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.
Stephanie Lannon
Griffin Partners
Current job: Construction Manager – Griffin Partners
Summary of your role in the company: Manage Tenant Upfits in buildings that Griffin Partners owns.
How I chose my occupation: I was a small business owner for 10 years – Smoothie King Franchisee. I decided it was easier to build restaurants than run them and transitioned to construction.
Years in the business: 9 years in construction
My specialization is: Interior Upfits
The most satisfying part of my job is: Delivering a quality product by completing a Tenant Build Out and having a satisfied client.
Best leadership advice I have been given: Be committed to continual learning and growth. Always look for the lesson, knock the dust off your sandals and move on.
Greatest professional achievement: Continuing to Advancement a variety of industries by being adaptable and ambitious.
Number of years with CREW: 4
Most significant CREW connection: Special Events Committee Members
Place of birth/hometown: Milledgeville GA
Number of years in Charlotte: 5
Family: Married 32 years, 28 yr old daughter and 25 yr old son.
My ideal vacation spot: Sint Maarten
Hobbies/Interests: Mtn Biking, Camping, Hiking, Crocheting and Scrapbooking
I wish I could: Spend more time volunteering.
Feel free to include any additional information about yourself that you would like! CREW has been a big part of my life since I have lived here in Charlotte. The women in this organization are collectively the sharpest and kindest group of ladies I have encountered.
Shawn McMillan
McMillan PLLC
Current job: Attorney with McMillan PLLC
Summary of your role in the company: My primary role is to coach and mentor our attorneys, conduct client development, and provide leadership direction for the firm.
How I chose my occupation: I was a witness in a court case involving a friend who was acting pro se (defending himself without an attorney) and he won. I thought it was cool, so I applied to law school.
Years in the business: 24 years
My specialization is: I concentrate my practice in the areas of Commercial Real Estate Law, Business Law, and Financial Services.
A good lead for me is: Anyone buying, selling or leasing commercial real estate, or buying or selling a business, in the States of North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee or Pennsylvania.
The most satisfying part of my job is: Meeting people from all over the world who are doing business in our part of the country. I get to work with brilliant people doing amazing things.
Best leadership advice I have been given: Always understand the “why” when you are working on a transaction. Ralph Waldo Emerson said “The person who knows how will always have a job. The person who knows why will always be their boss.”
Greatest professional achievement: Building a law firm from the ground up.
Number of years with CREW: 20 years
Most significant CREW connection: Elsa Simaan
Place of birth/hometown: St. Charles, MO
Number of years in Charlotte: 24
Family: My wife of almost 29 years, Anna, my three daughters, NiuNiu, YooRan and Nan, and my son, YuanYuan.
My ideal vacation spot: A quiet beach.
Hobbies/Interests: Skateboarding, gardening, and dreaming.
Other professional organizations I belong to: NC State Bar and Mecklenburg County Bar
I wish I could: Follow all of my dreams, but I have too many!
