Issuu

Nonprofit Green Beret Foundation supports Special Forces Page 10

October 16, 2026 - November 5, 2026 Vol. 6, No. 10

$2.00

bizfayetteville.com

WEB EXCLUSIVE Restaurant

After nine years, Spinners Pizza is making a comeback bizfayetteville.com

Military Business

NCMBC welcomes new executive director Page 5

More News

Armed Services YMCA opens free Children’s Waiting Room Page 13

SPECIAL FOCUS MILITARY FOCUSED BUSINESSES PHOTO PROVIDED BY THE MILITARY AFFAIRS COUNCIL

The Military Affairs Council provides its members with programming, leadership conversations, networking events and other benefits.

NOW

BUILDING BRIDGES A

mainstay institution that The Military helps connect Fort Bragg to Fayetteville area Affairs Council’s continuesthetogreater chart a path toward a commitment to better community partnership. “Fort Bragg is part of the Fort Bragg and community, the community is Fayetteville’s part of Fort and Bragg,” Rob Patton, the of the board at the Military collaborative chair Affairs Council, said. future The Military Affairs Council

Index Economic Indicators............................... 3 Publisher's Note .................................... 4 Military Business.................................... 5

(MAC), which has stood in Fayetteville since 1956, has spent the past five years rebuilding its membership. Near 2022, the MAC had dwindled to around 30 members. Now, according to Patton, there are

Achievers............................................ 8, 9 Nonprofit..............................................10 More News.....................................12, 13 Biz Fayetteville......................................15 Biz Leads..............................................16 The List.................................................18

By Eddie Velazquez

See BUILDING, page 7

Page 2

October 16, 2026 - November 5, 2026

Greater Fayetteville Business Journal

UNC & NC State Play-by-Play. The Radio stations of Andrulonis Media are carrying every game for the UNC Tarheels on Carolina Country 100.1 WFAY and the NC State Wolfpack on The River / 106.5 WMRV.

Tarheels = 100.1FM Wolfpack = 106.5FM

A quality service of Andrulonis Media - Founded in Fayetteville in 1995

Greater Fayetteville Business Journal

Editor’s Note: Updated data points normally accessed through the NC Department of Commerce were unreported at the time of printing.

bizfayetteville.com

AUGUST UNEMPLOYMENT NORTH CAROLINA CUMBERLAND COUNTY FAYETTEVILLE MSA ROBESON COUNTY AUGUST 2026: AUGUST 2026: AUGUST 2026: AUGUST 2026:

4.3%

3.6%

4.6%

5.1%

DOWN FROM AUGUST 2025:

4.1%

5.2%

5.8%

HARNETT COUNTY HOKE COUNTY AUGUST 2026: AUGUST 2026:

MOORE COUNTY AUGUST 2026:

SAMPSON COUNTY RALEIGH MSA AUGUST 2026: AUGUST 2026:

4.0%

4.5%

3.2%

3.6%

3.1%

DOWN FROM AUGUST 2025:

4.4%

4.9%

3.8%

4.3%

3.6%

Source: N.C. Department of Commerce

ECONOMIC INDICATORS OTHER SERVICES

MANUFACTURING

4.18%

5.92% TRADE, TRANSPORTATION & UTILITIES

GOVERNMENT

19.34%

29.91% INFORMATION 0.63% FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES 3.08%

PROFESSIONAL & BUSINESS SERVICES

LEISURE & HOSPITALITY

10.81%

13.18%

EDUCATION & HEALTH SERVICES

2025 vs 2026 (August) FAYETTEVILLE MSA CIVILIAN LABOR FORCE LABOR FORCE

150,975

AVERAGE PRICE PER GALLON FOR REGULAR UNLEADED IN FAYETTEVILLE ON OCTOBER 12, 2026:

$3.77

146,586

100,000 AUGUST

50,000

2025

AUGUST

AVERAGE PRICE PER GALLON IN FAYETTEVILLE ON OCTOBER 12, 2025:

2026

0 Source: N.C. Department of Commerce

12.94%

Source: NC Department of Commerce

200,000 150,000

Page 3

LABOR FORCE AUGUST 2026 BY INDUSTRY (FAYETTEVILLE MSA)

UNITED STATES AUGUST 2026:

4.5%

October 16, 2026 - November 5, 2026

Source: gasbuddy.com

$2.77

Page 4

October 16, 2026 - November 5, 2026

Greater Fayetteville Business Journal

PUBLISHER'S NOTE

bizfayetteville.com

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 EVENTS & SPECIAL PROJECTS Simone Johnson 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. SUBSCRIPTIONS Your free trial of Greater Fayetteville Business Journal is ending soon. To subscribe, call 910-240-9697 or visit bizfayetteville.com/ subscribe. Subscriptions cost $9.95 per month or $95 per year. REPRINT For article reprints, plaques and more contact Faith Hatton at 910-240-9697. ADVERTISING For advertising information, please email us at marketing@bizfayetteville.com or call 910-240-9697. © Copyright 2026 Greater Fayetteville Business Journal

Happy Halloween! Y

es, those are decorations currently in my home. Yes, I may have spent more money than average for two oversized mums that are taking up way too much space on my porch, and yes, I may have stood my ground in a Lowe’s hardware store arguing with my husband over an inflatable corgi dressed like a vampire; that is because spooky season is here! As the business community prepares to wind down a bit as we enter into Q4, we at the Greater Fayetteville Business Journal are getting ready for some of our biggest events and projects of the year. Our annual Health Care Heroes awards will be taking place on Thursday, Nov. 12, for the fourth

year! This year’s judging was very tricky, but it was a treat to watch our panel as they displayed passion, provided some great arguments and insights and eventually came up with a list of finalists from around our community. We still have some sponsorships available if anyone would like to guarantee a seat for themselves and their team or guests this year! Contact me or marketing@bizfayetteville.com to learn more. Research and surveys for our annual Book on Business are also in full swing. Want to experience something really scary? Try opening up our 2027 BoB and not seeing your business listed! Lists are open, and you can provide your business

information on our website: www.bizfayetteville.com or contact Simone Johnson at simonej@bizfayetteville. com to make sure you’re included in the 2027 edition! We hope you enjoy this issue. We’ve featured a few “Military Focused Businesses” that are working to fuel, support and connect our local military community with the Fayetteville business community. It was a pleasure to spotlight these organizations, and we hope to continue to connect with our military community in 2027 and beyond! Happy reading!

FAITH HATTON, Publisher 910-240-9697, Ext 104 • faithh@bizfayetteville.com

Greater Fayetteville Business Journal >>

By Stephanie Meador

October 16, 2026 - November 5, 2026

bizfayetteville.com

MILITARY BUSINESS

Page 5

Passing the torch FTCC AND THE NORTH CAROLINA MILITARY BUSINESS CENTER WELCOME JIMMY HENDRIX AS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

ast month, Fayetteville Technical Community College (FTCC) and the North Carolina Military Business Center (NCMBC) announced a succession of executive leadership. On Oct. 1, Martin J. “Jimmy” Hendrix III officially assumed the role of executive director. Scott Dorney, the organization’s founder and executive director since 2004, will remain involved with the organization during the initial period of transition. For more than two decades, Dorney has led the NCMBC from its inception into one of the nation’s most successful defense-focused business development organizations. “Our job every day is to make sure that every opportunity that we can help a company in North Carolina win, we do what we can to make that happen,” remarked Dorney. Since opening in 2005, the NCMBC has assisted North Carolina businesses in securing more than 7,000 federal contracts valued at nearly $19 billion, strengthening the state’s defense economy, supporting military communities and expanding opportunities for businesses across North Carolina. Hendrix is excited to continue building upon the success the organization has found over the past two decades. “Scott Dorney, along with being an amazing leader and a brilliant guy, is just incredible at recruiting talent and putting together this team…it’s just a really neat opportunity to serve the state, serve the businesses and the people and to lead a really good team,” shared Hendrix. Hendrix brings extensive military, logistics, manufacturing and organizational leadership experience to his new role. Since joining the NCMBC, he has served in key leadership positions, most recently overseeing statewide programs that connect North Carolina businesses to federal contracting opportunities and strategic industry initiatives. A Fayetteville native, Hendrix retired from the U.S. Army after more than 25 years of active service as an ordnance and multifunctional logistics officer. His career included command assignments at the company, battalion and brigade levels,

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY NCMBC

On Oct. 1, Jimmy Hendrix (right) officially assumed the role of executive director at the North Carolina Military Business Center. Scott Dorney (left) will remain involved with the organization for a brief period to provide support during the transition.

as well as leadership of the Rock Island Arsenal Joint Manufacturing and Technology Center, the Army’s only vertically integrated metal manufacturing facility and center of excellence for advanced manufacturing. He also served in senior civilian leadership roles supporting U.S. Army Forces Command logistics operations. As executive director, Hendrix will lead the NCMBC’s mission to leverage military and other federal business opportunities to expand North Carolina’s economy, create jobs and improve quality of life throughout the state. His proven leadership and experience position him to build on the NCMBC’s success and lead the organization into its third decade of service to North Carolina businesses and communities. “I would really love to keep up the quality of recruitment and the quality of the team, and then just the culture…” remarked Hendrix. “There’s a big transition going on in the military, starting from the Department of War level down to Fort Bragg, in doing things differently, contracting for services and

for construction and for products very differently…our people are having to learn these new techniques along with their government partners and along with our business partners, so that we can work with Fort Bragg and work with other people and help companies win that work here in North Carolina. Jimmy is extremely flexible. He fits in with that team. He knows how we need to modify what it is that we do to stay relevant, to stay current and to stay effective,” remarked Dorney. During the transition period, Hendrix and Dorney will travel together to meet with key partners and stakeholders, celebrating the organization’s accomplishments while positioning it for continued growth and success. “Part of our goals for a long time have been to crack the top 10 of states in federal contracting annually,” shared Dorney when asked about long-term goals for the organization. “My goal for a long time was to have $10 billion in prime federal contracts. Well, we achieved that in 2025 with 10 and a half billion. So, I would like to double that. My goal has been to do $20 billion

in federal contracts, probably by 2035 or so.” “The goal, looking forward, on top of everything Scott described, is really getting North Carolina the reputation of being the state that can solve federal government problems rapidly, and also continuing to build on the great reputation we already have of being the go-to organization for federal agencies for helping them link up with business and link up with the suppliers they need to,” added Hendrix. While Dorney’s leadership was critical in the success of the organization over the past two decades and Hendrix’s leadership will be instrumental in carrying it further towards its goals, both the former and current executive director humbly acknowledge the many people who helped make this success a possibility. “The General Assembly past and present, governors past and present, who had the foresight and understood that when we went to them in 2004 and presented this concept, they really got it. They got it then, and they get it now. They understand how important it is to have an entity like the Military Business Center totally focused on growing the defense and federal economy because it’s the second largest sector of our state’s economy,” shared Dorney. “We are extremely thankful not only to the community college system for the operational and logistical support that we get, but to the leadership of this state that really understands how important it is that what we do gets done in North Carolina.”

For more information about the NCMBC and a calendar of upcoming events, visit ncmbc.us.

Page 6

October 16, 2026 - November 5, 2026

Greater Fayetteville Business Journal

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Greater Fayetteville Business Journal >>

By Eddie Velazquez

October 16, 2026 - November 5, 2026

Page 7

PROFILE

bizfayetteville.com

From BUILDING, page 1

almost 170 members. The MAC is part of the Greater Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce. “The number one mission for the MAC is to connect the community to the installation, and the installation to the community, so furthering the relationship, furthering the ties, furthering mutual supportability,” Patton said. Patton, who also serves as vice president of the Fayetteville Cumberland Economic Development Corporation, said the MAC has delivered on continuing to bring programming, leadership conversations, networking events and other benefits to its members. “You get access to people for these briefings that you’re not going to get anywhere else, or are very hard to get anywhere else,” Patton said. “If they do business with the military or military-connected people, people should consider joining the MAC because we are strengthening that community,” Patton said. “The ties and the relationships and network that you build in the organization are unparalleled. We all feel this connection to the installation. So whether you’ve served or not, the installation in Fayetteville, Cumberland County, [is] really symbiotic.” The MAC is currently choosing to show their support for the military by promoting a yellow ribbon campaign. Free yellow ribbon

PHOTO PROVIDED BY THE MILITARY AFFAIRS COUNCIL

Rob Patton (left) with guest speaker for the recent MAC Leadership Breakfast, Executive Director for the Fayetteville NC VA Coastal Health Care System, Marri “Nicki” Fryar.

PHOTO PROVIDED BY THE MILITARY AFFAIRS COUNCIL

The Military Affairs Council currently has around 170 members and is always looking to grow and recruit additional members.

pins can be found at the Greater Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce. The ribbons will help show support for forward-deployed troops, which are military units stationed in foreign nations or pushed close to active combat zones. “Equally, if not more important, [are] the families that are back here,” Patton said. “If you support the mission or not, that’s not what’s important. The important thing is to support those soldiers, airmen, sailors, marines, etc. and their families while they’re called to do their duty overseas. They don’t get to pick and choose what missions they go to.” The MAC has also brought in speakers for their quarterly Leadership Breakfasts. For instance, Patton said that MAC brought Marri “Nicki” Fryar, the executive director for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ Fayetteville Coastal Health Care, as one of the recent speakers. “She was able to introduce a lot of her team, give us kind of an overview of what the Coastal Carolina VA Health System looks like, some of their missions, responsibilities, ways ahead,” Patton said of Fryar’s presentation. “We were able to connect some folks that are interested in doing more business with the VA writ large, with her team, and vice versa.” Connecting with the VA was key, Patton noted. He said that those

“

The ties and the relationships and network that you build in the organization are unparalleled. We all feel this connection to the installation. So whether you’ve served or not, the installation in Fayetteville, Cumberland County, [is] really symbiotic.” — Rob Patton, Chair of the MAC Board

types of partnerships can help link Veterans and service members with key resources — like health care. “A lot of the population is retired or former military, and get their health care through the VA,” Patton said. “We think that there’s a lot of misconceptions about the VA that could be done away with through closer relationships.” The next leadership breakfast will be at the Joint Innovation Outpost

(JIOP) at Fort Bragg in January 2027. JIOP is a hub for innovative approaches for problem solving, Patton said. “People can go in with this idea on how to solve a problem, get together with other innovators, get together with industry, academia and there are also acquisition people there,” Patton noted. “Then once that problem is solved through innovation, they figure out how that product can be sent out to market or be purchased by the military.” Active duty service members and Veterans, Patton said, are a vital part of the community. After all, he noted, it is their community. Every year, the mindset will be to continue delivering quality events, programs and opportunities to network, while also adding at least one new event or program. “That way, we’re not trying to do too much too soon and fail,” Patton said. “Because the last thing we want to do is do too much…I’d rather do less stuff better and slowly, then add in other events that have meaningful impact to both the installation and the community, and just continue to grow that way.”

Page 8

ACHIEVERS Carla Banks named director of marketing and communications for City of Fayetteville The City of Fayetteville welcomes CARLA BANKS as director of marketing and communications. She will oversee citywide communications, marketing, media relations and public relations efforts, advise City management and officials on communication strategies and policies and prepare spokespersons for public and media engagements. “We are excited to welcome Ms. Banks to our team,” said City Banks Manager Doug Hewett in a press release. “We look forward to working with her to continue telling Fayetteville’s story, keep residents informed and help people connect with the work happening across our City.” Banks brings 20 years of experience in leading government communications on both the municipal and county levels in North Carolina and Florida. “I’m honored to join the City of Fayetteville to lead a dynamic team and serve the residents of this vibrant community,” said Director Carla Banks in a press release. “My goal is to enhance residential engagement and establish partnerships aimed at broadening the City’s outreach, making it easier to stay informed about City Council priorities, programs, services and key projects.” In her most recent role, she served as the director of communications and marketing for the City of Greensboro. Before leading communications for Greensboro, she was the first director of public affairs for Orange County, North Carolina, and also served as the manager of communications for the City of Kissimmee, Florida. Prior to her career in public service, Banks was a TV news anchor and reporter in Missouri, Georgia and Florida. Those transferable skills equipped her to manage government TV operations, handle media relations, crisis management and coordinate news conferences. Banks received her undergraduate degree from the University of Florida and a graduate degree from Mountain State University.

Greater Fayetteville Business Journal

October 16, 2026 - November 5, 2026

bizfayetteville.com

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.” Banks assumed the role on Monday, Sept. 28.

TRP Sumner PLLC named one of Accounting Today’s 2026 Best Firms to Work For TRP Sumner PLLC has been named one of Accounting Today’s 2026 Best Firms to Work For, earning national recognition for a commitment the firm considers just as important as the work it delivers: creating a workplace where talented professionals can grow, thrive and build meaningful careers. The annual recognition celebrates accounting firms across the country that excel in employee satisfaction, engagement, workplace culture and their commitment to creating an exceptional employee experience. The recognition reflects a philosophy that has long guided TRP Sumner: taking exceptional care of clients starts with investing in its people. The firm has intentionally prioritized career development, coaching and mentorship, workplace flexibility and a culture where employees are trusted, supported and empowered

to grow. Building a workplace where people can thrive is not simply an HR initiative; it is a strategic investment in the firm’s future and a cornerstone of TRP Sumner’s long-term leadership vision. “At TRP Sumner, we believe that when people thrive, everything else follows,” said Taylor Stephenson, CPA, CGMA, CEO/managing partner at TRP Sumner PLLC, in a press release. “This recognition is a reflection of our commitment to creating a workplace where individuals can grow professionally, feel supported

personally and contribute to something larger than themselves. We’re honored that our team members have helped make TRP Sumner a place where great people choose to build their careers.” As the accounting profession changes, TRP Sumner continues to evolve, rethinking what a successful career in public accounting can be. The firm is committed to creating meaningful opportunities for growth, supporting flexibility, finding new ways for employees to connect and collaborate and ensuring employees at every level have a voice in shaping the firm’s future. “Our goal has never been simply to be a great accounting firm,” added Kelly Puryear, CPA, CGMA, partner at TRP Sumner, in a press release. “Long before workplace culture became a focus across the profession, we believed that our greatest investment was in our people. Two ideas have guided us for years: continuous positive improvement and the belief that we are in the business of training people. We want our people to keep learning, keep growing and leave every role better than they found it. When you create an environment where people are encouraged to develop and improve, the firm improves right along with them.” The Accounting Today Best Firms to Work For program recognizes accounting firms that have created outstanding workplace cultures. Rankings are determined through an extensive evaluation of workplace policies and practices, combined with direct employee feedback, which serves as a key component of the assessment. For TRP Sumner PLLC, being named a Best Firm to Work For is both a milestone and a catalyst for continuing to invest in the employee experience. The recognition celebrates how far the firm has come while reinforcing its commitment to

keep listening, evolving and creating opportunities for its people to grow, succeed and thrive. “We’re proud of this recognition, but it doesn’t end there,” said Keith Raynor, CPA, CAC, CGMA, partner at TRP Sumner PLLC, in a press release. “A good firm is built by good people, and our job is to make sure they have a place where they can learn, grow, do good work and enjoy the folks they do it with. We’ve come a long way, but there’s always room to get a little better, and that’s what we intend to keep doing.”

Surgeon & Associates names Hillary Rumppe CEO Surgeon & Associates, Inc. recently announced the appointment of HILLARY RUMPPE as chief executive officer. In her new role, Rumppe will provide executive leadership for Surgeon & Associates and oversee the management and administrative services it provides in support of independently operated affiliated companies. Rumppe brings more than two decades of leadership and operational experience to the position. She will work with the Surgeon & Associates Board and the leadership of each affiliated company Rumppe to strengthen organizational systems, support accountability and advance long-term strategic priorities. “Hillary has earned the confidence of our leadership team through her sound judgment, strong work ethic and commitment to accountability,” said Founder and President Fred Surgeon in a press release. “She understands our organization, our people and the communities we serve. I believe she is the right person to lead Surgeon & Associates into its next chapter.” “I am honored by the opportunity to serve as chief executive officer of Surgeon & Associates,” Rumppe said in a press release. “I look forward to working alongside our directors and team members to build upon the strong foundation that has been established, support the success of the companies we serve and continue creating opportunities for our employees and communities.” The appointment reflects the company’s continued commitment to strong leadership, responsible growth See ACHIEVERS, page 9

Greater Fayetteville Business Journal

October 16, 2026 - November 5, 2026

bizfayetteville.com From ACHIEVERS, page 8

and effective support for its affiliated companies. Surgeon will continue serving as founder and president, focusing on strategic direction, governance and long-term planning.

Rose Hunt joins Healthkeeperz as clinical manager of hospice Healthkeeperz is pleased to welcome ROSE M. HUNT, BSN, RN, as clinical manager for Healthkeeperz Hospice. Hunt joined the organization on Sept. 21, 2026. Hunt brings nine years of nursing experience, including more than eight years in hospice care, with expertise in patient assessment, care coordination, Hunt symptom management, caregiver education and nurse mentorship. Hunt earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of North Carolina at Pembroke

and her Associate Degree in Nursing from Richmond Community College. She joins Director of Hospice Care Nahaven Jacobs, a longtime colleague with whom she began her hospice career.

NCMBC welcomes Lanard Welch The North Carolina Military Business Center (NCMBC), headquartered at Fayetteville Technical Community College, is pleased to announce the appointment of LANARD WELCH as program manager for Defense Technologies. Welch brings more than 22 years of leadership experience spanning the U.S. Army, Department of Defense, Defense Intelligence Agency, federal contracting and business development. His experience includes strategic planning, customer engagement, intelligence, federal business development, opportunity identification, capture strategy and collaboration across government, industry and mission partners. In his new role, Welch will support NCMBC’s efforts to connect North Carolina businesses and technology

companies with federal and national security opportunities. He will work with NCMBC’s regional and statewide teams to identify emerging requireWelch ments, understand federal technology and acquisition needs, identify North Carolina capabilities that can address those needs and help businesses position themselves to compete. “The addition of Lanard Welch strengthens NCMBC’s ability to connect North Carolina’s technology and business community with the evolving needs of the Department of War and other federal national security organizations,” said Director of Defense Technologies of the North Carolina Military Business Center TJ Gilroy in a press release. “His combination of military operational experience, intelligence expertise, federal customer engagement and private-sector business development gives him a unique perspective on both sides of the federal technology transition challenge.” Welch’s career includes senior assignments with the U.S. Army and

ACHIEVERS Defense Intelligence Agency, where he supported strategic planning, intelligence operations, organizational transformation, stakeholder engagement and executive decision-making. As chief of the Office of Partner Engagement at the Defense Intelligence Agency, he led strategic engagement initiatives involving military organizations, federal agencies, coalition partners and industry stakeholders. He also served as a senior intelligence officer and Joint Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) chief. Welch holds a Master of Science in Strategic Intelligence from the National Intelligence University, a Master of Arts in International Relations from Webster University and a Bachelor of Arts in Business Management from the University of Mount Olive. He is currently pursuing a Doctor of Public Administration at West Chester University of Pennsylvania. His professional certifications include DAU Contracting Officer Representative, Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, ISO 9001 Quality Management Systems, Change Management and SAFe Scrum Master.

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Page 9

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NONPROFIT

Greater Fayetteville Business Journal

October 16, 2026 - November 5, 2026

bizfayetteville.com

By Emily Ruth Perry

A legacy of valor T

RECOGNIZING THE VITAL ROLE OF THE GREEN BERET FOUNDATION IN SUPPORTING SPECIAL FORCES

he Green Beret Foundation, a national nonprofit organization that exists to support the Special Forces community, is in a growth period right now in preparation for the 75th anniversary of the inception of the Special Forces in Spring 1952 at Fort Bragg. “We were very fortunate and blessed that the regiment asked us to be the lead organization, really the only organization, to work handin-hand with the regiment to recognize the 75th anniversary of the regiment. The 10th Group was first stood up in 1952; it’s why they’re called the Originals,” shared Charlie Iacono, president & CEO of the Green Beret Foundation (GBF). The US Army Special Forces (SF), known as Green Berets because they are awarded a green beret to wear following the rigorous selection and training process, are specialized military units trained to conduct special operations. SF missions focus on unconventional warfare, foreign internal defense, direct action, counterterrorism and special reconnaissance. The Green Beret Foundation believes these highly skilled soldiers are the nation’s greatest military asset and have earned support and opportunities through their sacrifices on behalf of their country. It is a logical choice for the Green Beret Foundation to support the US Army’s planning of the Special Forces anniversary. While the GBF is only 17 years old, its impact reaches back in history. “This is an organization that spans all of the [living] generations of Green Berets from the Vietnam Veteran to those who have served in every other conflict up to the current state where we are today,” stated Iacono. The Green Beret Foundation, catalyzed by this watershed anniversary, is seeking to double the organization’s budget (growing to $10 million). This would allow them to have dedicated funds for each specific Special Forces Group. At Fort Bragg, that is the 3rd Group, and that would mean quickly deployed resources for these soldiers, local Veterans and their families. “Every group is unique, so the needs and the opportunities will

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY THE GREEN BERET FOUNDATION

The US Army Special Forces (SF), known as Green Berets because they are awarded a green beret to wear following the rigorous selection and training process, are specialized military units trained to conduct special operations.

differ from group to group because of where they are deployed, but that being said, we see in the Veteran population some themes of support that are often requested, ” Iacono said. Headquartered in Southern Pines, N.C., the Green Beret Foundation provides Special Forces soldiers and their families with emergency and ongoing support relating to casualties, health and wellness, family opportunities and transition support. Iacono says their programs are designed to support the mind, body and spirits of the soldiers and their families. They include financial support after the death of a service member, or for educational opportunities for the spouses and children of service members. The GBF has the largest scholarship portfolio in the Special Forces community. They also provide Warrior Sportman, which offers outdoor opportunities such as fishing and hunting. Iacono says one of their most beneficial and successful programs relates to their VA Benefits & Claims education and support. Soldiers will ask for the Green Beret Foundation to represent their VA Disability claims to help them get

the best rating. “That is a benefit they have earned. That is no different than in the for-profit world when someone has worked for 20 or more years; you see people walk away with pensions or investment funds that they’ve gotten because the company has invested in that individual. The VA program and disability rating is a continued investment into the warfighter after service,” shared Iacono. When Iacono joined the organization four years ago, he conducted a community need assessment and decided to make it a fully remote organization outside of its representation at the Veteran Services Offices where each of the Special Forces are located. This allows their administrative staff, located across the country, to better fundraise and nimbly work to meet the needs of soldiers around the country and world. “The ability to be where the need arises, or the situation needs support, is critical to our current state and posture, but really, quite frankly, to the future of what the regiment will need with the evolving threats that our nation faces,”

Iacono stated. “The idea is to be able to rapidly respond in a very proactive, strategic and tactical way.” This agile, strategic approach allows the GBF to be most effective in their financial and programmatic support, investing 88% of their income into services for the members and families they serve and providing over $44 million in SF community investment. They have also been intentional in their fundraising approach by acquiring and absorbing organizations that support the same mission to maximize their giving power. Under the umbrella of the Green Beret Foundation are Warrior Sportsman Program, Special Forces Scholarship Fund, Benny Atkins Scholarship Foundation, 3rd Group Warrior Fund and Jedburgh Media Channel. Those interested in partnering with the Green Beret Foundation can find more information about donating and event sponsorship on their website at www. greenberetfoundation.org/donate. This includes their annual giving, as well as their Capital Campaign giving to increase their overall budget.

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MORE NEWS

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Staff Report

Fueling families USAA AND ROBERT IRVINE FOUNDATION LAUNCH FUEL TO SERVE TO STRENGTHEN MILITARY FAMILY WELL-BEING AND READINESS

SAA and the Robert Irvine Foundation recently announced Fuel to Serve. This new five-year partnership will use food as an everyday entry point to strengthen military family well-being and readiness. The initiative is part of Honor Through Action, a national advocacy movement USAA founded to drive meaningful, measurable change on the issues that matter most to the military community. Beginning with pilots at Fort Bragg and in the Washington, D.C., region, Fuel to Serve will expand the Robert Irvine Foundation’s food, wellness and community programs to connect military families with broader resources. “Whether you’re a service member, whether you’re a spouse, whether you’re a dependent, everybody serves in support of their service member. And so, it’s very important that we focus on the entire family versus just a service member alone,” shared Nate Somers, director, Pentagon Partnerships and Policy, USAA. Fuel to Serve will go “beyond the dining hall,” using food and shared meals as trusted entry points to link families with a broader network of resources. The initiative will explore ways to guide military families toward financial education and resources, cooking and nutrition education, mental health services, benefits navigation and community-based support — meeting families where they already are through commissaries, dining facilities and other familiar food settings. “Food is part of every military family’s daily life, but its importance extends far beyond the meal itself,” said Juan C. Andrade, president and CEO of USAA, in a press release. “Through Fuel to Serve, we’re bringing together trusted partners and practical resources to address the interconnected challenges military families face. By starting with places and experiences families already know, this initiative aims to help support their health, resilience and readiness.” “Some of the most important conversations happen around a table,” said Robert Irvine, founder and chairman of the Robert Irvine

PHOTO COURTESY OF USAA

Fuel to Serve will go “beyond the dining hall,” using food and shared meals as trusted entry points to link families with a broader network of resources.

Foundation, in a press release. “Food is the front door. It brings people together, builds trust and gives us a way to connect families to nutrition, wellness and community support that lasts. This work runs from the dining facility to the home, from the installation to the surrounding community.” Through these pilots, USAA and the Robert Irvine Foundation will stand up and prove the model, track measurable outcomes and lay the groundwork to scale services across military communities nationwide. The two organizations will use pilot learnings to convene military leaders, nonprofits, private-sector partners and community organizations around solutions that can strengthen military family well-being and readiness at greater scale. “Through Fort Bragg, we will learn as we go…and then as we live it and learn it, we will then scale it across the Department of War enterprise, reaching our ultimate goal [of] all dining facilities, all installations and all DoWEA school systems across the Department of War,” added Somers.

USAA leadership and leaders from the Robert Irvine Foundation recently visited Fort Bragg for the opening of Rally Point Bistro. Rally Point Bistro was already planned under an Army contract, but its opening—alongside Fort Bragg’s DoWEA schools—made the installation a strong pilot site for Fuel to Serve’s broader effort to improve military food systems. During their visit, they heard positive feedback from soldiers, leaders and community members about the changes that have already been implemented. They also met with DoWEA school leaders to discuss challenges with hiring, equipment, food ordering and meal-service capabilities. The immediate priority is to revamp Fort Bragg’s DoWEA school meals with fresher, locally sourced options, targeting launch by Q1 2027. The team will also track Rally Point Bistro’s use to determine whether additional dining capacity is needed. During the first half of 2027, the program will introduce community events, nutrition and cooking classes and budgeting and

commissary-shopping education to Fort Bragg, while using feedback and data to refine the program. Military readiness is shaped by the everyday conditions that support health, resilience and family stability. Nutrition, financial well-being, social connection and access to trusted support all influence a family’s ability to thrive through the demands of military life. Military families often navigate competing pressures related to household finances, nutrition, mental wellness and accessing available support. Rising costs can force difficult trade-offs among food, housing, transportation, childcare and other essentials, while services and resources are often spread across multiple organizations and systems. Fuel to Serve aims to address these overlapping pressures directly. Fuel to Serve extends USAA’s collaboration with the Robert Irvine Foundation through Face the Fight, recognizing that food and shared meals can create meaningful opportunities to foster connection, reduce isolation and link military families with support and resources.

Greater Fayetteville Business Journal >>

October 16, 2026 - November 5, 2026

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Staff Report

Page 13

MORE NEWS

PHOTO BY JESSE LEGER, WOMACK ARMY MEDICAL CENTER

The Armed Services YMCA (ASYMCA) celebrated the grand opening of its Children’s Waiting Room Fort Bragg at the Loredo Child Development Center, Oct. 1, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The program offers free, short-term childcare for families attending medical appointments on Fort Bragg.

Expanding childcare for families ARMED SERVICES YMCA OPENS FREE CHILDREN’S WAITING ROOM ON FORT BRAGG

he Armed Services YMCA (ASYMCA) celebrated the grand opening of its Children’s Waiting Room Fort Bragg located at the Loredo Child Development Center, Oct. 1, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The program offers free, short-term childcare for families attending medical appointments on Fort Bragg. As of Oct. 5, children ages 1 to 12 can be dropped off Monday through Thursday, from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., for up to two hours of supervised care. The final daily drop-off is accepted at 2 p.m. Registration and childcare are completely free, and parents must register in advance through the ASYMCA website. “Even a routine doctor’s appointment can become complicated, and sometimes impossible, when you have young children and no childcare,” said Jeremy Hester, executive director of the ASYMCA at Fort Bragg. “The Children’s Waiting Room will relieve stress, provide peace of mind, and improve show rates for the hospital, but most importantly, it will improve quality of life for military families.” Retired Navy Vice Adm. William French, president and CEO of the

“

What we do at WAMC is unique: We have the privilege of caring for Soldiers, their families, and the broader military community. The Children’s Waiting Room is an important addition to that mission. It provides a welcoming, supportive space for children and helps ease the experience of families who come to Womack for care.” — Col. Kane Morgan, Womack Army Medical Center Commander

ASYMCA, emphasized that the Children’s Waiting Room is among the organization’s most important programs. French cited data demonstrating that more than half of military spouses have rescheduled or missed a medical appointment due to childcare constraints. He noted that another military treatment facility with an existing Children’s Waiting Room saw a 30% reduction in missed appointments after its first year of operation. “It’s not only good for Soldiers and families, it’s also good for the hospital,” French said. Funding for the Fort Bragg program was provided in part by Navy Federal Credit Union alongside local community partners. Col. Kane Morgan, Womack Army Medical Center commander, extended his appreciation to the ASYMCA and its partners for turning this vision into a reality. “This grand opening represents nearly two years of dedicated work and collaboration across multiple organizations,” Morgan said. “What we do at WAMC is unique: We have the privilege of caring for Soldiers, their families, and the broader military community. The Children’s Waiting

Room is an important addition to that mission. It provides a welcoming, supportive space for children and helps ease the experience of families who come to Womack for care.” Victoria Wynkoop, who attended the event with her grandson, said she looks forward to him utilizing the room while his mother attends medical and dental appointments. “It’s just fabulous that there is a safe place where she can bring him and he can play with other kids and be supervised,” Wynkoop said.

For more information about the Children’s Waiting Room at the Loredo Child Development Center, Building 401 on Stiner Road, visit fortbragg.asymca.org. Editor’s Note: This article was written by Keisha Frith with Womack Army Medical Center accessed through DVIDS. Disclaimer: “The appearance of the U.S. Department of Defense (DoW) visual information does not imply or constitute DoW endorsement.”

Page 14

October 16, 2026 - November 5, 2026

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October 16, 2026 - November 5, 2026

Page 15

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PHOTO PROVIDED BY GFBJ

The Heck family cuts the ribbon at the new bakery with the Dunn Area Chamber of Commerce on Friday, Oct. 2.

A sweet day RICHARD’S SWEET TOOTH & SPECIAL OCCASIONS NOW OPEN IN DUNN

amily, friends and the Dunn Area Chamber of Commerce were all in line bright and early for the official ribbon-cutting of a new bakery on one of Dunn’s main roads on Friday, Oct. 2. Richard’s Sweet Tooth & Special Occasions has officially cut the ribbon on its new storefront located at 1203 W Cumberland St. in Dunn. The bakery is the work of Co-owner and Co-founder Shoshona Heck, who has been baking in the area since 2012. Known for her cheesecakes, cookies, dessert cups, fresh lemonade and more, Shoshona started her labor of love after losing her grandfather and the bakery’s namesake, Richard McNeill Jr. “When everyone went back to their normal life of school and work after he passed, my new normal was home. I find therapy in cooking. I used to cook every day. When the kids came home from school, they had a fourcourse meal and a dessert. What we didn’t finish, I’d always just give away and start over the next day because that was my therapy. My best friend started calling me Betty Crocker,” shared Shoshona. “I had given so much away, then people started

PHOTO PROVIDED BY GFBJ

Family, friends and the Dunn Area Chamber of Commerce were all in line bright and early at the new storefront located at 1203 W Cumberland St. in Dunn.

asking, ‘How much would you charge me to make this?’ And ‘How much would you charge me to do that?’ So it became a business on its own.” “A lot of it is due to my wife’s imagination and the customer’s imagination. So a lot of them give her free rein and that’s how it’s been. So the creativity has always been there, and it comes a lot from the customers as well,” shared Co-owner and Co-founder Sherod Heck. “She’s like one of those savants. I think she’s one

of those people that was born with that gift.” The brick-and-mortar store marks a milestone for the brand. What started out as a kitchen table business later grew into a mobile operation with the purchase of a food trailer by her husband in 2020. The Hecks operated out of the trailer from 2020-2026 before finally finding her new home on Cumberland Street. Shoshona shared that the day of the ribbon cutting and new location have significant meaning to her and her family. “It means a lot that we were able to do the ribbon cutting [today]. We did it on his [Richard’s] birthday, so we get to celebrate him,” shared Shoshona. “It means a lot to know that he’s not here physically, but in spirit. I know he’s smiling down on us and knowing that, hey, we did it.” Shoshona said that her favorite thing on the menu is the blueberry cheesecake, but she doesn’t tend to eat many of her own creations. Instead, she chooses to rely heavily on customer feedback and a group of loyal taste testers to see what to sell next. “I want someone else to try to tell me what they think. So if they try

and they don’t do that head jerk or that eye roll or that smile, then I need to try something different. Then I may try it to see what I need to redo,” shared Shoshona. “Because I know if I try it, then I may want to change something, and if it’s already selling as it is, I don’t want to ruin it.” The Hecks shared that they are excited to have a new home and will continue to attend events and expand. “It’s been amazing just with the love and support from people. It’s one of those things where I can’t really describe it because it’s like, God, I thank you. At first I felt overwhelmed. I was like, ‘Can I keep up with this?’ And then I thought about it. I asked for it. I prayed for it. So now I just ask God to make sure I don’t squander it. So we’ve just been rolling with it, and I’m enjoying it,” concluded Shoshona.

Richard’s Sweet Tooth & Special Occasions is open Friday from 11 a.m. - 6 p.m., Saturdays from 10:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. and Monday through Thursday for pickup only. For more on what’s available each week, follow the bakery on their Facebook page.

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October 16, 2026 - November 5, 2026

BIZ LEADS Reader’s Guide

Illumicase Inc. 4200 Morganton Rd Ste 202 Fayetteville Agent: Bobbie Ann Jacobs-Ghaffar

Greater Fayetteville Business Journal bizfayetteville.com

816 Elm St Unit LLC Clark Rd 986 Stedman BizLeads is a collection of information 35526 150 N McPherson Fayetteville Cedar Creek Rd gathered from greater Fayetteville Fayetteville Church Rd Ste B Agent: Daniel Stedman courthouses, state government offices Agent: Modupe O and information websites. The listings are Fayetteville Guy Agent: Kevin Lee intended to help the business community Agent: George D. Paul Ajijola-McQueen find new customers and stay on top Regan Jr. 4Kyngz Enterprises of happenings with current customers, vendors and competitors. Carloscesar Sales llc On Your Mend & Services LLC EverGreat Island Venture Property 4216 PleasantLLC New Corporations lists firms from the Greater Fayetteville Business Journal region HHM & Associates Eats LLC Group LLC burg Dr 6740 Foxberry Rd 6049 Green Way that were recently incorporated in the State Inc. 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THE LIST

Top Defense Contractors- Cumberland County Ranked on value of contracts being performed in Cumberland County for FY 2025 RANK

COMPANY NAME LOCATION

CONTACT INFO WEBSITE

AMOUNT OF TOTAL CONTRACTS IN CUMBERLAND COUNTY

910-483-2881 wwlr.com

$69.8M

WORLDWIDE LANGUAGE RESOURCES INC.

SANDHILLS UTILITY SERVICES LLC

910-497-7399 sandhillsutility.com

$23.2M

EMPLOYMENT SOURCE INC.

910-826-4699 servicesource.org

$17.2M

FAYETTEVILLE PUBLIC WORKS COMMISSION

910-483-1382 faypwc.com

$2.1M

TOUCHPOINT INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT GROUP INC.

tpidg.us

$1.9M

LIVINGWORKS EDUCATION USA INC.

910-867-8822 livingworks.net

$1.7M

BROWN INTERNATIONAL CORPORA

256-721-3003 N/A

$1.6M

SOUTH EASTERN GENERAL CONTRACTOR

910-824-7505 southeasternhomebuilders.com

$1.5M

OPERATIONS SERVICES INC.

910-835-5007 opsservicesinc.com

$1.4M

H4 ENTERPRISES LLC

910-339-1007 h4ent.com

$1.3M

RAVEN ADVISORY LLC

910-835-5017 ravenadvisory.com

$1M

WALSINGHAM GROUP INC.

910-433-0790 wgrp.com

$823,132

L & L DRYWALL & CONSTRUCTION INC.

910-485-6002 lldrywall-construction.com

$511,836

CUMBERLAND SEPTIC SERVICES INC.

910-868-3830 cumberlandseptic.com

$342,359

308 Person St. Fayetteville, N.C. 28301

2-6503 Butner Road Fort Bragg, N.C. 28307

600 Ames St. Fayetteville, N.C. 28301

955 Old Wilmington Road Faytteville, N.C. 28301

5603 Ramsey St. Fayetteville, N.C. 28311

440 Summerlea Drive Fayetteville, N.C. 28311

1001 S Reilly Road #209 Fayetteville, N.C. 28314

3059 N. Main St. Hope Mills, N.C. 28348

455 Ramsey St. #203 Fayetteville, N.C. 28301

230 Donaldson St. #200A Fayetteville, N.C. 28301

4400 Bragg Blvd. Fayetteville, N.C. 28303

6390 Ramsey St. Fayetteville, N.C. 28311

1617 Gillespie St. Fayetteville, N.C. 28306-1847

319 Mike St., Fayetteville, N.C. 28303

Listing reflects contractors who are located in Cumberland County reflecting contracts taking place in Cumberland County reported between 10/1/24 to 9/30/25. Data pulled on 02/03/2026. Data provided by the North Carolina Military Business Center.

Greater Fayetteville Business Journal

October 16, 2026 - November 5, 2026

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Greater Fayetteville Business Journal

October 16, 2026 - November 5, 2026

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