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Dan Hooks – Party Reflections

Founded in 1958 by Wayne and Sue Hooks, Party Reflections started in a rented garage with a small inventory of tables and chairs. Now over 60 years later, Party Reflections has expanded to four locations in North and South Carolina, being led by the second generation and employing the third generation in this successful family business.

The event business isn’t just the reels and stories that you see on Instagram. It’s hard work that takes plenty of human capital to pull it off right.

In this reprise episode, Dan Hooks talks about a family business that grew up along with Charlotte, how the event business has rallied after the pandemic, and the challenges it still faces today.

Dan Hooks is our guest today on The @ Work podcast.

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Dan Hooks

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Dr. Elizabeth Teagarden on LinkedIn

CTK@Work

Henry Batten, Concrete Supply Company

Henry Batten is the President of Concrete Supply Company, the Carolina’s premiere source for top quality Ready-Mix concrete products, with 90 plants producing nearly 3 million cubic yards of concrete annually throughout the Carolinas.

Henry’s current and past responsibilities include the organization’s general management, dispatch, engineering, quality control and administrative support functions. He has led and participated in various operational committees aimed at improving safety, customer service, quality, productivity, cost control and operational effectiveness.

On this reprise episode, Henry Batten talks about incorporating technology into an industry dating back to the Roman Empire, doing the right thing regardless of cost, and creating a culture of safety that starts at the top.

Henry Batten is our guest today on The @Work Podcast.

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Henry Batten

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Dr. Elizabeth Teagarden on LinkedIn

CTK@Work

Jennifer De La Jara is the Director of Philanthropy at Goodwill Industries of the Southern Piedmont, where she leads fundraising initiatives and forges partnerships with donors, foundations, and corporations to advance Goodwill’s mission of economic mobility.

With a career spanning roles like Director of Education at International House and Director of Workforce Development at Charlotte Bilingual Preschool, Jennifer brings a wealth of experience in education, workforce development, and community advocacy. She served as an At-Large Member of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board of Education from 2019–2023, was named a Hunt Institute State Policy Fellow in 2023, and received La Noticia’s Excelente Award in 2022 as Non-Latin Person Most Supportive of the Latino Community.

Jennifer De La Jara is our guest today on The @Work Podcast.

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Dr. Elizabeth Teagarden on LinkedIn

CTK@Work

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Jennifer De La Jara

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Dr. Elizabeth Teagarden on LinkedIn

CTK@Work

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Dena Diorio

Karen Calder is the Executive Director of Classroom Central and a dynamic nonprofit leader with expertise in fundraising, marketing, operations, and program development. With experience spanning both nonprofit and for-profit sectors, she combines business acumen with a passion for community impact, ensuring students and educators have the resources they need to succeed.

Karen Calder is our guest today on The @Work Podcast.

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Dr. Elizabeth Teagarden on LinkedIn

CTK@Work

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Karen Calder

Byrd Bergeron is a trailblazer in the luxury travel industry and the visionary CEO of The Travel Byrds: A Novel Travel Agency. Leading an $8MM agency, Byrd has redefined what it means to travel in style by creating an innovative model that allows travel agents to focus on designing unforgettable experiences while a specialized support team manages the logistics, from invoices to spa appointments.

Under Byrd’s leadership, The Travel Byrds has set a new standard for excellence with a meticulous triple-check process that ensures every itinerary is flawless. Whether it’s a last-minute reservation or a complex multi-destination journey, Byrd and the team consistently exceed expectations, turning dream vacations into seamless realities.

Byrd’s passion for crafting bespoke travel experiences has earned her a reputation as an “extreme vacation enthusiast,” pushing the boundaries of luxury, efficiency, and adventure.

Byrd Bergeron is our guest today on The @Work Podcast.

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Dr. Elizabeth Teagarden on LinkedIn

CTK@Work

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Byrd Bergeron

Christopher James Lees is an acclaimed conductor known for his dynamic performances and commitment to contemporary music. Since 2018, he has been Resident Conductor of the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra and Principal Conductor of the Charlotte Symphony Youth Orchestra. Lees has also conducted major orchestras like the Los Angeles, New York, and Rochester Philharmonics and collaborated with Pulitzer Prize-winning composers such as John Adams and Jennifer Higdon. A passionate advocate for music education, he has worked with student orchestras nationwide. Lees holds degrees from the University of Michigan and has trained for the Boston Marathon.

Christopher James Lees is our guest today on The @Work Podcast.

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Dr. Elizabeth Teagarden on LinkedIn

CTK@Work

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Christopher James Lees

Barbara Bleiweis has been a Supervisor for the Mecklenburg Soil and Water Conservation District since 2017, where she advocates for sustainable land and water practices. She has led efforts to increase community awareness of soil health, water quality, and their impact on local food systems. Bleiweis played a key role in securing the Farmland Preservation Plan for Mecklenburg County and is active on several boards, including the North Carolina Association for Soil and Water Conservation Districts. She is also a member of the National Association of Conservation Districts’ Water and Climate Committee.

Barbara Bleiweis is our guest today on The @Work Podcast.

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Barbara Bleiweis

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Dr. Elizabeth Teagarden on LinkedIn

CTK@Work

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Dr. Elizabeth Teagarden on LinkedIn

CTK@Work