North Carolina is more than its bustling metro areas: Most of the state is made up of small cities and towns seeking niches in a fast-changing economy. Business North Carolina’s inaugural Trailblazers feature includes 22 young, thriving business owners and professionals in North Carolina communities with fewer than 100,000 residents. We sought nominations for the best and brightest under 40 who are showing significant business success and are striving to make a positive impact.
Enthusiastic nominators introduced us to many qualified young professionals. We narrowed the list to 22 leaders from across the state, from Saluda to Edenton. Each noted that there’s something special about living in a small community. Each offers the kind of energy needed to improve their communities, often against heavy odds.
This year’s list includes:
Sara Bell, 37, The Gorge/Green River Adventures, Saluda
Chris Cartwright, 39, Prism Medical Products, Elkin
Cameron Cruse, 30, R. Riveter, Southern Pines
Jennifer Harriss, 38, Destination Downtown Edenton, Edenton
David Joyner, 34, Joyner Media & Strategies Inc., Rocky Mount
Lindsay Keisler, 31, Catawba County Chamber of Commerce, Hickory
Brandy Koontz, 36, Koontz Law, Mocksville
Joanne Badr Morgan, 37, Ward and Smith, Asheville
Jon Neumann, 36, Grove Stone & Sand, Asheville
Anna Oakes, 34, Watauga Democrat, Boone
Chip Owen, 37, Innovation Brewing Co., Sylva
Nicole Owen, 32, Innovation Brewing Co. Sylva
Jesse Pope, 37, Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation, Linville
David Sauls, 37, Southern Bank and Trust Co., Mount Olive
Ashley Scarborough, 31, Plank Road Forestry, Wadesboro
Logan Scarborough, 30, Plank Road Forestry, Wadesboro
Kelly Shiley, 39, Mary Square, Apex
Christi Thompson, 35, The Market at Three Little Birds, Clayton
Dalton Walters, 32, Mimosa Insurance, Morganton
Ben Webb, 35, Fish Hippie/Old North State Winery, Mount Airy
Danny Wilcox, 29, We Can So You Can Foundation/Appalachian Mountain Brewery, Boone
Joe Williams, 37, Brisson Drugs, St. Pauls
Stay tuned for profiles on each of our Trailblazers to be published on our website.