Category Archives: Written Interviews

Turning Point Services is a for profit corporation that provides service and support to persons with developmental disabilities. Primarily in western North Carolina, Turning Point Services has thirty-four locations including Raleigh, New Bern, Charlotte, and Asheville. Turning Point provides one thousand persons with disabilities day programs, group homes, and independent living apartments. The focus of Turning Point Services is to help persons with disabilities and their families become more independent and successful in their homes and communities.

Tom Brittain, owner of Turning Point Services, worked for thirty-one years in NC State affiliated public mental health programs. Tom wanted to help families and work independently of government regulations, while being his own boss. In 1997, Tom “tried” to retire and planned to work part-time. He opened Turning Point Services and is now working more than ever.

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Sunshine Strawberry Farm     by Arlene Childers

   Coy Evans, more commonly known as “Buddy”, is a local Rutherford County farmer who has taken advantage of entrepreneurship education opportunities by attending the Sustainable Agriculture Class at Foothills Connect Business & Technology Center, and entrepreneurship classes at Isothermal Community College.  Buddy lost his job as a Facility Manager after the company he worked for outsourced his position.  Buddy now owns and operates Sunshine Strawberry Farm in Bostic, North Carolina, where he raises plasti-culture strawberries using drip irrigation on a raised-bed covered with plastic.  Buddy understands the importance of networking with peers.  He attends conferences and is a member of the NC Strawberry Association. While completing an apprenticeship with a neighboring farmer, Buddy learned how to use drip irrigation, and how to use row cover to protect the strawberries from deer, frost, and insect damage.  Attending classes at Isothermal Community College gave Buddy a sense of direction and helped him develop business skills and confidence.  The advice Buddy would like to share with others is, “You can do anything you want to if you are willing to work for it.”  Buddy’s future plans include growing strawberries in the off season, and expanding his farm to include other agriculture products for year-around crops.