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North Carolina has a history of retail industry leadership that continues with large operators such as Lowe's, Hendrick Automotive Croup, Sonic Automotive and Tanger Factory Outlet Centers, Entrepreneurial success stories also abound, including Furnitureland South, Mast General Store and Shoe Show.

LEE BAPNES

president | Family Fare Convenience Stores

Durham

The retail chain dates to 1936 and operates more than 80 stores through franchises mainly in eastern and central North Carolina. The Appalachian State University graduate, who is a former trustee at the Boone school, has a Duke University MBA. He previously worked for Shell Oil.

JOHN CATO

chair, president, CEO | The Cato Corp

Charlotte

The UNC Charlotte graduate has been CEO of the family-controlled public company since 1999. His grandfather, father and uncle started the apparel retailer in 1946. It has more than 1.000 stores in 30 states.

LISA COOPER

president | Mast General Store

Valle Crucis

Cooper has been part of the retail chain since her parents. John and Faye Cooper, purchased the original Watauga County store in 1979. Her initial pay as an 11-year-old was 25 cents an hour. The employee-owned company now has 11 locations in four states.

Pre-workday motivation: A good cup of coffee. And leading a company that makes a difference in so many ways in our communities.

Key to industry success: Creating a positive work environment. As a retailer, we stand apart for so many reasons. Each store has its own unique setting in a historic building in beautiful downtown or rural settings. They truly are destinations. The product mix is extraordinary. But the asset that sets us apart is our employees.

They are knowledgeable, welcoming and approachable.

Best advice: Treat people with respect. Listen and learn from others. The new lessons we are all learning from the last two years are how to adjust to the new normal and how to pivot quickly. Coming into a workplace where we smile, laugh, learn, and grow together makes all the difference.

Three people to share a meal: Oprah Winfrey, Dolly Parton and Warren Buffett.

Proud family accomplishment: My three children have kind hearts and are responsible young adults. I am one proud mom.

Favorite hobby: Tennis, concerts and serving on nonprofit boards.

Where to entertain a visitor: Stick Boy Bakery, Mast Store, lunch at Over Yonder, Grandfather Mountain and Grandfather Vineyard & Winery.

JEFF DYKE

president, director | Sonic Automotive

Charlotte

Dyke joined the public company in 2005 and became president...