Wake Forest is a town where vision meets action—and nowhere was that more evident than at the Fall 2025 Wake Forest Founders Pitch Competition, held Wednesday, December 10, at The Loading Dock on White Street in Downtown Wake Forest. Local entrepreneurs took the stage to pitch their ideas, share their journeys, and celebrate innovation. They filled the room with energy, creativity, and the promise of what’s next for business in Wake Forest.
More than 125 attendees gathered for an evening of delicious catered food, drinks and desserts, healthy competition, and meaningful community connection. Five respected community leaders served as judges for the competition: Dustin Atkielski of St. John Properties, Jonathan Williams of Focus Design Builders, Rick Houser of Benchmark Community Bank, Kip Padgett, Town Manager of Wake Forest, and Julie Kruse-John, Vice President of Operations and Public Affairs for the Wake Forest Area Chamber of Commerce.
The event was hosted by Wake Forest Founders (WFF), a collective led by the Wake Forest Business & Industry Partnership (WFBIP) in collaboration with The Loading Dock–Wake Forest and the Wake Forest Area Chamber. Together, these organizations continue to offer a rich variety of free, high-quality programming, mentorship, and networking opportunities—building a comprehensive ecosystem of resources to support local entrepreneurs at every phase, from early-stage start-ups to established businesses seeking growth and innovation.
The Pitch Competition also marked the conclusion of the fourth cohort of the WFF Accelerator Program, a three-month entrepreneurial experience designed to help start-ups sharpen their strategies, grow their networks, and accelerate their business growth. “Strong businesses are built in community,” said Clark Rinehart, WFF Entrepreneurial Specialist. Through the Accelerator, participants meet one weekend per month and connect virtually one evening per week, fostering a culture of open dialogue where founders exchange insights, provide feedback, and feel supported throughout their entrepreneurial journey.
“I’ve never seen a place more supportive of the small business community and the start-up scene than Wake Forest,” added Dr. Tim Flood, a communications professor at UNC’s Kenan Flagler School of Business, who manages the WFF Accelerator. The program was created to attract businesses of all types and at any stage of development, which makes the learning environment incredibly dynamic and beneficial for every business involved.
The Fall 2025 Pitch Competition awarded $10,000 in prize money, recognizing three top pitches along with a Viewer’s Choice Award—demonstrating how WFF initiatives are helping local businesses grow, thrive, and make meaningful contributions to the community.
The first-place winner, receiving $5,000, was Rebekah Werner, founder of Unita Marketing, a boutique marketing agency delivering collaborative strategy, execution, and measurable results. Werner fully embraced the WFF Accelerator Program, calling it a pivotal moment in her journey as a business owner. “I had no idea the profound impact the Founders Cohort #4 would have on my journey in business ownership,” Werner shared. Throughout the program, she refined her elevator pitch, expanded her knowledge of AI tools used in daily operations, and explored project management platforms to better support her team and clients.
The cohort also provided the time and space for deeper reflection and strategy, guiding Werner through the development of core values, a mission statement, and a clear path for growth heading into the new year. She speaks warmly about the camaraderie and trust built within the group, crediting the open exchange of ideas and peer feedback as an essential part of the experience. Werner plans to use the prize money to invest in AI software that will directly enhance services for her clients, positioning Unita Marketing for continued growth and momentum in Wake Forest.
Second-place honors and a $2,500 award went to Matt Parrish, founder of DIY Retaining Wall, which provides expert tools and services to help homeowners plan, design, and build retaining walls from start to finish. Parrish is already putting his winnings to work by collaborating with a local company to develop a customized app for his business. The app will provide clear construction and inspection protocols, enabling faster, more accurate documentation for homeowners attempting to understand the local permitting process.
Parrish noted that one of the greatest strengths of the program is its industry-agnostic structure, which allows participants from diverse backgrounds to learn from one another. “The shared insights from founders in different industries were incredibly valuable and expanded my perspective on running a business,” he said.
The third-place prize of $1,000 went to Liz Johnson, founder of HireWire Talent, a job recruitment firm passionate about connecting top-tier talent with the right opportunities. Johnson is excited to invest her winnings in LinkedIn Recruiter, fueling the growth of her business and helping even more companies and candidates find the perfect match.
A Wake Forest native, Johnson reflected on the town’s evolution: “Over the last 30 years living here, I’ve seen how Wake Forest has grown into an entrepreneurial hub,” she said, commending WFBIP and WFF for their role in the town’s continued success. Having attended previous pitch competitions and witnessed their impact, Johnson was grateful for the opportunity to present as a finalist.
The Viewer’s Choice Award, also valued at $1,000, was presented to Kevin Meese, founder of WARM Café, a nonprofit dedicated to addressing food insecurity in the local area. WARM Café’s mission is to create a welcoming space where everyone enjoys healthy meals while fostering dignity, belonging, and connection.
Meese gained invaluable experience refining his pitch, presenting his business to investors, and communicating his mission clearly and effectively. He expresses gratitude for the opportunity to share WARM Café’s story with more than 125 attendees at the competition and receive feedback that will help him continue to raise awareness and support for his cause. Meese will use the award to help offset the cost of a mobile food unit and further expand WARM’s impact.
“Wake Forest Founders represents what’s possible when a community steadfastly invests in its entrepreneurs,” said Jason Cannon, President of WFBIP. “By bringing together education, mentorship, and meaningful connections, we’re helping local businesses turn vision into impact—and strengthening the fabric of Wake Forest in the process.”
