt High School in 2013 and remember when there was nothing to do in Fayetteville. (That’s right, I remember when there wasn’t a single 7 Brew in this city.)
Now, not only has the city grown
growth and improvement with the community.
Being able to grow and expand the Greater Fayetteville Business Journal has been a tremendous effort not only from me, but from our staff as well. Our Assistant Editor Stephanie “Eagle Eyes” Meador has been right there with me, navigating ribbon cuttings, groundbreakings and people dodging our calls and emails (you know who you are).
Our newest hire Elizabeth “Ellie” Rhoades is our new special projects and events manager and in the short time she’s been with us, she’s already revamped our social media, ordered us a ton of new merchandise (that you’ll be able to see at our upcoming Power Breakfast on Sept. 16, make sure to get your ticket at fayettevilelpowerbreakfast.com) and is working on expanding our event offerings to areas outside of Cumberland County.
And of course my Publisher Marty Cayton has been there the whole time. He saw something in each of
us and brought us all together to run his publication. He’s provided guidance and information about Fayetteville’s vibrant business scene and I can’t thank him enough for hiring me when I was facing a sea of uncertainty in my career projection.
I hope you enjoy this issue. I was able to speak with the fantastic Hinkamp family about their 70th anniversary (coincidentally on Aug. 1) , Cape Fear Valley Health and Fayetteville State University announced a $900,000 partnership for the incoming Health and Wellness Center and Miller-Motte College of Fayetteville has seen distinct growth in their students and programming. Keep reading to learn more.
GFBJ staff joined by Publisher Marty Cayton’s wife pictured at the 2025 Q2 Power Breakfast. Left to right: Faith Hatton, Joy Cayton, Marty Cayton, Ellie Rhoades and Stephanie Meador.
Visionary Partnership
CAPE FEAR VALLEY HEALTH ANNOUNCES $900,000 INVESTMENT INTO FAYETTEVILLE STATE UNIVERSITY'S INCOMING HEALTH AND WELLNESS CENTER
Fayetteville State University (FSU) gathered the community together on Tuesday, July 29, to show some Bronco pride for a new partnership supporting a crucial addition to the University's campus.
Cape Fear Valley Health (CFVH) has proudly committed $900,000 for the FSU Health and Wellness Center, already under construction in the gateway of the campus at the intersection of Murchison Road and Edgecombe Avenue Extension.
In a special ceremony held at Seabrook Auditorium, the two organizations came together to highlight the new partnership and share details about the new facility.
“As we all know, partnerships are not built overnight. They are outcomes of mutual interest, hard work, intentional conversations and an honest belief that what we are doing collectively is for the greater good,” shared FSU Chancellor Darrell T. Allison. “Today I stand before you to say that Cape Fear Valley Health, under the strong leadership of CEO Mike Nagowski, believes in the greater good, health and wellness and the work of FSU in doing what it takes to make sure that that is available to the greater community.
The Health and Wellness Center is planned to be a 24,631 square-foot extension to the campus, and will
feature a 7,500 square-foot fitness floor with a full range of equipment, yoga and dance studios, locker rooms, wellness offices and a retail pharmacy. The second floor, accessed via the pharmacy, will include physician offices, treatment and triage rooms, psychiatric services, a lab and welcoming waiting areas.
“This comprehensive facility will bring together multiple critical services under one roof, including Bronco wellness programs, a modern fitness and movement center, student health services and a full service pharmacy. Together, these services will create a centralized student centered
club for health, education, prevention, treatment and overall wellness. Students will learn and develop lifelong healthy skills and behaviors through our expanding Bronco wellness program,” shared Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Dr. Juanette Council.
The planned pharmacy will also meet a great need for students on campus who currently have to find providers off campus to fill prescriptions.
“The new pharmacy will feature private counseling space designed for pharmacist led education and chronic disease support, dedicated space for
on site point of care, testing for flu, glucose and cholesterol, enabling timely pharmacist support interventions, a vaccination suite and expanded inventory capacity, including refrigeration and secure storage to support a broader range of medications,” continued Dr. Council. “Students will no longer have to choose between prioritizing their health and managing their academic responsibilities. They’ll be able to do both right here on campus.”
The two year commitment will support the construction and programming for the Center.
“This is not a donation, this is an investment. You are training the next set of leadership for the next generation. It is all happening right here, and we’re grateful to be a part of it,” shared CFVH CEO Mike Nagowski. “This is not a one time transaction. This is a deep collaboration between two organizations that we think are bedrocks in our community, our 8,300 employees, that take care of over a million patient visits a year, could not do it without the support and quite honestly, the incredible workforce that’s built right here at FSU.”
The overall total cost of the project is $13.9 million and the facility is expected to open in March of 2026.
PHOTOS PROVIDED BY FSU
L to R: Located at the gateway to campus, the Health and Wellness Center makes a bold first impression with its modern design of angled glass and metal panels— mirroring the energy inside. Nestled in a park-like setting with shaded parking and a serene reflecting pool, the Center invites both activity and wellness; Inside, the 7,500 sq. ft. fitness floor features a full range of equipment, complemented by yoga and dance studios, locker rooms, wellness offices and a retail pharmacy.
PHOTO PROVIDED BY GFBJ
The FSU Board of Trustees accept the funds from CFVH.
THE RIGHT PARTNER MAKES ALL THE DIFFERENCE
For more than 185 years, we’ve forged personal relationships with our customers and communities, funding economic development and rallying around the causes that are important to our neighbors. With local bankers you know and trust, businesses and individuals throughout the Carolinas continue to choose United Bank.
>> By Faith Hatton
From BUILT, page 1
It all began when jewelers Ruthene and Walter Hinkamp, Sr. opened their first storefront on Hay Street in downtown Fayetteville along with business partner Robert Tyndall. Then known as Tyndall’s Jewelers, the store was laying the foundation for what would one day become one of the area’s longest running family owned jewelry businesses.
“They all worked together at a jewel box store, and they decided they wanted to go into business for themselves,” shared Owner Wally Hinkamp. “They were business partners until 1974. It was called Tyndall’s Jewelers from 1955 to 1974, and then Mr. Tyndall decided he wanted to retire. My parents bought him out and they changed the name.”
Since then, Hinkamp Jewelers has become one of Fayetteville’s most trustworthy sources for fine jewelry, watches, diamonds and more.
The Hinkamp siblings continued to build their business across two locations; the original in downtown Fayetteville and the other storefront located on McPherson Church Road which opened in 1983.
Hinkamp Jewelers shifted to the ownership of sons Wally and the late David Hinkamp, with their sister Donna providing ongoing encouragement and support.
“They gave us a choice. They said, ‘You can follow us, or you can do something else, we don’t have any expectations,’” recalled Wally. “I started in high school helping out, just like my brother David did, and Donna did, at our very first store on Hay Street. We opened this store [on McPherson Church Road] as a second location. And the idea behind that was, when my parents are ready to retire David would have a store and I would have a store.”
Unfortunately, the vision never became a reality. The family made the decision to consolidate their two storefronts into one in Fayetteville’s McPherson Square shopping center, closing the downtown location in July of 1993.
“We literally were working six days a week, sometimes seven, because we did not have enough family to operate two jewelry stores, and we don’t do anything by absentee management, so it had to be a family member,” shared Wally.
Following in their parents’ footsteps, brothers David and Wally decided to divide and conquer their education to learn all they needed to enter into the jewelry industry.
“I left to go to school at UNC
Wilmington. If I was going to be in the jewelry business, I needed certification from the Gemological Institute of America. I went to work full time and did that at night, and I got my gemology degree,” shared Wally. “My younger brother David went to a school, Holland School for Jewelers in Selma, Alabama to learn how to physically make and repair jewelry.”
The two ran the business as co-owners until David's untimely passing in 2012. While sole ownership of Hinkamp Jewelers switched over to Wally, David’s memory lives on through his siblings and the business.
“David was the people person; Wally was the guy back in the office. You know, he was the book
guy,” recalled Donna. “David loved being out here and talking to the customers. David was much more like my dad. My dad was outgoing and laid back while Wally was much more reserved. He [Wally] really stepped up to the plate and has done very well. They complimented each other and David was a huge part of Hinkamp Jewelers, no question about it. I’m so impressed at how Wally has carried it on and has grown it.”
Now in their 70th year in business, Hinkamp Jewelers is celebrating seven decades of serving Fayetteville while still providing Hinkamp hospitality. Donna and Wally are working together to continue their family legacy with a small staff of seven people including long-time employees Office Manager Amanda Andrus and Sales Rep Willie Dorman.
“We hear from a lot of our customers, it’s a very family-oriented atmosphere. Nobody works on commission. You come in the door, it’s, ‘Hey, how are you doing?’ And you laugh, you talk, you get to know them. It’s very friendly and welcoming, which you don't get a lot in chain stores,” shared Donna.
“This location has been very good to us, and the people in Fayetteville,” shared Wally. “We’re helping the grandchildren of the people that my parents helped.”
The Greater Fayetteville Business Journal also got to learn Wally’s secret to the business’ longevity:
“Treat people like you want to be treated and do it with honesty and integrity. Just do the right thing,” shared Wally. “We’ve been really lucky over the years to have a lot of good people who work with us.”
“We’re just very thankful to our community and our friends and family that have supported Hinkamp Jewelers,” added Donna.
While there aren’t currently any plans to pass the business down to a relative, Wally also shared that he has no plans to leave. Even as the business celebrates its 70th birthday, he is proud to continue providing service with his staff and sister.
“Retirement probably is just not for me. I might could do a couple of days off a week or something, but other than that, I can’t,” shared Wally. “My father told me one time, ‘If you ever wake up and you are debt free, the very first thing I want you to do is go to a bank and borrow some money.’ And I asked him, ‘Why in the world would I do that?’ And he said, ‘You need a reason to get up.’”
Hinkamp Jewelers can be found at 201 S McPherson Church Road in Fayetteville and is open from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. on Saturday.
To learn more about Hinkamp Jewelers’ history, lasting legacy and product and service offerings, visit www.hinkampjewelers.com. You can also follow them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ HinkampJewelers.
PHOTO PROVIDED BY HINKAMP JEWELERS David Hinkamp went into the family business with his brother Wally. The two ran the business as co-owners until David's untimely passing in 2012.
PHOTOS PROVIDED BY GFBJ
Today, Hinkamp Jewelers can be found at 201 S McPherson Church Road inside of the McPherson Square shopping center.
ACHIEVERS
Lumbee Guaranty Bank
welcomes Patrick J. Haberfield as market executive for
Cumberland County
Lumbee Guaranty Bank is pleased to announce the addition of PATRICK J. HABERFIELD as market executive for Cumberland County. With more than 25 years of experience in the banking industry, Haberfield brings a deep understanding of strategic growth, credit risk management, organizational leadership and team development.
He has held a range of senior leadership roles throughout his career and will play a key part in advancing Lumbee Guaranty Bank’s expansion efforts in the Cumberland County market.
“Pat is a proven leader who brings a wealth of experience and a strategic mindset to our team,” said CEO of Lumbee Guaranty Bank Kyle R. Chavis in a press release. “We are excited to have him on board as we continue to grow our presence and deepen our relationships in Cumberland County.”
As he begins his new role, Haberfield looks forward to becoming an active part of the local community and helping deliver exceptional service to customers across the region.
Shelby Howard named director of alumni engagement at Campbell University
Campbell University has announced the addition of SHELBY HOWARD as its new director of alumni engagement. A proud Campbell alumna, Howard brings a strong background in leadership, administration and fundraising to the role.
She succeeds April Ganong, who previously served in the position since September 2023 and has transitioned to a new role at Campbell as director of development.
“Campbell University has been so good to me,” said Howard in a press release. “From the very first tour through the transition process and navigating a global pandemic, I have always felt confident in Campbell’s mission and its interest
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.”
in caring deeply for its students. As an alumna, I have felt that sense of belonging with my fellow alumni. I am thrilled to be back in the Creek and honored to be the director of alumni engagement. I look forward to meeting you soon and working together to stay connected to our beloved alma mater.”
Howard graduated summa cum laude from Campbell in 2020 with a degree in Christian Studies. As a student, she was heavily involved across campus, serving as chaplain and later president of the Sigma Alpha Omega sorority. She also spent time working in the Department of Christian Studies and also earned membership in the Theta Alpha Kappa honor society.
After graduating from Campbell, Howard moved to Atlanta to complete her Master of Theological Studies at McAfee School of Theology.
She most recently spent the past four years as an operations administrative assistant with Soliant Health, providing direct sales support to top account executives, managing client and candidate relationships and overseeing summer interns. Howard also served two years as treasurer and director of fundraising for the Sigma Alpha Omega Foundation, assisting in fundraising efforts, budgeting and reporting.
Cape Fear Valley Health recognized
by NCHA for workforce innovation through medical school
Cape Fear Valley Health has been awarded the North Caro -
lina Healthcare Association’s (NCHA’s) 2025 Highsmith Award for Innovation in recognition of its visionary partnership with Methodist University to establish the planned Methodist University Cape Fear Valley Health School of Medicine. This award is presented to a member institution or to an individual/team employed by an NCHA member institution in recognition of innovation that creates value for patients/consumers of healthcare.
The planned school will be the first new, independent MD-granting medical school to launch in North Carolina in several years — distinct from an expansion of existing institutions. It addresses a critical workforce need in Southeastern North Carolina, often described as a “doctor desert.”
The region faces a severe shortage of both primary care physicians and specialists. Statewide projections estimate a need for 1,885 additional primary care physicians by 2030, a 31% increase over the current workforce. This new medical school aims to bridge that gap by training physicians who are most likely to remain and serve in the region.
The medical school is the result of a strong collaboration between Michael Nagowski, CEO of Cape Fear Valley Health, and President of Methodist University Dr. Stan -
ley Wearden. Together, they envisioned and executed a bold plan to strengthen the healthcare workforce through education. The school’s appointment of Dr. Hershey Bell as its inaugural dean affirms its mission of innovative, community-based medical training.
“We’re very honored to accept this award on behalf of the many people on our team who believe in this school and have been working to make this idea a reality for several years,” Nagowski said in a press release. “The planned Methodist University Cape Fear Valley Health School of Medicine is going to transform our region and the lives of future generations, both in terms of healthcare and economic opportunities.”
Cumberland County named a Top Digital County in the U.S.
Cumberland County has been named a 2025 Digital Counties Survey winner by the Center for Digital Government and the National Association of Counties (NACo), placing third nationwide among counties with a population of 250,000 – 499,999.
The honor was presented at the NACo Annual Conference in Philadelphia and celebrates counties that use technology to strengthen services, improve efficiency and enhance community engagement.
“This national recognition reinforces our commitment to using innovation to better serve our residents,” said Cumberland County Manager Clarence Grier in a press release. “From AI-powered tools to cybersecurity upgrades, we’re making local government more responsive, efficient and accessible.”
The award specifically highlights the County’s Innovation and Technology Services (ITS) Department, which also earned six 2025 NACo Achievement Awards for standout projects.
“These achievements reflect the dedication and vision of our ITS team and partners across departments,” said Cumberland County Commissioner Glenn Adams in a press release. “It is always an honor to receive national recognition. We’re proud to lead the way in building a smarter, more connected Cumberland County.”
PHOTO PROVIDED BY CFVH
Dr. Hershey Bell (left) and Michael Nagowski, CEO of Cape Fear Valley Health (right) pictured with the 2025 Highsmith Award for Innovation.
Haberfield
Howard
This marks Cumberland County’s fourth consecutive year being nationally ranked among top digital counties.
Key milestones that contributed to this year’s recognition include:
• Launch of the MyCCNCGov mobile app, downloaded more than 3,000 times since July 2024
• AI-powered chatbot handling over 2,300 resident inquiries
• Digital wallet (MyCCNCPay) processing more than $50 million in transactions
• Cybersecurity upgrades saving nearly 300 staff hours and securing overexposed data
• Tech workforce development through role reclassification and internship onboarding
The Digital Counties Survey recognizes counties that align technology investments with executive priorities, apply automation to improve services and adopt modern solutions like AI, data analytics and digital equity platforms.
ers Association and the Fayetteville Firefighters Benevolent Association, GRIFFITH will support emergency responders by helping them decompress after tough calls, ease station tension, lower anxiety levels, reduce long-term PTSD impacts and boost overall heart health.
GRIFFITH and his handler have 50 hours of training. He will be assigned to Fayetteville Fire Station 5 on A-shift. GRIFFITH will work at the fire station on his shift and go home with his firefighter handler when off duty.
FFD welcomes crisis response dog to the team
The Fayetteville Fire Department is excited to welcome a new member to the team, GRIFFITH . Through the paws4people Foundation, GRIFFITH is a crisis response dog trained to perform tasks to mitigate stress and anxiety in emergency situations both at the place of work or at the scene of the emergency. Funded by BowenStrong, the Fayetteville Professional Fire Fight
GRIFFITH officially became part of the team on Thursday, July 10.
ACHIEVERS
Two more crisis response dogs are currently in the plans for the Fayetteville Fire Department to ensure every shift has that support.
CNBC names North Carolina the #1 State for Business
North Carolina has been recognized as the Top State for Business by CNBC. This announcement marks the third time in the last four years that the state has earned the ranking.
The CNBC study measures states across 10 categories of competitiveness. Weights are assigned to each category based on how frequently states cite it as a selling point. States can earn a maximum of 2,500 points, and North Carolina scored 1,614 to take the top spot. The state’s biggest strength categories this year are economy, workforce, and business friendliness. These are the factors companies consider year after year when making site selection decisions, and that states pitch in their efforts to attract business.
GRIFFITH
PHOTO PROVIDED BY CFVH
Rising through the ranks
COOL SPRING DOWNTOWN DISTRICT ANNOUNCES
ASHANTI BENNETT AS NEW PRESIDENT/CEO
The Cool Spring Downtown District (CSDD) Board of Directors is pleased to share that after a thorough and competitive selection process, Ashanti Bennett, who has served as interim president/CEO, has been appointed to the role permanently as of Saturday, July 26, 2025.
Bennett’s promotion follows her term as interim president/ CEO which began on Jan. 2, 2025 following the departure of Bianca Shoneman who previously held the roles.
A creative connector with a passion for the arts and humanities, Bennett brings nearly 20 years of experience in nonprofit arts administration to her role. As the director of special projects at CSDD before being appointed to her interim positions, Bennett successfully curated significant community events, including the Juneteenth Jubilee and the Night Circus.
“This decision reflects our strong belief in her vision and leadership, which has already guided the organization through a time of transition. We are confident that Ms. Bennett will continue to serve with integrity, transparency and purpose, marked with servant leadership and joy,” shared the CSDD Board of Directors in a released statement. “The Board of Directors would like to thank the community for your continued support as we move forward together in our mission to grow and sustain a thriving arts and entertainment district in downtown Fayetteville.”
A proud Fayetteville ‘replant,’ Bennett shared earlier in the year that she draws inspiration from her roots and education at George Mason University, where she interned at the Folger Shakespeare Library.
“I started with Cool Spring Downtown District as a committee volunteer when it was being created back in 2017. It is a distinct pleasure and honor to now be leading an organization whose mission that I believe in and means a great deal to me,” shared Bennett.
Bennett can be found co-hosting joint, quarterly meetings between the Fayetteville Downtown Alliance
“I started with Cool Spring Downtown District as a committee volunteer when it was being created back in 2017. It is a distinct pleasure and honor to now be leading an organization whose mission that I believe in and means a great deal to me”
ASHANTI BENNETT PRESIDENT/CEO, COOL SPRING DOWNTOWN DISTRICT
and CSDD, updating downtown business owners about new developments. Recently, Bennett also helped build support to bring the later canceled Crown Event Center project to downtown Fayetteville, writing a letter to local leadership to continue the project after it was paused for reconsideration.
Most recently, Bennett is overseeing the revitalization of CSDD’s popular 4th Friday events with the launch of a Mid-Season Survey to collect community feedback. Meant primarily for downtown merchants/ business owners and vendors, the 15 question survey focuses on guest satisfaction, vendor satisfaction, submission for ideas to improve the event and more.
Currently, vendor and volunteer applications are still open for the remaining 4th Friday events in 2025 scheduled for Aug. 22, Sept. 26 and Oct. 24.
The Cool Spring Downtown District board and staff remain committed to engaging the community, advocating for policies that support downtown growth and leveraging the creativity of local investors, artists, entrepreneurs and civic leaders.
PHOTOS PROVIDED BY CSDD AND GFBJ
Bennett can be found co-hosting joint, quarterly meetings between the Fayetteville Downtown Alliance and CSDD, updating downtown business owners about new developments.
Bigger and better
DAD BOD DISTRICT IS TAKING OVER THE HISTORIC KRESS BUILDING ON HAY STREET
In just over a year, Dad Bod Dishes has become a beloved staple in Fayetteville’s dining scene. They expanded at the end of 2024 when they opened Dad Bod Dive Bar at 444 W. Russell St. Ste 102, and now, owners Keith and Ashley Bowen are taking their vision to new heights with the launch of Dad Bod District in the historic Kress building on Hay Street.
Bowen, a Fayetteville native, has always been passionate about investing in the community that raised him. After a brief stint of living in the Triangle while his wife attended UNC, the couple was considering where to kick-off their business endeavor. When his wife asked him about where they wanted to sow their entrepreneurial roots, his answer was one from the heart.
“My wife was like, ‘these other cities, is that where you want to be? Or do you want to be at home?’ I said, ‘take me home,’” shared Keith. Now their hometown roots are growing even stronger as they expand their business once again.
EACH FLOOR OF THE NEW SPACE WILL OFFER A UNIQUE EXPERIENCE TO GUESTS:
The first floor will be a full-service restaurant, featuring an expanded menu with appetizers, entrees and a full bar. The space is designed to provide a welcoming, lively dining environment, building on the popularity of the original food truck and Dad Bod Dive Bar.
The second floor will be a dedicated event space, available for private rentals and home to regular parties, raves and special events. It will also serve as a gallery for local artists and a marketplace for local vendors during select occasions.
The rooftop will offer an elevated dining experience with a separate, tapasstyle menu and high-end cocktails. The atmosphere is intended to be elegant and perfect for date nights, anniversaries or special celebrations.
The owners plan to keep the building’s historic Kress sign, honoring its legacy while bringing new energy and opportunities to downtown Fayetteville. The new Dad Bod District aims to revitalize downtown Fayetteville’s
nightlife, drawing inspiration from the vibrant scenes in bigger cities like Raleigh and Durham. Bowen is working closely with other local bar and restaurant owners to create a collaborative, energetic environment.
“We believe in investing in our city, investing in our community, and that's what we're here for. We just want to take what we've built, take it to a higher level and add more to it,” shared Keith.
Keith shared that this new chapter was made possible through the support of family, friends and community. He shouted out his cousin Kaleb White and his wife who are both invested in the business, his wife Ashley who plays a big role in the company’s fast-earned success, Mayor Colvin who helped advocate for the Bowens to bring their work-ethic and incredible eats to Hay Street and of course the loyal Dad Bod customer base.
Once opened, “Dad Bod District” will refer to the three distinct experiences offered in the Kress building and the dive bar located on Russell St., all businesses located within a
two-block radius. The food truck will cease operations to allow the owners to dedicate more time and energy to running the new space as well as the existing dive bar.
Keith shared that the tentative grand opening will hopefully be sometime in mid-August, barring any issues with permitting or any unexpected hold ups.
Keep up with Dad Bod District as it continues to take shape by following them on Facebook: Dad Bod Dishes and Dad Bod Dive Bar, Instagram: @dad_bod_dishes_nc and TikTok: @dadboddishesnc
PHOTO PROVIDED BY KEITH BOWEN
Jade White, Kaleb White, Ashley Bowen and Keith Bowen are the team behind Dad Bod District’s growth and success.
Elevate Hope Mills
NEW PROGRAM SET TO EMPOWER SMALL BUSINESSES, UPLIFT FAMILIES AND STRENGTHEN THE HEART OF THE COMMUNITY
On Monday, July 7, 2025, community leaders, small business owners and residents of Hope Mills witnessed the official launch of Elevate Hope Mills — an initiative designed to supercharge the local economy, equip families with financial tools and create long-term growth and opportunity without losing the small-town charm that makes Hope Mills so special.
Presented by Crystal McLean, founder of Crystal Clear Consulting Group, and Shamblica Lock, executive director of the Hope Mills Chamber of Commerce, this threephase initiative is already being called “a blueprint for modern economic development in small towns.”
“This is more than a program — this is a movement,” said McLean in a press release. “Hope Mills has always had heart. Now we have the strategy. Elevate Hope Mills is going to set a new standard for what smalltown revitalization can look like when it’s rooted in people, purpose and prosperity.”
While many communities have tried to support small businesses in theory, Elevate Hope Mills promises action.
“This is something we’ve never seen done quite like this — not just in Hope Mills, but in towns like ours across the country,” shared Town Manager Chancer McLaughlin. “Elevate Hope Mills is truly groundbreaking. It breathes new life into our business landscape while keeping our values at the core.”
THE INITIATIVE IS DIVIDED INTO THREE PHASES:
Phase One Community Resource Fair
Launching Saturday, Aug. 2, 2025, from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the Hope Mills Recreation Center, this family-friendly event is designed to connect residents directly with local businesses, organizations and resources.
Vendors will also enjoy an exclusive Vendor Connect Breakfast from 10 a.m. – 10:30 a.m., providing a powerful opportunity for small business owners to network, collaborate and potentially form
L to R: Elevate Hope Mills is a new initiative for Hope Mills, designed to supercharge the local economy, equip families with essential financial tools and foster long-term growth and opportunity; The Community Resource Fair is a family-friendly event connecting residents with local businesses and services.
new partnerships before the fair begins.
Participating businesses will benefit from:
• Increased visibility and brand awareness
• New customer connections
• Business-to-business collaborations
• Opportunities to grow their client base
Phase Two Financial Empowerment Series
A three-day, interactive workshop series giving Hope Mills families tools to build wealth, manage debt, save intentionally and move toward financial freedom.
Phase Three Business Accelerator Program
A six-week program equipping local entrepreneurs with the tools and
knowledge needed to stabilize, scale and secure government and local contracts. This includes support in certifications, procurement readiness, marketing strategy and financial planning — helping small businesses play bigger and build lasting sustainability.
“Our families and our businesses deserve this level of support,” said Hope Mills Mayor Jessie Bellflowers in a press release. “This isn’t just another program. It’s a game-changer for the people of Hope Mills.”
PHOTOS
The four Mobile Health and Education Clinics are veritable “hospitals on wheels” with two 40-foot-long vehicles and two smaller units (measuring 26 feet). The larger vehicles are equipped with examination rooms and just about anything a physician would need for primary care procedures and practice. The vehicles feature lab space, refrigeration for immunization materials and educational material on health care issues like diabetes, obesity and smoking cessation.
Driving health forward
CAMPBELL UNIVERSITY’S STATION HOUSE NEARS COMPLETION FOR MED SCHOOL MOBILE UNITS
Campbell’s four Mobile Health and Education Clinics, veritable “hospitals on wheels” that have allowed the University’s medical school and health science programs to provide care throughout the state and region over the last four years, will finally have a home, thanks to a grant made possible by North Carolina’s General Assembly.
Construction will be completed this month on a 6,000-square-foot station house that will provide cover and added security for Campbell’s four mobile clinics. In addition to the large garage, the station will feature three offices for staff, a large storage area for supplies needed for the units and a meeting room. According to Facilities Management Director Robbie Adams, the building will be much more than a “garage” once complete.
“These mobile units are high-tech vehicles with a lot of equipment, and now we’ll be able to keep them out of the elements and locked away,” Adams said in a press release. “In addition to having staff on site, this station will be able to host events and meetings and become part of the stu-
The 6,000-square-foot station house will provide cover and added security for Campbell’s four mobile clinics. Construction is expected to be wrapped in August of 2025.
dent experience. And in the event it’s needed, it can become a command center for the county.”
Nearly all of the roughly $1.4 million project was covered by a state grant, with Campbell responsible for around $75,000 of the project.
Construction began earlier this year and is expected to wrap up around the start of the fall semester — according to Adams and Grounds/ Auto Shop Manager Bryan Denny,
electric and HVAC work will make up most of the final work over the next month.
Campbell’s mobile unit fleet is made up of two 40-foot-long vehicles and two smaller units (26 feet). The larger vehicles are equipped with examination rooms and just about anything a physician would need for primary care procedures and practice. The vehicles feature lab space, refrigeration for immunization
materials and educational material on health care issues like diabetes, obesity and smoking cessation.
The vehicles were made possible by a $6 million grant Campbell received from the North Carolina General Assembly in 2020. Among the first uses for the units were COVID-19 outreach efforts that began in 2021 and more recently, the units were used to provide care in western North Carolina after Hurricane Helene.
The station house is the highlight of several recent capital improvement projects at the Leon Levine Hall of Medical Sciences, home to the Jerry M. Wallace School of Osteopathic Medicine, Campbell’s Physician Assistant program and other health science programs. A freight elevator was fully replaced this year, and significant work was done on the building’s HVAC system and to clean outside brick and slate. Campbell has also partnered with TA Loving to address window integrity and moisture damage on the building’s fourth floor.
PHOTO PROVIDED BY CAMPBELL UNIVERSITY
PHOTO BY CAMPBELL UNIVERSITY
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
Jackson Homebuilders LLC
5382 South Forty Dr
Hope Mills Agent: Stacy Todd Jackson
CiCi Consulting LLC
2012 Lakemeadow Dr Fayetteville Agent: Cinja Maria Ribeiro
MaSona Store LLC 3411 Dorado Cir Apt 107 Fayetteville Agent: SONAIDAD NOVEMBRE
Zion's Lake LLC
1929 Sardonyx Rd Unit 3
Fayetteville Agent: Nikieda Shjuan Kirkpatrick
Kraken Lawn LLC
2659 Stonehaven Dr Fayetteville Agent: Michael Fuhrman
L'Experience Spa by Signature LLC 2148 Mannington Dr Fayetteville Agent: Natalie James
Al Ameer Inc. 605 German St Fayetteville Agent: All Accurate Accounts LLC
VetLyfe Pressure Washing LLC. 1424 Harvest Hill Ct
Fayetteville Agent: Robert Brown Maison Blerta LLC 2726 Glider St Apt 306 Fort Bragg Agent: Blerta Mehanja
Created for Purpose Spiritual Life Coaching LLC 520 Grand Wailea
Abrun Garcia
StartOffGreenPressureWashing limited liability company 6410 Milford Rd
Fayetteville Agent: raven smith
HOPE Foundation NC INC
Noble Refrigeration & HVAC LLC 421 Kiki Dr
Fayetteville Agent: Walner R Gonzales
General Vending Company LLC 1619 Laguardia Dr
Hope Mills Agent: Mark David Saults
The Jan P Malkiewicz Foundation Inc.
1000 Andrews Rd
Fayetteville Agent: Zachary Wade Cannon
SLJ's Trucking LLC 753 Elliot Farm Rd
Fayetteville Agent: India J McNeill
HammondsCare LLC
6222 Carver Pine Loop Apt 6104
Fayetteville Agent: Santaigo Hammonds
Field Link LLC 1204 Lands End Dr
Fayetteville Agent: Tammy Malone
Dederick Estates LLC 3513 Bracebridge Ct
Fayetteville April L Dederick
Exterior Works LLC 5518 Shady Lawn Dr
Hope Mills Agent: Coyle
Fayetteville Agent: Keliikai Aipia
A Warm Embrace at Home Home Care LLC
911 Crescent Commons Way Apt 204
Fayetteville Agent: Elizabeth Carol Lewis
Fayetteville Agent: Destiny Nicole Wilson
LaTiCo LLC 4379 Cameron Rd
Hope Mills Agent: Tina M Odom
5511 Ramsey St Ste 201
Fayetteville Agent: Kenyetta Lovelee Cooper
Liberty Lucky Stop LLC 1407 Ramsey St
Fayetteville Agent: Aahed Rizq Alashmali
Chosen Crew Youth Outreach (CC-YO)
526 Swan Island Ct
Fayetteville Agent: Maria Brown Robinson
Goshen Underground LLC 8976 Durant Nixon Rd Agent: Linden Pedro Munoz Juarez
3 Brokers LLC 150 N McPherson Church Rd Ste A Fayetteville Agent: Gary Futch
CRF Home Inspections LLC 773 Bainbridge Rd
Stedman Agent: Cameron Richard Freeman
BIZZELL ENTERPRISES LLC 213 Livermore Dr
Fayetteville Agent: Aaron BIZZELL
Kai's Offensive-Line Academy Foundation (K.O.A. Foundation) 5224 Agway St
Some TuftLove LLC
635 Marshtree Ln Unit 308
Fayetteville Agent: Maria Breshers
R&T Consult Services LLC 1813 Edgecombe Ave
Fayetteville Agent: Rashante Terra McNeill
FasTrax Logistics LLC
332 Bubble Creek Ct Unit 5
Fayetteville Agent: Tiara Stribling
ENERGENUITY
LABS RED LLC 200 Dick Street Ste D Fayetteville Agent: Abundant Living Consulting Corporation LLC
Alpha and Omega Security LLc 205 W Russell St
Fayetteville Agent: Jermaine Norfleet
Bob White Hyde LLC
2031 Middle Rd Eastover
Agent: D. Brian Raynor
Fleming Physician
Associates PLLC 3205 Masters Dr
Hope Mills Agent: Frank R Fleming
Heavenly Beauty Esthetics LLC 3413 N Main St
Send A Smile Staffing Solutions LLC
6825 Nc Highway 87 S
Fayetteville Agent: Latrice Stokes
We Care for Elders and More LLC 623 Fairbluff Dr
Hope Mills Agent: Eunice Singletary
Secure M.E. Home Care Services LLC 7617 Eunice Dr
Fayetteville Agent: Melissa Green
Old School Cleaning LLC 2813 Eastover North Dr
Eastover Agent: Keith D. Bolton
1271 Group LLC 1678 Joe Hall Rd
Hope Mills Agent: Benjamin Baker
Rubie Apparel LLC 419 Cross Creek Mall Unit TA-03 Fayetteville Agent: Bryan Lee
The Blossom Closet Inc. 2150 Stonewash Dr Fayetteville Agent: Akylah Alexis Moody
Real Numbers LLC 3423 Dunn Rd Eastover Agent: Michael Hooks
3445 HUYNH PROPERTY LLC 3445 N Main St
Hope Mills Agent: SANG PHI HUYNH
The Blessed Blends LLC 1380 Regatta St Apt 309
Fayetteville Agent: Natasia
Tyrenzia Vann
Ascent ABA Therapy LLC
673 Prestige Blvd Fayetteville Agent: Tracy Taylor
Cresfund Capital at Ramsey LLC
324 Mason St
Fayetteville Agent: Cresfund Management Group LLC
Mitchell's Recovery LLC
412B W Mountain Dr
Fayetteville Agent: Kathleen Marie Mitchell
Pyrates Coves LLP
3116 Deaver Cir
Hope Mills Agent: Mike Waguespack
Dreamer Charles LLC
2221 Hackney Loop
Fayetteville Agent: Carlos Ivan Cancel Soto
Hope Mills
Homeschoolers
5316 Mountain Run Dr
Hope Mills Agent: Neysha Marie Franklin Diaz
Ware Is The Knot? LLC
303 Bonita Ct Fayetteville Agent: Tanisha Davis
Nursing Homes
Nursing Homes
Ranked by number of cer tified beds
1
2
3
3 AUTUMN CARE OF
1206 N Fulton St. Raeford, N.C. 28376
4
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5
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saberhealth.com/locations/autumn-care-of-
910-875-4280
saberhealth.com/locations/autumn-care-ofraeford
Of The Judith Roberson Dixon Irr,
Figlewski, Earl Powell, John Powell,
UNC & NC State Play-by-Play.
The Radio stations of Andrulonis Media are carrying every game for the UNC Tarheels on Carolina Country 100.1 WFAY and the NC State Wolfpack on The River / 106.5 WMRV.
