What does it look like to build a business where relationships matter more than transactions?

In this week's episode of Mill Talk, host Kathleen Prokesch sits down with Chuck and Martha Uhlir, founders of The Health Insurance Shoppe and the sponsors of Mill Talk, for a conversation about entrepreneurship, trust, community, and the business they have built together.

Chuck and Martha founded The Health Insurance Shoppe in 2011 after years of experience in the insurance industry. Having worked as captive agents, they recognized a limitation: no single insurance company or plan could meet the needs of every client. They wanted the freedom to work with multiple carriers and help people find coverage based on their individual circumstances rather than trying to fit everyone into the same solution.

What began in a small office on Battleground Avenue eventually found a new home at Revolution Mill in 2016. Since then, the agency has expanded multiple times and grown to a team of independent brokers serving clients primarily in Medicare and individual health insurance.

But for Chuck and Martha, the story is about much more than insurance.

They share how relationships, accessibility, education, and personal service became foundational principles of the agency. From keeping the doors open for clients who simply need someone to answer a question to developing friendships that have lasted for decades, their goal has always been to make people feel cared for rather than processed.

The conversation also explores their connection to Revolution Mill, why they knew almost immediately that the historic property was where their business belonged, and what it has meant to build their company inside a community with such deep ties to Greensboro’s history.

In this episode:

• How Chuck and Martha met through the insurance industry
• Why they left the captive-agent model and started their own agency
• The story behind the name The Health Insurance Shoppe
• Why Medicare and individual health insurance require personalized guidance
• How the Affordable Care Act influenced the direction of their business
• The agency’s early days in a tiny Battleground Avenue office
• How a Chamber of Commerce event introduced them to Revolution Mill
• Why they immediately knew The Mill was the right home
• Growing and expanding the agency at Revolution Mill
• Why referrals have become such an important part of their business
• Building lifelong relationships with clients
• Why the right health insurance solution can be different even for two people in the same household
• The value of having experienced professionals available when insurance becomes confusing
• How a team of agents can collaborate to solve difficult client situations
• Chuck and Martha’s plans to travel and enjoy the next chapter of the life they have built together

At the heart of their story is a simple philosophy: take care of people, do what is right for the client, and build relationships that last.

About The Health Insurance Shoppe

Founded in 2011 by Chuck and Martha Uhlir, The Health Insurance Shoppe helps individuals, families, and Medicare beneficiaries understand their health insurance options and select coverage based on their individual needs.

The agency moved to Revolution Mill in 2016 and has continued to grow its team and presence within the Greensboro community.

About Mill Talk

Mill Talk is a podcast about the people, stories, and connections that make Revolution Mill one of Greensboro’s most inspiring communities. Hosted by Kathleen Prokesch, each episode introduces listeners to the entrepreneurs, artists, business owners, neighbors, and dreamers helping bring Revolution Mill to life.

Mill Talk is proudly brought to you by The Health Insurance Shoppe, helping individuals, families, and retirees navigate health insurance with clarity and peace of mind.

What happens when a personal journey toward healing becomes a calling to help others?

In this week's episode of Mill Talk, host Kathleen Prokesch sits down with Lou Chavis, founder of Peace of Her by Lou, a woman-owned, Black-owned juice bar and café located inside Revolution Mill.

Lou shares the deeply personal story behind the business, including her own transformation beginning in 2015 when she gave up alcohol, cigarettes, drugs, and meat, began detoxing, and started learning how nutrition, juices, smoothies, herbs, and healthy routines could support the body.

During the COVID era, that personal commitment to wellness became something she began sharing with others. Lou and her daughter started delivering ginger shots, sea moss, herbal teas, and healthy food options throughout the community. What began as a passion project eventually grew into a business and, ultimately, a physical home at Revolution Mill.

Lou also opens up about the role faith has played throughout the journey, the encouragement she received from Revolution Mill General Manager Nick Piornek, the influence of her grandmother, and the enormous role her daughter has played as both supporter and creative partner.

Today, Peace of Her by Lou is much more than a place to grab a smoothie or salad. Lou intentionally created a space where people can slow down, nourish themselves, feel welcomed, and experience peace.

In this episode:

• Lou’s personal journey from addiction and unhealthy habits to wellness
• Why she believes food can be part of healing
• How COVID helped turn a passion for nutrition into a growing business
• The leap from working out of her home to opening at Revolution Mill
• The encouragement that gave Lou confidence to pursue entrepreneurship
• The role Lou’s daughter plays in the business and menu development
• How Lou’s grandmother influenced the faith and vision behind the brand
• The story behind the name Peace of Her by Lou
• Why Lou intentionally shares her space with other local vendors
• What it means to build a Black woman-owned business in a historic Greensboro mill
• Why hospitality, peace, wellness, and community are all part of the same mission
• What’s next with Lou’s Kitchen Corner and her growing wellness platform

Whether you are interested in entrepreneurship, wellness, faith, nutrition, or simply love stories about people pursuing their purpose, this episode offers an inspiring look at how one woman transformed her own life and began helping others do the same.

About Peace of Her by Lou

Peace of Her by Lou is a wellness-focused juice bar and café at Revolution Mill offering smoothies, juices, bowls, salads, sea moss, healthy meals, and other nourishing options in a relaxed, welcoming environment.

The business is rooted in Lou’s belief that wellness should be a lifestyle and that food, faith, community, and intentional living can work together to help people feel better physically, mentally, and spiritually.

Follow Peace of Her by Lou on Instagram and Facebook: @peaceofherbylou

About Mill Talk

Mill Talk is a podcast about the people, stories, and connections that make Revolution Mill one of Greensboro’s most inspiring communities. Hosted by Kathleen Prokesch, each episode introduces listeners to the entrepreneurs, artists, business owners, neighbors, and dreamers helping bring Revolution Mill to life.

Mill Talk is proudly brought to you by The Health Insurance Shoppe, helping individuals, families, and retirees navigate health insurance with clarity and peace of mind.

What happens when spiritual health and civic health begin to reconnect?

In Episode 8 of Mill Talk, host Kathleen Prokesch sits down with Elizabeth Irwin, Executive Director of Kinward Center, formerly known as Second Breath, whose offices are located at Revolution Mill.

Founded in 1992 as the Servant Leadership School of Greensboro, the organization has spent more than three decades helping people explore meaning, purpose, relationships, and their role within the larger community. Today, Kinward describes itself as a spiritual education center focused on civic health—creating spaces where people can move beyond isolation, polarization, and disconnection toward deeper relationships and meaningful participation in community life.

Elizabeth shares the story behind Kinward’s recent rebrand, including how the name reflects ideas of kinship, inward reflection, outward action, and beloved community. She also explains why Revolution Mill became the right home for the organization and how the history and openness of the space support Kinward’s mission of welcoming people of all faiths and no faith.

The conversation also explores one of the defining challenges of modern life: we have more ways to communicate than ever before, yet many people feel increasingly lonely and disconnected. Elizabeth discusses how Kinward’s programs create opportunities to slow down, listen, reflect, build relationships, and rediscover the value of genuine human connection.

In this episode:

• The history of Kinward and its roots in Greensboro’s Servant Leadership School
• Why civic health and spiritual health are deeply connected
• The story behind the transition from Second Breath to Kinward
• What the name Kinward means
• Why Revolution Mill became the organization’s new home
• Creating welcoming spiritual spaces outside traditional religious settings
• The challenge of loneliness, polarization, and digital disconnection
• Kinward’s Rooted Wisdom experiential learning community
• Morning reflection practices and Unplugged Tuesdays
• Programs focused on the Enneagram, movement, music, relationships, creativity, and reflection
• Why cost should never prevent someone from participating
• The importance of being willing to see—and be seen by—other people

Whether you’re navigating transition, searching for deeper connection, exploring your own spiritual life, or simply wondering how to become more meaningfully engaged with the people around you, this conversation offers a thoughtful invitation to reconnect.

About Kinward Center

Kinward is a spiritual education center in Greensboro, North Carolina, focused on strengthening civic health through spiritual growth, meaningful relationships, reflection, and community engagement.

Its offerings include Rooted Wisdom, morning practices, Unplugged Tuesdays, Enneagram programs, relationship workshops, creative practices, movement, music, and other experiences designed to help people reconnect with themselves and one another.

Learn more: kinwardcenter.org

About Mill Talk

Mill Talk is a podcast about the people, stories, and connections that make Revolution Mill one of Greensboro’s most inspiring communities. Hosted by Kathleen Prokesch, each episode introduces listeners to the entrepreneurs, artists, business owners, neighbors, and dreamers helping bring Revolution Mill to life.

Mill Talk is proudly brought to you by The Health Insurance Shoppe, helping individuals, families, and retirees navigate health insurance with clarity and peace of mind.

What does it take to leave an established career, start from scratch, and build a construction company of your own?

In Episode 7 of Mill Talk, host Kathleen Prokesch sits down with Mike Cook, founder of Cook Contracting, whose offices are located at Revolution Mill. Mike shares the unexpected path that took him from graduating from UNC-Chapel Hill with a political science degree to managing major construction projects—and eventually launching his own company.

Mike discusses learning the construction business from the field up, moving into pre-construction and sales, and later joining a smaller contractor where he learned to estimate, sell, manage, and complete projects from beginning to end. Those experiences ultimately gave him the confidence to take the entrepreneurial leap and launch Cook Contracting in 2021.

Today, Cook Contracting has developed a strong niche in quick-service restaurant construction, working with brands including Cook Out, Biscuitville, Zaxby’s, Popeyes, Freddy’s, Five Guys, First Watch, and Panera, while also completing commercial upfits, medical projects, light industrial work, and renovations throughout Revolution Mill.

Mike also shares how Biscuitville became one of his first clients, why he chose to build the company without startup debt, and how a conversation with Revolution Mill General Manager Nick Piornek eventually brought Cook Contracting’s offices to the Mill.

In this episode:

• Mike’s unexpected path from political science into construction
• Learning construction from field operations through pre-construction and project management
• The decision to stop talking about entrepreneurship and take the first concrete step
• How Biscuitville helped Cook Contracting get started
• Building a company without taking on startup debt
• Developing a specialty in quick-service restaurant construction
• Why experienced project leadership matters to clients
• Solving a project challenge that saved a client approximately $250,000
• Scaling a construction company while maintaining its culture and quality
• Why trust matters throughout a construction project
• Mike’s outlook for downtown Greensboro, aviation growth, and the future of the Triad

Whether you’re an entrepreneur, commercial property professional, developer, or simply interested in the continued growth of Greensboro, this episode offers a candid look at what it takes to build a company while helping build the community around it.

About Mike Cook

Mike Cook is the founder of Cook Contracting. After more than 15 years in construction, pre-construction, estimating, project management, and business development, Mike founded the company in 2021. Cook Contracting provides hands-on construction management with an emphasis on experienced leadership, competitive pricing, problem-solving, and strong client relationships.

About Mill Talk

Mill Talk is a podcast about the people, stories, and connections that make Revolution Mill one of Greensboro’s most inspiring communities. Hosted by Kathleen Prokesch, each episode introduces listeners to the entrepreneurs, artists, business owners, neighbors, and dreamers helping bring Revolution Mill to life.

Mill Talk is proudly brought to you by The Health Insurance Shoppe, helping individuals, families, and retirees navigate health insurance with clarity and peace of mind.

What happens when an educator with a passion for people decides to open a neighborhood tavern?

In this week's episode of Mill Talk, host Kathleen Prokesch sits down with Amy Pagano, co-owner of Grapes and Grains Tavern, to explore the remarkable story behind one of Revolution Mill's most inviting destinations.

Amy shares how a lifelong dream of business ownership led her from a successful career in education and healthcare administration to creating a modern speakeasy inside one of Greensboro's most historic buildings. Together with co-owner James "Rusty" Collins, she transformed an industrial mill space into a warm, welcoming gathering place known for handcrafted cocktails, boutique wines, live music, and unforgettable hospitality. 

The conversation also highlights the early challenges of opening before the Revolution Mill Social District had fully developed, the importance of creating authentic community, and why customer experience has always mattered more than simply serving drinks.

In this episode:

•  The story behind the name Grapes and Grains
•  Why Amy signed the lease at Revolution Mill the same day she toured the space 
•  Transforming an industrial textile building into a modern speakeasy 
•  Open Mic Tuesdays, jazz nights, live music, and Latin dance evenings 
•  How musicians and friendships are created at Grapes and Grains 
•  Amy's transition from school principal and healthcare executive to entrepreneur 
•  Supporting veterans, mental health initiatives, and local nonprofits 
•  Why hospitality is about making people feel seen, welcomed, and remembered 

Whether you're looking for your next favorite date-night destination, enjoy live music, appreciate great bourbon and wine, or simply love hearing stories of local entrepreneurs, this episode captures the spirit of one of Revolution Mill's most vibrant gathering places.

About Amy Pagano

Amy Pagano is co-owner of Grapes and Grains Tavern at Revolution Mill. Before opening the business, she spent more than twenty years serving as an educator, school administrator, and healthcare executive. Today, she combines that passion for leadership and community to create memorable hospitality experiences for guests throughout the Triad. 

Learn more:  Grapes and Grains Tavern

Learn more about Revolution Mill: Revolution Mill

About Mill Talk

Mill Talk is a podcast about the people, stories, and connections that make Revolution Mill one of Greensboro's most inspiring communities. Hosted by Kathleen Prokesch, each episode introduces listeners to the entrepreneurs, artists, business owners, residents, and community leaders helping shape the future of Revolution Mill.

Mill Talk is proudly brought to you by The Health Insurance Shoppe.

What transforms a brewery into a true community gathering place?

In this week's of Mill Talk, host Kathleen Prokesch welcomes Hannah Feder, Assistant General Manager of Incendiary Brewing Company at Revolution Mill, for a conversation about craft beer, hospitality, and building meaningful relationships one pint at a time.

Hannah shares how a passion for the restaurant industry led her into craft brewing, the mentors who encouraged her along the way, and why no two days in brewery management are ever the same. From "tank to tap," she offers a behind-the-scenes look at the teamwork, timing, and attention to detail required to create an exceptional guest experience. 

The discussion also explores Revolution Mill's growing Social District, the collaborative spirit among neighboring businesses, and why Incendiary has become a favorite gathering place for residents, professionals, families, and visitors alike.

In this episode:

•  Hannah's journey into the craft brewing industry 
•  What happens behind the scenes at a busy brewery 
•  How Incendiary became part of Revolution Mill 
•  Why the Social District benefits every local business 
•  Trivia nights, bluegrass jams, Oktoberfest, and community events 
•  The story behind Incendiary's popular Cloak and Dagger Vienna Lager 
•  The importance of hospitality and creating memorable guest experiences 
•  Why knowing a customer's name can be just as important as pouring a great beer 

Whether you're a craft beer enthusiast, a hospitality professional, or simply looking for your next favorite gathering place in Greensboro, this episode offers an inside look at one of Revolution Mill's most popular destinations.

About Incendiary Brewing Company

Founded by Brandon Branscome and John "Bacon" Bacon, Incendiary Brewing Company began as a homebrewing hobby in 1997 before opening its first taproom in Winston-Salem in 2018. Today, Incendiary serves guests across multiple North Carolina locations while remaining committed to exceptional craft beer and genuine hospitality. 

Learn more: https://www.incendiarybrewing.com/

Learn more about Revolution Mill: Revolution Mill

About Mill Talk

Mill Talk is a podcast about the people, stories, and connections that make Revolution Mill one of Greensboro's most inspiring communities. Hosted by Kathleen Prokesch, each episode introduces listeners to the entrepreneurs, artists, business owners, residents, and community leaders helping shape the future of Revolution Mill.

Mill Talk is proudly brought to you by The Health Insurance Shoppe.

What if every painting was actually a conversation?

In Episode 6 of Mill Talk, host Kathleen Prokesch welcomes acclaimed North Carolina artist Scott Ballard, whose exhibition The Spiritus Series: Beyond the Surface is on display at Revolution Mill from July 15 through October 15.

Scott's vibrant impressionistic landscapes and wildlife paintings invite viewers to look beyond what first meets the eye. In this thoughtful conversation, he explains why every work of art has its own voice, how paintings sometimes "tell him" they're not finished, and why curiosity is one of life's greatest superpowers. 

Scott also reflects on the profound influence of his late mother, who spent years encouraging him to pursue art before he finally embraced his calling. From studying Monet and Van Gogh to developing his own bold, energetic style, Scott shares an inspiring story of perseverance, creativity, and lifelong growth.

In this episode:

•  The inspiration behind The Spiritus Series: Beyond the Surface
•  Why Scott believes every painting is a conversation 
•  How his creative process evolves after the first brushstroke 
•  The influence of Monet, Van Gogh, and the Impressionist masters 
•  Honoring his mother, Peg, through this year's body of work 
•  Finding inspiration in the Blue Ridge Mountains 
•  The value of curiosity, experimentation, and creative risk 
•  What Scott hopes every visitor experiences while viewing his exhibit 

Whether you're an artist, an art lover, or simply someone who appreciates creativity and meaningful conversation, this episode offers an inspiring glimpse into the heart and mind of one of North Carolina's gifted painters.

About Scott Ballard

Scott Ballard is an award-winning North Carolina artist whose impressionistic landscapes, wildlife paintings, and vibrant use of color have earned recognition throughout the Southeast. His work is represented at exhibitions, galleries, and festivals across North Carolina.

Learn more: https://www.scottballardart.com/

Learn more about Revolution Mill:  https://revolutionmillgreensboro.com/

About Mill Talk

Mill Talk is a podcast about the people, stories, and connections that make Revolution Mill one of Greensboro's most inspiring communities. Hosted by Kathleen Prokesch, each episode introduces listeners to the entrepreneurs, artists, business owners, residents, and community leaders helping shape the future of Revolution Mill.

Mill Talk is proudly brought to you by The Health Insurance Shop.

How one family foundation continues to shape Greensboro through education, workforce development, and community investment.

What does it mean to invest not just in buildings, but in people?

In this week's Mill Talk, host Kathleen Prokesch welcomes Susan Schwartz, Executive Director of the Cemala Foundation, for a conversation about philanthropy, community leadership, and the lasting legacy of the Cone family.

Founded in 1986 by Martha and Caesar Cone II, the Cemala Foundation has spent decades investing in initiatives that strengthen Greensboro and Guilford County. Susan shares how a career devoted to civic engagement led her to the foundation, why early childhood development remains one of its highest priorities, and how strategic investments in workforce development continue to benefit the entire region. 

The conversation also explores the deep historical connection between Revolution Mill and the Cone family, the remarkable transformation of the mill into today's thriving mixed-use community, and why preserving a spirit of collaboration remains essential to Greensboro's future.

In this episode:

• The history and mission of the Cemala Foundation
• The Cone family's enduring commitment to Greensboro
• Why early childhood development changes the future of a community
• Building a stronger workforce through education and partnerships
• The foundation's investment in GTCC's aviation program
• Supporting career development through organizations like StepUp Greensboro
• The remarkable redevelopment of Revolution Mill
• Why collaboration is one of Greensboro's greatest strengths

Whether you're passionate about community development, philanthropy, education, or the history of Revolution Mill, this episode offers an inspiring look at the people quietly shaping Greensboro's future.

About Susan Schwartz

Susan Schwartz has served as Executive Director of the Cemala Foundation for more than twenty years, leading investments that strengthen education, workforce development, civic engagement, and quality of life throughout Greensboro and Guilford County.

Learn more about Revolution Mill by visiting https://revolutionmillgreensboro.com/

About Mill Talk

Mill Talk is a podcast about the people, stories, and connections that make Revolution Mill one of Greensboro's most inspiring communities. Hosted by Kathleen Prokesch, each episode introduces listeners to the entrepreneurs, artists, business owners, residents, and community leaders helping shape the future of Revolution Mill.

Mill Talk is proudly brought to you by The Health Insurance Shoppe.

How does a former university instructor become the co-founder of one of North Carolina's most celebrated pizza brands?

In this episode of Mill Talk, Kathleen Prokesch sits down with Adam Aksoy, co-founder of Cugino Forno, to explore the remarkable journey that began with three cousins, a trip to Naples, Italy, and a dream to bring authentic Neapolitan pizza to North Carolina.

Adam shares how months of traveling across the Southeast ultimately led them to Revolution Mill—long before it became the destination it is today. Together they discuss family, hospitality, craftsmanship, community, and the philosophy that has helped Cugino Forno grow from a single restaurant inside the Mill into one of the region's most respected restaurant brands.

The conversation also explores the launch of Solo Taco, why simplicity is often the key to excellence, and how maintaining quality remains the driving force behind every new location.

Whether you're a longtime Cugino Forno fan, an aspiring entrepreneur, or simply love hearing the stories behind successful local businesses, this episode offers an inspiring look inside one of Revolution Mill's greatest success stories.

Featured Guest

Adam Aksoy
Co-Founder
Cugino Forno

About Cugino Forno

Founded by three cousins with a passion for authentic Neapolitan pizza, Cugino Forno opened its first location at Revolution Mill in Greensboro. Known for imported Italian ingredients, handcrafted wood-fired ovens, and a commitment to quality, the company has grown into one of North Carolina's premier artisan pizza brands while remaining true to its original vision of bringing people together around exceptional food.

About Solo Taco

Adam also discusses the inspiration behind Solo Taco, Revolution Mill's newest dining destination. Built around the same philosophy of simple menus, premium ingredients, and authentic preparation, Solo Taco represents the next chapter in the founders' commitment to creating memorable dining experiences.

About Mill Talk

Mill Talk shares the stories behind the people, businesses, artists, entrepreneurs, and visionaries who make Revolution Mill one of North Carolina's most dynamic mixed-use communities.

Hosted by Kathleen Prokesch.

Every great cup of coffee has a story.

In this episode of Mill Talk, Kathleen Prokesch sits down with Mo and Autumn Musa, the husband-and-wife founders of Greenlove Coffee, to share the remarkable journey that transformed personal hardship into one of Revolution Mill's most beloved businesses.

From launching a coffee trailer while raising four young children, to navigating layoffs, embracing faith, and ultimately finding a permanent home inside Revolution Mill, Mo and Autumn discuss the challenges, sacrifices, and unwavering commitment that built Greenlove Coffee from the ground up.

The conversation explores:

• The unexpected events that inspired Greenlove Coffee
• Why Revolution Mill became the perfect home for their business
• Building a company centered around love, community, and faith
• Their unique approach to handcrafted coffee
• The Greensboro coffee community and its culture of collaboration
• Their vision for the future of Greenlove Coffee

If you've ever visited Greenlove Coffee—or simply appreciate hearing the stories behind local entrepreneurs—this episode is sure to inspire.

Featured Guests

Mo and Autumn Musa
Co-Founders, Greenlove Coffee

About Greenlove Coffee

Located inside the historic 1250 Building at Revolution Mill, Greenlove Coffee is a locally owned specialty coffee company serving organic coffee, handcrafted drinks, and genuine hospitality. Every cup reflects the founders' belief that great coffee should bring people together while strengthening the community they love.