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 ...

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. ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Publisher's note: Four years, countless connections

Moore County leaders tackle region's $43.5M child care crisis at summit

PAM Health announces plans to open 42-bed medical rehabilitation hospital in Fayetteville

Editor's note: Summer jobs

Hoke County Schools holds ribbon-cutting ceremony for new high school building