BUSINESS NORTH CAROLINA'S Trail BLAZERS 2022.

• Author: Pressler, Alyssa

Business North Carolina recognizes thriving business owners and professionals under the age of 40 who work in N.C. cities and towns that have fewer than 100,000 residents. This year, we received nominations for talented Trailblazers based from Edenton to Asheville. The list includes a wide variety of occupations including software, logistics, real estate and plumbing.

As many jobs shifted from big city office towers in the past several years, some families jumped at the chance to move to less expensive, more spacious homes in small towns on the periphery of North Carolina's urban areas.

Dozens of smaller, mostly suburban towns saw more dramatic population growth rates between 2020 and 2021 than the state's largest cities, U.S. Census data shows.

Wendell, east of Raleigh, was the fastest-growing municipality, with its population increasing by 18% to 11,570 in a single year. Other Triangle and Charlotte suburbs including Apex, Waxhaw and Clayton saw similar growth.

But people haven't been moving only to the towns within a short commute of major cities. Calabash, the town on the South Carolina stateline best known for its seafood, was the sixthfastest-growing municipality in the past year with 8.6% growth.

Aberdeen, near Southern Pines, saw its population grow by 6.6% and ranked No. 13.

By contrast, Charlotte grew by 0.3% and Raleigh grew by 0.4%, which represents thousands of new residents.

Some young professionals are opting to launch careers and businesses in the state's smaller towns, finding plenty of opportunities to make their mark.

All the trailblazers are having a significant impact in sustaining and building their communities. We appreciate their participation and those who made nominations.

REX CARRIKER

PRESIDENT AND OWNER | QUEEN CITY ENGINEERING AND DESIGN

Mount Pleasant

The N.C. State University graduate founded the business in 2015. It had success during the pandemic by developing and making barriers to protect bus drivers and others from potentially ill riders. More than 5,000 barriers have been sold nationally, enabling Queen City to retain its workforce. It's an example of the company's diverse mechanical engineering and manufacturing services.

Education: Bachelor of Science, N.C. State University

What is most special about your community? It is a small, quiet farm town where everyone is friendly and knows one another. Life just seems to move slower here.

Biggest influence: A former boss of mine and seasoned businessman, Roger Leon. I worked for him in my early 20s. Within two years, I watched our small startup company of seven employees grow into a large manufacturer that competes with huge original equipment manufacturers--such as John Deere and Husqvarna--at major retailers throughout the country.

Most important character trait: My ability to be able to talk to anyone has helped me the most. Networking is a major part of growing your career or a business.

Organization's biggest success: Receiving ISO 9001:2015 certification. We became certified on our first attempt and have since seen a tremendous increase in the quality of customers and magnitude of projects we are receiving.

Favorite volunteer activity: Working at vacation Bible school at my church. A friend and I are always in charge of the games station. Every year on the last day, we finish the week with a giant slip 'n' slide. We have been doing this for so long now that many of the once 5- and 6 year-olds are heading off to college.

MALLORY DUMOND

TRAVEL AGENT | TRAVELMATION

Goldsboro

When travel reached an all-time low because of the pandemic, the Goldsboro native made a name for herself as a trustworthy travel agent with both local and national clients. Dumond is on track to grow her annual book of business to $1 million after three years in the industry.

After receiving a master's degree in 2019. Dumond struggled to find a job. Instead, she joined Travelmation as an independent travel adviser. The Fort Lauderdale, Florida-based agency is owned by Disney and specializes in selling vacation packages at the company's famous resorts.

Despite the uncertainties surrounding the travel industry amid COVID-19, the wife and mother of two has built a substantial business by nurturing relationships with clients, participating in the Goldsboro Chamber of Commerce, and promoting her services through various travel and news publications. She says her favorite all-inclusive resort is Sandals South Coast in Jamaica.

Education: Master of Public Administration. Regent University

What is most special about your community? The kind and supportive people make Goldsboro special. Seymour Johnson Air Force Base and the 4th Fighter Wing make Goldsboro special. We're all proud of the men and women who serve our country.

Biggest influence: My family. After earning a Master of Public Administration, I received over 50 rejection letters for employment. It was the influence of my family that inspired I me to follow my love for travel and begin a career as a travel agent.

Most important character trait: One's true worth is determined by how much more they give in value than what they may take in payment.

Favorite volunteer activity: Anything working with students and young people in my community, specifically middle-school students. I have such a special love for them.

ERIENNE DICKMAN

TOURISM DIRECTOR | CHOWAN COUNTY TOURISM DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY

Edenton

The Edenton native leads a multiplatform marketing campaign, which has led to a record-breaking year for the town's occupancy tax. She's a hands-on director who is visible at town events doing everything from organizing silent auctions to cleaning.

Education: Bachelor of Arts, William Peace University

What is most special about your community? Rural communities sometimes get a reputation for being stuck in the past and being economically stagnant. Edenton has weathered everything that has come our way. The town is stronger today than ever.

Biggest influence: Nancy Nicholls is one of my most important influences, biggest cheerleaders and dearest friends. In 2021, Nancy retired after 29 years of leading the Chowan County TDA. Now, I find myself sitting in her chair, employing the lessons she taught me when I was 15 years old. It has truly been a "full circle" experience.

Organization's greatest success: A record-breaking year in occupancy tax came from visitors making overnight stays in Edenton. Expanding our communication plan during a pandemic was a high-risk decision, but it was necessary to showcase all that our town has to offer.

Favorite volunteer activity: One of my favorite things about local events is breaking the event down once it is over. I enjoy watching the impact we've made on our local community by providing events for both residents and tourists.

CHARLA DUNCAN

DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT | WARREN COUNTY

Warrenton

The Warren County native has a lot of pride for her home county and its rural identity. One of her goals is to challenge stereotypes about small, idyllic communities. Her work with the county started in 2019 when she was a senior assistant to the county manager.

Duncan was a teacher in Greensboro and Charlotte, attended grad school in New York and worked for Granville County before returning to Warrenton. Since taking her current post in 2021, Duncan has assisted expansion efforts of existing industry, including Glen Raven's expansion that added 205 employees and $82 million of capital investment. She's also helped attract $2 million in grants for community projects, advised on zoning changes to promote development along Interstate 85, and led county partnership efforts to secure the development of a housing subdivision in the historic Soul City community.

Returning to Warren County comes with an added bonus--she's restoring her grandparents' family home.

Education: Bachelor of Arts, UNC Greensboro; Master of Public Administration, New York University

What is most special about your community? Warren County is a bold community dedicated to building a bright future for all who live here. We are fearless and undaunted by hard work. We are a community of creative, innovative and entrepreneurial spirits.

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