Lookup Flight Academy Expands Operations: With a 25-year lease at Gwinnett County Airport, Lookup Flight Academy aims to tackle the pilot shortage crisis, offering a comprehensive curriculum and career progression opportunities.
By Milton Kirby | Lawrenceville, GA – April 29, 2024
Lawrenceville, GA – In the face of a growing global demand for pilots, Mike Ojo, CEO & Founder of Lookup Flight Academy, has taken an additional step to tackle the ongoing pilot shortage crisis. Lookup currently has operations in Winston-Salem, NC.
In a strategic move to expand operations, Mr. Ojo has signed a 25-year lease with the Gwinnett County Airport Authority – Briscoe Field, with plans to commence training by the end of summer 2024.
Data released by Boeing underscores the urgency of addressing the shortage, projecting a need for 649,000 pilots over the next two decades, translating to approximately 32,000 pilots annually. In the United States alone, a shortfall of nearly 30,000 pilots is anticipated by 2030, with regional airlines expected to bear the brunt of the shortage.
Recent developments, as reported by The Wall Street Journal in November 2023, highlight the competitive landscape, with American Airlines subsidiaries enticing experienced aviators with bonuses reaching up to a quarter-million dollars.
Candidates for pilot training must meet several requirements, including being at least 18 years old, holding a high school diploma or GED, maintaining a clean driving record, passing a criminal background check, undergoing a behavioral/cognitive assessment, and obtaining an FAA First Class medical certificate. Lookup Flight Academy also offers a private pilot program that can be completed in just 90 days, catering to individuals eager to embark on their aviation journey swiftly.
Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04), a long-time advocate for increasing diversity within the aviation industry, has championed efforts to address racial disparities. Johnson’s ongoing advocacy includes the re-introduction of the Minorities in Aviation Education Act, which proposes a grant program administered by the Federal Aviation Administration in honor of Bessie Coleman, the first Black woman to earn a pilot’s license. Highlighting the need for increased representation, statistics from the Congressman’s office reveal that African Americans comprised only three percent of the pilot workforce in 2023.
With a commitment to excellence and a dedication to addressing industry challenges, Lookup Flight Academy stands ready to shape the future of aviation training while nurturing a diverse and skilled pilot workforce.
According to Lookup Flight Academy’s website, they offer aspiring pilots a comprehensive curriculum that can be completed in just nine months, with a starting cost of $79,880. With the prospect of rapid career progression, pilots trained at Lookup Flight Academy can transition from regional to major airlines in as little as three years, some of which are now offering bonuses exceeding $100,000.
Harold C. Smith: A Pillar of the Community Established in 1967, Smith’s Funeral Home, founded by Harold C. Smith, has provided compassionate service to families in Anson County, NC, for over five decades, earning a lasting legacy and community recognition.
By Milton Kirby | Wadesboro, NC – April 30, 2024
Located at 604 Salisbury Street in Wadesboro, NC, there stands a pillar of the community, Smith’s Funeral Home. Established by Harold C. Smith himself, this funeral home has not only provided compassionate and dignified service to families in their times of loss but has also woven itself into the fabric of Anson County’s rich tapestry.
Born on March 29, 1943, at the Kate Bittings Reynolds Hospital in Winston Salem, NC, Harold C. Smith was destined for a life of service. His journey began as the youngest of twelve children. Instilled in him at an early age, were the values of hard work and dedication. After graduating with honors from London High School in Walnut Cove, NC, Harold embarked on a path that would lead him to become a respected figure in the funeral service industry.
Following his apprenticeship at Perry-Spencer Funeral Home in Madison, NC, and Gilmore’s Funeral Home in Winston Salem, NC, Harold honed his craft at the John A. Gupton School of Mortuary Science, graduating with honors in 1966. His dedication and expertise led him to Wadesboro, NC, where he worked for six months as an employee, then purchased Hailey & Hargett Funeral Home on July 1, 1967, renaming it Smith’s Funeral Home. Harold’s commitment to his community extended beyond his profession. For 22 years, he served on the Anson County Board of Commissioners, representing District 7. In recognition of his long-standing service, he was honored with the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners “Long Serving” Commissioners award in 2017. Mr. Smith was also recognized by Governor Roy Cooper on November 30, 2021, with the Long Leaf Pine Award. The Long
Leaf Pine Award is the highest award for state service granted by the Office of the Governor. Throughout his career, Harold held memberships in numerous civic and professional organizations, further solidifying his role as a respected leader in Anson County.
Alongside Harold on his journey was his wife, Doris, whom he married on June 15, 1968. Doris, a licensed funeral director herself, joined Harold in his mission to provide compassionate care to grieving families. They worked side by side until Doris’s untimely passing in February 2015. The Smith’s only daughter, Evadne Kay Smith was gradually integrated into the business learning operations and financial aspects. After her mother’s passing, Evadne seamlessly stepped into the role of continuing their legacy. When asked, Evadne noted that stepping in and doing the work previously done by her mother, Doris has been one of the most challenging roles that she has filled.
Evadne, an accomplished individual in her own right, has embraced her responsibilities within Smith’s Funeral Home. Ms. Smith with a deep understanding of the community she serves, is poised to carry on her family’s tradition of excellence.
As Evadne works in the family business and continues to practice in the law firm that she founded and built, she is also preparing her children, Asya and Timothy, to inherit the mantle of responsibility. In her role as a parent, teacher, and business role model, she is charged with the responsibility to ensure that the legacy of Harold C. Smith & Smith’s Funeral Home is secure for generations to come.
Photo by Kirby Photo Suite
When asked about the secret to their longevity and notoriety in the community, Harold reflected on the simple yet profound motto: “Small Enough to know you, Large enough to serve you.” It is this personal touch and unwavering dedication to their neighbors that have endeared Smith’s Funeral Home to the hearts of Anson County residents for over five decades.
The Smiths’ journey was not without challenges. They opened a second location in Albemarle, NC that was operated for ten years. That facility was sold, but Mr. Smith continues to service Stanley and the counties surrounding Anson County from the Wadesboro location.
The current facility debuted as one of the most modern of its time when it was built to replace the original structure that caught fire and burned on January 23, 1980. The fire was a major setback. But the Smiths charged ahead and rebuilt.
In a heartfelt gesture of recognition and gratitude to Mr. Smith and his business, the Wadesboro Town Council has taken a significant step to immortalize a beloved member of the community. On April 1st, with a unanimous vote of 4 to 0, the council enthusiastically supported the consideration to rename Salisbury Street in Wadesboro to Harold C. Smith Boulevard, paying homage to the distinguished legacy of Harold C. Smith.
Harold C. Smith, a revered figure in Anson County, has left an indelible mark through his decades of service as a funeral director, community leader, and advocate for the people. As the founder of Smith’s Funeral Home, Harold has been a pillar of strength and support for countless families during their most trying times.
As the community eagerly awaits the final decision from the NCDOT regarding the street renaming, there is a palpable sense of pride and anticipation. The prospect of seeing Harold C. Smith’s name adorning a thoroughfare in Wadesboro is a symbolic gesture of appreciation for his immeasurable impact and a lasting tribute to his extraordinary life of service.
As the sun sets on another day in Wadesboro, the legacy of Harold C. Smith & Smith’s Funeral Home continues to shine brightly, illuminating the path of compassion, integrity, and service for all who seek solace in their time of loss.
Atlanta Business League’s 17th Annual Congress on the State of Black Business in Metro Atlanta highlights progress, challenges, and opportunities for Black businesses, with a focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion.
By Milton Kirby | Atlanta, GA – April 11, 2024
For 17 years the Atlanta Business League (ABL) has been examining the state of Black Business in Metro Atlanta. On Thursday, April 13, 2024, the tradition continued with the 17th Annual Congress on the State of Black in Metro Atlanta.
DeKalb County, Georgia CEO Michael Thurman – Photo by Milton Kirby
The 17th Annual Congress kicked off with an opening address by DeKalb County, Georgia CEO Michael Thurmond. He acknowledged colleagues from surrounding counties and municipalities as well as past commissioners and candidates for the DeKalb County CEO position, Larry Johnson and Lorraine Cochran-Johnson. CEO Thurmond talked about the opportunities that are being created by Black businesses in DeKalb County as well as some of the challenges being faced by those businesses. One of the CEO’s proud moments was the establishment of the “DeKalb First” mantra. It came about because of visionary leaders in the county.
One of the CEO’s final comments to the Black business leaders, was “Through faith and hard work all things are possible. Do not grow weary.” The event consisted of four-panel discussions including Black Business and Community Development, Real Estate Development and Housing, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, and A Look into Infrastructure.
Photo By Milton Kirby – The audience looks on with anticipation
One of the most robust discussions with the audience occurred when the panel covering Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (D, E & I) took center stage. The panel consisted of Rodney Strong, CEO, Griffin Strong, Tasha Allen, VP, Talent Management & Diversity, Georgia Chamber of Commerce, Roosevelt Giles, President & CEO, EndPoint Ventures, LLC, Stacey Key, President & CEO, Georgia Minority Supplier Development Council, Valerie Nesbitt, Director Supplier Inclusion & Sustainability, Norfolk Southern, Julia Settles, Business Diversity Manager, Southeast Region, Burns & McDonnell. The panel was moderated by Donna Ennis, Director, Diversity Engagement & Program Development, Georgia Tech Enterprise Innovation Institute.
Mr. Strong set the stage with opening remarks that were so compelling that the audience seemed to be stunned by the frankness and the degree to which rights and opportunities were being masterfully, legislated away in the US Congress by the use of confusing and nebulous language in bills being passed by Congress.
Left to right Valerie Nesbitt, Director Supplier Inclusion & Sustainability, Norfolk Southern, Julia Settles, Business Diversity Manager, Southeast Region, Burns & McDonnell, Tasha Allen, VP, Talent Management & Diversity, Georgia Chamber of Commerce, Rodney Strong, CEO, Griffin Strong, Moderator, Donna Ennis, Director, Diversity Engagement & Program Development, Georgia Tech Enterprise Innovation Institute and Stacey Key, President & CEO, Georgia Minority Supplier Development Council
Stacey Key, President of the Georgia Minority Supplier Development Conference, also pointed out that on March 23rd the Senate voted 74-24 to pass the $1.2 trillion government funding bill after heated last-minute negotiations just barely averting a government shutdown. However,
included in the fine print of the bill was a provision defunding and eliminating the U.S. House Office of Diversity & Inclusions. The Office of Diversity and Inclusion (ODI) was a non-partisan and non-legislative support office with the U.S. House of Representatives (USHR or House). The mission of ODI was to help employing offices create and cultivate a congressional workforce within USHR that was reflective of the American people. The office’s mission and vision were reflected in its overall strategic goal, which was to “put the people in the people’s house.”
Some of the main take-a-ways of the D, E & I panel discussion included but were not limited to: there are some well-funded and well-organized entities that are using the courts and state legislatures to enact laws that are detrimental to Black businesses and, Black business owners should spend your dollars carefully by supporting and purchasing from corporations that continue to operate with D, E & I as a guiding principle. Vote for and support with campaign contributions to elected officials and those who seek political office who represent the interests and values that the business leaders hold dear.
Some of the good news included the codification of the Minority Business Development Agency in the passage of the Infrastructure Bill passed by the Biden Administration. Secondly, Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg announced on Tuesday, April 9, 2024, the modernization of the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program and Airport Concession Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program Regulations a major component of which was the adjusting the personal net worth (PNW) cap for inflation for small business owners, including excluding retirement assets from the calculation.
Leona Bar Davenport, President and CEO of the Atlanta Business League shared with the audience that in its 17-year history, this was the first time that the Congress on the State of Black Business in Metro Atlanta was being held outside of Fulton County. She went on to say that DeKalb County is one of the most culturally diverse counties in the nation. For the second year in a row, metro Atlanta has one of the highest numbers of Black businesses in the country with approximately 11,000 businesses.
In addition to the discussions of the state of Black business in metro Atlanta, the ABL awarded a special recognition of Alice White Bussey, Owner of Bussey Florist & Gifts for her many contributions to Black businesses and black business education during her illustrious career. The award was presented by Ryan Wilson, ABL Chairman of the Board and Co-Founder of the Gathering Spot.
HWL & Co.: A family-owned hardware store in Wadesboro, NC, founded in 1894, offering personalized service, a wide selection of tools and hardware, and adapting to the changing market for over 130 years.
By Milton Kirby | Wadesboro, NC February 2, 2024
Young Carly Little just tall enough to reach the countertops repeated, “Teach me the business so that I can work in the store, please teach me the business so that I can work in the store.” The answer was always the same. “You have to complete high school and go to college.” That was the response from her father Henry Little, the third generation of H.W. Little & Co. (HWL) store operators.
Cynthia Little, Carly’s mother beamed as she told the story of little Carly’s desire to learn the hardware business so that she could work in the store. Carly completed high school and furthered her education earning a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.
With a BS in Business Management Carly now had the credentials to open the doors to a multitude of job opportunities. She opted to return to Wadesboro to work in the family business.
George Little founded the hardware store in 1894. He was later joined by his brother Henry Wall Little. When asked, President, Cynthia was not clear on the point at which the hardware store on South Greene Street in Wadesboro, NC became known as H.W. Little & Company, Inc. The name and business have been family-owned and operated for nearly 130 years.
While the official founding date was not available, Carly remembered the Centennial Celebration by HWL was held in the spring.
In the early years of the company’s existence, Henry Wall Little was a cotton broker and HWL served as a marketing center for cotton, one of Anson County’s main crops at the time.
HWL has survived, indeed thrived despite two world wars, the Vietnam War, two Desert Storm wars, the Dot-com bust of 2001, and a pandemic.
HWL is still a store where customers for decades have been able to buy nails by the pound, seeds by the pound, and countless hand, garden, and power tools as well as lawn care equipment.
Photo By Milton Kirby – Carly Little counts plumbing supplies for inventory reports.
In 1985 HWL joined the Do It Best Corp, a member-owned hardware, lumber, and building materials cooperative. Do It Best is the 2nd largest co-op in the industry. Membership in the co-op provided HWL tremendous buying power and has helped HWL remain competitive with larger retailers in Anson County and beyond.
In an era dominated by big-box retailers, HWL distinguishes itself through its personalized service. The younger Ms. Little recalled some examples. The store is located next door to the county tag office. Frequently, tag buyers will get their tags and immediately walk over to HWL to borrow a screwdriver or other hand tool to install the tag before driving away. One customer sustained an injury and was unable to continue using one of her tables. The customer had the table delivered to the store. The HWL employees professionally cut the legs of the table giving the customer renewed access to the table. Carly noted that over the years there have been countless other similar types of services rendered to their customers.
Employees Jerry Ricketts and Donnie Wall, each with more than 30 years of loyal service were on the front line of service to the HWL customers. The knowledgeable team has always taken the time to assist customers, offering advice, and recommendations, and even sharing handy tips for various projects. This commitment to going above and beyond has earned the store a loyal customer base who appreciates the personal touch. Long-time employee Beth Rogers worked in the administrative office ensuring the accuracy of books and records.
Uptown Wadesboro a lively place to shop was forever changed on January 4, 1983, when a devastating fire occurred. The fire destroyed several uptown businesses including Fox & Lyon Drug Store, Woods 5 & 10, E H Jones Jewelry, Aquarius Boutique Unlimited, and Becky’s Dress Shop. The stores did not rebuild.
The behemoth Walmart opened its first store in Wadesboro on November 17, 1988, at 1047 E Caswell Street, then relocated to the west side of town directly across from Anson High School at the Shops of Wadesboro Place in September 2007.
Carly conceded the fact that there were other businesses in the 60s, 70s, and 80s in Wadesboro that sold similar products and delivered some of the same services including but not limited to Scarborough Hardware, Western Auto, White’s Auto, and Hightower Hardware. Local county records and newspaper clippings show that there is a very long list of retailers like the Blalock-Allen Hardware Company that opened and eventually closed in Wadesboro.
Both Cynthia and Carly noted that there have been very lean years when the family had to inject additional family funds into the business. They were determined to keep the doors open.
Founded in 1894, fast forward to 2024, HWL has a colorful and easy-to-navigate website (www.hwlittlehardware.com) where customers can shop and purchase most items in the store and many items that are not physically located in the store due to size and other factors.
Photo By Milton Kirby – Cynthia H. Little chats with long time customer Bill Kennedy
Mom (Cynthia Little) married Henry Little, the third generation of HW Little’s in 1978. With a smile that brightened the room, she noted that she did not spend much time working in the store. She was a stay-at-home mom. Without question, she knows her way around the store, its operations, and its various customers. Much of her knowledge was gained around the dinner table and in the family room.
The young Carly Little wanted to skip college and work in the family business, but her late father Henry Little had the foresight and business acumen to resist and gently nudge Carly into college. As it has turned out, this was a wise choice. Carly now runs the business with both the practical and soft skills you can only learn hands-on in the business bolstered by the high-tech and modern premises and theories learned at UNCC.
Mom proudly noted that Carly could reach into one of the many bends and grab a handful of nails or seeds and be within one or two nails or a few seeds accurate to the pound. She also manages and maintains appropriate inventory levels by ordering and receiving stock every day.
Tractor Supply Company currently occupies the original Walmart location on E Caswell Road and the newer Walmart shut its doors on April 3, 2020. According to the Centers for Disease Control, the pandemic started on January 1, 2020, when the Huanan Seafood Wholesale Market in Wuhan, China closed. As the pandemic spread, many businesses in Anson County were required to close. HWL was declared an essential business and allowed to remain open.
Carly noted that during the pandemic many customers that had drifted away for one reason or another returned to HWL.
As a now seasoned entrepreneur at HWL with experience adjusting to and navigating the ups and downs, twists, and turns of the economy, Carly is poised to guide the company for the next 20-30 years.
