What happens when dog training focuses on building relationships rather than just obedience? Mary Siero, founder of K9 Coaching Academy, reveals a fresh approach to helping everyday people with their household pets.

Mary's journey began when she noticed a crucial gap in dog training services. While most facilities focused on competition and performance dogs, many pet owners simply needed help integrating their furry friends into family life. This realization led Mary and her colleagues to establish K9 Coaching Academy, where the focus shifts from rigid obedience to nurturing the human-canine bond through understanding, patience, and tailored training techniques.

The conversation debunks common myths about dog training, particularly the notion that older dogs can't learn new behaviors. Mary shares a touching story about rescuing an eight-year-old dog who had spent his entire life chained outdoors, yet through thoughtful training became a well-adjusted companion. "Dogs live in the present," she explains, offering an insight that applies as much to human psychology as canine behavior. This present-focused approach allows rescued animals to move beyond difficult pasts when provided with consistent love and proper guidance.

Beyond their standard classes, K9 Coaching Academy gives back through extensive community outreach, working with animal shelters to train volunteers and help special needs dogs, including deaf and blind rescues. They've created programs like "Canine Waggers" where therapy dogs visit nursing homes and businesses, and a performance team that entertains at community events. Their commitment extends to education programs in schools, teaching children about responsible pet ownership.

Want to transform your relationship with your dog? Visit K9coachingacademy.com or call 336-925-8817 to discover how understanding your pet's unique needs can create harmony at home. Whether you're adopting a rescue or bringing home a new puppy, proper training makes all the difference in building a lasting bond with your four-legged family member.

Mary Siero 

8151 North Point Blvd Winston-Salem, NC  27105

336-925-8817

https://www.k9coachingacademy.com

What happens when creativity flows across seven different artistic mediums? Meet Sandra Kimzey Wimbish, a versatile artist whose passion transforms spaces large and small through murals, mosaics, and more.

From her home in Clemmons, North Carolina, Sandra has built a creative life that spans public art installations and intimate home pieces. She recently finished projects ranging from a 13-inch garden gazing ball using intricate tile mosaic techniques to community murals in Kansas and Carolina Beach. Whether creating large-scale public art or adding a "splash of something" to a kitchen or bathroom, Sandra's adaptability shines through her work.

"My favorite medium? Whichever one I'm working on right now," she shares with a warmth that reflects her genuine love for the creative process. This flexibility has allowed her to work with diverse clients including homeowners, businesses, churches, and community organizations. Beyond creating art herself, Sandra has dedicated years to teaching both children and adults, helping them discover their own creative voices. "I think one of my passions as an artist is to inspire other people to explore their creativity, whether they think that they aren't creative or whether they think they are," she explains.

What makes Sandra's journey particularly inspiring is her largely self-taught path. While blessed with an encouraging high school art teacher who nurtured her early talents, she's spent her adult life continuously learning through workshops, studying master techniques, and hands-on practice. The result is an artist comfortable with everything from live painting events to collaborative community projects.

Ready to bring some artistic magic into your home or business? Visit sandrawimbush.com to see examples of Sandra's work across different mediums and connect with her about your project ideas – whether you have a specific vision or just know you want something special but aren't sure what.

Sandra Kimzey Wimbish

[email protected]

sandrawimbish.com 

https://www.facebook.com/sandra.wimbish

Marcus Erlandsson embodies the spirit of local service that makes Davie County special. Born and raised in the community with Swedish immigrant parents, Marcus didn't start his career path thinking about insurance. After working in construction while earning his degree, a chance connection through his father-in-law led him to Farm Bureau Insurance, where his natural people skills and sales background have made him a trusted advisor for families throughout the county.

What makes Marcus stand out is his commitment to personal connection in an increasingly digital world. "I'm old school and I like to sit down and meet with families across their kitchen table," he explains, highlighting the importance of face-to-face relationships when helping people protect what matters most. Licensed in five different insurance areas and capable of writing over 20 different types of coverage, Marcus primarily focuses on helping families with auto, home, and life insurance needs.

While Farm Bureau's historical roots began with serving agricultural communities (hence the name), Marcus emphasizes they now protect everyone from young families to established businesses. He takes particular pride in educating new insurance buyers who might otherwise feel overwhelmed by industry jargon and complicated policies. "Insurance can be confusing," Marcus acknowledges, "and they can maybe get taken advantage of by people sometimes. I really like sitting down with them, educating them on the whole process and making sure that they're taken care of from an early stage."

Marcus's passion for his community shines through in everything he does. "I take a lot of pride in being from Davie County. It's given me everything I have," he shares. This deep local connection translates into responsive service and genuine care for his clients' wellbeing. If you're looking for insurance protection from someone who truly understands your community because he lives it every day, reach out to Marcus through his Facebook page, by phone at 336-909-1679, or by email at [email protected].

Markus Erlandsson

336-751-6207

https://www.ncfbins.com/markus.erlandsson

Meet Billy Swofford, a mortgage broker with Edge Home Finance who brings a refreshingly personal touch to the often complex world of home financing. After trading the bright lights of Las Vegas for the charm of Davie County eleven years ago, Billy has built a reputation for exceptional service and unwavering commitment to his clients.

What sets Billy apart isn't just his access to 160 different lenders, but his fascinating journey to the mortgage industry. From his roots growing up on a farm to managing grocery stores, creating wedding cakes as a pastry chef, and working in various other fields, Billy has developed an impressive attention to detail that serves his clients well. This diverse background gives him a unique perspective and the ability to connect with people from all walks of life.

The frustration of being passed between multiple representatives during the mortgage process is something Billy eliminates entirely. He personally stays with clients from application to closing, working alongside just one processor to ensure consistency and clear communication throughout. This approach has proven especially valuable for first-time homebuyers, whom Billy particularly enjoys guiding through unfamiliar territory. There's nothing he finds more rewarding than helping someone who didn't think homeownership was possible make that dream a reality—even if it takes 14 months, as one memorable case did.

Unlike larger operations where business growth often comes at the expense of personal service, Billy intentionally limits his expansion to maintain direct involvement with every client. He's committed to sustainable growth of about 25% more clients each year, but would rather scale back than sacrifice the hands-on approach that defines his practice. This dedication extends to his availability—don't be surprised if you text him on a Sunday and receive an immediate response. Ready to experience mortgage lending with a truly personal touch? Reach out to Billy at [email protected] or 702-336-1326 to discuss your financing needs.

Billy Swofford 

Edge Home Finance 

702-336-1326

[email protected]

https://edgehomefinance.com

When Rob White refers to window coverings as "the jewelry to your home," you immediately understand his passion for transforming spaces through thoughtful design choices. After nine years of military service, graduate school, and corporate experience with Whirlpool, Rob found his true calling when he purchased his Blooming Blinds franchise serving Winston-Salem and Davie County.

What distinguishes this veteran-owned business isn't just Rob's meticulous attention to detail or his iconic pink service van filled with samples from 14 manufacturers. It's his fundamental understanding that home improvement should be frictionless and personal. While most window covering businesses leave customers waiting days for quotes, Rob provides comprehensive pricing before leaving your home. His cutting-edge CRM system enables real-time scheduling and communication, while his hands-on approach ensures consistency from consultation to installation.

Blooming Blinds' origin story mirrors Rob's own values - beginning as a family business where a mother and her three sons built a 20+ year legacy now expanded to over 75 franchises nationwide maintaining an extraordinary 4.9-star average rating. Rob carries this tradition forward, occasionally bringing his own wife and sons on installations while planning thoughtful growth that won't compromise his commitment to exceptional service. For homeowners looking to elevate their spaces with blinds, shades, shutters, or custom drapery, Rob delivers both the product expertise and the personal touch that turns house projects into home transformations.

Ready to update your windows with service that prioritizes your experience from start to finish? Connect with Blooming Blinds of Winston-Salem through their website or by calling Rob directly at 336-446-9092.

Rob White

https://www.bloominblinds.com/winston-salem/

Beauty and medical expertise merge in this enlightening conversation with Dr. Jennifer Bostick, founder of Ageless Beauty Med Spa in Advance, North Carolina. Dr. Bostick reveals how her lifelong passion for aesthetics combined with her medical training created the foundation for a unique med spa where all treatments are performed by licensed physicians.

From her early days doing hair and makeup for friends' special events to completing medical school and an internal medicine residency, Dr. Bostick's path was guided by both science and art. After years of grueling hospital shifts that limited family time with her two young boys, she and her physician husband made the bold move to North Carolina seeking balance and new opportunities. The result? A physician-led med spa that delivers medical-grade treatments with the personal touch that comes from truly understanding both the science and artistry of aesthetics.

Listeners will discover the impressive range of services available, from deep Halo Laser Resurfacing treatments to the surprisingly satisfying HydraFacial that reveals just how much gunk lurks beneath the skin's surface. Dr. Bostick breaks down the optimal frequency for various treatments—from monthly facials to annual laser sessions—and shares why Elastin stands out as their preferred skincare line after testing numerous products. What truly sets this med spa apart, beyond the medical expertise, is the commitment to personalized care through complimentary consultations and flexible scheduling that accommodates busy lives.

Ready to experience physician-led aesthetic treatments? Connect with Ageless Beauty Med Spa through their website at agelessbeautync.com, call 336-268-8673, or follow them on Instagram @agelessbeautync to learn about their current grand opening specials running through April.

Dr. Jennifer Bostick

336-268-8673

https://www.agelessbeautync.com

Roger Blalock shares insights from his 19-year career in property restoration, explaining how water damage often causes costly secondary issues like hidden mold growth. His Mocksville-based company serves the Triad area with comprehensive restoration services from initial damage assessment through complete rebuilds.

• Family background in construction before specializing in restoration services
• Explains mitigation process for water damage including moisture detection and drying
• Works closely with insurance adjusters as an advocate for homeowners
• Provides complete restoration from tear-out to rebuild with 1-5 year warranties
• Holds specialized certifications in structural drying, mold remediation, and trauma cleanup
• Describes extreme cases including foreclosed homes with rainbow-colored mold requiring complete gutting
• Actively involved in community as church youth leader and coach for multiple school sports

For restoration services including water damage, mold remediation, or trauma cleanup, reach Davie Property Restoration at 336-923-4018 or visit daviepropertyrestoration.com.

Davie Property Restoration - Roger Blalock 

Davidson County, NC · Forsyth County, NC · Guilford, NC · Davie County, NC

(336) 923-4018

[email protected]

daviepropertyrestoration.com

A discussion on community connections and local business outreach. Karen Wood shares her journey from real estate to becoming a publisher, emphasizing the importance of targeted local engagement.

• Karen reflects on her background and the transition from real estate to publishing 
• Discussion on the unique approach of Advance Neighbors and direct mailing 
• Importance of combining print with digital strategies for local businesses 

Reach out to learn more about how to connect with your community through local media! 

Advance Neighbors

Karen Wood

Davie County 

[email protected]

Advanceneighbors.com