Better Together Podcast

In this episode of the Better Together podcast, hosts Marty and Brad welcome Barbara Patterson, the regional director of Arosa Care, a home care service dedicated to helping seniors maintain their independence. Barbara shares insights into the challenges faced by seniors and their families when it comes to home care, emphasizing the importance of early planning and open communication about health care options. She discusses the unique services Arosa offers, including private duty nursing and care management, which help families navigate the complexities of senior care and advocate for their loved ones' needs.

Barbara also highlights the emotional hurdles families face when admitting the need for help, and how Arosa acts as a mediator to facilitate these difficult conversations. The discussion touches on the importance of having a life plan, understanding healthcare options, and the role of advocacy in ensuring that seniors receive the care they deserve. The episode concludes with Barbara sharing her experiences in the community and the value of being part of the Fuquay-Varina Chamber of Commerce, which has helped her connect with local resources and support networks.

In this episode of the Better Together podcast, hosts Brad and Marty welcome Charlene Mack, the owner of Granny's Sweets, a dessert truck that specializes in homemade cakes and sweets.

Charlene shares the heartwarming story behind the name 'Granny's Sweets,' which pays homage to her aunt who taught her to bake. She discusses her journey from baking in her kitchen to launching a successful dessert truck, highlighting the challenges she faced, including self-doubt and the logistics of running a food business while maintaining a full-time job.

Charlene emphasizes the importance of community support and word-of-mouth marketing in growing her business, as well as her commitment to providing a consistent and enjoyable customer experience.

In this episode of the Better Together podcast, hosts Marty and Brad welcome Dr. Kristen Wynns from Wynns Family Psychology.

Dr. Wynns shares her journey of establishing her practice, which focuses on child and adolescent psychology, and her commitment to providing high-quality mental health services in the Fuquay area.

With a rich background in psychology and a passion for helping families, she discusses the unique challenges and rewards of running a private practice, especially during the early years when she had to wear multiple hats.

Dr. Wynns emphasizes the importance of specializing in her field and the impact of her services on the community, including therapy, testing, and parent coaching.

In this episode of the Better Together podcast, hosts Marty and Brad interview Brent Dietrich from Live View Studios, a wedding and family photography business. Brent shares his journey into photography, the challenges he faced over 18 years in business, and the importance of local connections.

He discusses the unique experiences he offers clients, his community involvement, and provides valuable photography tips. The conversation also touches on Brent's goals for 2026, his favorite local spots, and the significance of being a member of the Fuquay Verena Chamber of Commerce.

In this episode of the Better Together podcast, hosts Brad and Marty welcome Olivia Scott, owner of Promotional Partners in Apex. Olivia shares her journey of starting a woman-owned business with her husband, the challenges they faced, and the unique aspects that set their company apart.

The conversation delves into the importance of community relationships, the value of being part of a chamber of commerce, and the lessons learned over nearly two decades in business. Olivia also offers advice for aspiring entrepreneurs and discusses her favorite projects and local businesses.

In this episode of the Better Together podcast, hosts Marty and Brad interview Beth Glover, the owner of Merle Norman in Fuquay-Varina. They discuss the history and unique aspects of the business, including its community involvement, the challenges of being a business owner, and advice for aspiring entrepreneurs.

Beth shares her passion for cosmetics and the importance of customer service, as well as her plans for future growth and connection with the community.

In this episode of the Better Together Podcast we sit down with Fuquay-Varina Chamber of Commerce membership director Christie Cook. Through this conversation we learn about Christie's work to build the small business community in Fuquay.

She highlights what is helping Fuquay to be one of the fastest growing Chamber of Commerces in the state of North Carolina and how to grow your business by connecting and building relationships with others in the community.

In this episode of the Better Together podcast, we meet Christy Famolare from the Fuquay-Varina Downtown Association. We explore its mission to create a vibrant downtown community.

Christy shares her journey in economic development, the unique aspects of the association, and the importance of community events. The conversation highlights the role of local businesses, the significance of volunteering, and future plans for community engagement.

The collaboration between the Downtown Association and the Chamber of Commerce is also emphasized, showcasing the collective effort to enhance the town's appeal and sustainability.

This episode features Jamie Morris and Shaun Johnson from the Fuquay-Varina Jeep Club. They share the club's origins, community engagement, fundraising efforts, and the impact they have on local nonprofits.

They highlight how ducks became a trademark of brightening someone's day and how the trend has continued to bring smiles to faces everywhere.

They share their experiences, challenges, and the importance of building a supportive community around their passion for Jeeps and philanthropy, along with what they have learned from running a non-profit, and provide insights for others who may be interested in starting a non-profit.

You can learn more about the club at fvddj.org.

In this episode of the Better Together podcast, Jess Swanson from Turpentine Design shares her journey from a soccer scholarship to becoming an architect and entrepreneur.

She discusses the challenges of starting her own business, the importance of customer service in architecture, and the value of community involvement.

Jess emphasizes the lessons learned along the way, including trusting your instincts and the significance of building relationships within the local community. Turpentine Design, an all-female firm, focuses on commercial architecture and interior design, aiming to serve the Fuquay Verena area and beyond.