
Hosted by Coastal Carolina Network, LLC · EN

Ernie Bovio is the Regional President of UNC Health's Southeast Coastal market, where his leadership and expertise is playing a pivotal role in the Wilmington region advancing UNC Health's mission to improve the health and well-being of North Carolinians. Ernie is a seasoned healthcare executive with a track record of building new hospitals.Ernie is a 4-time Iron Man, and training for his 5th. We talk about the lessons learned, mindset and philosophy in endurance training to leadership and business.Discussion around the Certificate of Need (CON) laws in North Carolina as it relates to approval for new hospitals.The difference between Non-Profit and For-Profit Health Care SystemsErnie Bovio | LinkedInUNC Health | Changing Lives for the Better

Tim Jarman is the Executive Director of Schreiber Foundation, a Wilmington, NC based non-profit that works to remove financial, social, and practical barriers standing between young men and college graduation. Tim is a Wilmington native and Educator of the Year winner for his work in New Hanover County Schools.In addition to his work in education, Tim has stayed true to his passions while remaining heavily involved in the community. He serves on the Community Advisory Council (CAC) for the New Hanover Community Endowment, as well as owns the Fuzzy Needle, a record and bookstore, and is a part owner of a skateboard company, Transportation Unit.Tim holds a Bachelor’s Degree from UNC Chapel Hill and a Masters Degree from Harvard University.In this episode, we explore:His path from Wilmington Highschool to Harvard University, and back to teaching Highschool in New Hanover County. The importance and role that consistency and presence play in education and leadership.How the Schreiber Foundation supports students from middle school through college.How he helps bring community perspective into local decision-making with the CAC.Schreiber FoundationTimothy Ryan Jarman - New Hanover Community Endowment The Fuzzy NeedleTransportation Unit

Josh Hallingse is the VP of Small Business Retention & Expansion for the Greater Wilmington Chamber of Commerce. His primary focus involves supporting local businesses through growth, hiring, and expansion challenges. With over 15 years in economic development across North Carolina, Josh has worked on major projects like Sierra Nevada’s expansion in Mills River, NC and FedUp Foods expansion to Wilmington, NC.In this episode, we explore:His role supporting small businesses throughout their entire lifecycle.What economic development actually looks like behind the scenes.Why businesses are choosing Wilmington.The biggest challenges local businesses are facing today.Josh Hallingse, CEcD | LinkedInGreater Wilmington Chamber of Commerce

Randall Johnson is the Executive Director of the Southeastern Region for the North Carolina Biotechnology Center, where he works to grow the state’s biotech ecosystem through economic development, workforce initiatives, and startup support. From helping launch new ventures to building talent pipelines and attracting investment, Randall shares how biotech is shaping North Carolina’s future—and why the opportunities extend far beyond traditional healthcare and pharmaceuticals.What the NC Biotech Center does and how it supports companies from idea to commercializationThe wide range of biotech industries, from healthcare to agriculture, energy, and marine innovationHow workforce development is evolving to meet growing demand across the stateThe growth of Wilmington as a biotech hub and the opportunities aheadRandall Johnson | LinkedInNCBiotech - Life Science Economic Development

Richard Stroupe is an entrepreneur with a track record of building and exiting companies in the Tech space. From his early days as a software engineer, to scaling a business to 60 employees and a successful exit, Richard shares key lessons from his journey. Today, he focuses on venture investing, advising founders, and helping leaders grow through his “Elevate” program here in the Greater Wilmington Area.Richard has investments in over 50 companies; runs his own family office and real estate portfolioWhat it’s like building a business from zero to exit, on a real scaleThe realities of life after exitRichard Stroupe | LinkedInElevate – Cape Fear Venture Capital

Laura Brogdon-Primavera is is the VP of Leadership Development at the Greater Wilmington Chamber of Commerce . Laura and her team have built a career and leadership development academy, which touches every single 7th grader in New Hanover County. Laura also oversees several other programs focused on Leadership Development in our region.Did you know CLDA scaled from just 41 students to nearly 1,800 seventh graders in only a few years?In this episode, we explore:• How the Career & Leadership Development Academy launched in 2022 and quickly expanded to reach every 7th grader in New Hanover County Schools.• Why 7th grade is the “sweet spot” for career exploration and early leadership development.• What students are learning through industry visits, leadership skills, and exposure to local career pathways.• How partnerships between schools, businesses, and the Chamber are helping build a stronger future workforce in our community.Laura Brogdon-Primavera, M.Ed.,CCLP | LinkedInCareer and Leadership Development Academy - Wilmington Chamber of Commerce, NC

Jason Andre is the Production Designer at Wells Insurance, where he leads the company’s creative and content efforts. After earning a degree in Marine Biology, Jason began filming surf edits and documentaries, which led him to launch his own production company, Seven Season Films, before bringing his creative experience into a growing business environment.Did you know Jason has been working on a documentary for over a decade?In this episode, we explore:His work through Seven Season Films and inside a corporate creative role.The decade-long documentary project If the Ocean Could Talk with Plastic Ocean Project — focused on telling solution-oriented stories about ocean health and inspiring action.How growing up in Hatteras shaped his grit and perspective.The lessons surfing teaches about focus, humility, and resilience — and how they translate into life and business.From surf films to corporate creative leadership — and everything in between!https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonandre/https://www.sevenseasonfilms.com/https://plasticoceanproject.org/

Dr. Umar Bowers is a physician, entrepreneur and owner of Dawson Med - a Primary Care and Urgent Care practice based in Wilmington, NC. Additionally, he serves on several boards and associations, primarily focused on health care talent development and general community development. Dr. Bowers embodies all the characteristics of a leader, and we dive deep into leadership on different levels; specifically in the medical world and in our community.Did you know Dr. Bowers started a Home Security business fresh out of college?!Yes, we talked about the idea of preventative care vs addressing symptoms, the issues we face with Health Insurance and the Big Business mentality of America’s health care system, and how Sleep, Nutrition and Exercise can dramatically increase individual health.How Dr. Bowers took his experience from working in a large medical system in Charlotte and boiling that down in an independent practice.https://www.linkedin.com/in/umar-bowers-md-1b41a2210/https://www.dawson-med.com/

Jeanette Cofer is the founder and owner of JCo., an executive leadership and organizational development firm based in Wilmington, NC. Jeanette spent 15 years in the banking industry, followed by a stint of various consulting and fractional roles in technology startups. She is also a Six Sigma Green Belt. In the latest podcast, Jeanette shares her story along with the mission and vision of her firm.How Jeanette’s experience and career path has led her to starting her own firm.What is executive coaching? And what is the difference between coaching and consulting? What are the intersections of executive coaching and life coachingLearn about Jeanette’s 5 step process, and her strategy for building her practice.https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeanette-cofer/https://jeanettecofer.com/

Grey Vick is the Founder and Owner of Grey Outdoor, a mid-size billboard company operating in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia. Grey is a UNCW alumni and resides in Wilmington, NC with his wife and kids. Grey is an avid surfer, a family man and a key contributor in our local community.Grey’s journey into entrepreneurship started with a real estate investment while he was working in Public Accounting. Step by step, this led him to co-founding his first billboard business in 2007.Grey Outdoor primarily focuses on helping small, local companies grow their brands through billboard advertisingHow Grey’s education and background in accounting, finance and business law helped him navigate the recession in 2008-2009, working with banks and other financial partners.https://www.linkedin.com/in/grey-vick-21051130/https://www.greyoutdoor.com/