Joanna Church
A&K Painting Company
Current job: Vice President of Estimating
Summary of your role in the company: I oversee all estimating for our company which includes working with our sales team to determine which projects and customers are a good fit, managing our bidding schedule and coaching/training our estimating team. I am also a member of A&K’s management team, where I help develop and refine our company processes, help drive sales for the company and assist with special projects so that we are continually improving what we do.
How I chose my occupation: I’ve loved architecture since I was a small child and did CAD drafting through high school and college. I got a Construction Management major and a Business minor, with the intention of getting a Masters in Architectural Design. But I fell in love with the construction industry and changed career paths. After working with a homebuilder for a couple of years out of college, I started with A&K Painting in 2004 as an estimator and have been with the company ever since.
Years in the business: 23
My specialization is: Developing people and processes.
A good lead for me is: A person or company that needs quality commercial/industrial painting work done, values relationships and has a need for a long-term partner.
The most satisfying part of my job is: When everything is chaos, we have tons to do, customers are calling and we don’t know how we will get it all done. But then we DO manage to get to it all, the customer is thrilled, and we’re all exhausted but satisfied with a job well done.
Best leadership advice I have been given: Two things…you have to protect your time and you must listen to your people (what they’re actually saying and also what their actions tell you).
Number of years with CREW: I’ve been a member for almost a year and a half but have been attending events for a few years since our company has been a sponsor for quite a while.
Most significant CREW connection: Being a part of the Communications Committee this year has really helped me feel more involved and connected with the people and events that CREW is involved with.
Place of birth/hometown: Morehead City, NC but I’ve lived all over the country.
Number of years in Charlotte: 23
Family: I live in Tega Cay with my husband, daughter who is 15 and a son who is 12.
My ideal vacation spot: The beach or an amusement park (we all love roller coasters)
Hobbies/Interests: I love the lake, the beach and the mountains; I absolutely love history and will enjoy any random tour or museum you put me in. I also love reading and playing games. One of my favorite days of the year is when I go to the Southern Christmas Show and buy more Christmas things I do not need.
Other professional organizations I belong to: I’m a member of the CPIA (Commercial Painting Industry Association) and am a part of a peer group with painters from around the country.
I wish I could: Find more time in the day to get more done.
Laura Huckaby
Old Republic Exchange Company
Current job: Vice President, Manager at Old Republic Exchange Company, a national 1031 Qualified Intermediary.
Summary of your role in the company: I am responsible for business development in the Carolinas and Tennessee in addition to managing the east coast operations team.
How I chose my occupation: It chose me! After working as a loan officer for a few years in the early 2000s, I was introduced by a family friend to the President of Old Republic Exchange Company when the company was expanding its footprint in the Carolinas. It was a perfect match.
Years in the business: 20
My specialization is: All things 1031 exchange! Educating investors and real estate professionals about 1031 exchanges, consulting with clients on the exchange process, and managing an amazing operations team.
A good lead for me is: Anyone selling investment real estate (commercial, land or residential). Often the ‘investor’ connection is made through a broker, attorney, title agent, CPA, financial advisor, or lender.
The most satisfying part of my job is: Most would think that just one section of the tax
code seems dull but, it is exciting to me because I deal with individuals, small-scale investors up to major institutional commercial investors. There are many quirks and questions in this business, but the most satisfying part is hearing someone say “you made the 1031 exchange process seem so easy”!
Best leadership advice I have been given: Lead by example and build trust through clear communication, listening, and treating people with respect.
Greatest professional achievement: Building the east coast operations team from 1 to 10 as the company experienced growth. Managing an incredible group and continuing to expand my role as a leader in our company.
Number of years with CREW: Member since 2006 minus a year that I lived in Austin, TX during a storm deployment for my husband.
Most significant CREW connection: There are many, but most notable based on the lasting impact, was a coffee meeting with Lisa Gallimore about 8 years ago that led to an introduction that has become one of my shining star employees!
Place of birth/hometown: Charlotte, NC (Unicorn!)
Number of years in Charlotte: Consider it a lifetime other than time away during college and year in Austin, TX.
Family: Rodney “Huck” Huckaby my wonderful husband of 22 years and 3 active kids, Wilson a freshman at Providence High School and identical twin girls, Hollis & Reagan embarking on middle school years at J.M. Robinson.
My ideal vacation spot: Any beach with clear water and beautiful sunsets! To date, a trip to Malta and the Greek Isles is at the top of the list but Cabo is also a favorite.
Hobbies/Interests: Mom-fan and supporter of sports my kids are involved with! Exercise, time outdoors, and travel.
Other professional organizations I belong to: Federation of Exchange Accommodators, NC CCIM, NC Land Title Association, TN Land Title Association
I wish I could: Travel more (maybe in retirement)!
Carla Laguna
Marand Builders
Current job: Community Engagement Specialist, Marand Builders
Summary of your role in the company: I develop and lead initiatives that strengthen relationships with our employees, clients, trade partners, and the communities we serve. My role combines community engagement, strategic partnerships, and event management to create meaningful experiences that support Marand Builders’ purpose of Building A Better Community. From overseeing the Marand Builders Scholarship Fund and corporate giving initiatives to planning company events and fostering client relationships, I focus on creating lasting value both inside and outside the organization.
How I chose my occupation: I have always enjoyed bringing people together and creating meaningful connections. With a background in Finance and Political Science, I discovered that combining relationship-building, strategic planning, and community impact was the perfect fit for my career.
Years in the business: Approximately five years in the construction industry.
My specialization is: Community engagement, relationship management, event planning, corporate philanthropy, business development, and strategic partnerships.
A good lead for me is: An organization looking for a commercial general contractor that values long-term partnerships, exceptional client experiences, and meaningful community involvement. I also enjoy connecting with companies that are passionate about workforce development, education, and supporting the next generation through our scholarship fund.
The most satisfying part of my job is: Creating opportunities that positively impact others and giving back the same types of opportunities that were afforded to me. Whether I am helping students receive scholarships, strengthening relationships with clients and trade partners, or bringing employees together through memorable experiences, I enjoy seeing those efforts create a lasting impact.
Best leadership advice I have been given: Lead with integrity and a service mindset, and strong relationships will follow.
Greatest professional achievement: Helping grow the Marand Builders Scholarship Fund into a program that has funded more than $1.5 million in scholarships through our annual clay shoot fundraiser, supporting students pursuing careers in engineering, STEM, and the skilled trades while creating meaningful connections between students and the construction industry.
Number of years with CREW: I am a new member and currently in my first year with CREW Charlotte.
Most significant CREW connection: Building relationships within the Community Outreach committee as a new member. Joining a committee early on has helped me connect with the organization.
Place of birth/hometown: Born in Oaxaca, Mexico, I grew up in Marshville, North Carolina.
Number of years in Charlotte: I have lived in Charlotte for the past five years and have called the greater Charlotte area home since I was four years old.
Family: I come from a close-knit family that has always emphasized hard work and service to others through actions and time.
My ideal vacation spot: Anywhere that offers beautiful scenery, great local food, and opportunities to experience the local culture.
Hobbies/Interests: Traveling, exploring local restaurants, spending time with my Great Pyrenees, Bella, supporting community initiatives, and learning new hobbies and skills.
I wish I could: Travel the world, experience different cultures through their food, and continue finding meaningful ways to give back to others.
Feel free to include any additional information about yourself that you would like! As a first-generation college graduate, I am passionate about creating opportunities that connect people, strengthen communities, and invest in future generations. I am especially motivated by the opportunity to give back by providing others with the same support, resources, and opportunities that were afforded to me throughout my education and career. Whether I am building relationships, supporting students, or creating memorable experiences, I strive to make a meaningful and lasting impact in the communities I serve.
Dave Rushing
All American Relocation
Current job: All American Relocation, Inc Vice President, General Manager Charlotte
Summary of your role in the company: I run the Charlotte office and am on the executive management team for the company, headquartered in Raleigh, NC
How I chose my occupation: I worked as a mover in the summers after HS graduation and during college to make some spending money. After college the job market was a bit soft and I continued doing that. In the fall, I took a management training position with the firm I had been working for.
Years in the business: 42
My specialization is: Workplace Solutions to include Commercial, Office, Industrial Moving, Logistics and Warehousing
A good lead for me is: Anyone who needs any sort of facilities assistance
The most satisfying part of my job is: Being able to help people transition from one space to the next by providing one hand to shake for any service they require
Best leadership advice I have been given: No person’s value is any more or less than the next (Genesis 1:27). Show no favoritism (Romans 2:11).
Greatest professional achievement: Long commitment in the same direction. It has served me well to do the same thing (Logistics – 42 years) in the same place (Charlotte – 49 years) for the same company (All American – 23 years).
Number of years with CREW: ~15
Most significant CREW connection: There are many, but to name a few: Carrie Sharpe, Holly Alexander, Elissa Sturdivant, Scarlet Powell and of course, Patty Drummond
Place of birth/hometown: Born in Houston, Charlotte is home
Number of years in Charlotte: 49
Family: Wife and best friend – Mary. 5 Children – 4 (Callan, Jack, Max, Maddy) are married (local) and the youngest is stationed in Japan with the US Navy. 3 grandchildren (Hudson, Miley, Charlie) with one in the oven!
My ideal vacation spot: Something tropical with my wife. Others are welcome, but not required.
Hobbies/Interests: I love watching and playing sports. Panthers are number 1, ECU Pirates close 2nd. I root unabashedly for all Charlotte pro sports teams. I love to play golf, though I am not good, and pickleball. I have “played” Fantasy Football for about 30 years and I love it. Music is also a passion. I love contemporary worship & 90s rock. 70s and 80s rock are right there. I have a soft spot for a good hitch in a song regardless of genre.
Other professional organizations I belong to: Executives Association of Charlotte (EAC), Office Moving Alliance (OMA)
I wish I could: Advise my younger self to follow the best leadership advice I have been given. No regrets though, God allowed me to make my own choices so that I would become who I am, striving to be who He wants me to be.
