The pandemic created unexpected winners, losers and impacts while forcing everyone in business to make adjustments. For those who’ve changed in effective ways, it’s common to hear twinges of regret from achieving
success during a very difficult time.
This month’s cover subject, Karin Kassab, expressed that view when we discussed how her Wilmington counseling service expanded rapidly amid COVID-19. Clarity Counseling Center was one of four companies selected in our annual Small Businesses of the Year competition from more than 50 strong nominations. The final selections including Lynch Mykins Structural Engineers of Raleigh, Elijah’s Xtreme in Gastonia and Shaka Taco in Surf City were made by previous winners and experts on entrepreneurship including our publisher, Ben Kinney.
Spotlighting great small businesses is a highlight of our work. Selling tacos and creating tasty hot sauces is very different from designing buildings or providing therapy. But each company is led by inspired leaders whose insights offer some terrific lessons for Business North Carolina readers.
I work with great folks who are backed up by terrific families. I thought it would be fun to share some of their favorite holiday traditions.
Ben Kinney: “We always try to have oyster stew on Christmas Eve and watch ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ that night. I’m usually the only one who watches the whole movie.”
Sue Graf: “My favorite holiday tradition is making the Graf Gumdrop cookies. As one of four kids in a large extended family, we would start preparing for Christmas weeks ahead of time. This delicious cookie stems from my Mom’s childhood. I’ve never seen it featured in a cookbook or by Martha Stewart. Email me for the recipe.”
Peggy Knaack: “Our favorite Christmas tradition is to visit a North Carolina tree farm in the mountains. The day includes hiking, a hayride, hot chocolate and a search for the perfect tree. We’ve done this every year for the past 15 years, and it’s always a great adventure.”
Jennings Cool: “On Christmas day, my family and I have a steak lunch. We have quality cuts, delicious sides and the occasional lobster tail. It is one of my favorite meals.”
Colin Campbell: “Our family goes to a Christmas parade, usually in a small town east of Raleigh such as Archer Lodge, Bailey or Knightdale. Raleigh’s got a great big city parade on the Saturday before Thanksgiving, which is too early to get in the spirit. Small-town parades usually happen on a chilly December afternoon, and it’s fun to see the local high school marching bands, hand-decorated floats from local businesses and civic groups, and seemingly every fire truck in the area.”
Ralph Voltz: “My wife, Laura, buys a tree as soon as possible. It is my job to make sure it is straight in the stand.”
Jennifer Ware: “No matter where you are, you must put on proper attire and get back home to Florence, S.C. by 5 p.m. on Christmas Eve for the cocktail hour of champagne and cheese straws. An evening of traditions and revelry makes Christmas Eve the peak of family and friend celebrations.”
Scott Leonard: “I started making or buying a tree ornament for my mom when I was a kid. Some were crafts, some were from local stores, and some were from my travels. Her tree is now covered with very personable ornaments — each with its own unique memory or story. We share those stories with our six-year-old son, Oliver, and now he can carry on this tradition.”
David Mildenberg: “My wife Janet’s family had dozens of great Christmas traditions before her parents died. One of my favorites that continues in their absence is a stocking filled with practical gifts such as shaving cream, dental floss and oranges. And there’s always a handwritten note saying ‘Respect,’ a response to my joking request on a gift list during my first year as part of the family, many years ago.”
Happy Holidays!
David Mildenberg is editor of Business North Carolina. Reach him at dmildenberg@businessnc.com.