BrandBuilders

There’s a new generation of wine professionals out there, replacing intimidation with invitation, and gatekeeping with genuine hospitality. Shay Gilchrist is one of those people. She’s the founder of Wine & Vibes, a wine consulting and experiential brand built on four pillars: food, wine, hosting, and vibes. She holds a WSET Level 2 with Merit certification and works as a wine consultant and author and the creator of Vinology, a trademarked interactive word search collection that blends wine literacy with pairing guides, tasting notes, and flavor language. She believes wine is a story, a mood, and a moment worth sharing. She brings food, music, and community to every glass, and believes wine is meant to be experienced. Shay, welcome to The BrandBuilders Podcast.

There are two kinds of resilience stories. One is the kind where someone overcomes something hard and comes out the other side stronger, more polished. Like in the movies. The other kind is messier. It’s told from inside; or what our next guest calls “the long middle.” It’s nowhere close to a straight line, and it’s a whole lot more complicated. Like real life. On June 12, 2024, Eleanor Shell was pushing her infant daughter’s stroller out of the path of an oncoming SUV in a SouthPark parking lot. The car hit Eleanor instead. The traumatic brain injury that followed changed her life, her purpose, her family’s finances, and her identity. And she is still in recovery. Out of that experience, she is building a community and a body of work for anyone who has had a day that divided their life into “before and after.” Eleanor, welcome to The BrandBuilders Podcast.

Next time you’re on your computer, look at the last five brand websites you visited. How many of them looked exactly like each other? Same stock photography, same font, same promise to “transform your business.” Marketing has a sameness problem, and most people in the industry have just accepted it. Laurie “Nez” Donato is not one of those people.  After earning a BFA in Visual Communications from Auburn, she spent two decades in advertising, where she worked on brands from Nucor and KeyBank to Bojangles’ and GE. Then 2020 hit. Instead of riding out the pandemic at her then-current role, she and her creative partner Ruben Lopez co-founded nez&pez, a branding agency specializing in the most un-creative-sounding industry on earth: cybersecurity. Laurie, welcome to The BrandBuilders Podcast.

Charlotte is practically famous for its trees. They line the parking lots of office parks, anchor the corners of apartment complexes, shade the walking paths of neighborhoods we love. We trim them back when they get inconvenient, and sometimes — only when they fall — do we finally reckon with how much they were holding together. Trees are living infrastructure. Long-term investments that can outlast the buildings beside them.  Today’s guest has spent 20-plus years understanding that at the root level. (get it?) Chris Green is an ISA Certified Arborist with Schneider Tree Care in Charlotte.  He came up through lawn care, spent years in sales, studied business management and information systems, and trained in CAD drafting before finding his calling in the canopy.  Chris, welcome to The BrandBuilders Podcast.

There’s a question that lives in the back of the mind of nearly every parent raising a child with special needs. It doesn’t announce itself — it just sits there, quiet and heavy. What happens to my child when I am no longer here? For a long time, that question had no good answer. Families navigated a maze of government benefits, legal documents, and financial systems — often alone, guided by well-meaning professionals who didn’t have the depth of specialization this work demands. In 2005, a financial planner from Charlotte decided that wasn’t good enough. Ryan F. Platt founded A Special Needs Plan with one mission: to serve families living with that fear and replace it with clarity, structure, and a road map forward. Today, the firm is an elite, nationally recognized practice serving families across the country. Ryan holds credentials most financial advisors have never heard of — including the Chartered Special Needs Consultant designation — because he believes this community deserves a true specialist. He’s a former president of The Arc of North Carolina, a speaker at national conferences, a published author, and a champion for families who have spent too long facing the impossible alone. Ryan, welcome to The BrandBuilders Podcast.

In 2009, Charlotte had the distinction of being the largest city in the United States without a single brewery. Most people would look at that and see opportunity. Ryan Self did, and built his entire career from that moment forward. He spent thirteen years at Olde Mecklenburg Brewery — from self-distributing kegs to Charlotte bars to statewide distribution across North Carolina. Building something from nothing, rooted in German brewing tradition, earning gold medals at the European Beer Star along the way. Then he made the move to Triple C Brewing — Craft, Community, Charlotte — right in the heart of South End, steps from the Rail Trail. And now Ryan has crossed to the other side of the industry, joining Carolina Premium Beverage and Caffey Distributing — an 80-plus-year-old, family-owned distributor that sits in the top one percent of beer wholesalers in the entire country. He’s spent a career watching how brands rise, stumble, and earn their place on the shelf. And along the way, he landed on one of the sharpest observations I’ve heard about where craft beer is actually headed: “Only good beer equals good.” Ryan, welcome to The BrandBuilders Podcast.

Every business runs on data. Every data breach costs money, erodes trust, and — in some cases — ends companies. The question isn’t whether cybersecurity matters. It’s who you trust to protect you when the stakes are that high. Today’s guest built his career on that question. Matt Donato spent nearly two decades in professional services — starting in staffing and executive search, learning how organizations find, build, and keep top talent. He took that knowledge and co-founded HuntSource, an executive search firm focused on the cybersecurity sector. That led him deeper into the industry — through a leadership role at CyberSN, the largest cybersecurity talent acquisition firm in the country — and ultimately to where he is today. Since January 2023, Matt has been a Partner at Echelon Risk + Cyber — an award-winning cybersecurity and risk management firm based in Charlotte, with a mission as clear as it gets: protecting security and privacy as basic human rights. Charlotte is a city on the move — diversifying fast, with a tight-knit executive community where reputation is currency. And for Matt Donato, reputation is exactly the business he’s in. Matt, welcome to The BrandBuilders Podcast.

What does it look like when someone builds their entire life around a question — not “what can I get?” but “what can I give?” Today’s guest has been quietly answering that for over a decade, and the results speak for themselves: hundreds of young lives redirected, a nonprofit that has become a genuine force in Charlotte, and a reputation so consistent that his colleagues simply call him Superman. Jimmy McQuilkin grew up in Columbia, Maryland, graduated No. 1 in his high school class, and arrived at Wake Forest University with enough drive to talk his way onto the men’s basketball team as a non-scholarship walk-on. He earned two varsity letters and, in his own words, “dribbled out the clock a few times.” But it wasn’t the hardwood that changed his life — it was a volunteer experience at a Latino community services organization in Winston-Salem that set everything in motion. After Wake Forest, he joined Teach For America, taught Spanish and coached basketball in Charlotte, and was named First Year Teacher of the Year. In 2013, he co-founded UrbanPromise Charlotte — a Christian-centered nonprofit that now serves 335 young people across three sites, employs 105 people, and runs one of the most inspired youth leadership models anywhere in this city. People who know Jimmy describe him as “the most intentional” and “the most humble” person in the room — which, if you know anything about leadership, tells you everything. Jimmy, welcome to The BrandBuilders Podcast.

The right lighting can transform a space—from how it feels to how it functions—and behind every smart system is someone who understands both the technical side and the relationship side of the business. Our guest today is Kenny Barnes, General Manager of FRM Lighting & Controls, based right here in Charlotte. FRM has been a leader in the electrical industry since 1969, and in 2024 they launched FRM Lighting & Controls to bring that same experience and reliability to the lighting and controls market across the Carolinas and Florida. Kenny is at the helm of this new division, building the team, deepening partnerships with contractors and manufacturers, and helping clients navigate a fast-evolving world of energy codes, controls, and design. Today we’re talking with Kenny about launching and growing a new division inside an established company, what’s changing in the lighting and controls world, and how strong partnerships can make or break a project. Kenny, welcome to this episode of the award-winning BrandBuilders Podcast.

When you think “golf carts,” you might picture country clubs and fairways—but in Charlotte, golf carts are becoming a lifestyle, a way to move, connect, and have fun. At the center of that movement is Charlotte Golf Carts, led by entrepreneur and owner Fred Griffith. Fred’s journey hasn’t been a straight line. He’ll tell you he’s “had it all, lost it all, and never gave up,” and that imagination is his superpower. From reinvention and manifestation to literally pulling himself up by his bootstraps, Fred has built and rebuilt his life and business through vision, hustle, and a refusal to quit. Today we’re talking with Fred about the story behind Charlotte Golf Carts, how he turned carts into a community brand, and what he’s learned about resilience, creativity, and going all-in on a new chapter. Fred, welcome to this episode of the award-winning BrandBuilders Podcast.

Charlotte is growing fast, and a lot of that growth is being shaped by people who don’t just build projects, they build communities. One of those leaders is Todd Collins, CEO and founder of Red Hill Ventures, a Charlotte-based real estate firm and investment platform focused on innovative, community-centered development. Under Todd’s leadership, Red Hill Ventures has invested in and revitalized key properties across the region—from industrial parks to commercial spaces—while keeping an eye on long-term value, economic mobility, and the future of how people live and work. He’s also deeply involved in Charlotte’s civic and philanthropic circles, championing opportunity, diversity, and education alongside his wife, Janelle, and partners like Atrium Health. Today we’re talking with Todd about how thoughtful real estate can shape a city, what he’s seeing in Charlotte’s market right now, and why purpose and profit don’t have to be mutually exclusive. Todd, welcome to this episode of the award-winning BrandBuilders Podcast.

Today we’re talking about what it really takes to align brand, marketing, and revenue in a world where channels change daily but fundamentals still matter. Our guest, Jinnie Austin, is a Marketing and Ecommerce Strategic Advisor and fractional CMO who helps growing brands connect the dots between who they are, how they show up, and how they make money. Jinnie has worked with organizations like 361º USA and Exponent Edge, advising on strategy, ecommerce, and digital growth, and she’s built a reputation for stepping into leadership gaps and bringing clarity to messy marketing situations. Based in the Charlotte area, she partners with founders and leadership teams to create practical, sustainable marketing systems that actually move the needle instead of adding more noise. We’re going to dig into what she’s seeing in the market right now, how brands can get unstuck, and why a strategic advisor or fractional CMO might be exactly what a scaling company needs.  

Charlotte’s movie scene has something truly special — and it’s not your average theater popcorn experience. The Independent Picture House isn’t just a cinema; it’s a community hub for film lovers, artists, and idea seekers. As Charlotte’s only nonprofit community cinema, IPH is building something more than a movie — a space where cultural conversations, local voices, and international films all meet under one roof. Our guest today is one of the driving forces behind that mission — Claire Lechtenberg, Director of Marketing and Development at the Independent Picture House. Claire has been helping tell IPH’s story, growing its community impact, and turning film screenings into meaningful experiences that connect people. She’s also been recognized as one of Queens University’s “10 Under 10” alumni for her leadership and creativity in shaping Charlotte’s arts scene. Let’s talk with Claire about how IPH is redefining what a movie theater can mean to a community — and why “more than a movie” perfectly captures this local treasure. Claire, welcome to this episode of the award-winning BrandBuilders Podcast.

Today’s guest has gone from dancing in some of Europe’s most respected companies to becoming one of the most distinctive choreographic voices in contemporary ballet. Alejandro Cerrudo, danced professionally before he became Hubbard Street Dance Chicago’s first‑ever resident choreographer in 2008.  His work has been performed by more than 20 dance companies around the world, and he has been recognized with honors including the Boomerang Fund for Artists award, the Prince Prize for Commissioning Original Work, and the USA Donnelley Fellowship by United States Artists.  In 2020 he became Pacific Northwest Ballet’s first‑ever resident choreographer and premiered his own show, It Starts Now, at The Joyce Theater in New York. In 2022, he took on a new challenge as artistic director of Charlotte Ballet, where he is now shaping the future of dance in this city. Alejandro, welcome to The BrandBuilders Podcast.

Today’s guest helps power a national network you may not know by name, but you’ve almost certainly lived with their work. Insulate America is a nationwide group of independently owned insulation contractors that serves builders, remodelers, and homeowners all across the country. At the center of that network is David Beam, who works with member companies to strengthen their businesses, share best practices, and deliver consistent quality. And while Insulate America is firmly in the insulation contracting business, there’s another side to the story: a deep commitment to giving back to employees’ families and support for very local, often very small organizations in the communities where their members live and work. David, welcome to The BrandBuilders Podcast.

Today’s guest has built one of Charlotte’s most beloved “shop local” destinations by turning a little bungalow in Plaza Midwood into a treasure hunt of vintage‑inspired gifts, home decor, and local makers. Michelle Castelloe is the owner and operator of Moxie Mercantile, a community‑centric, curated gift boutique that has grown from its original Commonwealth Avenue shop into multiple locations in the Charlotte region. Michelle launched Moxie after a 14‑year career as a Brand Director with Anthropologie, bringing a corporate retail skill set to a business that blends soul, style, and substance. She’s passionate about building community, championing artists and small makers, and using retail as a vehicle for philanthropy—what she calls “retail for purpose”—so that every purchase can help give back to causes she cares about.  Michelle, welcome to The BrandBuilders Podcast.

Today’s guest wears two very different hats that actually fit together perfectly. Chuck Kistler is the co-owner of Vaulted Oak Brewing, the popular neighborhood brewery on Monroe Road, known for its community vibe, big patio, and eclectic tap list. When he’s not pouring into the local beer scene, Chuck is a General Account Manager at TIAA, bringing a financial professional’s discipline to a small business built on fun, hospitality, and community.  Chuck and his partners have turned Vaulted Oak into a true “third place” with food trucks, trivia, music bingo, live music, and family‑ and dog‑friendly events that connect the surrounding neighborhoods of Oakhurst, Echo Hills, Elizabeth, and Cotswold. Now he’s using that platform for something deeply personal: hosting Pancakes Over Parkinson’s, a fundraiser brunch at the brewery benefiting The Michael J. Fox Foundation’s work to cure Parkinson’s disease. Chuck, welcome to The BrandBuilders Podcast.

She’s a strategic marketing pro, brand storyteller, and customer experience expert with more than two decades of experience driving growth for top organizations. Carly O’Brien is also the founder of Carly O’Brien Consulting, where she helps businesses refine their marketing, transform their messaging, and build brands that resonate. Her perspective blends creativity with data-driven insight — and her approachable style makes complex marketing strategy feel human and doable. We’re thrilled to welcome Carly to The BrandBuilders Podcast.

Our guest today is a serial entrepreneur and growth-minded leader who’s built an entire ecosystem around helping other business owners think bigger. Chad Jenkins is the Owner and CEO of SEEDSPARK and the creator of SEEDSPARK CoLAB, a collaboration-focused platform that helps entrepreneurs connect, innovate, and scale. Through SEEDSPARK, he and his team use technology, strategy, and what they call “The Digital Continuum” to solve real business problems and spark meaningful growth. From acquiring and growing dozens of companies to coaching others on how to “abandon convention and grow through collaboration,” Chad brings a unique, high-energy perspective on leadership and entrepreneurship.

Our next guest is a visual brand storyteller who helps businesses look as good as they really are. Mandi Boedicker is the founder of Dry Ink Designs, a Charlotte-based studio specializing in logo design, visual branding, and websites that tell a clear, compelling story. From new launches to rebrands, she guides clients through everything from concept and color to full brand systems and online presence. We’re excited to dig into how she builds brands that stand out and how her design and marketing background shapes the way she serves her clients. 

Today’s guest has spent two decades in the trenches of outside sales, from pharmaceuticals and medical devices to capital equipment and beyond. Mike O’Kelly is the founder and host of the Surviving Outside Sales Academy – and podcast, where he helps sales professionals navigate a chaotic, ever-changing landscape with better habits, systems, and mindset. Through his show, coaching, and content, he shares real stories from his own career — the big wins, the missed deals, and the lessons that came from both. We’re excited to unpack what he’s learned about building a long-term sales career, creating processes that scale, and standing out in an ultra-competitive field. 

She’s built a career around helping people find peace, balance, and real tools for navigating life’s challenges. Tammy Morath is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and the founder of Soho Therapy Group — a practice built on compassion, collaboration, and community. From individuals to families and couples, Tammy and her team focus on practical, strengths-based therapy that helps clients thrive. We’re excited to dive into the story behind Soho Therapy Group and how Tammy’s leadership approach has shaped both her business and her clients’ success.

Some stories are so improbable that if they weren’t true, you’d never believe them. Dean Otto’s story is one of them. A lifelong athlete, sales leader, and dad, Dean was out for a Saturday morning bike ride in Charlotte when he was hit from behind by a Ford F-150, paralyzed from the waist down, and given just a 2% chance of ever walking again. Less than a year later, he crossed the finish line of a half marathon—running side by side with his neurosurgeon, Dr. Matthew McGirt, who had performed the complex spine surgery that saved his mobility.  But the comeback is only part of the story. Dean chose to forgive the guy who hit him, invited him into his life, and turned a horrific accident into a lesson in grace, courage, and belief. We can’t wait to hear more about this one… Dean, welcome to The BrandBuilders Podcast! 

If you’ve ever tried to shop for home or auto insurance alone, you know it can feel confusing, rushed, and a little bit like guesswork. The McElveen Agency and Goosehead Insurance flips that script. Led by agent and agency president Jay McElveen, the Charlotte-based firm uses cutting-edge technology and relationships with more than two dozen top-rated carriers to shop the market and build custom policies in just minutes.  Jay started his agency in 2017 with a focus on serving families and partnering closely with real estate and mortgage professionals, so that when someone is buying a home, refinancing, or just reassessing their coverage, they have a trusted advisor in their corner. Jay, welcome to the BrandBuilders Podcast! 

Tiffany VanDeMark believes your brand is felt before it is understood — and she has spent her career helping people and organizations make that feeling count. From launching global experiential marketing and wellness initiatives at Chobani, to leading brand and revenue growth for health and fitness companies, she has built a reputation as a dynamic leader who blends strategy, storytelling, and heart. After founding her own consultancy, VanDeMark Partners, Tiffany expanded her work as a speaker, coach, and board member, guiding executives, founders, and especially women through seasons of reinvention in their lives and careers — reminding people that reinvention is not a failure, but a superpower. 

If you’ve ever bought or sold a home around the Charlotte area, you’ve probably seen the work of our next guest — even if you didn’t realize it. Those crisp, professional real estate signs that pop up on lawns and properties all over town often come from Carolina Realty Signs. Behind those signs is Wes Martin, owner and president of the company, who’s been growing this family business since he took it over more than two decades ago. Wes and his team handle everything from design and printing to installation and removal — serving real estate professionals, builders, and developers across the Carolinas. It’s a business built on reliability, relationships, and being a trusted partner in one of the fastest-growing housing markets in the country. Wes—welcome to the BrandBuilders Podcast!

Food has a unique way of bringing people together, especially in life’s hardest moments. Feast for Good does exactly that for cancer patients in the Charlotte area — organizing meals from local restaurants and food partners for folks braving treatment. By tapping into Charlotte’s culinary community, Feast for Good not only feeds people physically, but also provides comfort, dignity, and a reminder that they are not facing cancer alone.  Our guest today, Kristi Martin, is the Founder and Executive Director of Feast for Good and the creator of the earlier FEAST Food Tours & Culinary Events brand. A cancer survivor herself, Kristi transformed her own experience with acute myeloid leukemia and a stem cell transplant into a nonprofit that cares for patients in need.  Kristi, welcome to The BrandBuilders Podcast.

A former first company dancer with Charlotte Ballet, Sarah spent 15 seasons on stage before pivoting into teaching Argentine tango and helping run one of the city’s most versatile, artist-friendly event spaces. From weddings and live performances to weekly tango sessions and brunches, The Long Room and Tango CLT are creating a warm, intimate home for dancers, musicians, and creatives of all kinds. Sarah, welcome to the program!

Charlotte’s arts scene continues to thrive, thanks to institutions that make creativity accessible and inspiring for everyone. At the heart of that movement stands the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art — a cultural landmark known for its stunning architecture, world-class collection, and inclusive approach to modern art. Since opening in 2010, the museum has become a hub for connection, conversation, and creative exploration for visitors from every walk of life. Our guest today, Todd Smith, is the Executive Director of the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art. With decades of experience leading museums across the country, Todd is passionate about making modern art meaningful and relevant to today’s audiences. Under his leadership, the Bechtler continues to expand its community reach — through innovative programs like Wednesday Night Live, Jazz at the Bechtler, and Music & Museum — all of which invite visitors to experience art in new and unexpected ways. Todd, welcome to The BrandBuilders Podcast.

There’s a lot of talk about “grind” and “hustle” in the marketplace. But how exactly does that translate to “success” in sales, sports, and business?? Attitude, Effort, Results was built to change that. Through coaching, speaking, and the Attitude, Effort, Results Podcast, the brand gives students, young professionals, and sales teams practical tools to level up their mindset, sharpen their skills, and break into competitive industries like sports.  Our guest today, Tanner Natzke, is the founder of Attitude, Effort, Results and host of the AER Podcast… Tanner, welcome to The BrandBuilders Podcast.

In a booming city like Charlotte, real estate isn’t just about selling homes — it’s about building communities, telling stories, and helping people find their place. At Charlotte Living Realty Group, that philosophy is at the heart of everything they do. Known for hyper-local expertise and client-first service, the firm has become a trusted name in one of the country’s most competitive housing markets. Our guest today, is Kayla Haase. She’s the Marketing Manager at Charlotte Living Realty Group. With a background in digital strategy, social engagement, and creative content, Kayla brings a fresh, modern approach to real estate marketing. She oversees the brand’s storytelling across platforms — from social media and property listings to community partnerships — helping agents and clients connect in more authentic and exciting ways.

Few things are more powerful than the feeling of being cared for when you need it most. That’s exactly what the Hospitality House of Charlotte provides — a welcoming “home away from home” for patients and families traveling to the Charlotte for medical care. Since 1985, the organization has offered comfort, hope, and community to thousands of people during some of life’s most difficult moments. Our guest today is Angie Bush. She’s the Chief Executive Officer of Hospitality House of Charlotte. With a dynamic background in nonprofit leadership and community engagement, Angie has spent her career building mission-driven programs that bring people together through compassion and service.  Angie, welcome to The BrandBuilders Podcast.

When it comes to securing your financial future, confidence and clarity make all the difference. Carnegie Private Wealth is a SouthPark-based wealth management firm, where Mary Ware and her team are proving that financial planning is about more than just numbers—it’s about tailoring strategies to help clients live their best lives and reduce stress around their finances.  Named one of Forbes’ Top Wealth Advisors and a Working Mother Top Wealth Advisor Mom, Mary brings more than expertise—she brings genuine care and a dedication to helping families and business owners navigate retirement, legacy planning, and changing markets. Today, she joins us in the studio to talk about building Carnegie Private Wealth from the ground up, her team’s purpose-driven service, and what it means to help clients find lasting confidence in their financial journey. Mary, welcome to the program! 

Most people don’t think twice about who cleans their office, bank, church, or car dealership… until something goes wrong. But for businesses that care about first impressions, safety, and employee experience, having the right cleaning partner isn’t a nice-to-have—it’s essential. Pure Commercial Cleaning has built a five-star reputation in the Charlotte area by promising something simple, but rare: above-and-beyond service, every single day. They specialize in janitorial services for offices, banks, religious spaces, car dealerships, and more—but what really sets them apart is a relationship-first mindset where no client is “just a number.” Today, we’re joined by Pure Commercial Cleaning’s founder, Isabel Baker. We’ll talk about how she built a trusted, local brand in a crowded industry, and what it takes to grow a service business built on  consistency and communication. Isabel, welcome to the program! 

It’s no secret that the way we work has changed a lot in recent years—whether it’s the move to remote setups, hybrid teams, or flexible spaces that can do it all. But one thing that hasn’t changed? The need for a functional, comfortable, and inspiring workspace. That’s where Larner’s Office Furniture comes in. For more than 60 years, Larner’s has been helping businesses across the Carolinas create spaces that reflect who they are and how they work. From small startups and home offices to corporate headquarters, they’ve built a reputation for quality furniture, personalized service, and solutions that make the workplace feel just right. Today, we’re joined by the man leading that family legacy—President and Owner, Daryl Larner. Daryl, welcome to the BrandBuilders Podcast! 

Today’s guest brings a strategic mindset and a “people-first” approach to one of the most complex and important industries out there: employee benefits and insurance. Price Litton is a Client Executive at OneDigital, where he’s spent the last several years guiding companies through the ever-changing landscape of healthcare, insurance, and workforce solutions. Known for his ability to create long-term business growth while never losing sight of the human side, Price draws on a strong background in operational strategy — plus a deep commitment to helping local communities thrive. He’s not just about the numbers; he’s about making a real, positive impact for businesses and the people behind them. Price Litton, welcome to the BrandBuilders Podcast!

Tim Rhodes is a guy who’s shaped one of Charlotte’s signature sporting events for over two decades. He’s the managing partner of the Novant Health Charlotte Marathon, now gearing up for its 21st annual running on November 15. Under his leadership, the marathon has not only shattered attendance records but also contributed more than $600,000 to Novant Health Hemby Children’s Hospital, making a real difference for local families. Tim and his team have transformed the race into a weekend celebration of fitness, community, and giving back. The Charlotte running scene wouldn’t be the same without him… Tim, welcome to the BrandBuilders Podcast!

Our guest today is a builder in every sense of the word — of spaces, brands, and big ideas. Jared Londry is the founder of Point Blank Ventures, a Charlotte-based firm with a diverse focus that includes real estate investment, venture capital in hospitality and food & beverage, and creative brand design. If you’ve seen projects like Tipsy Pickle CLT, or caught glimpses of his passions for motorcycles, travel, and design on social media, you know Jared brings a distinct mix of grit, vision, and style to everything he does.  From multifamily real estate to food startups, Jared Londry is a real renaissance man! Welcome to the BrandBuilders Podcast!

Our guest today has spent more than 25 years helping people find balance — not just in their careers or relationships, but in their entire approach to mental wellness. Lepa Modie is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker based right here in Charlotte, and the founder of SEW Balance, a platform she created to give adults access to affordable, actionable mental health tools. Lepa recently shared her expertise in a new book called *Well Sh*t! Now What?! Your Survival Guide for College Success*, which takes her signature no-fluff, real-world approach to mental health and applies it to helping college students navigate one of life’s biggest transitions. Lepa Modie, welcome to the BrandBuilders Podcast!

Today we’re excited to welcome Jennifer Payne, from Core Innov8tions. With a rich background as a certified Pilates instructor, nutrition coach, and wellness educator, Jennifer is dedicated to helping clients move, improve, and transform through mindful movement and holistic health practices. At Core Innov8tions, she blends Reformer Pilates, nutrition coaching, functional training, and group fitness in a studio environment designed for everyone, no matter where they’re starting from. Jennifer’s mission is to empower others to build strength, confidence, and sustainable healthy habits, supporting every client on a journey toward feeling—and living—their very best.

You know what they say about opinions; everyone’s got one, and they all stink. You might be able to say that about most people’s… LinkedIn profiles. Today’s guest can fix that. She’s Amy George, founder and CEO of By George Communications, a boutique public relations and storytelling agency here in Charlotte. Amy’s LinkedIn Makeover and Training services have helped professionals and businesses transform their presence on the world’s top business networking site. Through in-depth one-on-one makeovers and dynamic workshops, Amy and her team help clients craft compelling personal and company narratives, optimize every profile detail, and teach strategic engagement habits that turn connections into opportunities.

Today we have Ashley Ausman on the program. Ashely is founder of The Essay Architect. A former AP English teacher at Charlotte Catholic with two decades of experience, Ashley specializes in helping high school seniors bring their authentic stories to life in college application essays. She launched The Essay Architect after seeing firsthand how even top students struggle to tackle the deeply personal writing required for college admission, and now she guides students and families through finding topics, building compelling narratives, and crafting essays that stand out to admissions readers. With a reputation for encouragement, insight, and results, Ashley is on a mission to raise confidence, clarify voices, and demystify every step of the essay process for the next generation of college-bound students.

Welcome back to the award-winning BrandBuilders Podcast. Today on the program, we’ve got Meg Fencil and Beth Suhr with us from Sustain Charlotte. Meg Fencil is Director of Engagement and Impact… Beth is Operations Director at Sustain Charlotte. If you are one of the 157 people moving here every day, Sustain Charlotte is local nonprofit working to build a healthier, more equitable, and sustainable community. And one of the ways they help spread that message, and introduce Charlotteans to their own hometown is an event called Biketoberfest.  This annual people-powered adventure is an opportunity for folks to experience the city by bike, foot, and transit… and Meg and Beth are here to tell us about all of that. Welcome both of you to the program! 

Welcome to The BrandBuilders Podcast. Today, we’ve got Ben Brown, the owner of CS Brown Tile Marble and Stone, joining us. With years of expertise in high-end home and commercial projects, Ben has built a reputation for quality craftsmanship, creative solutions, and standout customer service. Whether you’ve admired a stunning custom countertop or walked across a beautiful tiled floor in the Queen City, there’s a good chance Ben’s team had a hand in it. Ben—welcome to the program! 

Welcome to The BrandBuilders Podcast, where we’ve got Liz Clasen-Kelly, Chief Executive Officer of Roof Above, here in the studio with us. Liz has guided Roof Above since its founding in 2019, when the Men’s Shelter of Charlotte and Urban Ministry Center merged to form the most comprehensive homeless service provider in North Carolina. Liz has led innovative initiatives—expanding shelter capacity, launching permanent supportive housing, and uniting community partners to address the crisis of homelessness one life at a time. Liz, welcome to The BrandBuilders Podcast! 

Welcome to The BrandBuilders Podcast! Today, we’re excited to welcome Michael Stier, Area President of FocusCFO. Michael is a hands-on C-level executive and entrepreneur with over 35 years of experience growing companies in technology and financial services. As the founder and former CEO of Adhesion Wealth, he led the company from startup to $13B in managed assets. Today, at FocusCFO, Michael empowers small and mid-sized business owners to boost financial control, plan for scalable growth, and prepare for successful life-changing transitions. In addition to his FocusCFO role, Michael is an active member of XPX Charlotte, a collaborative community of advisors dedicated to helping business owners achieve optimal exit outcomes and long-term value. We’ll get into all of that on this episode… Micheal, welcome to the program.

Welcome back to Brandbuilders Podcast! Today, we’re thrilled to have Jason Lucash, a true disruptor in the promotional products industry and a co-founder of Rupt. Alongside his business partner Mike Szymczak, Jason has launched a brand that goes far beyond the conventional — Rupt is a manifesto against the ordinary, merging visionary design with a deep commitment to environmental sustainability. Their products don’t just serve a function; they tell stories, create emotional connections, and turn everyday objects into chapters in a sustainable lifestyle. With a focus on recycled materials, carbon-neutral operations, and packaging that is artful and purposeful, Rupt challenges us to rethink what’s possible when creativity and sustainability unite. Jason, welcome to the Brandbuilders Podcast!

Welcome to The BrandBuilders Podcast! Today, we’re excited to have Courtney Swift-Copeland joining us— she’s the Owner and Creative Director of Salt Paper Studio + Productions, where she leads a powerhouse of a team, delivering full-service photography and video services. Known for her bold approach, collaborative leadership, and relentless pursuit of creative excellence, Courtney has built Salt Paper Studio into a destination for cutting-edge brand content and production. Courtney, welcome to the program! 

Today on The BrandBuilders Podcast, we’ve got Lou Fresta with us. Lou is Vice President of Sales & Marketing at CRC Industries—a company known for its HUGE line of chemical maintenance products serving industries from automotive to aviation. If you’re a car guy (or gal) you know.  With more than 17 years at CRC Industries, Lou is not only an accomplished executive but also a respected mentor and advocate for inclusion and leadership development within the automotive sector. Lou’s career spans decades of driving profitable growth, pioneering product strategies, and building high-performing sales organizations. And we are excited to have him on the show with us! 

On this episode of the award-winning BrandBuilders Podcast, we’ve got Cat Babbie here in the studio with us. Cat is a celebrated fiber artist and entrepreneur whose innovative work is redefining the boundaries of textile and mixed media art. Based here in the Carolinas, Cat explores texture, color, and form, often weaving personal narratives into her work. In addition to exhibiting her art, she brings a spirit of entrepreneurship to her creative journey, connecting with communities through workshops, collaborative projects, and a thriving online portfolio of original fiber art.  Cat was a featured artist in the ArtPop Street Gallery – we’ll talk about that in a minute. And, she’s also working to help other creatives get their creative careers on track. Cat, welcome to the show…