Chatter with BNC

Welcome to the Chatter with BNC weekly podcast. Business North Carolina Magazine staffers talk with some of the Tar Heel State's most interesting people.   On today’s episode, Chris Platé describes his work as president of the N.C. Economic Development Association, a Raleigh-based trade group with more than 800 members. Plate has led the Monroe-Union County Economic Development Commission since 2000, a period in which the area adjacent to Charlotte has experienced explosive growth. North Carolina needs more industrial sites ready to house new corporate entrants because so many existing sites have been filled in recent years, Plate notes.

Welcome to Business North Carolina's weekly podcast, serving up interviews with some of the Tar Heel State's most interesting people. On today’s episode, Ben Kinney speaks with Zeb Hadley, the President & CEO of National Coatings. Hadley takes us behind the scenes and talks to us about their journey from a door-to-door pressure washing service to building a coatings service with a nationwide footprint. He also talks about navigating the supply chain challenges, their efforts to engage new and current employees through inflation and workforce shortage, and more.

Welcome to Business North Carolina's weekly podcast, serving up interviews with some of the Tar Heel State's most interesting people. On today’s episode, David Mildenberg speaks with Nikita Zhitov, a partner in Raleigh's CityPlat commercial real estate firm. Zhitov describes making his first real estate deal at age 18 while attending high school and acquiring more than 100 buildings without taking on bank debt. The Russian immigrant was crushed by the recession of 2007-09, but has rebuilt his real estate career as the Triangle market has grown rapidly in recent years.

Welcome to Chatter with BNC, Business North Carolina's weekly podcast, serving up interviews with some of the Tar Heel State's most interesting people.

On today’s episode, we have Eric Grindley, CEO and founder of Esquire Advertising, an advertising technology company in Durham. Grindley, who is included in Business North Carolina's 2022 Power List, and Jennings Cool Roddey discuss how ad tech helps companies advertise by leveraging data for more effective digital advertising along with traditional advertising. Grindley talks about his company's journey and growth over the years, among other things.

Welcome to Business North Carolina's weekly podcast, serving up interviews with some of the Tar Heel State's most interesting people.

On today’s episode, Ben Kinney speaks with Adam Currie, the Chief Banking Officer at First Bank. Ben and Adam talk about Adam's career journey from an intern at a bank to the Chief Banking Officer, about First Bank's footprint and their commitment to our communty, and more.

Welcome to Business North Carolina's weekly podcast, serving up interviews with some of the Tar Heel State's most interesting people.

On today’s episode, Colin Campbell speaks with Sen. Kevin Corbin, a Republican from Macon County who represents the western corner of the state. He explains why he was among the first Republican senators to embrace Medicaid expansion, what it would mean for his rural district, and why he’s optimistic that the House will join the Senate in the major policy shift.

Today we’re discussing the important legacy of historically Black colleges and universities – or HBCUs – and their impact on our state’s economy and business community. We’re joined by Lori Jones Gibbs, who leads Community Development Banking for the Carolinas at PNC. Lori was instrumental in launching the PNC North Carolina HBCU Initiative earlier this year and will share some information about that effort.

Welcome to Business North Carolina's weekly podcast, serving up interviews with some of the Tar Heel State's most interesting people.   On today’s episode, Jennings Cool speaks with Tyler Donaldson from French Broad Adventures about the family-run company, the various adventures the raft trip outfitter offers, Donaldson's background and role with the company, and more.

Welcome to Business North Carolina's weekly podcast, serving up interviews with some of the Tar Heel State's most interesting people.   On today’s episode, Ben Kinney speaks with Franny Tacy, the Owner & CEO of Franny's Farmacy, a woman owned health and wellness company. They talk about the birth and growth of her company and her involvement in the evolution of the hemp industry in NC, among other things.

Welcome to Business North Carolina's weekly podcast, serving up interviews with some of the Tar Heel State's most interesting people.   On today’s episode, Dave Mildenberg speaks with Art and Abe VanWingerden, co-CEOs of Metrolina Greenhouses, a Huntersville-based company that celebrated its 50th anniversary in April. The $300 million-revenue family business supplies live goods to 1,400 retail outlets in 19 states. The brothers talk about their family business' steady growth, the difference between "diggers" and "decorators," and why increased  demand for plants is a long-term trend.