business
HRB Services and LEGACY Books: People-First Leadership
HRB Services tunes people systems behind Charlotte's growth, while LEGACY Books helps leaders turn values into durable stories in Ballantyne.
Nell Thomas·Nov 1, 2025
Topic
Media & Tech
Technology companies, digital agencies, media businesses, and creative studios based in the Ballantyne area. Profiles of the people building businesses in south Charlotte beyond the corporate park.
business
Paton Digital: Systems-First Marketing for Ballantyne Owners
Walk around Ballantyne any weekday morning and you will hear the same question from smart owners. How do we turn attention into revenue without lighting money on fire.
Nell Thomas·Oct 30, 2025
business
Darin Jones & The Last Men Standing Bring Country Firepower
If you want a band that can read a room, fill a dance floor, then keep your aunt and your CEO equally happy, meet Darin Jones & The Last Men Standing.
Nell Thomas·Oct 26, 2025
government
This Week in the Mercury: Transit Tax, Races, Zoning Fights
A quick, smart tour of what The Charlotte Mercury published this week, from the transit tax and district races to zoning fights and ABC holiday hours, with what it means in Ballantyne.
Nell Thomas·Aug 24, 2025
government
Charlotte Ballots Set; Stein Vetoes Puppy-Mill Clause
Ballots set, mayors plot, puppy-mill politics bite back, and CMS loses its loudest trustee. A brisk, bipartisan trot through the week's headlines, sprinkled with zoning drama and fresh Bagel buzz.
Jack Beckett·Jul 20, 2025
features
Unicode's New Emoji Set: Bigfoot, Orca, Trombone and More
Unicode's new emoji set brings Bigfoot, orcas, ballet dancers, and one thing we can all agree on.
Jack Beckett·Jul 17, 2025
features
Barry Diller's 'Who Knew' Is Sharp but Short on Heart
Barry Diller's Who Knew is a rocket ride through media history: riveting boardroom lore, airtight lessons, and emotional Wi-Fi that never quite connects.
Nell Thomas·Jun 15, 2025
business
How Local Businesses Can Beat the AI Content Glut
SEO isn't dead, but it is boring, and that's why your local bagel shop still needs local journalism more than another AI listicle.
Nell Thomas·May 25, 2025
business
Website Cookies: How Websites Remember You
Cookies aren't dessert. They're tiny files tracking your every scroll. Here's what they do, how they work, and why Ballantyne's favorite bagel shop might just be using them.
Nell Thomas·May 20, 2025
business
Why Being the Answer Beats Ranking: AEO for Local Businesses
Ranking on Google doesn't mean what it used to. These days, if Alexa can't say your name out loud, you don't exist. Answer Engine Optimization isn't a trend. It's survival.
Nell Thomas·May 14, 2025
lifestyle
TJ Ritchie Goes Solo: Charlotte's Radio Maverick Returns
Longtime Charlotte radio voice TJ Ritchie launches a new WBT solo show mixing politics, pop culture, and listener call-ins.
Nell Thomas·May 1, 2025
features
'The Pitt' Crams Grit and Drama Into One Shift
Noah Wyle tackles a 15-episode marathon set in one shift. Critics debate the show's real-time format, writing choices, and handheld style. High stakes bring both grit and heart.
Jack Beckett·Feb 13, 2025