@Work Podcast

Adam Rhew is President and CEO of SouthPark Community Partners, an economic and community development nonprofit established in 2022 with a mission to drive the vitality of Charlotte's SouthPark area.

A native Charlottean who was raised in SouthPark, Adam led the creation of the SouthPark Forward 2035 Vision Plan and is shepherding some creative solutions to making SouthPark even more of a great experience.

Adam Rhew is our guest today on The @ Work Podcast.

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Adam Rhew

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Dr. Elizabeth Teagarden on LinkedIn

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Pardon Dexter is owner of Dexter Insurance Associates and a founding member of CAP Insurance Group. Since 1995, Dexter Insurance Associates has specialized in employee benefits and has a combined 140 years of industry experience among the members of the team.

Pardon has built a successful career on the values of integrity, experience, personalized customer service and strong relationships. He is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.

Pardon Dexter is our guest today on The @Work Podcast.

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Pardon Dexter

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Dr. Elizabeth Teagarden on LinkedIn

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Garrett Tichy is the Founder of Hygge Coworking and the co-owner with his wife of Seemingly Overzealous, a non-dairy ice cream store. A strong advocate for small businesses, Tichy is well-known for his natural ability to build diverse and inclusive communities. This once college drop-out turned serial entrepreneur who found success with several ventures is now focused on the joy of running a family business.

Garrett Tichy is our guest today on The @Work Podcast.

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Garrett Tichy

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Dr. Elizabeth Teagarden on LinkedIn

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Spencer Lueders is the President of State Building Services, a seasoned business leader, engineer, attorney, and philanthropist with a strong focus on customer service, operations, and brand development. With more than 20 years of legal experience, he blends business acumen with a people-first approach to deliver strategic solutions and exceptional results.

Beyond his professional career, Spencer is the founder of 24 Foundation, a Charlotte-based nonprofit that has raised millions to support cancer navigation and survivorship. His commitment to integrity, ethics, and community impact shapes everything he does, both personally and professionally.

Spencer Lueders is our guest today on The @Work Podcast.

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Spencer Lueders

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Dr. Elizabeth Teagarden on LinkedIn

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Brooke Adler is the Principal Designer of Brooke Adler Interiors, specializing in high-end residential design across North Carolina and beyond. With expertise in new construction, remodels, and curated room design, she brings a refined, full-service approach to every project, including select commercial spaces.

Brooke's path to interior design was shaped by her background in fashion merchandising and digital project management at Belk, where she spent nearly a decade before making design her full-time focus. She holds a B.A. in Communications from UNC-Chapel Hill and an MBA in Entrepreneurship from Queens University. As Vice President of the Interior Design Society, she is deeply engaged in the industry, blending business savvy with creative vision to craft timeless, livable spaces.

Brooke Adler is our guest today on The @Work Podcast.

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Brooke Adler

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Dr. Elizabeth Teagarden on LinkedIn

CTK@Work

In this reprise episode of The @Work Podcast, we're joined again by Dena Diorio, Mecklenburg County Manager. As the CEO of the state's largest county, Dena oversees 6,000 employees, a $1.5 billion budget, and a $1 billion capital program. Known for her collaborative leadership, she works closely with the Board of County Commissioners and local organizations to drive effective problem-solving and address citizen concerns.

Tune in to hear more from Dena on her leadership and vision for Mecklenburg County on The @Work Podcast.

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Dr. Elizabeth Teagarden on LinkedIn

CTK@Work

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Dena Diorio

Jim Keffer is the owner and investing partner at Keffer Auto Group, a multi-brand dealership group serving Charlotte, Albemarle, and Columbia with Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, RAM, Ford, Volkswagen, Hyundai, Kia, Mazda, Genesis, and exotic car brands. A second-generation leader in the automotive industry, Jim has built a legacy of service, leadership, and innovation in car sales.

Beyond the showroom, Jim is a dedicated member of the Greater Charlotte Auto Dealers Association and an active participant in the Hyundai Hero program, which donates vehicles to military veterans, law enforcement officers, and teachers. When he's not leading in business or giving back to the community, Jim challenges himself as an endurance athlete and finds creative expression as an accomplished potter.

Join us as we revisit our insightful conversation with Jim Keffer on The @Work Podcast with Dr. Elizabeth Teagarden.

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Jim Keffer on LinkedIn

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Dr. Elizabeth Teagarden on LinkedIn

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Linda Kirby serves as part owner and Executive Vice President of Boingo Graphics, a company specializing in high-quality printing and marketing solutions. With a reputation for innovation and a client-first mindset, Linda has become a respected leader in the print and marketing industries.

Her journey began in high school when a graphic arts vocational program sparked her passion for print communications. This early inspiration set her on a path to a thriving career in printing operations and business leadership.

At Boingo Graphics, Linda focuses on empowering her team to grow, thrive, and make meaningful contributions. Through the company's Boingo Cares initiative, she actively supports numerous nonprofits, demonstrating her commitment to giving back to the community.

Join us on The @Work Podcast as we revisit our conversation with Linda Kirby, a visionary leader shaping both her industry and her community.

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Linda Kirby

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Dr. Elizabeth Teagarden on LinkedIn

CTK@Work

Dan Hooks – Party Reflections

Founded in 1958 by Wayne and Sue Hooks, Party Reflections started in a rented garage with a small inventory of tables and chairs. Now over 60 years later, Party Reflections has expanded to four locations in North and South Carolina, being led by the second generation and employing the third generation in this successful family business.

The event business isn't just the reels and stories that you see on Instagram. It's hard work that takes plenty of human capital to pull it off right.

In this reprise episode, Dan Hooks talks about a family business that grew up along with Charlotte, how the event business has rallied after the pandemic, and the challenges it still faces today.

Dan Hooks is our guest today on The @ Work podcast.

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Dan Hooks

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Dr. Elizabeth Teagarden on LinkedIn

CTK@Work

Henry Batten, Concrete Supply Company

Henry Batten is the President of Concrete Supply Company, the Carolina's premiere source for top quality Ready-Mix concrete products, with 90 plants producing nearly 3 million cubic yards of concrete annually throughout the Carolinas.

Henry's current and past responsibilities include the organization's general management, dispatch, engineering, quality control and administrative support functions. He has led and participated in various operational committees aimed at improving safety, customer service, quality, productivity, cost control and operational effectiveness.

On this reprise episode, Henry Batten talks about incorporating technology into an industry dating back to the Roman Empire, doing the right thing regardless of cost, and creating a culture of safety that starts at the top.

Henry Batten is our guest today on The @Work Podcast.

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Henry Batten

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Dr. Elizabeth Teagarden on LinkedIn

CTK@Work