May 1, 2023 | Business North Carolina Magazine
Welcome to Business North Carolina’s annual snapshot of the state’s most influential private-sector leaders. It’s our chance to spotlight power brokers with the stroke to make things happen at their enterprises and in their communities.
The nation’s ninth-most populous state, and among the most economically dynamic, relies on great leadership to excel. Having among the nation’s most favorable business climates and fastest population growth rates doesn’t just happen. With the benefits of power comes great responsibility, of course.
North Carolina has thousands of talented leaders, making this a small sampling of those with noteworthy power. It’s based on nominations, talking with many sources, undertaking considerable research and enjoying years of experience covering North Carolina’s business community from the magazine’s unique statewide perspective. We love to hear feedback from readers reminding us of omissions. Political leaders are not included.
In compiling the list, it’s fascinating to consider the different ways that powerful leaders exert their influence. The examples of two North Carolina iconic businessmen, who died earlier this year, reflect that dichotomy. While leading with contrasting styles, their impact will extend for generations.
Bob Ingram joined Glaxo in Durham in 1990 and became CEO of Glaxo Wellcome. Over more than three decades, he played a pivotal role in promoting the Triangle area’s life sciences and tech sectors, including his post-retirement work with the Research Triangle Foundation, other nonprofits and an investment partnership. He helped sustain North Carolina as a globally important research center.
Rockingham native Leon Levine opened his first Family Dollar store at age 21 in 1959, then worked for four decades building a 4,300-store discount chain. His hard-driving, detail-oriented approach was legendary. After retiring in 2003, he spent two decades giving away $450 million to hospitals, universities, arts groups and other nonprofits. He died at age 85, leaving a $600 million foundation that will keep sharing his blessings.
Beyond the capsule biographies, we have found that readers enjoy learning about the philosophies and personalities of Power List members. This year, we asked them to share some thoughts on family traditions, favorite hobbies, career highlights and a few other matters. The responses inevitably provide some insight and humor.
KATHIE NIVEN | CEO BISCUITVILLE
When Kathie Niven joined family-owned Biscuitville as brand officer in 2011, she began to make her mark on the North Carolina-based chain that opened its first restaurant in 1975 across the Virginia line in Danville.
She oversaw the brand’s positioning itself as “Fresh Southern,” as well as new menu options such as the popular spicy chicken and honey biscuit. The Elon University graduate, who has a degree in English, drew upon her earlier marketing experience with Arby’s, Burger King, Krispy Kreme and Quizno’s to build a team within Biscuitville responsible for communications and marketing initiatives, public relations and social media. She started a collegiate summer internship program to develop talent.
In 2018, the company named her president, and in 2021 she became CEO, succeeding Burney Jennings, who is executive chair. He is the son of the late company founder Maurice Jennings.
When Niven became CEO, the brand known for opening at 5 a.m. and closing at 2 p.m. had about 62 stores, mostly in the Triad and eastern North Carolina, as well as Virginia. It now has 74, with two more planned in the South Carolina towns of Hartsville and Florence, its first in the Palmetto State. The recent growth has come from initial restaurants in Fayetteville, Greenville and Winston-Salem, along with some suburban towns near Charlotte.
Since Niven joined Biscuitville’s executive leadership, annual revenue has increased from $55 million to $150 million. She also has helped grow the average sales per restaurant to more than $2 million annually, according to the company.
In March, Elon University added Niven to its Distinguished Alumni list.
Favorite family tradition: Camping with the entire extended family. (A 45-year tradition)
Favorite N.C. place to visit: New Bern, Beaufort & Wrightsville Beach
What do you listen to on your commute: Lifestyle books or TV streaming shows — don’t shame me!
Major inspiration: Brene Brown
Career highlight: Rebranding 100% of Biscuitville’s facility portfolio
Favorite hobby after work: Cook with the family, gardening and travel
Best advice to industry newcomer: Keep a long-term view of success and be careful not to get sidetracked on short-term losses or environmental shifts.
Key industry change in next five years: Gas stations becoming viable restaurant options. More ghost kitchens and reduced brick-and-mortar
