Fayetteville State University (FSU) and the Fayetteville-Cumberland Regional Entrepreneur and Business HUB (FSU HUB) came together to celebrate Fayetteville’s business community. The two organizations rolled out the blue carpet at the Rudolph Jones Student Center for their inaugural Entrepreneurial Impact Awards Gala held on Thursday, Sept. 10.

The gala honored outstanding entrepreneurs and business leaders who demonstrate excellence, foster growth and inspire the next generation of innovators within the FSU and broader business community.

FSU HUB Director Dr. Tamara Colvin was able to highlight that this new milestone was a great way to show local success stories, not just tell.

“That one-stop shop that’s across the street, we never promised that everyone would be successful, but what we did promise was access. Four years ago, we opened up an entire ecosystem: counseling, capital, contracts, connections, certifications,” shared Colvin. “I want to thank the judges who took up hard work for choosing tonight’s honorees. That’s never an easy task when the whole region is full of people worth recognizing at the HUB. We practice what we preach: Res Non Verba: Deeds, not words.” 

A few of the inaugural recipients of the awards shared their statements with the Greater Fayetteville Business Journal.

STUDENT ENTREPRENEUR 

Boolean Wiring LLC, Esean Rose, owner 

“I am truly honored and grateful to receive the Student Entrepreneur of the Year Award. I want to thank Fayetteville State University, the judges, the Greater Fayetteville Business Journal, and everyone who has supported me throughout this journey.

One of the most valuable lessons I took away from the evening came from keynote speaker Arun Gupta. He challenged us to rethink the way we introduce ourselves. So often, when we meet someone, we immediately lead with our job title, position, company, or what we do for a living. We become so caught up in titles that sometimes we never actually meet the person-we only meet the profession.

That message stayed with me. I am proud to be an electrician, a student, an entrepreneur, and the founder of Boolean Wiring LLC, but those titles are only parts of who I am. Entrepreneurship is ultimately about people-building relationships, understanding others, solving problems, serving communities and creating opportunities. Moving forward, I want to become more intentional about getting to know the person before the position.

That lesson also connects with the future I envision for Boolean Wiring. We started with a foundation in electrical contracting, but my vision extends beyond traditional electrical work. I believe the future of our industry lies in smart-building infrastructure-where electrical systems, energy management, automation, Iot technology, EV charging, and connected building systems work together.

As I continue my education in Construction Project Management at Fayetteville State University, my goal is to combine my electrical background, entrepreneurship and education to build Boolean Wiring into a company capable of helping construct and modernize the intelligent buildings of the future.

This award represents more than recognition for where Boolean Wiring is today. To me, it represents the potential of where we are going, I am excited about growing the company, creating jobs, serving our community, and building something that can have an impact far beyond Fayetteville.

I walked away from the gala with an award, but I also walked away with a lesson I believe will make me a better entrepreneur and leader: before we ask people what they do, we should take the time to learn who they are.”

VETERAN-OWNED BUSINESS 

SpeediPrint Inc., Dazrell Fleming, owner 

“I’m honored to accept the Veteran-Owned Business Award on behalf of the entire SpeediPrint team. A special thank you to Dr. Tamara Colvin for creating this opportunity through the Entrepreneurial Impact Awards, and to my mentor, Mr. Julius Cook, whose guidance during the Boots to Business program truly paid off. This recognition reflects the hard work of my staff and the trust our customers place in us every day — I’m grateful to serve this community and excited for what’s ahead.”

MULTI-GENERATIONAL EXCELLENCE 

BJL Construction, Cleopatrice Robinson, president

"First, I give honor to God, from whom all blessings continue to flow. First Thessalonians 5:18 reminds us, “In all things give thanks.” Therefore, on behalf of BJL Construction Company, Inc., I sincerely thank the Fayetteville- Cumberland Regional Entrepreneur and Business HUB and the members of the Inaugural Fayetteville State University Impact Awards Committee for this distinguished recognition, the Multi-Generational Excellence Award. 

Thank you for creating an occasion that celebrates entrepreneurship, community impact, and the legacies that strengthen our region. This award is especially meaningful because we are than a business — we are the continuation of a family legacy built through faith, hard work, craftsmanship, integrity and service.

I gratefully acknowledge my grandfather, Deacon Benjamin “BJ” Lacy, Jr., whose example helped establish the foundation upon which our family’s entrepreneurial legacy was built. His strength, determination, and commitment to his community as a brick mason planted seeds that would continue to grow through future generations.

I also honor my father, the late Dr. Wilson Lacy, former President of BJL Construction. After I graduated from College, my father invited me to join him in the company. Working alongside him was both an opportunity and an education. He taught me that a business’s reputation had to be earned on every project through honesty, excellence, quality and service. I am profoundly grateful for his leadership, his confidence in me, and the legacy he entrusted me to carry forward.

As the current President, I recognize that I did not arrive at this moment alone. I stand on the shoulders of those who came before me, and I am sustained by those who continue to walk beside me. I want to thank my husband, Deyone Robinson, and my son Darius Robinson for being my constant support system.
A multigenerational legacy is not simply something we inherit; it is something we are responsible for preserving, strengthening, and passing forward. Each generation must take what it has received, add to it, and prepare the next generation to go even further.

Our work has never been solely about constructing buildings. It continues to be about building opportunities, strengthening businesses, supporting families, developing communities, and opening doors for small and historically underutilized businesses. We believe our success should create pathways for others to succeed. Therefore, I give thanks in all things. I give thanks for the generations that came before me, for the family that stands beside me, for the community that continues to support us, and for the opportunity to carry this legacy into the future.

May our story remind others that a foundation built upon faith, integrity, perseverance and service can support generations of excellence.

Thank you for honoring our legacy with this Multi-Generational Excellence Award." 

MICRO BUSINESS 

Maybridge Development, LLC, Latisha Perkins, owner 

"I accept this award with so much pride and a whole lot of gratitude. First and foremost, I want to thank my higher power for continuing to guide me and give me the strength to keep going.

Let me tell you, when I first started this business and moved here to Fayetteville, I had no clue what I was getting myself into. This business has turned me every which way but loose, and I definitely had some moments where I was ready to just pack it up and head back to Georgia.

But I kept going. For one, I owed Uncle Sam. And two, I had a lot of people betting on me, people who believed in me more than I believed in myself at the time.

And it’s refreshing to finally lift my head up and see what has been built from what started as just a thought and a belief that I could make it happen. And I’m really proud of that.

I want to thank my Maybridge team, my village, The Hub, the FCEDC team, and all the people and organizations here in Fayetteville who have believed in me and Maybridge and helped us get here.

I’m proud of where we are, but I’m even more proud of where we’re headed." 

COMMUNITY IMPACT 

Greater Life of Fayetteville, Georgeanna Pinckney, CEO & executive director 

“We are deeply honored to be recognized by Fayetteville State University and the Fayetteville Cumberland Entrepreneurship HUB with the Community Impact Award presented to Greater Life of Fayetteville.

As the CEO and Executive Director, I am especially grateful for this recognition because it tells us that you see what we do—and, more importantly, why we do what we do. Our commitment is to serve, empower, and create meaningful opportunities for youth and families in our community.

On behalf of the entire Greater Life of Fayetteville team, I extend our heartfelt appreciation to Chair Mia Watson and our Board of Directors: Kerochedia Ray, Pamela Fisher, Stephanie Glenn, Ann McKoy, Keren Asare, Jackson Bryant, and Patrice Bogertey. Thank you for your leadership, support, commitment, and unity in helping us carry out this important work.

Most importantly, we give God first and foremost all the glory. We thank Him for giving us the wisdom, strength, vision, and unity to continue doing this great work in our community.

This award encourages us to keep planting seeds, nurturing potential, strengthening families, and transforming lives.”

SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR 

Crowder Trucking LLC, Carlos & Valerie Morrison Crowder, owners 

“First, I want to thank God for always keeping his hands-on Crowder Trucking. I’m truly honored and grateful I am to receive the Small Business Award from the Fayetteville Cumberland Regional Entrepreneur & Business Hub.

Running a small business is not always easy. There are long days, difficult decisions, unexpected challenges, and plenty of moments when you have to remind yourself why you started. But there are also incredible moments like this one that remind you that the hard work is worth it.

This award is not just a recognition of our business. It represents the people who have supported us along the way — our customers, our team, our families, our mentors, and everyone in this community who has believed in what we are building.

I especially want to thank the Fayetteville Entrepreneurship Hub for creating opportunities like this and for investing in local entrepreneurs. Small businesses are built on big dreams, but they grow because communities choose to support them.

To every entrepreneur in this room who is still working toward that dream: keep going. There will be setbacks, but don’t let them convince you that you’re not capable. Your business doesn’t have to start big to make a big impact.

We are incredibly proud of what we’ve accomplished, but we’re even more excited about what’s ahead. Our goal is not only to build a successful business, but to create something that contributes to our community, creates opportunities for others, and leaves a lasting impact.

Thank you again to the Fayetteville Cumberland Regional Entrepreneur & Business Hub for this incredible honor, and thank you to everyone who has been part of our journey.

Thank you."  - Valerie Morrison Crowder, owner of Crowder Trucking LLC

“I’m going to be short. This is definitely God. All God, because I just stated back walking. I got hurt, in a wheelchair for five months. Something fell out of a truck and hit me. I just want to thank God for allowing me to b up here and walk.
Hard work and dedication, over twenty-five years. This is special. Thanks to everybody, who put this beautiful event. It means a lot.  Thank you."  - Carlos Crowder, Owner of Crowder Trucking LLC

OTHER 2026 WINNERS INCLUDE: 

Alumni Entrepreneur -  The Two-Six Project, Grant Bennett, founder and president 

Fayetteville State University Faculty Award - Dr. Christy Swinson 

Emerging Business Award -  Genuine Luxury Beauty Salon 

Legacy Award - Gillis Farms Inc. 

Industry Titan of the Year - Eaton Corporation 

Entrepreneur of the Year- Let Me Cater to You, Chef Judith Cage, owner

The  Entrepreneurial Impact Awards Gala is expected to return in 2027.