Thursday morning the Greater Fayetteville Business Journal hosted its last Power Breakfast of the year titled “Our Innovation Economy.”
Panelists James Freeman, Justin B. Hembree and Fred Surgeon answered questions posed by GFBJ Publisher Marty Cayton as well as questions asked by attendees. Topics of discussion ranged from the growing trend of project based employment to the value of work-study programs and the popularization of the intrapreneur.
“I’m always impressed with having the power breakfast at Fayetteville State University, [it’s a] beautiful facility, and a great team of people to work with. Our panelists this morning were relevant and very vulnerable and I heard from many that this might’ve been the best Power Breakfast yet,” remarked Publisher Marty Cayton.
“There's a lot of folks out there that have great ideas, but sometimes we get in our own way. And I'm a believer, that if you can kind of put those fears [of] everybody's saying you can't do this, it's going to be challenging, [and] just go for it and do it and stay the course and invest in people… I think if you do that, [and you] network, the sky's the limit,” shared panelist Fred Surgeon.
Approximately 290 community members showed up to enjoy a hot breakfast and learn from this conversation. As always, the GFBJ team is incredibly grateful for the support of our readers and we look forward to bringing people together at future Power Breakfasts in the new year.
Brian and Staci Graybill opened their third business together, Market Square Pantry, in December 2025. Photo provided by Faith Hatton. For Fayetteville entrepreneurs Brian and Staci Graybill, building a business has often started when they were
The venue features two levels, two fully stocked bars, audio-video systems including projectors, and lighting solutions, an in-house culinary team, lounge space, a bistro section and private rooms, a state-of-the-art DJ booth and on-site staff to hel
Brad and Kelley McLawhorn became business partners in 2001 when they first opened a restaurant on Reilly Road. Now, their highly praised catering company continues to impress community members with flexibility, quality and personalized service. Photo
