Chatter with BNC

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, Business North Carolina Managing Editor Kevin Ellis talks with Aaron Slate, Market President for Truist in Asheville. Aaron shares insights on how western North Carolina is rebuilding and recovering one year after Hurricane Helene. From supporting local businesses to strengthening community resilience, Aaron discusses the lessons learned, the role of financial institutions in disaster recovery, and what's next for the region's economic revitalization.

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, Ben Kinney talks to Greg Moores, VP of Strategy and Marketing at Search Solution Group. Greg's career has been defined by guiding organizations through growth, transformation, and brand positioning. With experience in strategy, marketing, and client development, he has helped businesses strengthen partnerships, expand market presence, and achieve measurable success. At Search Solution Group, Greg leverages his expertise to align vision with execution, ensuring clients thrive in competitive industries. His journey reflects a commitment to innovation, collaboration, and driving results, making him a trusted leader in shaping strategic direction and delivering meaningful business impact.

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 Ben Kinney speaks with David Hamilton, Director of Communications for Lenovo North America. David has built a dynamic career in strategic communications, leading brand storytelling and media relations across the tech industry. Before joining Lenovo, he gained extensive experience in public relations and marketing roles that shaped his expertise in messaging and corporate strategy. David holds a degree in journalism and mass communication, a foundation that continues to guide his approach to impactful communication and leadership.

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, Ben Kinney talks with Jeff McIntyre, President of McIntyre Manufacturing Group in Lexington, NC. A second-generation leader in the company founded by his father, Jeff has spent his career learning every facet of design, fabrication, and production. With a strong foundation in both business and engineering, he continues to guide McIntyre Manufacturing by blending tradition with innovation, ensuring the company thrives in today's competitive manufacturing landscape.

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, Ben Kinney speaks with Kevin King, Founder and CEO of Anatra, a North Carolina-based aerospace company pioneering next-generation autonomous cargo aircraft. With a background in scaling global manufacturing and a passion for revitalizing U.S. aerospace, Kevin is leading Anatra's mission to deliver critical supplies to the hardest-to-reach places—across oceans, into disaster zones, and beyond—using secure, scalable, and American-made amphibious UAVs.

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, Ben Kinney speaks with Jeff Wood, Director of Economic Development for Craven County, North Carolina. Originally from Morgantown, West Virginia, Jeff brings over 15 years of experience leading impactful economic projects, from managing a $150 million flood recovery program to securing millions in investments and creating hundreds of jobs across multiple communities. Tune in to hear how he's fostering industrial growth and shaping the county's economic future.

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, Ben Kinney talks with Amy Cubbage, President of North Carolina Partnership for Children, North Carolina's nationally recognized early childhood initiative. With a career dedicated to public policy, nonprofit leadership, and improving outcomes for children and families, Amy has worked across education, healthcare, and government sectors. At Smart Start, she leads efforts to ensure every child in North Carolina has the foundation to succeed in school and in life. Amy shares her insights on early childhood development, community partnerships, and the future of education in shaping stronger communities.

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, Ben Kinney talks with Kyle Touchstone, Director of Raleigh Economic Development. With extensive experience in guiding business growth and talent strategy, Kyle has led economic development efforts in communities across North Carolina and beyond, including leadership roles in Gainesville, Florida, and Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Now in Raleigh, he works to attract new industries, foster public-private partnerships, and position the city as a global hub for innovation. Kyle shares insights on sustainable growth, workforce development, and the strategies shaping the future of Raleigh's economy.

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 speak with Brent Christensen, President & CEO of the Greensboro Chamber of Commerce. Since joining in 2015, Brent has transformed regional economic development—uniting county-wide efforts, attracting billions in investment, and launching initiatives like Launch Greensboro and Action Greensboro. Before this, he led economic development efforts in Mississippi and Florida, consistently earning 5-Star Accreditations for his organizations. Brent also brings strong academic credentials with a Duke University degree and an MBA from the University of South Florida. Tune in to learn how he fosters collaboration, navigates regional growth, and shapes the future of Greensboro.

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Brent Christensen on LinkedIn

Greensboro Chamber of Commerce

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Ben Kinney on LinkedIn

Business North Carolina

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.

Today's episode features BJ Losch. Losch was promoted to president of Live Oak Bancshares and Live Oak Bank in August 2023, after joining as CFO in 2021. He previously spent 12 years at First Horizon Corporation as senior executive vice president and CFO, and held senior roles at First Union and Wachovia. Losch holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from University of Richmond and an MBA from Virginia Commonwealth University.