Cape Fear Business Roundtable

North Brunswick Chamber of Commerce executive director Thom Kelly and 2025-26 board president Shari Leone discuss the Chamber's upcoming Business Expo and Bands, Brews & BBQ events, which offer residents of northern Brunswick County the opportunity to connect with local businesses. 

Meet. Dr. Paul Hrvol, chiropractor with Coastal Integrative Health's Leland location. Dr. Hrvol is originally from Sullivan, Illinois, and relocated from St. Louis to coastal North Carolina to enjoy life by the beach. He played baseball through college and has always loved sports, especially golf. Today, he works as a chiropractor in a clinic alongside physical therapists and massage therapists, and he particularly enjoys helping golfers improve how they move and feel. He is also a proud new dad of a five-month-old son, which he says has been the greatest adventure of all.

Cape Fear Business Roundtable is kicking off 2026 with an economic outlook from Dr. Mouhcine Guettabi, Regional Economist with the University of North Carolina Wilmington. Tune in as Dr. Guettabi discusses the state of our regional and national economies heading into the new year. Cape Fear Business Roundtable is hosted by Frank Williams and sponsored by Pioneer Strategies and Pioneer Specialties.

Velva Jenkins, current CEO of YWCA Lower Cape Fear, is set to retire in January 2026. Tune in as Velva discusses the programs offered by the YWCA and how they positive impact women in our area. Prior to joining the YWCA, Velva worked at Brunswick Community College for over 30 years. She began her career in economic and workforce development as the first director of the Small Business Center at BCC 1986. Under her leadership she launched the Small Business Center, the Brunswick County Small Business of the Year Award for entrepreneurs, the Brunswick County Leadership program in Brunswick County and secured over $1.5 million in grant funding for Brunswick Community College Economic and Workforce Development Division. She held numerous roles during her tenure at BCC, including Dean of Continuing and Workforce Development and Vice President for Continuing Education, Economic and Workforce Development. She has served on a variety of boards and committees, including Brunswick Community College SACS Leadership Team, Brunswick Community Planning Council, NC Community College Adult Education Conference Committee, NC Community College Focus Industrial Training Conference Planning Committee, Brunswick Community College March of Dimes Champaign Team Captain, Southport-Oak Island Area Chamber of Commerce Education Committee, South Brunswick Island Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, Cape Fear United Way Board, UNCW Alumni Association Board of Directors, North Carolina Community College Systems Workforce Development Leadership, The Southeastern Economic Development Commission, Brunswick County Hospital Authority, The State Employees Credit Union Advisory Board, YWCA Lower Cape Fear, The Cape Fear Area Red Cross Board of Directors, and a member of The Link, Incorporated, Wilmington (NC) Chapter. Velva has been honored with several awards, including the Distinguished Women Achievement Award, the Outstanding Citizens Award, and the YWCA Women of Achievement Education Award. She has earned degrees in Business with a concentration in Marketing from the Cameron School of Business at the University of North Carolina Wilmington and a in Business Administration from Webster University. Cape Fear Business Roundtable is hosted by Frank Williams and sponsored by Pioneer Strategies and Pioneer Specialties.

Thom Kelly is the newly minted executive director of the North Brunswick Chamber of Commerce. He succeeds longtime executive director Dana Fisher, who departed after 15 years at the helm. Thom provides insight into how his career path prepared him for this role and shares thoughts on his future vision for the Chamber, which serves the business community in Leland, Belville, Winnabow, Navassa, Northwest, Sandy Creek and surrounding areas in northern Brunswick County. 

Tony Caggiano, widely recognized as the ADA Comply Guy, is a leading expert in website accessibility and ADA compliance. With a deep understanding of digital inclusion laws and best practices, Tony has dedicated his career to empowering companies to create inclusive digital experiences and helping them avoid legal risks, improve customer experience, and unlock valuable opportunities like the Accessibility Tax Credit. Tony simplifies complex compliance requirements, helping businesses provide websites that are not only legally compliant but also welcoming to all users. His work reflects a commitment to making the internet accessible to all while driving business growth.

This week's guest is Jim Flock, founder of JSF Industrial & president of the Cape Fear Manufacturing Partnership. Jim discusses how his 40+ years of manufacturing experience developed a passion for training and workforce development and outlines why he founded the Cape Fear Manufacturing Partnership, which has grown to approximately 70 members in four years. The partnership's next meeting is Wednesday, November 12, 2025 from 4 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. at the McKeithan Center, located on Cape Fear Community College’s North Campus (click here for a map). Jim has successfully developed and delivered advanced manufacturing curricula in areas such as machining, blueprint reading, GD&T, and metrology for both adult learners and youth programs. He currently teaches at Cape Fear Community College and Brunswick Community College, where he is known for creating engaging, hands-on learning environments that prepare students for careers in aerospace and precision manufacturing. With a proven record of organizational leadership—including past service as Chairman of the Cape Fear Workforce Development Board—Jim brings a strategic perspective to workforce initiatives focused on inclusion, innovation, and regional economic growth. His work reflects a strong belief that manufacturing careers can be transformative, offering meaningful opportunities for families and communities across the region.

This week’s guest is Franklin Rouse, owner of Franklin Rouse State Farm in Leland. Franklin grew up in Morehead City and attended N.C. State University, where he earned a degree in business management. He opened Franklin Rouse State Farm agency in Leland in 2008. Franklin is active in both the community and the insurance industry and has served on multiple boards, including the N.C. Insurance Underwriting Association Board as Underwriting Committee Chair, the Department of Insurance Coastal Task Force and the N.C. State Farm Agents and Associates PAC Board. He is a former chair of the North Carolina Railroad Company Board and current board member. Tune in and listen to Franklin share how he has built a successful agency and offer tips for ensuring that coastal residents and businesses have the coverage they need.

This week's guest is Rick Paxton, owner of Magnetic Marketing, Inc. and Rick Paxton & Associates - Dream Vacations. Rick was born at James Walker Memorial Hospital in Wilmington and lived here until around second grade. He lived in Southeastern Virginia and Durham, N.C. until joining the United States Navy in 1985. He graduated from Appalachian State University with a BS in Communications (Public Relations) and also has degrees from American Military University and Syracuse University.  Rick first dabbled in the marketing world while stationed in Northern California in the late 1980s. After graduating college, Rick worked in newspaper, radio and direct mail sales. During this time, he began providing promotional products for businesses. Eventually that grew into what is now Magnetic Marketing, Inc. Magnetic Marketing offers indoor digital billboards and currently works in or is expanding into 15 markets across NC, SC and GA. In addition, Magnetic Marketing provides trade show booths of all sizes for any type of business. Also in the mix are various types of restaurant advertising options, Identity resolution and websites that generate sales for other types of businesses.

NOTE: There is a technical glitch that makes it sound like Judy is talking over Frank. That's a technical glitch -- I promise you she wasn't doing so! We're trying to find out if the system we use to record can fix this. If so, we will upload a new video. This week's guest is Judy Budd of ConnectCapeFear.com, an online networking directory focusing on New Hanover, Brunswick, and Pender Counties. ConnectCapeFear.com is a central resource to learn about networking opportunities, find information on about local events, and seek out local non-profits and other ways to get involved in the community. If you're interested in getting more involved, visit ConnectCapeFear.com and sign up for their e-newsletter. Judy has diverse experience in the business world, having worked for large corporations, entrepreneurs, and now being self-employed. These experiences have helped her grow in learning all aspects of a business organization. She is knowledgeable about organization, finance, sales and marketing. Judy has spent many years networking and serving on boards with the nonprofit sector and has been referred to as the "Networking Queen," the unofficial "Mayor," and the "Connector." She was the 2009 winner of the YWCA’s Women of Achievement award in the communications category and was listed in 2016 as a Top Female Executive. She retired from being the Associate Publisher of the Greater Wilmington Business Journal and Wilma Magazine in 2021 and wanted to create a networking directory. She approached Jenna Curry for a referral of who could help her get this done digitally, and the next thing that happened is Jenna became her partner after suggesting she expand the directory to include so many other categories. Together, they have grown this community resource website to include various organizations and a community calendar.

This week's guest is Victor Fernandes, owner of Fernandes Fit, author of "Reclaiming My Authentic Self: A Journey from Fear to Freedom" and host of the "Fitness is Our Business" podcast. Tune in as Victor describes his career journey and shares how he helps busy professionals take control of their health and fitness to thrive in their demanding lives.

This week’s guest is Keesha Starr, owner of K Starr Coaching and author of “The Bright Side of Monday.” Keesha is a John Maxwell Certified Leadership Coach with over 25 years of experience building teams in every type of business. Her training in ministry and leadership from the New Life Drama Company and traveling for seven years as a team coordinator eventually led to the nonprofit sector. Keesha has built teams and led in everything from churches to community centers led to the for-profit space, coaching companies like McDonalds, Walgreens, Hilton, WalMart, Target, Brookdale, Olive Garden and Fedex. Keesha has brought her expertise, experience, and compelling delivery to inspire and unlock potential in companies of all sizes.

Tune in as Kelli Benton, a Leland resident and owner of Seaglass Monthly Market, tells how her career led her from Brooklyn, New York to southeastern North Carolina and how she moved from working for a large corporation, FedEx Freight, to owning and operating a monthly small business market. Kelli explains her passion for connecting with small business owners and also discusses what led her and her husband, Brad, to create the Lindsey M. Benton Foundation.

This week's guest is Art Dornfeld, co-owner (along with his wife) of Carolina Sun Pool Doctors, a local business that has been keeping pools healthy for over 30 years. Art retired from the U.S. Navy in June 2004 after 22 years of service. He served as a Hospital Corpsman Chief Petty Officer, and his last duty station was MCAS Cherry Point, where he served as the Senior Search and Rescue Medical technician on Pedro SAR Helicopter and Type Commander evaluator for Marine Corps search and rescue at VMR-1 Marine Transport Squadron 1.   After retiring from active military service, Art and his wife moved to Brunswick County in 2004, where his father and two retired doctors had started a swimming pool maintenance company, Carolina Sun Pool Doctors, in 1994. Art became a partner with his father, and he and his wife and took over all operations of the company in 2015. When Art joined the company in 2004, they had four employees and 45 pool contracts; today, they have 12 employees and over 215 pool contracts.  

Barrett Earney, CEO of Wilmington-based Earney IT, discusses his career path in the information technology industry, current trends and issues including AI and cybersecurity, and shares lessons he's learned along the way.

Jon Tait is a financial advisor with Signature Wealth in Leland and past president of the Leland Area Rotary Club. Jon tells us about his career journey, his approach to working with clients, and shares some general insights into current market conditions. 

This week's guest is Lisa Leath, Chief People Officer at Vantaca, founder of Leath HR, and past board chair of the Wilmington Chamber of Commerce.

Jason Gaver tells us how his career led from active-duty military service to leading the Brunswick County Chapter of Habitat for Humanity. Jason also outlines his bold, aggressive vision for Brunswick County Habitat for Humanity, dispels some common misconceptions about how Habitat helps people achieve the dream of home ownership, and shares how area residents and businesses can get involved with and support Brunswick County Habitat's work.

Reggie Shropshire of ActionCOACH tells us how his career led from active-duty service in the U.S. Marine Corps to working as a successful business coach. Coach Reggie discusses ActionCOACH's services and offerings and shares some of the common things he's observed holding business owners back from achieving their goals. 

Heather King Semple, President of Novant Health Brunswick Medical Center, describes how she climbed from certified nursing assistant to hospital president and discusses Novant's plans to meet the increasing demand for medical services in Brunswick County.

Christina Haley discusses how a career that started in journalism eventually led to her taking the helm as President & CEO of Wilmington Downtown, Inc. (WDI), an organization dedicated to promoting the economic growth and development of downtown Wilmington. Haley discusses the importance of perseverance, the power of networking, and her passion for strengthening the economy of downtown Wilmington.  In her capacity as President and CEO of Wilmington Downtown, Inc. (WDI), Haley leads efforts to revitalize and drive economic growth in downtown Wilmington. Since joining WDI in 2021, she has overseen economic development initiatives, business recruitment, and the Municipal Services District (MSD), which provides safety, cleaning, and outreach services. She has strengthened key programs such as the Facade Improvement and Microloan Programs and is launching a new Public Safety Grant Program. Christina also spearheaded an economic impact study on Wilmington’s hospitality sector and led efforts to expand downtown’s Holiday Lighting Program and introduce Wilmington’s first daytime pilot social district. She serves as Chair of the Downtown Parking Advisory Committee, is a member of the Wilmington Convention Center Advisory Committee, and sits on the boards of the Public Archaeology Corps and the Wilmington Area Hospitality Association. She is also an active member of the North Carolina Downtown Development Association and the North Carolina Economic Development Association.

Carolyn Moshier, owner of Urge to Purge Photo Organization & Management, LLC, describes her journey from Occupational Therapist to self-employed photo organizer and discusses her passion for helping people preserve and organize their family's treasured historical photos. With a special focus on Baby Boomers, busy professionals and seniors, Carolyn aims to help folks navigate the digital age, avoid the inheritance of a disorganized photo mess and avoid stress centered around the overwhelming and daunting task of organizing one’s photos. She says, “In today's fast-paced world, memories are often scattered across multiple devices as well as old albums and shoeboxes, creating a barrier to reliving and sharing those special moments. “ Urge to Purge Photo Organization & Management offers a range of services, including: sorting and organizing printed and digital photos,  scanning/digitizing photos and memorabilia,  creating custom designed, elegant Photo Books and heartwarming video montages for special occasions.  Set up and coaching for  Photo Back Up Solutions,  Online and Cloud Storage &  Photo Sharing Programs to ensure memories are safeguarded and passed down through generations. Carolyn has additional expertise in: Digital Estate Planning Cyber Security Coaching.

Jeremy & Billie Gunn, co-owners of JBG Services, discuss how a side gig quickly turned into a painting business that has steadily grown since they formed it four years ago. Jeremy, who is the 2024-25 President of the North Brunswick Chamber of Commerce, and Billie, who is the current Secretary of the Leland Area Rotary Club, also share why community involvement is such an important part of what they do. 

Alexandra Lysik, owner of Cavik Insurance, describes how her career led her from working in risk management for a local government to owning a successful insurance agency, what lessons she's learned along the way, and what advice she'd give someone starting out. Also, find out how many times she's been to Disney World (hint: it's a high number). Cape Fear Business Roundtable is sponsored by Pioneer Strategies and Pioneer Specialties.

This week's guest is Lucinda Arnold, a serial entrepreneur, prolific networker and connector, and community leader. Lucinda and her husband, Eugene, co-own Coastal Painting & Improvements, are part owners of Made New Interiors, and own several AirBNBs in Brunswick County. Before moving to southeastern North Carolina from the frozen tundra of upstate New York, they owned a successful scrap metal business in the Buffalo area. Lucinda is a past president of the Southport-Oak Island Chamber of Commerce, has led the Chamber's business connections group for the past decade, and is actively involved in numerous other business organizations. Listen and learn about her leadership philosophy and keys to success. 

This week's guest on Cape Fear Business Roundtable is CJ Jones with Southern Moving & Storage. Learn how CJ's career led him from Philadelphia to southeastern North Carolina, why moving is his passion, and how his appreciation for networking led him to form a new online networking group that will soon hold its first in-person event.

This week's guest is George Murray, a former corporate controller, artist, community leader and serial entrepreneur whose business ventures have included a frame shop, a sign and design shop, and a gourmet popcorn and ice cream shop. 

Natalie English, CEO of the Wilmington Chamber of Commerce, tells us how her career trajectory changed from initially planning to major in Chemical Engineering to working in government relations and eventually becoming a Chamber CEO. She also discusses the Wilmington Chamber's mission, focus, priorities, and goals and touches on issues and challenges facing the southeastern North Carolina business community.

This week's guest is Justin Williams, founder of Carolina Marketing Company, Inc. Justin launched the business in 2005 with North Brunswick Magazine. Since then, the company has expanded to produce 10 regional lifestyle and tourism publications, along with custom publications, digital marketing, advertising, and a range of media opportunities for its clients. Discover more at CarolinaMarketingCompany.com.

Interview with Jeff Moss, U.S. Army Veteran, owner of College Hunks Hauling Junk of Wilmington/Leland, and the author of "My Leading Edge."

Dr. Mouhcine Guettabi, Regional Economist with the University of North Carolina Wilmington, explains how his education and career have taken him through Oklahoma and Alaska en route to Wilmington and discusses the state of our regional and national economies.

AJ Stanaland of Northwest Land & Cattle is a fifth-generation farmer who grew up in Brunswick County and married another fifth-generation farmer from Columbus County. Tune in and listen to her discuss the challenges of operating a successful farm, how she's incorporated technology into her agricultural business, and why she's passionate about providing area residents with access to locally grown agricultural products.

Pender County Tourism Director Olivia Dawson shares how her passion for community involvement and how volunteering in her local community turned into a career promoting the county where she grew up. 

Rob discusses the Greater Wilmington Business Journal's awesome networking events and coverage of the local business community (click here to received the Journal's daily email updates), as well as WILMA Magazine's WILMA Leadership Initiative and coverage of successful women in the Cape Fear region. Additionally, Rob discusses Feast Wilmington, billed as Wilmington's premier food and drink festival, which is coming up March 24-30, 2025.  Cape Fear Business Roundtable is sponsored by: Pioneer Strategies - Building Success through Effective, Strategic Communication. Pioneer Specialties - Your Promotional Products Partner.

Today's guest on Cape Fear Business Roundtable is Chef Sarah Gore. Sarah is a Columbus County native and Whiteville resident and culinary wizard whose businesses include catering and a market where you can order homemade family style meals weekly. Listen to learn more!

Dana explains why residents in Leland, Belville, Winnabow, Navassa, Northwest, Sandy Creek and surrounding areas should attend the Chamber's Expo on March 1 and discusses how the Chamber is working to build a strong small business community in northern Brunswick County. 

Cape Fear Business Roundtable, a new podcast focusing on interesting businesses, businesspeople, businesspeople, and impactful non-profits in southeastern North Carolina, is here!