Season 2 Introduction: The Carolina Business Leadership Show

How Matt Howard Built a Referral-Based Remodeling Business Through Trust, Systems & Leadership

What does it take to build a successful business without relying on paid leads or aggressive sales tactics? In this episode of the Carolina Business Leadership Show, Aubrey Fitzloff talks with Matt Howard, founder of SCOMA Construction Services LLC in Raleigh, North Carolina. Matt has spent more than 15 years building a residential remodeling company fueled almost entirely by referrals, reputation, and exceptional customer experiences. Matt shares how implementing repeatable systems, focusing on relationships, and embracing a mindset of ownership helped him grow from a one-man operation into a thriving business with a trusted team. During the conversation, we discuss: • How referrals become your most valuable marketing strategy • Why systems and processes are essential for sustainable business growth • Creating a customer experience that earns lifelong trust • Leading through accountability and "extreme ownership" • Building a company culture that empowers employees • Balancing entrepreneurship with family life and personal priorities • Advice for aspiring entrepreneurs entering the construction industry Whether you're a contractor, entrepreneur, business owner, or leader looking to scale your company while maintaining exceptional customer service, this episode offers practical insights you can apply immediately. CONNECT WITH MATT HOWARD Website: https://www.scomaconstruction.com [https://www.scomaconstruction.com] Instagram: @homeplacedesignbuild ---------------------------------------- Subscribe to the Carolina Business Leadership Show for weekly conversations with entrepreneurs, founders, and business leaders across North and South Carolina who are building stronger businesses, stronger teams, and stronger communities. ---------------------------------------- Matt Howard, SCOMA Construction Services, residential remodeling, remodeling contractor, construction business, entrepreneurship, small business, business leadership, leadership podcast, referral marketing, customer experience, company culture, business systems, Raleigh NC, North Carolina business, Carolina Business Leadership Show

Leadership in Hospitality: Lessons from Restauranteur Gabriele Grigolon

How mentorship, resilience, and calculated risks shaped one restaurateur's journey from Italy to the American Dream. What does it take to build a successful restaurant, lead a team through uncertainty, and pursue the American Dream? In this episode of the Carolina Business Leadership Show, Aubrey Fitzloff sits down with Gabriele Grigolon, chef, restaurateur, and owner of Aqua e Vino in Charlotte, North Carolina. Born and trained in Italy, Gabriele shares his journey from European kitchens to restaurant ownership in the United States, along with the leadership lessons he's learned along the way. Together, they discuss mentorship, leading by example, building a culture of ownership, balancing tradition with innovation, and adapting a business during challenging times. Gabriele also shares how dyslexia has influenced his creativity, why strong supplier relationships matter, and how taking calculated risks has shaped both his career and his business. Whether you're a business owner, entrepreneur, hospitality professional, or aspiring leader, this conversation offers practical insights on leadership, resilience, customer experience, and long-term success. Topics include: • Restaurant leadership and hospitality • Entrepreneurship and the American Dream • Mentorship and career growth • Building team accountability • Risk-taking and business growth • Adapting during COVID-19 • Supplier and vendor relationships • Balancing tradition and innovation Connect with Aqua e Vino: Website: www.aquaevino.com [http://www.aquavino.com] Phone: (704) 364-4445 Follow the Carolina Business Leadership Show for conversations with business owners, entrepreneurs, and community leaders across North and South Carolina.

Sustainable Business Growth: Leadership Lessons from Cristina Hall of Ginger's Revenge

Why Sustainable Growth Starts with Personal Growth In this episode of the Carolina Business Leadership Show, Aubrey Fitzloff sits down with Cristina Hall Ackley, co-founder of Ginger's Revenge, an award-winning craft ginger beer brewery in Asheville, North Carolina. Cristina shares the entrepreneurial journey behind building a purpose-driven business, leading alongside her husband, and creating sustainable business growth without sacrificing personal well-being. Together, they explore leadership, entrepreneurship, burnout, company culture, and the importance of building a business that aligns with your values. Cristina offers practical insights on growing through uncertainty, investing in personal development, supporting your team, and staying connected to your "why" through every stage of business. Whether you're launching a startup, leading a growing company, or redefining success as an entrepreneur, this conversation is packed with actionable leadership lessons you can apply immediately. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU'LL LEARN: * Why personal growth is essential to business growth * How to build a purpose-driven business that reflects your values * Strategies for preventing burnout while pursuing sustainable growth * Lessons from building a business with your spouse * How strong company culture begins with intentional leadership * The importance of defining—and revisiting—your "why" * Creating meaningful partnerships with employees, vendors, and your community * Why great leaders invest in themselves as much as they invest in their businesses If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another entrepreneur or business leader. Connect with Ginger's Revenge Website: https://gingersrevenge.com [https://gingersrevenge.com] Instagram: @gingersrev Facebook: Ginger's Revenge Visit the Taproom: 829 Riverside Drive, Suite 100 Asheville, NC 28801 ---------------------------------------- Connect with the Carolina Business Leadership Show Follow us on Instagram, Threads, LinkedIn, Facebook, and YouTube: @carolinabusinessleadershipshow Interested in being a guest? 📧 aubrey@ltins.com [aubrey@ltins.com] entrepreneurship, leadership, sustainable business growth, purpose-driven business, Asheville business, burnout, company culture, and small business leadership

From Military Instructor to Entrepreneur: Michael Woodland’s Headshot Business

In this episode of the Carolina Business Leadership Show, host Aubrey Fitzloff sits down with Michael Woodland, founder of Essential Headshots, a Columbia, South Carolina-based headshot photographer helping professionals and business owners elevate their personal brand through powerful first impressions. Michael shares how his journey from military service to entrepreneurship began unexpectedly—and how discipline, resilience, and a commitment to mastering his craft helped him build a fast-growing, relationship-driven business in the Carolinas. We talk about what makes a great headshot, why confidence and authenticity matter more than perfection, and how strong visual branding can open doors for entrepreneurs, sales professionals, and business leaders. This conversation also explores the realities of starting a business from scratch, lessons learned from early mistakes, and why community relationships and word-of-mouth referrals continue to drive long-term growth. If you’re a small business owner, entrepreneur, or professional looking to strengthen your personal brand and build trust with your audience, this episode delivers practical insights you can apply immediately. ---------------------------------------- WHAT YOU’LL LEARN * How Michael Woodland built Essential Headshots from the ground up * Why professional headshots matter for personal branding and business growth * The role of discipline and mindset in entrepreneurship * How to build a business through trust and word-of-mouth referrals * Common mistakes new business owners make when investing in their business * How authenticity and confidence impact leadership and client relationships * The evolving role of AI in photography and personal branding ---------------------------------------- CONNECT WITH MICHAEL WOODLAND Website: www.essentialheadshots.com [http://www.essentialheadshots.com] Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook: @ESNTLheadshots Phone: 803-237-2536 ---------------------------------------- ABOUT THE SHOW The Carolina Business Leadership Show features real conversations with business owners and leaders across North and South Carolina, sharing practical insights on growth, leadership, and building relationship-driven businesses. ---------------------------------------- If you found value in this episode, make sure you’re subscribed so you don’t miss future conversations with business leaders across the Carolinas. Know a business owner who should be on the show? Share this episode with them.

From Prosecutor to Entrepreneur: Building Barefoot Bridal with Sharon Kopp

Building Barefoot Bridal Through Service & Trust In this episode of the Carolina Business Leadership Show, host Aubrey Fitzloff sits down with Sharon Kopp, founder of Barefoot Bridal, a destination wedding planning company built on exceptional customer service, responsiveness, and a deeply personal mission to protect brides from negative experiences. Sharon shares her journey from a 13-year career as a prosecutor to launching Barefoot Bridal after a frustrating and costly experience planning her own wedding—and how that moment became the foundation for a thriving, service-driven business. We talk about what it really looks like to build a relationship-driven business in the wedding industry, where communication, trust, and attention to detail aren’t optional—they’re everything. This conversation dives into leadership without formal business training, building and managing a remote team across multiple locations, and how prioritizing employee experience directly impacts client outcomes. Sharon also shares insights into the evolving destination wedding industry, including how post-COVID shifts have changed client expectations, increased demand for personal connection, and made destination weddings a more accessible option for budget-conscious couples. If you’re a small business owner, entrepreneur, or leader building a service-based business, this episode offers practical lessons on leadership, growth, and creating a client experience that stands out. ---------------------------------------- KEY THEMES Entrepreneurship and career transition Building a service-first business Leadership without formal training Managing and growing a remote team Customer experience and white-glove service Avoiding burnout through intentional growth Destination weddings as a cost-effective option Adapting to changing client expectations ---------------------------------------- NOTABLE QUOTES “I wanted to give other brides the experience I wished I had.” “Happy employees provide the best service.” “I’d rather make less profit and avoid burnout—for me and my team.” “There’s nothing worth your mental health.” ---------------------------------------- CONNECT WITH BAREFOOT BRIDAL Website: www.barefootbridal.com [http://www.barefootbridal.com] Instagram: @barefoot_bridal Email: sharon@barefootbridal.com [sharon@barefootbridal.com] Phone/Text: 866-822-7336 ---------------------------------------- Follow now so you never miss a conversation that could sharpen your leadership and grow your business. Know a Carolina business owner who would benefit from this conversation? Share this episode and help us elevate leaders building strong businesses through trust and community. ---------------------------------------- SHARE Share this episode and help us spotlight the leaders building strong businesses through trust, service, and community. ---------------------------------------- 📲 FOLLOW THE PODCAST Instagram | Threads | LinkedIn | Facebook | YouTube → @carolinabusinessleadershipshow ---------------------------------------- 💌 BE A GUEST Email: aubrey@ltins.com [aubrey@ltins.com]