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The newsrooms from Triad Business Journal, Charlotte Business Journal and Triangle Business Journal bring you the top stories and exclusive interviews from across the state of North Carolina throughout the month.
48 Episodes
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In this conversation, Adam Sperling, executive director of the Truist Championship, tells Erik Spanberg about the return of Charlotte’s annual PGA Tour event after stepping aside for the PGA Championship in 2025. Sperling came to Charlotte in 2018 to run the Presidents Cup, played here in 2022. That event broke sales and revenue records. Now, Sperling oversees the Tour’s annual event at Quail Hollow Club, with a new title sponsor and a new owner.
Winston-Salem-based grocer returns to Charlotte with six stores, plans new Triangle locations. CEO reflects on Carolinas' snowmageddon, talks competition, mulls potential disruption from Buc-ee's.
Lauren Ohnesorge sits down with Jason Caplain, general partner and co-founder of Bull City Venture Partners, to trace his journey from 80th employee at Red Hat to one of the Triangle's most established venture capitalists. Jason shares how a $5 million first fund — raised during the dot-com crash — produced three IPOs, including two billion-dollar companies led by Goldman Sachs. They dig into what makes a great founder (hint: it's not the pitch deck), why the unicorn hype should concern you, ...
In this conversation, former Charlotte Mayor Richard Vinroot tells Erik Spanberg about his lifetime of leadership roles, from Eagle Scout to mayor, with an interval on Dean Smith’s UNC Chapel Hill basketball team. Vinroot, an attorney by trade, still goes to his office five days a week, lending counsel to younger peers and tackling nonfiction histories and biographies at the prodigious clip of one book per week. Vinroot, a moderate Republican who twice lost in bids to become governor, sees ed...
Chef Freddy Lee runs nine restaurants across two states. His newest will open this summer, not in a major metro, but in a small town made famous by Andy Griffith. He talks industry headwinds, and offers a stunning insight on chefs' own dining habits.
In this conversation, Jim Segrave, CEO and founder of flyExclusive, shares his journey from his early days in aviation to building a successful business in the private jet industry. After selling a previous company to Delta Air Lines, Segrave's flyExclusive has seen rapid growth as the business leaders turn to private aircraft in the wake of the pandemic.
In this episode, Chris William reflects on the journey of creating and sustaining the Carolina Business Review over three decades. He discusses the challenges of gaining buy-in across two states, the importance of community engagement and the evolution of the show amidst economic changes. Chris shares insights on navigating the complexities of public broadcasting, maintaining a small business and the impact of significant economic events on the program. He concludes with thoughts on the futur...
North Carolina is facing a critical housing shortage with an estimated 800,000 units needed statewide. As major employers like Toyota, Boom Supersonic and JetZero bring tens of thousands of jobs to the state, the question becomes urgent: Where will workers live? Jon Hardister, president of the Triad Real Estate and Building Industry Coalition and former six-term state legislator, joins host Lloyd Whittington to discuss the economic and social stakes of the housing shortage. They explore why t...
amie Ledford, president of Golf Pride, shares insights into the evolution of the brand, his career journey from a small town to leading a global golf company, and the importance of innovation and corporate culture. He discusses the challenges faced by the golf industry, including geopolitical issues and the impact of the pandemic on demand. Ledford emphasizes the significance of personal connections in business and the philosophy behind Golf Pride's success, focusing on the confidence and exp...
In this conversation, PSA Airlines CEO Dion Flannery tells Erik Spanberg about the company’s headquarters relocation to Charlotte — a move consummated during a challenging time for the airline and the industry. Flannery and his colleagues endured a fatal crash in January 2025 and, later, a government shutdown that rattled air travel across the country. Despite those headwinds, Flannery explains why he's bullish on the year ahead.
As universities face enrollment challenges and questions about the value of a college degree, Wente discusses Wake Forest's position and strategies needed for today's higher ed challenges.
Seven years into leading the N.C. Museum of Art, Valerie Hillings is looking to broaden the Raleigh museum's reach. Here, she speaks with Dane Huffman of the Triangle Business Journal for the next edition of North Carolina Business Minds
North Carolina’s office market is in a new phase, one defined by strong absorption, renewed corporate expansion and rapid leasing in Charlotte’s top towers. CoStar’s Chuck McShane joins NC Business Minds to explain why 2025 became the turning point, how renovated buildings are gaining traction and what’s ahead.
From a merger to a groundbreaking dyslexia academy to a complex 130,000-square-foot wellness facility, Elon's president reveals timelines and strategies behind the university's major expansion projects in the Triad and Charlotte.
The Triangle Business Journal’s Dane Huffman sits down with North Carolina Commissioner of Labor, Luke Farley. In this episode, Commissioner Farley shares the story behind his photo in every elevator, discusses the state’s booming growth, and explains how the Department of Labor balances safety, economic development, and worker protection. From elevator inspections and amusement ride safety to wage and hour laws, Farley offers a candid look at the challenges and opportunities facing North Car...
Shelly Cayette-Weston, the Charlotte Hornets’ president of business operations, started her marketing career with Caesars Entertainment and then shifted to pro basketball. Now with her third NBA team, Cayette-Weston is leading a revamped front office that is presiding over major arena renovations and a $150 million training center now under construction. She speaks to Erik Spanberg about those and other changes in the franchise’s business.
From hockey to baseball to women's basketball, learn how Zawyer Sports is bringing new pro teams to cities across North Carolina and attracting high-profile investors along the way.
In this conversation, Chancellor Karrie G. Dixon discusses her journey into higher education and her current role at North Carolina Central University. She highlights the challenges and successes in enrollment growth, financial stability, and the introduction of innovative academic programs. Chancellor Dixon emphasizes the importance of community partnerships and strategic planning for the future of the university, aiming for academic excellence and student success.
Host Erik Spanberg interviews historian Tom Hanchett about Charlotte’s efforts to address spiraling affordable housing needs and how those efforts offer lessons across the state and nation. Hanchett explains the myths and realities of 80 years of evolving housing policies.
NASCAR legend Richard Childress shares his journey from a $20 race car to an empire spanning racing, manufacturing, vineyards, and bull riding. Could bourbon be the next frontier?
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