MacAdam Smith Publisher
mac@oasisluxuryhomes.com (484) 769-7445
Sharon Simpson
Advertising Director sharon@lncurrents.com (704) 677-9159
Lori Helms Editor Lori@LNCurrents.com
Carson Coleman
Advertising Representative carson.hickoryliving@gmail.com (828) 455-4200
By Lori Helms
“How about this heat?”
Okay, I know, that ranks right up there with “Well, back in my day ...” as one of the most obnoxious phrases in the English language. When it’s in the midto upper-90s for the umpteenth day in a row, the local lake temperatures feel like bath water and you’ve all but given up on trying to coax any kind of style out of your naturally frizzy hair, Captain Obvious coming at you with “How about this heat?” makes you understand why rates of violence increase in the summer months.
Here’s a suggestion to keep you out of summertime trouble – find yourself some shade or a nice air-conditioned hiding spot, pour yourself a cool beverage (adult or otherwise) and grab
yourself this month’s issue for a little bit of respite from August’s oppressive heat. You’ll find a few stories in these pages that will be a refreshing take on options for your landscape, how our local professional women are shaping the business landscape and, for you trivia buffs, a little something about what makes Hickory so special.
We introduce you to Kevin Sipe and Scenic View Landscapes, in business now for 25 years in the Hickory area. Even after more than two decades beautifying the spaces around us, Sipes and his team of landscaping professionals remain committed and motivated to standing out in a sea of landscaping “sameness.” He and his crews have developed a reputation for outstanding customer service and innovative design,
so turn to Page 10 to read about his company’s variety of services.
We have a wealth of small business professionals in this region, and this month, we are showcasing a few of the women behind these successful endeavors. Those features start on Page 15. From real estate to retail to the medical field, these women and the paths their careers have taken are truly inspiring. And as for that tidbit of knowledge you’ll want in your pocket at the next trivia night, turn to Page 20 to check out what we always suspected but now know to be official about this area. Enjoy!
— LH Lori Helms Editor lori@lncurrents.com
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Our nation’s economy has seen some true highs and lows since our turn into the 21st century – booms and busts alike. And with small businesses being the backbone of our economy, their ability to survive over time, let alone be fortunate enough to thrive, is critical. Achieving that level of success is something of which Scenic View Landscapes President and Lead Designer Kevin Sipe is particularly proud.
“What’s cool about this year is that we are now 25 years in business,” says Sipe. “This is one of those ‘mile marker’ years ... it’s just a fun year for us to say we’ve made it there and we’re not ending it there. We feel really blessed.”
Even after 25 years, Sipe still has that drive and excitement in his voice when he talks about how Scenic View Landscapes has developed a regional reputation for inno -
vative design, installation, maintenance and impeccable customer service. He says after all that time, he’s most excited about the fact that they have developed several long-term clients – even a few for nearly the entire life of Scenic View Landscapes.
“That means a ton to me,” Sipe says, “because one of the things we push is that we try to provide a whole experiential component to working with a landscape contractor.” He says it’s important to stand out in a “sea of sameness,” adding that getting a client to begin with is great, but a one-and-done job is just that. A sign of real success is retaining that client because their experience with this company and its staff was so good, that even if it’s 10 years later, they call you back for additional projects because they remember your name from that initial outstanding experience.
Exactly what would that experience entail? Scenic View Landscapes has a full menu of services from which a homeowner can choose. Sipe says a good half of his business is focused on the landscape design and installation process. That could include anything from new plantings to decorative boulders, patio systems and creative lighting to accentuate it all. Sipe says he has begun producing skilled computer-aided design (CAD) drawings to accurately measure and create even the most complicated landscaping project, as well as computergenerated images that give a client an idea of just how the end product would appear.
“We realized that was really a missing piece – showing a client how something could look and really telling the story to a client,” he says.
The remainder of his company’s focus is on the maintenance side of things. They are particularly well known for horticultural bed maintenance – everything from the upkeep of plantings to maintaining installed lighting and water features. They also provide maintenance of all manner of turf (“we have a ‘recipe’ created for that,” he says), as well as mowing services if needed for his current maintenance clients.
While mowing is what Sipe refers to as the smallest service he offers, it is likely how his vision for Scenic View Landscapes began, way back in his high school days. He started out going door to door, mowing lawns for neighbors and fellow church members, and by the time he left for North Carolina State University, he had decided to pursue a degree in what had become his passion – landscape horticulture.
“It doesn’t just end when the sale is done. ... That’s what has helped us get long-term clients.”
That passion has translated into a company that has achieved a great level of success, thanks to what Sipe describes as the core values of his company: innovation, integrity and quality.
“As the owner, I try to push and train all of our teammates to think in that manner,” he says. “And that eventually produces a fourth core value – profitability. ... We train on that daily.” But it’s not just the professionalism he tries to instill in his staff (even the simplest things such as uniforms worn properly or keeping vehicles clean), it’s the manner in which they develop and maintain communication with their clients – whether prospective ones or current and repeat customers.
“When we survey our clients, communication rates up there as one of our highest marks of what they appreciate,” Sipe says. From that first phone call inquiry to his office manager who makes sure it’s properly referred, to the operations folks who schedule the jobs, to the team leaders that take over the jobs from there, Sipe says that chain of communication remains constant and strong.
“It’s a touch point in different places all the way through the experience,” he says. “It doesn’t just end when the sale is done. ... That’s what has helped us get long-term clients.” And those clients can be found anywhere from his strong customer base in the Hickory area to all around Catawba County as well as Iredell, Lincoln and Burke counties. Sipe says they’ve designed and installed projects from Boone to the Lake Norman area. Along the way, they’ve developed a particular following for their creativity.
“I would say that our creative planting piece is probably our strong suit,” he says. “It’s evolved a bit over the years.” He says they’ve always received high praise for their planting work, and now they are starting to get into something new and different in water fountain-type features for smaller areas.
more
Debbie
Kevin Sipe, owner and landscape sales designer.
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!
Dorothy Llano Executive Ambulatory and Physician Services Market Director Frye Regional Medical Center
With more than 15 years of leadership experience in healthcare operations, Dorothy Llano brings a rare blend of strategic insight, grassroots
understanding and heartfelt dedication to her role as Executive Ambulatory and Physician Services Market Director at Frye Regional Medical Center. Since relocating from Florida to
North Carolina in 2020, she has made a meaningful impact — first joining the Rutherford market before transitioning to Frye Regional in 2021. Today, she oversees a robust network of 29 clinic sites and 340
employees, including more than 100 employed providers with FryeCare Physicians Network.
Dorothy’s journey into healthcare began at the front desk — a role inspired by her mother, a devoted medical assistant who modeled compassion and service. After earning her undergraduate degree from St. Petersburg College and completing a Master of Business Administration in 2019, Dorothy advanced steadily through the ranks, driven by a passion for operational excellence and a commitment to expanding access to care.
She believes health means longevity: the ability to live life fully by staying active, informed and engaged. Her leadership philosophy is centered on impact, from recruiting toptier physicians to launching new service lines and aligning care with community needs. Since her arrival, FryeCare Physicians Network has grown and Dorothy has onboarded 59 new providers, with service expansions in gastroenterology, medical weight loss, neurosurgery, orthopedics, pain management and rheumatology.
Outside the office, Dorothy finds balance hiking the scenic trails of North Carolina with her husband, Jason, and their German Shepherd, Clyde. A passionate traveler, she values learning from other cultures and perspectives. For Dorothy, success is rooted in adaptable, inclusive communication, ensuring every voice is heard and every patient receives highquality compassionate care.
Brandy Huffman, founder of Huffman Realty Group, is a shining example of a strong woman in business who brings passion, professionalism and purpose to everything she does. Whether you’re relocating, investing in waterfront property, selling or leasing, Brandy’s deep local market expertise ensures your next real estate move is a complete success.
Brandy combines creative intuition and innovative marketing to get homes sold, and her direct, honest approach has helped her earn recognition as a consistent Top Producer in North Carolina’s Catawba Valley.
Her specialized training as a Buyer’s Representative and her success as a Listing Agent make her a competent, clientcentered consultant with your best interests in mind. Brandy understands that every client is unique and deserves a versatile, attentive professional to guide them confidently through the buying or selling process.
Brandy is constantly evolving, growing and adapting to better serve her clients and her community. Having grown up in a public service family, she understands just how important it is to serve others and stay rooted in the community. She is a community-oriented leader who takes pride in giving back.
She also believes that maintaining a healthy life balance is key to long-term success. Brandy is happily married to her husband John, and is a proud mom to Hunter, Fisher, Zack and Michael — and lovingly known as “Bibi” to her grandson Colton.
She currently serves as a Director for the Catawba Valley Association of Realtors, is active on both the Education Committee and NC Pact Committee, and is an active member at First Baptist Church Hildebran serving as Children’s Awana Director.
Brandy Huffman Owner/REALTOR® Huffman Realty Group
Michele Willis Owner, Aqua B Boutique
262 Union Sq., Hickory (828) 323-7200
2120 N Ctr St., Hickory (828) 322-7201
Hi, I’m Michele — the heart behind Aqua B Boutique.
After years of running my first local business, Style Exchange, I felt a pull toward something new — a dream rooted in creativity, community and fashion for every woman. In 2011, that dream came to life when Aqua B opened its doors for the very first time.
What began as a small boutique vision has grown into something beyond my wildest dreams. Today, Aqua B is proud to have four storefront locations, a 27,000-square-foot warehouse and a team of more than 30 incredible employees — all working together to bring you carefully curated styles for every size, shape and season of life.
At Aqua B, we believe shopping should feel joyful, effortless and inclusive. Whether you’re dressing for a big moment or just need a little pick-me-up, our mission is to help you feel confident, inspired and beautifully you.
Thank you for being part of our story. Your love and loyalty have made this dream a reality — and we can’t wait to keep growing with you.
1150 Main St., Blowing Rock (828) 295-7200
114 W. Union St., Morganton (828) 433-7204
Aqua B Boutique Outlet Store
207 20Th St SE, Hickory Open FRIDAYS 11AM-4PM
Joan Killian Everett Realtor®, Broker, Owner
The Joan Killian Everett Company
Joan Killian Everett has consistently been one of Catawba Valley’s top-selling Realtors®. Joan’s business evolved from a single top-producing agent into a dynamic team environment, that has ultimately led to The Joan Killian Everett Company which currently consists of a group of 12 like-minded agents with a boutique agency vibe.
Joan became licensed in real estate in 1991 and has been a top-producing agent in our area for 30 years. She attributes her success to having a passion for our
region, real estate and helping people. With deep roots in Catawba Valley, and the support of a vast network of family and friends, she and her team have accomplished more than $650 million in career sales over the last three decades. “We love our area and all it has to offer,” says Joan. “We work with a wide range of clients in every price range.”
The Joan Everett Team, comprised of Joan Killian Everett, Michelle MitchellImpagliazzo, Christy Shepard and Xan Pilgrim, is a full-service real estate brokerage team. Joan’s team contributes
their knowledge and connections to every client, providing seamless service.
Joan’s mission is to provide exemplary client care, while building relationships for life. With the strength of her team, and years of experience, she’s able to locate homes for buyers and successfully list properties. “There’s a home for everyone; I firmly believe that. I love to see people fall in love with the home they buy,” Joan says. “Many clients tell me they appreciate the way we listen to them and understand what they need.”
{Hickory has been designated an All-America City three times!? Additionally, our town was recognized in 2018 by National Geographic Travel as one of the Best Small Cities in America.
