BUSINESS PROFILES

from South Brunswick Magazine - Summer Edition 2022

ONLINE EXCLUSIVES

In the spring of 2020, Steve and Pam Lewis of Southport decided to start their dream company — an online coffee bean store right here in Brunswick County. With Steve’s prior experience of owning a coffee house and working in the coffee industry, they began with just a website to promote Bald Head Coffee, named after the beautiful island just off of Southport.

Their timing was perfect. When they saw their coffee business take off online, they decided to start selling their products to local retail stores and offering their merchandise at local farmers markets. They recently opened a showroom at 1433 S. Howe Street in Southport for customers to visit to purchase coffee, teas and merchandise directly.

Bald Head Coffee sets itself apart from other coffee stores by first and foremost providing the best service experience for their customers.

“We engage with our customers — a smile and a bit of humor goes a long way in this business!” Steve says.

Offering high-quality coffee and teas, including several unique coastal blends and seasonal offerings, they have earned the business of many locals and tourists.

“By having the online store, we have noticed that many visitors to the area who try our coffee will then order online to ship it to their homes around the country,” Steve says.

The Lewises donate a percentage of their annual profits to charities and local organizations to meet one of their key goals of cleaning the ocean and protecting sea turtles.

You can find the Bald Head Coffee Tent at farmers markets at Oak Island on Mondays, Southport on Wednesdays and Sunset Beach on Thursdays.

BY BRIAN WILNER

Bald Head Coffee

1433 N. Howe Street, Southport (800) 484-8399, baldheadcoffee.com

WHEN THE MARKET SHIFTS, WE ADJUST OUR SAILS!

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In March of 2021, while the world was still in the middle of a pandemic, Klinton Mcgee hung a “We’re Open” sign on his new store, Klinton’s Flooring, in Sunset Beach. The plan for the business had already been set into motion prior to the health crisis; there was no turning back at this point.

“It was a very scary time to open a business, but as it turned out, the community embraced Klinton’s Flooring and we were busy from day one,” Mcgee says.

Home renovations were booming, and there was an increase in new construction as people decided to trade in their crowded metropolitan lifestyles and head for a more rural existence in Brunswick County. Mcgee’s success surpassed his “wildest expectations,” and he attributes the success of his business to one important factor: integrity.

Klinton’s Flooring sells and installs luxury vinyl plank (LVP), tile, wood and carpet and is a specialist when it comes to helping clients pick out the right flooring product that suits their lifestyle. It is also a full-service cabinet store.

Mcgee spent 15 years in the flooring industry working for other stores before opening his own business. In that time, he saw things that he could do better.

“I saw the need for honest, quality flooring work in the area, and I wanted to provide it,” Mcgee says. “Everyone can carry almost every product I carry; there are a couple of things that are exclusive to me, but it comes down to integrity. I am the only flooring store that has its own installers. That means I can guarantee our team will be professional, courteous and respectful.” Mcgee currently has 12 employees. Klinton’s Flooring is also open seven days a week to make it more convenient for his clients who either work during the week or have vacation homes in the area and can only come in the showroom on the weekends. Being part of the community is important for Mcgee. He donates to multiple charities in the communities he serves. He is especially fond of organizations that provide animal welfare and adoption services. “My wife, Mary, is a big reason we are charitable with all things dogs and adoptions,” Mcgee says. “Mary is driven to find ways to help animals. We are both big believers in paying it forward. That’s why our motto is ‘Better at what we do.’”

BY MELISSA SLAVEN WARREN