Mill Talk

How does a former university instructor become the co-founder of one of North Carolina's most celebrated pizza brands?In this episode of Mill Talk, Kathleen Prokesch sits down with Adam Aksoy, co-founder of Cugino Forno, to explore the remarkable journey that began with three cousins, a trip to Naples, Italy, and a dream to bring authentic Neapolitan pizza to North Carolina.Adam shares how months of traveling across the Southeast ultimately led them to Revolution Mill—long before it became the destination it is today. Together they discuss family, hospitality, craftsmanship, community, and the philosophy that has helped Cugino Forno grow from a single restaurant inside the Mill into one of the region's most respected restaurant brands.The conversation also explores the launch of Solo Taco, why simplicity is often the key to excellence, and how maintaining quality remains the driving force behind every new location.Whether you're a longtime Cugino Forno fan, an aspiring entrepreneur, or simply love hearing the stories behind successful local businesses, this episode offers an inspiring look inside one of Revolution Mill's greatest success stories.Featured GuestAdam Aksoy Co-Founder Cugino FornoAbout Cugino FornoFounded by three cousins with a passion for authentic Neapolitan pizza, Cugino Forno opened its first location at Revolution Mill in Greensboro. Known for imported Italian ingredients, handcrafted wood-fired ovens, and a commitment to quality, the company has grown into one of North Carolina's premier artisan pizza brands while remaining true to its original vision of bringing people together around exceptional food.About Solo TacoAdam also discusses the inspiration behind Solo Taco, Revolution Mill's newest dining destination. Built around the same philosophy of simple menus, premium ingredients, and authentic preparation, Solo Taco represents the next chapter in the founders' commitment to creating memorable dining experiences.About Mill TalkMill Talk shares the stories behind the people, businesses, artists, entrepreneurs, and visionaries who make Revolution Mill one of North Carolina's most dynamic mixed-use communities.Hosted by Kathleen Prokesch.

Every great cup of coffee has a story.In this episode of Mill Talk, Kathleen Prokesch sits down with Mo and Autumn Musa, the husband-and-wife founders of Greenlove Coffee, to share the remarkable journey that transformed personal hardship into one of Revolution Mill's most beloved businesses.From launching a coffee trailer while raising four young children, to navigating layoffs, embracing faith, and ultimately finding a permanent home inside Revolution Mill, Mo and Autumn discuss the challenges, sacrifices, and unwavering commitment that built Greenlove Coffee from the ground up.The conversation explores:The unexpected events that inspired Greenlove CoffeeWhy Revolution Mill became the perfect home for their businessBuilding a company centered around love, community, and faithTheir unique approach to handcrafted coffeeThe Greensboro coffee community and its culture of collaborationTheir vision for the future of Greenlove CoffeeIf you've ever visited Greenlove Coffee—or simply appreciate hearing the stories behind local entrepreneurs—this episode is sure to inspire.Featured GuestsMo and Autumn Musa Co-Founders, Greenlove CoffeeAbout Greenlove CoffeeLocated inside the historic 1250 Building at Revolution Mill, Greenlove Coffee is a locally owned specialty coffee company serving organic coffee, handcrafted drinks, and genuine hospitality. Every cup reflects the founders' belief that great coffee should bring people together while strengthening the community they love.

The longest-tenured tenant at Revolution Mill shares stories from three decades of transformation. What was Revolution Mill like before the restaurants, apartments, galleries, and bustling community spaces existed?In Episode 2 of Mill Talk, host Kathleen Prokesch sits down with Evelyn Rice, founder and president of Rice & Associates and the longest-tenured business tenant at Revolution Mill. Having worked on campus for more than 35 years, Evelyn offers a unique perspective on the evolution of the mill—from its early days as a developing business incubator to the thriving mixed-use community it is today. Evelyn shares memories of the original Center for Entrepreneurship, stories of watching the campus transform over decades, and insights into how the mill's culture of connection and collaboration has shaped both her business and the broader community.The conversation also explores Evelyn's work as an internationally recognized management consultant, leadership trainer, executive coach, and organizational development expert. Her philosophy of helping people align with their highest potential has impacted organizations ranging from manufacturing companies to aerospace and technology firms across the United States and beyond. In this episode:What Revolution Mill looked like more than 35 years agoThe history of the Center for EntrepreneurshipThe evolution of the mill into a modern mixed-use destinationWhy community is the most valuable asset at Revolution MillLessons from leadership development and executive coachingCreating environments where people feel safe and can thriveThe role emotional intelligence plays in organizational successEvelyn's powerful philosophy on freedom, purpose, and human potentialWhether you're interested in the history of Revolution Mill, leadership development, entrepreneurship, or building meaningful community, this episode offers wisdom, perspective, and inspiration from someone who has witnessed it all firsthand.About Evelyn RiceEvelyn Rice is the founder and president of Rice & Associates, a management consulting, training, and organizational development firm specializing in leadership development, executive coaching, conflict resolution, consultative selling, creativity, and high-performance teams.Learn more at:https://riceassociates.comAbout Mill TalkMill Talk is a podcast about the people, stories, and connections that make Revolution Mill one of Greensboro's most inspiring communities. Hosted by Kathleen Prokesch, each episode introduces listeners to the entrepreneurs, artists, business owners, residents, and leaders helping shape the future of Revolution Mill.Mill Talk is proudly brought to you by The Health Insurance Shoppe.

How a historic textile mill became one of Greensboro's most vibrant destinations.What does it take to transform a shuttered textile mill into one of the most dynamic communities in North Carolina?In the inaugural episode of Mill Talk, host Kathleen Prokesch sits down with Nick Piornack, General Manager of Revolution Mill, to explore the remarkable story behind Greensboro's most ambitious historic redevelopment project.Nick shares how he joined the project more than a decade ago, the unconventional strategy that helped win community support, and the challenges of turning a 125-year-old industrial complex into a thriving hub for business, dining, creativity, and residential living.From construction stories involving massive cranes and six-story elevators to the vision behind the new Social District, this conversation offers a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the people and decisions shaping Revolution Mill today.In this episode:The early vision for Revolution Mill's redevelopmentHow community tours helped build momentum and trustThe transformation of historic mill buildings into modern spacesThe growth to more than 150 businesses and 1,100 daily workersThe creation of Revolution Mill's Social DistrictMemorable challenges, surprises, and success stories from the past decadeWhat makes Revolution Mill unlike any other destination in GreensboroWhether you're a longtime visitor, a tenant, a resident, or discovering Revolution Mill for the first time, this episode provides an insider's perspective on the history, innovation, and community that continue to define this iconic Greensboro landmark.About Mill TalkMill Talk is a podcast about the people, stories, and connections that make Revolution Mill one of Greensboro's most inspiring communities. Hosted by Kathleen Prokesch, each episode introduces listeners to the entrepreneurs, artists, business owners, residents, and leaders helping shape the future of Revolution Mill.Mill Talk is proudly brought to you by The Health Insurance Shoppe.