In this episode, Dr. Phil Mintz sits down with Amber Coker Butler and Laurence Butler, third-generation leaders of Coker Feed Mill, a family-owned animal feed manufacturer based in Goldsboro, North Carolina. After careers in education and a life in Phoenix, the couple returned home to help transition the business as Amber’s father prepared for retirement.

Coker Feed Mill produces high-quality feed for poultry, livestock, and horses, with a strong emphasis on locally sourced ingredients, freshness, and nutritional value. Serving independent feed retailers across North Carolina and beyond, the company has built a loyal customer base largely through word of mouth and product performance.

Amber and Laurence share insights into managing rapid growth, maintaining quality while scaling, and staying true to their mission of supporting local agriculture—from backyard chicken owners to small-scale farmers.

This episode highlights the power of family legacy, smart partnerships, and a commitment to doing things the right way—even when that means growing carefully and intentionally.

NCMEP | IES | Coker Feed Mill

Amber Coker Butler and Laurence Butler are the leaders of Coker Feed Mill, a third-generation, family-owned agricultural manufacturing business in Goldsboro, North Carolina. Together, they are focused on modernizing operations, expanding product offerings, and continuing the company’s legacy of supporting local farmers and agricultural communities.

Dr. Phil Mintz is the Director of NC State University Industry Extension Services (IES). Through his leadership, IES supports manufacturers across the state with resources in innovation, process improvement, workforce development, and business growth.

NC State University Industry Extension Services (IES), established in 1955 as the outreach team for the NC State University College of Engineering, provides resources, tools, and customized training programs to help businesses survive, thrive, and grow.

IES delivers comprehensive training and development programs tailored for a diverse range of sectors, including manufacturing, educational and research institutions, healthcare, pharmaceutical and medical device companies, defense contractors, aerospace, automotive, energy, and government agencies.

Your IES dedicated Regional Manager is available to assist in identifying and implementing customized solutions, tools, and resources designed to optimize your organization’s productivity, efficiency, quality, and profitability. ncstateies.com/RM

In this episode, Dr. Phil Mintz, Director of NC State University Industry Extension Services, talks with Bogdan Ionescu, co-owner of OGC Stained Glass (Ordway Glass Company), a husband-and-wife–run stained glass studio based in Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina. Bogdan walks us through how he and his wife Nicole built a thriving, award-winning business out of their garage—balancing art, family life, and purpose along the way.

OGC Stained Glass was named the 2025 winner of the North Carolina Chamber’s “Coolest Thing Made in North Carolina,” a remarkable achievement for a two-person operation focused entirely on hand-cut, one-of-a-kind stained glass art.

This episode offers an honest and inspiring look at what it takes to build something meaningful—one piece of glass at a time.

NCMEP | IES | Ordway Glass Company

Bogdan Ionescu is the co-owner of OGC Stained Glass, located in Fuquay-Varina, NC, alongside his wife Nicole—the primary artist behind the glass. Together, they create contemporary and traditional stained glass works that preserve heritage while pushing the craft forward. 🏅 2025 NC Chamber “Coolest Thing Made in North Carolina” Winner

Dr. Phil Mintz is the Director of NC State University Industry Extension Services (IES). Through his leadership, IES supports manufacturers across the state with resources in innovation, process improvement, workforce development, and business growth.

NCMEP is the official state representative of the Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP), a program of the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). The MEP National Network is a unique public-private partnership that delivers comprehensive solutions to manufacturers, fueling growth and advancing U.S. manufacturing. NCMEP is administered by NC State University Industry Extension Services and partners with the Economic Development Partnership of NC, the Polymers Center of Excellence, Manufacturing Solutions Center, Hangar6, University of North Carolina at Charlotte Industrial Solutions Lab, and NC State University Wilson College of Textiles to help manufacturing companies develop and maintain efficient operations that are well-positioned to grow profitably.

NC State University Industry Extension Services (IES), established in 1955 as the outreach team for the NC State University College of Engineering, provides resources, tools, and customized training programs to help businesses survive, thrive, and grow.

IES delivers comprehensive training and development programs tailored for a diverse range of sectors, including manufacturing, educational and research institutions, healthcare, pharmaceutical and medical device companies, defense contractors, aerospace, automotive, energy, and government agencies.

Your IES dedicated Regional Manager is available to assist in identifying and implementing customized solutions, tools, and resources designed to optimize your organization’s productivity, efficiency, quality, and profitability. ncstateies.com/RM