Greater Fayetteville Business Journal - April 24, 2026 issue
ackson Family Farms has deep roots in the soil of Newton Grove, N.C. Today, it stands as a third-generation family operation, but its history stretches back at least a century to the days when Brentley Jackson’s great-grandfather built the original farmhouse by hand.
“I’ve always loved farming. When I was a little boy, I can remember riding on the tractors with my grandfather, and I just always loved it… It’s just something you get in your blood, and you can’t get it
Lynlene Apiary and Crafts is buzzing with sweet selections Page
All American Country
Carolina Country 100.1 WFAY plays All American Country for the All-America City. We love our country and we’ll never forget those who have died for our freedom. So we’re prou d to have always played our National Anthem straight up at 12noon every day.
Carolina Country 100.1 WFAY
JANUARY UNEMPLOYMENT
Source: N.C. Department of Commerce
Cumberland Hoke Harnett Sampson Robeson Bladen Moore
2504 Raeford Rd, Fayetteville, NC 28303
910-240-9697 bizfayetteville.com
FOUNDER/OWNER
Marty Cayton martyc@bizfayetteville.com
PUBLISHER
Faith Hatton faithh@bizfayetteville.com
EDITOR
Stephanie Meador stephaniem@bizfayetteville.com
DIRECTOR OF AUDIENCE & EVENTS
Ellie Rhoades events@bizfayetteville.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Stacie Borrello
Kate Griffin
Samantha Metheny
Emily Ruth Perry Eddie Velazquez
CONTRIBUTING DESIGNER
Samantha Lowe samanthal@bizfayetteville.com
ACCOUNTING
billing@bizfayetteville
SALES & MARKETING marketing@bizfayetteville.com
The Greater Fayetteville Business Journal is published twice a month throughout Fayetteville and the Cumberland County region. News related to the region’s business sector is posted daily at bizfayetteville.com.
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Spring has sprung, and as we finally enter the warmer months, we will begin seeing local farmers markets come alive with fresh produce, plants, local rarities and more.
North Carolina’s agriculture industry, including food, fiber and forestry, contributes more than $100 billion to the state’s economy. Here in Cumberland County and its six surrounding counties, we are in a fortunate position to be able to drive to a nearby farm and get locally grown — sometimes organic — products while supporting local businesses and legacy farmers. This issue takes a closer look at some local businesses that I have either patronized or plan to visit very soon.
Sweet Valley Ranch (featured on Page 5) is not only a hospitality hot spot with its annual events, cozy
cabins and unique animal experiences, but also a fully operational ranch offering animals for sale, meat and more. Lynlene Apiary and Crafts (featured on Page 13) is a local apiary that uses beeswax to make candles, soaps, wax melts and more. I met the owners at a local craft fair and have been hooked on their soaps ever since. Jackson Family Farms (our cover story) is a locally owned, family-run farm that I have been following on social media for quite some time. I haven’t yet made it to their storefront on Ramsey Street, but it’s a trip I’m looking forward to.
SOME ADDITIONAL LOCAL GROCERY SPOTS I’M EXCITED TO VISIT THIS YEAR INCLUDE:
T
Farmers Market
Kinlaw’s Supermarket, which has done an impressive job staying in
business after a fire destroyed its storefront a few years ago
☐ Pate’s Farm Market
☐ Gillis Hill Farms
As grocery prices continue to rise, finding the best products at the best price becomes more of a priority for many. Supporting local businesses can have a greater impact on your community than shopping at big-box stores or national chains.
We hope you enjoy this issue and that it gives you a few starting points for shopping local and supporting farms in our community.
Happy reading!
HATTON, Publisher 910-240-9697,
By Faith Hatton
Where agritourism meets agriculture
TAKING A LOOK AT THE WORKING RANCH BEHIND SWEET VALLEY RANCH
Sweet Valley Ranch, located just outside of Fayetteville, North Carolina, has been known to the community as a place where “nature meets adventure.”
Situated on more than 300 acres of land, the ranch runs not only community-focused annual events such as Dinosaur World, Festival of Lights and Backwoods Terror Ranch, but also serves as a gateway to the growing agriculture industry that can be found in Cumberland County.
Beyond the fun of their events, Sweet Valley Ranch is also a USDA licensed meat processing farm with 12 livestock animal paddocks totaling over 35 acres of land, 30 acres of hay fields and 65 acres of agricultural crop fields.
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.
“Anita always had a love for horses. We knew we needed some land, and we had been looking for over a year, and once we purchased the land we said, ‘Okay, we can do a horse,’” shared CEO Fred Surgeon. “And I kind of slipped in there about maybe doing a couple goats. And – I’m going to blame myself – I wanted to add a few other things; rabbits and pigeons, a camel, a zebra and a whole lot of things.”
That love of animals led to Sweet Valley Ranch becoming a home for more than 500 animals representing over five continents, including peacocks, macaws, Aldabra Tortoises, fancy pigeons, a camel named Abdul and more. The two purchased their first lot of land in 2016 and have worked to grow the infrastructure to meet the needs of their animals ever since.
“It took us from 2016 to 2020 to have infrastructure and all the things that we needed in place,” shared Surgeon. “We spent the first four years building out, buying animals and building barns and fencing for them. And when you have horses and goats and sheep, a big part of that is feeding them. That brought us into the hay business. In 2017, I ended up buying some hay equipment, including the tractor, and we
them.
actually planted hay. That was a good investment, because we’re able to use that hay to feed all the different animals.”
According to Surgeon, some animals come to them from a network of contacts from around the state, some people reach out to them on their website looking for a good home for their animals and some are brought in at the request of guests.
“We listen to our guests, and we realize that a lot of the folks that come out to the farm, they’ve never seen a miniature cow, or they’ve never seen a fainting goat,” shared Surgeon.
Sweet Valley Ranch is also in the business of purchasing and selling animals. A dedicated nursery is on site, and the staff utilize technology and new automated systems to provide the right specific environments for different animal and bird varieties such as peacocks, pheasants and ducks.
“We haven’t had to buy those ani-
mals in over four years. We are able to collect their eggs, and then we hatch them and we sell them to the folks that want a few ducks, or they would like to have a peacock. So, yeah, that’s exciting for us,” shared Surgeon. “We’ve sold horses, we sell sheep, we sell goats. We always tell folks, don’t just come to Sweet Valley Ranch and enjoy the animals, but if you have the land and the commitment and the resources, buy some chickens.”
In the coming months, Sweet Valley Ranch is excited to ramp up the educational feature of the ranch with a new “Behind the Barn” experience, which will allow guests to learn about farming by spending time with team members as they take care of the animals.
“[It’s] something we’re trying to offer to maybe get folks to decide to go into farming on some type of scale. I think that’s very important. It’s the backbone of North Carolina, and I just want to see more people getting involved in it and
realizing that, if you’re creative and you have a love for it, you can figure out a way to do it,” shared Surgeon.
Currently, the Ranch is hiring for staff members as they enter their busy season and their annual attractions get started for 2026.
“We do a lot of parties and field trips already, we average three to five field trips a week from not just Cumberland County, [but] all over. I think last year we had, well in excess of 4000 students that participated in our field trips, and that started as early as February,” shared Surgeon. “We have about five full-time agri-tourism employees just to support those operations. And then we need about 50 as we’re getting ready to go into season.”
Learn more about Sweet Valley Ranch, their products, animals for sale and employment opportunities online at www.sweetvalleyranchnc.com.
PHOTOS PROVIDED BY SWEET VALLEY RANCH
Clockwise: Sweet Valley Ranch began growing its own hay in 2017 to help feed its animals and support farm operations; Sweet Valley Ranch’s on-site sawmill, which they use to mill lumber directly from their property. Many of the Ranch’s farm buildings and fencing have been constructed using this lumber; Baby chickens are raised on the farm as part of their ongoing poultry operations; Pecans grown at Sweet Valley Ranch. Staff harvest these on-site, and many of their animals, including the macaws, enjoy
>> By Stephanie Meador
From SPROUTING, page 1
out. I’ve been doing it a long time, and I enjoy it every day. It’s been a struggle. I’m not wealthy, by any means, and I’m going to tell you I believe if I had to do it over, I’d probably do the same thing again. I mean, I love what I do,” shared Farmer Brentley Jackson.
From its beginnings as a traditional row crop farm growing corn, wheat, soybeans, tobacco and sweet potatoes, Jackson Family Farms has steadily evolved in response to changing markets and customer needs. Today, the farm focuses primarily on produce, growing Dixie Lee peas, butter beans, sweet corn, squash, cucumbers and other vegetables. The family sells these crops at a small on-farm general store in Newton Grove as well as a larger, year-round market in Fayetteville.
“We got out of more or less the row crop business, like corn, wheat and soybeans, and we just mainly grow produce right now. And I enjoy the produce better because I get to actually meet a lot of the people that I’m feeding. With the corn and the wheat and the soybeans, a lot of that stuff is made for animal feed. So you don’t really get to see where the end product goes. But with the produce, you actually get to meet a lot of the people that buy your produce, and I just really enjoy that, and I enjoy talking to people and meeting customers,” shared Jackson.
The move into Fayetteville was driven by both necessity and opportunity. For years, the Newton Grove store primarily operated during the peak produce season and slowed dramatically once school resumed in the fall. Seeking a more stable, year-round business, Jackson
first rented a corner spot on Ramsey Street in Fayetteville in 2023, selling pumpkins in the fall, Christmas trees through the holidays and flowers in the spring. The success of that seasonal experiment led him to a more permanent solution. In September 2024, Jackson Family Farms opened a full-time store at 5818 Ramsey St., offering an indoor space that could support operations throughout the year.
“The reason we moved to Fayetteville is we needed a better market [to reach] more people… and it’s not a bad drive for us to get over there, and we love Fayetteville. Everybody we deal with is so nice. Our customers are the best customers in the world, to me. So we love it there,” remarked Jackson.
The Fayetteville store showcases how the farm has broadened its offerings without losing its identity. In addition to fresh produce grown in Newton Grove, customers can find homemade baked goods prepared in the farm’s own kitchen and delivered daily, along with home décor, yard ornaments and seasonal flowers. In the spring, the farm grows many of its own flowers; in the fall, mums and pumpkins are available for purchase.
The farm’s product lineup also reflects a commitment to local and regional sourcing. While the vegetables come directly from the family’s fields, other items are supplied through partnerships.
Milk is sourced from a family farm in Virginia and delivered by a third-party distributor. The farm sells A2A2 milk in returnable glass bottles, building a loyal following around both taste and quality. Eggs come from a friend’s operation, and
PROFILE
honey is supplied partly from hives on the farm and partly from other local beekeepers. Beef is purchased through a third-party company that works with a family-owned cattle operation, ensuring that even when products are not grown directly on the farm, they still support smaller, family-centered agriculture.
Despite this growth, the operation remains firmly family-run. Jackson tends the farm in partnership with his brother, Eric Jackson, who spends most of his time managing the fields in Newton Grove while also helping with the business as needed. Together, they farm a couple hundred acres and rent out some additional land.
Farming, Jackson emphasizes, is not an easy way to make a living. Margins are thin, risks are high and success depends heavily on forces beyond any farmer’s control. Planting a crop means placing faith in the weather, the markets and above all, the Lord.
“I love it, and it’s got to be a passion, and it’s got to be something you love to do, being a farmer, because there’s not a lot of money made in it. You just have to keep going and keep trying,” shared Jackson.
Looking to the future, Jackson Family Farms is focused on deepening its strengths. There are
plans to grow the line of processed and frozen vegetables – such as blanched and frozen sweet corn, peas and butter beans – so customers can enjoy the farm’s produce year-round. Jackson also envisions expanding the nursery and flower offerings and building out the in-store bakery to provide a full range of fresh baked goods.
Additionally, the farm previously raised hogs but stepped away from that enterprise during the disruptions of COVID-19. With a retail store now firmly established, Jackson is open to reintroducing livestock on a smaller, more integrated scale, possibly raising a few hogs and cattle to be processed at USDA-inspected facilities and sold under the farm’s own name. Even as the product mix grows more diverse and the business becomes more complex, the core of Jackson Family Farms remains consistent: a family working the same land for generations, adapting to change while staying grounded in tradition.
Jackson Family Farms is open seven days a week at 5818 Ramsey St. Follow Jackson Family Farms Inc on Facebook to keep up with the business as it continues to grow.
PHOTOS PROVIDED BY JACKSON FAMILY FARMS
Even as the product mix grows more diverse and the business becomes more complex, the core of Jackson Family Farms remains consistent: a family working the same land for generations, adapting to change while staying grounded in tradition.
PHOTO PROVIDED BY JACKSON FAMILY FARMS Brentley Jackson is proud to be a legacy farmer raising crops that feed the community he calls home.
ACHIEVERS
Mark D. Locklear appointed to Lumbee Guaranty Bank Board of Directors
Lumbee Guaranty Bank is pleased to announce the appointment of MARK D. LOCKLEAR to its board of directors. His appointment was unanimously approved by the Board at its most recent meeting.
“I am pleased to have Mr. Locklear join our Board of Directors. His understanding of our history and purpose, as well as his knowledge of our community, will allow him to be a valuable addition to our Board,” said Sybil Bullard, Lumbee Guaranty Bank Board chair, in a press release.
Mr. Locklear has practiced law in North Carolina since 1996. From 1996 to 2019, he was with the Law Offices of Locklear, Jacobs, Hunt & Brooks. In 2019, he established his own firm, the Law Offices of Mark D. Locklear, PLLC, in Lumberton.
Deeply committed to his community, he has served for more than 30 years as secretary and a Sunday School teacher at Smyrna Baptist Church and is the legal counsel for Morning Star Ministries.
He is an active supporter of the Robeson County Relay for Life, volunteering his time and contributing to efforts that fund critical cancer research aimed at prevention, detection, treatment and survivorship.
In addition, he sponsors and volunteers with the Tri-Warrior Triathlon Club, an organization dedicated to promoting youth health and physical well-being.
Cape Fear Valley Wound Care Center-Dunn
earns two national awards for clinical excellence
Physicians, leaders and clinicians at Cape Fear Valley Betsy Johnson Hospital are proud to announce that Cape Fear Valley Wound Care Center – Dunn has received two national awards from Healogics®, the nation’s largest provider of advanced wound care services.
The center was recognized as a Center of Distinction for achieving exceptional clinical outcomes for 12 consecutive months, including a patient satisfaction rate greater than 92%.
In addition, the center received
What are you and your peers achieving? Have you reached a new goal? Have you acquired another business? Maybe your business has a new hire you would like to highlight.
Greater Fayetteville Business Journal wants to hear from you and your business to shine a spotlight on your accomplishments.
To nominate someone for GFBJ’s Achievers section, email editor@bizfayetteville.com with the subject line “Achiever.”
Pictured left to right: Melinda Honrine, RNBrad Sullivan, HBO Safety Director-Jennie Lanier, Front Office Coordinator- Bethany Meadows, RN- Ashley Smith, LPN- Crystalyn Tew, RN, Clinical Program Director- Tracy Christensen, PA- Tyann Darden, RN, Clinical Coordinator-Not pictured Stacey Feeback, RN- Dr. Sanford Hawkins-Rivers, MD, Medical Director- Dr. Terrill Brown, DPM.
the Robert A. Warriner III, M.D., Clinical Excellence Award, which recognizes wound care centers that rank in the top 10% of eligible Healogics centers nationwide based on comprehensive healing rates weighted by wound mix.
“Find. Treat. Heal. is our mission and daily practice,” said Program Director of Cape Fear Valley Wound Care Center – Dunn Crystalyn Tew, RN, in a press release. “Chronic wounds can significantly impact a patient’s daily life and overall well-being, which is why our team is deeply committed to delivering compassionate, high-quality care. This year, we have provided over 5,000 patient encounters and more than 600 hyperbaric oxygen treatments. Being recognized as a Center of Distinction and Center of Excellence for 2025 highlights our team’s dedication to exceptional outcomes, high patient satisfaction and improving the lives of those we serve.”
The center provides specialized, evidence-based care for patients with diabetic foot ulcers, pressure ulcers, infections and other chronic wounds.
Advanced wound care treatments
are offered at the center including hyperbaric oxygen therapy, an advanced treatment that can help accelerate healing in select chronic wounds by increasing oxygen delivery to affected tissue.
Moore County Chamber professionals honored by CACCE for service and leadership
The Carolinas Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (CACCE) proudly recognized chamber professionals from across North Carolina and South Carolina during the 2026 Staff Leadership Development Conference held at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Columbia.
Among those honored were three team members from the Moore County Chamber of Commerce who have a combined 40 years of service have helped shape the organization’s growth, strengthen the business community and expand programs that support Moore County employers, workforce development, leadership initiatives and community engagement.
CACCE Service Awards recognize chamber professionals at each five-year milestone for their
serve. The following Moore County Chamber team members were recognized:
25 YEARS OF SERVICE – LINDA PARSONS, IOM, CCEC
10 YEARS OF SERVICE – JANA WALDING
5 YEARS OF SERVICE – JONATHON LEWIS
“Years of service in the Chamber industry represent more than longevity, they represent relationships built, businesses supported, programs created and lasting impact within the community,” said President and CEO of the Moore County Chamber Linda Parsons in a press release. “I am incredibly proud of Jana and Jonathon, and grateful to serve alongside a team that is so committed to Moore County and our business community.”
This recognition reflects the depth of experience within the Moore County Chamber team and reinforces the organization’s commitment to serving as a convener, connector and champion for the community.
FTCC’s FBLA-Collegiate chapter shines at state leadership conference
Fayetteville Technical Community College’s FBLA-Collegiate chapter collected a bundle of awards last month after competing in the North Carolina Leadership Conference in Charlotte. The annual conference, which was held March 29-31, welcomed FBLA-Collegiate chapters from 2- and 4-year colleges and universities from across the state for a collaborative gathering focused on impactful leadership development and competition.
FTCC students brought home 11 Top 10 finishes, including a firstplace prize, and the club earned four chapter awards. The club was recognized as a Gold Star Chapter and earned both the Legacy Leadership Award and the prestigious Gold Seal Chapter distinction, which is reserved for chapters that demonstrate a high level of commitment to excellence through active participation, meaningful community involvement and strong, mission-driven leadership. FTCC was also celebrated for having the highest number of Professional Network contributors.
FTCC’s individual Top 10 finishes:
dedication to the chamber industry and the communities they
PHOTO PROVIDED BY CFVH
Locklear
Pictured left to right: Jonathon Lewis, Linda Parsons and Jana Walding
From ACHIEVERS, page 8
P. SIMONE BROWNE
1st place — Management Case Competition
SUZANNA MCGHEE
2nd place — International Business 3rd place — Foundations of Digital Design
3rd place — Management Case Competition
P. SIMONE BROWNE AND SUZANNA MCGHEE
2nd place — Community Service Project
JEAN RULLS DIOGENE
3rd place — Accounting Case Competition
5th place — Finance Case Competition 7th place — Project Management
ADRIANA RANGEL
4th place — International Business 6th place — Project Management 7th place — Job Interview
Jacobs, Perry take leadership roles at Methodist University
Methodist University has a new voice on its executive leadership team with the addition of Kelvin Jacobs as vice president for Legal Affairs & General Counsel.
At MU, Jacobs will oversee all legal affairs for the institution and provide legal counsel and strategic guidance to the president, board of trustees and senior leadership on matters such as employment, civil rights, compliance and contracts. His role also includes support for initiatives, such as the development of the Methodist University Cape Fear Valley Health School of Medicine.
“We are most fortunate to have Kelvin Jacobs as a member of the MU executive leadership team,” said Methodist University President Stanley T. Wearden, Ph.D. in a press release. “He brought with him a wealth of expertise and experience in higher education law. In addition, he is an excellent and patient communicator who makes himself available for counsel with all MU leaders. And he is an important resource for
me in my role as president.”
Jacobs brings over a decade of experience in law and higher education, formerly serving as general counsel at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke before joining MU. Working hand-in-hand with Jacobs is Nathan Perry, who has assumed the role of institutional compliance and Title IX coordinator for Methodist University. Perry has taken the lead on MU’s compliance and the administration of Title IX policies and procedures to make sure
that the University meets federal, state and various other requirements.
Perry oversees Title IX investigations and complaint processes, while also developing training for faculty, staff and students and working with University leadership to promote a safe, equitable and compliant campus
ACHIEVERS
environment.
“Nate brings strong leadership and a deep commitment to compliance and fairness,” Jacobs said in a press release. “His work will play an important role in helping Methodist University maintain a safe, respectful and accountable campus community.”
Dogwood Brings TowneBank to Fayetteville.
Dogwood State Bank and TowneBank are joining hands and hearts to combine teams of extraordinary bankers across North and South Carolina.
TowneBank, like Dogwood, understands banking with a heart.
Jacobs Perry
Celebrating 60 years of excellence
HEALTHKEEPERZ REFLECTS ON ITS LEGACY IN HOME-BASED CARE
Healthkeeperz, a company that provides home-based care to community members throughout the state of North Carolina, recently celebrated 60 years in business. Healthkeeperz commemorated this anniversary by hosting their annual Barnabas Banquet in the Grand Ballroom of the Carolina Hotel in Pinehurst, N.C., on Friday, March 20, 2026.
President and CEO of Healthkeeperz, Tim Brooks, welcomed the opportunity to celebrate Healthkeeperz employees who provide clients with quality care, services and medical equipment throughout the state of North Carolina.
Founded by Howard Brooks, Tim Brooks’ father, Healthkeeperz began as a small community pharmacy in Pembroke in 1966. At that time, Healthkeeperz was called Pembroke Drug Center.
“My dad was the local community pharmacist that everybody knew and everybody used. And so I grew up the son of a pharmacist,” Brooks shared. “I saw him many times leaving the house at like nine o’clock to help somebody get their medicine. He would build a lot of community goodwill in many different ways.”
Brooks said that the evolution of Pembroke Drug Center into Healthkeeperz was the result of a gradual addition of services and equipment offered to community members. His father would see the changing needs of the members of his community and adjust his business in order to accommodate those needs.
“Toward the late 80s, he ventured into the space where he sold medical equipment like hospital beds and wheelchairs and adult diapers,” Brooks said. “His first foray into a different line of work was home medical equipment. That had kind of built on itself over the next 10 years. Not long after that, being an entrepreneur, he tried his hand at home care or personal care, which is a licensed service where nursing assistants go into homes and provide support to people who need that support. So he was really one of the first people in this area to develop that business.”
At the foundation of the Healthkeeperz business lies principles for operating with integrity. Healthkeeperz mission is to “care for all people for the glory of God.” Brooks notes
that this mission statement drives everything that Healthkeeperz does and even changes the way that the leadership of the organization makes decisions. When similar organizations were faced with difficult decisions related to staffing during the COVID-19 pandemic, Healthkeeperz resolved to use cash reserves to cover payroll expenses in an effort to care for the employees.
Brooks recalled, “We didn’t know what was coming. We didn’t know how we were going to be able to do it. But we said that for as long as we can, we want to help people maintain their salaries or compensation… We made that decision because of that mission statement. So we want to care for people, and this is a way we can care for people in a really difficult time. That’s just one example where our mission statement drove a decision.”
Brooks presented awards to two individuals within the Healthkeeperz organization during the Barnabas Awards Banquet in order to show appreciation for their character, integrity and competency. The Barnabas Award is Healthkeeperz’s internal recognition for team members who embody quality care, encouragement and the company’s core values. The name for this award is derived from a man in the Bible who is known as the “Son of Encouragement.”
Brooks shared, “We believe our corporate culture drives excellence for the quality of care that we deliv-
er, and culture is going to drive the performance and financial sustainability of the company. So we pour a great deal of effort and energy into building and growing a really good corporate culture. That’s what the Barnabas Banquet is all about.”
Every quarter, employees are asked to nominate someone who they believe provides exceptional care for clients or patients and encourages the people around them. The Barnabas Award is given to one employee every quarter, and the annual Barnabas Award winner is selected from the four quarterly award winners.
This year’s annual Barnabas Award winner was Price-Critchley. Price-Critchley is the regional director for the Western North Carolina CAP Division and leads a team of 20 case managers.
Concerning Kimberly, Brooks said, “She’s just one of these people who goes above and beyond in her care for the people she leads… She cares for people, her members, her beneficiaries. She’s a jewel and we’re so thankful she’s a part of the Healthkeeperz team.”
Additionally, Mr. Howard Brooks was also awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award at this year’s Banquet. He was recognized for his decades of faithful service and positive community impact.
Tim Brooks noted the faith and character of Howard by saying, “My dad is so humble. I really want him to appreciate what everybody else is enjoying. Because of his commit-
ment to care for people, everybody else is enjoying this opportunity to work and earn a living in this company that values and incorporates faith. He started that. That was his vision.”
Tim Brooks described Howard’s lifetime efforts to build a legacy of caring for people in his immediate community. Those efforts have multiplied into a home-based care business that provides essential services for roughly 5,000 people per year across North Carolina.
“What I saw my dad doing, and I still see him doing, is caring for people. If there’s a member of my family who is sick, he’ll come see me just to be sure I’m okay. If my kids are sick, that’s when I’m going to get a call,” Brooks shared. “If there’s something that I’ve seen in my dad that’s been consistent, it’s that he cares for people, and he has this great empathy for people and wants to be with them and help them in their time of need. That’s something that I think marks his life.”
For more information about Healthkeeperz, visit their website at www.healthkeeperz.com.
PHOTOS PROVIDED BY HEALTHKEEPERZ
Founded by Howard Brooks, Tim Brooks’ father, Healthkeeperz began as a small community pharmacy in Pembroke in 1966.
The Strength of Advice®
The Hive of Hope Mills
A COMMUNITY CATALYST FOR CONNECTION AND ENGAGEMENT
The Hive of Hope Mills (THOHM) has been the vision of Kevin Grant, a local developer and the THOHM executive director, since the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. He noticed how distant people had become, and wanted to create a space designed for people to gather and engage with each other.
When he found a house for sale at the corner of Hope Mills Municipal Park, this seemed like the perfect location to bring about this community gathering space. At the grand opening on Friday, April 10, Grant saw this vision come to life as people floated between six food trucks and their anchor vendor, Big T’s.
Big T’s, which features flavored snoballs and fair-style food, has been a local favorite of Hope Mills since 2000 when Timmy (Big T) and Donna Gray first opened right on Hope Mills Lake. It is a seasonal restaurant, so many of Big T’s loyal customers were happy to hear they would now be open year-round, seven days a week.
Angela Culver, who is the daughter of Timmy and Donna Gray, now owns and operates Big T’s with her husband, Rob.
Speaking about their hometown heritage, Angela Culver shared, “My dad has been here his whole life, born and raised in Hope Mills. My mom came here when she was young; her dad was in the military. I am from Hope Mills as well…I purchased the business from my parents five years ago. They had put a lot of hard work into building the customer base and growing the business. I
On April 10, community leaders, local elected officials and residents of Fayetteville and Hope Mills gathered to celebrate the grand opening of the Hive of Hope Mills. Located adjacent to Hope Mills Municipal Park, The Hive features seven food truck spaces, each equipped for daily service, as well as a 3,500-square-foot event center and commissary kitchen to support local vendors.
left the medical field to run Big T’s so they could enjoy life a bit…now my parents come by almost every day to have lunch with us.”
Grant approached the Culvers at the end of 2025 to run the restaurant inside the Hive.
“It’s been a blessing to have [Big T’s] jump on board. They bring in a great client base and name recognition,” shared Grant.
THOHM is a food truck park and community space for events, live music and local markets, but Grant says it’s primarily a safe space for anyone, in particular people with disabilities. The Hive of Hope Mills partners
with Kwirkz, a nonprofit designed to empower and support individuals with disabilities through education, employment, social life, transportation and housing. THOHM patrons can round up the cost of their meal to donate to Kwirkz, and Grant plans to have community awareness events throughout the year for the organization.
Sunday, June 28, 1-4 p.m., THOHM will host Kick it for Kwirkz, an adaptive and inclusive soccer game.
When speaking about the evolution of this development, Hope Mills Town Manager Chancer McLaughlin said, “This man fell out of the sky! We were not looking at that corner of the park for development; it was a residential area. And then he brought all of these papers and ideas to my office…. What drew me to it immediately was when he started talking about the kids with special needs, and the mobile libraries…”
Grant has plans for a lot of community engagement programming, and he believes this is only the beginning.
All of his hopes for THOHM align well with the current vision and use for Hope Mills Municipal Park. McLaughlin explained, “We just decided to move our
celebration to the park. Because of the Hive’s proximity to the park, it’s very easy to extend the park to the Hive and vice versa…We are collaborating on security cameras and other things…Now we’re bringing life to the farthest part of the park, and we have eyes over there…This will change how we plan events like Juneteenth and 4th of July, especially when it comes to food.”
One of the most innovative parts of THOHM in regard to their food trucks is that as many as seven trucks are each able to hook up to power running under their parking pad. This means that instead of hearing the buzz of generators (and inhaling the related fumes), patrons hear family-friendly music playing from the Hive’s speaker. Also, for the convenience of the food truck owners and the safety of the patrons, THOHM provides a commercial-grade kitchen for food truck prep.
Grant initially received more than 80 food truck applications, and a portion of those food trucks are now in the current rotation. Food truck owners and operators interested in THOHM must meet all food, health and insurance requirements, and can find an application on the THOHM website.
Grant recognizes that Fayetteville and the surrounding community have a large pool of food trucks, and multiple food truck parks can multiply their business and profits.
“On Saturday of the opening weekend, Big T’s took in over 600 orders and every food truck sold out!” shared Grant.
Grant believes the model for The Hive of Hope Mills can be replicated throughout the greater Fayetteville area, and The Hive is set up with the ability to franchise. Grant imagines these community Hives all over the area, and wants to draw people back to face-to-face engagement and fun.
For more information about THOHM, visit them online at www.thehiveofhopemills.com.
Juneteenth >> Emily Ruth Perry
PHOTO PROVIDED BY GFBJ
PHOTO PROVIDED BY GFBJ
The anchor tenant for The Hive of Hope Mills is Big T’s. Big T’s features flavored snoballs and fair-style food and has been a local favorite of Hope Mills since 2000.
By Stephanie Meador
Bee-lieve the hype
LOCAL APIARISTS AND ENTREPRENEURS SHARE HANDMADE CRAFTS AND HELPFUL KNOWLEDGE ABOUT OUR MOST IMPORTANT POLLINATORS
Lynlene Apiary and Crafts, a small beekeeping business with a growing presence at local markets, is turning honey and beeswax into premium handmade products while educating the public about the importance of bees.
Carolyn Kleinert and Jolene Kleinert got their first bees in April of 2023 after completing a class with Sampson County to become certified apiarists. They’re now preparing to welcome more bees to their farm for a total of five hives.
The Keinert’s apiary features vertical and horizontal hives. Jolene built the horizontal homes and appreciates that this design requires less heavy lifting than the vertical standard. In a vertical system, the boxes can become extremely heavy when full of honey. Horizontal hives, by contrast, keep frames at waist height and spread out horizontally, which can make inspections and lifting easier and less physically demanding.
Much of Jolene and Carolyn’s work happens during short, regular inspections.
“An inspection of a hive usually takes maybe five minutes, if you can get in there and see what you need to see. You’re checking for diseases,” shared Jolene.
When inspecting the hive, Jolene and Carolyn check a few key things: whether the queen is still laying eggs, whether the bees have
enough food and whether there are signs of disease or overcrowding. They look for brood – developing baby bees – in the comb, which indicates the queen is doing her job even if they don’t see the queen during the inspection.
We need to get more young people into [beekeeping]. Because a lot of people don’t really start doing it till they retire, and then you can only do it so many years, because it’s very physical. ”
— Apiarist Jolene Kleinert
Honey harvesting comes only after the bees have what they need to survive.
Jolene and Carolyn usually collect honey once a year, after the main bloom, and make sure each hive still has plenty of stores for winter. In a good year, a strong hive can produce several quarts of extra honey, which they extract, filter and jar for personal use and to sell at local markets.
Additionally, Jolene produces beeswax candles and honey-based soaps from the hives she manages with her mother. The pair harvest and clean beeswax from hive frames, then melt and filter it before pouring it into molds for candles. Honey from their hives is also incorporated
into soaps. Jolene points to honey’s ability to help skin retain moisture and its mild antimicrobial qualities as key selling points for customers looking for both natural and functional products.
Education is a major part of the operation. At markets and workshops, Jolene and Carolyn explain the basics of beekeeping, help people tell the difference between honey bees, bumblebees and wasps and share practical advice for staying calm around bees to avoid stings. They also encourage residents who discover swarms to contact their local agricultural extension office, which can connect them with beekeepers who relocate bees rather than destroy them.
“A lot of people don’t realize you can call your local agriculture extension if you see a swarm of bees somewhere, and you don’t want them there, call, let someone come take them in. The agriculture centers have a list of beekeepers in the area that can be called anytime; they’ll call them and say, ‘Hey, at such and such address, they found a swarm of bees. Can you take care of it?’”
advised Carolyn.
For those curious about beekeeping, Jolene recommends checking out local bee clubs, which she says are active in most counties and often host beginner courses early in the year. Even for people who never plan to own a hive, she says, “you can learn so much” about how bees work and why they matter.
“We need to get more young people into [beekeeping]. Because a lot of people don’t really start doing it till they retire, and then you can only do it so many years, because it’s very physical. That’s why I’m trying to get more people into the horizontal hives,” shared Jolene.
With each market, workshop and new customer, Lynlene Apiary and Crafts is building a reputation not only for its honey and handcrafted goods, but also for its role in helping the community understand and support the bees behind them.
Coming up, Jolene and Carolyn will be at Stedman’s Party in the Park on May 16 and Hand Picked Nursery’s Strawberry Festival in Benson on May 23.
PHOTOS PROVIDED BY GFBJ
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.
Empowering Veterans
THE 2026 FAYETTEVILLE VETERANS BUSINESS EXPO AIMS TO CLOSE THE OPPORTUNITY GAP
The Fayetteville Public Works Commission (PWC) will host the inaugural 2026 Veterans Business Expo on May 14 at the PWC Main Operations Complex at 955 Old Wilmington Road, seeking to connect former U.S. Military members with vital business opportunities in their community.
The event, which will take place from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., is part of a partnership between PWC and the Veterans Business Outreach Center at Fayetteville State University (VBOC) and Fayetteville-Cumberland Regional Entrepreneur and Business HUB (FSU HUB).
Aaron Harris, PWC’s manager of economic inclusion programs, said the event is designed to connect Veteran-owned businesses with partners and decision-makers who can help move opportunities forward.
“This event brings together Veteran entrepreneurs alongside government agencies, public entities, contractors and resource partners in one place, creating a purposeful space to build relationships, exploring procurement and contracting possibilities and strengthening our region’s Veteran-owned business community,” Harris said.
The Veterans Business Expo was devised to feature, highlight and facilitate direct connections and commerce.
“We want to get our Veterans a platform for their businesses,” said Camille Little, the supplier diversity analyst at PWC. “Here at PWC, we have 20 departments, and we procure… I can’t tell you all the goods and services. This is our first expo. We’re looking for general contractors, electricians, landscapers, janitorial, construction suppliers, architecture, farms and engineering firms.”
Little said, much like businesses in every industry, Veterans are often in need of assistance getting their foot in the door.
“When Veterans are starting up, they have to know what resources are [available],” Little noted. “They have this ample amount of resources, but they need to know how to get started.”
Identifying those resources and connecting Veteran business owners with opportunities and business development programs are made
the
possible by the partnership between PWC and VBOC, Little said. The partnership has allowed the expo to flourish, she added.
“There are opportunities, there are consultant workshops and different things that we partner with them for all the time,” Little said. “It’s about easing that transition because starting a business is hard. Having the dedication to continue after that first year is even harder right now.”
That is why, Little said, the partnership with resources from Fayetteville State University brings decision makers to the table.
“If you are a Veteran business owner, you may not know how to do business with PWC or the City of Fayetteville or FSU, or partners,” Little said. “‘Where do I get started?’ ‘How do I get contracts?’ Bringing people to an understanding and then having an opportunity like this, where you’re talking to that person who’s making the decision… that is our goal.”
Those meetings between Veteran-owned businesses and other decision-makers will present a chance
to showcase products and services directly to organizations seeking qualified vendors and capable partners, Harris said. Agencies and contractors, he added, can meet and engage businesses ready to support upcoming needs.
Little said PWC and all of its departments, as well as the City of Fayetteville, and FSU will be on hand. Additionally, there will be procurement officers from the North Carolina Department of Public Safety.
“Resource partners who support small business development will also be on hand, helping make introductions and reinforcing pathways that support growth for Veteran entrepreneurs,” Harris said.
For Veteran entrepreneurs, Little said she recommends two things: an answer to “why?” and a business plan.
“I would ask them, what problem are they solving with their business?” she noted. “Then I would also tell them to start making a business plan. I run into a lot of firms, and it’s like, ‘What is your plan?’ So just
knowing where you want to go with your business is important.”
Little said it is important to differentiate between a business that helps transition servicemembers away from the U.S. Military versus a business that Veterans consider the next chapter of their lives.
“How much dedication are you going to give to this business to make it successful?” Little noted. “So I would always start with what’s your business plan.”
For Harris, the event will be able to cover the needs of all types of Veteran-owned businesses.
“Another important lesson is the need to meet businesses where they are,” he said. “Veteran-owned businesses are at different stages of development, so offering multiple entry points, networking, education and referrals has proven essential.”
Registration information can be found at: www.eventbrite. com/e/2026-veterans-business-expo-connecting-heroes-to-opportunity-tickets-1984308563329?aff=ebdssbdestsearch
PHOTOS PROVIDED BY PWC
This is
first year of the Veteran Business Expo, and it grew out of Fayetteville PWC’s Economic Impact Program, which focuses on expanding access and opportunity in public-sector contracting while strengthening the local economy. It builds off the success of previous events held by PWC like the 2024 Industry Day (pictured above).
Reader’s Guide
BizLeads is a collection of information gathered from greater Fayetteville courthouses, state government offices and information websites. The listings are intended to help the business community find new customers and stay on top of happenings with current customers, vendors and competitors.
New Corporations lists firms from the Greater Fayetteville Business Journal region that were recently incorporated in the State of North Carolina.
Addresses are publicly available.
CUMBERLAND COUNTY
Bar 126 llc
126 Person St
Fayetteville
Agent: Diondria M Cain
Go Beyond Transportation LLC
2653 Hope Mills Rd Ste 7
Fayetteville
Agent: Latoya D Williams
Tempting Tranquil LLC
322 Richmond Dr
Fayetteville Agent: Jnai Sledge
Unique Auto Performance LLC
1208 July Ct
Fayetteville Agent: Emilee Speights Taylor
R+D Development Group LLC
2501 Bragg Blvd Ste A PMB 2068
Fayetteville Agent: Rickinsha Calbert
The Compassionate Change Corp.
414 Ray Ave
Fayetteville Agent: Serena Gunn
Sabistorellc LLC
315 Barcelona Dr Apt 24B
Fayetteville Agent: Taylor Stephens
A+ Lawncare Services LLC
425 Hallmark Rd
Fayetteville Agent: Aaron Jamal Fields Sr.
Haymount Heights LLC
Fayetteville Agent: Sabrina Joassaint
CLEAR ANCHOR LLC
9648 Lukes Run Rd
Linden Agent: Glenda M Gaddy
Legacy Career Consulting and Assessments (LCCA) Exchange LLC 5724 Dobson Dr Fayetteville Agent: Cassandra Parra Shoffler
KJJ Hospitality Services Group LLC
920 S Cliffs Cir Apt 304 Spring Lake Agent: Mildred Criss
The Varnado Group LLC
1325 Long Lake Dr Parkton Agent: Shakena Varnado
Soul Trackers On The Move LLC 4711 Arbor Rd
Fayetteville Agent: Evelyn M Landry Ms
BIZ LEADS
Kent Phillips
Horseshoe Road LLC
624 Blawell Cir
Stedman Agent: John J Burton
JCW Thrive llc 5948
Fisher Rd Ste 202
637 Spy Glass Dr
Fayetteville Agent: Mohammed Saeb Shakir
Angel Breath HVAC & Refrigeration of Fayetteville LLC
148 Carol St
Stedman Agent: Bradley Michael Smith
Battle Ready Cleaning LLC
1015 Kingscote Dr
Fayetteville Agent: Datron Savage
Knighton Ministries Inc.
607 Faison Ave
Fayetteville Agent: Katisha M. Knighton
Case Carpentry LLC
3262 Turtle Point Dr Apt C
Fayetteville Agent: Casey Donovan
Plight Construction LLC
725 Ashburton Dr
Fayetteville Agent: Timothy Wilson
Fayetteville Agent: Janice Williams
DOT CHASERS LLC
5513 Lafayette St
Hope Mills Agent: JOHN JOHNSON
Smoke Break Enterprises LLC
6257 Raeford Rd Ste 6
Fayetteville Agent: Yousef Alsaidi
GOOWIH incorporated
739 Alexwood Dr
Hope Mills Agent: Brittany Potter
LACHIT 2521B LLC
304 Courtyard Ln
Fayetteville Agent: Lizamarie Campoamor Hondros
BCUJYWS incorporated
5383 Nutrition Ct
Hope Mills Agent: ALEXUS SMITH
Rally Point Rentals LLC 6025 Pink Dr
Fayetteville Agent: Johnathan Brown
Frontier Logic Labs LLC
439 Westwood
Shopping Ctr PMB 226
Fayetteville Agent: Joseph Meekins Jr
CELINE LABS LLC
312 Whipple Tree Ln
Fayetteville Agent: JORDAN SMOOT
Joe & Joes Auto LLC
4003B Raeford Rd
Fayetteville Agent: Joseph John Leichenauer III
Paris Delivery service LLC 1505 Doncaster Dr
Fayetteville Agent: Benjamin Paris
HARRY DETAILING & MECHANIC LLC 7306 Bertram Dr Fayetteville Agent: HARRY COLLAZO VAZQUEZ
For more than 185 years, we’ve forged personal relationships with our customers and communities, funding economic development and rallying around the causes that are important to our neighbors. With local bankers you know and trust, businesses and individuals throughout the Carolinas continue to choose United Bank.
INTI Contracting LLC
808 Cabaletta Dr
Hope Mills Agent: Greta Romero
Charles Trust LLC
1915 Blake St Fayetteville Agent: Charles David Becton II
