In this issue, we will be focusing on workforce and recruiting. More specifically, our cover story talks about growing our apprenticeships and internships. As I thought about these subjects, I began to reminisce about my own early career path. 

My first formal job was as a custodian and yard maintenance worker. I was about 14 years old and I worked to keep our family business office and grounds clean and in order. This was no casual task as it included two large buildings totaling about 15,000 square-feet and about three acres of land and my father expected the work to be done thoroughly and not half (rear ended)! 

When I was 16, I continued my custodial and landscaping duties on the weekend and took on another job after school in a pawn shop. I was under the supervision of a retired master sergeant who, like my father, had high expectations for my job performance! 

Both of these early work experiences taught me the value and appreciation of hard work and also gave clarity on what I did and did not want to do in the future. And now, 42 years later – I’m still learning from and valuing those lessons! 

And speaking of workforce and recruiting, I couldn’t be more proud of my team. My key teammates who joined our workforce at GFBJ in 2022 were recruited by Divine intervention as far as I’m concerned – because what a blessing they have been to me and GFBJ. 

Earlier this month, Faith Hatton was promoted to Associate Publisher. She and Stephanie Meador are quite the impressive young professionals, indeed! When I started GFBJ, I believed our business community deserved a business-focused media outlet like so many other markets our size and larger already had – and Fayetteville didn’t. Now, next month we will begin year five, and it is great to have team members who share that vision and belief enough to invest themselves, as well. 

It is a pleasure to be a part of their growth and to reward them with more responsibility. I am also excited to see how they, and other young professionals in the greater Fayetteville market, will continue to shape the future of our business community. 

Here’s to continued growth in 2025 and to always having a teachable spirit! 

God bless you and yours!