What has been your greatest success/accomplishment?
I would have to say that what I am most proud of is that I was able to balance my career of 12-hour days and being a very active and involved parent to my son when he was growing up.
When not at work, what occupies your time?
I officiate high school sports in my spare time and I have taken to being a radio personality on WIDU 1600 AM. Finally, my time as a PWC Commissioner has proven to be both challenging and interesting.
Who is your hero?
My parents are my heroes. It took a lot of patience and love and I thank them for it. And, let me also say that now that I live in a military community, I have the greatest respect for our service men and women.
Greg Whitley, Attorney
What has been your greatest success or accomplishment?
I guess my greatest accomplishment would be that I went into the practice of law with the intention of fighting for those in need of an advocate. While it's not always all roses, I feel that I've built a practice where I am able to assist those who need my help.
When not at work, what occupies your time?
I'm a board member of The Care Clinic, a nonprofit free health clinic here in town that serves the low-income members of our community who work, but cannot afford health insurance. As an outdoorsman, I enjoy fishing, waterfowl hunting and golf, among others.
Who is your hero?
My late wife, Caroline Whitley. In the face of a terminal diagnosis, she always kept a positive attitude and never wavered in her desire to make a difference in her community and to those around her. She taught me to appreciate every day we have here and to live life to it’s fullest.
Aaron Hill, Co-Owner of Naturally Unleashed
What has been your greatest success/accomplishment?
So far in my life, I would say that’s being able to start and maintain two successful family businesses.
When not at work, what occupies your time?
When not at work, going to the gym, friends, sports, fishing and traveling are all things I enjoy doing... by myself or with friends or family.
Why did you choose your profession?
I chose my profession with Diamond Pet Foods and co-owning Naturally Unleashed because of my passion to show people they can feed their pets healthy food at an affordable price. We wanted to be able to share that with the community and so we opened our store.
Melissa Reed, Administrator at Need Speech? Inc. and Junior League of Fayetteville President
What has been your greatest success/accomplishment?
Earning my Master’s Degree in Public Administration and being elected as the 2013-2014 President of the Junior League of Fayetteville.
When not at work, what occupies your time?
I enjoy listening to live music, watching movies and dinner with friends at some of our wonderful local restaurants. I also enjoy working out several times per week and volunteering in the community.
Why did you choose your profession?
My love for children. I was a social worker for many years and when the opportunity presented itself to make a career change from direct services to business development, I welcomed the opportunity. My current employment allows me the opportunity to grow personally and professionally while continuing to have interaction with children as they develop.
Dr. Kyrstin Krist, Professor at Methodist University and member of Rogue Roller Derby
What has been your greatest success/accomplishment?
I am most proud of the work I did at Columbia High School in Columbia, South Carolina. I was blessed to get a job with Play it Smart, a program funded through the NFL. I changed the entire academic culture of the athletes I worked with. I would not trade a minute of my life with my players for anything. They taught me as much as I taught them. I will always be most proud of calling myself an Academic Coach.
When not at work, what occupies your time?
When not at Methodist I am either at roller derby or at my part time job at WHBM. I think my hobby might include grading papers.... Is that a hobby?
Why did you choose your profession?
I chose teaching for the moment when you see it all “click” in the student, the “ah-ha” moment. This is the very tangible moment when you know you have effectively changed their life through knowledge and education. There is no other feeling like it.
Dr. Mike Safley, Chaplain at Methodist University
What has been your greatest success/accomplishment?
I was awarded the Order of the Long Leaf Pine by Governor Mike Easley in 2005 for my work in the area of family and child welfare.
When not at work, what occupies your time?
That is a tough question because I am usually at work. My life is my work. I enjoy working. Work to me is complete joy. I have enjoyed every job I ever had.
Sean McCutcheon, Assistant to the Provost Marshall at Fort Bragg and Fitness Coordinator at Omni Health and Wellness
What is your greatest accomplishment/success?
Becoming a personal trainer/group fitness instructor. With these I've witnessed people literally transform, change and improve their lives for the better. Mentally and physically.
When not at work, what occupies your time?
When I'm not working, I'm quick to feel like I've done nothing all day. So I go to the gym, which is my second home. I'm very much at home at the gym, be it lifting or doing cardio. But when if I'm not exercising, I like to watch movies, horror movies mostly.
Who is your hero?
My oldest brother is my hero. He helped me be the man I am today.
Samantha Thompson, Co-Owner of Blue Moon Café and Fabulous Finds Boutique
What is your greatest accomplishment/success?
I am extremely proud that our two businesses continue to give back and support our community. The reputation that we have cultivated through our staff and their commitment to both businesses make me extremely grateful.
When not at work, what occupies your time?
My hobbies are being with good friends, traveling, shopping of course! I also like to get in a good naptime.
Why did you choose your profession?
I love challenges and the shop was a natural fit for me because of my love of fashion and style. And when the opportunity came up with Blue Moon, I thought it would be great to be involved with downtown.
Kelli Perry, Educator
What is your greatest accomplishment/success?
My greatest accomplishment has been raising my 5-year-old daughter, Ellison. She inspires me to be a better person.
When not at work, what occupies your time?
My favorite things to do are relaxing with loved ones, shopping, going on walks, painting pottery and going to the bookstore.
Who is your hero?
My heroes are my parents, Jim & Pauline Crocker. They have been the most amazing parents and grandparents for my daughter. My Dad is my rock and my Mom is my pillow. There is NO way I could have survived the past few years without them.
April Smith, Attorney
What has been your greatest success/accomplishment?
Opening and growing my own law practice. There were people who tried to discourage me and did not believe that I could do it and be successful.
When not at work, what occupies your time?
When am I not at work? My children, family, friends and community activities take up my time.
Who is your hero?
My mother. As a child, I saw her work hard not just at her job, but for her family and church. Her perseverance and guidance are the reasons I am who I am.
Steve Cales, Private Investigator
What has been your greatest success/accomplishment?
Being a father to my three princesses: Stephanie, Allison and Lauren. Watching your children grow, seeing the people they are becoming and the marks they are making on this world, knowing I have a hand in that is a huge success.
When not at work what occupies your time?
I love to target shoot, I enjoy cooking and I do like to take time to work on perfecting my secret chili recipe. I love to spend time with my daughters and love watching Will Ferrell movies.
Who is your hero?
That's easy, my Dad! It's not just one thing about him that makes him my hero but a compilation of things, his faith, his work ethic, love for his family and the fact that he's pretty much the smartest guy in the world. He has shown my what being a great Dad is and who I should strive to be.
