Hickory Living August 2023

Welcome to the August Issue!

By Kathy Wheeler

August is a busy month with kids heading back to school.

I’m sure children are excited to shop for school supplies and see their friends, but dread changing their lazy summer schedules. Starting their new sleep schedule several weeks in advance will help this transition.

Once kids have their books and supplies, pay close attention to the weight of your child’s backpack. They shouldn’t carry more than 10-20% of their weight. For smaller children, err on the low side of that range. Encourage them to use their locker for things they don’t need to carry all day long, and only bring home what they need to complete their homework assignments. We at Hickory Living wish students a successful school year filled with academic learning, finding their passions, meeting new friends, and lots of fun extracurricular activities!

Before school starts, you still have most of the month to enjoy the outdoors and some great music and other activities! See page 25 for free August events in our area.

In this issue we are celebrating women in business starting on page 19! We encourage you to read these feature articles about passionate women doing what they love and being successful at it! They are a true inspiration to others to follow their own dreams.

August starts the voting for Hickory Living’s Best of the Foothills Reader’s Choice Awards! Go online to our website for a link to vote for your favorite local business. Maybe there is a local business who went above and beyond providing you exceptional customer service. Let them know you appreciate their efforts by voting for them! Voting will go through the end of October, and

the 2023 winners will be announced in our December issue.

Our August cover story features Kelly Jones Williams with Thrivent’s Your Journey Financial Advisors team. Kelly and her team help develop a personal financial plan based on your values and goals. They specialize in protection planning, strategies for tax mitigation as well as estate planning, investing advice, and small business owner planning. Read their article starting on page 10.

This month’s business spotlight features Craftsman Cabinets & Furniture located in Hudson. Offering custombuilt cabinets and furniture, their designers work with you to create a unique home interior for your family. Their article starts on page 16.

Thank you for reading the August issue of Hickory Living!

Your Journey Financial Advisors Kelly Jones Williams –

By Kathleen Supino

Your Journey Financial Advisors with Thrivent offers financial services to residents of Hickory and surrounding areas. Founded in 1902, Thrivent has a proven track record of success that has made it a Fortune 500 company. For more than 120 years, Thrivent has helped people build their financial futures and live more generous lives, offering a full range of expert financial solutions and serving more than 2.3 million clients, as well as the communities in which they live and work1. But there’s a special sauce that Thrivent offers that helps set them apart, and that is the opportunity for inspiring generosity.

It may sound unusual for a financial services company to place generosity as one of its core tenets. As a financial services firm founded on a common bond of Christianity, Thrivent is fraternal benefit society allowing the ability to make a positive impact with clients in their communities, including the Hickory community and beyond. When individuals or businesses become a client of Thrivent, they have access to

generosity programs that help amplify their impact in their community. Giving back is important to their clients and is part of what makes Thrivent truly unique. The Your Journey Financial Advisors Team with Thrivent is also engaged in volunteer programs, charitable giving, and numerous partnerships, including with Habitat for Humanity. They believe that teaming with clients and organizations that better a community helps everyone go further and be stronger.

Customer service is prioritized at Your Journey Financial Advisors, and the company’s commitment to service has been proven again and again. A case in point is the recent pandemic. While COVID-19 presented unique challenges to everyone, Thrivent found that staying on top of technology enabled them to stay in touch with clients virtually. With the availability of platforms like Zoom and webinar software, Thrivent has incorporated even more efficiency into the way they can meet clients where they’re at to offer support and advice. Taking it a step further, Your Journey Financial

Photos:

On the cover–Left to right, Niki Smith, COO for the Your Journey Financial Advisors, Kelly Jones Williams, partner, Colby Bolick, partner

(Photo by Shane Greene)

Opposite page–The Your Journey Financial Advisors team

(Photo provided by Thrivent)

Left–Team meetings are held weekly in the Hickory office to discuss client cases, upcoming events, and how to be better advisors for their clients.

(Photo by Shane Greene)

Below–Advisors meet with a client to discuss goals. (Photo by Shane Greene)

Advisors now offer recurring member events via webinars, in addition to online resources for clients to improve their financial clarity.

Even the process of onboarding a new client is addressed with the client’s needs front and center. Kelly Jones Williams, a 15-year veteran with Thrivent and leader of the Your Journey Financial Advisors team, is a licensed financial advisor. She details her personal approach to assessing a client’s financial situation and goals before providing recommendations. “We go through an in-depth process to determine your values and behaviors and establish goals for accountability and success. We make the connection between what’s important to you and how you can live your legacy before you leave it.”

The first step for creating a personalized financial plan for clients is a connect meeting. This is where the client and a member of the Your Journey Financial Advisors team discuss past financial choices and current financial situations, including available investment options. Next, the focus is on goal development, where the client expresses goals, priorities and concerns, while the team member may suggest financial goals that align with the client’s interests. After that comes data gathering, strategy and delivery, all of which takes place in careful, thoughtful stages.

The Your Journey Financial Advisors team is not the only resource that clients have. They are hands-on and all-in, with portfolio managers who keep target objectives, trends, and what matters most to you in mind. Your Journey Financial

Advisors has an available team of six financial advisors, three junior advisors, and nine support team members. Communication is a top priority, especially during rocky times when clients may need a little bit of extra information or support. Clients can always access available help from any of the support staff. Your Journey Financial Advisors doesn’t operate with a silo model, where everything and everyone is separated. Instead, a client has all the resources available, not just those of one team member.

Mrs. Jones-Williams emphasizes that the work done at Your Journey Financial Advisors is a team effort, helping ensure that every client gets the maximum value from working with their team. “My team and I specialize in protection planning, tax mitigation strategies, estate planning strategies, and small business owner planning,” she says. Mrs. JonesWilliams’ personal path to Thrivent included a job working

at a credit union. At the time, she knew she wanted a career where she could help people, but the credit union wasn’t serving her entire life’s purpose. She feels that with the help of God’s guiding hand, she’s found what she is meant to do.

Mrs. Jones-Williams has consistently performed as a top financial advisor at Thrivent. Recently, she was inducted into Thrivent’s Voices in Philanthropy Hall of Honor, one of only 44 active members. She’s proud to say that two of those members are on her team at Thrivent. In addition, many of the team members are active with Habitat for Humanity’s international builds and have traveled to El Salvador on numerous occasions. They hope to continue doing so in the future.

The concept of giving and abundance is Bible-based, with the idea that generosity and being wise with money is a way to achieve financial clarity. Mrs. Jones-Williams tries to live that belief through her personal work. She supports a number of local and national organizations, with both her time and financial resources, including the National Kidney Foundation, Hearts and Hope, and the Hickory Soup Kitchen. She is also a sitting board member and advocate of the Catawba Valley Health Foundation.

At Thrivent, the belief is that life is a journey, and they want to take that journey along with their clients, every step of the way. The goal of the Your Journey Financial Advisor team and Thrivent as a whole is to help people reach a place where they feel content and have confidence to attain their goals and live a life full of meaning and gratitude.

Photos, Left

The Hickory/Claremont offices doing some team building. From left to right: Jennifer Miller, Jeannie Caldwell, Niki Smith, Collin Carlton, Colby Bolick, and Kelly Jones Williams.

Below–Kelly praying for their clients.

(Photos by Shane Greene)

Thrivent Financial

Your Journey Financial Advisors 910 Tate Blvd. SE, Suite 105, Hickory 828.855.9690 • Connect.thrivent.com/kelly-jones

5776176.1

1 As of Dec. 31, 2022

Thrivent and its financial advisors and professionals do not provide legal, accounting or tax advice. Consult your attorney or tax professional. If requested, a licensed insurance agent/producer may contact you and financial solutions, including insurance may be solicited.

Thrivent provides advice and guidance through its Financial Planning Framework that generally includes a review and analysis of a client’s financial situation. A client may choose to further their planning engagement with Thrivent through its Dedicated Planning Services (an investment advisory service) that results in written recommendations for a fee.

Member benefits, programs and activities are not guaranteed contractual benefits. You should never purchase or retain any insurance or annuity products simply to be able to participate. Participation is subject to applicable Terms and Conditions.

Thrivent Charitable Impact & Investing™ recognizes financial advisors and professionals who devoted extra effort in facilitating charitable gifts to the organization.

Financial advisors and professionals who are inducted into the Voice in Philanthropy (VIP) Hall of Honor have helped their clients give more than $5 million in charitable gifts to benefit our shared communities during their careers.

Thrivent Charitable Impact & Investing™, a separate legal entity from Thrivent, the marketing name for Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, is a public charity that serves individuals, organizations and the community through charitable planning, donor-advised funds and endowments. Thrivent Charitable Impact & Investing works collaboratively with Thrivent and its financial advisors.

Thrivent is the marketing name for Thrivent Financial for Lutherans. Insurance products issued by Thrivent. Not availablein all states. Securities and investment advisory services offered through Thrivent Investment Management Inc., a registered investment adviser, member FINRA and SIPC, and a subsidiary of Thrivent. Licensed agent/producer of Thrivent. Registered representative of Thrivent Investment Management Inc. Thrivent.com/disclosures.

Insurance products, securities and investment advisory services are provided by appropriately appointed and licensed financial advisors and professionals. Only individuals who are financial advisors are credentialed to provide investment advisory services. Visit Thrivent.com or FINRA’s BrokerCheck for more information about our financial advisors.

business spotlight

Photos, Left to right:

• Designer Charles Sparks, co-owner of Craftsman Cabinets & Furniture

• Design meeting – Charles, Rodney Harrelson, and Brian Barlow

• Co-owner and operations manager Brian Barlow

• Cabinet designer and installation manager Rodney Harrelson

Custom-Built for Your Home

By Amy Casil | Photos by Shane Greene Photography

Talking with Charles Sparks, designer, vice president, and co-owner of Craftsman Cabinets & Furniture, I quickly learned about the business’ commitment to their customers. They offer fascinating and beautiful wood cabinetry and furniture along with the benefits of custom woodwork throughout the home.

Charles told me that they had just installed a 15-foot dining table in a private residence. The table was made of wormy maple, also called ambrosia maple, and is a decorative wood with beautiful patterns and striping. Working with many high quality materials and providing individual attention to every customer, Craftsman Cabinets & Furniture’s name truly fits the business. They offer Amish-built custom cabinetry and solid wood, hand crafted furniture that is Americanmade. You can work with them to design any type of cabinetry or furniture and receive decor advice for any room.

Trends in Wood and Home Furnishings

“We are seeing a growing interest from younger people who are interested in good furniture,” said Charles. “They are just as attracted to the quality of the furniture as the beauty of it. Plus, they love the customization that we offer.”

Traditional styles are also on the rise again, Charles told me. “A lot of the grays and whites are still popular but they’re waning a bit. People are coming back to more traditional designs.” Hunter green and burgundy are just a few colors that are reemerging in home interiors.

Barnwood has been popular for a few years, and it is still continuing strong. Reclaimed from old barns, most of the barnwood that Craftsman Cabinets & Furniture uses comes from the Midwest. Charles also mentioned that one of their furniture builders collects driftwood from lakes and creates one-of-akind pieces from it.

Focus Areas in the Home

I asked Charles which room renovations or redesigns were likely to have the greatest impact for homeowners and he quickly responded, “Kitchens and bathrooms.” When considering home values, updated kitchens and bathrooms tend to add value, and Craftsman Cabinets & Furniture’s cabinetry can maximize your storage while adding to the beauty of

the room’s design. They are truly made for your home and to your style. With their design help, you can choose the wood, finishes, and hardware. Their professionals will come to your site to take the necessary measurements. “Both cabinets and furniture can be any design you want, from French Country to very rustic,” said Charles.

Charles and I discussed the trend toward better outdoor living spaces. Craftsman Cabinets & Furniture is able to design indoor-outdoor spaces and also offers decor for many areas of the home.

All of their staff is not only experienced, but dedicated. “Design is so much fun,” said Charles. He is involved from start to finish with customer designs. The process benefits from

staff experience with manufacturers. The company likes working with furniture builders who are family owned and operated, and focuses on quality materials and workmanship. As a result, Craftsman Cabinets & Furniture offers you complete choice in cabinet and furniture. You will benefit from their design advice as well as their years of experience and relationships with other businesses that also love wood, fine craftsmanship, and both beautiful and functional furnishings and cabinetry.

Craftsman Cabinets & Furniture

2994 Hickory Blvd, Hudson, NC 28638

Open Monday–Saturday 10AM to 6PM (828) 572-4424

craftsmancabinetsandfurniture.com

Women In Business

Hickory Living is proud to celebrate women in business this month. On the following pages, you will meet successful women in our area who are following their passion. They possess an entrepreneurial spirit and the ambition and positive outlook that it takes to grow their businesses. We appreciate all that they contribute to our local economy, and we celebrate their success!

Women in Business

Killian’s Hardware would like to welcome Jennifer Gott as a new co-owner and partner. The hardware store has been owned and operated by women since 1997. Sharon Killian Radke and Susan Killian Kirby grew up in the family business before becoming third generation owners. Jennifer, Sharon’s daughter, is now the fourth generation to follow in their footsteps. While these ladies continue to value the way their father and grandfather did business before them, they look forward to serving their future customers by implementing new innovations.

Jennifer Gott Partner and Co-Owner of Killians

3790 Springs Road, Hickory, NC 28601 828.256.2147

www.killiansinc.com

A Hickory institution, Killians is always growing, and believes that the best is yet to come! To their many lines of outdoor power equipment, Killians is adding Ventrac compact tractors and attachments to serve municipalities, commercial customers, and property owners. Of course, as with all of their brands, they offer

parts and service. “It’s all about taking care of our community and providing what customers need,” said Sharon.

“We sell outdoor power equipment, service, and parts from all major manufacturers and engine brands, ” said Jennifer. “We offer fully stocked hardware, plumbing, and electrical departments, and our growth and success in every area has always been customer service. We know our community on a personal level, and our knowledgeable staff helps you find exactly what you need.”

“Battery powered products are very popular among homeowners with smaller yards,” Jennifer continued. “They’re a great value, easy to use, and don’t require maintenance or service. It’s important to buy from a dealer who teaches you how to operate and maintain this equipment properly.”

Offering excellent products and services at competitive prices, Killians is committed to educating and supporting a new generation of first-time customers.

Women in Business

GYNECOLOGY

Laura Faruque, M.D.

Alicia Walsh, M.D.

Teri Herman, W.H.N.P.

Kim Rector, F.N.P.

Anita Montes, M.D.

OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY

Claire Harraghy, M.D.

Jennifer Conway, M.D.

Jessica Gibney, M.D.

Lauren Hill, M.D.

Heather Carswell, CNM

Natalie Broadway-Robertson, M.D.

A Woman’s View is an OB/GYN practice that cares for women through every stage of their life. From a young woman just learning about her body, through her child bearing years, to balancing careers, children, or grand children, and then gracefully aging into maturity, you will find a trusted provider at A Woman’s View. The providers are all women who have experienced much of what their patients are going through. They know how to help, both as a women and medical professionals.

Dr. Vickie Lovin established the gynecological practice in 1996. In 2005 primary care was added, and obstetrics was offered in 2008. Following Dr. Lovin’s retirement in 2020, primary care was discontinued the following May to focus solely on obstetrics and gynecology.

“Obstetrics is a big part of our practice,” said Dr. Claire Harraghy. “We love helping women through every stage of their pregnancy, and our reward is delivering precious, healthy children to their parents. It’s a very magical experience.”

Patients are seen for so much more than annual gynecological physicals. Birth control, PMS, infertility treatments, breast health, HRT and menopause management, STDs, gynecologic and bladder surgery are all part of the medical treatment you can receive at A Woman’s View.

Besides gynecology and obstetrics, what services do you offer?

“Many women who are in need of tests appreciate that we offer 3-D mammography, ultrasounds, lab

services, and weight management inhouse,” said Dr. Laura Faruque. “Our patients are comfortable here, so getting a test done isn’t as stressful when they trust their provider. Also, every stage of our lives come with their own unique challenges. Some we breeze through, while others require a little help. We have counselors that we refer patients to who can help them navigate these challenges.”

For more than 26 years, A Woman’s View has been an active member of our community offering excellent medical care to women and supporting non-profits that help women. To receive OB/GYN healthcare designed for women and administered by women, call today to make an appointment!

Women in Business

RE/MAX LEGENDARY

REALTORS®/Brokers, pictured from left to right, are: Michelle Galloway

Ashley Carmichael

Amanda Stokes

Lindsay Philyaw

Wendy Axtell

Amy Harline

Sarah Stansfield Turner

Claudia Vargas

Sandy Dingler

Libby Lail

(Not Pictured: Wendy Flynn, Danielle Stone, Kristen Knox)

There is a lot of knowledge and background work that goes into any real estate transaction. Choosing the right agent is essential to walking away from the closing table satisfied. The women at RE/MAX Legendary intend to live up to their “Legendary” name by building trust and relationships with their clients. “Buying a home is one of the most important and expensive investments you will make,” said Amanda Stokes, REALTOR and owner of RE/MAX Legendary. “We want each transaction to exceed our customer’s expectations. Helping people find a new home or a space for a business venture is such a rewarding experience for our team,” Amanda continued.

How did you decide on this career

track?

Agents in our firm enjoy people and helping them find a place to call home. With families of their own, our agents understand that it’s more than a house. It’s about finding a neighborhood where they are comfortable and a place where they can flourish. We love what we do and the difference we make in people’s

lives! No transaction is the same. It’s all very personalized, and through the process, we get to know a lot of really nice people.

Tell us about the growth of your company.

By exceeding client expectations and through hard work, we continue to grow. Our business is built on repeat satisfied clients, word-of-mouth referrals, and our reputation for getting it right. We have 19 extraordinary brokers, 13 of which are women. Our brokers consistently receive positive reviews and we have the added benefits of being partnered with a nationwide brand and RE/MAX marketing. We want people in this area to know that we are experts in real estate with a pulse on all things local. We are here to help our clients get the most out of their real estate experience.

Why should people partner with RE/MAX Legendary?

Ultimately, finding the right real estate agent is about finding someone you trust. The real estate market is always changing, and you need an expert to

navigate the process of buying or selling property. You want someone who is knowledgeable about your local market, has great negotiation skills, and is responsive and easy to contact when you need answers. Our agents stay on top of local sold comps and active inventory. We know when a new property hits the market and when contracts fall through. Our agents always negotiate and advocate for our client’s best interest and prioritize their needs. Terms like closing dates, contingencies, and repairs can be as important to a client as price. We place a huge emphasis on training, continuing education, and implementing the newest technology available for our industry at RE/MAX Legendary. Our agents stay up to speed on the frequently changing real estate laws to ensure that our clients are protected, understand the process, and know their rights. Whether it’s using technology to advertise listings and reach potential buyers or finding someone’s dream home, our team brings years of experience, expertise, and their love for the industry to each transaction. Call today for your legendary real estate experience.

© Shane Greene Photography

Women in Business

Grace McLaurin is a physician assistant, owner, and partner in Vitality Anti-Aging Center, Vitality Surgical Center, V-Infusion Hydration Center, and owner of Aesthetic Consulting & Training (ACT) in Hickory. The group offers integrative health and nonsurgical aesthetics, such as Botox, Dysport, dermal fillers, Coolsculpting Elite, Cooltone, Laser Services, PRP, as well as weight management, nutrition, skincare, and more.

How did you decide on this career track?

“I’ve wanted to be in medicine since I was a young child. I pursued a different path earlier in life, getting married and having my children. When I moved to Hickory, I realized I was close enough to Wake Forest to go after my dream, and the PA profession seemed to be the perfect fit,” said Grace.

“We started in the spring of 2006 with five people, and we’ve seen growth every year since opening. With an amazing staff who always put patient care, safety, and results as number one, we were blessed eight years ago to have the opportunity to move into Moretz Mills and have continued to grow.”

What are some of the treatments you have added?

“Over the past year or so, Vitality has added and updated some amazing new treatments such as SaltFacial, Diamond Glow, and we have expanded our weight loss and body treatment services with the addition of Coolsculpting Elite and Cooltone for body contouring, and Semaglutide injections that help you eat less and feel fuller when you do,” continued Grace.

What awards or industry recognition has Vitality received?

“We have been listed by RealSelf’s Love My Injector as one of the top 100 injectors in the country. We are nationally recognized as a top 500 account with Allergan, have expanded our own very popular skin care line, and have spent many hours educating and training others. In addition, a few years ago I fulfilled a longtime goal of mine by receiving my Doctor of Medical Science degree.”

What are the latest trends in your field?

“Body contouring is very popular right now. Vitality offers non-surgical options that can help people achieve the body they have always dreamed of. Vitamin infusion and preventative health are certainly of special interest. In the aesthetics realm, attractive lips are always popular, and a natural, healthy, refreshed look is huge for both men and women...we can achieve with threads, Sculptra and lasers.”

What do you believe sets you apart from others in your field?

“Our goals are simple––to provide superior service to patients and clients to help you achieve your personal goals for health and appearance. To provide a comfortable, clean, safe, and relaxing atmosphere for all. To educate patients and the community about methods to take control of your health and appearance. Lastly, to set a standard for wellness in our community,” explained Grace.

Grace McLaurin, DMSc, PA-C

Owner and partner in:

© Shane Greene Photography

AUGUST EVENTS

NEWTON

AUGUST 10

Music On Main

Frank & Sue Jones Amphitheatre, 217 North Main Avenue, Newton • 6PM to 8:30PM • Food trucks

5PM • Bring a lawn chair. No outside coolers permitted. Beer can be purchased on N. Main and from downtown providers.

AUGUST 13: Gary Lowder & Smokin’ Hot www.downtownnewton.org

VALDESE

AUGUST 4, 18, 25

Valdese Family Friday Night Concerts Held at Temple Field behind The Old Rock School Bring a lounge chair • Music starts at 7PM.

August 4: Shelby Rae Moore Band

August 18: Stella Rising

August 25: The Super 60s

AUGUST 11, 12

The Waldensian Festival

Main Street in Valdese • Friday–the cruise-in, food trucks, beer and wine garden open at 5:30PM • On Saturday, exhibits, food trucks, free Kidz Zone open at 9AM • Music starts at 7PM • Fireworks start at 10PM • Bring a lounge chair

August 11: Southside Station

August 12: Ryan Perry www.visitvaldese.com/events/

BLOWING ROCK

AUGUST 4, 11, 18, 25

Music On The Lawn

The Inn at Ragged Gardens, 203 Sunset Drive, Blowing Rock • 5:30PM–8:30PM • Bring a lawn chair, no coolers or pets. Cash bar and menu available.

August 4: Harris Brothers

August 11: Soul Benefactor

August 18: Gracious Day

August 25: Shelby Rae Moore Band

www.ragged-gardens.com/music-on-the-lawn/

What’s Cooking?

Atlantic Beach Pie

Servings: 8 • Prep time: 30 minutes

Cooking time: 30 minutes

INGREDIENTS

1-½ cups finely crushed saltine crackers (from 1 sleeve, about 37 crackers)

6 Tbsp. unsalted butter, melted

3 Tbsp. granulated sugar

1 large egg white, lightly beaten

1 (14-oz.) can sweetened condensed milk

4 large egg yolks

¼ cup fresh lime juice (from 2 large limes)

¼ cup fresh lemon juice (from 2 lemons)

1-½ cups heavy whipping cream

¼ cup powdered sugar

Lemon and lime zests, for garnish

INSTRUCTIONS

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Crush saltines in a zip-top bag with a rolling pin. Mix crushed crackers, melted butter, sugar, and egg white in a medium bowl. Transfer mixture to a 9-inch glass pie plate; firmly press on bottom and sides. Freeze for 10 minutes. Bake in a preheated oven until the crust is lightly browned, about 20 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack; cool about 10 minutes.

While the crust bakes, whisk together condensed milk and egg yolks until smooth. Whisk in lime and lemon juice. Pour mixture into the warm crust. Shield edges of pie with aluminum foil and bake at 350°F until the center is just set, about 15 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack; cool for 1 hour. Refrigerate until chilled, about 2 hours.

When you are ready to serve, make whipped cream. In a bowl, beat cream and powdered sugar with an electric mixer on high until stiff peaks form, about 2 minutes. Spread whipped cream topping over chilled pie, leaving about a ½-inch border of custard showing around the crust. Garnish with lemon and lime zests, if desired.

Kathy Dicken lives in Huntersville and is the author of the food blog, The Tasty Bits. For more meal ideas that are simple and delicious, you can follow her blog at www.thetastybits.com or on Instagram @thetastybits.