CEOs You Should Know - Charlotte

CEOs You Should Know - Charlotte

By 1029 The Lake (WLKO-FM)Business
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CEOs You Should Know - Charlotte episodes

  • Justin Dionne, Executive Director of Cain Center for the Arts

    Justin Dionne is the founding Executive Director of Cain Center for the Arts in Cornelius, NC. Originally from Salisbury, NC, Justin attended Catawba College for Undergraduate studies and Florida State University for Graduate School.

    Professionally, he has spent over 10 years in arts leadership and 20 years in the sector. While in Salisbury he helped to build the Norvell Theater and then went on to spearhead efforts to renovate a 1920's warehouse into a performing arts center which became Lee Street Theater.

    Along with serving communities, Justin is passionate about his family, bourbon, travel, the Carolina Panthers, and the Florida State Seminoles. He has been recognized as a Charlotte 40 Under 40 Award Winner and was a finalist for the Michael Marsicano Award for Philanthropic Leadership. Justin and his family live in Huntersville.

    Cain Center for the ArtsOur mission at Cain Center for the Arts is to provide exceptional visual arts, performing arts, and social experiences to the Lake Norman Region. This mission is supported by our guiding values: community, education, inspiration, and entertainment.

    The art made here is for all ages and backgrounds, with space and resources to express and explore our experiences with the world and each other. Please learn more about our exciting performing arts series, our innovative visual art galleries, our robust education program, and our community impact initiatives. We encourage members of the community to get involved as audience members, artists, students, or volunteers!

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    39 min
  • Jim Mazany - CEO of P.F. Chang's

    If Jim Mazany's career had a soundtrack, it would open with Prince. His first concert was the Purple Rain tour at Nassau Coliseum. Since then, his path has run from washing dishes on Long Island to culinary school in Hyde Park to leading brands like TGI Fridays, Logan's Roadhouse and Joe's Crab Shack, and now to the CEO role at P.F. Chang's.

    In this episode of CEOs You Should Know, iHeartMedia Region President Chris Long sits down with Jim Mazany, CEO of P.F. Chang's, to talk about hospitality, culinary craft and leading an iconic brand through a turnaround.

    Jim traces the influences that shaped him, from a Marine father who taught him work ethic to a mother who made hospitality the center of their home. He shares how a chef's mindset still guides the way he leads, why "the speed of trust" matters when building a leadership team and how P.F. Chang's is working to turn "I like P.F. Chang's, but I haven't been there in a while" into "I love P.F. Chang's, and I was there last night." He also takes Chris inside the brand's turnaround, from renewed focus on the in-restaurant experience and culinary innovation to double-digit sales growth, rising guest traffic and plans to expand P.F. Chang's footprint in the U.S. and around the world.

    Guest: Jim Mazany, CEO, P.F. Chang's

    Host: Chris Long, Region President, iHeartMedia Dallas-Fort Worth & Central Texas

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    41 min
  • Scott Nowokunski - President of Boingo Graphics

    Scott Nowokunski

    Scott Nowokunski is President of Boingo Graphics, a Charlotte-based printing and marketing services company serving organizations across the country. 

    Boingo began in 1979 when Scott's father, Ed Nowokunski, founded Kopy Korner. Scott joined the business after graduating from Appalachian State University and became an owner in 2004. Over the years, Scott and his team transformed the company from a traditional printing operation into a diversified marketing execution partner offering commercial and digital printing, direct mail, signage and large-format graphics, promotional products, branded apparel, fulfillment, creative services, and technology-enabled company stores. 

    Today, Scott remains focused on entrepreneurship, operational excellence, business growth, and building organizations where reliability and customer experience become competitive advantages. 

    He is a longtime member of the Metrolina Business Council and Vistage and is actively involved in Charlotte's business and nonprofit communities. 

    Boingo Graphics 

    A Really Cool Printing Company

    Founded in Charlotte in 1979, Boingo Graphics is a full-service printing and marketing execution company that helps organizations simplify how they manage their brands. 

    From commercial and digital printing to direct mail, signage, promotional products, branded apparel, fulfillment, creative services, and online company stores, Boingo brings multiple marketing services together under one roof. 

    The company serves corporations, healthcare organizations, nonprofits, retailers, manufacturers, event organizations, and other businesses throughout the United States. Boingo's technology-enabled approach combines sophisticated production capabilities with responsive personal service and a relentless focus on delivering projects accurately and on time. 

    Its goal is simple: make buying and managing print and branded materials effortless. 

     

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    47 min
  • Stephanie Lansey - Owner & Operator of Pink Zebra Moving

    Stephanie C. Lansey

    Stephanie C. Lansey is an accomplished executive leader, entrepreneur, and retired law enforcement executive whose career has been defined by servant leadership, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to people. With more than 20 years of executive leadership experience spanning public safety, human resources, operations, and business ownership, she has built a reputation for leading organizations through transformation while developing high-performing teams and creating lasting community impact. 

    Originally from Baltimore, Maryland, Stephanie retired from the Baltimore Police Department after 22 years of distinguished service, culminating in her role as Major and Commanding Officer of the Eastern District—one of the city's smallest yet most complex police districts. Throughout her career, she shattered barriers by becoming the first African American woman to command the Eastern District, the first African American woman to lead Internal Affairs, and the first African American woman to serve as Team Leader of the department's Hostage Negotiation Team. Her leadership was recognized for driving measurable operational improvements, reducing crime, strengthening organizational accountability, and fostering trust within the communities she served. 

    Following her retirement, Stephanie and her partner, Brian, transitioned their passion for leadership into entrepreneurship. Together they have successfully owned and operated multiple businesses, including an Amazon Delivery Service Partner, McDonald's franchise operations, Cardinal Protection Solutions, and today, Pink Zebra Moving Charlotte & Lake Norman. 

    As Owner and Operator of Pink Zebra Moving Charlotte & Lake Norman, Stephanie has quickly built a company recognized for exceptional customer service, operational excellence, and community engagement. Under her leadership, the company has become known not only for making moving fun, but for creating an experience centered on compassion, professionalism, and genuine care for every customer. Stephanie believes that every move represents a significant life transition, and she is passionate about helping families navigate those moments with confidence and peace of mind. 

    Stephanie's leadership philosophy is rooted in service, accountability, and the belief that great organizations are built by investing in people. Whether leading a police district of more than 150 employees, overseeing multimillion-dollar business operations, or mentoring future leaders, she has consistently demonstrated the ability to unite teams around a shared vision while delivering measurable results. 

    She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Criminology and Social Deviance from the College of Notre Dame of Maryland and a Master of Science in Criminal Justice from the University of Baltimore. She has also earned numerous executive leadership certifications, including the Senior Management Institute for Police, University of Maryland Global Campus, leadership training through Hamburger University, and certifications from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Louisiana State University. 

    Stephanie's commitment to leadership extends well beyond the workplace. She currently serves as a volunteer with Common Heart and the Thompson Development Center, is an active member of The National Smart Set, Inc. Charlotte Chapter, serves on the Chamber of Commerce of Charlotte Programs Committee, and is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. Throughout her career, she has dedicated herself to mentoring others, supporting community organizations, and creating opportunities that empower individuals and strengthen communities. 

    Above all, Stephanie considers her greatest accomplishments to be her family. She is the proud mother of Staff Sergeant Justin S. Anderson of the United States Air Force and bonus mom to Cameron and Brooke Kelly. She enjoys traveling with Brian, dancing, reading, and giving back through civic and professional service. 

    Whether wearing a police uniform, leading a business, or serving her community, Stephanie's mission has remained constant: to lead with integrity, inspire others through action, and leave every organization and every person better than she found them.

     

    Pink Zebra Moving

    Pink Zebra Moving is a Birmingham, Alabama-based moving company built around one motto: We Make Moving Fun. Founded by entrepreneur Ron Holt, the company was born out of personal frustration with an industry known for surprise fees and inflated estimates. Holt launched Pink Zebra Moving after his mother-in-law's moving quote ballooned from an original estimate of $900 to $3,000. Determined to build something better, he set out to create, in his words, "the first happy moving company." 

    Holt brought two decades of franchise-building experience to the venture. He got his start in 2003 by purchasing a small cleaning business and growing it into Two Maids & A Mop, which scaled into a nationally recognized, roughly $40 million brand with about 90 locations before he sold it in 2021. Pink Zebra Moving applies that same playbook to the moving industry, pairing operational discipline with a genuinely upbeat, customer-first experience. 

    That spirit is central to the brand. Pink Zebra Moving crews are trained to treat moving day like an event rather than a chore, bringing energy, care for every belonging, and a few pleasant surprises along the way to make an otherwise stressful day something customers actually enjoy. 

    The company's name and look reflect its philosophy. The pink stands in deliberate contrast to the drab, corporate aesthetic of traditional moving companies, while the zebra stripes signal a brand that is unique and remarkable. Services include residential moves (apartments, condos, and houses), commercial and corporate relocations, professional packing, loading and unloading labor, furniture rearrangement, and moving supplies.  

    Since launching, Pink Zebra Moving has expanded through franchising, opening locations across multiple states with plans for continued nationwide growth in the years ahead. 

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    43 min
  • Jeff Wanner - CEO of PairPEO

    Jeff Wanner

    CEO of PairPEO

    Jeff Wanner began his PEO career at Insperity, where he quickly recognized that there was a more effective way to assist clients in finding the perfect PEO match for their unique needs. This insight inspired him to establish PairPEO in March 2019. Jeff's vision for PairPEO is rooted in his commitment to providing personalized and strategic collaborations with clients. Outside of his professional endeavors, Jeff is a devoted family man who cherishes the time spent with his growing family. He is also an avid Cleveland sports fan, passionately supporting his hometown teams.

    PairPEO

    PairPEO is a PEO brokerage and advisory firm dedicated to helping businesses simplify their HR operations. By providing transparent, expert guidance, PairPEO helps companies navigate the PEO landscape to find the best-fit provider for their payroll, benefits, and compliance needs. Headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., PairPEO serves as a trusted partner to businesses nationwide. 

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    56 min
  • Brandon Anderson - CEO & President of Morris-Jenkins

    Brandon Anderson

    CEO & President of Morris-Jenkins

    Morris-Jenkins president and CEO, Brandon Anderson, started his career with the company as an HVAC Installer, where he experienced first-hand the work of some of the very people he’d be leading 18 years later.  

    Brandon understands the importance of doing things the right way and making it easy for customers. Not only from his years of experience in the field, but as he worked his way through various service and leadership roles within Morris-Jenkins. By 2011, he transitioned from installation to service, where he started mentoring other technicians before he ever officially took a leadership position. From there, he became a Service Supervisor, then HVAC Service Director. Because of his growing impact on those around him, Morris-Jenkins developed the Chief Operations Officer role for him in 2018.  

    Today, Brandon continues to grow and lead Morris-Jenkins. Because of the same people-first mindset he has had since his days as an installer, Morris-Jenkins continues to have a reputation for caring for people, with over 35,000 and a 4.9-star rating to prove it.  

    Morris-Jenkins

    Morris-Jenkins started in Charlotte in 1958 and has grown into one of the area’s largest residential HVAC, plumbing, and electrical companies. In 2026, they opened their first expansion, located in Greenville, South Carolina. The former owner, Mr. Jenkins, built the company around taking care of people and making it easy for customers. That’s still the core of Morris-Jenkins today!  

    Morris-Jenkins has won Top Workplace USA and Top Workplace Charlotte year after year because their company culture. And they don’t have a big rulebook. Instead, employees are encouraged to be authentic. And because they hire the right people, everyone there is trusted to do the right thing! Throughout the years, Morris-Jenkins has grown into a household name. They’re trusted around the area because they do what they say they will, and the customer experience is like no other.  

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    43 min
  • Sue Glass - President and CEO of YMCA of Greater Charlotte
    Sue Glass
    President and CEO of YMCA of Greater Charlotte
    As President and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Charlotte, Sue Glass is committed to advancing the organization's mission of building a healthy spirit, mind and body for all. With over 27 years of expertise in strategic planning, organizational leadership, and program development, Sue is a dynamic leader focused on innovation and impact.  
     
    Before joining the Charlotte YMCA, Sue led the YMCA of Metropolitan Denver, driving significant transformations in strategic planning, facilities modernization, and youth development. Prior to that, she served as Senior Vice President at the American Diabetes Association, where she spearheaded national initiatives in fundraising, program services, and operations.  
     
    A passionate advocate for health, Sue has served on various boards and collaborated with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment to launch the Diabetes Prevention Program.  
     
    She holds a degree in Health Science from the University of North Florida.  
     
    Sue enjoys spending time with her husband Jerry, their daughter Zoey, and their two dogs. A person of deep faith, she also enjoys travel, outdoor activities, and community service. 


    YMCA of Greater Charlotte


    The YMCA is one of the nation’s leading nonprofits, strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living, and social impact. The YMCA of Greater Charlotte—comprised of 14 membership centers, three program centers, and two overnight camps—nurtures the potential of children and teens, improves health and well-being, and inspires action to support neighbors. Deeply rooted in the Charlotte region for more than 150 years, the Y is building a stronger future by enhancing community well-being, equipping youth as the next generation of changemakers, empowering its people while advancing unity and innovation, and strengthening the resources that sustain its mission. Guided by a vision of thriving, empowered, and connected communities, the YMCA of Greater Charlotte is a proud recipient of a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator. ymcacharlotte.org

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    49 min
  • Zoran Krneta - General Manager of Charlotte FC
    Zoran Krneta
    General Manager of Charlotte FC

    Zoran Krneta was named General Manager of Charlotte Football Club in December 2019. He founded the global sports agency, Star Sports & Entertainment, in 2005 and has identified and brokered contracts for more than 150 soccer players across the globe. Krneta, who has been with the Club since its inception, oversees the Crown’s sporting department which has registered three consecutive Audi MLS Cup Playoff appearances.


    Charlotte FC

    Charlotte Football Club is the Major League Soccer Club in the Carolinas. The Club’s mission is to be a unifying force that is bigger than one city and encourage a sense of belonging through a progressive, collective, and ambitious approach that guides efforts on and off the pitch. CLTFC is committed to driving growth through the sport and community outreach. Charlotte FC is owned by David Tepper and is a part of Tepper Sports & Entertainment, which also includes Bank of America Stadium and the Carolina Panthers. For more information, visit CharlotteFootballClub.com.

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    52 min
  • Shelly Cayette-Weston - President of Business Operations of Hornets Sports & Entertainment (HSE)
    Shelly Cayette-Weston
    President of Business Operations of Hornets Sports & Entertainment

    Shelly Cayette-Weston is in her second season as the President of Business Operations for the NBA's Hornets Sports & Entertainment (HSE). In this role, she oversees the day-to-day business operations for all HSE properties, including the Charlotte Hornets, Greensboro Swarm, and the newly renovated Spectrum Center that hosts over 125 annual events. She brings nearly two decades of impactful, relationship-driven leadership in sports and entertainment, with a reputation for setting vision, building trust, and driving sustainable growth.

    Prior to joining HSE, Cayette-Weston was Executive Vice President & Chief Commercial Officer of the Cleveland Cavaliers, where she made history as the first Black woman to hold the CCO title for an NBA franchise. During her 12 year tenure with the Cavaliers, she was responsible for global partnerships, ticketing, premium hospitality, client experience, and commercial innovation acrong the Cavaliers, Lake Erie Monsters (AHL), Cleveland Charge (NBA G League), and Cavs Legion GC (NBA 2K League).

    Under her leadership, the Cavaliers became one of the NBA's top-performing revenue franchises over the past decade. She led transformative initiatives including the launch of a dedicated client engagement team, securing jersey patch partnerships, major arena renovations, development of a new practice facility, international business strategy, and the expansion of youth sports outreach-creating lasting impact for the organization, its partners. and the broader community. A committed civic leader, Cayette-Weston served on multiple boards, including Cuyahoga Community College, College Now, the Commission on Economic Inclusion, and the American Heart Association.

    She began her NBA career with the New Orleans Hornets, working across marketing. community investment, and corporate partnerships, and started her professional career at Caesars Entertainment in database marketing and advertising.Cayette-Weston earned a Bachelor's degree from Tulane University, where she competed on the women's varsity basketball team. In 2024, she was inducted into the Tulane Athletics Hall of Fame and received the Don and Lora Peters Career Achievement Award. She was also named Crain's Cleveland Business Forty Under 40(2019), Sports Business Journal Forty Under 40(2021), and Sports Business Journal Game Changer (2019).

    A native of New Orleans, Louisiana, Shelly and her husband, Aron, are the proud parents of two daughters, Ivy Grace and Averie Marie.

    Hornets Sports & Entertainment

    Hornets Sports & Entertainment (HSE) owns the Charlotte Hornets and the Greensboro Swarm (NBA G League), and operates Spectrum Center, the premier destination for sports and entertainment in the Carolinas. Charlotte’s first professional sports team, the Hornets joined the NBA in 1988 and are a member of the Eastern Conference’s Southeast Division. HSE is committed to positively impacting the Carolinas through community programming and the Charlotte Hornets Foundation.

    Spectrum Center is celebrating its 20th anniversary and reopened following a two-phased renovation as a fully transformed world-class arena in the heart of Uptown Charlotte. Through the years, Spectrum Center has hosted nearly 2,500 events and has welcomed more than 24 million guests. Directly across from Spectrum Center, the state-of-the-art Novant Health Performance Center is being built to enhance player development and foster a culture of...

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    45 min
  • Bill Alessi - CEO of Alpha Modus Holdings, Inc.
    Bill Alessi
    CEO Alpha Modus Holdings, Inc.

    As the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Alpha Modus Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: AMOD), I have dedicated my career to pioneering data-driven technologies that enhance the consumer retail experience. In 2014, I established Alpha Modus, serving as its initial seed investor and driving its strategic vision. Our innovations quickly gained industry recognition, with Alpha Modus being named an IBM Beacon Award Winner in 2016 for our excellence in AI-powered solutions. Further solidifying our place in the tech industry, IBM recognized Alpha Modus as its "Born on The Cloud - Start-Up of the Century," a testament to our transformative impact on the retail and financial sectors. My entrepreneurial journey began with a focus on real estate, small-cap equities, and technology markets. Notably, my leadership played a pivotal role in the operations of Andover Brokerage, a firm that was instrumental in pioneering the electronic day trading era. At Alpha Modus, we are committed to being at 
    the forefront of AI-driven innovation, revolutionizing the way consumers interact with brands at the point of sale while striving to deliver measurable ROI for retailers and brands. Our transition to a publicly traded entity has unlocked new opportunities for growth, investment, and expansion into emerging retail technologies. Key Achievements: Founded Alpha Modus in 2014, leading its growth into a Nasdaq-listed company. IBM Beacon Award Winner (2016), recognizing Alpha Modus’ excellence in AI-powered solutions. Recognized by IBM as the "Start-Up of the Century," highlighting Alpha Modus’ transformative impact. Played a critical role in the operations of Andover Brokerage, a pioneer in electronic day trading. Guided Alpha Modus through a successful SPAC merger, positioning the company for sustained growth. Connect with Me: I am always interested in discussing innovative technologies, AI-driven retail solutions, and investment opportunities. Feel free to connect or reach out to me directly.

    AlphaModus

    Alpha Modus’ patented closed-loop retail AI framework: Sense → Decide → Deliver → 
    Attribute connects in-store shopper behavior, digital activation, and transaction 
    outcomes. This framework enables brands and retailers to understand what works, 
    where, and why, while moving beyond static merchandising and disconnected retail 
    media toward a more responsive operating model. Through an operating subsidiary, 
    Alpha Modus Financial Services, the company is actively deploying Alpha Cash, a 
    transaction-enablement and distribution layer delivered through physical kiosks and a 
    companion mobile application. Alpha Cash embeds everyday financial services directly 
    into retail locations where consumers already shop and manage household spending, 
    while extending continuity between in-person and digital financial activity without 
    reliance on traditional banking relationships. By identifying consumer behavior and 
    product interaction in real-time, businesses can curate tailored marketing solutions that 
    cater to the specific and immediate needs of a shopper, at the key moment they ponder 
    whether or not to make a purchase. 

    Website: http://alphamodus.com/
    Phone: (704) 252-5050
    Industry: Data Infrastructure and Analytics 
    Company size: 11-50 employees 
    Founded: 2014 
    Specialties: Predictive Data Analytics, Big Data, Unstructured Data, machine learning, 
    predictive analytics, AI, Artificial Intelligence, Retail Technology, Digital media, In-Store Experience, Planogram, Inventory control, Consumer data, AI patent, and 
    technology patent 

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    39 min

About CEOs You Should Know - Charlotte

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CEOs You Should Know, is a monthly podcast that spotlights CEOs from area businesses and introduces you to the person behind the success of these businesses in our communities.