ically
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.
Tarheels = 100.1FM
Wolfpack = 106.5FM
JANUARY UNEMPLOYMENT
Source: N.C. Department of Commerce
Cumberland Hoke Harnett Sampson Robeson Bladen Moore
2504 Raeford Rd, Fayetteville, NC 28303
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PUBLISHER
Marty Cayton martyc@bizfayetteville.com
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Faith Hatton faithh@bizfayetteville.com
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Stephanie Meador stephaniem@bizfayetteville.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Stacie Borrello
Kate Griffin
Thomas Manning
Brian Miner
Rachel Townsend Eddie Velazquez
CONTRIBUTING DESIGNER
Samantha Lowe samanthal@bizfayetteville.com
ACCOUNTING billing@bizfayetteville
SALES & MARKETING marketing@bizfayetteville.com
The Greater Fayetteville Business Journal is published twice a month throughout Fayetteville and the Cumberland County region. News related to the region’s business sector is posted daily at bizfayetteville.com.
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© Copyright 2025
Greater Fayetteville Business Journal
Welcome spring!
WHAT TO EXPECT IN 2025:
Springtime is finally here, and so is the yellow fog that coats our cars and wreaks havoc on our sinuses! Aside from this, new life is displaying itself all around us. The grass is greening up, the flowers are once again blooming and in Fayetteville, North Carolina, all we can do is hope for a little longer spring! Our summer heat will be here soon enough, but for now, we can enjoy mild temperatures, spring showers and the beauty of this new season.
And speaking of new seasons, Greater Fayetteville Business Journal has begun a new season as well. Last month, we began the fifth year of our mission to provide actionable business news and information to our readers in Fayetteville/Cumberland County, as well as Harnett, Hoke, Moore, Robeson, Bladen and Sampson Counties. The following list makes up some of what you can expect from us in this new season!
• Continued laser-like focus on business stories and data that are important and actionable for our readers.
• Our 2024 SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats) analysis revealed that we needed to sharpen our readership focus and grow our event opportunities.
It also revealed that we needed to have more affordable advertising opportunities designed for startups, very small businesses and businesses who want to support the long-term mission of Greater Fayetteville Business Journal.
THEREFORE, WE CREATED THE FOLLOWING:
A focused issue at the beginning of every month designed for paying subscribers, our sponsors/advertisers and a targeted and controlled list of curated business readers.
• The Launchpad advertising package for very small and start-up businesses we call Emerging Enterprises.
• The Sustaining Corporate Sponsorship, available for all businesses who want to be a part of the long term mission and vision of GFBJ - and receive a digital and print subscription to the Journal, tickets to our Power Breakfast events and advertising value but with a smaller budget.
• Two new events to be announced in the second quarter.
Stay tuned!
Thanks for reading Greater Fayetteville Business Journal! By the way, if you are receiving the Journal and are not currently in the category of advertiser, sponsor or paying subscriber, take advantage of this new season and consider joining our mission in one of these categories above. We encourage you to contact us at marketing@bizfayetteville.com so we can share the value these categories can create for you and your business.
God bless you and yours!
PHOTO BY LEE ON UNSPLASH
Home is where the heart is
KALLI ZIEGLER SHARES HER STORY AS A REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONAL DEDICATED TO ENSURING HER CLIENTS ARE TAKEN CARE OF
Kathleen “Kalli” Ziegler loves to say “I wasn’t born in Fayetteville, but I got here as fast as I could.” Kalli’s husband Drew served in the Army, and that is how the Florida native found her way to this city which she soon began to consider home.
She and Drew have lived at their current residence since 1991, and the space is more than just a home or an office, it is an extension of the Zieglers and the company they keep.
“I tend to be very, very creative, and in real estate, I’ve had clients say, ‘Kalli, I want to do some renovation. Can you come over and give me some ideas?’ That’s not my field of expertise, but it's my field of having fun,” shared Ziegler.
Ziegler’s home and office is a space curated with a lot of intention and attention to detail.
From custom renovations to hand-crafted art pieces gifted to her by past clients, 323 Colinwood Dr. is a hub for human connection.
When she was first getting back into the professional world as a young mother, Ziegler knew she wanted a career that was flexible.
“I told my husband, I have to have a flexible career, a career [where] I can do what the children need. I can participate in their lives,” shared Ziegler. “I’m very much a competitor. I want to succeed. I had the drive to succeed, but not at the expense of my children or my marriage.”
Ziegler’s prioritization of work/life balance has served her well.
Ziegler joined the John Koenig Prudential Real Estate firm in 1992 and quickly became one of its top agents. She was Koenig’s Agent of the Year in 1995, and she was selected by Prudential’s national office for their Leading Edge Society.
Then in 1999, Ziegler launched her own property management business. In 2005, she converted it to Kalli Ziegler Properties, a full-service real estate company. As a business owner and boss, Ziegler was able to grant her small team of employees the flexibility necessary for them to be present in their children’s lives just as she had sought to do in her early career days.
Ziegler is a Certified Residential Specialist, an Accredited Buyers
Kalli Ziegler is devoted to her community and its residents. Though she wasn’t born in Fayetteville, she likes to say she got here as fast as she could!
Representative and a graduate of the Realtors Institute. After high school she attended Florida State University where she majored in hospitality. Later, Ziegler went back to school, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Methodist University in 2001.
Throughout her career, what has set Ziegler apart from other real estate professionals is her integrity. When she works with a client, Ziegler leaves no stone unturned.
Ziegler and her clients are careful to “do their homework” which involves considering all details big and small. They look at the crime rates for the neighborhood a home is in, consider if the home is on a steep incline or below grade, check utility rates and look for major and minor defects in the property such as cracks in the foundation or spots on the ceiling.
Discovery of these flaws is important to Ziegler, and if the owners aren’t willing to bring a property up to her standards, she won’t sell it.
“How many agents do you know that are going to avoid selling a big house and say ‘I can’t do this.’ So I’ve lost listings over calling out defects in a house. I have lost a sale because we look up crime trends and statistics, but that’s okay,” shared Ziegler.
Ziegler’s commendable character strengthens her business. Clients may at times be frustrated with her thoroughness, but ultimately they recognize the value in what she is
doing for them.
“...because of that, I get a lot of referrals, personal referrals. I don’t even have to seek them anymore,” remarked Ziegler.
ZIEGLER HAS RECEIVED MANY ACCOLADES THROUGHOUT HER LIFE AND HER CAREER, A FEW OF WHICH INCLUDE:
In 2009 she received North Carolina’s Old North State Award. This is the second highest award given in the state of North Carolina. It is awarded for “dedication and service beyond expectation.”
In 2010 she received the Fayetteville Chamber’s Athena International Award. The Athena Award honors a person who has demonstrated the greatest support for the goals of professional women.
In 2012 she received the NC Association of Realtors Ben Ball Community Service Award. This award recognizes a realtor for their continuous contributions to the betterment of their communities through outstanding public service.
In 2013 she received the Methodist University Alumni of the Year Award. This award recognizes an alumnus that has made an impact on their community through business success and volunteer and financial contributions.
She’s also participated in many community activities as a board member or volunteer. Some of the organizations she has served are
the Fayetteville Police Foundation, Kiwanis Club, the Chamber of Commerce, Village Baptist Church Military Ministry, Methodist University Legal Studies Program and more.
Ziegler is an example of a self-assured woman who knows what she wants and what she is capable of and refuses to settle for less. She carries her success with humility and grace and aims to educate others to help them succeed in real estate as well.
Educating others is very important to Ziegler, and being the daughter of a Navy man and the wife of an Army man she was passionate about helping soldiers and their families on their homebuying journey. She would go on base and teach military personnel about real estate. “I went and taught classes on the ins and outs of real estate from the military perspective,” explained Ziegler. Whether it was through classes or in speaking with her clients, Ziegler always made the time to share what she had learned with others.
In 2022, Ziegler retired from fulltime real estate, but she continues to serve select friends and clients on a part-time basis. The Zieglers are big fans of travel, and with her decreased workload the pair have been able to complete bucket list trips like an excursion to Antarctica in 2023.
However, even while adventuring on Earth’s southernmost continent, Ziegler shared she still found herself selling a home. “We took the trip to Antarctica, and I had a listing here in Fayetteville. With modern connectivity we’re in contact everywhere we go in the world. I sold a house from Antarctica,” shared Ziegler.
Back in Fayetteville when Ziegler isn’t out in the community offering her time and talents, her doors are open for the community to come to her. The Zieglers are known for their parties. Kalli puts her hospitality degree to good use in creating a warm and inviting atmosphere and catering the events herself. Especially with Fayetteville’s proximity to Fort Bragg and being a military family themselves, Kalli and her husband enjoy being a constant in this community and welcoming guests to share in their home.
PHOTO PROVIDED BY KALLI ZIEGLER PROPERTIES
“I couldn’t catch my breath; I knew something was wrong.”
– Sondra
One afternoon, Sondra Bemesderfer had trouble catching her breath. She worried it might be COVID-19 or bronchitis. She had no idea she was suffering a heart attack caused by a blood clot.
Heart attack symptoms in women present differently and can include shortness of breath. Because she called 911, first responders were able to start lifesaving measures immediately, even before she reached the hospital, and saved her life.
Learn more about Sondra’s journey and treatments available at our heart center at capefearvalley.com/heart And if you have chest pains, don’t wait. Call 9-1-1!
>> By Stacie Borrello
From STRONGER, page 1
accessing government contracting opportunities.
“This is something that Fayetteville has never seen before—the sisterhood we have formed,” said Sylvia S. Glanton, founder of Future Rich Aunties.
The organization also serves as a hub for business referrals, connecting women entrepreneurs to new clients and opportunities.
“In business, sometimes you win, sometimes you lose, but a good network gives you a strong foundation to fall back on,” Glanton said. “We refer from within and our active referral network has built its credibility and authority.”
From April 11-12, 2025, FRA is holding its fourth annual Business Summit at Blissful Alchemist, located at 414 Ray Ave. in Fayetteville. As part of the two-day event, registered attendees can compete for cash prizes at FRA’s first-ever pitch competition.
“This is the fourth year of the summit, and we try to do something new and exciting every year to keep people guessing,” Glanton noted. The summit will feature a panel discussion with leaders in government contracting, including Nicole Outlaw of NCGrowth, Carla Daniels of NC State University, and Camille Little, a former HUB certification specialist. Jelissa Thomas, President of D3 Delivery, will kick off Day 2 of the summit.
“I wanted to connect expert panelists with business leaders in the
HOSPITALITY
deck by April 1, 2025, and attend the summit in person. Leading up to the event, finalists will receive individualized coaching from experienced FRA members to refine their presentations.
Tickets for the Future Rich Aunties Business Summit are available for purchase, with an early registration discount code (GETINTHEROOM15) valid through April 7, 2025.
community to talk about workforce development, foster new partnerships and map out business development ideas,” Glanton explained. “It’s not a cookie-cutter way of doing business. It’s really based on sharing experience.”
Judging criteria for the pitch competition will evaluate business innovation, operational structure, business model viability and technology integration. The top three finalists will be awarded cash prizes of $1,000, $500 and $250, along with business support services.
“The winning pitch contestants
can use the prize funds to jumpstart their businesses and enjoy the free perks of a branding photo shoot and tax planning services,” Glanton said. “We want to help them see their vision all the way through.”
Finalists selected for the pitch competition must submit a final pitch
Registration for the summit includes membership in FRA. More details, including pitch competition guidelines and membership information, can be found at www.futurerichaunties.com.
Website: www.futurerichaunties.com
Summit Event Page: www.futurerichaunties.com/frabusinesssummit2025
PHOTO PROVIDED BY FUTURE RICH AUNTIES
The FRA 2024 Friendsgiving event is one of several events held throughout the year to encourage networking, connections and community.
PHOTO PROVIDED BY FUTURE RICH AUNTIES
FRA provides versatile ways to connect with inspiring women such as their Girls Who Golf event that took place on March 15, 2025 at Stryker Golf Course.
ACHIEVERS
Fagan receives County Educator Award
DR. CARLA FAGAN , the recently retired Social Work Department chair at Methodist University who is still an adjunct associate professor in the department, received the Fayetteville-Cumberland County Human Relations Department Educator Award for 2025.
The award is given annually to an educator who is involved in human relations activities during the school year, promotes better human relations and exemplifies a positive attitude toward improving human relations.
Fagan received her award at a ceremony in late February at the Cape Fear Botanical Garden.
“I am so grateful for the support of the Methodist University community which turned out in numbers to cheer me on,” Fagan said in a press release. “And I’m truly honored the Human Relations Department selected me for the award.”
Fagan’s human relations, civil rights and human rights journey began at age 10 when she spearheaded a schoolwide project to collect food for African Americans who were engaged in a boycott to integrate services. A member of the Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) and the Black Panther Party, she engaged in efforts to demand civil rights for all people. A career in social work reflected her lifelong commitment to an equal playing field for all people.
Fagan has over 30 years of experience in the areas of juvenile justice, child welfare, AIDS services, nursing home services and nephrology social work.
PWC employee receives international recognition
An international trade organization has named a Fayetteville Public Works Commission (PWC) employee, DAVID RUIZ , as the 2025 ISSA Security Professional of the Year. Information Systems Security Association (ISSA) International recognized Ruiz for his contributions to the overall security, risk and compliance for PWC and protecting ratepayers and PWC from malicious attacks.
“In today’s modern world, cyber threats are constantly evolving and pose significant risks to organizations, especially those in critical
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.”
infrastructure” said Chief Information Officer for Fayetteville PWC Mark Lawler in a press release. “At PWC, cybersecurity is a top priority for all employees at every level in the organization.”
Ruiz is also a member of the Cybersecurity Defense Committee (CDC) for the American Public Power Association (APPA) where he shares and mentors other security professionals, helping the overall critical infrastructure community be more resilient.
Information Systems Security Association (ISSA)® is a not-forprofit, international organization of information security professionals and practitioners. It provides educational forums, publications and peer interaction opportunities that enhance the knowledge, skill and professional growth of its members.
Lillington Area Chamber of Commerce welcomes Brad Johnson as new executive director
The Lillington Area Chamber of Commerce is excited to welcome BRAD JOHNSON as the organization’s new executive director.
“We are pleased to announce the appointment of our new executive director, who brings a wealth of experience and a commitment to enhancing economic development within our community,” shared the organization in a Facebook post. “Under his leadership, we aim to strengthen our mission of supporting local businesses and fostering community engagement. We invite all professionals and members to connect and explore collaborative opportunities to advance our
shared goals.”
Johnson brings a wealth of experience to his role, having previously served at Bladen Community College as the Small Business Center director. Johnson’s background in education and commitment to fostering local growth make him an invaluable asset to the Chamber and the community.
“I look forward to getting out to our area and learning more about your organization and how the Lillington Area Chamber of Commerce can help you achieve your goals,” shared Johnson in a statement.
Jaron Cayton appointed as Chief Revenue Officer at TeamLogic IT’s largest franchise
TeamLogic IT, a leading provider of managed IT services, proudly announces the promotion of JARON CAYTON to Chief Revenue Officer (CRO). In this new role, Cayton will lead the company’s revenue strategy, growth initiatives and client success efforts as part of the largest TeamLogic IT franchise.
Cayton brings a diverse and dynamic background to the position. Beginning his career as a teacher, he transitioned into SaaS sales, where he quickly excelled in business development. He later co-founded and grew a successful business with his father, which he ultimately sold before joining TeamLogic IT. Over the past decade, he has built a track record of driving revenue growth, leading high-performing teams and delivering innovative IT solutions
to businesses. Reflecting on his journey, Cayton expressed gratitude for the mentors, colleagues and customers who have supported his career in a press release:
“I wouldn’t be here without the incredible people who have guided and challenged me along the way. I’m especially grateful to EVP of TeamLogic IT Corporate, Chuck Lennon, our CEO, Pratik Roychoudhury, and my dad Marty Cayton for their mentorship, to my colleagues and team for their relentless drive, and to our customers who trust us to provide strategic technology solutions.”
As CRO, Cayton will continue to focus on company growth, optimizing marketing and lead generation, and helping clients leverage technology to achieve their goals.
“I’m excited for what’s ahead as we continue to grow, innovate and provide best-in-class IT solutions. The future is bright for TeamLogic IT, and I’m proud to be part of this journey,” concluded Cayton in a press release.
Felicia Brown awarded Extra Mile Award by Cumberland County Schools
Cumberland County Schools (CCS) is proud to celebrate an outstanding individual honored with a distinguished award. FELICIA BROWN , a teacher at Stoney Point Elementary School, is receiving the Extra Mile Award for "going above and beyond" to keep students safe. The Extra Mile Award honors employees who consistently 'go above and beyond,' demonstrating outstanding performance and inspiring others to strive for excellence.
Felicia Brown, who is March’s recipient, was selected because of her compassion and ability to act quickly to care for a non-responsive student in need of help on a bus while she served as a substitute bus driver. During the incident, she assessed that the student was dehydrated and quickly asked a senior rider who lived nearby to go home and get an ice pack, assisting the student using the resources
Cayton
Fagan
Ruiz
Johnson
available.
Dr. Karlotta Richards, a parent at the school, commented on how Brown provides reassurance for parents in a press release stating: “Professionals like Ms. Brown provide parents with peace of mind that our children are well cared for, knowing that they are able to travel to school and have a safe and positive bus experience.”
Greater Fayetteville Chamber welcomes Jordan Sturgis as director of events
The Greater Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the addition of JORDAN STURGIS as the new director of events. In this role, Sturgis will oversee the planning and execution of more than 100 events annually, ranging from networking opportunities and business education classes to large-scale member gatherings and signature Chamber events.
“We are super thrilled to welcome Jordan to the team,” said Nat Robertson, CEO of the Greater Fayetteville Chamber, in a press release.
“Her leadership and vision will be instrumental in elevating our events and ensuring that they provide valuable opportunities for our members to connect, learn and grow.”
As the director of events, Sturgis will focus on expanding the Chamber’s event portfolio, strengthening partnerships with local businesses and creating new experiences that align with the Chamber’s mission to drive economic success for their members and the region.
“I am excited to join the Greater Fayetteville Chamber and look forward to working with local businesses and community leaders
to create engaging and meaningful events,” said Sturgis in a press release.
“I’m eager to build upon the Chamber’s strong foundation and take our programming to the next level.”
With a strong background in event planning and community engagement, Sturgis brings a wealth of experience in organizing dynamic and impactful events that foster business growth and connectivity. Her expertise in event logistics, sponsorship coordination and strategic planning will enhance the Chamber’s ability to deliver high-quality programming that benefits both members and the greater Fayetteville community.
Local agent honored by Farm Bureau Insurance companies
MICHELE POPE , a Cumberland County agent for North Carolina Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company was named among the
ACHIEVERS
Top 75 Agents for 2024, by Allen Houck, CPCU, executive vice president and general manager.
Agent Pope was selected for this honor based on her outstanding sales and service record for multilines of insurance during 2024. North Carolina Farm Bureau
Insurance Company has nearly 900 agents across the state.
This announcement was made at the Annual Sales Conference of the Farm Bureau Insurance Companies held at the Sheraton Hotel Four Seasons/Joseph S. Koury Convention Center in Greensboro held on March 2 & 3.
PHOTO PROVIDED BY CCS
Extra Mile Award winner Felicia Brown celebrates with CCS Superintendent Dr. Marvin Connelly, Jr.
Sturgis
PHOTO PROVIDED BY FBMI
Associate State Sales Manager Les Renfrow (left) congratulates Pope (right).
Food for a cause
18TH ANNUAL BREAD ‘N BOWLS EVENT HIGHLIGHTS UPCOMING PROGRAMS AND DEVELOPMENTS FOR AREA NONPROFIT
For the last 18 years, Fayetteville Area Operation Inasmuch has been able to share their mission with the community by gathering together for a yummy lunch. This year was no different with the 18th annual Bread ‘N Bowls event taking place at Snyder Memorial Baptist Church in Fayetteville on Thursday, March 20.
From 11 a.m. - 2 p.m., supporters of the humanitarian organization came to eat lunch, purchase bowls and help raise funds.
This year thanks to community support, the event was able to generate $45,000 for Inasmuch. In a follow up email sent to guests, Executive Director and Pastor Craig Morrison thanked the community for their continued support.
“We sincerely appreciate your generous sponsorship of our 18th annual Bread 'N Bowls. Your presence truly made the day special, and we are grateful for your support of this ministry,” shared Morrison in the email. “Inasmuch has grown from just serving breakfast to offering life-changing opportunities that help men rebuild their lives. These transformative programs come at a cost, and it’s the steadfast support of our community that makes them possible,”
Since the event began in 2008, it has served as the only public fundraiser for Inasmuch, with the nonprofit relying on private donors to fund their initiatives throughout the rest of the year. Organization Founder, previous Executive Director and volunteer Sue Byrd who began the event shared that she got the inspiration from a friend who had experienced a similar event in Kentucky.
“I have a friend who moved to Kentucky, and I said, ‘Kim, I need a fundraiser.’ And they had said, ‘Don't do golf tournaments.’ And she said, ‘We do something in Kentucky called Empty Bowls.’ So I started looking into that, and that's where Bread ‘N Bowls came from,” shared Byrd. But to her and the rest of the staff and volunteers at Inasmuch, the bowls mean more. “These bowls symbolize who we are, that bread bowl and that pottery bowl. We're not some fancy organization that does fancy things, we do the simple things of life.”
Operation Inasmuch has been working to help the Fayetteville community since 2007, providing stable meals and a variety of human, health and educational services focusing on the needs of the homeless community. Along with daily breakfasts, Inasmuch runs their Able-Life Program in their 40-bed men’s facility known as The Lodge. This program focuses on establishing mental and physical security, working to improve the health of their residents and put them on the path to learning life and vocational skills and ultimately a stable income.
Since getting started, Inasmuch has served over 300,000 breakfasts, provided case management for those in need and maintained basic humanitarian services for the homeless community such as their weekly Sick Call medical clinic for their residents. Now, the operation is expecting to continue to grow with the addition of a new Inasmuch food trailer, which will allow residents of their Able-Life Program to learn food industry vocational skills and the Inasmuch Village housing program coming soon to the area surrounding the current Inasmuch headquarters building located at 531 Hillsboro St. in Fayetteville.
The Inasmuch Food Truck began with the organization purchasing a
food trailer from neighboring organization Miller’s Brew Coffee Shop.
“With a generous grant from the Cannon Foundation, we were able to acquire that beautiful food trailer, and we’re in the process of getting it re-wrapped right now. So it’s going to be Inasmuch on the go. We're going to be able to take that food trailer and it’s going to have two purposes. One, we’ll be able to set it up in various places around the city and provide ministry,” shared Morrison. “Number two is in the afternoons at your business, school or wherever, we're going to be able to set up the food truck, and the guys from The Lodge are going to work in the food truck. We’re going to be providing hands-on vocational training.”
The larger development comes in the form of the Inasmuch Village, a 16 cottage housing community that will go towards supporting housing for women, children, the disabled, elderly and Veteran residents.
Morrison shared that this project was made possible through a generous $2 million donation from Linda and Ralph Huff.
“In 2023 the Lord put it on my heart to start prayer walking the neighborhood. We started prayer walking all four blocks around Inasmuch. Seven months go by and we get to the place and we’re like, ‘Lord,
there’s a drug house right beside The Lodge.’ We need your help, where we’re crying out to the Lord. And on month number seven, just like walking around Jericho, the Lord starts breaking down the walls,” shared Morrison. “ One month later, I get a call from Mary Holmes from the Cumberland Community Foundation and she says ‘Hey Craig, I’ve got this donor [Ralph Huff] that I think you need to meet.’ I met with this donor. He comes in with plans in his hands, and he's like, ‘The Lord has put it on my heart to build houses for women and children and Veterans and disabled and elderly.’ We've been acquiring the property beside the lodge and the very first property we acquired was that drug house.” Plans are in motion to begin work on the Inasmuch Village with the goal or have it open in 2026.
While Bread ‘N Bowls is over, there is still the opportunity for the community to donate through Inasmuch’s new Annual Sponsor and Sustainer’s Club programs, a special giving circle for those who commit to monthly donations, of any amount, for 12 consecutive months.
Learn more about Inasmuch and how you can donate, volunteer and more on their website: www.faoiam.org.
PHOTOS PROVIDED BY GFBJ
The 18th annual Bread ‘N Bowls event took place on Thursday March 20 at Snyder Memorial Baptist Church in Fayetteville. Current Executive Director of Inasmuch Pastor Craig Morrison (left) continues to work with Founder and previous Executive Director Sue Byrd (right) who continues to volunteer with the organization.
Big changes are coming to Time-of-Use rates!
Starting in April, Peak hours are shifting to Summertime schedule to match when energy demand is highest. But that’s not all:
• The Time-of-Use schedule will now be in effect 7 days a week, including holidays and weekends
• From 3PM to 6PM, you will have an extra hour to save with Off-Peak hours, which are 35% lower in rates than Peak hours.
Put Time to Save hours to work for you and save BIG! Use the PWC
Manager to learn about your usage
and explore the
more ways to save. The power to save is in your
Learn more at FayPWC.com
Finding solutions
SOFTACT SOLUTIONS CARRIES A PASSION FOR PROBLEM-SOLVING IN SUPPORT OF TODAY’S WARFIGHTERS AND OTHER GOVERNMENT ENTITIES
SOFtact Solutions (STS) Founder and CEO Mary Allison Brinker, known to most as MA, launched in 2017 with a sufficient and pithy motto: “We are problem solvers,” shared MA. “Our goal is to tackle complex challenges in today’s warfighting environment through the products and services we provide.”
Today, that clear and concise mission is carried forward by the 80+ STS employees and contractors who embody that message.
Headquartered in Fayetteville, STS specializes in strategic advisory and consulting services, providing expertise in design, procurement, integration, execution, and program management. By delivering both subject matter experts and the necessary hardware and software, STS implements tailored solutions for its clients in the U.S. Department of Defense, multiple Federal Agencies, and other government agencies.
STS plays a critical role in supporting the greater United States Special Operations Command community providing capabilities across the Command, Control, Communication, Computers, Cyber, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (C5ISR). Additionally, a significant portion of STS’ business focuses on ServiceNow, leveraging cloud computing to automate and optimize business workflows, further solidifying its position as an industry leader in defense technology.
“We’re not just providing IT services, we’re delivering strategic program management,” MA explains. “We deep dive into the gaps our customers face, navigating complex environments and ensuring the right practitioners are in place to drive success across the entire C5ISR enterprise.”
Having grown up in North Carolina, headquartering STS in Fayetteville was more than a business move, it was a homecoming. Starting in 2005, living in Tampa, Florida, MA launched a successful defense industry career, supporting the defense sector prior to planting the STS flag in Fayetteville.
MA is known and respected for her intense work ethic, passion for customers, and exceptional reputation working with Special Operations
Since starting her company in 2017, MA has grown her
work in Communication, Computers, Cyber, Intelligence,Surveillance and Reconnaissance
Forces, Combatant Commands, Joint Agencies and other government organizations.
Beyond her leadership at STS, MA has been a driving force in the defense industry for over 19 years, consistently serving in leadership roles across multiple organizations.
She is a lifetime member and active small business corporate partner with the Global SOF Foundation, The Honor Foundation, and was a founding board member of SOFWERX in support of SOCOM. She is affiliated with organizations and associations in support of national security and Veterans.
The inspiration behind SOFtact Solutions emerged from the strong relationships MA had cultivated in previous roles. “I received so much encouragement from colleagues and even more from my customer community,” MA shares. “The customers I was supporting, both in and out of uniform, expressed a desire to continue working with me.
They valued the trust and authenticity I brought to the table and encouraged me to step out on my own to provide consulting services.” Despite the challenges of entrepre-
neurship, MA took the leap. “I had three kids under the age of three, I was young, and I was working in a male-dominated industry,” MA recalls. “But I realized there’s never a ‘perfect’ time to start a business. I wanted the freedom to set expectations, hold myself accountable, and build something meaningful.”
As STS grew, MA focused on fostering a workplace where employees felt valued and connected. “Almost everyone who joined SOFtact did so to work alongside me, not for me,” she emphasizes. “That still holds true today. Our retention rates are incredibly high, and we’ve built an exceptional culture of trust and collaboration.”
MA is passionate about organizational health and cultivating a culture where people feel valued, empowered, and inspired to contribute to a greater mission. STS is a company of dedicated professionals who take pride in their work and the people they serve.
Creating a healthy organization was particularly important to MA, given her own experiences in the industry. “As a woman in this space, I knew what I valued and the obsta-
cles I faced,” she says. “I wanted to ensure STS had a solid foundation and the right people at its core. True leadership lies in the relationships we build, the examples we set, and the impact we leave behind.”
In February 2025, this thriving woman owned small business was awarded the prestigious 2025 ServiceNow Transformation Partner of the Year Award for the Americas, recognizing its transformational contribution for the US Army through armymaintenance.com.
With a strong leadership vision, a commitment to service, and a culture of excellence, SOFtact Solutions continues to make a lasting impact in national security and technology.
PHOTOS PROVIDED BY SOFTACT SOLUTIONS
company to include over 80 employees and contractors, handling
Center (C5ISR) suite.
>> By Faith Hatton
100 years young
THE PRINCE CHARLES HOTEL SEES NEW LIFE WITH INCOMING BUSINESSES AND ONGOING RENOVATIONS
New life can be seen coming into the Prince Charles Hotel, a historic 100 year old building that can be found in the heart of downtown Fayetteville right beside Segra Stadium.
On Wednesday, March 19, community members led by the Greater Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce, gathered to welcome in a new era for the building with a ribbon cutting ceremony for The Residencies at the Prince Charles apartment units, a total of 59 one and two- bedroom apartment units available for rent within the building.
Renovations for the apartments were part of a larger plan of redeveloping the building by Owner Rory Dowling who, along with his partners, purchased the building in 2015. They were the only bidders on the property and were able to collect the keys for just $200,000.
“It had been vacant for about five years, and it was in a pretty bad state,” recalled Dowling. “There wasn't a whole lot of stuff happening around that area at the time. Obviously, the baseball stadium hadn't been built, and it was really just a sort of a vacant, underutilized surface parking lot around the building, going all the way to the creek up North. So, there wasn't a whole lot of interest, just because everybody knew it was going to be a pretty big project to redevelop.”
The team would go on to break ground in late 2017 and after a nearly $20 million investment, the building had to be built back up from scratch to reopen as an apartment building.
“It was a full gut. So we literally took every single floor down to the studs, because we had to replace all of the systems. All the mechanical, electrical, all the plumbing, and really rebuild the building from the inside, keeping all the unique architectural features, like the historic lobby, keeping the exterior integrity of the brick, and repoint a lot of that brick, and work on that, then we had to refurbish the windows” said Dowling. “We did the project using historic tax credits, meaning that we had to get approval from State Historic Preservation and the National Park Service for the
renovations that we planned, and so we had to abide by their requirements in a lot of those areas, which is often why those projects can cost so much, because you've got to refurbish a historic window, it’s significantly more expensive than just replacing a window.”
As of March 2025, the only remaining renovations still ongoing from the first phase are taking place on the eighth floor which is in the process of being transformed into an event space with outdoor seating.
Downstairs, more changes are also expected to be coming soon.
Plans are in development to add new business Bound & Vine, an independent bookstore and wine bar to the first floor. The new business is coming thanks to the efforts of wife and husband team Kellie and Andrew Artis. The U.S. Army brought the two to Fayetteville and they later decided to put down roots with their own small business.
“We are looking at, potentially, if everything works out, opening an independent bookstore slash wine
bar, a place where community can happen, a place where connections can be made, a place where we can welcome military families who come and go from the Fayetteville area, and also make sure to integrate them with the local Fayetteville community,” shared Kellie. “And doing so in such an amazing historic property, it just seems like a dream come true. So fingers crossed.”
The longest commercial tenant in The Prince Charles building is also going strong. The new owners of The Coffee Scene, Stacey and Chad Chapman, were also in attendance and thanked the community for supporting their business on Hay Street.
“This is very exciting, and we're really happy to be in the community now. We've actually owned the coffee scene for five weeks today (March 19), and we certainly wouldn't have been able to do without a great community like you all, and plus, our employees are amazing. So please stop in and see us,” said Stacey.
As these developments continue,
Dowling shared that he is excited to be a part of the continued growth in downtown Fayetteville.
“We’re just very excited to bring more activity to that area in line with the plaza improvements that the city is making, we’re really hoping to better activate that part of downtown,” concluded Dowling.
PHOTOS BY THE RESIDENCES AT THE PRINCE CHARLES AND GFBJ
Left: $19.5 million in renovations went into The Prince Charles Hotel, a 100 year old building located in downtown Fayetteville. Right: Fayetteville City Councilwoman Brenda McNair, building Owner Rory Dowling, the real estate team over leasing and community manager for the Residences at the Prince Charles Sherry Wcislak cut the ribbon for the community.
In with the new THE CAPE FEAR REGIONAL
THEATRE INVITES THE COMMUNITY TO A GROUNDBREAKING CEREMONY FOR ACT 2
Cape Fear Regional Theatre (CFRT) is proud to announce the start of construction and the groundbreaking ceremony for their new building on Monday, April 7, 2025, at 12 p.m. at 1209 Hay St. in Fayetteville.
CFRT blends national and regional talent to bring Broadway-quality performances to Fayetteville and serves over 62,000 people annually through five main-stage musicals and plays and robust education and outreach departments.
“CFRT’s building at 1209 Hay St. has housed world class arts, launched countless careers and brought together tens of thousands of people annually through the power of live arts. The last renovation was in 1988, and our aging building can no longer sustain the incredible demand for our programs. We know that with more space, we can serve more people,” said CFRT Managing Director Ella Wrenn in a press release.
Act 1 of CFRT’s campaign took place during 2020 and renovated the inside of the theatre auditorium with new seats, more legroom, new HVAC, a custom sound system designed by a TONY Award winning sound designer and a full aesthetic re-vamp. More than 200 community members showed their support by
The original Cape Fear Regional Theatre building located at 1209 Hay St. will officially be coming down on Monday, April 7 at 12 p.m. to begin new construction.
naming the new seats, allowing the renovation to be fully paid for in line with the public re-opening in December of 2021.
“People love the renovated auditorium! CFRT really listened to their patrons and made design choices that addressed all the most frequent customer complaints – and even gave us things we didn’t know we wanted (like cupholders!),” said Board President Bill Hedgepeth in a press release. “The Act 2 expansion will bring the same level of excellence to the rest of the facility and create an exceptional customer experience from start to finish!”
In January 2022, donors, patrons
and special guests were the first to hear about plans to expand and renovate the rest of CFRT’s facility at The Launch Party. Act 2 is a $23 million project that will add height to the building, creating dedicated classroom space, a grand lobby with spaces for community gathering and private events, a rooftop experience with a second stage for live music and craft cocktails and enhanced functionality of staff and artist spaces. Additionally, guests can enjoy the convenience of a new 60+ space parking lot.
Once complete, the renovated building will be a testament to the creativity, community and inspiring
individuals who have made their signature impact as part of the theatre’s next chapter.
“We are so deeply grateful for the amazing support that has turned Fayetteville’s Little Theatre into a regional cultural powerhouse. The love that this community has for the theatre is unlike anything else I have experienced in my career – Fayetteville and Cumberland County truly understand the value that arts have in shaping our communities,” said Artistic Director Mary Catherine Burke in a press release. “We’ve gathered at the theatre for more than 60 years, and this transformative project will kick off and sustain the theatre for the next 60.”
The Act 2 Expansion is designed by SfL+a Architects (Fayetteville/ Raleigh) with the Samet Corporation serving as the general contractor. The project is 80% funded thanks to support from The State of NC, The City of Fayetteville and numerous foundations, businesses and individuals.
More information on available naming and donor opportunities can be found at www.cfrt.org/capital-campaign/support-act-2/.
PHOTO PROVIDED BY CFRT
Completed rendering of the new designs for the new Cape Fear Regional Theatre.
PHOTO PROVIDED BY GFBJ
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
GRAB & GO LLC
1931 Southern Ave
Fayetteville Agent: Tommy Joseph
MK DESIGNER THINGZ LLC
385 Snowhill Rd
Fayetteville Agent: Malaisha Blakely
Deliverance
Temple of Faith Church 4731 Dunrobin Dr Apt C Hope Mills Agent: Felicia Lashawn Robinson
County Commissary LLP 1724 Stackhouse Dr Fayetteville Agent: Eric Bernard Green
Kuhl Vending LLC
6010 Wagon Wheel Ct Fayetteville Agent: Adam Kuhlman
Aiyedun Ventures LLC
2833 Whisper Oaks Ct
Fayetteville Agent: Sifawu Saka Goyea
Green Print Recycling LLC 2024 Harrington Rd Fayetteville
Agent: Randy Lee Varner
Carolina CloudOps LLC
5274 Anna Belle Ln Wade Agent: johnny hall
QUORLA LLC
100 Hay St Ste 704
Agent: Christopher Edwards
Sal's 2 Mini Mart LLC
429 Person St. Suite 1-A
Fayetteville Agent: BossLady Corporate Services LLC
Vonda's Food and Entertainment LLC
713 Hay St
Fayetteville Agent: Lavonda Antoinette McRae
Shine for Sight 3041 Hampton Ridge Rd
Fayetteville Agent: Brittani Carver-Schemper
RICANFITNESS LLC
2945 Hope Mills Rd Ste 112 Fayetteville Agent: AXEL RIVERA
ZenNest LLC 607 Greenland Dr Fayetteville Agent: Marcie Hobbs
2nd Chance Home Improvements LLC 7737 Spurge Dr Fayetteville Agent: Charlie Guy
Pretty City Lawns LLC 1020 Hemlock Dr Fayetteville
C3 Cynthias Cuddling Care LLC
1045 Wild Pine Drive
Fayetteville Agent: Cynthia Mosley
Sterling James MA LLC 103 Sycamore Ct
Fayetteville Agent: Cornelius Gregory Cole
Jeanett's Delights LLC 505 McDaniel St Fayetteville Agent: Jamecia Warren
K-NE-K Transport Llc
2450 Lillington Hwy
Spring Lake Agent: Lornie Ariel Ramos Andino
GameTyme Athletics LLC
100 Hay St Ste 704
Fayetteville Agent: Antonio Diaz-Baker
EYE AM Media Group LLC 3614 Sycamore Dairy Rd Ste 104
Fayetteville Agent: Amanda C Rivera
HB&R Transportation LLC 810 Cherry Laurel Dr Apt 103 Fayetteville Agent: Davion Brown
Circle of Success LLC
737 Elliot Farm Rd
Fayetteville Agent: Michelle Staten
Fatima Ventures LLC 960 Santiato Dr Fayetteville Agent: Ken Copes
TJ Translation LLC
246 Buhmann Dr
Fayetteville Agent: Tidjani Kodjo
ROZCOR INVESTMENTS LLC
5012 Higgins St Apt B
Fayetteville Agent: Sterling James Harlston
AnchorPoint Rentals LLC
606 Hilliard Dr Fayetteville Agent: Johnathan Pauga
Discovery Management Group LLC
429 Person St. Suite 1-A
Fayetteville Agent: BossLady Corporate Services LLC
Cumberland Trading Company LLC 121 N Racepath Street
Fayetteville Agent: Deborah C Sutton
Frontline Roofing LLC 3894 Wilkersham Way
Fayetteville Agent: Robert Henry Neumann
CB Sweetz Bakery LLC
1605 John B Carter Rd
Fayetteville Agent: Shawnelle Parker
D&L CRAVIN'MIX LLC 1120 Thornwood Pl
Fayetteville Agent: Laura Y Osuna
Divino’s Auto Sales LLC 5673 Pepperbush Dr
Fayetteville Agent: Devin Jerome Mckinnis
Future Visionz PLLC
351 Wagoner Dr Ste 311
Fayetteville Agent: Toyia Cynara Burgess
Fayetteville Agent: JUANMANUEL CORTEZ RODRIGUEZ
Crew Candle Company LLC
6864 Beaver Dam Rd
Stedman
Agent: Laurie McKeithen
M B Logistic LLC
1935 Nuthatch Rd
Fayetteville Agent: Efrain Mujica-Burgos
Loyal HeArts Inc. 6665 Bailey Lake Rd
Fayetteville Agent: Armeta Brown
2999 LILLINGTON HWY LLC
205 Westwood
Shopping Ctr
Fayetteville Agent: OMAR YAHYA ALSAIDI
Sister2SisterEssentials2.0LLC 1112d Sleepy Hollow Dr
Fayetteville Agent: Natosha Currie
Augustin-White Creations LLC
161 Kensington Cir
Fayetteville Agent: Dana Augustin-White
Taste of Xstacy LLC
3440 Dorado Cir Apt 105
Fayetteville Agent: Latasha N Johnson
Sticky Nikki's Crazy Cakes & Candies LLC 3862 Goodhope Ln
Hope Mills Agent: Jurriah Nocle Engram
Bavarian Floors & Design LLC 3566 Masters Dr
Hope Mills
Agent: Petra Michaela Pitts
ZA LIFE LLC 943
Ronald Reagan Dr
Fayetteville Agent: Eddie McCoy
The "Spade" Lounge LLC 507 Albany St
Fayetteville Agent: SHAHEIM SHERIDAN
Carolina Warriors Association LLC 1248 Barn Owl Dr
Fayetteville Agent: Kelvin Roderick Mills
Gfinet LLC 315 Whipple Tree Ln
Fayetteville Agent: Grady Mather
ZaCol Housing Solutions LLC 5805 Gentleman Dr
Hope Mills Agent: Crystian Amaya
JOSE & LYAN LLC 6539 Brookshire St
Fayetteville Agent: JOSE FLORENCIA
Black Label Distribution LLP 1124 Pleasant
Oak Dr
Fayetteville Agent: Landon Charles Black
SizzlingwithSosa LLC
1917 James Hamner Way Apt E
Fayetteville Agent: Kayla Tiani Grant
Skyline Casting Agency LLC 6188 Lakeway Dr
Fayetteville Agent: Corey Jarrett Delemar
Lot Leaders LLC
100 Hay St Ste 704 # 1197
Fayetteville Agent: Jarrion Simon
Faith Over Fear Logistics LLC 5075 Morganton Rd
Ste 10C PMB 1162
Fayetteville Agent: Tracy Howard Jr
Veteran Family United Group Home
734 Rock Spring Rd
Fayetteville Agent: Steven Hardie Stanley Jr.
Oates
Empire LLC 3111
Soacha Ct
Fayetteville Agent: JODY-ANN CAMILE OATES
Amber Futures LLC 6215 Sandy Creek Rd
Stedman Agent: Jody J Hall
Quality Automotive & Restoration LLC
218 Tolar St
Fayetteville
Agent: Kotei Ellison
GoodLove Grows LLC
706 Glenville Ave
Fayetteville Agent: Mikia Brown
Golden Home Improvement LLC 721 Shambrey St
Fayetteville
Agent: Christopher Josue Romero Vasquez
SUN BRIGHT
ROJAS INC.
208 Ridgeway Dr
Fayetteville
Agent: MI K ROJAS
Valor Operations LLC
1328 Kershaw Loop Apt 103 Fayetteville Agent: Daniel Bourdaghs
NEWGEN TRANSPORT LLC
908 Hidden Oasis Dr
Fayetteville Agent: Scotty Allen Thomas Jr
Hale Yehh
Clothing LLC 2308 Cloudspin Ct
Hope Mills
Agent: Anthony Lamont Hale
Brittany Blanko LLC
450 Hay St Apt 508
Fayetteville Agent: Brittany Tiara Holden
Love Savannah Grace LLC
336 Tartan Ct
Fayetteville Agent: Keith Dewayne Webster Jr
Big Boi's Transportation LLC
5545 Franklin St
Hope Mills
Agent: Alvin Rowles
Impact Lives Inc.
5427 Nessee St
Fayetteville Agent: Kevin Graham
Botanical Aesthetics NC llc 2110 Fort Bragg Rd
Fayetteville Agent: Sidney Lee-ann McElwee-Shelts
DWF Foods LLC
805 Blawell St Stedman Agent: Juan Ramos
Love4thepets LLC
4812 Alamance Rd Apt A
Fayetteville Agent: Giovanni Carmen Pirro
Lind-sei's 24K
Beauty LLC 1916 Skibo Rd
Fayetteville Agent: Lind-sei Grissett
FAYETTEVILLE
MR.COW INC.
419 Cross Creek Mall # FC-4
Fayetteville Agent: DONGHAN LEE
Dekko LLC 174 Treetop Dr Apt G
Fayetteville Agent: JALEN WASHINGTON
FHP Contracting LLC
1010 Marlborough Road
Fayetteville Agent: Bryan Fisher
L&R Transports LLC
5845 Permastone Lake Rd
Hope Mills Agent: Michael
Dontae Lilly
Rejuvenated Spaces LLC 530 Abbottswood Dr Fayetteville Agent: Nicole Rae Wiltrout
Rhossdhu Marketing Corporation
200 Dick St. Ste. D. Fayetteville Agent: abundant living consultant corp
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated
Alpha Gamma Xi Omega 2913 Beringer Dr Fayetteville Agent: Vikki Andrews
Soul Expressions Café LLC 4200 Morganton
Rd Suite 200-23
Fayetteville Agent: Soul Expressions "The Counseling and Wellness" Cafe PLLC
Three Count Electric LLC
971 Flintwood Rd
Fayetteville Agent: Tracy Linwood Gilbert
Hillside Pines LLC
204 Hillside Ave
Fayetteville Agent: Eva Desai
Jordyn Xpress Repair & Lube LLC 3911 Legion Rd
Hope Mills Agent: Thomas Keith Bryant
MODALIA LLC 6640 Burgenfield Dr Fayetteville
Agent: KRYSTAL PAVLOSKY
Fayetteville Used Cars LLC 2908 Fort Bragg Rd
Fayetteville Agent: Ralph Arlie Rodriguez
FayettevillesCell LLC 438 W Summerchase Dr Fayetteville Agent: Wesley Donovan Amir Crawford
Paws and Poop LLC
536 Auburndale Ln Fayetteville Agent: Darlene Paola Cifuentes-Retana
Exotic Shop LLC 1815 Ramsey St Fayetteville
Agent: Abdulaziz N Al-Najar
THE TILLERY HOLDINGS GROUP INC
708 Chadwick Rd
Fayetteville Agent: AHMAD TILLERY SR
Efficiency Brazilian Jiu Jitsu LLC
2653 Hope Mills Rd Ste 8
Fayetteville Agent: Eleuterio Sanchez Jr
ROCKIN' CRAB
SEAFOOD & BAR ZH77 INC. 4743 Ramsey St
Fayetteville Agent: YUEBO ZHOU
Take Care Medical Express LLC 3420 Winesap Rd
Hope Mills Agent: Diondre
Jeremiah McClam
E.E.C. Consulting LLC
2153 Valleygate Dr Suite 002
Fayetteville Agent: Chet H Steen
Good God Entertainment LLC
7502 Martha Ct
Fayetteville Agent: Michael Monge
Eli Pressure Washing LLC 3920 Donna St
Fayetteville Agent: Elijah Robinson
FamiliaSegura
Financial Group Corp.
5226 Butternut Dr Fayetteville
THE RIGHT PARTNER MAKES ALL THE DIFFERENCE
Agent: Martha Lissete Luis Santiago
McLeans Express Trucking LLC
204 Sherman Dr Fayetteville
Agent: Billy P McLean
K'MACS MAINTENANCE LLC
7008 Radnor St
Fayetteville
Agent: Kelvonta Jevone McMillan
Taz Enterprise LLC
2209 Tolgate Rd
Fayetteville Agent: Seon Gad Jack
Southeastern Community Improvement Collaborative Inc.
1924 Willowbrae Dr Fayetteville
Agent: Gerald Nickelberry
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.
Marketing F ir ms
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MARKETING SOLUTIONS Raeford, N.C. 28376
reddingsmarketingsolutions.godaddysites.com/
lwoodmedia.com
Like mother like daughter
FAMILY FOUNDED AND LEGACY LEAD, HODGES ADVERTISING ASSOCIATES LLC IS CELEBRATING 50 YEARS IN BUSINESS
It was the mid 1970s. Young folks flaunted their flamboyant fashion, the Super Bowl was just reaching its first decade and disco ruled the world, though many agreed, “How long can disco on!” It was also a time of significant business development and cultural transformation in greater Fayetteville. Enter Hodges Advertising Associates. The agency was founded in October 1974 by the late Jean Hodges, who believed there was great need for marketing, advertising and public relations services to support all that was happening in her new hometown. From a single-client, one-woman show, Hodges quickly grew to have a diversely talented staff serving clients with local, regional, national and international operations.
Over the years,” she said, “we've become 'experts' in welding and power tools, banking, utilities and city services, finance and accounting, real estate and construction, healthy hearts and bones, jewelry, textiles, chicken, pork and turkey, and the list goes on.”
enced over the next four decades.
Today, as they like to say, Hodges Advertising Associates is still 'ad' it.
According to their website, when Founder Jean Hodges got started in 1974, there were no other advertising agencies at the time, There were no associates and no “ready-made” clients. But that would quickly change. Jean’s determination, her experience and expertise, and her ability to “spot” talented and dedicated staff set the tone for the notable growth the award winning agency experi-
“We're marking more than 50 years in business with a year-long celebration,” said Anna Hodges Smith in a press release. Anna, Jean Hodges' daughter, now serves as the agency's current owner/president following her mother’s passing in 2015. Hodges is now the longest-operating Fayetteville-based marketing, advertising and public relations firm still in business.
After 50 years, Hodges Advertising Associates has grown to a seven member team and
has become a stalwart of the Fayetteville community for the creativity they bring and the marketing partnerships they've established with clients in the region. The agency has also provided countless hours of pro-bono work for local non-profits, while the leaders and individual staff members have served on many boards and committees.
With expertise in print, corporate identification, digital, broadcasting, outdoor and specialty marketing projects, Hodges Associates has grown their client roster from companies based in the greater Fayetteville,
NC, area to business, industry and organizations based throughout North and South Carolina, with operations ranging from local to international in scope.
Commenting on the many changes the agency has seen over the years, Smith noted in a press release, “Even the design and art production at the ‘creative core’ of our business have become technology-driven.”
New computer programs allow the agency to work more quickly and easily make changes. Creatively, it allows them to do things they couldn’t even imagine in 1974. Web-based and social media marketing have opened a whole new realm for clients – which includes the ability to keep their message constantly updated and reach a wider audience, especially younger generations.
“However,” Smith emphasized, “while evolving technology provides us with valuable tools, market savvy and creative inspiration are still the foundation for achieving clients' success.”
Smith explained that in order to help clients with their marketing and advertising goals, the agency gets to know the client's business, in depth. “Over the years,” she said, “we've become 'experts' in welding and power tools, banking, utilities and city services, finance and accounting, real estate and construction, healthy hearts and bones, jewelry, textiles, chicken, pork and turkey, and the list goes on.”
As the year progresses, through October 2025, Hodges Advertising Associates looks forward to sharing their 50-Years-and-Counting celebration with news and stories, past and present, online and through social media.
PHOTO PROVIDED BY HODGES ADVERTISING ASSOCIATES
Anna Hodges Smith (left) pictured with her late mother and Founder of Hodges Advertising Associates Jean Hodges (right). Anna now continues her mother’s legacy and serves as the agency's current owner/president following her mother’s passing in 2015.
— Anna Hodges Smith
BROADWELL COLLEGE OF BUSINESS AND ECONOMICS