The Olympics may be complete, but this episode of Mind Your Business is all about how we pass the torch. In communities across the High Country, we see the emergence of a new crop of leaders that are ready to make their mark. Events like the 10th annual 4 Under 40 Awards help spotlight those who are ready to do more, whether it's within their own business or industry, or by impacting the community through the giving of their time and expertise.

On this week's show, we visit with two of our past 4 Under 40 Award honorees.

Joseph Miller was recognized in 2019 for his work as a owner of Cobo Sushi Bistro & Bar and Black Cat Burrito, and now nearly seven years later, this restauranter is one of the lead influencers of the Downtown Boone business community. We'll hear how this local product used examples from his business-minded parents, combined with his own unique experiences off the mountain, to create two signature brands within the Boone restaurant scene -- and what it takes to make these businesses work.

Chelsea Helms is a Project Manager for STITCH Design Shop, and was our Rising Star honoree in 2025. She's used her Boonerang experience to establish community roots and fuel growth opportunities within her industry. Today, Chelsea and the team at STITCH are involved in some lasting, community focused projects, and the skills she learned in Boone are helping her shape the next version of this special place.

We will also unveil the 2026 class of 4 Under 40 Award Finalists.

Mind Your Business is written and produced weekly by the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce. This podcast is made possible thanks to the sponsorship support of Appalachian Commercial Real Estate.

Catch the show each Thursday afternoon at 5PM on WATA (1450AM & 96.5FM) in Boone.

Support the show

North Carolina has been named by CNBC as the #1 State for Business in the country in three of the last four years. The State's success is not just about its running list of economic development wins, but how those projects are boosted by our business climate, workforce pipelines, and quality of life. It takes all economic strengths and assets along with regional partnership to deliver the world-class experience that impacts business recruitment and retention.

So how does North Carolina stay on top of the charts? What are the key issues that will drive the State's success in 2026? How do the State budget and the upcoming elections impact economic opportunity? This week on Mind Your Business, we pose these questions and more to Ben Kinney, Publisher of Business NC. For 45 years, North Carolina's magazine of record has kept readers informed about key trends, breaking economic development news, and how what happens in the Triad, or Raleigh, or Charlotte, could impact us in the High Country.

It just so happens Business NC also has a podcast! While Ben Kinney appears on this week's Mind Your Business, David Jackson visits as a guest on this week's Chatter with BNC. Subscribe to both programs wherever you get your podcasts.

Mind Your Business is written and produced weekly by the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce. This podcast is made possible thanks to the sponsorship support of Appalachian Commercial Real Estate.

Catch the show each Thursday afternoon at 5PM on WATA (1450AM & 96.5FM) in Boone.

Support the show

Everyone that happens to own a small business will tell you a different story when it comes to the concepts, creation, and execution involved in turning their dream into reality. Each will also admit that small business success is hard to achieve, with constant variables and market influences -- and then occasionally it snows! The opportunity to keep the dream alive keeps small business owners motivated to clock in each day, no matter the circumstances, and when they achieve a milestone, it's time to celebrate!

On this week's Mind Your Business, we take a look back at 10-years of The Cardinal, as popular for their cheeseburgers and Bisbee rolls as they are for creating community for their customers and staff. Co-owner Seth Sullivan tells us the origin story the restaurant we know today, how much of the initial vision is still prevalent 10-years later, and how they have managed to manage the ebbs and flows of business management over a tricky decade. This conversation is part inspirational, part motivational, and an examination of the traits that make small businesses stick in the High Country.

Also on this week's show, we share a few long term Helene Recovery updates, including news about new leadership for the Watauga Long Term Recovery Group.

Mind Your Business is written and produced weekly by the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce. This podcast is made possible thanks to the sponsorship support of Appalachian Commercial Real Estate.

Catch the show each Thursday afternoon at 5PM on WATA (1450AM & 96.5FM) in Boone.

Support the show