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This week on Gaston's Great, we sit down with John Forgan, who shares his incredible journey from the steel and foundries of Cleveland to the textiles, farms, and chicken coops of Gaston County. 🏭➡️🐓

John reflects on what it was like stepping into a whole new culture, learning an entirely different kind of business portfolio, and discovering that success comes down to one thing: adapting to change. His story is about resilience, community, and finding your place in a new world. 🌟

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In this episode of Gaston's Great, we sit down with Sandi McCarter, a Financial Advisor with Edward Jones who found her true calling right here in Gaston County. Sandi opens up about her unique career journey — from starting out in social work to realizing her passion for helping people could be fulfilled through financial advising.

She shares how her background in business ownership and her natural empathy for people shaped her approach to financial planning, and why earning her CFP® certification was such a pivotal milestone. Sandi also talks about what it means to serve her clients on a personal level, why she loves her work, and how she contributes to the local community.

Tune in to hear how Sandi is empowering families and individuals in Gaston County to build financial confidence and plan for the future.

Learn more about Sandi and her passion at the website link here.

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🔊 Thank you for listening to Gaston's Great! If you enjoyed this episode, please consider subscribing, leaving a review, and sharing it with your friends. Your support helps us reach more listeners and continue bringing you great content!

💬 Join the Conversation: Follow us on Facebook & Instagram to stay updated on the latest episodes and behind-the-scenes content. We’d love to hear your thoughts and feedback!

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📅 Stay Tuned: Don’t miss our next episode! We release new episodes every Thursday, so be sure to subscribe and stay connected.

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In this week’s episode of Gaston's Great, we’re honored to welcome Jimmy McCallister—a man whose story begins in West Virginia and unfolds into a legacy of faith-driven leadership in Belmont and Gastonia, NC.

Jimmy takes us through his upbringing, the path that brought him to North Carolina, and the values that have shaped his service in the community. Whether through his career, ministry, or everyday connections, Jimmy has impacted countless lives—and his story is one of resilience, humility, and purpose.

Don’t miss this heartfelt conversation that highlights what it truly means to live a life of meaning and make a difference right where you are.

Learn more about Jimmy McCallister and his work at his website below:

Click Here!

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🔊 Thank you for listening to Gaston's Great! If you enjoyed this episode, please consider subscribing, leaving a review, and sharing it with your friends. Your support helps us reach more listeners and continue bringing you great content!

💬 Join the Conversation: Follow us on Facebook & Instagram to stay updated on the latest episodes and behind-the-scenes content. We’d love to hear your thoughts and feedback!

📧 Get in Touch: Have a question, suggestion, or just want to say hi? Email us at [email protected]. We’d love to hear from you!

📅 Stay Tuned: Don’t miss our next episode! We release new episodes every Thursday, so be sure to subscribe and stay connected.

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In this powerful episode of Gaston's Great, we sit down with Danielle Webb, CEO & Co-Founder of Displaced Roses, whose journey from surviving homelessness to leading a transformative outreach ministry is nothing short of inspiring. 🌹

Displaced Roses meets unhoused neighbors where they are—offering hot meals, hygiene services, case management, and even final respects for those who pass without family. What began as a personal mission is now a vital lifeline in Gaston County.

Tune in to hear how Danielle is building bridges, restoring dignity, and proving that a single rose can bloom even in the harshest soil. 💪💜

Please check out their social links as well as their website to learn more about their mission, as well as any way you can get involved!

Instagram

Facebook

Website

🔊 Thank you for listening to Gaston's Great! If you enjoyed this episode, please consider subscribing, leaving a review, and sharing it with your friends. Your support helps us reach more listeners and continue bringing you great content!

💬 Join the Conversation: Follow us on Facebook & Instagram to stay updated on the latest episodes and behind-the-scenes content. We’d love to hear your thoughts and feedback!

📧 Get in Touch: Have a question, suggestion, or just want to say hi? Email us at [email protected]. We’d love to hear from you!

📅 Stay Tuned: Don’t miss our next episode! We release new episodes every Thursday, so be sure to subscribe and stay connected.

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This week on Gaston’s Great, Steven sits down with longtime friend and local business leader Mike Sumner, CEO of The Sumner Group! 🌟 With nearly 40 years in business and a passion for community, Mike shares his journey in marketing, his time leading the Chamber of Commerce, and what continues to drive his creative vision in Gaston County. 💼🎉 

👉 Learn more about The Sumner Group and connect with them here:
🌐 https://www.sumnergroup.com/

SOCIALS:

Instagram: Click here

🔊 Thank you for listening to Gaston's Great! If you enjoyed this episode, please consider subscribing, leaving a review, and sharing it with your friends. Your support helps us reach more listeners and continue bringing you great content!

💬 Join the Conversation: Follow us on Facebook & Instagram to stay updated on the latest episodes and behind-the-scenes content. We’d love to hear your thoughts and feedback!

📧 Get in Touch: Have a question, suggestion, or just want to say hi? Email us at [email protected]. We’d love to hear from you!

📅 Stay Tuned: Don’t miss our next episode! We release new episodes every Thursday, so be sure to subscribe and stay connected.

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This week on Gaston’s Great, Steven Long chats with hometown hero Jennifer Thomas—Market President of South State Bank and full-on Gaston County superfan! 🎉 Jen’s journey takes us from Ashbrook High to Gaston College to Belmont Abbey, and now she’s making major moves in local banking. 💼✨ Hear how her Gaston roots shaped her path, why she’s passionate about people, and how she’s helping our community grow one relationship at a time. You don’t want to miss this feel-good convo with someone who truly gets Gaston! 💙🙌 #GastonsGreat #HometownVibes #GastonGrown #BankingWithHeart 

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👉 Learn more about South State Bank and connect with them here:
🌐 http://southstatebank.com/global/location-detail/503/519-s-new-hope-rd

🔊 Thank you for listening to Gaston's Great! If you enjoyed this episode, please consider subscribing, leaving a review, and sharing it with your friends. Your support helps us reach more listeners and continue bringing you great content!

💬 Join the Conversation: Follow us on Facebook & Instagram to stay updated on the latest episodes and behind-the-scenes content. We’d love to hear your thoughts and feedback!

📧 Get in Touch: Have a question, suggestion, or just want to say hi? Email us at [email protected]. We’d love to hear from you!

📅 Stay Tuned: Don’t miss our next episode! We release new episodes every Thursday, so be sure to subscribe and stay connected.

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This 4th of July, Gaston’s Great is lighting up the airwaves with something truly patriotic. Steven brings the Declaration of Independence to life in a powerful reading of the document that sparked a revolution and forever changed history. Celebrate freedom, courage, and the American spirit—tune in while the grills are sizzling and the fireworks are flying! 🎆🗽 

#IndependenceDay #4thOfJuly #DeclarationOfIndependence #Freedom #AmericanHistory #Patriotism #GastonsGreat #StevenReadsHistory

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🔊 Thank you for listening to Gaston's Great! If you enjoyed this episode, please consider subscribing, leaving a review, and sharing it with your friends. Your support helps us reach more listeners and continue bringing you great content!

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📧 Get in Touch: Have a question, suggestion, or just want to say hi? Email us at [email protected]. We’d love to hear from you!

📅 Stay Tuned: Don’t miss our next episode! We release new episodes every Thursday, so be sure to subscribe and stay connected.

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 In this special Independence Day episode of Gaston's Great, we're celebrating the spirit of freedom and patriotism with a reading of the Declaration of Independence by our very own Steven. Join us as we take a journey back to 1776, honoring the courageous visionaries who laid the foundation for the United States of America. 

Tune in, share with friends and family, and let's celebrate the birth of our nation together! Don't miss out on this inspiring tribute to America's founding document.

#IndependenceDay #4thOfJuly #DeclarationOfIndependence #Freedom #AmericanHistory #Patriotism #GastonsGreat #StevenReadsHistory

🔊 Thank you for listening to Gaston's Great! If you enjoyed this episode, please consider subscribing, leaving a review, and sharing it with your friends. Your support helps us reach more listeners and continue bringing you great content!

💬 Join the Conversation: Follow us on Facebook & Instagram to stay updated on the latest episodes and behind-the-scenes content. We’d love to hear your thoughts and feedback!

📧 Get in Touch: Have a question, suggestion, or just want to say hi? Email us at [email protected]. We’d love to hear from you!

📅 Stay Tuned: Don’t miss our next episode! We release new episodes every Thursday, so be sure to subscribe and stay connected.

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This week on Gaston’s Great, we’re joined by Greg Dills—CEO of Page Power Systems, co-president of the Rotary Club, and one of Gaston County’s most respected leaders. But before all that? He was just Steven’s elementary school friend. 💼 Tune in as they talk about Greg’s journey in business, leadership, and community service, plus a few laughs and memories from growing up together in Gastonia. It’s a powerful mix of friendship, impact, and local pride you won’t want to miss!

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👉Learn more about Page Power Systems here:
🌐https://www.pagepowersystems.com/

🔊 Thank you for listening to Gaston's Great! If you enjoyed this episode, please consider subscribing, leaving a review, and sharing it with your friends. Your support helps us reach more listeners and continue bringing you great content!

💬 Join the Conversation: Follow us on Facebook & Instagram to stay updated on the latest episodes and behind-the-scenes content. We’d love to hear your thoughts and feedback!

📧 Get in Touch: Have a question, suggestion, or just want to say hi? Email us at [email protected]. We’d love to hear from you!

📅 Stay Tuned: Don’t miss our next episode! We release new episodes every Thursday, so be sure to subscribe and stay connected.

🔊 Thank you for listening to Gaston's Great! If you enjoyed this episode, please consider subscribing, leaving a review, and sharing it with your friends. Your support helps us reach more listeners and continue bringing you great content!

💬 Join the Conversation: Follow us on Facebook & Instagram to stay updated on the latest episodes and behind-the-scenes content. We’d love to hear your thoughts and feedback!

📧 Get in Touch: Have a question, suggestion, or just want to say hi? Email us at [email protected]. We’d love to hear from you!

📅 Stay Tuned: Don’t miss our next episode! We release new episodes every Thursday, so be sure to subscribe and stay connected.

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On this episode of Gaston's Great, we sit down with Steve D'Avria, Senior Vice President of the Gaston Business Association. From his early days at the Gaston County YMCA to leading initiatives in operations, communications, and downtown development, Steve shares his passion for strengthening our local business community.

We dive into the evolution of downtown Gastonia, the importance of strategic partnerships, and what’s next for business growth across the region. As a bonus, Steve brings along a sweet treat from Downstairs Ice Cream—a new local shop that just opened on February 13th, 2025—for a quick taste test with Steven and Rachel!

He closes the episode with a quote worth pondering:
 “Preach the gospel, use words if need be.”

Tune in for a thoughtful conversation on leadership, community, and the future of Gaston County.

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👉 Learn more about The Gaston Business Association and connect with them here:
🌐 https://www.gastonbusiness.com/

📱SOCIALS:

https://www.facebook.com/gaston.business/

https://www.instagram.com/gastonbusinessassociation/

🔊 Thank you for listening to Gaston's Great! If you enjoyed this episode, please consider subscribing, leaving a review, and sharing it with your friends. Your support helps us reach more listeners and continue bringing you great content!

💬 Join the Conversation: Follow us on Facebook & Instagram to stay updated on the latest episodes and behind-the-scenes content. We’d love to hear your thoughts and feedback!

📧 Get in Touch: Have a question, suggestion, or just want to say hi? Email us at [email protected]. We’d love to hear from you!

📅 Stay Tuned: Don’t miss our next episode! We release new episodes every Thursday, so be sure to subscribe and stay connected.

🔊 Thank you for listening to Gaston's Great! If you enjoyed this episode, please consider subscribing, leaving a review, and sharing it with your friends. Your support helps us reach more listeners and continue bringing you great content!

💬 Join the Conversation: Follow us on Facebook & Instagram to stay updated on the latest episodes and behind-the-scenes content. We’d love to hear your thoughts and feedback!

📧 Get in Touch: Have a question, suggestion, or just want to say hi? Email us at [email protected]. We’d love to hear from you!

📅 Stay Tuned: Don’t miss our next episode! We release new episodes every Thursday, so be sure to subscribe and stay connected.