Wade Dibbert, a military veteran, talks about his speciality tea Shop, Angelina’s Teas, located in Winston-Salem, N.C. With a selection of both organic and conventional teas numbering over 500, his company is truly unique in his community. He talks about a number of issues germane to entrepreneurship and small business development.
by Prince John Gaither-Eli
Audie Barger, a martial artist and former marine, talks with us about the need for personal protection and how it drives his company, Nighthawk Personal Protection.
He is keen on the importance of situational awareness and the lack of it for most people in a data inundated world.
by Prince John Gaither-Eli
Sunshine Strawberry Farm by Arlene Childers
Coy Evans, more commonly known as “Buddy”, is a local Rutherford County farmer who has taken advantage of entrepreneurship education opportunities by attending the Sustainable Agriculture Class at Foothills Connect Business & Technology Center, and entrepreneurship classes at Isothermal Community College. Buddy lost his job as a Facility Manager after the company he worked for outsourced his position. Buddy now owns and operates Sunshine Strawberry Farm in Bostic, North Carolina, where he raises plasti-culture strawberries using drip irrigation on a raised-bed covered with plastic. Buddy understands the importance of networking with peers. He attends conferences and is a member of the NC Strawberry Association. While completing an apprenticeship with a neighboring farmer, Buddy learned how to use drip irrigation, and how to use row cover to protect the strawberries from deer, frost, and insect damage. Attending classes at Isothermal Community College gave Buddy a sense of direction and helped him develop business skills and confidence. The advice Buddy would like to share with others is, “You can do anything you want to if you are willing to work for it.” Buddy’s future plans include growing strawberries in the off season, and expanding his farm to include other agriculture products for year-around crops.
Sherri’s School of Dance by Arlene Childers
Sherri McGimsey owns a Dance Studio in downtown Morganton. Sherri has helped thousands of kids learn ballet, tap, and jazz skills, while building their self-confidence. Sherri has always loved to dance and has a passion for working with kids. She was working three part-time jobs when she opened her dance studio. She was teaching Jazzercise to adults at a local health club when she thought, “If I can teach adults, then I can teach kids.” Thirty-one years later, Sherri’s School of Dance continues to make a difference in the lives of kids.
Sherri’s School of Dance hosts a two hour production show once a year. All dance students participate in an opening and finale production number. Each student also performs an individual ballet, tap, and jazz number. Everyone in the community looks forward to the Sherri’s School of Dance production each year.
