Carolina Business Leaders

What does it really mean to build a strong brand?

In this episode of the Carolina Business Leaders Podcast, Cristina sits down with Michael Catanzaro, President and Chief Brand Officer, and Patty Gallardo, Senior Vice President of Growth and Performance at The Brand Leader in Greenville, South Carolina.

Michael and Patty share lessons from decades of experience working with brands of all sizes and explain why branding goes far beyond logos, advertising, and social media. They discuss how every customer touchpoint shapes a company’s brand, why internal fragmentation can slow growth, and how businesses can create “connected momentum” by aligning brand, marketing, customer experience, and company culture.

The conversation also explores how AI is changing the creative industry, where businesses should—and shouldn’t—use it, and why human taste, authenticity, and strong ideas still matter.

Whether you’re building a company, refreshing an established brand, or trying to understand why your marketing isn’t connecting, this episode offers practical insight into creating a brand experience that customers remember and trust.

What does it take to keep building through different seasons of business, career, and life?

In this episode of the Carolina Business Leaders Podcast, Cristina sits down with Jami Mullikin, President and Co-Founder of Wonder, a Greenville-based marketing, media, and technology agency.

Jami shares his journey from growing up in Greenville and discovering graphic design in high school, to launching his first agency at just 26 years old, navigating the challenges of the 2008 financial crisis, spending more than a decade in corporate leadership, and ultimately returning to entrepreneurship in his 50s.

The conversation explores the importance of perseverance, why Jami believes entrepreneurs need to commit to a long-term vision, and how EOS—the Entrepreneurial Operating System—has shaped the way he thinks about leadership, culture, and building strong teams.

Jami also shares how Wonder is embracing AI, not simply as a tool for efficiency, but as a way to create more value, expand what teams are capable of, and open entirely new opportunities for entrepreneurs.

Whether you're building a company, leading a team, navigating a career transition, or trying to understand how AI fits into the future of business, this episode offers practical lessons from more than 30 years of entrepreneurship, marketing, and leadership.

What happens to your business if something happens to you? And if you plan to sell one day, how early should you start preparing?

In this episode of the Carolina Business Leaders Podcast, we sit down with attorneys Phillip Martin and David Thompson of Merline & Meacham to break down the legal planning every business owner should be thinking about long before a crisis—or a sale—is on the horizon.

We discuss why a business is often an owner’s largest asset, the estate planning documents entrepreneurs should have in place, how operating agreements can prevent costly disputes, and what can happen when a business owner dies or becomes incapacitated without a succession plan.

Phillip and David also share practical advice for owners considering buying or selling a company, including why clean financial records matter, when to bring attorneys and advisors into the process, the risks of signing an LOI too early, and why the best time to prepare for a sale may be years before you actually want to exit.

In this episode:

• Why estate planning matters for business owners

• Wills, powers of attorney, operating agreements, and other key documents

• What happens to a business when an owner dies without a plan

• How to begin succession planning

• Preparing your company for a future sale

• Why clean books can make or break an acquisition

• When to involve attorneys, CPAs, financial advisors, and M&A professionals

• Common estate planning myths

• The most overlooked legal document for business owners

• Career and professional advice for young entrepreneurs

Whether you’re building a company, preparing to pass it to the next generation, or thinking about an eventual exit, this conversation provides a practical framework for protecting what you’ve built and planning for what comes next.

In this episode of the Carolina Business Leaders Podcast, we sit down with Dimple Patel, Chief Product Officer and Head of Global Marketing at Sawgrass, a Charleston-based leader in digital decoration and product customization.

Dimple shares her journey from finance into product development, how Sawgrass helps entrepreneurs and businesses create personalized products, and what it takes to lead innovation across more than 120 countries. She also discusses the importance of embracing AI, listening to your team, leading by example, finding strong mentors, and having the confidence to step outside your comfort zone.

From building new printing technology to helping creators bring their ideas to life, Dimple offers practical lessons for entrepreneurs, technology professionals, and emerging leaders.

Tune in to learn why her advice is simple: trust yourself, embrace new technology, and be as fearless as possible.

In this episode of Carolina Business Leaders, Cristina sits down with Vic Mills, co-founder and CEO of Southeastern Development Associates, to discuss the vision behind Charlestown Farms, a conservation-focused community that is redefining what thoughtful development can look like in South Carolina's Lowcountry.

Vic shares his journey from banking to real estate development and reflects on nearly five decades of experience building communities across the Southeast. The conversation explores the rich history of the land that became Charlestown Farms, the importance of preserving Charleston's natural beauty, and the decision to place more than 3,100 acres under permanent conservation easement rather than pursue a traditional large-scale residential development.

They also discuss Charleston's rapidly growing real estate market, the balance between growth and stewardship, and why more buyers are seeking privacy, open space, and a deeper connection to the land. Vic offers a fascinating perspective on leadership, long-term thinking, and the responsibility developers have to future generations.

Whether you're interested in real estate, entrepreneurship, conservation, or the future of Charleston, this episode provides an inside look at a project designed to preserve the past while thoughtfully shaping the future.

In this episode of Carolina Business Leaders, Heath sits down with Brian McKay, CEO of Spero Financial, and Jessica Baker, Chief Retail Officer, to discuss their leadership journeys, the credit union philosophy of "people helping people," and how intentional culture-building has fueled Spero's growth across South Carolina.

Brian and Jessica share how investing in employees, creating transparent communication, and empowering future leaders have helped Spero become one of the best places to work in South Carolina. They also discuss community impact initiatives, lessons for young professionals, and how they're embracing AI while keeping banking personal and relationship-driven.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• How Brian and Jessica built their careers from the ground up• Why culture must be intentionally scaled as organizations grow• The leadership principles that drive employee engagement• How Spero Financial supports local communities across South Carolina• Advice for young professionals navigating their careers• Why AI should enhance - not replace - human relationships in business

Whether you're a business owner, leader, or professional looking to grow your career, this conversation offers practical insights on leadership, culture, and building organizations that make a lasting impact.

What does it really take to build a successful Airbnb business from scratch?

In this episode of the Carolina Business Leaders podcast, Heath sits down with Gabriel and Laura Valk, a Greenville-based entrepreneurial couple behind The Jireh House, to talk about their journey into short-term rentals, home renovation, hospitality, and building additional income streams while balancing full-time work and family life.

Gabriel and Laura share how they went from simply enjoying Airbnbs while traveling to purchasing and renovating their own properties, learning construction and DIY skills on the fly, and creating unique guest experiences that stand out in a crowded Airbnb market. They also discuss the realities of Airbnb ownership, including the challenges, hidden costs, marketing strategies, and why short-term rentals are far from “passive income.”

In this episode of Carolina Business Leaders, we sit down with Chris Hayes, President and Owner of Kane Hayes Insurance, to discuss how business owners and families can better protect themselves in an increasingly complex risk environment.

Chris shares his journey from the University of South Carolina's Darla Moore School of Business to building one of the Upstate's leading independent insurance agencies. We explore the advantages of working with an independent insurance advisor, common coverage gaps that many business owners overlook, and how local relationships help clients make better decisions when it matters most.

We also dive into some of today's fastest-growing risks, including cyber threats, wire fraud scams in real estate transactions, rising insurance costs, umbrella policies, and strategies for protecting both personal and business assets.

Whether you're a business owner, homeowner, entrepreneur, or simply looking to better understand your insurance coverage, this conversation is packed with practical advice and valuable insights.

In this episode of Carolina Business Leaders, Heath Gerrald sits down with Ryan Harvey, CEO of Family Trust Federal Credit Union, to discuss his journey from computer science graduate to CEO, the unique differences between credit unions and traditional banks, and how Family Trust has built a member-first culture for nearly 70 years.

Ryan shares insights on financial literacy, community investment, affordable housing initiatives, scholarship programs, and the organization's recent expansion into Greenville. He also discusses the future of Family Trust, including new business banking services designed to support small business owners across the Carolinas.

Whether you're a business owner, community leader, or simply looking to improve your financial future, this conversation offers valuable lessons on leadership, growth, and making a lasting impact.

In this episode of Carolina Business Leaders, Jennifer Watson joins the show to discuss how leaders can perform at a higher level in an increasingly fast-paced, AI-driven world.

Jennifer shares why companies cannot focus only on adopting new technology while ignoring the human side of performance. She explains how resilience, communication, nervous system capacity, decision-making, and alignment all shape the way leaders and teams respond to pressure, change, and growth.

The conversation explores practical ways leaders can reduce decision fatigue, improve communication, stay grounded under stress, and create stronger alignment within their organizations. Jennifer also shares simple tools leaders can use immediately, including hourly check-ins, breathing practices, and reconnecting with their core values throughout the day.

In this episode of Carolina Business Leaders, we sit down with the powerhouse founders behind Management School LLC—Emily Watrous, Traci Newkirk, and India Martin—to unpack one of the biggest gaps in today’s workplace: the lack of training for new managers.

Too often, top performers are promoted into leadership roles with little to no guidance—left to figure it out on their own. Emily, Traci, and India saw this problem firsthand and decided to build a solution. Their program, Take the Lead, is designed to equip emerging managers with the real-world skills they need to lead confidently, communicate effectively, and build high-performing teams.

We dive into how they launched a business in record time, what makes their leadership program different, and why investing in managers is the fastest way to transform an organization. You’ll also hear powerful insights on mentorship, managing stress, and the mindset shifts required to become a great leader.

In this episode of Carolina Business Leaders, we sit down with the founders of Wilson Associates, a leading real estate firm in Greenville, South Carolina, to unpack what it really takes to build a high-performing, service-driven business.

From launching their firm with a people-first philosophy to navigating one of the fastest-growing real estate markets in the country, they share the strategies that helped them outperform larger competitors while maintaining a strong culture and community focus.

In this episode of Carolina Business Leaders, we sit down with Tristan Peterson, founder of MoveCrew, the upstate moving company redefining what great service looks like in an industry known for mixed reputations.

Tristan shares how he went from marrying his high-school sweetheart at 19, grinding through college on scholarship refund checks, and hustling with yard sales and side jobs to building one of the Upstate’s most trusted moving companies.

We dive into the early days of MoveCrew, leadership lessons from Chick-fil-A, building teams that can run major multi-state moves, and how Tristan created a business where others can achieve their dreams inside of his.

In this episode of Carolina Business Leaders, Heath and the team sit down with Jamie Ledford, President of Golf Pride, the global leader in golf grip innovation.

From its roots in rubber manufacturing to becoming the most trusted grip in professional golf, Golf Pride has remained the #1 brand in the industry for decades. Jamie shares how the company continues to innovate while staying grounded in the rich golf culture of Pinehurst, often called the cradle of American golf.

Jamie also talks about his unexpected journey into the golf industry, lessons learned from working with iconic brands like Starbucks and Callaway Golf, and the leadership principles that have helped him scale a global business while maintaining a small-town culture.

In this episode of Carolina Business Leaders, we sit down with Mickey Lyles, Founder and CEO of Immeasura Growth Partners. Mickey is a serial entrepreneur who has built, bought, and sold multiple companies and now helps service-based businesses scale sustainably through better leadership, systems, and financial discipline.

Mickey shares lessons from his journey—from opening his first business at 23, navigating the 2008 recession, and eventually growing to own nine businesses. Along the way, he discovered that many entrepreneurs don’t actually own a business—they own a job. In this conversation, he explains how business owners can shift from working in their business to working on it.

In this episode of the Carolina Business Leaders Podcast, we sit down with Brian Daughhetee, CEO of ANC Group, and Ashley Sage, Director of Sales, to unpack what it really takes to protect and scale a business in today’s fast-changing cybersecurity landscape.

Brian shares the story of launching ANC Group more than 25 years ago—from his early days as a middle school teacher to building a trusted technology and cybersecurity partner serving businesses across finance, law, manufacturing, nonprofits, and government. Ashley offers a front-line perspective on sales leadership, relationship-driven growth, and helping small and mid-sized businesses make smart, proactive technology decisions.

Together, we dive into:

• Why cybersecurity is no longer optional for small and mid-sized businesses

• Common mistakes leaders make when outsourcing IT and security

• The real-world impact of ransomware, reputational risk, and compliance failures

• Outdated security practices that are still putting companies at risk

• How remote work, VPNs, SASE, and behavioral-based security are reshaping protection in 2026

• The importance of long-term technology planning and trusted partnerships

This conversation goes beyond technology to explore leadership, entrepreneurship, trust, and what it means to deliver true peace of mind to business owners. If you’re a leader trying to future-proof your company while navigating an increasingly complex tech world, this episode is a must-listen.

Will Prescott and Steve Foushee of P&F Construction share their journey of choosing partnership over competition to build a successful construction business in the Southeast. They discuss the challenges they faced, including the early years of working without pay, the importance of maintaining a strong partnership, their people-first approach, and how they have tackled the labor shortage by investing in young workers. Hear their insights on hiring, maintaining company culture, and overcoming financial hurdles as they scaled P&F Construction.

Benton Blount, a musician-turned-politician, shares his remarkable journey of overcoming failure and turning setbacks into success. Faced with the devastating loss of his record deal just days before releasing his hit single 'Carolina,' Benton chose to refocus and redirect his energy, eventually becoming a celebrated musician and a South Carolina County councilman. In this episode, Benton offers insights into how business owners can recover from major setbacks, the importance of loving what you do, balancing multiple demanding careers, and leveraging a platform for genuine community impact. He also delves into his experiences on 'America’s Got Talent,' revealing the behind-the-scenes reality of the show and how it shaped his career. Through Benton's story, learn how to transform challenges into opportunities and build a life of resilience and influence.

One whole year. 50 episodes. So many conversations. 🎙️✨

Join Heath and Cristina Gerrald as they recap Year 1 of Carolina Business Leaders and share behind-the-scenes insights plus exciting plans for Year 2!

🎧 Streaming now on all podcast platforms. Cheers to a new year and what’s ahead! 🥂 

Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evette recounts her inspiring journey from founding Quality Business Solutions to scaling it beyond $1 billion in revenue. She shares her experiences transitioning to public service, discusses the crucial relationship between government and small businesses, and provides insights into her gubernatorial campaign. As a unique politician with no prior campaign experience, Evette discusses her motivations, challenges, and the importance of entrepreneurial spirit and dedication. This episode offers valuable advice for aspiring leaders, particularly young professionals and women.

Join us in this episode as we chat with Jeremy Wanamaker, CEO and founder of Complete, a successful cybersecurity firm. Jeremy shares his journey from bootstrapping his business 18 years ago to scaling it to over 200 employees. Learn about his early ventures, the importance of finding product-market fit, and how he transitioned from a corporate job to becoming a business owner. Discover how AI is playing a crucial role in his company's growth and how targeted pricing strategies helped navigate through the competitive landscape. Jeremy also discusses the significance of cybersecurity, AI applications in business and offers valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs.Startup IQ: https://biztrek.com/marketing-books

In this episode of the Carolina Business Leaders Podcast, we sit down with LaTonya Phillips, President and CEO of Habitat for Humanity of Greenville County. Recently honored as one of Greenville Business Magazine's Women in Business for 2025, LaTonya shares her journey from corporate roles in healthcare and banking to leading a nonprofit organization. She discusses the mission and vision of Habitat for Humanity, the challenges of land acquisition and fundraising, and her passion for community service. LaTonya also reflects on her personal motivations and offers advice for young professionals and aspiring CEOs. Don't miss this inspiring conversation about making a lasting impact in the community!

In this episode of the Carolina Business Leaders Podcast, we interview Robin Grable, a US Navy veteran and the founder and president of the Ascend Collective. We discuss her extensive work in empowering veterans, women, and underserved communities by implementing inclusive hiring and career transition programs. Robin shares her insights on the importance of a skills-first approach in hiring and the challenges faced during the transition from military to civilian life. She also talks about her journey, from overcoming personal adversities and navigating the post-military career landscape to establishing her non-profit organization. The conversation touches on her involvement with Upstate Warrior Solution and the various initiatives under the Ascend Collective, aiming to break down employment barriers. Robin emphasizes the significance of building a supportive community and highlights her vision of creating equitable opportunities for all.

In this episode of the Carolina Business Leaders Podcast, we delve into the inspiring journey of Ronald Harvey, a retired US Army veteran with over 34 years of leadership experience. Ron is the co-founder and vice president of Global Core Strategies and Consulting LLC. The discussion covers Ron's transition from military service to becoming a successful business executive, his podcast 'Unpack,' and the importance of leadership, professional development, and mentorship. Ron shares invaluable insights on embracing challenges, building meaningful relationships, and the significance of community impact. Additionally, he discusses the role of his military experiences in shaping his leadership style and the founding of his company. Tune in to learn about Ron's mindset shifts, his take on current societal issues, and his vision for community development in Columbia.

In this episode, Senator Alexander discusses his extensive career in politics, his dedication to public service, and his role in economic development in South Carolina. He shares his journey from being elected to the House of Representatives in 1986 to his current role as the President of the Senate. Senator Alexander also touches on his business experience, the importance of education, and recent legislative initiatives including tax policy and broadband expansion. Through personal anecdotes and insights, he emphasizes the significance of community involvement, perseverance, and adapting to change.

Didi Caldwell, CEO and co-founder of Global Location Strategies, joins the Carolina Business Leaders Podcast to share her journey and expertise in site selection and incentive negotiation. Didi explains how her firm helps companies find the best locations for expansion, relocation, and new facilities globally. She discusses her accidental entry into the field, the impactful projects she's overseen, and the challenges and rewards of leading a global team. The conversation also covers the implementation of the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) in her company, the importance of company culture, and the future of global manufacturing. Didi offers insights into her leadership style, valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, and reflects on the legacy she aims to leave through her work.

Frank Farmer, Councilman on Greenville County Council, and Matt Alexander, a candidate for Greenville City Council, join the Carolina Business Leaders Podcast to discuss their experiences in politics. They share candid thoughts about their ongoing and past campaigns, challenges faced, and the intricacies of managing community issues. They also reflect on Greenville's growth, the non-partisan nature of local politics, and offer advice on how citizens can get more involved in community initiatives. Tune in to hear their personal stories and visions for Greenville's future.

Steve Nail, the Dean of the College of Business at Anderson University, shares his extensive professional journey in this episode of the Carolina Business Leaders Podcast. Steve discusses his transition from corporate roles at Michelin and Hubble Lighting to academia and his recent foray into politics as a candidate for the South Carolina House of Representatives, District 21. He delves into his early career struggles during the 1980 economic downturn, the strategic moves that shaped his career, and the valuable lessons learned along the way. Steve also offers insights into modern challenges such as the impact of AI on jobs and the importance of aligning one's career with personal passion and aptitude. His mentorship, faith-centered life approach, and practical advice for young professionals make this episode a must-watch for aspiring business leaders.

Kevin Johnson, CEO of CloudFactory, discusses the groundbreaking work of human-in-the-loop AI technology. Kevin shares insights into CloudFactory's role in enhancing AI accuracy and scalability, details his journey from a farm in Iowa to leading a technology company, and emphasizes the importance of intentionality and adaptability in achieving success. Discover how CloudFactory is transforming industries with AI solutions, the challenges faced in pivoting to a tech-focused platform, and Kevin's perspective on leadership, culture, and personal growth.

Matt Gabriel, co-founder of Tech Wheelhouse, joins us in this episode to discuss the latest technological advancements and the future of tech innovation. Discover how Tech Wheelhouse is pioneering new solutions with cutting-edge technologies, and get inspired by Matt's expert insights on emerging trends, startup challenges, and the impact of technology on our daily lives. Don't miss his fascinating experiences and valuable advice for aspiring tech entrepreneurs.

Sam Konduros, CEO of the Greenville City Economic Development Corporation (The Greenville City EDC), joins the Carolina Business Leaders Podcast to discuss his extensive career in economic development.

In our conversation, Sam talks about the creation and mission of the EDC, shares what’s in their latest strategic plan, and gives us a look at some of the exciting projects on the horizon for the city. He also reflects on his own path—from law school to executive leadership—and the principles that shape his leadership style today.

If you’re curious about economic development, interested in leadership, or just want to learn more about the momentum happening in Greenville, this episode is full of insights and inspiration.

Paul Wickensimer, South Carolina House Representative for District 22, shares his journey of public service from clerk of court to chairing the county council. Wickensimer delves into his transition to the House of Representatives, his day-to-day responsibilities, key initiatives, and the significant role of relationships in legislative success. He also reflects on his early interest in politics, influenced by family figures involved in public service, and his dedication to making positive community impacts. Throughout the conversation, Wickensimer emphasizes the importance of public service, continuous learning, and genuine care for people. He highlights the multifaceted nature of his work, addressing both local and statewide issues, and providing insights into the legislative process and campaign dynamics.

Guillermo Avila, CEO and Chief Project Consultant of 365 Digital Technologies, shares his journey in entrepreneurship. Starting from his humble beginnings as a developer in 1993, Guillermo discusses his experiences with networking, technical recruitment, and project management. He talks about the transition from his initial role to founding his own consultancy firm, the challenges faced during business launches, and the inspiring support of his wife. Furthermore, Guillermo elaborates on the growth of 365 Digital Technologies, success in project rescues, and the importance of community mentorship and support. He also highlights the significance of their scholarship fund for Hispanic students and his commitment to positive social impact in the Carolinas.Questco⁠⁠Your premier HR outsourcing service provider for small to mid-sized businesses

In this episode of the Carolina Business Leaders Podcast, hosts Heath and Cristina Gerrald sit down with Taylor Davis, the president of NHE Inc., a multi-unit property and community association management firm committed to improving homes and lives every day. Taylor shares his journey from a 13-year-old starting in his family business to leading the company for 30 years. He discusses the challenges of managing homeowners associations, the evolution of the business, the impact of work ethic, and the importance of family legacy.

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In this episode of the Carolina Business Leaders Podcast, we sit down with Tina Belge, the founder of Catalyst Community Consulting and an at-large candidate for the Greenville City Council. Tina discusses her passion for urban planning and affordable housing, her extensive involvement in the Greenville community, and her background, which includes navigating personal challenges that shaped her career path. Tina also discusses her vision for Greenville's future, emphasizing the need for smart growth, efficient transit systems, and maintaining the city's green spaces.

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In this episode of the Carolina Business Leaders Podcast, host Cristina Waingart Gerrald sits down with Joan Herlong, the owner and CEO of Herlong Sotheby's International Realty. Joan, a prominent figure in the real estate industry with over 30 years of experience, shares her journey of building a successful real estate business in the Carolinas. Joan delves into her company’s client-first approach, her experiences transitioning from journalism and advertising to real estate, and the challenges and triumphs she faced along the way. She offers insights on the unique aspects of the Greenville market, the impact of COVID-19 on the industry, and her advice for new agents. Questco⁠⁠Your premier HR outsourcing service provider for small to mid-sized businesses

In this episode, we sit down with Mark Combs, a gritty, serial entrepreneur who has made a career out of building solutions for the complex world of healthcare benefits and compliance. As the CEO and co-founder of both Healthcare Reporting and Self Insured Reporting, Mark has helped shape how Plan Sponsors, Brokers, TPAs, PBMs, and Captives navigate the ever-changing regulatory landscape. 

From long nights spent fine-tuning spreadsheets as a benefits broker to building one of the Top 5 ACA reporting companies in the U.S., Mark shares the real behind-the-scenes journey of tackling tough industry problems with relentless determination and deep technical insight. 

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