This episode features Pat Mumford, President and CEO of the Gaston Business Association. Returning after his first visit in June of 2023 to get us up to speed on all things Gaston County.

So much has changed in 18 months, and Pat generously shared, among other topics, his unique perspective on the recent Belmont transportation bond, and the success of micro-transit in Gastonia. Without prompting, he offered some advice to municipalities dealing with the crushing pace of growth by admonishing them to remember they serve all constituents, not just the emotional people insisting that they are the only voices to consider. He implied that leadership that encourages an engaged and informed resident base helps everything run more smoothly.

As we started the interview, beginning with Rob’s famous 5 Question Lightning Round, Pat responded in his usual wise, and measured tone to tell us that the one lesson he’d go back and teach the High School version of himself is to get to know people’s names and use them. “Being personal matters.” He shares. We also heard why he’s so passionate about his involvement in Habitat for Humanity. Mainly it is because he sees the dignity that is restored to people who have a place to call their own, especially children who need to feel the power of belonging.

As we moved through the litany of questions about his views on the housing challenges, and how we’ve created a culture of ‘confirmation-bias’ with the intent to use it to prove ourselves right no matter what, he was refreshingly enthusiastic about AI (Artificial Intelligence) becoming an invaluable way to inform better investment decisions by speeding the research process. He brought his opinions to an apex by sharing these thoughts: “We don’t have people curious to see what’s on the other side of the table” he stated with conviction and concern. Finishing his thought with, “it’s better to be a partner of change, not a victim of it.”

Listen to the episode now!

Karla Hammer Knotts is an industry rock star. Pleasant. Insightful. Funny. And she calls a spade a spade. She was also our member spotlight in December of 2023, and we just can’t get enough of the world according to Karla. Currently Co-Owner and Vice President of Knotts Development, she is a passionate advocate of the industry and spends a great deal of her time digging into areas of purported malfeasance so that our industry can thrive in our beautiful Charlotte region. When we asked her why offering help comes so easy to her, she admits to having not only pretty good photographic recall but also good retention and comprehension of what she reads. And for those who know her, that is an undisputable fact.

This podcast elevates all the above themes by weaving personal insights around the high-level science of policy dissection. And you feel smarter just listening. While being entertained, you find yourself writing down what she says and what she offers as advice so you can be ready next time you have your own issue to resolve.

For those of you that are new to our podcast or to REBIC, here is more information about Karla, our expert real estate analyst and on-the-spot problem solver. Her advocacy for the housing industry in North Carolina is legendary. Mostly because it isn’t about her list of accomplishments, it’s that the accomplishments are truly impactful. And she’s not done yet. With more than 30 years of experience in the real estate industry, including being inducted into the North Carolina Housing Hall of Fame in 2021, being named a Life Director for the Home Builder Association of Greater Charlotte, President of the HBAGC in 1999, chair of multiple committees for NCHBA, and locally her background includes a breathtaking number of appointments to various advisory committees and steering committees. Most importantly, she doesn’t reach a conclusion before studying and researching any regulations at issue and looking deeply into how they’re applied. She tells us, “As a home builder you understand how regulatory issues ultimately affect the affordability of homes for prospective buyers.” A perspective that serves her well and all those who work with her.

We’re proud and honored to feature Karla Knotts in this month’s Getting Real with Rob podcast!