Pat Mumford, President and CEO of the Gaston Business Association

This episode features Pat Mumford, President and CEO of the Gaston Business Association. Returning after his first visit in June of 2023 to get us up to speed on all things Gaston County.

So much has changed in 18 months, and Pat generously shared, among other topics, his unique perspective on the recent Belmont transportation bond, and the success of micro-transit in Gastonia. Without prompting, he offered some advice to municipalities dealing with the crushing pace of growth by admonishing them to remember they serve all constituents, not just the emotional people insisting that they are the only voices to consider. He implied that leadership that encourages an engaged and informed resident base helps everything run more smoothly.

As we started the interview, beginning with Rob’s famous 5 Question Lightning Round, Pat responded in his usual wise, and measured tone to tell us that the one lesson he’d go back and teach the High School version of himself is to get to know people’s names and use them. “Being personal matters.” He shares. We also heard why he’s so passionate about his involvement in Habitat for Humanity. Mainly it is because he sees the dignity that is restored to people who have a place to call their own, especially children who need to feel the power of belonging.

As we moved through the litany of questions about his views on the housing challenges, and how we’ve created a culture of ‘confirmation-bias’ with the intent to use it to prove ourselves right no matter what, he was refreshingly enthusiastic about AI (Artificial Intelligence) becoming an invaluable way to inform better investment decisions by speeding the research process. He brought his opinions to an apex by sharing these thoughts: “We don’t have people curious to see what’s on the other side of the table” he stated with conviction and concern. Finishing his thought with, “it’s better to be a partner of change, not a victim of it.”

Listen to the episode now!