Zack Cranford grew up in the restaurant business with a family of entrepreneurs. Now a serial entrepreneur himself, he continues to invest in Hickory through his family's hospitality ventures.

Local realtor Jay Brown is a strong supporter of Hickory and an active member of several community groups. He stays plugged in, creating lasting relationships and helping others make their home in Hickory.

As the executive director of Catawba Science Center, Tracy Hall knows a thing or two about creating inspired, educational experiences for families and collaborating with community partners. 

Being born and raised in the area, Gaither Hambrick has strong Hickory roots. After attending college in Greenville and Charlotte, NC, Gaither returned home to Hickory and plans to stay.

Originally from Wisconsin, Kathee and Rick Martin moved down south for Rick's career. They selected Hickory for its convenient location and abundant amenities.

Bill Pitts grew up in Aiken, SC, and attended pharmacy school at the University of South Carolina. He moved north to Hickory over 50 years ago to start his career as a pharmacist and has enjoyed raising a family in this beautiful community.

Born in Laos, Kou Yang lived in several states across the U.S. before settling in Hickory with his wife, Elizabeth. For the last fifteen years, the Yangs have enjoyed raising their kids here and attending the variety of events held in Downtown Hickory.

Jessica and Haynes King met in Hickory's furniture industry and started crafting a life together. After living in Virginia for several years, the furniture industry brought them home to Hickory, where they are now raising two children.

Gretchen Oetting is originally from Kansas City, Missouri, but she has lived all across the globe - from Bangkok, Thailand and Jerusalem, Israel, to Florida, Arizona, and Ohio in the States. When her husband's career as a civil engineer brought their family to Hickory, Gretchen quickly fell in love with the City's small town charm and big city amenities.

Born in Lebanon, Hani Nassar came to the United States to continue his academic studies. Years later, his career brought him to Hickory, where he has raised his family and plans to stay.

Michael Richey moved to Hickory from Chattanooga, TN in 1998.  He enjoys taking advantage of all Hickory has to offer, especially golfing on the local courses and attending classic car cruise-ins.

Originally from Bay City, Michigan, Kristin Darbee now calls Hickory home.  She currently serves as an Ambassador for the Catawba County Chamber of Commerce and is a recent graduate of the Leadership Catawba program.

Susan Reese, a retired software engineer from the San Francisco Bay area of California, searched around the country for the perfect place to enjoy her retirement. After three years of research, Susan decided on Hickory, NC, and couldn't be happier.

Charlie Cannon is a student at Hickory High School. Watch this short video to learn why he loves his hometown and can't see any reason he would ever want to leave.

Clise Plant grew up around Knoxville, TN and spent time in larger cities like Nashville. Her family has now built a life here in Hickory, where they enjoy the City's small town charm and family-friendly activities.

Chad Burel is the owner of Lake Hickory Adventures, a company which offers dinner, party, and private boat charters on Lake Hickory.  After growing up in Hillsboro, NC, attending college in Raleigh, and serving in the United States Air Force, Burel settled in Hickory for an engineering job and to raise his family. “I’m building my life, my businesses, and my family, right here on the lake in Hickory,” said Burel.

A native of Troutman, NC, Candace Tait has lived in Hickory for only a year, but already appreciates the deep sense of community that she has experienced. She moved to Hickory from Wilmington, NC.