North Carolina Business Minds

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The newsrooms from Triad Business Journal, Charlotte Business Journal and Triangle Business Journal bring you the top stories and exclusive interviews from across the state of North Carolina throughout the month.

  1. 6d ago

    Kristi Coleman’s summer of soccer

    The CEO of Tepper Sports & Entertainment tells CBJ’s Erik Spanberg about getting her start in sports business, why an upcoming renovation of Bank of America Stadium means so much to the organization and explains why hosting the MLS All-Star Game is about much more than a week of spotlight events for the city and region. Mentioned in this episode: Elon University https://www.elon.edu/

  2. Jul 2

    Fresh Market CEO talks aggressive expansion, culture turnaround, if IPO likely to resurface

    The grocer that once ranked one of the nation's worst places to work is now among the nation's most trusted companies. CEO Brian Johnson talks about the turnaround, how the grocer is growing its customer base and how quickly it can reach 200 stores total. Mentioned in this episode: Elon University https://www.elon.edu/

  3. Jun 18

    NC Idea's Thom Ruhe on Entrepreneurship, Execution, and NC's Innovation Ecosystem

    In this episode, Lauren Ohnesorge sits down with Thom Ruhe, CEO of NC Idea — a private foundation dedicated to supporting high-potential entrepreneurs across North Carolina. Thom breaks down what it really takes to turn an idea into a business, why execution matters more than uniqueness, and how to find the right co-founder. He also shares his perspective on survival entrepreneurship, the changing venture capital landscape, and why you don't need a unicorn raise to build something real. Plus, Thom gives an inside look at NC Idea's expanding statewide reach, its partnership with the Tweener Fund, and the transformative potential of NC Innovation in tech commercialization. If you're thinking about taking the entrepreneurial leap — or just want to understand what's fueling North Carolina's startup ecosystem — this one's for you. Mentioned in this episode: Elon University https://www.elon.edu/

  4. Jun 11

    The Jobs President: Kandi Deitemeyer

    Known as Dr. D to students and colleagues alike, Kandi Deitemeyer became president of Charlotte’s Central Piedmont Community College in 2017. Since then, she’s led the school through a once-in-a-century pandemic, crippling cyberattacks and a dramatically shifting job market — all while keeping the school’s scholarship fund growing. Now with 58,000 students, CPCC envisions a larger role creating careers in health, first-responder fields, and aviation, as well as the $25 billion transportation plan. And they’re not sleeping on A.I. either. Mentioned in this episode: Elon University https://www.elon.edu/

  5. Jun 4

    Builder, developer and entrepreneur Arthur Samet on The Pyrle, megasites and N.C’s competitiveness

    Arthur Samet has spent 35 years transforming the Southeast's built environment — from industrial megasites to healthcare campuses to a beloved downtown concert venue. As CEO of Samet Corp., the company his father founded in 1961, Arthur has grown the firm to over 500 associates across six offices and about $1 billion in annual revenue. But there's more to Arthur than large-scale construction. In this episode, Arthur talks about entrepreneurship, risk tolerance and the story behind The Pyrle — a live music venue he and his partners carved out of Greensboro's historic Triad Stage theater. We also dig into the future of North Carolina's megasites, how AI and robotics could reshape the region's economic landscape, the appeal of coastal markets, and his advice on boardroom leadership. If you're interested in real estate development, economic growth in the Southeast, or the risk-taking mentality of an entrepreneur, this episode is for you. Mentioned in this episode: Elon University https://www.elon.edu/

  6. May 21

    Air Travel in 2026: Flight Cancellations, Rising Prices, and What's Next for NC airports?

    Air travel in 2026 is more complicated than ever. From rising airline ticket prices and flight cancellations to airport expansion projects and new international routes, travelers across the U.S. are feeling the impact. In this episode, aviation expert Steve Van Beek breaks down what's driving the turbulence in commercial aviation — including jet fuel costs, TSA wait times, air traffic control shortages, and what's next for Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU), Asheville and other NC airports. If you're a frequent flyer, a business traveler, or planning a trip this summer, this conversation will help you navigate what's ahead.

  7. May 14

    Building on Solid Ground: Dr. Valerie Kinloch on Leading JCSU into a New Era of Excellence

    In our 50th episode, Charlotte Business Journal editor Robert Morris sits down with Dr. Valerie Kinloch, the 15th president of Johnson C. Smith University and a proud 1996 JCSU alumna. As the university prepares to graduate the class of 2026, Dr. Kinloch reflects on what it means to hand a diploma to students from the same stage where she once stood as a student. Dr. Kinloch opens up about the challenges and progress surrounding JCSU's accreditation status, why she views the probation period as an unexpected but necessary foundation-strengthening exercise, and what comes next. She discusses the university's evolving relationship with Charlotte's business community, the role of the Mayor's Racial Equity Initiative, and her vision for a transdisciplinary academic model that prepares students for careers that don't yet exist. She also shares the personal connections and mentors that shaped her own journey — from a chemistry teacher in Charleston to the Aspen Ascend Fellowship — and what she wants every JCSU graduate to carry into the world: heads held high, spines straight, and an unshakeable belief in themselves. A milestone episode for a milestone guest. Happy 50th, NC Business Minds!

  8. May 7

    Truliant CEO talks growth, competition, merger scars, stablecoin

    Todd Hall, President and CEO of Truliant Federal Credit Union, joins North Carolina Business Minds to discuss how the triad's largest locally headquartered financial institution has grown assets by 65% to over $5 billion and expanded membership to more than 337,000 since 2020. In this episode, we explore Truliant's strategic expansion into Charlotte and upstate South Carolina, the credit union's six-figure naming rights deal for the Truliant Amphitheater (formerly PNC Music Pavilion), and the $90 million sell-leaseback of its headquarters and operations center. Hall also shares his perspective on fintech disruption, stablecoin legislation, rising inflation concerns, and what makes a credit union's value proposition stand out against big national banks. Hall reflects on more than 35 years in financial services — including surviving four bank acquisitions — and offers candid advice to emerging leaders on the importance of community engagement. He was recently named a Junior Achievement Business Hall of Fame Laureate. North Carolina Business Minds is supported by Elon University.

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The newsrooms from Triad Business Journal, Charlotte Business Journal and Triangle Business Journal bring you the top stories and exclusive interviews from across the state of North Carolina throughout the month.

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