Our guest today is a builder in every sense of the word — of spaces, brands, and big ideas. Jared Landry is the founder of Point Blank Ventures, a Charlotte-based firm with a diverse focus that includes real estate investment, venture capital in hospitality and food & beverage, and creative brand design.

If you’ve seen projects like Tipsy Pickle CLT, or caught glimpses of his passions for motorcycles, travel, and design on social media, you know Jared brings a distinct mix of grit, vision, and style to everything he does. 

From multifamily real estate to food startups, Jared Landry is a real renaissance man! Welcome to the BrandBuilders Podcast!

Our guest today has spent more than 25 years helping people find balance — not just in their careers or relationships, but in their entire approach to mental wellness. Lepa Modie is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker based right here in Charlotte, and the founder of SEW Balance, a platform she created to give adults access to affordable, actionable mental health tools.

Lepa recently shared her expertise in a new book called *Well Sh*t! Now What?! Your Survival Guide for College Success*, which takes her signature no-fluff, real-world approach to mental health and applies it to helping college students navigate one of life’s biggest transitions.

Lepa Modie, welcome to the BrandBuilders Podcast!

Today we’re excited to welcome Jennifer Payne, founder of Core Innov8tions. With a rich background as a certified Pilates instructor, nutrition coach, and wellness educator, Jennifer is dedicated to helping clients move, improve, and transform through mindful movement and holistic health practices. At Core Innov8tions, she blends Reformer Pilates, nutrition coaching, functional training, and group fitness in a studio environment designed for everyone, no matter where they’re starting from. Jennifer’s mission is to empower others to build strength, confidence, and sustainable healthy habits, supporting every client on a journey toward feeling—and living—their very best.

You know what they say about opinions; everyone’s got one, and they all stink. You might be able to say that about most people’s… LinkedIn profiles. Today’s guest can fix that. She’s Amy George, founder and CEO of By George Communications, a boutique public relations and storytelling agency here in Charlotte. Amy’s LinkedIn Makeover and Training services have helped professionals and businesses transform their presence on the world’s top business networking site. Through in-depth one-on-one makeovers and dynamic workshops, Amy and her team help clients craft compelling personal and company narratives, optimize every profile detail, and teach strategic engagement habits that turn connections into opportunities.

Today we have Ashley Ausman on the program. Ashely is founder of The Essay Architect. A former AP English teacher at Charlotte Catholic with two decades of experience, Ashley specializes in helping high school seniors bring their authentic stories to life in college application essays. She launched The Essay Architect after seeing firsthand how even top students struggle to tackle the deeply personal writing required for college admission, and now she guides students and families through finding topics, building compelling narratives, and crafting essays that stand out to admissions readers. With a reputation for encouragement, insight, and results, Ashley is on a mission to raise confidence, clarify voices, and demystify every step of the essay process for the next generation of college-bound students.

Welcome back to the award-winning BrandBuilders Podcast. Today on the program, we’ve got Meg Fencil and Beth Suhr with us from Sustain Charlotte. Meg Fencil is Director of Engagement and Impact… Beth is Operations Director at Sustain Charlotte.

If you are one of the 157 people moving here every day, Sustain Charlotte is local nonprofit working to build a healthier, more equitable, and sustainable community. And one of the ways they help spread that message, and introduce Charlotteans to their own hometown is an event called Biketoberfest. 

This annual people-powered adventure is an opportunity for folks to experience the city by bike, foot, and transit… and Meg and Beth are here to tell us about all of that. Welcome both of you to the program! 

Welcome to The BrandBuilders Podcast. Today, we’ve got Ben Brown, the owner of CS Brown Tile Marble and Stone, joining us. With years of expertise in high-end home and commercial projects, Ben has built a reputation for quality craftsmanship, creative solutions, and standout customer service. Whether you’ve admired a stunning custom countertop or walked across a beautiful tiled floor in the Queen City, there’s a good chance Ben’s team had a hand in it. Ben—welcome to the program! 

Welcome to The BrandBuilders Podcast, where we’ve got Liz Clasen-Kelly, Chief Executive Officer of Roof Above, here in the studio with us. Liz has guided Roof Above since its founding in 2019, when the Men’s Shelter of Charlotte and Urban Ministry Center merged to form the most comprehensive homeless service provider in North Carolina. Liz has led innovative initiatives—expanding shelter capacity, launching permanent supportive housing, and uniting community partners to address the crisis of homelessness one life at a time. Liz, welcome to The BrandBuilders Podcast! 

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

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

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

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

Courtney, welcome to the program! 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

On this episode of the BrandBuilders Podcast, we’ve got Garrett Summers, CPA and Owner at Foard and Company. If you don’t know, Foard and Company is an accounting firm serving Charlotte and the surrounding region for over 50 years. Garrett brings a wealth of experience in audit and tax services, with a particular focus on not-for-profit organizations and churches. Since joining the firm in 2012 and becoming an owner in 2020, Garrett has played a key role in upholding the firm’s commitment to quality, trust, and client relationships. Garrett – welcome to the program!

Today on the BrandBuilders Podcast, we’ve got Ben Levenbaum, founder and CEO of Xceleration here with us. Xceleration has been a major player in enterprise rewards and recognition for over 25 years. Under Ben’s leadership, Xceleration has built a global reputation for its innovative, scalable technology—most notably the RewardStation platform. We’re looking forward to hearing about that one, too!

With a diverse team spanning multiple disciplines and a client roster that includes some of the world’s largest companies, Xceleration crafts tailored recognition programs that motivate teams and deliver measurable impact. Ben, welcome to the show!