87: Joe Grant, Starworks

If it weren't for Starworks, the annual Pinecone Pathways Program in Moore County would not exist. But Starworks is much, much more than glass pinecones and North Carolina's biggest scavenger hunt. It is a nonprofit organization that promotes community and economic development by providing outstanding artistic educational programs. Joe Grant is Starworks' new executive director and he has a vision for how this thriving artist community will continue to grow.In this episode of Paradise in the Pines, Grant talks about the future of Starworks and a special event coming up for the so-called "coneheads" so they can dive deeper into enjoying the Pinecone Pathways Program.

William Mangum knew what he wanted to do with his life when he was 8 years old. Admittedly, not the best student, Mangum found peace and prosperity with the graceful strokes of a paintbrush. Decades later, he is recognized as arguably one of the finest landscape artists in his home state of North Carolina. Born in Pinehurst, Mangum's love of the Tarheel State is evident in his paintings, which depict scenes from the Outer Banks to the Blue Ridge Mountains, and even his timeless hometown.In this episode of Paradise in the Pines, Mangum talks about his work, his golf game, and his love for giving back to the community.

Cricket Gentry was raised at the feet of a legend. Her father, John Derr, was a famous broadcaster and was head of CBS TV and CBS Sports. Derr also covered 62 of the first 66 Masters golf tournaments, most from his perch above the 15th green at Augusta National. Gentry grew up around a who's who of celebrities from stage, screen and sports. Now, as a long-time resident of Pinehurst, Gentry loves to recount stories that shaped her as a person. Be sure to check out this very fun and lively episode of Paradise in the Pines.

It has been quite a year for Moore County's neighbor to our south down in Richmond County, NC. First, in the spring, the roar of racing returned to the historic Rockingham Speedway as The Rock welcomed back NASCAR to the famed one-mile oval. Then, in the summer, Amazon Web Services (AWS) announced the largest business deal in North Carolina history with a $10 billion plan to build a data center campus near Rockingham.In this episode of Paradise in the Pines, economic developer for Richmond County, Martie Butler, talks about those two major news stories and the impact they will have on the Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Aberdeen area.

Alex Podlogar is living his best life. Combining his love of writing, media, PR, and golf at arguably the nation's premier golf resort, you may not see his face very often, but his words have eloquently and uniquely documented some of the most memorable moments at the Cradle of American Golf for the last 13 years.In this episode of Paradise in the Pines, Podlogar talks about his path to Pinehurst, the changing landscape of media in a digital world and how the Resort never rests on its laurels.

The Home of American Golf couldn't be prouder that the World Golf Hall of Fame has returned to its original home in Pinehurst. Located at the USGA's Golf House Pinehurst campus, the WGHOF also includes the USGA Experience.The unique locker room design of the WGHOF provides a fun insight into the careers of legendary players and other inductees who helped shape the game of golf. It's director, Mike Trostel is literally a walking encyclopedia and historian who takes great pride in collecting the items for the lockers that tell the story of each and every person enshrined in the facility.In this episode of Paradise in the Pines, Trostel talks about his role with the WGHOF, his passion for the game of golf and a special new display in the coming year featuring the late and beloved Payne Stewart.

Kellyann Miller was born and raised with Pine Needles Lodge & Golf Club literally as her backyard. Part of the family that owns that venerable club, plus Mid Pines Inn & Golf Club and Southern Pines Golf Club, she opted for early career experiences in the big city with big brands in NYC, Austin and San Diego. But life, career and a yearning for a family of her own has led her back to Southern Pines as special projects and brand director for her father Kelly Miller's trio of courses.In this episode of Paradise in the Pines, Kellyann Miller talks about returning home, the major new projects on the horizon and perhaps an invite from the USGA to once again host a future U.S. Women's Open!

There is a lot happening in Moore County these days. Growth in Moore County is inevitable as a globally-recognized destination, and that creates significant opportunities for economic development. Natalie Hawkins heads up the Moore County Economic Development Partnership (MCEDP) and in this episode of the award-winning Paradise in the Pines, Hawkins touches on a number of topics including the lingering aspects of the 2024 U.S. Open, how Amazon's $10 billion plan to our south will impact us here, the possible return of commercial flight service to the Pinehurst area and much more in this must-listen conversation!

If you follow Pinehurst Resort's social media channels, you've seen an endless array of amazing images and video content. The driving force behind all of that content is Matt Gibson. While you may not recognize his face, his mission is what he sees behind the lens.In this episode of Paradise in the Pines, meet Matt Gibson and learn more about how his unique storytelling style endears people to Pinehurst Resort and the Cradle of American Golf.

Following in the footsteps of a legend is never easy to do, but Andy Priest is ready for the challenge. With Jack Nance stepping down as executive director of the Carolinas Golf Association after 40 years, Priest actually returns to the CGA after serving as the leader of the Alabama Golf Association for nine years. Priest started his golf career in 1997 under Nance and returns with a vision for the future of the organization. In this episode of Paradise in the Pines, Priest talks about his golf career path, his vision for the CGA and how he plans to fill the shoes of a legend.