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Jul 31, 2026

Bearded soldier to brand manager: Chad Kraken's journey to building his business empire

The KRAKEN-SKULLS brand includes a barbershop, a tattoo shop, a T-shirt company, an embroidery company, a website design company, a media marketing and graphic design company and an auto shop. Photos by GFBJ.When Chad Kraken retired from the military ...

Jul 31, 2026

From agritourism to event spaces: How Fred and Anita Surgeon prioritize people in business

Fred Surgeon, with the support of his wife Anita, owns and operates Surgeon &Associates, Inc, a family of businesses with everything from agritourism, pestcontrol, cleaning services and behavioral health services. Photos provided by Fred Surgeon. ...

Jul 30, 2026

From vision to action: Fayetteville entrepreneur builds portfolio of businesses centered on community and connection

: Sisters With A Purpose Foundation focuses on empowering women, youth and families through mentorship, educational workshops and community outreach. Photos provided by Santina Thomas.When Santina Thomas saw a need in the market, she didn’t wait for ...

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Kyle Holmes
H2 Contracting

Building relationships, delivering results: Inside H2 Contracting’s growth story

Posted Jul 13, 2026
With deep roots in the Fayetteville area and a steadily expanding footprint across North Carolina, H2 Contracting has built its business on a core value: in construction, relationships and follow-through matter just as much as bricks and steel.Owner
  ...read entire article
May 14, 2026

Celebrating 45 years: Systel Business Equipment represents a legacy of commitment to quality service

Inset: Systel’s first corporate headquarters was a small rental house turned office on Fort Bragg Road in Fayetteville in 1981. Large photo: The company’s new corporate headquarters reflects years of growth into a multi-million dollar company that pr ...

May 4, 2026

Bee-lieve the hype: Local apiarists and entrepreneurs share handmade crafts and helpful knowledge about our most important pollinators

Lynlene Apiary and Crafts is owned and operated by mother-daughter duo Carolyn Kleinert and Jolene Kleinert. They are certified apiarists and sell honey, candles made with beeswax, soaps and other crafts at local farmers markets. Photos by GFBJ.Lynle ...

May 1, 2026

Where agritourism meets agriculture: Taking a look at the working ranch behind Sweet Valley Ranch

What began as the desire for a horse expanded into one of Fayetteville’s main hospitality and agro-tourism attractions thanks to the passion and love of animals from the Ranch’s founders Anita and Fred Surgeon. Photos provided by Sweet Valley Ranch.S ...

May 1, 2026

Sprouting new markets: Jackson Family Farms provides homegrown crops to Fayetteville and the surrounding areas

Jackson Family Farms is open seven days a week at 5818 Ramsey St. They sell homegrown produce, fresh-baked goods, home decor, seasonal plants and other responsibly sourced food products. Photos provided by Jackson Family Farms.—photosJackson Family F ...

Apr 16, 2026

41 years strong: Highstreet Warren Insurance Group adapts while staying true to its founder

Highstreet Warren Insurance Group has 15 in-office employees. Many staff members have been with the organization for a decade or more. Photos provided by Highstreet Warren Insurance Group A longstanding family business in Fayetteville is sharing ...

Apr 2, 2026

Excellence as a standard: Inside Dr. Tamara Colvin's path to becoming director of the FSU HUB

As the director of the FSU HUB, Dr. Tamara Colvin is responsible for strategic and operational leadership to provide impactful support to emerging entrepreneurs and existing small businesses. Photo provided by Colvin.Fayetteville Cumberland Regional ...


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In The Current Issue

Recognizing entrepreneurial spirit: FSU prepares to host inaugural Entrepreneurial Impact Awards Gala

Fayetteville State University is set to embark on what university leaders hope will lead to a new tradition for the regional business community in Cumberland County and beyond. The university will host its inaugural Entrepreneurial Impact Awards Gala


A bank for small businesses: KS Bank opens Lillington branch, discusses expansion into Roseboro

KS Bank celebrated the grand opening of the Lillington branch on Thursday, Aug. 13 at 10 a.m. The branch is located at 709 W. Front St., Lillington. Photo by KS BankKS Bank is expanding its community-focused brand of banking to Lillington, and it doe


A red-hot industry: A local restauranteur’s take on the quick serve restaurant trend and the hot chicken craze

Wing Company was founded in 2011 in Fayetteville, N.C. by Mark Bhatti. As trends in the restaurant industry shifted, Bhatti expanded his initial concept of Wing Company Sports Bar & Grill to include a new fast-casual version of the brand, Wing Co. Express.