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Welcome to The BrandBuilders Podcast! Today, we’re excited to welcome Michael Stier, Area President of FocusCFO. Michael is a hands-on C-level executive and entrepreneur with over 35 years of experience growing companies in technology and financial services. As the founder and former CEO of Adhesion Wealth, he led the company from startup to $13B in managed assets. Today, at FocusCFO, Michael empowers small and mid-sized business owners to boost financial control, plan for scalable growth, and prepare for successful life-changing transitions.

In addition to his FocusCFO role, Michael is an active member of XPX Charlotte, a collaborative community of advisors dedicated to helping business owners achieve optimal exit outcomes and long-term value. We’ll get into all of that on this episode… Micheal, welcome to the program.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 48:33 — 33.4MB)

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Welcome back to Brandbuilders Podcast! Today, we’re thrilled to have Jason Lucash, a true disruptor in the promotional products industry and a co-founder of Rupt. Alongside his business partner Mike Szymczak, Jason has launched a brand that goes far beyond the conventional — Rupt is a manifesto against the ordinary, merging visionary design with a deep commitment to environmental sustainability. Their products don’t just serve a function; they tell stories, create emotional connections, and turn everyday objects into chapters in a sustainable lifestyle. With a focus on recycled materials, carbon-neutral operations, and packaging that is artful and purposeful, Rupt challenges us to rethink what’s possible when creativity and sustainability unite. Jason, welcome to the Brandbuilders Podcast!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 47:31 — 32.7MB)

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Welcome to The BrandBuilders Podcast! Today, we’re excited to have Courtney Swift-Copeland joining us— she’s the Owner and Creative Director of Salt Paper Studio + Productions, where she leads a powerhouse of a team, delivering full-service photography and video services. Known for her bold approach, collaborative leadership, and relentless pursuit of creative excellence, Courtney has built Salt Paper Studio into a destination for cutting-edge brand content and production.

Courtney, welcome to the program! 

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 44:41 — 30.7MB)

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Today on The BrandBuilders Podcast, we’ve got Lou Fresta with us. Lou is Vice President of Sales & Marketing at CRC Industries—a company known for its HUGE line of chemical maintenance products serving industries from automotive to aviation. If you’re a car guy (or gal) you know. 

With more than 17 years at CRC Industries, Lou is not only an accomplished executive but also a respected mentor and advocate for inclusion and leadership development within the automotive sector. Lou’s career spans decades of driving profitable growth, pioneering product strategies, and building high-performing sales organizations. And we are excited to have him on the show with us! 

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 33:58 — 23.4MB)

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On this episode of the award-winning BrandBuilders Podcast, we’ve got Cat Babbie here in the studio with us. Cat is a celebrated fiber artist and entrepreneur whose innovative work is redefining the boundaries of textile and mixed media art. Based here in the Carolinas, Cat explores texture, color, and form, often weaving personal narratives into her work. In addition to exhibiting her art, she brings a spirit of entrepreneurship to her creative journey, connecting with communities through workshops, collaborative projects, and a thriving online portfolio of original fiber art. 

Cat was a featured artist in the ArtPop Street Gallery – we’ll talk about that in a minute. And, she’s also working to help other creatives get their creative careers on track. Cat, welcome to the show… 

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 39:24 — 27.1MB)

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Welcome back to the award-winning BrandBuilders Podcast. Our guest today is entrepreneur, athlete, and inspiration– Carson Clough. Carson is the co-founder of Giddy Goat Coffee Roasters, a local favorite coffee company known for its community focus and high-quality coffee craft. Prior to his entrepreneurial journey, Carson was a collegiate lacrosse player at Carolina and Florida Tech. Things changed dramatically after a life-altering accident that led to the loss of his leg. But that didn’t stop him.

In addition to growing Giddy Goat into a thriving brand, Carson is also a world-class Paralympic triathlete, proving that challenges are just another starting line. His story of perseverance, passion, and purpose has inspired many in Charlotte and beyond. Today, we’ll explore the intersection of sports, entrepreneurship, and overcoming obstacles as Carson shares insights from his unique life and career.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 41:30 — 28.5MB)

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Welcome back to the award-winning BrandBuilders Podcast. We’ve got Jason Dumas with us in the studio. He’s the principal and founder of FLICK Studios, one of Charlotte’s premier creative production companies.

With a background in film, video, and digital media, Jason launched FLICK Studios to help brands, events, and organizations connect with their audiences through compelling visual storytelling. Since then, FLICK Studios has become a sought-after partner for commercials, branded content, documentaries, corporate video and a whole lot more. Jason, welcome to the program! 

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 36:43 — 25.3MB)

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Welcome back to the award-winning BrandBuilders Podcast. We’ve got Courtney Oates and Mark Fontanilla with us. Courtney Oates is Marketing and Events Director at Nourish Up, and Mark Fontanilla is Event Director for Tour de Turns.

The Tour de Turns is a late summer staple, and one of Charlotte’s most loved charity bike rides. The event not only invites riders of all experience levels to explore the city’s neighborhoods but, most importantly, raises critical funds for Nourish Up and its programs to feed folks here in Charlotte. 

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 39:13 — 27.0MB)

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On this episode of the award-winning BrandBuilders Podcast, we’re excited to welcome Mark Treichler, from Classic Speed and Custom. Mark and his team are the go-to guys for building, restoring, and repairing classic vehicles and performance engines.  

Classic Speed and Custom has earned a reputation for quality and customer satisfaction—serving automotive enthusiasts and collectors who demand the best. Mark, welcome to the show! 

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 34:25 — 23.7MB)

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On this episode of the BrandBuilders Podcast, we’re honored to welcome MaShonna Hughes, Executive Director and Chief Dignity Officer at Project Outpour. MaShonna is a compassionate, visionary leader with over a decade of experience in the nonprofit and government sectors, and a relentless dedication to social justice, equity, and restoring dignity in her community. Under her leadership, Project Outpour provides free mobile shower access and hygiene services to individuals experiencing homelessness across Charlotte. Project Outpour serves five locations weekly, providing showers, fresh clothes, and hygiene kits—all with the belief that being clean is a catalyst for change.