Joel Olsen with O2 Group Ventures, was named the Robert T. Cashion Business Person of the Year, at the Lake Norman Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting held at The Peninsula Club on March 21^st.

Olsen is the CEO of O2 Group Ventures which focuses on Profitable Ventures in Sustainability. Joel and his wife Tonje also operate several other businesses including Sun Raised Farms here in Cornelius, Aderis Energy, The Montgomery Sheep Farm, and The Lovill House Inn.

O2 was an early entrant in the solar industry and helped shape state and federal clean energy policies that made North Carolina the second largest market of installed solar by 2018. Joel and Tonje have worked closely with local businesses, neighbors, farmers, government staff and elected officials in each project community to maximize the local benefit of each project O2 develops. Their innovative and sustainable approach have influenced the clean energy industry nationwide.

The McIntosh Law Firm’s Passion to Succeed Award for the 2023 Entrepreneur of the Year was presented to WSIC Owner and Station Manager Justin Ckezepis. Ckezepis, who is originally from Huntersville, is a local realtor and attorney, who purchased the station earlier last year and has made dramatic changes to improve the overall reach and programming format of the station.

Rod Beard of Charlotte Payroll received the Starrett Service Award presented to the Outstanding Board Member of the Year and Case Warnemunde of Bella Creative, Inc, was honored with the Chairman’s Distinguished Service Award.

Motez Pogue – Fifth Third Bank, was recognized as the 2023 Carbon Ambassador of the Year and David Keith of ArtisanDirect was recognized with the Scott Hinkle Servant Leadership Award. Stacie Bright with Advanced Wealth Strategies was named the Chamber’s Volunteer of the Year.

2023 Chamber Board Chair Douglas Marion, of Advanced Wealth Strategies, presided over the event. Jeff Tarte with Cribb, Philbeck, LLC was installed as the 2023 Board Chair. 

Details Regarding Joel Olsen - Robert T Cashion Business Person of the Year

Joel Olsen is the CEO of O2 Group Ventures which focuses on Profitable Ventures in Sustainability. Joel and Tonje O2’s investments in a portfolio of companies from their office in Cornelius include:

• O2 emc and O2 energies which develop solar and energy storage provide affordable power to the electrical grid.
• Aderis Energy which develops equipment and software systems for the interconnection, integration and control of clean energy resources on the electrical grid
• Sun Raised Farms that uses sheep and other agricultural practices to manage the vegetation on Solar Farms rather than spraying, mowing and weeding.
• The Montgomery Sheep Farm which develops sustainable and profitable methods to raise sheep and run a livestock farm in North Carolina. All operations on the farm are powered with solar and energy storage. Which is Sustainable Agriculture!
• Sun Raised Foods: markets and sells lamb cuts, lamb salami, lamb charcuterie, and hosting farm to table lamb dinners to promote sustainable raised lamb in the Southeast.
• And The Lovill House Inn which is the number 1 bed and breakfast in Boone, that offers history, luxury and sustainability. It is the first luxury bed and breakfast in the Southeast that runs primarily on solar and energy storage.

O2 was an early entrant in the solar industry and helped shape state and federal clean energy policies that made North Carolina the second largest market of installed solar by 2018. Joel and Tonje have worked closely with local businesses, neighbors, farmers, government staff and elected officials in each project community to maximize the local benefit of each project O2 develops. Their innovative and sustainable approach have influenced the clean energy industry nationwide.

In addition to the work at O2, Joel serves as board member for Sustain Charlotte working on sustainable transportation and smart growth, and is the Chair of the Sustainable Technology and Built Environment Department’s Advisory Council at Appalachian State University in Boone.

Detail's Regarding The McIntosh Law Firm Passion to Succeed - Justin Ckezepis

“As individuals who have been deeply involved in various small business ventures, we understand the intricate balance of risk, creativity, and innovation required to succeed. Justin Ckezepis embodies these qualities in every aspect of his business endeavors.

One of the defining characteristics of an entrepreneur is the ability to challenge conventions and think outside the box. Justin has demonstrated this through his fearless approach to redefining WSIC radio station as a premier local media alternative. By leveraging his entrepreneurial spirit, he has not only revitalized the station but also elevated it to new heights, providing innovative marketing solutions for advertisers and a platform for community voices to be heard.

Moreover, Justin's willingness to step outside his comfort zone and immerse himself in a new industry is truly commendable. He has not only learned the intricacies of the media business but has also introduced groundbreaking programming and advertising opportunities previously unseen in our market. His dedication to enhancing the station's offerings while preserving its rich 75-year history is a testament to his visionary leadership and calculated risk-taking.

In recognizing Justin Ckezepis we honor not only his individual achievements but also his contribution to the small business community. His passion, perseverance, and commitment to excellence serve as an inspiration to entrepreneurs everywhere.”