BrandBuilders

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!