The Carolina Business Leadership Show

The LifeTime Insurance Agency team
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Entrepreneurship

Conversations with entrepreneurs and executives shaping business across the Carolinas. The Carolina Business Leadership Show brings you real conversations with inspiring entrepreneurs, executives, and business leaders from North and South Carolina. Hosted by the LifeTime Insurance Agency team, who understand the heartbeat of local business, each episode explores how these leaders grow companies, overcome challenges, and lead with purpose. Tune in for actionable lessons and insider perspectives from the Carolinas’ most impactful business minds.

  1. 4d ago

    Leading with Trust: Real Estate, Relationships, and Downsizing with Amy Lance

    How Amy Lance Helps Clients Downsize with Confidence Through Trust, Organization & Local Expertise What makes a great real estate agent? It's not just market knowledge or negotiation skills. It's the ability to build trust during one of the biggest transitions in someone's life. In this episode of the Carolina Business Leadership Show, host Carol Willard talks with Amy Lance, a luxury real estate advisor with Daniel Ravenel Sotheby's International Realty in Beaufort, South Carolina. With more than 30 years of experience in sales, nonprofit leadership, construction, and luxury real estate, Amy shares how authentic relationships, organization, and local expertise have become the foundation of her business. Amy discusses what it takes to guide buyers and sellers through major life transitions, why downsizing is about much more than square footage, and how understanding a client's lifestyle leads to better decisions. She also explains the value of referral relationships, creating exceptional client experiences, and using systems and technology to deliver consistent service. In this episode, you'll learn:How nonprofit leadership prepared Amy for a successful real estate careerWhy trust is the most valuable asset in any client relationshipWhat buyers should consider before relocating to South Carolina's LowcountryPractical advice for downsizing and planning for retirementHow relationship-driven businesses generate referrals that last for yearsWhy organization, systems, and AI are transforming the real estate industryThe importance of local knowledge when helping clients buy or sell a home Whether you're a homeowner, REALTOR®, entrepreneur, or business leader, this conversation offers practical insights on leadership, customer experience, and building relationships that create long-term success. Connect with Amy Lance📍 Daniel Ravenel Sotheby's International Realty 📧 amy@danielravenel.com 📍 Beaufort, South Carolina Subscribe to the Carolina Business Leadership Show for weekly conversations with entrepreneurs, founders, and business leaders from across North and South Carolina who are sharing practical lessons on leadership, growth, relationships, and building businesses that make a lasting impact. Amy Lance, Daniel Ravenel Sotheby's International Realty, Beaufort SC real estate, South Carolina real estate, luxury real estate, downsizing, retirement relocation, relocation guide, REALTOR®, real estate leadership, customer experience, relationship marketing, entrepreneurship, leadership podcast, Carolina Business Leadership Show

  2. Jul 13

    How Matt Howard Built a Referral-Based Remodeling Business Through Trust, Systems & Leadership

    What does it take to build a successful business without relying on paid leads or aggressive sales tactics? In this episode of the Carolina Business Leadership Show, Aubrey Fitzloff talks with Matt Howard, founder of SCOMA Construction Services LLC in Raleigh, North Carolina. Matt has spent more than 15 years building a residential remodeling company fueled almost entirely by referrals, reputation, and exceptional customer experiences. Matt shares how implementing repeatable systems, focusing on relationships, and embracing a mindset of ownership helped him grow from a one-man operation into a thriving business with a trusted team. During the conversation, we discuss: • How referrals become your most valuable marketing strategy • Why systems and processes are essential for sustainable business growth • Creating a customer experience that earns lifelong trust • Leading through accountability and "extreme ownership" • Building a company culture that empowers employees • Balancing entrepreneurship with family life and personal priorities • Advice for aspiring entrepreneurs entering the construction industry Whether you're a contractor, entrepreneur, business owner, or leader looking to scale your company while maintaining exceptional customer service, this episode offers practical insights you can apply immediately. Connect with Matt HowardWebsite: https://www.scomaconstruction.com Instagram: @homeplacedesignbuild Subscribe to the Carolina Business Leadership Show for weekly conversations with entrepreneurs, founders, and business leaders across North and South Carolina who are building stronger businesses, stronger teams, and stronger communities. Matt Howard, SCOMA Construction Services, residential remodeling, remodeling contractor, construction business, entrepreneurship, small business, business leadership, leadership podcast, referral marketing, customer experience, company culture, business systems, Raleigh NC, North Carolina business, Carolina Business Leadership Show

  3. Jul 7

    Leadership in Hospitality: Lessons from Restauranteur Gabriele Grigolon

    How mentorship, resilience, and calculated risks shaped one restaurateur's journey from Italy to the American Dream. What does it take to build a successful restaurant, lead a team through uncertainty, and pursue the American Dream? In this episode of the Carolina Business Leadership Show, Aubrey Fitzloff sits down with Gabriele Grigolon, chef, restaurateur, and owner of Aqua e Vino in Charlotte, North Carolina. Born and trained in Italy, Gabriele shares his journey from European kitchens to restaurant ownership in the United States, along with the leadership lessons he's learned along the way. Together, they discuss mentorship, leading by example, building a culture of ownership, balancing tradition with innovation, and adapting a business during challenging times. Gabriele also shares how dyslexia has influenced his creativity, why strong supplier relationships matter, and how taking calculated risks has shaped both his career and his business. Whether you're a business owner, entrepreneur, hospitality professional, or aspiring leader, this conversation offers practical insights on leadership, resilience, customer experience, and long-term success. Topics include: • Restaurant leadership and hospitality • Entrepreneurship and the American Dream • Mentorship and career growth • Building team accountability • Risk-taking and business growth • Adapting during COVID-19 • Supplier and vendor relationships • Balancing tradition and innovation Connect with Aqua e Vino: Website: www.aquaevino.com Phone: (704) 364-4445 Follow the Carolina Business Leadership Show for conversations with business owners, entrepreneurs, and community leaders across North and South Carolina.

  4. Jun 29

    Sustainable Business Growth: Leadership Lessons from Cristina Hall of Ginger's Revenge

    Why Sustainable Growth Starts with Personal Growth In this episode of the Carolina Business Leadership Show, Aubrey Fitzloff sits down with Cristina Hall Ackley, co-founder of Ginger's Revenge, an award-winning craft ginger beer brewery in Asheville, North Carolina. Cristina shares the entrepreneurial journey behind building a purpose-driven business, leading alongside her husband, and creating sustainable business growth without sacrificing personal well-being. Together, they explore leadership, entrepreneurship, burnout, company culture, and the importance of building a business that aligns with your values. Cristina offers practical insights on growing through uncertainty, investing in personal development, supporting your team, and staying connected to your "why" through every stage of business. Whether you're launching a startup, leading a growing company, or redefining success as an entrepreneur, this conversation is packed with actionable leadership lessons you can apply immediately. In this episode, you'll learn:Why personal growth is essential to business growthHow to build a purpose-driven business that reflects your valuesStrategies for preventing burnout while pursuing sustainable growthLessons from building a business with your spouseHow strong company culture begins with intentional leadershipThe importance of defining—and revisiting—your "why"Creating meaningful partnerships with employees, vendors, and your communityWhy great leaders invest in themselves as much as they invest in their businessesIf you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another entrepreneur or business leader. Connect with Ginger's Revenge Website: https://gingersrevenge.com Instagram: @gingersrev Facebook: Ginger's Revenge Visit the Taproom: 829 Riverside Drive, Suite 100 Asheville, NC 28801 Connect with the Carolina Business Leadership Show Follow us on Instagram, Threads, LinkedIn, Facebook, and YouTube: @carolinabusinessleadershipshow Interested in being a guest? 📧 aubrey@ltins.com entrepreneurship, leadership, sustainable business growth, purpose-driven business, Asheville business, burnout, company culture, and small business leadership

  5. Apr 24

    From Military Instructor to Entrepreneur: Michael Woodland’s Headshot Business

    In this episode of the Carolina Business Leadership Show, host Aubrey Fitzloff sits down with Michael Woodland, founder of Essential Headshots, a Columbia, South Carolina-based headshot photographer helping professionals and business owners elevate their personal brand through powerful first impressions. Michael shares how his journey from military service to entrepreneurship began unexpectedly—and how discipline, resilience, and a commitment to mastering his craft helped him build a fast-growing, relationship-driven business in the Carolinas. We talk about what makes a great headshot, why confidence and authenticity matter more than perfection, and how strong visual branding can open doors for entrepreneurs, sales professionals, and business leaders. This conversation also explores the realities of starting a business from scratch, lessons learned from early mistakes, and why community relationships and word-of-mouth referrals continue to drive long-term growth. If you’re a small business owner, entrepreneur, or professional looking to strengthen your personal brand and build trust with your audience, this episode delivers practical insights you can apply immediately. What You’ll LearnHow Michael Woodland built Essential Headshots from the ground upWhy professional headshots matter for personal branding and business growthThe role of discipline and mindset in entrepreneurshipHow to build a business through trust and word-of-mouth referralsCommon mistakes new business owners make when investing in their businessHow authenticity and confidence impact leadership and client relationshipsThe evolving role of AI in photography and personal brandingConnect with Michael WoodlandWebsite: www.essentialheadshots.com Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook: @ESNTLheadshots Phone: 803-237-2536 About the ShowThe Carolina Business Leadership Show features real conversations with business owners and leaders across North and South Carolina, sharing practical insights on growth, leadership, and building relationship-driven businesses. If you found value in this episode, make sure you’re subscribed so you don’t miss future conversations with business leaders across the Carolinas. Know a business owner who should be on the show? Share this episode with them.

  6. Apr 24

    From Prosecutor to Entrepreneur: Building Barefoot Bridal with Sharon Kopp

    Building Barefoot Bridal Through Service & Trust In this episode of the Carolina Business Leadership Show, host Aubrey Fitzloff sits down with Sharon Kopp, founder of Barefoot Bridal, a destination wedding planning company built on exceptional customer service, responsiveness, and a deeply personal mission to protect brides from negative experiences. Sharon shares her journey from a 13-year career as a prosecutor to launching Barefoot Bridal after a frustrating and costly experience planning her own wedding—and how that moment became the foundation for a thriving, service-driven business. We talk about what it really looks like to build a relationship-driven business in the wedding industry, where communication, trust, and attention to detail aren’t optional—they’re everything. This conversation dives into leadership without formal business training, building and managing a remote team across multiple locations, and how prioritizing employee experience directly impacts client outcomes. Sharon also shares insights into the evolving destination wedding industry, including how post-COVID shifts have changed client expectations, increased demand for personal connection, and made destination weddings a more accessible option for budget-conscious couples. If you’re a small business owner, entrepreneur, or leader building a service-based business, this episode offers practical lessons on leadership, growth, and creating a client experience that stands out. Key ThemesEntrepreneurship and career transition Building a service-first business Leadership without formal training Managing and growing a remote team Customer experience and white-glove service Avoiding burnout through intentional growth Destination weddings as a cost-effective option Adapting to changing client expectations Notable Quotes“I wanted to give other brides the experience I wished I had.” “Happy employees provide the best service.” “I’d rather make less profit and avoid burnout—for me and my team.” “There’s nothing worth your mental health.” Connect with Barefoot BridalWebsite: www.barefootbridal.com Instagram: @barefoot_bridal Email: sharon@barefootbridal.com Phone/Text: 866-822-7336 Follow now so you never miss a conversation that could sharpen your leadership and grow your business. Know a Carolina business owner who would benefit from this conversation? Share this episode and help us elevate leaders building strong businesses through trust and community. ShareShare this episode and help us spotlight the leaders building strong businesses through trust, service, and community. 📲 Follow the PodcastInstagram | Threads | LinkedIn | Facebook | YouTube → @carolinabusinessleadershipshow 💌 Be a GuestEmail: aubrey@ltins.com

  7. Mar 29

    Building a Roofing Business on Honesty, Reputation & Community | Joe Reeder, Classic Roofing SC

    How a Columbia, SC roofing company is growing through relationships, craftsmanship, and doing business the right way What does it really take to build a successful roofing company in today’s competitive market? In this episode of the Carolina Business Leadership Show, Aubrey Fitzloff sits down with Joe Reeder, co-owner of Classic Roofing in Columbia, South Carolina, to talk about what it looks like to grow a business rooted in honesty, accountability, and community relationships. Joe shares his journey from working in construction and sales to taking the leap into business ownership—without a safety net—and how that decision shaped the way he leads today. They dive into the realities of running a roofing company in the Carolinas, including navigating competition, managing crews in extreme conditions, building trust with homeowners, and why reputation matters more than marketing budgets. This conversation is packed with practical insight for business owners, especially those in home services, construction, and relationship-driven industries. Key Topics & TakeawaysWhy Joe chose to leave a corporate construction career to start Classic RoofingThe importance of community presence and relationship-based business growthHow leadership changes when you go from employee to ownerWhat it takes to manage teams in physically demanding industries like roofingHow competition and private equity are reshaping local service businessesThe real impact of storms, real estate trends, and insurance on roofing demandRed flags homeowners should watch for when hiring a contractorWhy honesty (even when it costs you a sale) builds long-term successThe role of reputation, reviews, and trust in growing a local businessHow collaboration—even with competitors—can strengthen an entire industryWho This Episode Is ForSmall business owners and entrepreneursHome service and construction professionalsLeaders building teams in hands-on industriesAnyone interested in growing a business through relationships instead of transactions Joe Reeder is the co-owner of Classic Roofing, a Columbia, South Carolina-based residential and commercial roofing company known for its craftsmanship, transparency, and community-first approach. With a background in construction, sales, and operations, Joe brings a hands-on leadership style and a strong commitment to doing business the right way. Connect with Joe Reeder & Classic RoofingWebsite: www.classicroofingsc.comInstagram & Facebook: @classicroofingscPhone: 803-590-7870 If you enjoyed this episode, make sure you’re subscribed to the Carolina Business Leadership Show so you don’t miss conversations with business leaders across North and South Carolina. Know a business owner who would benefit from this conversation? Share this episode with them. And if you're in the Carolinas and need help with health, life, or Medicare insurance, Aubrey and her team at LifeTime Insurance Agency are always here as a resource. roofing business, Columbia SC roofing company, small business leadership, construction business growth, home services marketing, roofing contractor tips, local business growth, entrepreneurship South Carolina, leadership in construction, relationship-based business, Classic Roofing SC, Carolina Business Leadership Show

  8. Feb 14

    Carolina Small Business Leadership: Lessons from a Family-Owned Coffee Shop

    How The Morning Jump Built Community, Customer Loyalty, and Strong Team Culture Near Fort Liberty In this episode of the Carolina Business Leadership Show, host Aubrey Fitzloff speaks with Kat Bartlett, General Manager of The Morning Jump, a family-owned coffee shop near Fort Liberty, North Carolina. Kat shares leadership lessons from growing up inside a small business, navigating family dynamics, and building a team culture centered on communication and customer connection. She explains how serving military families has strengthened their community roots, why empathy is critical in leadership, and how her approach has evolved as both her team and her family have grown. This conversation explores the real work behind sustainable small business growth—hiring well, communicating clearly, adapting marketing strategies, and balancing personal life with professional responsibility. If you're a Carolina business owner, team leader, or aspiring entrepreneur, this episode offers practical leadership insight grounded in community and relationships. leadershipsmall businessfamily businesscarolina businesscustomer serviceteam managemententrepreneurship

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Conversations with entrepreneurs and executives shaping business across the Carolinas. The Carolina Business Leadership Show brings you real conversations with inspiring entrepreneurs, executives, and business leaders from North and South Carolina. Hosted by the LifeTime Insurance Agency team, who understand the heartbeat of local business, each episode explores how these leaders grow companies, overcome challenges, and lead with purpose. Tune in for actionable lessons and insider perspectives from the Carolinas’ most impactful business minds.

Information

  • Creator
    The LifeTime Insurance Agency team
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    33
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2025 The LifeTime Insurance Agency team
  • Show Website
    The Carolina Business Leadership Show