he Federal Technology Symposium is an annual event that brings together warfighting challenges ascertained by military commands at the federal and state levels with the solutions and innovation to match those challenges. Those solutions, according to Director of Defense Technologies at the North Carolina Military Business Center Bob Burton, come from area small businesses, entrepreneurs, researchers and universities. The NCMBC, in partnership with Fayetteville Technical Community
Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is the most common irregular heart rhythm that begins in your heart’s upper chambers. Symptoms of AFib include extreme fatigue, heart palpitations, shortness of breath, fainting, chest pain and dizziness.
Untreated AFib can lead to a stroke and other serious cardiac issues like heart failure. Treatment for AFib focuses on managing the heart rate, preventing blood clots and reducing the risk of stroke and heart failure. The average person with AFib is five times more likely to have a stroke than someone with a regular heartbeat.
AFib is typically treated with anticoagulants (blood thinners); however, there are some patients for whom it is not safe to take blood thinners long term. These patients are now able to receive a one-time, minimally invasive procedure to reduce their risk of stroke without dependency on blood thinners.
Cape Fear Valley Health began performing the Watchman procedure in September of 2023, with surgeries being done on the first and third Monday of every month. Since its introduction locally, the health system has helped 30 patients to live their lives on their own terms with peace of mind.
Watchman is a small, flexible implant about the size of a quarter, made from very light and compact materials commonly used in many other medical implants. It is placed into your heart and never needs replacement.
Patients with AFib who are determined to be a candidate for the Watchman procedure
are referred for a screening. A specialist then performs an echocardiogram, which involves taking a camera down the throat to take a closer look at the heart, to examine the area where the Watchman needs to be implanted. During this they also take measurements to determine the appropriate size of the device to implant. Once that is finished patients are given a procedure date.
On procedure day, the patient is put to sleep with anesthesia and the surgery to implant the device takes about 40 minutes from start to finish. Patients then come back to the recovery area where they stay overnight and are then discharged the next day.
Post op, your doctor will prescribe you blood thinning medication for 45 days or until your LAA (left atrial appendage) is permanently closed off. During this time, heart tissue will grow over the implant to form a barrier against blood clots. At six weeks post op patients have a follow up echocardiogram to check in. Another echocardiogram at their one year follow up as well. Once cleared to stop taking blood thinners, the doctor will then prescribe a medicine to take for six months with aspirin. Once fully healed there is a need for lifelong aspirin therapy to protect against any device related issues such as inflammation.
There is a newer version of the device, the Watchman Flex Pro, which already has a coating on top of the device to promote faster healing. This is the current device that is used at Cape Fear Valley Health following the national and global guidelines.
Cape Fear Valley Health is part of the National Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion Registry and is committed to providing patients with the best possible care. Patients who have undergone the Watchman procedure report greater peace of mind knowing that their risk of stroke has been decreased just the same as when they were taking the blood thinners but without the added risk of bleeding from the blood thinners.
If you are living with AFib, consult your doctor to find out if the Watchman procedure is right for you.
SIRISHA REDDY, M.D. Director, Cardiac Electrophysiology Lab, Cape Fear Valley Medical Center
Dr. Sirisha Reddy is a board-certified cardiac electrophysiologist with extensive training in the diagnosis and treatment of heart rhythm disorders. She earned her medical degree from Rajah Muthiah Medical College in India before completing her residency in internal medicine at New Hanover Regional Medical Center in Wilmington, North Carolina.
Dr. Reddy went on to complete fellowships in both Clinical Cardiovascular Disease at the University of South Florida in Tampa and Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology at the University of Arkansas in Little Rock. She is certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine in Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Diseases, and Cardiac Electrophysiology.
With a patient-centered approach, Dr. Reddy is dedicated to delivering comprehensive care and the latest advancements in heart rhythm management to improve her patients' quality of life.
>> By Eddie Velazquez
From TRANSFORMATION, page 1
College, Senator Thom Tillis, and Senator Ted Budd, organizes the event every year.
The event, which will take place on Sept. 9-10 at Fayetteville Technical Community College, brings together officials from agencies such as the U.S. Department of Defense and the Department of Homeland Security to explore the origins of these rapid innovations.
“They come to learn where those rapid innovation opportunities are that would turn research into prototypes, and prototypes into war-fighting solutions,” Burton said. “This is our fourth year running the Federal Technology Symposium, recognizing that there are technology needs across all government agencies. So it’s not just defense.”
Burton said that a soft theme for this year’s symposium is “Transformation In Contact,” which aligns with the overall approach the U.S. Army has taken in its operations this year.
“It has been like that for a while because of the speed of the threat, recognizing that budget cycles don’t line up with threat and adversarial intents for the nation,” Burton said. “Day one, on Sept. 9, we’re going to Fort Bragg to meet at the Airborne Innovation Lab and the LTG James M. Gavin Joint Innovation Outpost, which is where soldiers bring their problems to meet with industry, academia, researchers and develop solutions to those problems.”
“The key goal of the Federal Technology Symposium,” Burton said, “is for government agencies that have identified the current threat environment to connect with academia and industry.”
“What are our warfighters facing? What threats is the nation facing?” Burton said. “And then, how can North Carolina technology solutions provide solutions to those threats? What does that look like?”
The answers to those questions translate into funding opportunities in the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs, particularly through collaborations with universities.
“There are new challenges, there are new technologies, there are new threats, and we cannot be limited by budget cycles,” Burton said. “We need to understand that the threat and budgets inform where the nation makes its strategic investments and even tactical purchases for technology.”
At FTS, strengthen your connections within North Carolina’s innovation ecosystem, opening doors to
and opportunities.
THE AGENDA FOR THE EVENT IS AS FOLLOWS. ALL THE SEPT. 10 EVENTS WILL TAKE PLACE AT FAYETTEVILLE TECHNICAL COMMUNITY COLLEGE’S TONY RAND STUDENT CENTER:
Sept. 9, 11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
ET Fort Bragg Tour: 82nd Airborne
Innovation Lab Tour and LTG Gavin Joint Innovation Outpost
Sept. 9, 4-5 p.m.
A Fireside Chat: Warfighting Challenges of the Chief Technology Officer at Fayetteville Technical Community College
Sept. 9, 5-7 p.m.
Welcome Social at Fayetteville Technical Community College
Sept. 10, 7:30-8:30 a.m.
Exhibitor setup, registration check-in and networking opportunities
Sept. 10, 8:30-9:15 a.m.
Welcome and keynote remarks
Sept. 10, 9:15-10:15 a.m
Forging the Future: Strategic Innovation Pathways for National Defense
Sept. 10, 10:15-10:45 a.m.
Networking and refreshments on the exhibit floor
Sept. 10, 10:45-11:45 a.m.
Technology Innovation Showcase
Sept. 10, 11:45 a.m.-12 p.m.
Networking and refreshments on the exhibit floor
Sept. 10, 12-1:15 p.m.
Lunch and remarks from:
• Dr. Murtis Worth, senior vice president for academic and student services, Fayetteville Technical Community College
• Rob Braun, Chief Technology Officer, XVIII Airborne Corps, Fort Bragg.
• Brigadier General Ralph J. Rizzo, Jr., Commanding General, Marine Corps Installations East and Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune (invited)
Sept. 10, 1:15-1:30 p.m.
Networking and refreshments on the exhibit floor
Sept. 10, 1:30-2:30 p.m.
Building Tomorrow’s Force: Cultivating Talent for the Defense Industry
Sept. 10, 2:30-3 p.m.
Networking and refreshments on the exhibit floor
Sept. 10, 3-4 p.m.
Bridging the Gap: Aligning Tactical Solutions with Strategic Goals
According to Burton, “the rapidly changing geopolitical landscape and the need to counter emerging threats
are key reasons why the symposium is a vital event for both the federal government and innovators alike.”
“The ability to navigate changing geopolitical environments, countering the emerging threats, whether it’s terrorism or whether it’s large scale combat operations, requires an all-encompassing government approach,” Burton noted. “That means all agencies working together. We believe that in North Carolina, it requires an all-encompassing state approach to support the federal government. So hence our innovation ecosystem, with our small businesses, innovators, university researchers, public-private partnerships, and even investors to move technologies forward to make the critical investments needed to get the right capabilities into the warfighter's hands ahead of time.”
The event, he added, “serves as a strategic dialogue that needs to occur before critical demand arises.”
“It has to be in person where people are talking about and telling real stories, sharing real experiences and sharing those at a venue where we also provide solutions,” Burton said. “We’re not just talking about problems, we are solving them.”
DR. W. STEWART THOMAS has been named dean of the Thomas College of Business and Economics (TCOBE) at UNC Pembroke. Dr. Thomas has been a cornerstone of the business program since 2001 and brings a wealth of experience, vision and community connection to the role.
“I’m deeply honored to have been named dean of the Thomas College of Business and Economics at UNC Pembroke,” Thomas said in a press release. “This role is especially meaningful to me — not only professionally but personally — because my roots run deep in this community.”
Throughout his 20 year tenure, Thomas has held many key administrative positions, including vice chancellor for Finance and Administration, interim associate provost, associate dean and, most recently, interim dean of the TCOBE since May 2025.
Thomas’ vision for the college centers on community engagement, innovation and student success. One of his top goals is to deepen the college’s ties with regional stakeholders and to serve as a catalyst for economic development in southeastern N.C.
“Our mission goes beyond classroom walls. We want to be a catalyst for economic development, entrepreneurship and business success in southeastern North Carolina,” he said in a press release. “We must share our intellectual and institutional assets with our businesses and citizens.”
A champion of innovation and technology, Thomas is focused on the growing role of artificial intelligence in the business world and education. With a strong data analytics and finance background, Thomas plans to further position TCOBE as a leader in careerreadiness, ethical AI use and applied learning experiences.
Signature initiatives such as SPARK (Student Professional Accountings Records Knowledge), the VITA tax assistance program and expanded service-learning partnerships exemplify the college’s impact in the region.
Faculty development will also
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.”
remain a top priority.
“Our greatest asset is our faculty,” Thomas added in a press release. “They deliver outcomes for our students, and we must ensure they have the tools to do that. With the support of Chancellor (Robin Gary) Cummings and university leadership, we’ll continue to advocate for their professional growth.”
The administration at Methodist University has announced the hiring of DR. ANDRÉ J. RICHBURG as the school’s new vice president for strategic enrollment (VPSE). The position is responsible for providing vision and leadership in the development and execution of enrollment strategies and enrollment operations for recruitment and retention.
Richburg earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration from William Paterson University (N.J.), a master’s in school counseling from Monmouth University (N.J.) and his doctorate from West Chester University (Pa.) in higher education policy, planning and administration. He has served in admissions roles at Monmouth, Centenary University (N.J.), multiple community colleges; was executive director of graduate marketing & admissions at West Chester; and most recently served as a senior optimization executive at CampusWorks, Inc.
In these positions, Richburg had success in the implementation of strategic enrollment plans, increasing fall-to-fall student retention, creating long-term communica -
tion plans, orchestrating tuition net-revenue models and developing outreach and enrollment of adult learners.
“I am ecstatic to lead the recruitment, admissions and enrollment initiatives at Methodist University,” said Richburg in a press release. “There is ample opportunity to promote the MU brand throughout North Carolina and its surrounding states. The Southeastern part of the country is ripe for the picking, as it is the lone part of the U.S. that is projected to have an increase in traditional-aged students.”
In addition to guiding the strategic shaping of undergraduate enrollment, the VPSE provides thought leadership for enrollment strategy and supports coordinated admissions operations for Methodist University graduate programs.
“With a clear vision, realistic strategic enrollment management and a devout commitment from my team, I am confident that MU will be positioned well to increase its notoriety, expand on its demographic outreach and continue to thrive with a student-centered approach,” Richburg said in a press release.
TRP Sumner PLLC is proud to announce the promotion of three distinguished team members to partner: ASHLEY BARRETT, CPA ; SIDNEY B. FRAZEE II ; and JANE LANIER, CPA . These individuals have consistently demonstrated excellence in client service, technical expertise and leadership—qualities that reflect the firm’s values and strategic vision for continued growth.
The announcement was made by CEO Taylor Stephenson, who praised the new partners for their long-standing contributions and unwavering dedication to the firm.
“Ashley, Sidney and Jane each bring a wealth of experience, deep client relationships andstrong leadership to our firm. Their promotion to partner is a testament to their commitment toour profession, our clients and our people. I am honored to welcome them into our partnershipand excited for what lies ahead,” said Stephenson in a press release.
Ashley Barrett, CPA, began her career with TRP Sumner as a tax intern and has served in the firm’s Tax Service Line for over 18 years. As a senior manager, she has led client engagements across a wide range of industries while playing an integral role in employee development and firm initiatives. Barrett is a graduate of Fayetteville State University and is known for her collaborative approach and dedication to client success.
Sidney B. Frazee II has been with the firm since 1998, bringing more than 35 years of public accounting experience. As a senior manager, Frazee has built a strong reputation for serving clients in health care, real estate, and other industries with integrity and technical skill. A valued advisor to the Tax Service Line, Frazee is also deeply involved in his local community through service and leadership at Cedar Falls Baptist Church.
Jane Lanier, CPA, who most recently served as tax director, leads the firm’s largest team of tax professionals and oversees a high volume of client engagements. With over two decades of experience in the accounting field,
Lanier has been instrumental in driving quality and efficiency across the firm’s tax operations. She holds both a BBA and an MBA from Campbell University, where she majored in Trust & Wealth Management and Accounting.
These new partners reflect TRP Sumner’s ongoing commitment to developing leadership from within and delivering exceptional service to clients across North Carolina and beyond.
earns DMAP accreditation from Destinations International
DistiNCtly Fayetteville has once again earned accreditation by the Destination Marketing Accreditation Program (DMAP) of Destina -
tions International — the highest mark of excellence for destination marketing organizations.
This renewed DMAP Accreditation will enable the organization to host more events, more tournaments and more visitors which brings new dollars to local hotels, restaurants, shops and attractions.
“When we raise the bar for destination marketing, we help fuel jobs, grow local businesses and keep Cumberland County thriving — for everyone who lives, works and explores here. This achievement recognizes our commitment to accountability, industry best practices and service to visitors, partners and our community,” shared the DistiNCtly Fayetteville team in a Facebook update.
According to Destinations International’s website, the globally recognized Destination Marketing Accreditation Program serves as
a visible industry distinction that defines quality and performance standards in destination marketing and management.
Learn more about DMAP here: www.destinationsinternational.org/ dmap.
Cumberland County is pleased to announce the promotion of JEREMY STEFANKO as its new internal services director. Stefanko brings more than 20 years of experience in operations, facility management and public service, including 15 years supporting mission-critical operations at Fort Bragg and the past six years serving the residents of Cumberland County.
Stefanko’s early career began at Fort Bragg, where he steadily rose through the ranks to become operations manager. In that role, he was recognized for his leadership, discipline and a strong work ethic.
“This community has shaped
who I am,” said Stefanko in a press release. “I’m honored to step into this role and look forward to supporting the people and infrastructure that help our county operate effectively every day.”
In his new role, Stefanko will oversee facility operations, fleet services and other critical internal support functions that help maintain the county’s daily operations. He holds multiple certifications across skilled trades and brings a handson, solutions-driven approach to leadership.
“Each of these individuals have already made choices to stop, reflect and step into something not fully known,” said Hunter Corn, director of WLI, in a press release. “I am grateful for their choices to intentionally be in relationship with those different from themselves. It is choices like this that strengthen communities.”
>> By Stephanie Meador
The City of Lumberton is moving forward with a new terminal project at the Lumberton Regional Airport. It’s a collaborative effort involving several partners, including Cooper Tacia General Contractors, Talbert & Bright, Stewart, The Wilson Group and others. This exciting step for the city emphasizes economic development, infrastructure investment and regional accessibility.
Lumberton Regional Airport, located at 163 Airport Blvd. in Lumberton, is a city-owned airport that services general aviation aircraft. Recently Lumberton has been experiencing a boom of growth, and the airport is expanding to keep up with the developing city.
“We’ve had a lot of growth over the last four years, and it just does not seem to be slowing down. We’re just picking up the pace and expanding more,” shared Lumberton Regional Airport Director Gary Lewis.
Several projects have already been completed at the airport. The airport previously received just over $9 million in funding to construct a new taxi way and extend an existing taxi way. They also recently completed a $2.4 million project where they installed a new 12,000 gallon aviation fuel tank that holds fuel for smaller aircraft, then also a new 12,000 gallon jet fuel tank that holds fuel for jets and turbine engines that come in. Additionally, the airport built a tower to monitor the weather to keep pilots aware and prepared. That was an additional $152,000.
This next expansion of Lumberton Regional Airport includes the construction of a 12-unit T-hangar (17,550 sq. ft.) and a two-unit box hangar (12,000 sq. ft.), designed to support the airport’s continued growth and development.
Lewis shared that Lumberton Regional Airport currently has a waiting list for people looking for a hangar to house their plane in. This new 12-unit hangar will help them meet that need.
“What the 12-unit T-hangar does is it allows us to be able to house 12 more aircraft. And so that does several things. It helps us and the pilots to have a place to put their plane…
ILLUSTRATION PROVIDED BY COOPER TACIA GENERAL CONTRACTORS
Lumberton Regional Airport is preparing to begin construction on a 12-unit T-hangar and a two-unit box hangar. These two new hangars will help the airport better serve the growing community.
“
The more the airport expands, the more it can assist the county and the city in growth as well. So that’s what we're hoping to do. My title is airport director. It's not economic development director, but you tend to go hand in hand and work together...”
— Gary Lewis Director, Lumberton Regional Airport
And so those will help them out, but it also helps the county and the city out, because each one of those, they’re going to make a lot of money on the taxes, so that increases that tax base for the county and the city…the two-sided box hangar, it’s a rather large hanger… What we’ll be using that one for is to attract business here,” explained Lewis.
The cost of these additional projects has already been covered through legislative funding. Lumberton Regional Airport received about $10 million to help cover the cost of expansions. These two new hangars cost about $6.6 million, and the money leftover will go towards further development.
Lewis shared that they’ve completed the design phase and hope to break ground on the projects within the next one to two months. Both hangars will be constructed simultaneously. The goal is to have the box hangar finished within six to eight months, and then the T-hangar finished within 10 to 12 months.
“The more the airport expands, the more it can assist the county and the city in growth as well. So that’s what we’re hoping to do. My title is airport director. It's not economic development director, but you tend to go hand in hand and work together on some of these [efforts]. So the more we expand, the more the economics of the city and the county is going to expand as well. And then, of course, some of the projects that are going on in the county and city, like over at the business park, eventually, that’s going to drive more traffic at the airport as well,” added Lewis.
With continued investment and a focus on meeting community needs, Lumberton Regional Airport is poised to play an even greater role in the region’s economic development and connectivity. The airport’s expansion is about more than infrastructure, it’s about positioning Lumberton as a hub for business growth and opportunity in southeastern North Carolina.
Fayetteville Technical Community College hosted leaders from the N.C. Department of Information Technology and the Carolina Cyber Network on Monday, July 7, to announce a new internship program that will provide real-world cybersecurity experience to students enrolled in CCN member schools while expanding the state’s IT workforce.
NCDIT is partnering with FTCC, a founding member of CNN, to offer the initial internships, which will launch this fall.
Carolina Cyber Network (CCN) was established about four years ago through a partnership with Fayetteville Tech and Montreat College. Since its introduction CCN has grown to represent 23 two and four-year colleges and universities across North Carolina. At the start, the program reported about 680 students in dedicated cybersecurity programs in North Carolina. Now, that number has increased to over 4000.
This partnership between CCN and NCDIT aims to address the state’s ongoing need for skilled cybersecurity professionals. Currently, there are approximately 16,000 unfilled cybersecurity positions in the state.
“Our partnership with the North Carolina Department of Information Technology represents a bold step forward in securing our state’s future. This collaboration spans institutions all across North Carolina. It’s not just for Fayetteville Tech, but it’s for students from all 23 of our member institutions, and
L to R: President Vern Lindquist, NCCCS Board Chair Tom Looney, NCDIT Secretary Teena Piccione, FTCC President Mark Sorrells
it spans the entire state from west to east, and it empowers future-ready students to strengthen the state cybersecurity posture against evolving threats. Under the visionary leadership of the secretary of DIT, this transformative idea is becoming a reality, positioning North Carolina as the leader in cybersecurity workforce development and cyber risk litigation,” shared FTCC President
and CCN Executive Director Dr. Mark Sorrells.
As the leading provider of IT services to state agencies, local governments and educational institutions across North Carolina, NCDIT works closely with other state, local and federal partners to protect the state’s government IT systems, data and assets from cyberthreats, providing an ideal work environment for interns to develop critical skills in the cyber and IT industries.
N.C. Department of Information Technology Secretary and State Chief Information Officer Teena Piccione emphasized the importance of developing a skilled workforce to fill these roles in this ever-changing industry.
“I want to hire every single one of the students that come out of the Carolina Cyber Network. I want to make sure that we’re giving the opportunity that they need, not only for real world experience, but a real job at the end, because that’s what matters. That is going to make the
difference in our state,” remarked Piccione.
State Chief Information Security Officer Bernice Russell-Bond echoed Piccione’s enthusiasm for the new partnership, speaking on the winwin nature of the program for both students and the state.
“Having a skilled, well-trained pipeline is essential to our cybersecurity efforts. Every day there are new challenges, so you will not be bored,” Russell-Bond said, encouraging students to take advantage of the opportunities ahead.
The program is expected to launch in August. Students across the state will be able to travel to Raleigh to work in person for training while completing the majority of their work virtually in a secure environment on their home campus.
For more information about the Carolina Cyber Network and upcoming opportunities, visit the CCN website www.carolinacybernetwork.net, or contact your campus program manager.
Linchpin Solutions Inc. is an SBA 8(a) Certified and Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) firm that provides tactical C5ISR services and solutions for federal government and commercial clients. Founded in 2014, the company has over a decade of experience working as the ‘linchpin’ between their industry clients and the federal government, providing Professional Services, Curriculum Training and Development, Integrated Product Support, and Help Desk Solutions for defense customers.
The Greater Fayetteville Business Journal sat down with Kathryn Cox, the Vice President of Learning Solutions at Linchpin Solutions to discuss her role supporting comprehensive training and curriculum development, one of the core services that Linchpin offers.
“As technology advances, military members in the field receive extremely advanced and updated equipment, without the proper training manuals on how to use the equipment. That’s where Linchpin Solutions comes in,” shared Cox.
Linchpin Solutions provides subject matter experts who help with equipment training, technical documentation, and the full lifecycle management of equipment, from implementation to maintenance and eventual de-obligation.
“We hire a huge percentage of Veterans who have just left the military. They can use their experience from being in the field with this advanced equipment,” added Cox.
Linchpin also supports professional services, placing skilled personnel alongside government teams, and adapts to new technologies to keep their training and support services current. Their work ensures that government investments in new technology are effectively used and maintained in the field.
“Engineers are extremely knowledgeable in the complex work that they do and products they build. However, we take those complex engineering specs and put them into a training program or a user support program that makes it easier for the user to be able to implement the product,” explained Cox.
Linchpin Solutions functions as
Linchpin Solutions attends defense conferences throughout the year, using conferences and tradeshows to exhibit their services and connect with network professionals, including industry, military and government leaders to address and understand today’s challenges and threats within the defense industry.
the bridge between industry and government.
“Big companies know how to build equipment. We know how to convert it using the military standard language, right? So we’re able to translate it, put it in the right form, so that when somebody’s looking at it, it’s like, oh, yeah, that looks like all of the other army training that we do, or Marine Corps training that we do, because there’s a template kind of process that the military wants you to implement,” added Cox.
Linchpin Solutions acquires new contracts through both direct and indirect requests.
“Relationships are really important in our industry. Reputation is incredibly important in our industry,” stated Cox.
Equipment manufacturers may approach Linchpin to help fulfill government contract requirements, especially for training and documentation. Government agencies themselves also reach out to Linchpin for their expertise. Additionally, Linchpin responds to government requests for proposals (RFPs) and leverages its reputation and network, often receiving referrals from past clients or industry contacts.
Linchpin Solutions employs about 100 people and has about 25 to 30 active contracts at a time.
The company conducts business at multiple locations across the United
States. They have facilities or people on site in programs in Fayetteville, Charleston, Tampa, Camp Pendleton, Aberdeen Proving Ground, the Pentagon and more. Linchpin Solutions supports all military service branches and also works with various federal government agencies. In addition to their government work, they have begun to offer more commercial support where they are working directly with other companies to help develop their training products for them.
Linchpin Solutions keeps up with evolving technology by fostering a culture of continuous learning and collaboration among its team members. Employees pursue professional development, such as earning certificates in areas like artificial intelligence (AI) and its application in business and training. The company actively collaborates with individuals and organizations at the forefront of technological innovation, working on projects that integrate AI—such as intelligent tutoring systems and help bots—into training programs.
Not only is the technology evolving, the expectations of the contracting industry are shifting as well.
The Small Business Administration recently announced that beginning Oct. 1, 8(a) contractors will once again be required to have a physical office within the geographic area in
which they are bidding on federal construction contracts.
“The return to work is something that is really being dealt with contract by contract,” remarked Cox. “Linchpin is not impacted by that tremendously, because most of the work that we’re doing under 8(a) contracts requires that we provide a presence on the government site in the first place.”
While not a major cause for concern, this return to in person work will likely have an impact on the labor pool companies like Linchpin Solutions have access to.
“Having the selection of people with the right skill set that you need is a lot easier when people are working remotely, because you can pull them in, and we can collaborate like this [virtually]. So is that going to be a challenge? It can be a challenge, because it might mean that my costs are going to be higher because I’m going to have to pay people to move from one place to another if I want to have the right skill set.”
Linchpin Solutions remains adaptable and prepared to navigate this new chapter in the industry. As a company centered on finding solutions, they are confident in their ability to successfully embrace this change.
“We like to consider ourselves partners with our customers. We want to make sure that we’re doing the job that we were hired to do. Repeat business is always a good thing. But referrals are also really good. When somebody talks about Linchpin, I want them to talk about the fact that we’re professional, we’re efficient and that they would recommend us to other people to fulfill the needs that they have, that if you give us a job, we’re going to do it right. And I think that that for me is success. When one of my customers makes a referral for me to another customer, then I know I’ve done a good job” shared Cox.
Learn more about Linchpin Solutions by visiting their website: www.linchpinsolutions.com.
The Defense Alliance Foundation (DAF), an independent, North Carolina-based nonprofit organization, is setting its focus on Fayetteville and Fort Bragg to expand government contracting opportunities for local businesses.
The DAF was established on April 11, 2023, starting with a mission to foster and support scientific research, education and charitable activities in support of national defense, public health and innovation across the state.
DAF leadership is made up of a dedicated team, serving as directors and members of the board of advisors, with each one providing guidance in their unique fields.
“I couldn’t be more blessed to have this type of expertise and feedback as a part of our [organization],” shared DAF Chairman Phil Williams. “There are no employees. It’s an all-volunteer organization.”
Using an open non-commercial model and following strict guidelines to maintain an IRS 501(c)(3) public charity status that enables free public access to knowledge, tools and partnerships, the DAF is focusing on areas of interest highlighted in the 2026 Department of Defense budget.
Termed “emerging clusters” where NC universities and innovators have focus, specified areas of interest include:
Artificial Intelligence and machine learning
CHIPS for America
Ocean, maritime and space science (blue economy)
Cybersecurity
Renewable energy
Next generation batteries and materials
Robotics
Wide bandgap semiconductors
“With regards to the budgets for the Department of Defense, parts of the budgets are going to be growing in specific areas: hypersonic weapons, unmanned air systems and counter unmanned air systems. With these changes, there’s a lot of adjustment to where you can find funding and
L to R: DAF
following a presentation on a 25- year vision for the city’s continued growth and transformation; Through a collaborative partnership, the DAF is uniquely positioned to serve as a neutral facilitator and knowledge hub for the 35,000 square-foot building recently acquired by the FCEDC. It will offer training spaces, secured technology labs, advanced computing infrastructure, a large lecture hall/special event space and more.
how you can work with the government, specifically the Department of Defense,” shared Dr. Stephen Lee, DAF advisor board member and founder of AdvisorLee, LLC. “Those are opportunities, and I think that the DAF is perfectly suited to move ahead and take advantage of these changing opportunities and really build productive relationships.”
The DAF organizes forums, symposiums, workshops and educational events across North Carolina to explore emerging technologies and defense challenges, providing insights and opportunities for Veterans, underserved communities and innovative ecosystems. Since its creation, the DAF has hosted more than 170 science and technology forums to drive collaboration between academic researchers, military organizations and small businesses.
“When I think about the DAF and the way it brings so many parties together, both individuals and organizations, it’s like a human breathing,” shared Advisor Board Member and Attorney David Hayden. “You’ve got to let people have an opportunity to connect, whether it’s online or whether it’s in a simple location.”
Through the Fayetteville Cumberland County Economic Development Corporation’s (FCEDC) recent
acquisition of a 35,800 square-foot facility, previously a well-known furniture store, located in downtown Fayetteville, the DAF has the perfect location for future in-person collaboration for the Fayetteville/ Fort Bragg area.
Through a collaborative partnership, the DAF is uniquely positioned to serve as a neutral facilitator and knowledge hub, with plans already in the works to use the space to bring together Fort Bragg units, academic partners and industry leaders.
The space will also provide unique security clearances to local businesses for educational events to teach them how they can begin contracting with the DoD.
“We believe in what’s being done by Phil and the Foundation, and we want to work with companies that are partners around our new talent portal building that we’ve acquired and are looking to build out,” shared FCEDC President & CEO, Robert Van Geons. “We want to be a center for applied innovation in Fayetteville.”
Van Geons shared that the building will serve as a physical space where next generation and emerging problems for the military can be solved efficiently by companies in the private and public sectors.
“We are going to use this place to
be a flexible and adaptive place for innovating defense and technology companies looking to get started here in Fayetteville and Cumberland County, or perhaps have their first operations here in our community, where they can recruit transitioning soldiers, where they can train their future workers and where they can demonstrate and vet their new technologies, displaying them for potential use by military or by other private or public sector users.”
DAF leaders are already envisioning an education event at the space they hope will take place later this year.
To learn more about the DAF or to find the latest developments, find them online at www. defensealliancefoundation.org
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
GMT Trucking LLC
2729 Gressitt Point Ln
Fayetteville Agent: Sandra Argentina Alvarado
Little Hands
Learning Academy Properties LLC 1395 Leander Ln
Hope Mills
Agent: Eric Lamar McAllister
Crafted By Tonya LLC
621 Grand Wailea Dr Apt 112 Hope Mills Agent: Tonya Gairy
New Earth Entertainment Studios LLC
218 Windsor Dr Fayetteville Agent: Julie Renee Moore
Frenchie Tires LLC
648B N Reilly Rd
Fayetteville Agent: Bryan Batlle Collado
Street Cred 2 Col -
lege Ed Inc 1717 Nova Glen Dr Fayetteville Agent: Shanita Morris
Buie Medical Courier LLC 1907 Rosehill Rd
Fayetteville Agent: Lenward Buie
CiCi Consulting LLC
2012 Lakemeadow Dr
Fayetteville Agent: Cinja Maria Ribeiro
4746 US Highway 301 S Hope Mills Agent: CHELSEA JARADAT
H & T BEAUTY LLC
4404 Bluebush Dr
Fayetteville Agent: HUNG HUU HOANG
VOLTWORKS RED LLC
8020 Twisted Oaks Dr
Fayetteville Agent: Abundant
Living Consulting Corporation LLC
Cape Fear Counseling & Associates PLLC 2106 Hope Mills Rd
Fayetteville Agent: Jason Timothy Branch
T. A. Ladd Ministries 7728 Hazelwood Ave
Fayetteville Agent: Tony A Ladd Jr.
Splendid Touch LLC 4305 Wellington Dr
Fayetteville Agent: Boyce Hudson
Forte Leadership Technology LLC 2012 Merrimac Dr
Fayetteville Agent: Frank M Forte
Parkton Agent: Anthony Darden
Kailei Legacy LLC 4426 Tonric Dr Hope Mills Agent: MIUREL CORDOBA
CitySpot Directory Inc.
235 Murray Fork Dr
WolfPack Performance LLC
200 Dick St Ste D
Fayetteville Agent: Abundant Living Consulting Corporation LLC
ADQ Enterprise LLC 1430 Distinct Cir Apt H
Fayetteville Agent: Averyeon Quick
Estella Salon Suites LLC 1508 Richborough Ct
Fayetteville Agent: NaTasha Randall
Omni Medical Systems LLC 2504 Raeford Rd Ste 212
Fayetteville Agent: Christopher Mclean
WGBS Foundation
7817 Kennybunk Dr Fayetteville Agent: Wendell Johnson
National Service Cooperative Inc. 429 Person St Ste 1-A
Fayetteville Agent: BossLady Corporate Services LLC
Darden Repair LLC
4736 Star Rite Ln
Owners Association Inc
2919 Breezewood Ave Suite 100
Fayetteville Agent: D. Ralph Huff III
Allure Management Services LLC 1074 Quail Meadow Dr
Fayetteville Agent: CAMERON Jarve'l BRIGHT
Talon Legacies LLC
322 McFadyen Dr
Fayetteville Agent: Ashley Lynn Young
Chosen Crew Youth Outreach (CC-YO) 526 Swan Island Ct
Fayetteville Agent: Maria Brown Robinson
Abide Coffee LLC 5440 Debut Ave
Hope Mills Agent: Jason Eastman
SafeHaven Care Family and GroupHome Facilities LLC 1520 Seabiscuit Dr Parkton Agent: LaTreshanae Lamon little
SYNDICATE SOUNDS LLC
2908 Fort Bragg Rd
Fayetteville Agent: Ralph Arlie Rodriguez
Carolina Novelties & Beads llc 2058 Lakeridge Dr
Fayetteville Agent: Richard Jenkins
Turnberry South
1336 Colts Pride Dr
Fayetteville Agent: Latasha White
King London LLC 931 Dandridge Dr
Fayetteville Agent: Lanika George
Fayetteville Agent: Bryan Vladimir Escobar
SH Innovate LLC 1410 Distinct Cir Apt F
Fayetteville Agent: Shontrelle Harris
Moten Supply LLC
3124 Harmony Hall Way Apt 107
Fayetteville Agent: Tiesha Moten
Smitty45 L.P. 7150 Faircloth
Bridge Rd Stedman Agent: Matt & Jess Holdings L.L.C.
T Gibson Consulting LLC 6525 Portsmouth Dr
Fayetteville Agent: Taisean J Gibson
Cresfund Capital at Chapel Hill LLC
324 Mason St
Fayetteville Agent: Cresfund Management Group LLC
DarkHorse Auto Transport Service LLC
6540 Applewhite Rd
Fayetteville Agent: Jonathon Contois
Ink Mobile Notary & Signings llc
Agent: Benjamin A Stout
CHIRU HOLDINGS
LLC
4426 Tonric Dr
Hope Mills Agent: MIUREL CORDOBA
TRANSPORTATION ON TIME LLC 1790 Michelle Ct
J & P AUTOMOTIVE SERVICES LLC
639B Gillespie St
Fayetteville Agent: PATRICK DAKOTA PRATHER
GO-2 Services LLC
2767 Blockade Runner Dr
Fayetteville Agent: Russell Len Locklear
Illusive Customz LLC 6855 Wade Stedman Rd Wade Agent: Jayden Jones
Iron Will Defense Group LLC 2114 Roadster Pony Ln
Hope Mills Agent: Guillermo M Muniz
Turnberry West Owners Association Inc 2919 Breezewood Ave Suite 100
Fayetteville Agent: D. Ralph Huff III
Nine Lives Media LLC 322 McFadyen Dr
Fayetteville Agent: Ashley Lynn Young
Allen Farms Development LLC 222 Maiden Ln Fayetteville
LLC
6300 Nc Highway 87 S
Fayetteville Agent: Michael Lloyd
HUDSON REALTY AND CO LLC 1563 Boros Dr
Fayetteville Agent: DANIELLE HUDSON
Fayetteville Agent: BYRON PARGO
Rosser Electric LLC 4118 Cedar Creek Rd
Fayetteville Agent: Steven Hall Rosser
RCH Solutions LLC 4628 Crystobal Rd
Fayetteville Agent: Rohan S Patel
All In One Construction & Property Management LLC 4031 Polk Dr
Hope Mills Agent: Timmy Hartwell Jr
Cozy House Games LLC 6245 Lakehaven Dr
Fayetteville Agent: James Scott Gideon
GoFin IT Consulting LLC 2208 Westdale Dr Fayetteville Agent: Rachael Gorman Finlayson
Susan Tart Owners Association Inc 1786
Metromedical Dr
Fayetteville Agent: Benjamin A Stout
Sogiic Transport
Infinite Builders LLC
307 N Main St Spring Lake Agent: Michael B Swinney
The Thurman Group Incorporated 5310 Yadkin Rd
Fayetteville Agent: Tremayne Thurman
Whitefield Investments LLC 1207 Bainbridge Rd Stedman Agent: Anthony Lynn White
PERFECT CARE SOLUTION INCORPORATED 6446 Rockford Dr
Fayetteville Agent: Comp-Tax Communications L..L.C.
Delicias Borinqueas LLC
3133 Eagle Crest Ln
Fayetteville Agent: Yoeli Ramirez-Gomez
A.O.O. Access Outreach and Opportunities Foundation Inc. 2028 Ashridge Dr
Fayetteville Agent: Otis Taylor Saulsberry III
TNL Investments LLC 2386 Culbreth Rd
Fayetteville
Agent: Jamie Nicole Middleton
East Coast Premier Construction LLC
6629 Carriage Crossing Rd
Hope Mills Agent: Michael Charles Quinn
LindaD LLC 2822 Skye Dr
Fayetteville Agent: Jennifer Boughman
Wichkraft llc 1705 Fort Bragg Rd
Fayetteville Agent: Lissette Aycock
Sacred Soil Studios LLC 621 Grand Wailea Dr
Hope Mills Agent: Henry Royer
Ramseur Ventures LLC
77th Sfg Way Fort Liberty Agent: Antwan D Ramseur
TayKav Technologies LLC
404 Rutherford St Spring Lake Agent: Mark George Taylor
SPRING LAKE
TOBACCO & VAPE 1 LLC
1195 N Bragg Blvd
Spring Lake Agent: Ibrahim Abdullah Azzan
Outstretched Hands L.L.C. 2304 Wingate Rd Cumberland Agent: Bryan D. Howard Jr
Lou's Bakery of Fayetteville LLC 1011 Landau Rd
Fayetteville Agent: Jordyn
Anayah Ingram
FiveBCoquillon LLC
940 Hidden Creek Dr Apt 306
Fayetteville Agent: Pierre-Paul Coquillon
SafeStep Transport Solutions LLC
6612 Burgenfield Dr
Fayetteville Agent: Clyde J Bostick Jr
S.M. Precise Enterprises LLC 1309 Homeland Dr Parkton Agent: Shannon Arnisha McCallum
COZY DAY 7 SPA INC.
1011 Marlborough Rd
Fayetteville Agent: MEI ZI JIN
Gifted Hands Creations LLC 7562 Carrollburg Dr
Fayetteville Agent: Sharonda Gardner
Champions Are Made LLC 3636 Clinton Rd Ste A Eastover Agent: Ronnie Dennis
BarcoSnipes Media LLC 4065 Yarborough Rd
Hope Mills Agent: David Barco
SMARTTHRONE RED LLC
100 Hay St Ste 503
Fayetteville Agent: Abundant Living Consulting Corporation LLC
JoLynn's Wreaths and Things LLC 7814 Workman Street
Fayetteville Agent: Jodi Moore
S & J Utilities Underground LLC 120 Tractor Rd
Fayetteville Agent: Salma R Jimenez
She Rises Empowerment Group LLC 1020 Cedar Creek Rd
Fayetteville Agent: Julia White
Carolina Belle Consulting LLC
100 Hay St Ste 704 # 1143
Fayetteville Agent: Chandra M. Evans
JNB Logistics LLC 6512 Sudbury Dr Fayetteville Agent: Jazmyne Ny-Zhai Braddy
Stellar Risings INC
5140 Parcstone Ln Apt K Fayetteville Agent: Leandra Walker
JLB Real Estate Investments LLC 335 Oberlin Ct Fayetteville Agent: Gibson A Bass Esq
Sandy Paws Properties LLC 3300 Cliffdale Rd
Fayetteville Agent: Shari A. Del Do
RAHARAY LLC
3420 Canmorre Ct
Fayetteville Agent: EFTEKHAR RAJAB BOLOOKAT
Turning Your Pain Into Power LLC
3710 Morganton Rd Ste 110
Fayetteville Agent: Alvita Graham McNeill
A Parson Corporation LLC
6404 Redcliff Dr
Fayetteville Agent: Rufus J. Parson
Ronald's Information Technology Services & DJ Services LLC
308 Barcelona Dr Apt 14A
Fayetteville Agent: Ronald Julian Hendrie
Professional Bestie Company LLC
406 Woodstream Trl Apt G
Fayetteville Agent: JessaLee Joan Thompson
TCHICA HAIR & BEAUTY LLC 6121 Louise St
Fayetteville Agent: LORU-CHAMAR NOVEMBRE
The Executive Event Inc. 230 Donaldson St Ste 100C
Fayetteville Agent: Mandi Farley
HARNETT COUNTY
Pillar & Legacy LLC
1050 Peach Farm Rd
Lillington Agent: Seth Rackliffe
Grounded in Hope Therapy PLLC 35 Nolan Ct
Lillington Agent: Linsey Lee Wheelin
TechWaves Consulting LLC
11 Agdon Lndg Cameron Agent: Gladys Pobia Adiaku
True North Acquisition LLC
108 Monarch Ct
Cameron Agent: Sherry C Snipes
Homestead Comforts LLC
9 Yellowwood Pl
Cameron
Agent: Jerrica Reed
Trim Time Lawn LLC
1435 Nc Highway 87 S Cameron
Agent: James Steven Haney
Eights Enough LLC
8595 Christian Light Rd
Fuquay Varina
Agent: Carol H Fuquay
Rising Nimbus Aviation LLC 23 Lakewind Ct Sanford Agent: Jonathan Gardner
Advanced Electric Power LLC 508 Denim Dr Erwin
Agent: William Adam Faulkner
Reliance Medical Supply LLC 1459 Micahs Way N
Spring Lake Agent: Kala Mercer
I Am Adventure Holdings LLC 31 West Dupree Street Angier Agent: Stephanie Matos
Jireh's Cleaning Service LLC 113 Spring Branch Rd Dunn Agent: Carlos
Alberto Ruiz Gonzales
Harnett Investments LLC
207 W Harnett Street Dunn Henry McCall
TECHNICAL REPAIR COMPANY LLC
1501 Chesterfield Lake Rd
Angier
Agent: German joel Perez
Camp Ignite NC 219 Turlington Rd
Dunn
Agent: Eric Delmar Byrd
LONNIC LOGISTICS LLC
6481 Overhills Rd
Spring Lake Agent: Lonnie Atwater
Small Town Comfort LLC
4962 Nc 55 E Erwin
Agent: Zachary James Pittman
SB Contracts and Consultings LLC 253 Steel
Springs Ln Angier
Agent: Benjamin Acosta Rodriguez
Blue Collar Investments LLC 10 Chinkapin Oak Dr Bunnlevel Agent: Toni Beth Palmer
Legacy by Lester LLC 2816 Nc 210 S
Lillington Agent: Colby-Co VyShown Lester
Climate Combat Solutions LLC 36 Valley View Ct
Sanford Agent: Christo -
pher Wurschum
Syn Bin LLC 55 Parkview Ln
Lillington Agent: Richard Wing
Lori T SLP PLLC 115 Moore Creek Dr Fuquay Varina Agent: Evan Scherr
Nxt Level Detailing LLC
190 Round Rock Lane
Broadway Agent: William James Richardson
Leveris Friesians LLC
190 Bernice Tart Ln Dunn
Agent: Justin Leveris
Debris Pro LLC 4479 Nc 55 W Angier
Agent: Victoria Campbell
KSJDESIGNCo. LLC 546 Angel Oak Dr Bunnlevel Agent: Brittney J Brown
Jay B Construction L.L.C 74 Stockyard Rd
Lillington Agent: Juan Carlos Barahona Posadas
J & S Business Group LLC 24 Bluebottle St
Angier Agent: Jocsel A Nieto Gonzalez
Danny's Dogs LLC. 967 Denning Rd Angier Agent: Danny Fred Denning
Three Salty Heifers LLC
913B Azalea Dr
Spring Lake Agent: Ashley Poletiek
Sharpe Home Builders LLC
3452 Titan Roberts Rd
Erwin
Agent: Bryan Lee Sharpe
Puck LLC
141 Junny Rd
Angier Agent: Vicki Woods
Campbell Property Holdings LLC
208 W Cole St
Dunn
Agent: Tiffany Nava Campbell
Willow Ledger
Accounting LLC
29 Willow Run
Sanford Agent: Sarah Mulford Jenkins
CGC Gas LLC
1500 Wellons Ave
Dunn
Agent: Charles Tyler Carpenter
Warrior Of God Landscaping Company 75 Timberwood Ln
Sanford Agent: Melissa Garcia
Restore Bodyworks LLC
150 Tarleton Dr Fuquay Varina
Agent: Sara Janine Walsh
Old Oak Carpentry Inc.
70 Barnsley Rd
Angier
Agent: Tylar Dakotah Pettigrew
Alpha Home Solutions LLC
516 N Raleigh St
Angier Agent: Justin Ortiz
