Episodes
May 28, 2025
406: Matt Sharp – Sharp Advising
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...
May 21, 2025
405: Joe McMahan – Azoia Endurance
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...
May 14, 2025
404: Mark Towne, Vets Leadership
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 lead...
May 7, 2025
403: Ashlyn Greer, Fashivly
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 ...
April 30, 2025
402: Hunter Parsons, Hunter Window & Gutter Cleaning
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 bas...
April 23, 2025
401: Meredith Robinson, Goodwill Southern Piedmont
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 developm...
April 16, 2025
400: Sarah Kate Pease, Safe Alliance
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.
April 9, 2025
399: Megan King, Camp Southern Ground
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 i...
April 2, 2025
398: Madison Gates, Reliable Residential
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!
March 26, 2025
397: Mike Kana and Randy Brown, Doggett Concrete
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,...
March 19, 2025
396: Marissa West – West Kept Secret
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 ...
March 12, 2025
395: Matt Thomas – NCourage Coaching
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!
March 5, 2025
394: Jim Guimond & Dick Sesler – Camp Blue Skies
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 sh...
Feb. 26, 2025
393: Cliff Castelloe – All-In to Fight Cancer
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 Charl...
Feb. 19, 2025
392: Mark Wojcik – East Park Ave Talent Consulting
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.
Feb. 12, 2025
391: Palmer Magri – Reporter, Digital Producer
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!
Feb. 5, 2025
390: Chip Pettit — Stream Station
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!
Jan. 22, 2025
388: Spencer Lueders – 24 Foundation
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!
Jan. 15, 2025
387: Priya Sircar, Road Openers
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 ...
Jan. 8, 2025
386: Matt Zackon, Tax Credit Marketplace
Welcome back to The BrandBuilders Podcast! Today, we’re excited to have Matt Zackon from Tax Credit Marketplace joining us. Tax Credit Marketplace is a company that specializes in the complex world of tax credits and incentives. Matt, 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.
Jan. 1, 2025
385: Lauren Evans, Beds for Kids
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!
Dec. 25, 2024
384: Huong Luu, Luu Color Center
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!
Dec. 18, 2024
383: Maddy Ebbert, Artist and Muralist
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 even...