In this episode of the Carolina Business Leaders Podcast, we sit down with Brian Daughhetee, CEO of ANC Group, and Ashley Sage, Director of Sales, to unpack what it really takes to protect and scale a business in today’s fast-changing cybersecurity landscape.

Brian shares the story of launching ANC Group more than 25 years ago—from his early days as a middle school teacher to building a trusted technology and cybersecurity partner serving businesses across finance, law, manufacturing, nonprofits, and government. Ashley offers a front-line perspective on sales leadership, relationship-driven growth, and helping small and mid-sized businesses make smart, proactive technology decisions.

Together, we dive into:

• Why cybersecurity is no longer optional for small and mid-sized businesses

• Common mistakes leaders make when outsourcing IT and security

• The real-world impact of ransomware, reputational risk, and compliance failures

• Outdated security practices that are still putting companies at risk

• How remote work, VPNs, SASE, and behavioral-based security are reshaping protection in 2026

• The importance of long-term technology planning and trusted partnerships

This conversation goes beyond technology to explore leadership, entrepreneurship, trust, and what it means to deliver true peace of mind to business owners. If you’re a leader trying to future-proof your company while navigating an increasingly complex tech world, this episode is a must-listen.

Will Prescott and Steve Foushee of P&F Construction share their journey of choosing partnership over competition to build a successful construction business in the Southeast. They discuss the challenges they faced, including the early years of working without pay, the importance of maintaining a strong partnership, their people-first approach, and how they have tackled the labor shortage by investing in young workers. Hear their insights on hiring, maintaining company culture, and overcoming financial hurdles as they scaled P&F Construction.

Benton Blount, a musician-turned-politician, shares his remarkable journey of overcoming failure and turning setbacks into success. Faced with the devastating loss of his record deal just days before releasing his hit single 'Carolina,' Benton chose to refocus and redirect his energy, eventually becoming a celebrated musician and a South Carolina County councilman. In this episode, Benton offers insights into how business owners can recover from major setbacks, the importance of loving what you do, balancing multiple demanding careers, and leveraging a platform for genuine community impact. He also delves into his experiences on 'America’s Got Talent,' revealing the behind-the-scenes reality of the show and how it shaped his career. Through Benton's story, learn how to transform challenges into opportunities and build a life of resilience and influence.