BrandBuilders

Today on the BrandBuilders Podcast, we've got Ben Levenbaum, founder and CEO of Xceleration here with us. Xceleration has been a major player in enterprise rewards and recognition for over 25 years. Under Ben's leadership, Xceleration has built a global reputation for its innovative, scalable technology—most notably the RewardStation platform. We're looking forward to hearing about that one, too! With a diverse team spanning multiple disciplines and a client roster that includes some of the world's largest companies, Xceleration crafts tailored recognition programs that motivate teams and deliver measurable impact. Ben, welcome to the show! 

On the award-winning BrandBuilders Podcast, we have David Walker with us, he's the Commercial Development Officer at Standard Title. As the Southeast's first specialized commercial title insurance agency, Standard Title empowers clients to secure and finance commercial real estate with confidence. In his role, David plays a key part in driving business growth and building partnerships, leveraging his expertise to help clients navigate complex commercial real estate transactions. We're talking real estate on this episode of the BrandBuilders Podcast!

On this episode of the award-winning BrandBuilders Podcast, we're pleased to welcome Dave Holtzman, President and Partner at Search Solution Group. If you don't know yet, Search Solutions Group is a leading full-service recruiting, staffing, and executive search firm with over 20 years of success. Dave plays a pivotal role in driving the company's mission to connect organizations with uniquely qualified candidates across a wide range of industries, including Accounting, Finance, Engineering, IT, Marketing, and more. Under Dave's leadership, Search Solution Group has built a reputation for integrity, responsiveness, and teamwork -- values that have helped them become one of the nation's top recruitment firms. Dave thanks for being on the program! 

Welcome back to the BrandBuilders Podcast! You know we love talking to folks with new ideas, and we're excited to welcome Jake Corday to the show today. He's an innovative entrepreneur revolutionizing in-store marketing with his company Waev.  Jake's platform combines sleek HD digital screens, advanced targeting capabilities, and real-time analytics to help businesses deliver captivating, data-driven promotions that engage customers. We met Jake a few weeks back over a coffee, and knew we had to get him on the program. 

Welcome back to the BrandBuilders Podcast! On this episode, we've got Matt Sharp with us, a seasoned nonprofit leader and the founder of Sharp Advising. With over 18 years of experience in the nonprofit and higher education sectors, Matt has dedicated his career to empowering organizations to maximize their community impact. Through Sharp Advising, he partners with small to mid-sized nonprofits, helping them optimize operations, streamline processes, and develop strategies for sustainable growth. Matt—welcome to the show!

Today on the BrandBuilders Podcast, we're joined by Joe McMahan-- an entrepreneur, passionate runner, and the founder of Azoia Endurance. His company is crafting all-natural energy gels for athletes right here in Charlotte. Joe's journey is as inspiring as it is impressive: in just two years, he transformed his marathon time from 4:41 to an astonishing 2:56, all while recovering from stress-induced injuries and building a business. Whether he's on the road, in the lab, or sharing training tips on the IG, Joe doesn't show any signs of slowing down. Joe, welcome to the show! 

Welcome back to The BrandBuilders Podcast! Today, we're honored to have Brigadier General Mark Towne, USA (Ret.), founder of VETS Leadership, LLC, join us. General Towne is a renowned leader with over 34 years of service in the U.S. Army, where he led organizations from small units to large global institutions. His expertise in building trust has been pivotal in his military and civilian career. He's also an author, and his book, Build Trust First, offers insights into creating trust-driven leadership. General Towne, welcome to the program!

Welcome to another episode of The award-winning BrandBuilders Podcast! Today we've got Ashlyn Greer, founder and CEO of Fashivly, here with us. Ashlyn is a fashion influencer and entrepreneur who has revolutionized personal styling with her innovative platform.  After spending over a decade in the fashion industry—including roles at Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, and Belk—Ashlyn launched Fashivly in 2020 to make personal styling accessible to everyone. Her company helps clients discover their unique style through personalized shopping experiences, empowering them to feel confident and look their best every day. We'll hear about her inspiring journey, how Fashivly is changing the way people shop, and what's next for her growing Charlotte-based startup.

Welcome to this episode of The award-winning BrandBuilders Podcast! In the studio with us today is Hunter Parsons, the owner and founder of Hunter Window and Gutter Cleaning. A Charlotte native, Hunter has been serving the community since 1996 with top-notch window cleaning, gutter maintenance, and pressure washing services.  Over nearly three decades, his business has become synonymous with professionalism and quality in home care. But Hunter's impact goes beyond his business—he's also a big baseball guy, and had a little something to do with preserving a piece of local history!  Hunter, welcome to the show!

Welcome to this episode of The award-winning BrandBuilders Podcast! Today, we have Meredith Robinson in the studio with us. Meredith is the Director of Brand Experience for Goodwill Industries of the Southern Piedmont, an organization that has been transforming lives through the power of work since 1965. As a leader in nonprofit marketing and community engagement, Meredith has played a pivotal role in connecting Goodwill's mission with the community it serves. From innovative workforce development programs to creative marketing strategies, Meredith ensures that Goodwill's impact is felt far and wide. We'll dive into the incredible work she's doing and explore how Goodwill's retail operations fuel life-changing opportunities for individuals and families across the region.

Welcome to this episode of the award-winning BrandBuilders Podcast. Today, we're excited to have Sarah-Kate Pease, Director of Corporate and Community Engagement at Safe Alliance, joining us. Sarah-Kate is a longtime friend, community outreach and nonprofit management pro, and we're thrilled to have her here on the show. 

Welcome to The BrandBuilders Podcast! Today, we're excited to have Megan S. King, Chief Development & Strategy Officer at Camp Southern Ground, joining us. Megan brings a wealth of experience in strategic planning, sponsorship activation, and new business development to her role at this unique organization. If you don't know about Camp Southern Ground, this remarkable organization was founded by Grammy Award-winning artist Zac Brown. And, we've got Megan here in the studio to tell us all about it! 

Welcome to another episode of the award-winning BrandBuilders Podcast! Today, we've got Madison Gates with us. She's VP of Marketing at Reliable Residential. Madison brings a unique blend of marketing expertise and athletic experience to her role.  For folks who don't know yet, Reliable Residential is the largest franchisee operator within Neighborly, a leading home services company. Madison will tell us all about that, too!

Welcome to The BrandBuilders Podcast! Today, we're excited to have two distinguished guests from Doggett Concrete, a company that has been laying solid foundations in the construction industry for over six decades. (Hear what we did there?) Joining us are Mike Kana, President, and Randy Brown, Director of Business Development at Doggett Commercial Concrete. Doggett Concrete dates back to 1963 when Bill Doggett began pouring foundations for Charlotte's expanding suburbs. Now, 60 plus years later, under the leadership of Bill's son Doug, Doggett Commercial Concrete has grown into a hundred-million-dollar enterprise.

On this episode of the award-winning BrandBuilders podcast, we're thrilled to welcome Marissa West, the founder and owner of West Kept Secret. If you've not heard of it yet, West Kept Secret is Charlotte's premier boutique fitness studio, voted best in Charlotte multiple years running. West Kept Secret is known for its effective methodology and supportive environment. Marissa and her team even serve as the official fitness trainers for the Carolina Panthers' cheerleading team! Marissa, welcome to the show.

On this episode of the award-winning BrandBuilders Podcast, we've got Matt Thomas, a seasoned leadership coach, who's dedicated himself to helping individuals and organizations unlock their full potential. With years of experience guiding professionals across various industries, Matt specializes in empowering leaders to enhance their skills, foster high-performing teams, and achieve their strategic goals. Matt, welcome to the show!

On this episode of the award-winning BrandBuilders Podcast, we're joined by Jim Guimond and Dick Sesler from Camp Blue Skies, an organization that offers unique camping experiences for adults with developmental disabilities. Camp Blue Skies Foundation enriches the lives of adults aged 21 and older through recreation, socialization, and life skills education. We've been longtime partners with Camp Blue Skies, so we're stoked to have them tell their story on the show. Jim, Dick -- welcome to the show! 

On this episode of the award-winning BrandBuilders Podcast, we've got Clifton Castelloe, the Executive Director of All-In to Fight Cancer with us. All-In to Fight Cancer has been a force in raising funds and awareness for cancer initiatives through – of all things --  poker tournaments.  All-In to Fight Cancer has raised over $2.3 million for various cancer-related causes across North Carolina, including critical research and patient support. As they prepare for their next poker tournament in Charlotte, Clifton is in the studio to tell us all about it! 

Welcome to another episode of the award-winning BrandBuilders Podcast! Today, we're excited to have Mark Wojcik from East Park Avenue Talent Consulting joining us. East Park Avenue Talent, or EPA Talent, is a company dedicated to helping businesses accelerate hiring, boost retention, and drive growth through innovative talent acquisition strategies. 

Welcome back to this episode of The award-winning BrandBuilders Podcast! We have Palmer Magri joining us. Palmer is a talented writer, reporter, and digital producer at Charlotte's public radio station, WFAE. She recently graduated from Queens University of Charlotte with a Bachelor of Arts in Multimedia Storytelling. Which is ALL good, but what got us interested is a story Palmer wrote about the pampered life of Myers Park pets! Palmer, welcome to the show!

Welcome back to the BrandBuilders Podcast. Today, we have Chip Pettit, President of Stream Station, joining us. Chip and Stream Station specialize in managing video streams end-to-end, ensuring world-class experiences for broadcasters and viewers alike. With his background in graphic design from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and his experience in the streaming industry, Chip is a local guy doing BIG things in the digital broadcast space. Chip, welcome to the show! 

Welcome to The BrandBuilders Podcast! Today, we're honored to have Spencer Lueders back in the studio with us. Really he's a guy who needs no introduction, but for folks who don't know: he's the founder of 24 Foundation. This incredible organization has been making a profound impact in the fight against cancer since 2002, raising over $28 million to support cancer navigation and survivorship programs. Spencer, welcome back to the show! 

Welcome back to The BrandBuilders Podcast! Today, we have Priya Sircar with us on the program. You might recognize her name as the City of Charlotte's first Arts and Culture officer.  Priya is onto another project these days: entrepreneurship. She's the founder of Road Openers, a company dedicated to helping individuals and organizations break through barriers and achieve their goals. In addition to her work with Road Openers, Priya is also an accomplished short filmmaker, using her storytelling skills to inspire and connect with audiences. We're excited to discuss her upcoming speaking engagement and her creative projects. Welcome to the show!

Welcome back to The BrandBuilders Podcast! Today, we're excited to have Mack Zackon from Tax Credit Marketplace joining us. Tax Credit Marketplace is a company that specializes in the complex world of tax credits and incentives. Mack, we're looking forward to hearing more about your expertise, and learning more about how you're helping businesses navigate the complicated landscape of tax benefits.

Welcome back to The award-winning BrandBuilders Podcast! Today, we have our friend Lauren Evans from Beds for Kids on the program. For those who don't know, Beds for Kids is an incredible organization that provides beds and other essential furniture to children and families in need. Lauren, we're excited to get into this one with you! 

Welcome back to The award-winning BrandBuilders Podcast! Today, we're excited to have with us Huong Luu, the mind behind Luu Color Center. Luu Color Center has been making waves in the world of color and design, offering innovative solutions for both residential and commercial spaces.  Huong, welcome to the program!

Welcome back to another episode of the award-winning BrandBuilders Podcast! With us today is the incredibly talented Maddy Ebbert, an artist and muralist whose work is transforming Charlotte's visual landscape one wall at a time. Maddy's art is a celebration of color, nature, and self-love – themes that are earning her a devoted following both here and across the country.  Some of Maddy's recent work around Charlotte include a commissioned design for the 2024 Novant Health Charlotte Marathon event t-shirts… and another high-viz project found at the corner of The Plaza and Central Avenue, where she completed the exterior murals for Seemingly Overzealous ice cream shop.  Maddy, welcome to the BrandBuilders Podcast! 

Welcome back to another episode of the award-winning BrandBuilders Podcast. On the program today we've got Garrett Tichy with us; a dynamic entrepreneur who's been a part of Charlotte's small business scene for years now. Garrett is the co-owner of Seemingly Overzealous, an innovative dairy-free ice cream shop that's working to become a local favorite.  OG small business folks may also know Garrett as the visionary and community-builder behind Hygge (HOO-gah), the popular co-working space that fostered collaboration and creativity among some of Charlotte's up-and-coming brands and businesses.  Known for his insightful perspectives on small business dynamics and community support in Charlotte, Garrett brings a wealth of experience and a unique viewpoint to our conversation – welcome back to the show! 

Welcome to The BrandBuilders Podcast. Today, we're excited to have Kevin Young – my actual twin brother -- joining us. Kevin is the founder of Young Crush LLC, which operates Crushr of Lexington, a business based in Lexington, Kentucky. We're looking forward to learning more about his entrepreneurial journey and the unique services his company provides.

On this episode of the award-winning BrandBuilders Podcast we're hosting two remarkable guests making waves in the world of brand strategy and storytelling: Blair Primis and Erin Santos.  Blair Primis and Erin Santos have joined forces to create Primtos, a dynamic company that specializes in helping businesses craft compelling narratives and build powerful brands. With their combined expertise in marketing, communications, and nonprofit leadership, Blair and Erin bring a unique perspective to the world of brand development. Together, they've created a company that not only helps businesses grow but also empowers them to make a lasting impact on their communities. Their collaborative approach and diverse skill sets make them a real “power couple” in the world of brand building. We're thrilled to have Blair Primis and Erin Santos on this episode of the BrandBuilders Podcast!

Charlotte is Creative, and on this episode of the BrandBuilders Podcast, we've got two of the folks who help make it so: Sydney Duarte and Osiris Rain. These accomplished artists have joined forces to bring a unique and exciting project to life called the TAOH Outdoor Gallery.  Billed as Charlotte's first graffiti park, this innovative space in NoDa is transforming the way the community interacts with street art. Sydney, known for her work as The Traveling Gypsy, brings her passion for adventure, wellness, and community engagement to the project. Osiris, with his background in classical painting and scenic murals, contributes his expertise in large-scale art. Together, they're creating a magical space for artistic expression and community connection. Sydney and Osiris, welcome to The BrandBuilders Podcast!

Welcome back to the award-winning BrandBuilders Podcast – today we're excited to welcome Greg Doggett, the man behind Doggett Concrete. With over three decades of experience in the concrete industry, Doggett Concrete has established itself as a leading provider of concrete services in the Charlotte area. From residential driveways to commercial projects, Greg and his team have built a reputation for quality workmanship and customer satisfaction. Greg, welcome to The BrandBuilders Podcast!

We're back in the studios of the award-winning BrandBuilders Podcast. Today, we're taling with Adam Cahill, the founder and CEO of Supply Pointe. Supply Pointe is an innovative company that's revolutionizing the construction industry by providing a unique solution to material procurement and management. With a focus on streamlining processes and increasing efficiency, Adam and his team are changing the way contractors approach their supply chain. Adam, welcome to The BrandBuilders Podcast!"

Clem McDavid is the visionary behind HomeLedgerApp. HomeLedger is an innovative digital solution designed to revolutionize home management and maintenance. With a focus on simplifying homeowners' lives, Clem and his team have created an app that helps users stay on top of seasonal tasks, digitize home-related information, and streamline property management. Clem, welcome to The BrandBuilders Podcast!

Welcome back to another episode of the award-winning BrandBuilders Podcast. In the studio today we have Troy Smith, co-founder and partner of Smith Slovik Residential Design Group. Troy is a passionate residential designer with a unique background that has shaped his approach to architecture.  Born in Germany, Troy's love for the craft was ignited at a young age as he traveled around Europe, surrounded by a diverse range of architectural styles. With over 25 years of experience in the field, Troy has worked on projects of various scales and styles, bringing his expertise to the Carolinas. In 2014, Troy partnered with Dave Slovik to create Smith Slovik Residential Design Group, a firm that specializes in providing a personal custom home design experience. Troy, welcome to The BrandBuilders Podcast! 

Welcome to The BrandBuilders Podcast! Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Jorge Torres, a talented photographer and videographer based in Charlotte. Jorge has a unique ability to capture the essence of his subjects through his lens, whether it's stunning landscapes or dynamic action shots. As a content creator and client services coordinator for Norsan Media, he brings a wealth of experience in visual storytelling.  Jorge, welcome to the show!  ***** Photos mentioned in the episode: https://www.instagram.com/p/CsPqCc9N9Vo/?igsh=bGc0dTlzZ3ExY3Z3 https://www.instagram.com/p/CufCxfWr9tG/?igsh=MWEzbW4zMXl2azlkMg==

Welcome to another episode of the award-winning BrandBuilders Podcast! Today, we are delighted to have Renee Breazeale, the founder of Victory in Time here with us. Renee has dedicated her career to providing innovative solutions and strategies that empower her clients. If you're not following her on LinnkedIn, do it – and listen in now to find out what's in it for you.  Renee, welcome to the BrandBuilders Podcast! 

Welcome back to The BrandBuilders Podcast! Today, have Mitchell Kearney, an accomplished photographer known for his stunning portraits and captivating imagery. With a portfolio that includes iconic 1970s rock stars, Mitchell has a unique perspective on capturing the essence of his subjects. You can explore his work on Instagram at @mitchellkearneyphotography .. but before you do that, let's talk with him now!  Mitchell, welcome to the show! 

Welcome to this episode of the award-winning BrandBuilders Podcast! Today, we're have Tchernavia Montgomery, the Executive Director of Care Ring here on the show with us.  Care Ring is a vital organization here in Charlotte that promotes, protects, and improves the health and well-being of folks who might not get the care they need. Tchernavia is a licensed clinical social worker with two decades of experience in health and human services. She's a double graduate from UNCC's School of Social Work – and she's a heck of a singer, too!  Tchernavia, welcome to the show! 

Welcome back to the award-winning BrandBuilders Podcast! Today, we're thrilled to have Jason Atkins on the show, but you might know him as Greazy Keyz.  He's a full-time professional keyboardist and organist, Jason has been a big part of the Charlotte music scene since he moved here in 1997. With over 100 local bands and 1,000 recorded songs to his credit, he has become a fixture here. And if you're not part of the local music scene, you may know him for his lively performances at minor league hockey and baseball games.  From hosting Charlotte's longest-running open mic night to playing with the Hot Sauce Party Band, Jason's versatility and passion for music shine through in everything he does. Jason, welcome to the show!

Welcome to this episode of the award-winning BrandBuilders Podcast! Whether you're a big company, a small business, or a nonprofit – branding is a HUGE part of how the outside world sees you and what you do.  On the show today, we've got Frank Expression, a talented artist and performer based in Charlotte, North Carolina – and a guy who walks the walk when it comes to personal branding.  Frank has made a name for himself in the local arts scene, captivating audiences with his unique blend of creativity and performance. In a world where personal branding is crucial, especially for artists, Frank could literally put on a clinic! Welcome to the show! 

Welcome to this episode of The BrandBuilders Podcast! Today, we have Aaron Mullennix, from Charlotte City Tennis on the program today. Aaron has dedicated his efforts to promoting the sport and fostering a love for tennis among players of all ages and skill levels. Aaron, welcome to the show! 

Welcome to The BrandBuilders Podcast! Today, we're cooking up something good, with Chef Ron Ahlert, the Executive Director of the Community Culinary School of Charlotte (CCSC). Under Chef Ron's leadership, CCSC has been transforming lives through culinary education, providing essential workforce training and job placement assistance to adults facing barriers to employment. CCSC's mission is to tackle the root causes of poverty by equipping students with the skills necessary for sustainable careers in the food service industry. Their innovative programs not only teach culinary arts but also focus on job readiness, life skills, and goal-setting, helping individuals move from dependency to self-sufficiency.

Welcome to this episode of the award-winning BrandBuilders Podcast -- Today, we have Amanda Caldwell joining us. Amanda is a professional photographer based in the Charlotte area.  Her portfolio showcases a diverse range of stunning imagery, from portraits and weddings to commercial and editorial work. Amanda's keen eye for detail and ability to capture genuine moments have made her a sought-after photographer in the region.  Amanda, it's great to have you on the show!

Welcome to this episode of the award-winning BrandBuilders Podcast. Today's guest is Morgan Smith, Construction Coordinator at Roby Services in Charlotte and Lead Chair of the Girls Construction Camp.  This two-day camp aims to inspire and educate girls about opportunities within the construction industry, promoting diversity and inclusion in a traditionally male-dominated field. Her leadership at Roby Services and her commitment to empowering the next generation of female builders make her story the kind we love to share here on the BrandBuilders Podcast. Morgan, welcome to the show! 

Welcome to another episode of the award-winning BrandBuilders Podcast. Today, we're excited to have Connor Gans & Dave Murrell, co-founders of Fendo Golf, joining us.  Connor, Dave, and Fendo Golf have revolutionized golf club maintenance with their innovative cleaning device. Their product brings a modern twist to the age-old process of keeping golf club grooves in top condition, offering golfers a quick and effective way to clean and polish their clubs.  Connor & Dave, welcome to the show!

Welcome to another episode of the award-winning BrandBuilders Podcast. Today, we're joined by Morgan Conroy, the events specialist and field marketing coordinator for Presidio. Presidio is a leading digital services and solutions provider that helps organizations navigate the complex world of IT and digital transformation.  Morgan plays a crucial role in coordinating Presidio's events and field marketing efforts, helping to showcase the company's expertise and build relationships with clients. Morgan, we're excited to have you back on the show!

Welcome to this episode of the award-winning BrandBuilders Podcast. Today, we're joined by Nina Louise Simonini, a Charlotte native and the founder of “In Good Hands Bodywork.”  Nina's journey in health and wellness began at UNC Chapel Hill, where she double-majored in Exercise Sports Science and Spanish. Her passion for health led her on a pretty unique journey to entrepreneurship…  from interning at the Duke Diet and Fitness Center to conducting nutrition research and working in a hospital in Portugal. In 2022, Nina became a licensed massage and bodywork therapist, founding In Good Hands Bodywork, which offers a unique blend of focused bodywork, sports, and therapeutic massage. 

Welcome to another episode of the award-winning BrandBuilders Podcast, where we spotlight leaders who are driving innovation and making a difference in their industries. Today, we are excited to have Brock Frankhauser with us. Brock is a pro in the development and construction of maintenance-free residential communities, focusing on the active-adult demographic.    His company, NewStyle Communities, is the brand behind 1776 Gastonia, a unique 55+ community that blends American patriotism with the dream of homeownership. Welcome, Brock!

Welcome to another episode of the award-winning BrandBuilders Podcast, where we spotlight leaders who are driving innovation and making a difference in their industries. Today, we are excited to have Brock Fankhauser with us. Brock is a pro in the development and construction of maintenance-free residential communities, focusing on the active-adult demographic.  His company, NewStyle Communities, is the brand behind 1776 Gastonia, a unique 55+ community that blends American patriotism with the dream of homeownership. Welcome, Brock!