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By Melissa Howsam & Lauren Kruchten
Raleigh’s next wave is here. Some people make a living—others make a mission. Across the city, a cohort of savvy young Gen Xers and elder millennials are channeling their drive into something bigger: turning ideas into action and igniting Raleigh’s next chapter in real time.
For our Firestarter 40s, nominations poured in from every corner of the city and across all sectors—commercial and economic development, nonprofits, parks, humanities, hospitality, sports and beyond—spotlighting the 40-somethings pushing Raleigh forward and turning bold ideas into action.
What unites our Firestarter finalists is not just their ambition—it’s intention. They’ve found their why, using it to spark momentum across boardrooms, studios and startups, and transform that energy into real impact across the city’s business and creative scenes. These are the people refusing to play it safe—and shaping what’s next for Raleigh.
Raleigh’s cleanest, greenest machine started with a simple frustration for Preston Ross III: “I hate litter.” So in 2020, the former high school Spanish teacher decided to do something about it—launching The Great Raleigh Cleanup, a grassroots effort that’s since grown into one of the city’s most visible eco movements. What began as a few volunteers picking up trash has evolved into a full-fledged nonprofit tackling waste across town—to the tune of 411K+ pounds of litter, 2,600-plus mobilized volunteers and $100K+ in wages paid to the local workforce to help restore the city’s streets and green spaces. Creating a space for environmentalists and sustainability lovers to come together for the greater good, Ross has also engineered creative ways for Raleighites to get involved beyond group cleanups. His Adopt-the-Block program empowers neighbors to maintain their own corners of the city, while partnerships with local venues help divert thousands of aluminum cans from landfills—recycling them and reinvesting the proceeds into cleanup supplies. While the Chicago native is quick to downplay the credit, his impact is hard to miss. “I do think I’ve built something cool and unique,” he says. “And if you’re committed, others will follow.”
MO: Do what I can, as often as I can, as long as I can! Meet, dead or alive: Barack Obama Best advice: You don’t have to do it all. You’re doing great things. Local hang: Blotto (the owners are dope and have really supported Raleigh Cleanup.) Go-to treat: Killer Toffee from DECO Raleigh Fave unwind: YouTube shorts or New Girl reruns
“We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” Guided by a mantra of service, consensus-building and keeping DTR on a steady trajectory, few people have had a front-row seat to Raleigh’s most turbulent chapter like Bill King. As president and CEO of Downtown Raleigh Alliance for seven-plus years, the avid sports fan has helped steer the city’s urban core through pandemic shutdowns, civil unrest and a shifting economy—all while fueling momentum. Under King’s steady hand, DRA flipped pandemic parking regulations, distributed $375K in small-business grants, launched the Sip n’ Stroll social district, and advocated for free two-hour DTR parking. He has also led his team to ignite some of Downtown’s biggest moves: more than doubling the safety program, activating streets with the likes of Illuminate Art Walk and Live After 5, and leading the effort to keep Red Hat Amphitheater in the city’s core. Sparked by earlier work as a federal policy analyst for Congress—clocking infinite miles across the country meeting local leaders fighting for their communities—the Atlanta native and UGA grad pivoted to UNC for a master’s in urban planning, eventually landing in the role that blends the work he loves most: policy, economic development and community problem-solving. “Each day, I respond to community concerns and needs,” he says, “and do my best to keep Downtown moving forward in a very different world than the one we had
in 2019.”
You in three words: Solution-oriented, level-headed, wisecracker Meet, dead or alive: Tom Waits—master storyteller, even if none of it’s true Pod on repeat: It has to be Ovies & Giglio (which is recorded live Downtown)—the best Triangle sports podcast Random tidbit: Played in the national championship game in ultimate frisbee and my parents have published a magazine about The Beatles since the ’70s. Fave Raleigh bite: My job prevents me from answering—like choosing my children. But I will give a shoutout to Sosta, a hidden gem for lunch that flies under the radar. What you’d tell your 20-year-old self: The hard work pays off—enjoy every sandwich along the way.
All a program needs is a spark—and NC State knew exactly what it was doing when it hired Will Wade. Since arriving in Wolfpack country, Wade has brought the kind of sideline fire that turns ordinary games into full-blown spectacles—arms flailing, voice echoing across the court and The Lenny eating up every second. After years of quieter bench energy, the fiery “kindergarten’s over” coach has injected a jolt into the program—reigniting belief across the red-and-white corners of Tobacco Road. Equal parts strategist and showman, the winningest coach in Southland Conference history has never been shy about being passionate—from feverishly drawing plays and pacing the sideline like a caged tiger to lighting up officials, celebrating a big run like the season depends on it or delivering a Pulitzer-worthy postgame rant. That energy is contagious. State’s new “blood is red, not blue” ringleader has rekindled the kind of buzz Raleigh hasn’t felt around men’s hoops since Jimmy V—drawing louder crowds, sharper expectations and a fan base that suddenly feels fully plugged back in. Love him or loathe him, Wade’s mission is simple—bring the fire back to Raleigh and remind the city what Wolfpack basketball feels like when it’s fully lit. And Pack fans wouldn’t have it any other way.
MO: Hope is a bad strategy. Hometown: Nashville Alma mater: Clemson Road to Raleigh: Grad asst./Dir. of ops: Clemson → Harvard (asst. coach) → VCU (AC) → Chattanooga (head coach) → VCU (HC) → LSU (HC) → McNeese State (HC) Conference titles: Four reg. season, two tournament Coaching mantra: Never accept in winning what you wouldn’t in losing.
Some people build careers. Adam Jolly builds the places Raleigh gathers. For more than a decade at Regency Centers, the NC State alum has helped shape the city’s most recognizable retail and entertainment hubs—from Ridgewood and Village District upgrades like Goodnights Comedy Club to the development of Midtown East. His philosophy is simple: Build teams, not just projects. That mindset—equal parts construction know-how and collaboration—has guided him through the complex realities of modern development, where dozens of partners, contractors and stakeholders must work together to turn a vision into a place people actually want to linger. “Fight the problem, not each other,” he tells teams at the start of every project. “Teams don’t fight—they fix.” The Asheville native traces his love of building back to childhood, crediting his father for instilling the importance of integrity in business. Today, whether solving logistical puzzles or helping shepherd projects from blueprint to ribbon-cutting, Jolly takes pride in being part of the stories people tell about Raleigh.
You in three words: Loyal, ‘Ginuwine,’ fun Random tidbit: I have 9 and 1/2 toes. Local fuel: Sharky’s Place—best food and the coolest bartenders around. Fave way to play: Playing pickleball (not the slow and boring kind). Fun Fact: My wife and children are painted somewhere at Midtown East. What you’d tell your 20-year-old self: Relax, take a deep breath and enjoy life. And trust me on this… buy some Bitcoin!
“Keep the main thing, the main thing.” So goes the best advice Kate Pearce has heard—and a fitting MO for the person steering one of Raleigh’s most ambitious civic projects. As executive director of Dix Park for the past decade, Pearce has been helping transform the city’s 308-acre former hospital campus into one of the country’s most dynamic urban parks. Under her leadership, the project has steadily evolved from vision to reality—most recently with the debut of Gipson Play Plaza and the arrival of the park’s wildly popular Dambo trolls, drawing troll-hunters near and far. And with new phases still unfolding, the momentum is only building. Coming to the role after years in planning and consulting work that took her nation- and worldwide, it’s the chance to work on a project rooted in one community—one that will shape Raleigh for generations—that proved irresistible. Guided by her own mantra to “proceed and be bold,” the Millsaps College + UNC alum approaches the work as both planner and steward, helping shape a public space designed to grow alongside the city itself—and redefine Raleigh in the process.
Default binges: Anything feel-good—Great British Baking Show, Schitt’s Creek, Ted Lasso, Good Hang With Amy Poehler Meet, dead or alive: Whoever invented daylight saving time—we need to talk! Go-to Raleigh bites: Boulted Bread, Stanbury, Chido Taco Random tidbit: I’m a Mississippi Driving Rodeo champion. What you’d tell your 20-year-old self: Don’t look back. Keep going.
“Hospitality has the power to tell Raleigh’s story,” says Chris Powers—and for nearly a decade, he’s been helping write it. As the brains behind some of the city’s most inclusive concepts—from OG Trophy Brewing to State of Beer(s), the Bend Bar and Maywood Hall & Garden—Powers has built a hospitality footprint rooted in creativity, connection and a strong sense of place. Starting at the bottom of the industry ladder, the Rochester, NY-native began his foray into hospitality as a busboy in a small family-owned restaurant, learning the business from every angle—moving from the back of house through the kitchen and front of house before building concepts of his own. And along the way, he fell hard for the energy, pace and people. Now, with seven locations under his belt, Powers focuses not just on what’s on the menu, but on the experience each space creates—and how those communities reflect the values and fabric of Raleigh itself. Beyond food and beverage, he also makes a point to give back, partnering with local nonprofits and supporting local farmers and vendors through events, partner beers and beyond. “I want to be remembered as someone who lifted others up, built community through hospitality, and used creativity to make every interaction meaningful,” he shares. “And, hopefully, I told them a damn good story.”
MO: Leave it better than you found it. Inspiration: I have followed the careers of Danny Meyer, Sidney Frank & Thad Vogler closely—people who have followed their passions, empowered others and continued to grow.Passion project: Frankie Lemmon School Meet, dead or alive: Anthony Bourdain, for a cold crispy beer or an Irish Coffee in San Francisco Fun fact: I grew up as a carny. Fave local bar: Willco—it feels like you are an expat in another world. Best drinks, best bartenders and vibbbbbbeees.
Selling Raleigh to the world—and bringing jobs with it—is no small task. That is, unless you’re Kyle Touchstone. If you’re wondering how the Cap City keeps landing major employers, chances are he’s somewhere behind the pitch. As director of Raleigh Economic Development—a partnership between the City of Raleigh and the Greater Raleigh Chamber—he spends his days marketing the NC capital as one of the country’s best places to do business, helping recruit companies that bring jobs, investment and opportunity to the burgeoning region. In just the past year and a half, his team has helped welcome five major companies to Raleigh—all now open and operating. But for the self-described “loyal, tenacious and dedicated” director, the mission goes deeper. “Creating job opportunities for the people living in Raleigh and the Greater Raleigh region is what drives my work every day,” he says. “Everyone deserves access to a quality job and a pathway to success.” The son of small-business owners in Mississippi, the Mississippi State alum saw early how one major employer can transform an entire community—keeping family businesses afloat and opening doors for locals. That experience sparked a career in economic development that’s taken him across the South before landing in Raleigh. Optimistic by nature and relentless by trade, he approaches the work with equal parts strategy and relationship-building. It’s the magic “Touchstone” if you will, helping shape the next chapter of Raleigh’s economy—and her future.
Remembered for: Kindness costs nothing and has far-reaching impact—or as Dolly Parton says: ‘If you see someone without a smile, give ’em yours.’ Local fuel: State of Beer’s Dusk Til Dawn wrap—hands down the best sandwich in town How you play: CrossFit at 12th State, concerts at Red Hat, Broadway nights at DPAC, and now the TRI SPORTS kickball league—plus greenway time and the musical swings at NCMA. What you’d tell your 20-year-old self: The biggest lessons come from how you persevere.
Kickstarting opportunities for thousands of kids across the region to find their place on the field is just part of the job for this champion of the game. As chief marketing and development officer for NCFC Youth, Katharine Eberhardt has spent more than a dozen years helping grow one of the region’s most influential youth sports organizations—expanding fundraising, access and outreach so more kids across the community, including those historically underrepresented in soccer, can play. For the Raleigh native, the work is beyond the pitch—it’s deeply personal. “I relate my own family values in everything I do,” she says. “It keeps it personal—and keeps it passionate.” Having grown up playing for the club—then known as CASL—she saw firsthand how sports can shape confidence, friendships and life skills. Today, she shares that story with donors and partners, helping fuel programs that provide financial aid, expand community outreach and build fields that benefit the broader region. Case in point: A new fundraiser she launched has already raised nearly $500K in just two years to grow the game. “Every decision comes back to kids and families,” she says. “If it’s good for them, it’s the right direction.” After early career stops in community relations with the Canes and their foundation, Eberhardt returned to the org that raised her—eventually building a role that blends her passions for sports, the Raleigh community and youth development. And she’s having a ball—literally. These days, the soccer lifer still spends plenty of time on the field too—volunteering as coach for her daughter’s and son’s teams, and watching the same lessons she learned years ago play out for the next gen. “Sports can change lives,” she muses. “And that’s what we get to do every day.”
Three words: Humble, authentic, hardworking Go-to Raleigh resto: Gonza (bonus: Two Roosters is next door.) Currently streaming: Good Hang With Amy Poehler—a great escape and release, and we all need to laugh right now. Random tidbit: I can blow bubbles off my tongue. What you’d tell your 20-year-old self: It’s OK if you don’t know what you’re doing. Live life, experience the world and don’t rush—but keep going.
Leave it to Laura Olson to prove that one person’s trash can quite literally become another’s treasure—or, more specifically, table. Turning landfill-bound waste into design-forward building blocks, the founder and CEO of Raleigh-based startup Trashy is rethinking architectural concrete—transforming discarded materials into sleek design pieces and structural products that make sustainability easier to build into everyday spaces—and pushing the design world to rethink what “waste” can become. Think a signature material that diverts loads of Styrofoam while producing concrete that’s significantly lighter and stronger than traditional mixes. The goal, she says, is simple: Make environmentally responsible choices in the built world easier—and more aesthetic. That idea sparked during her time pursuing a Master of Industrial Design at NC State, where she focused on circular design—rethinking the inputs and outputs behind the materials we use. Along the way, she repeatedly encountered innovators experimenting with recycled inputs in concrete. “I kept coming back to it,” she says. “There was so much potential.” Now two years into Trashy, the AmeriCorps alum and current NCMA board member is building a company that blends sustainability with good design—proof that environmental responsibility doesn’t have to mean sacrificing aesthetics.
You in three words: Candid, personable, intentional Passion project: Trashy—‘I wanted a career where I’d never want to retire.’ Raleigh reset: Hiking Umstead trails + cooking: My husband and I make every holiday a reason for a themed dinner. Go-to Raleigh retail: Sustainable! Dress, Union Camp and Evan Reid are my go-tos. If buying new, Trig Modern has great products and supports local craftspeople and manufacturers. What you’d tell your 20-year-old self: Keep doing what you’re doing.
With over 20 years in the industry under her belt, Angela Salamanca knows a great restaurant isn’t just about the meal—it’s about how it feeds the community. “As an immigrant, creating spaces where folks feel like they belong is essential,” says the Bogotá, Colombia, native. And she’s done just that across the Triangle, from Durham’s Ex-Voto and Patty Boy to Raleigh’s Centro, Mala Pata and her latest, Big Cat. Beyond serving memorable bites and beverages, Salamanca’s spots double as vibrant gathering spaces where neighbors connect, cultures are celebrated and everyone has a seat at the table. Extending that commitment beyond sense of place, the UNC alum founded both the Day of the Dead 5K and Dia de Oakwood, annual events that bring locals together to honor loved ones and celebrate cultural traditions. “Small acts of kindness matter,” she emphasizes. “I aspire to be someone who cares and works hard to make a difference in my community.” It’s a philosophy you can see, feel and taste in every space she creates—and every dish she serves.
You in three words: Thoughtful, service-driven Inspiration: All the strong women in my life who continue to take care of the world around them while also taking care of themselves Best advice: Your energy is finite—be mindful how you use it and know how to recharge. Fave local bar: Mr. Henry—classy, intimate, incredible martini Go-to local retail: Mode—I like secondhand shopping. Default flick: Pride & Prejudice
Look around Raleigh and chances are you’ve seen Paul Tuorto’s stamp—whether you realized it or not. Guided by a simple mantra picked up early in his career—give a damn—the independent designer and art director has helped shape the visual language of beloved local spaces, from Boulted Bread and Gussie’s to Heights Pilates, Hartwell and beyond. Raised in a family obsessed with art and music, the West Islip, NY-native discovered graphic design during an AP art class in high school—an “aha” moment that set his path. He went on to study design at App State and Studio Arts College International in Florence, Italy, before joining Raleigh branding agency Baldwin& as art director. Now, a decade into working independently, Tuorto’s work has become part of the experiential fabric of the City of Oaks, helping define Raleigh’s restaurants, retailers and gathering spaces. But design, he insists, is only part of his story. Tuorto is equally invested in the community he helps shape—whether playing for the Raleigh Rugby Club and Raleigh Reapers, frequenting Beatniks, cooking at home, or collaborating with his family on their local dry hot sauce biz Benny T’s Vesta (logo design included). In other words, Tuorto’s influence on Raleigh isn’t just visible in his design—it’s embedded in the community he helps bring to life.
Inspiration: My parents: They showed my brothers and me how to be an entrepreneur, be creative, and stand by your work and passions. Passion projects: Anything in the surf industry. Surfing may be my favorite thing to do—and I haven’t crossed into that world creatively as much as I’d like. Go-to Raleigh bite: Oakwood Pizza Box—our family’s third place Currently reading? I’m an avid Tolkien fan, so I read and re-read his writings all year long. Worst advice: ‘You have to be a rock star.’ The idea that you must be an expert at every level of design to get a good job or project is ludicrous.
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