Pitch It! Winner Hits the Streets
An idea to create a business that he could operate with his son became a winning pitch for Damon Sonnier. Monster Mac Snacks won the Pitch It! Onslow competition in the spring of 2024 and now Damon and his son, Mac, are hitting the streets with their treats.
Damon retired from a 30-year career in the Marine Corps and essentially switched places with his wife, Rosie, who had been caring for Mac, an individual with autism. Rosie earned her masters degree in mental health counseling and now works with members of the military at a clinic on base.
The reality quickly set in that when Mac graduated from high school, he would have about a 10-15% chance of finding meaningful employment. Damon then decided to create a business that would work for Mac and for himself.
Business ideas started with the possibility of a snow cone truck. However, Damon says that “after doing our research and some inperson visits, we knew that
the noise would have been overwhelming for him. Damon began researching other options.
So then, Damon says, “we came up with prepackaged ice cream, like an ice cream truck. And we can do that. We can sell it.” He adds that he was confident that was something that Mac could do also.
The mobile truck idea was perfect for both of them, Damon says. He explains that the business had to “be something that had a lot of flexibility built into it.” With the truck, he says, “we can start when we want and, if things are overwhelming, we can go somewhere else.” He adds that they would not have that flexibility with a brick-andmortar store.
Mac’s favorite book is “The Monster at the End of This Book.” He loves Sesame Street as well. When they were deciding on the name and on the look of the truck itself, Mac was very excited about a monster design that Damon showed him. The name naturally evolved from there and the business became Monster Mac Snacks.
The snacks include pre-packaged ice cream items as well as drinks, chips, candy bars, and even some individually packaged pickles. Damon says he has also
found a supplier for Georgia coffee, a treat in Japan that was popular among military members stationed there.
Damon and Mac are “in training” through the spring and are planning an official grand opening in April, which is Autism Awareness Month.
Damon says, “everyone's been super nice. We’re in a good place right now.”
Monster Mac offers swing by and event services, as well as established routes.
www.monstermacsnacks.com monstermacsnacks@gmail.com
Making a difference for businesses in and around the Greater Onslow County area: Jacksonville, Swansboro, Richlands, Camp Lejeune, Holly Ridge, Hubert, Sneads Ferry, North Topsail Beach, Surf City, and beyond.
The Monster Mac Snack team Mac and Damon Sonnier
Business Over Breakfast Inspiring and Engaging
The first quarterly Business Over Breakfast event was a huge success. We appreciate everyone who participated, including our expert panel and our food and coffee providers.
Thanks to Iron Wolf Coffee (pictured below) and Bistro 1940 for nourishing us on a cold morning.
Mark your calendars for our next Business Over Breakfast on Friday, April 17.
Right, attendees from area businesses, nonprofits, and government organizations came to network, be inspired, and learn from the panel discussion.
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Pat Fontana & Staff pat@words-working.net 919-306-4242
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Previous issues of Onslow Business are available online at onslowbusiness.com/previous-issues/.
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Above, our expert panel: Cindy Edwards, Kandyce Quintero, and Darreck Bell
The Cost of Avoiding Your Books: What Messy Finances Really Steal From Business Owners
By Tammy Bridges Bayside Bookkeeping NC, LLC
Let’s be honest most small business owners didn’t start their business because they love spreadsheets.
They started it because they love what they do. The work. The people. The impact. Somewhere along the way, though, the numbers showed up and quietly became the thing many business owners avoid the most.
If that’ s you, you ’re not alone. And no, avoiding your books doesn’t make you bad at business. It makes you human.
I hear this constantly from small business owners I work with: “I know I should look at my numbers, I just don’t know where to start.”
But here’s the part many people don’t realize: messy or avoided finances don’t just affect your numbers. They take a toll in ways that go far beyond dollars.
THE HIDDEN WAYS FINANCIAL AVOIDANCE ADDS UP
1. They quietly steal your peace of mind That low-
grade stress humming in the background? The one that shows up when you open your banking app or think about taxes? That’s not because your business is failing. It’s because uncertainty is exhausting. When you don’t know where you stand financially, your brain fills in the gaps and it’ s rarely generous.
2. They chip away at your time Even when you’re not “working on your books,” avoidance still takes time. Time spent worrying, secondguessing, or scrambling at the last minute, is still time spent, even though it’s not productive. Clear, current books make everyday decisions faster and easier.
3. They erode your confidence Many business owners quietly assume they should understand their finances better and feel embarrassed when they don’t. The truth is, financial clarity is a learned skill, not a personality trait. When your books are organized, you stop bracing for bad news and start trusting yourself again.
Business Movements
Ransom Room Now Open
Ransom Room has opened in the Biagio’s building in downtown Jacksonville, 622 Court Street. The lounge serves pinsa flatbreads, specialty cocktails, and desserts.
Ransom Room is open Tuesday through Thursday 4pm-10pm, Friday and Saturday 4pm-11pm. It is closed on Sundays and Mondays.
Ransomroom.com
Stylehouse Collective Moves to Mill Ave
Hairdressing boutique
Stylehouse Collective is open and now seeing clients at their new location, 408 Mill Avenue in downtown Jacksonville.
They have joined several other woman-owned businesses there. Read their full story on pages 8 and 9.
Hours vary by stylist.
Stylehousecollective.com
4. They limit your opportunities Messy finances can quietly hold you back. You may hesitate to invest, delay hiring help, or pass on growth simply because you’ re unsure what’s truly possible. Your finances don’t need to be perfect to be useful; they just need to be clear enough to guide you.
5. They drain your energy Avoidance is tiring. Clarity, on the other hand, gives energy back. When you know where your money is going and why, your books stop feeling like something to dread and start becoming a tool that supports you.
Here’s the good news: financial clarity doesn’t mean staring at spreadsheets every day, or require a degree in accounting. It starts with simple, consistent habits knowing where your money comes from, where it goes, and checking in regularly so nothing snowballs into stress. Small steps, done calmly and consistently, make a bigger difference than most people expect.
Your business finances should feel steady, not stressful. And your numbers? They’re not the enemy. They’re simply information here to help you build something sustainable, confident, and aligned with the life you ’re trying to create.
Maven Properties Rebrands and Moves
Maven Properties is now MPM. The rental management company has rebranded and has a new office, located at 1961 NC Hwy 172, Unit 108, in Sneads Ferry.
Maven Properties was founded in 2016 and specializes in “full-service property management for both long-term and vacation rentals.”
Managewithmpm.com
Plumbing Company Now Serving Onslow County
Carr and Son Plumbing, specializing in new construction, service, remodels, and commercial plumbing, is now serving Onslow County.
Services include replacing fixtures, water heaters, water softener installation, clogged sinks and toilets, faucets, hose bib, and flushing out water heaters.
carsonplumbing@gmail.com 910-650-6251
Chamber Corner
Submitted by the JacksonvilleOnslow Area Chamber of Commerce:
The following events, in celebration of Black History Month, are free to attend. All are held at the Commerce Center.
Professional Development Day February 10, 11am-3pm
Join us for an informative Lunch and Learn! The seminar, From Vision to Victory: Leveraging AI for Business Growth, will show you how to use AI as a practical tool to support your daily business and professional goals. Lunch is included.
Business Networking Mingle February 11, 5-7pm
Get ready for an unforgettable evening at the "Business Networking Mingle!" This is more than just a networking
event – it’s a celebration of community, connection, and culture! Enjoy food, drinks and great company!
African American Heritage Trail Tour Date TBD
The Chamber also announces the upcoming Engaged Onslow Bridal Expo on February 22, from 1-5pm. The event will be held at the Jacksonville
Commons Recreation Center and features:
• An interactive fashion show
• Vendor giveaways
• Bridal tea party mixer
• Free gift bags for the first 100 attendees
• Tastings
• And more
Tickets are available at engagedonslownc.com.
Submitted by the Swansboro Area Chamber of Commerce:
Plan to attend or participate in the Swansboro Area Chamber of Commerce's Business Showcase on Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026, from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m., at the Swansboro Rotary Civic Center. This event typically attracts between 600 to 800 local residents.
Booth space is available by calling the chamber at 910-3261174.
$350 for chamber members and $400 for non chamber members.
The public is admitted free.
Chambers Serving Onslow County Businesses
Greater Topsail Area Chamber of Commerce
13775 NC Highway 50 Ste 101 Surf City NC 28445
910-329-4446 info@topsailchamber.org www.topsailchamber.org
Tammy Proctor Executive Director
Jacksonville Onslow Chamber of Commerce 1099 Gum Branch Rd.
Jacksonville, NC 28540 (910) 347-3141 jacksonvilleonline.org/
Laurette Leagon President
Richlands Chamber of Commerce 8112 Richlands Hwy., PMB 48 Richlands, NC 28574 910-601-5266 or 910-389-6220
www.richlandschamberofcomm erce.com/ richlandsncchamber @gmail.com
Diana Barnes King Director
Swansboro Chamber of Commerce 714 W Corbett Avenue Suite 14 Swansboro, NC 28584 910.326.1174
2026 Publication Schedule Now Available
Do you want to reach others in business throughout the county?
An ad in Onslow Business is targeted directly to those who need to know about your product or service.
Check out the 2026 Publication Schedule, now available online at https://onslowbusiness.com/promote/.
The deadline for the March 2026 issue is February 20. Reserve your space today!
swansboroareachamberofcom merce@gmail.com swansborochamber.org/ Mike McHugh Executive Director
Filipino American Chamber of Commerce of North Carolina (FILAMCCNC)
3537 M L King Jr Blvd #50 New Bern, NC 28562 801-577-0193 www.filamccnc.com
Networking Opportunities
Pop-Up Networking
Friday, February 27, 8:30am Iron Wolf Coffee
754 Ramsey Rd, Jacksonville
Hosted by Onslow Business
Brainstorming / Networking
Monthly networking session for sales professionals in all types of business, sharing ideas and encouragement
Thursday, February 26, 5:30pm-7:30pm Bistro 1940
618 New Bridge St., Jacksonville
A Women Empowering Network (ANEW)
Thursdays from 9:30 to 10:30
Check their FB page for the current location https://www.facebook.com/ ANETWORKEMPOWERINGN ETWORK
Greater Topsail Area Chamber of Commerce
All events are free. To register visit the Chamber’s website: topsailchamber.org/events
Coastal Masterminds
February 17, 4pm Chamber office
Note: WomenConnect attendees order from menus at their own expense.
WomenConnect in Sneads Ferry
February 3, Noon
Rick’s Restaurant
WomenConnect in Hampstead February 13, Noon
Nineteen Restaurant
Mornings with WomenConnect February 26, 8:30am (Note new time)
Southern Roots Grill
Men’s Business Alliance February 10, 8:30am Chamber office
Topsail Young Professionals February 10, 5:30-7:30pm Freya’s House
Veteran Business Collective Chapter Meeting Thursday, February 19 6:00pm-9:00pm
Carolina Ale House, Jacksonville
Breakfast Meeting Friday, February 6, 8am Blend Café
veteransbusinesscollective.org/ chapters-events
Richlands Chamber of Commerce
Last Wednesday of each month at 9 a.m.
200 S. Wilmington Street www.richlandschamberofcom merce.com/
Swansboro Area Chamber of Commerce
Holds “networking events year-round, including our Business After Hours and General Membership Meetings held monthly.” swansborochamber.org/
Send your networking event information by February 20 to onslowbiz@wordsworking.net to be included in the March issue.
Professional Book Club Let Them
Wednesday, February 11 10am-12noon
Bistro 1940 618 New Bridge St., Jacksonville
She Means Business
Monday, February 23 10:30am 910 Coffee 1124 Henderson Dr, Jacksonville
InventHer Studio CEO Day
February 10, 10am-1pm Photos, Bookkeeping, Business Coach, Marketing with the community
Free to InventHer Studio members, $20 for nonmembers
InventHer Free Vision Board Event
February 17, 10am-1pm
Local Business Offers Experience-Driven Design and Print Solutions
Submitted by Judi Maniscalco Southern Skies Print • Design • Photography LLC
For many small and mid-sized businesses, having reliable, experienced design and print support for everyday marketing materials is just as important as developing a strong brand.
Southern Skies Print • Design • Photography LLC provides exactly that - combining decades of experience in design, print production and commercial photography to help businesses communicate clearly and professionally across all platforms.
Owned and operated by Judi Maniscalco, Southern Skies was built on a deep understanding of how design works in the real world - not just on a screen. The company designs and produces a wide range of materials, including signage, business cards, brochures, postcards, banners, flyers, marketing collateral, social media graphics, largeformat graphics, and website design - offering clients a single, knowledgeable point of contact from concept through final production.
“A lot of businesses don’t need flashy trends - they need materials and the branding that
authentically showcases their business,” said Maniscalco. “My extensive experience allows me to design with production in mind, so what we create prints correctly, installs cleanly and holds up over time.”
Southern Skies approaches each project with a practical, consultative mindset. Whether a client needs a new sign, updated business cards, a brochure refresh or graphics for social media - the focus is on function, clarity, and consistency. By understanding how pieces will be usedindoors or outdoors, in hand or online - the company helps clients make smart decisions that fit both their goals and budgets.
In addition to design and print, Southern Skies offers largeformat graphics and installation, including wall graphics and signage. With extensive print production knowledge, Maniscalco ensures designs translate accurately from digital files to physical materials, accounting for scale, materials and environment.
“Design doesn’t stop once the file is finished,” Maniscalco explained. “Knowing how something will be printed, utilized, mounted and/or installed changes how you design it - and that’s where experience really matters.”
The company also provides commercial photography consulting, helping businesses identify the types of images they actually need for marketing, websites, print and social media. Rather than a one -size-fits-all approach, photography is planned to support real business uses.
Government Vendor Credentials: Southern Skies is an approved vendor of the United States Government, including the Department of Defense, the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA), and the Government Publishing Office (GPO), demonstrating the company ’s capability to meet
Did You Know? Small Business by the Numbers
Some numbers from the Pew Research Center:
Small businesses, “defined here as those with 500 employees or fewer – account for 99.9% of U.S. firms, according to the Small Business Administration. While most of these 33 million firms don’t have paid employees, about 6 million of them do. They account for just under half of total private sector employment (46%).”
Forbes also reports small business numbers, adding that “The impact of small businesses on the U.S. job market is more significant than often perceived. Although a
majority of small businesses, over 80%, operate without any staff, these entities still employ a total of 61.6 million people. This figure represents 45.9% of the entire U.S. workforce, a remarkable statistic especially when considering that fewer than 20% of small businesses have any employees.”
The publication further explains that “data reveals that a vast majority, over 80%, of small businesses are solo ventures. Out of the 33.3 million small businesses in the country, 27.1 million are managed solely by their owners and do not employ any additional personnel.”
For those small businesses that do operate with employees, “16% of small businesses fall into the category of having between one and 19 employees. This equates to over 5.4 million businesses. On the larger end of the small business spectrum, only 647,921 businesses have a workforce size ranging from 20 to 499 employees “
Forbes emphasizes, though, that as of 2024, “In the past 25 years, small businesses have been responsible for generating nearly 13 million net new jobs. This accounts for approximately two-thirds of all new jobs added to the economy during this period.”
federal standards for design, print and visual production services.
As a locally owned business serving Richlands and surrounding communities, Southern Skies emphasizes long-term relationships and reliable service. Many clients return for ongoing needs - from reorders of business cards and brochures to new signage and updated digital graphics - as their businesses grow.
With a reputation built on solid design and print experience, attention to detail and handson service, Southern Skies Print • Design • Photography LLC continues to support local individuals and businesses with design and print solutions that are both creative and practical. More information is available at www.southernskiesllc.com.
Key business survival statistics use the following milestones, as reported by SCORE:
• 79.6% of businesses survive
• 5 Years: 50.6% survive
• 10 Years: 34.7% survive
JOED Seeking Chief Executive Officer
Information Provided by Jacksonville Onslow Economic Development
Jacksonville Onslow Economic Development (JOED) is seeking a proven leader to promote business development, retention, and entrepreneurship.
The Chief Executive Officer is responsible for leading, managing, and executing the organization’ s programs, operations, and strategic priorities.
The CEO oversees regional economic development activities, industrial recruitment, product development, brand strategy, grant development, regional coordination, and organizational growth, in alignment with JOED’ s Strategic Plan. The CEO reports to the Board of Directors and
supervises JOED staff, contractors, and consultants.
JOED supports the community’s economic development vision through recruitment, product development, business retention, and entrepreneurship; strengthening assets; and fostering strategic collaborations between the public and private sectors.
Onslow County and the City of Jacksonville recently adopted a three-year funding agreement for JOED that more than doubles prior-year operating revenues. This commitment positions JOED for significant success, and allows the new CEO to have the resources and financial stability to pursue the
major initiatives of our strategic plan.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Business Recruitment, Retention and Expansion
Industrial Product Development and Infrastructure Strategy
Workforce and Talent Pipeline Alignment
Branding, Marketing and Communications
Municipal and Regional Partnership Leadership
Organizational Leadership, Funding and Governance
Grant Writing and External Funding Development
Metrics, Performance Tracking and ROI Reporting
Candidates interested in the Chief Executive Officer position are encouraged to email a cover letter and resume to JOED@JOEDNC.com.
Salary will be determined based on qualifications and experience.
Mill Avenue: A Hub for Woman-Owned Businesses
When you are searching for a nice dress or some unique jewelry, a hairdresser that specializes in women’s hair, a customized fragrance or candle, and the perfect spot for a headshot or branding photo, you need look no farther than the group of businesses at 408 Mill Avenue in downtown Jacksonville.
Quite by coincidence, Mill Avenue is now home to four woman-owned businesses. Of the five business owners, four are also veterans. The fifth is married to a veteran.
Reinas, Cozy Co, Storm Pierre Photography, and Stylehouse Collective are located next to each other in connected storefronts. While they did not plan to come together in such a convenient way, it has worked out well for business owners and customers alike. Each business owner says she chose that location because she wanted to be downtown in an area that she sees as a growing and vibrant area.
Reinas
In April 2025, Masiel Garcia had an idea for a business. By August, she had enlisted her friend Quintina Pearson as a business partner and Reinas was up and running. Garcia saw a need for a store specializing in outfits and jewelry for quinceañeras.
The quinceañera, or 15th birthday, is a milestone celebration for a young woman in Hispanic culture. When Garcia was trying to find
dresses and other items for her own daughter’s celebration, she says it was “ way more difficult than it should have been and I was really frustrated.” They had to go to Wilmington to find a dress and the experience was not the best for Garcia or her daughter. She texted her friend saying, “hey, I have an idea. Do you want to start a business?”
When Garcia told Pearson about the idea, there was a bit of discussion about it being kind of crazy. Pearson says, though, “I also love beautiful, girly things. So having an opportunity to acquire those things and then make them accessible to our community is something that I was really interested in doing.”
Reinas also carries dresses for other occasions as well as handmade jewelry. Pearson says, “we want to be a major consideration for people when they're looking for prom dresses and ball gowns and homecoming.” Garcia adds that they have a number of other items available, including rosaries and First Communion items and jewelry.
Garcia and Pearson are both veterans. Garcia served 10 years and Pearson 23½ years in the Marine Corp.
Cozy Co
Morgen Brown says opening the candle and fragrance business on Mill Avenue was “the perfect time, perfect place kind of scenario.” Cozy Co
focuses on helping customers make their own “ soy wax candles or body fragrance, essentially perfume or cologne,” Morgen says.
She and her husband, Jawahn, took a candle making class and then a perfume making class in Charlotte in early 2025. They decided, she says, “this would be a really great thing to bring to Jacksonville.” Within a month, they were putting together a business plan and looking at locations for their shop. They signed the lease for
the space on Mill Avenue in April and opened in September.
Jawahn is active duty on Camp Lejeune but helps out when he is able. In fact, he is the body fragrance expert while Morgen, a Marine Corp veteran, is the candle expert. She says that partnership works out well, as “we just work hand in hand.”
Helping customers understand what type of fragrance works best for them is part of Morgen
Quintina Pearson and Masiel Garcia
Jawahn and Morgen Brown
Mill Avenue (cont’d)
and Jawahn’s goal for the shop. Morgen says that many people know what they want when they come in, “but a lot of people just come in and they really don't know what to expect and they're like ‘I don't know what I'm doing. Please help.’”
In addition to working one on one with customers to create their own candles or fragrances, Cozy Co also hosts parties, team building, and other special events.
Morgen says they also like to collaborate with neighbor businesses to offer discounts and to promote each other. They’ll suggest that customers visit other businesses in the area while waiting for their candles to set and, in return, see customers come in who have been referred by the other businesses.
She emphasizes that when considering whether and where to open their business, they “just didn't hesitate and look back. We just went for it.”
Storm Pierre Photography
Storm Pierre picked up a camera at age 15 and discovered she enjoyed it as a hobby. Ten years ago, she began taking paid shoots and officially launched her professional photography business.
Pierre explains that after a stint in the Marine Corps, she “was looking just to do something that I love and do something that was mine and kind of take ownership of myself again. And I found that through photography.”
Although not specifically looking to base her business in downtown Jacksonville initially, she says that “I feel like every town deserves a thriving downtown.” She adds that downtown should be a place where people can go and eat, enjoy it, and have businesses. Downtown Jacksonville “is getting better,” she says, adding “I wanted to be a part of rebuilding this area. ”
Pierre says she enjoys the business side of photography as well, “learning all the marketing, learning the networking, learning the mechanics of what makes a business thrive.” She adds that “it's almost like a puzzle that has to be put together when it comes to business ownership.
And I really loved that, and I found that I loved connecting with other businesses that were trying to put those pieces together.”
Storm Pierre Photography specializes in head shots and branding sessions, and also does family photos. In addition to in-studio photography, she travels to do on-site shoots in the area. The business will celebrate its one-year anniversary at the Mill Avenue studio in March.
Stylehouse Collective
Stacy Moore launched Stylehouse Collective three years ago with a shop at Gum Branch Rd and Western Blvd in Jacksonville. She relocated to the Mill Avenue space recently and opened for business there in January.
Moore explains that she “really wanted to be downtown for a long time. And when this spot opened up, I thought it was a perfect opportunity to get in.” She adds, “I love this area. It's so quiet and it just has a very historic feel, and it's by the water, and I just jumped on it.”
Although she leased the space in mid-2025, it took some time to build it out to suit her salon needs. In fact, she says, she “worked on it for about six months. And then that last couple weeks, I would say last three weeks, it was that last push with all hands on deck. And then I came in after work every day and I would just decorate a little bit more and a little bit more. So, this has been a labor of love for a while.”
Moore has been a hairdresser for 24 years. She began her career in California, where she met her husband who was stationed at Camp Pendelton.
When he transferred to Camp Lejeune, they moved to Jacksonville. Now that he’ s retired, they have made this area their home.
Specializing in women’s hair, Moore offers a variety of services including hair cutting, color, highlighting, balayage, and extensions. She says, “So it's an extension studio as well. I've been doing that for over 20 years.” She adds that she does “have another stylist that works here and she does do men's hair, but we don't do barber services.”
Moore has signed an exclusivity deal with another woman-owned business based in North Carolina, Lola Magnolia, to offer “Support Your Local Girl Gang” shirts. She adds that the shop will also host a few special events in the coming months, including a “sip and shop” similar to ones that she hosted in her previous location.
https://reinasnc.com/
Sun: Closed Mon: By appointment
Tues-Fri: 11am-5pm Sat: 10am-4pm
Cozy Co https://brand.page/ cozycoluxeexperiences
Friday/Saturday 12-8
Sunday/Monday 11-4 Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday appointment only
Storm Pierre Photography stormpierrephotography.com Hours by appointment
Stylehouse Collective stylehousecollective.com
Tues-Fri 9am-5pm Sat 9:30am-3:30pm
Reinas
Storm Pierre
Stacy Moore
Richlands Nonprofit Seeks Local Business Support
The Blessing Shed in Richlands depends on the generosity of area businesses and individuals in the community to enable them to continue serving those in need. As spring break nears for students, the organization is now seeking contributions for their Sustaining Students program.
Local business support can make a huge difference for the organization and for the students. Board treasurer and “Jill of all things,” Lise Meinhardt notes that the Blessing Shed does have several businesses that are “ very generous sponsors.” She encourages area businesses to either donate themselves or hold fundraisers or food drives.
The Sustaining Students program provides breakfast, lunch, and a snack for students over spring break, when they do not have access to food provided at the schools. These “food insecure” students are identified by social workers and referred to the Blessing Shed for the program.
The Blessing Shed itself was founded by Amanda Humphries as a branching out of the Overflow Café kitchen at a local church. Humphries says that in 2020, she and the pastor “were chatting about Overflow Cafe kitchen expanding to include a blessing box for the nights we weren't serving a hot meal.” She adds that she “thought we
were discussing a more traditional one like you see around town, but not too long after our chat, the 10x20 box arrived.”
There was some discussion about the pastor’s sanity and how the huge “box” would be filled. The community stepped up and the shelves have been maintained through their generosity and through the work of a number of volunteers in the years since its launch.
In 2020, with the onset of the Covid epidemic, the hot meals “kind of stopped,” Meinhardt explains, and “they went to just having this Blessing Shed.” Not long after that, the Blessing Shed became an independent 501(c)3 organization. The shed still stands on the church property, but the organization is searching for a larger facility where they would also have storage capacity.
Humpries notes that the shed now provides food and personal hygiene items for approximately 85-95 people each day. For the Sustaining Students program, their goal is to provide 250 spring break food packages. A donation of $30 will sponsor one student during spring break.
For more information and to donate, visit their website at www.overflowcafenc.com/.
Transforming Emergency Care: How Onslow Memorial Hospital Is Redefining the Patient Experience
By Victoria Morales PR and Marketing Manager, Onslow Memorial Hospital
Over the past year, Onslow Memorial Hospital’s (OMH) Emergency Department has implemented a series of strategic improvements aimed not only at streamlining care, but also at fundamentally transforming the patient experience.
One of the most impactful changes has come through rethinking the patient journey from the moment someone walks through the door. By breaking down each step of the Emergency Department visit, OMH’s physicians, nurses, and care teams identified opportunities to remove bottlenecks and reduce wait times.
A major shift was ensuring that the clinical evaluation begins immediately upon arrival. Now, instead of the traditional registration role, a Registered Nurse is positioned at the greet desk located just inside the front door. This adjustment alone has helped accelerate the entire care process.
In addition, OMH implemented point-of-care testing with iSTAT, a portable handheld device that provides lab-quality results at the patient’s bedside to support quick clinical decisions.
These process improvements have resulted in improved patient flow, reduced wait times, shorter lengths of stay,
fewer patients leaving without being seen, and an overall increase in patient experience. These improvements extend beyond the speed of care. In 2025, the hospital introduced the Vecta Budii Sensory Cart into its Emergency Department, designed to support patients with mental health, behavioral health, and cognitive needs.
Funded through an American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) grant, the sensory cart provides therapeutic tools, tactile objects, soothing sounds, gentle lighting, and engaging activities for patients ranging from children with special needs to adults living with dementia. Additional adaptive
furnishings, such as weighted bean bags and rockers, further enhance the calming environment.
Together, OMH’s operational improvements and patientcentered innovations tell a powerful story: a community hospital investing in smarter systems, compassionate care, and forward-thinking solutions to deliver the highest-quality outcomes for our patients.
February: Trust and Connection
By Jessica Marshall Run It Right Business and Mindset Coaching
February carries a gentle, intimate energy, encouraging you to nurture the relationships that matter most. In the midst of deadlines and responsibilities, this month invites a softer, more intentional approach to interactions whether with your team, clients, or collaborators.
Business thrives on trust, and trust grows through presence, consistency, and care. Listen deeply, notice supportive gestures, and respond thoughtfully. These small acts weave the fabric of lasting and meaningful connections.
Zig Ziglar reminds us: “If people like you, they'll listen to you, but if they trust you, they'll do business with you.” February calls for authenticity, reliability, and attentiveness in every engagement.
Admin Advice: Build Meaningful Relationships
• Lead with Intention in Every Message Before you hit send, ask: Does this sound human, respectful, and clear? Use names, complete thoughts, and a closing line that invites dialogue. Small tonal choices turn routine communication into relationship-building.
• Respond Like It
Matters Because It Does
Acknowledge questions fully, not just quickly. Address the heart of what’s being asked, confirm next steps, and respond within a reasonable window. Consistent, thoughtful replies build trust faster than grand gestures ever will.
• Close the Loop Every Time After a project, conversation, or collaboration, follow up within 24–72 hours. A short check-in or thank-you note reinforces professionalism and shows you value people beyond the transaction.
• Practice Visible Gratitude Make it a habit to recognize those who show up for you: publicly when appropriate, privately when meaningful. A simple message of appreciation or acknowledgment turns supporters into long-term allies.
Bottom line: Relationships compound like interest. The leaders who win long-term are the ones who treat communication as a daily discipline, not an afterthought.
February reminds us that trust and connection are quietly cultivated but powerfully enduring. By offering attention, appreciation, and authenticity, you create relationships that not only support your work but enrich your life.
Contact Jessica Marshall at Runitright.llc@gmail.com
Women’s Business Showcase
Onslow Business will be celebrating Women’s History Month with a Business Showcase March 14.
Registration for participating businesses opens soon. Details will be available on the Onslow Business website and Facebook page. We will also send out updates via our weekly newsletter.
Onslow Business is published on the 3rd of each month (or the business day closest to the 3rd).
This unique and valuable business publication is available free at almost 90 locations throughout the county.
Onslow Business is sustained by advertising.
Want to be a part of it?
Check out onslowbusiness.com to learn how to promote your business, find print copies, and read previous issues.
Thanks for reading!
Communication Tip: Do You Really Need to Reply All?
When you receive an email that includes 47 other recipients and you want to communicate with the sender, do you just hit the “Reply All” button out of habit?
Then, when you receive 47 messages all saying the same thing and not directed to you specifically, do you get aggravated?
Some tips to avoid that entire situation:
As the sender, use the “bcc” option when emailing multiple recipients. What is “bcc”? It stands for “blind carbon copy.” Now, some of you may also be asking “what’s a carbon copy?”
That terminology dates back to the days of the typewriter. (Honestly, that word may need some explanation for some of you as well.)
Back in the day, as they say, before the age of electronic communication, a person would have to insert a piece of carbon paper and then another piece of blank paper behind the original piece of paper to create a copy. So that’s how we came to get the “ cc” in an email it essentially means “carbon copy. ”
A “bcc” is a carbon copy that nobody else can see. When you send an email to multiple recipients that are in the bcc line, your email address is the only one that each person can see. So, even if the recipient hits the “reply all” button, the response only goes to you and not the 47 others.
Now, if you are the recipient of a message that includes the email addresses of those 47 other people, do you really
need to reply to all of them to let them know you’ll attend the meeting or to thank the sender for the message.
Sometimes, it may be appropriate. For example, if someone is organizing an office pot luck they may actually tell you to “reply all” so everyone can see what’s being brought to the lunch.
However, for the most part that “reply all” button only causes irritation and frustration.
Pause and think before sending. Actually, this is good advice for most responses no matter who is on the recipient list.
Think about who needs to see your reply and whether sending your message to everyone on the list may land you in a bit of hot water even.
Yes, that happens and it can be so much more than frustrating. Simple email tips to remember:
• If you are the sender, use “bcc” for multiple recipients.
• If you are the recipient, don’t hit “reply all” unless it is really necessary or appropriate or unless you ’ve been directed to do so by the sender.
Council for the Arts proudly celebrates 50 years of supporting, promoting, and nurturing the arts in Onslow County.
Since its founding, the organization has remained dedicated to enriching the community through creativity, education, and cultural engagement.
Community involvement is at the heart of everything we do. To stay informed, we invite you to subscribe to our e-mail list.
Email subscribers receive updates on:
- Upcoming exhibitions
- Workshops
- Educational programs
- Call for Artists
- Other creative opportunities
The Arts Council works to foster a lifelong love of the arts and creativity in all its forms. We believe the arts strengthen community connections, inspire imagination, and enhance quality of life for residents of all ages.
A signature initiative is our Adopt a Bulldog project. Each bulldog is created by a local artist in collaboration with the purchasing business. Both become part of the growing public art experience and are featured on the official bulldog map, celebrating creativity across the county.
All the information, including our map, can be found on our website, www.jaxartsnc.org.
Mindset and Momentum: How to Set the Tone for a Strong New Year
By Ron Sweetman SBTDC at UNC Charlotte
Every December, I see the same thing happen with business owners: we slow down just long enough to realize how fast the year went. And underneath all the yearend noise, there’s usually one steady question:
“How do I make next year feel different?”
I’ve asked myself that same question many times throughout my own career. Years ago, when I was running my telecom company, I had a December that forced me to rethink everything. Sales were strong, but I felt scattered in chasing too many ideas and trying to create momentum by sheer force of effort. That winter, I sat down and admitted something tough: I wasn’t lacking effort. I was lacking clarity.
That season shaped everything I do now. Today, I guide CEOs through that same inflection point: the moment when what got you here won’t get you there. I’ve been there myself, and I know how disorienting and energizing that moment can be.
Momentum doesn’t start in January. It starts with the mindset you build now.
Here are the four themes I see make the biggest difference for business owners heading into a new year.
1. Pause Before You Plan
Most owners jump straight into goal setting. I get it, there’s comfort in action. But the most impactful planning starts with a pause.
When I finally slowed down during that stretch in my telecom years, I realized I had been reacting all year. I hadn’t asked the deeper questions:
• What truly worked this year and why?
• Where did we get stretched too thin?
• Which clients energized us, and which ones drained us
• Where did I lead well and where did I slip into firefighting mode?
That’s when I finally saw the difference between busy and purposeful. Busy feels productive, but it’s really just motion. Purposeful work creates movement and pushes the business forward. Once I started operating from purpose instead of pace, everything got clearer.
That pause helped me see the difference between busy and purposeful. It does the same thing for business owners today.
Before your team dives into new initiatives, take a moment to sit with these questions.
2. Choose a Few Bold Moves (Not Fifteen Mild Ones)
The biggest mistake I made and the most common one I see now is setting too many goals. Ambition isn’t the problem. Dilution is.
When everything is a priority, nothing actually moves. I learned this the hard way in my telecom days. One year we kicked off January with a long list of “top initiatives”: sales goals, service goals, new products, new markets. By March, everyone was exhausted, progress was scattered, and no one could tell which goals mattered most. We weren’t underperforming because of lack of effort; we were underperforming because we had spread that effort too thin.
The best-performing companies I work with choose 1–3 bold moves that create outsized impact:
• Strengthen the sales engine
• Improve profitability and cash flow discipline
• Develop a key leader
• Streamline operational bottlenecks
• Position the business for capital investment.
When everything is important, nothing is. When you focus, momentum builds quickly.
As soon as my own telecom team narrowed the field and committed to a few strategic priorities, sales didn’t just grow; morale improved, projects moved faster, and we stopped spinning in circles.
3. Build Momentum Through Consistent Action
Once you’ve identified your bold moves, the question becomes:
How do we actually build traction?
The answer:
Break the bold moves into 90-day plans.
A 90-day plan forces clarity around:
• What needs to happen
• Who owns it
• What “done” looks like
• What the first steps are
• How progress will be measured
What I tell business owners is that ninety days is long enough to make real progress, but short enough to keep everyone focused. A year-long plan can feel distant and abstract. Ninety days creates urgency, accountability, and a cadence the team can actually sustain. It also gives you a natural rhythm for checking progress, adjusting course, and celebrating wins before energy fades.
When I introduced 90-day planning in my telecom company, everything changed. Projects stopped stalling, accountability became natural, and we started stacking small wins that created real
momentum. The same happens with clients today because clarity often replaces noise.
4. Lead From the Inside Out
Mindset is not a soft concept; it is a strategic one. Your team takes their cues from you, whether you intend it or not. When you are scattered, they feel it, and when you are clear, they steady themselves. Show up with calm determination and the business shifts with you. I often meet CEOs in December who feel overwhelmed by competing priorities. Once we slow things down and identify the three that truly matter, clarity snaps into place and the entire organization re-aligns. When your mindset is grounded, your business becomes grounded.
A Better January Starts Now
Simply put, momentum looks like:
• Clarity
• Fewer priorities
• Consistent action
• Leadership that sets the tone
That’s how you create a different kind of January.
If you want help stepping into the new year with clarity and momentum, the SBTDC is here as a confidential, no-cost partner. Sometimes a fresh set of eyes (and a simple framework) is all it takes to turn next year into your strongest yet.
Contact the Wilmington SBTDC office at 910-962-3744 or uncw@sbtdc.org.
Training Opportunities
Public Speaking
Think Fast - Speak ClearlyLead Boldly with Jacksonville Toastmasters Every Tuesday at 7pm Miller-Motte College 105 New Frontier Way Jacksonville 3478.toastmastersclubs.org/ directions
Coastal Carolina Community College Small Business Center coastalcarolina.edu/servicesand-support/servicescommunity/sbc/
Interviewing Do's & Don't's
Tue, Feb 10 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM
James S. Melton Vocational Skills Center
How to Find Your Customers Using social media (Webinar)
Wed, Feb 11 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Small Business CouncilSmall Business Tour at Onslow Fitness and The Dance Theatre of Jacksonville
Thu, Feb 12 8:30 AM to 10:30 PM
AI for Small Business: Getting Started with ChatGPT & CopilotWebinar
Thu, Feb 19 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
SSBCI TA-Take Control of Your Money: Budgeting/
Credit/Smart Money Management. HYFLEX
Sat, Feb 21 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM
James S. Melton Vocational Skills Building Room 104 or Online
SSBCI TA-Understanding Loans, Credit, and Protecting Your Financial Identity HYFLEX
Sat, Feb 21 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM
James S. Melton Vocational Skills Building Room 104 or Online
BNFAC - Content Calendar for Creatives (in 60 Minutes) - Webinar
Tue, Feb 24 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM
Grants for Small Businesses: Finding, Writing, and Winning
Wed, Feb 25 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
James S. Melton Vocational Skills Center
Boots to Business Thu, Feb 26 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
2 sessions ending Fri, Feb 27
James S. Melton Vocational Skills Center
Please note: If you attend a session at the CCCC SBC, complete the follow-up survey. The survey helps the SBC staff tremendously as they plan future sessions and when they report their attendance for future funding.
StoryBrand for Business Owners: How to Talk About Your Business So Customers Buy Free lunch and learn CFCC Surf City Campus Alston W. Burke Center at Surf City 621 NC-210 E, Surf City
Thursday, February 12 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM
Register online at https:// www.ncsbc.net/ workshop.aspx? ekey=80460100
TDV Forum
Dr. Sonia Martin, founder of the BobbiMac Seed Foundation, in partnership with Dr. Shannon Donald, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and relationship coach, will host an online forum to educate the community about Teen Dating Violence and its far-reaching effects. They encourage teens, parents, teachers, school administrators, church and community leaders to attend the TDV Forum on February 5, 2026, at 7:00 PM. Registration is simple and available via ZOOM.
https://bit.ly/4pVvzK8
Send your March training event info to onslowbiz@wordsworking.net.
Irreverent Warriors “We Bring Veterans Together”
I am writing a series of three articles (February, March and April) as an Irreverent Warrior hiker, I am not part of Irreverent Warriors leadership, so this article represents my thoughts, opinions and experiences.
Why am I writing this article? I want to share my experience with Irreverent Warriors, inform and inspire others, and get veterans and active duty fired up for the local hikes coming up in Greenville, NC, on 21 March 2026, Jacksonville, NC 11 April 2026, and Crystal Coast later in 2026. There are hikes worldwide as well for you out-of-town readers.
Irreverent Warriors was founded in 2015 by a captain in the United States Marine Corps in response to a Department of Veteran’s Affairs report stating 22 veterans were committing suicide every day.
Please take the time to read the full Irreverent Warrior story at: https:// www.irreverentwarriors.org/about.
The nature of these hikes has evolved over time, but they are exclusively for veterans and active duty. Today’s hikes are 6-8 miles in length, going at no more than a 2mile-per hour pace. There are 45-minute to one hour breaks every 1.5 miles or so, and the breaks take place at local parks, restaurants, bars or historical monuments depending on the hike route and city.
Hikers wear classic silkie shorts (veterans and active duty know what these are, civilians ask a veteran), various styles of military load bearing equipment, flags and banners. Some bring out full heavy packs, but this is not expected or required, all that is required is veterans and active duty show up. Hikers’ ages range from early 20s to some in their 80s. If there have been hikers in their 90s please correct me and OohRah to you 90+ year old hikers! Hikers come from all branches of the military and all lengths of service.
Irreverent Warrior Mission
“We bring veterans together, using humor and camaraderie, to improve mental health and prevent veteran suicide”
By Chris Rabassi
This first article will focus on the “We Bring Veterans Together” part of the mission statement. So how does Irreverent Warriors “Bring People Together?”
My first hike was in 2018 in Jacksonville, NC. The hike started in Northeast Creek Park and went up to Western Boulevard, with the hike going back and forth on Western Boulevard. I was retired from the Marine Corps for two years at that point. I hadn’t worked out, didn’t really want to be active in the community and was an extremely heavy drinker weighing around 350 pounds. I made it to the Starbuck’s in front the Jacksonville Mall (about 2-2.5 miles) and quit. My lower back was seizing and I was exhausted, and embarrassed for quitting. Keep in mind, I have run multiple marathons and ultramarathons, so this was a heartbreaking experience.
As I sat in bed feeling sorry for myself, I came to the classic crossroads. Accept who I am and stay on the path I was on, or commit to getting back out and finishing one of these hikes. I chose to commit to making another hike. Spoiler alert! I made the next hike, the 20 hikes after, and counting!
These hikes bring veterans and active duty together by getting them off the couch, out of isolation in its many forms and brings them back into a tribe.
These hikes, which occur all over the United States and several countries overseas, give hikers the opportunity to immerse themselves in a city. Most hikes start with a pre-hike party where old and new friends can connect.
On hike day, the hike routes go through parks, neighborhoods, busy urban landscapes and historical monuments. I have gained a new appreciation for cities I have been in many times, and gained more interest in the cities I have hiked in for the first time. You really get a feel for the culture, vibe and unique aspects of a city on a hike. Every city I have hiked in has been accommodating and I have felt
nothing but positive energy from these cities. The hikes end with a post-hike event where hikers can connect to either meet on future hikes, or to just be there for each other when times get rough.
These hikes help hikers become more social. I am mainly an introvert, but these hikes have improved my social skills, how to carry on a positive conversation and how to listen more effectively and actively.
If you have any questions on the above, or want to hear more about my physical and mental health journey please e-mail me at rabassi.chris@gmail.com
If you have questions about upcoming hikes, you can find the hike in your area on Instagram and Facebook. This is where you will find registration information for your hike as well.
The March article will focus on how Irreverent Warriors uses “Humor and Camaraderie to Improve Mental Health”.
I will be doing some special challenges on 22 February and 22 March to help raise more awareness for veteran suicide.
On 22 February I will be doing 22 workouts in 22 hours at HOTWORX Jacksonville, and on 22 March I will be doing a 22-minute cold plunge at Augment Jacksonville.
(NOTE: This series of articles has been submitted as a paid advertisement.)