Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 36:06 — 33.1MB)

Subscribe: RSS | More

If you’ve ever tried to shop for home or auto insurance alone, you know it can feel confusing, rushed, and a little bit like guesswork. The McElveen Agency and Goosehead Insurance flips that script. Led by agent and agency president Jay McElveen, the Charlotte-based firm uses cutting-edge technology and relationships with more than two dozen top-rated carriers to shop the market and build custom policies in just minutes. 

Jay started his agency in 2017 with a focus on serving families and partnering closely with real estate and mortgage professionals, so that when someone is buying a home, refinancing, or just reassessing their coverage, they have a trusted advisor in their corner. Jay, welcome to the BrandBuilders Podcast! 

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 45:51 — 42.0MB)

Subscribe: RSS | More

Tiffany VanDeMark believes your brand is felt before it is understood — and she has spent her career helping people and organizations make that feeling count. From launching global experiential marketing and wellness initiatives at Chobani, to leading brand and revenue growth for health and fitness companies, she has built a reputation as a dynamic leader who blends strategy, storytelling, and heart. After founding her own consultancy, VanDeMark Partners, Tiffany expanded her work as a speaker, coach, and board member, guiding executives, founders, and especially women through seasons of reinvention in their lives and careers — reminding people that reinvention is not a failure, but a superpower. 

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 41:21 — 37.9MB)

Subscribe: RSS | More

If you’ve ever bought or sold a home around the Charlotte area, you’ve probably seen the work of our next guest — even if you didn’t realize it. Those crisp, professional real estate signs that pop up on lawns and properties all over town often come from Carolina Realty Signs.

Behind those signs is Wes Martin, owner and president of the company, who’s been growing this family business since he took it over more than two decades ago. Wes and his team handle everything from design and printing to installation and removal — serving real estate professionals, builders, and developers across the Carolinas. It’s a business built on reliability, relationships, and being a trusted partner in one of the fastest-growing housing markets in the country.

Wes—welcome to the BrandBuilders Podcast!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 38:45 — 53.3MB)

Subscribe: RSS | More

Food has a unique way of bringing people together, especially in life’s hardest moments. Feast for Good does exactly that for cancer patients in the Charlotte area — organizing meals from local restaurants and food partners for folks braving treatment. By tapping into Charlotte’s culinary community, Feast for Good not only feeds people physically, but also provides comfort, dignity, and a reminder that they are not facing cancer alone. 

Our guest today, Kristi Martin, is the Founder and Executive Director of Feast for Good and the creator of the earlier FEAST Food Tours & Culinary Events brand. A cancer survivor herself, Kristi transformed her own experience with acute myeloid leukemia and a stem cell transplant into a nonprofit that cares for patients in need. 

Kristi, welcome to The BrandBuilders Podcast.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 45:40 — 62.8MB)

Subscribe: RSS | More

A former first company dancer with Charlotte Ballet, Sarah spent 15 seasons on stage before pivoting into teaching Argentine tango and helping run one of the city’s most versatile, artist-friendly event spaces. From weddings and live performances to weekly tango sessions and brunches, The Long Room and Tango CLT are creating a warm, intimate home for dancers, musicians, and creatives of all kinds. Sarah, welcome to the program!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 35:30 — 48.8MB)

Subscribe: RSS | More

Charlotte’s arts scene continues to thrive, thanks to institutions that make creativity accessible and inspiring for everyone. At the heart of that movement stands the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art — a cultural landmark known for its stunning architecture, world-class collection, and inclusive approach to modern art. Since opening in 2010, the museum has become a hub for connection, conversation, and creative exploration for visitors from every walk of life.

Our guest today, Todd Smith, is the Executive Director of the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art. With decades of experience leading museums across the country, Todd is passionate about making modern art meaningful and relevant to today’s audiences. Under his leadership, the Bechtler continues to expand its community reach — through innovative programs like Wednesday Night Live, Jazz at the Bechtler, and Music & Museum — all of which invite visitors to experience art in new and unexpected ways.

Todd, welcome to The BrandBuilders Podcast.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 46:18 — 42.4MB)

Subscribe: RSS | More

There’s a lot of talk about “grind” and “hustle” in the marketplace. But how exactly does that translate to “success” in sales, sports, and business?? Attitude, Effort, Results was built to change that. Through coaching, speaking, and the Attitude, Effort, Results Podcast, the brand gives students, young professionals, and sales teams practical tools to level up their mindset, sharpen their skills, and break into competitive industries like sports. 

Our guest today, Tanner Natzke, is the founder of Attitude, Effort, Results and host of the AER Podcast… Tanner, welcome to The BrandBuilders Podcast.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 46:28 — 32.0MB)

Subscribe: RSS | More

In a booming city like Charlotte, real estate isn’t just about selling homes — it’s about building communities, telling stories, and helping people find their place. At Charlotte Living Realty Group, that philosophy is at the heart of everything they do. Known for hyper-local expertise and client-first service, the firm has become a trusted name in one of the country’s most competitive housing markets.

Our guest today, is Kayla Haase. She’s the Marketing Manager at Charlotte Living Realty Group. With a background in digital strategy, social engagement, and creative content, Kayla brings a fresh, modern approach to real estate marketing. She oversees the brand’s storytelling across platforms — from social media and property listings to community partnerships — helping agents and clients connect in more authentic and exciting ways.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 41:23 — 28.5MB)

Subscribe: RSS | More

Few things are more powerful than the feeling of being cared for when you need it most. That’s exactly what the Hospitality House of Charlotte provides — a welcoming “home away from home” for patients and families traveling to the Charlotte for medical care. Since 1985, the organization has offered comfort, hope, and community to thousands of people during some of life’s most difficult moments.

Our guest today is Angie Bush. She’s the Chief Executive Officer of Hospitality House of Charlotte. With a dynamic background in nonprofit leadership and community engagement, Angie has spent her career building mission-driven programs that bring people together through compassion and service. 

Angie, welcome to The BrandBuilders Podcast.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 43:52 — 30.2MB)

Subscribe: RSS | More

When it comes to securing your financial future, confidence and clarity make all the difference. Carnegie Private Wealth is a SouthPark-based wealth management firm, where Mary Ware and her team are proving that financial planning is about more than just numbers—it’s about tailoring strategies to help clients live their best lives and reduce stress around their finances. 

Named one of Forbes’ Top Wealth Advisors and a Working Mother Top Wealth Advisor Mom, Mary brings more than expertise—she brings genuine care and a dedication to helping families and business owners navigate retirement, legacy planning, and changing markets. Today, she joins us in the studio to talk about building Carnegie Private Wealth from the ground up, her team’s purpose-driven service, and what it means to help clients find lasting confidence in their financial journey. Mary, welcome to the program!