Join us for an inspiring conversation about the momentum transforming Eastern North Carolina with three leaders at the forefront of the region’s growth: Benton Moss, CEO of Simmons and Harris and host of the Twin County Spotlight podcast; Bob Pike, President & CEO of Carolina’s Gateway Partnership; and Susan Phelps, Economic Development Manager for Nash County.

From downtown revitalizations and workforce housing to megasite development and industrial recruitment, our guests share how collaboration between developers, municipalities, and residents is creating a more connected, competitive, and vibrant region. We discuss the investments attracting both families and businesses, the critical role of infrastructure and workforce development, and the vision for communities where people can live, work, and play.

Whether you’re interested in economic development, commercial real estate, or the future of North Carolina’s growth corridors, this episode offers an inside look at the partnerships and projects shaping the Twin Counties and beyond.

Constructing the Carolinas is brought to you by Barnhill Contracting Company, which has been Constructing the Carolinas since 1949, hosted by Valerie Bono, and produced by Walk West.

Barnhill is HIRING for Professional, Trade, and CDL Opportunities – https://www.barnhillcontracting.com/careers/

Barnhill is HIRING for Professional, Trade, and CDL Opportunities - https://www.barnhillcontracting.com/careers/

Join us as we explore the dynamic world of commercial real estate with Brandt Berry, a Senior Associate at Cushman & Wakefield. Based in Raleigh-Durham, Brandt specializes in the sale of office, industrial, retail, and flex properties across the Triangle region.

In this episode, Brandt shares his journey into commercial real estate and discusses the current trends shaping the market. He emphasizes the critical roles of adaptability and creativity in successfully navigating today's economic landscape.

We'll dive into the nuances of buyer and seller dynamics, explore the increasing popularity of sale-leasebacks, and discuss key considerations for companies planning their next real estate move.

Constructing the Carolinas is brought to you by Barnhill Contracting Company, which has been Constructing the Carolinas since 1949, hosted by Valerie Bono, and produced by Walk West.

Barnhill is HIRING for Professional, Trade, and CDL Opportunities - https://www.barnhillbuilt.com/careers/

Barnhill is HIRING for Professional, Trade, and CDL Opportunities - https://www.barnhillcontracting.com/careers/

Join us for a pivotal episode highlighting a significant leadership transition at Barnhill. After an incredible career that helped shape our operations and culture, we bid a fond farewell to Barry Harden, VP of Operations, as he embarks on a well-deserved retirement. But as one chapter closes, another begins! We’ll introduce and speak with Brad Martin, who’s stepping into Barry’s shoes as the new VP of Operations. This episode not only honors Barry’s remarkable legacy and the profound impact of his mentorship, but also looks forward to the next generation of leadership under Brad. Tune in to hear inspiring stories from Barry’s years at Barnhill and discover Brad’s strategic vision for Barnhill’s continued success!

Barnhill is HIRING for Professional, Trade, and CDL Opportunities - https://www.barnhillcontracting.com/careers/

In this insightful episode, we had the distinct honor of diving into the crucial world of fire safety, emergency response, and disaster preparedness with none other than Chief Brian Taylor, North Carolina State Fire Marshal.

With decades of invaluable experience in the fire service, Chief Taylor has been instrumental in shaping the very regulations that keep our communities safe. He's a driving force behind the support of our local fire departments and the spearheading of training initiatives that equip our first responders for the most demanding situations.

This episode explores several critical areas, including the ongoing challenges of firefighter recruitment and retention, a topic vital to ensuring the continued strength of our emergency services. Chief Taylor also shed light on the groundbreaking development of the North Carolina Emergency Training Center – proudly built by Barnhill - a facility poised to revolutionize how our first responders prepare for the unexpected.

The conversation also delves into the exciting world of fire safety technology and how the latest advancements are directly contributing to saving lives. Beyond immediate fire response, we gained an inside look at the comprehensive strategies North Carolina employs to prepare for and respond to a range of crises, from natural disasters to structural fires and large-scale emergencies.

We also discuss our profound appreciation for the heroes who stand ready to protect us and the tireless work being done behind the scenes to ensure our safety and well-being. It's a conversation that underscores the vital intersection of infrastructure, preparedness, and the unwavering dedication of individuals like Chief Taylor.

Resources & Links:

• Office of State Fire Marshal: https://www.ncosfm.gov/
• NC Emergency Training Center: https://www.ncosfm.gov/nc-emergency-training-center-etc

Constructing the Carolinas is brought to you by Barnhill Contracting Company, which has been Constructing the Carolinas since 1949, hosted by Valerie Bono, and produced by Walk West.

Barnhill is HIRING for Professional, Trade, and CDL Opportunities - https://www.barnhillcontracting.com/careers/

Wake County, experiencing explosive growth over the past decade, and Wendell, a town that has nearly tripled in size in just six years, offer unique perspectives on the challenges and strategies involved in balancing infrastructure, economic development, and community identity

In this episode of Constructing the Carolinas, host Valerie Bono sits down with County Manager of Wake County David Ellis and Town Manager of Wendell Marc Collins, to dive deep into the intricate world of local government growth management.

They’ll discuss:

• The nuances of county and municipal collaboration in managing rapid growth.
• How local leaders balance infrastructure development with preserving community character.
• The importance of strategic planning in navigating explosive expansion.
• The challenges of managing economic development while ensuring sustainable growth.
• Insights into the daily life of a town and county manager.

Resources & Links:

• Wake County Government: wake.gov
• Town of Wendell: townofwendellnc.gov
• Wake County Economic Development: raleigh-wake.org
• Barnhill Contracting Company: barnhillcontracting.com

Constructing the Carolinas is brought to you by Barnhill Contracting Company, which has been Constructing the Carolinas since 1949, hosted by Valerie Bono, and produced by Walk West.

Barnhill is HIRING for Professional, Trade, and CDL Opportunities - https://www.barnhillcontracting.com/careers/

North Carolina’s rural communities are evolving, adapting, and finding new ways to grow. From broadband expansion to small business lending to workforce development, these areas are proving that with the right investment and vision, they can thrive in today’s economy.

In this episode of Constructing the Carolinas, host Valerie Bono sits down with Patrick Woodie, President & CEO of the North Carolina Rural Economic Development Center, to explore the opportunities and challenges facing rural communities today. They discuss:

• How North Carolina’s rural population has shifted over the years and what it means for economic growth
• The biggest factors attracting people to smaller communities post-pandemic
• Why broadband, workforce development, and infrastructure are critical to rural success
• How disaster recovery efforts are rebuilding communities impacted by Hurricane Helene
• The role of community colleges, local businesses, and state policies in strengthening rural economies
• The future of workforce development and why North Carolina needs an Eastern School of Science & Math

If you’re interested in economic development, rural revitalization, or the future of North Carolina’s communities, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

Resources & Links:

• NC Rural Center: ncruralcenter.org
• Barnhill Contracting Company: barnhillcontracting.com
• NC Rural Summit (March 2025): Check back for registration details at ncruralcenter.org

Constructing the Carolinas is brought to you by Barnhill Contracting Company, which has been Constructing the Carolinas since 1949, hosted by Valerie Bono, and produced by Earfluence.

Barnhill is HIRING for Professional, Trade, and CDL Opportunities - https://www.barnhillcontracting.com/careers/

Why are Toyota, HondaJet, and Wolfspeed investing in the Carolina Core? This rapidly evolving corridor between Charlotte and Raleigh is becoming North Carolina’s next big economic engine, attracting advanced manufacturing, cutting-edge technology firms, and world-class educational talent. Mike Fox, President of the Piedmont Triad Partnership and a key leader of the Carolina Core initiative, shares the big-picture view of what’s happening, why it matters, and what’s next for our state’s economy.

In this episode, we explore how regional collaboration, workforce development, and a strong network of universities and community colleges are helping the Carolina Core meet the growing demand for infrastructure, innovation, and inclusive growth. Plus, we discuss how these investments set the stage for future success and long-term prosperity across the region.

Resources:
Piedmont Triad Partnership: https://ptpnc.com
Carolina Core: https://carolina-core.com

Constructing the Carolinas is brought to you by Barnhill Contracting Company, which has been Constructing the Carolinas since 1949, hosted by Valerie Bono, and produced by Earfluence.

Barnhill is HIRING for Professional, Trade, and CDL Opportunities - https://www.barnhillcontracting.com/careers/

Betsy Bailey has been with CarolinasAGC for a decade, and her work has been instrumental in workforce development and supporting a more inclusive and adaptive construction industry.

So how has she done it? And what workforce challenges does she see on the horizon?

Today we discuss attracting new talent, supporting minority-owned businesses, engaging in legislative efforts, embracing new technologies, and more.

Resources:
AGC's Construction Bootcamp: https://www.agc-ca.org/training-education/construction-project-management-bootcamp-part-i-ii-2/
The Construction Business Academy: https://www.cagc.org/academy

Constructing the Carolinas is brought to you by Barnhill Contracting Company, which has been Constructing the Carolinas since 1949, hosted by Valerie Bono, and produced by Earfluence.

Barnhill is HIRING for Professional, Trade, and CDL Opportunities - https://www.barnhillcontracting.com/careers/

ECU Health Foundation drives community focused healthcare development, and it's had a tremendous impact with the university students, the health system, and eastern North Carolina as a whole. 

Today, Chief Philanthropy Officer Scott Senatore joins us to explain the Foundation's mission, and how everyone - businesses and individuals alike - can get involved and make a difference.

Constructing the Carolinas is brought to you by Barnhill Contracting Company, which has been Constructing the Carolinas since 1949, hosted by Valerie Bono, and produced by Earfluence.

Barnhill is HIRING for Professional, Trade, and CDL Opportunities - https://www.barnhillcontracting.com/careers/

SLI Capital has been in the news quite a bit, as it recently acquired controlling interest in green space self storage in a deal with Madison Capital, and it's developing a 1200 unit development by Dix Park. Plus it's developing East End Market, a new restaurant and residential hub by five points in a deal with Atlas Capital.

Even in a down market, SLI is busy, and today, founder and managing partner Bryan Kane tells us all about it.

Bryan brings a unique perspective to the real estate investment arena, emphasizing flexibility and duration in their investment strategy. With a background in several commercial real estate investment firms, Bryan values the ability to be quick and nimble in deals, leveraging partnerships with industry experts and innovative methods to avoid hindering opportunities. 

He acknowledges the current challenges in the disjointed capital markets but sees significant opportunities for those who can navigate them effectively. 

Let's learn how he's impacting our communities and constructing the Carolinas!

Constructing the Carolinas is brought to you by Barnhill Contracting Company, which has been Constructing the Carolinas since 1949, hosted by Valerie Bono, and produced by Earfluence.

Barnhill is HIRING for Professional, Trade, and CDL Opportunities - https://www.barnhillcontracting.com/careers/