Hello Wednesday.
April 24 2024
Coworking space The Loading Dock and mosquito repellent maker Murphy’s Naturals are two Raleigh-founded businesses that may seem unrelated at first glance — they actually share a founder, US Navy Veteran Philip Freeman.
If you work out of one of The Loading Dock’s locations or light a Murphy’s mosquito repellent candle on your patio, you’re enjoying the results of Philip looking a challenge head on + coming up with a solution.
Murphy's Naturals products | Image via Murphy's
Beryl location | Image via The Loading Dock
Joining the military
In eighth grade, Philip decided he was going to be a Naval officer when he grew up. Not a doctor, not a lawyer, and not even a farmer, as he grew up on farmland in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia.
When he was in second grade, his oldest brother left home for the Naval Academy. Watching his brother become a deep sea diver and the captain of several ships, Philip knew that’s what he wanted to do. Challenge, accepted.
Founding a business in a garage
After Philip left the Navy, he was working a full-time job and living in Raleigh with his wife Pam. According to Philip, Pam is a “mosquito magnet,” which meant he had to choose between his love of spending time outdoors and his love of spending time with Pam.
However, Philip was not satisfied with giving up either of these options. Welcoming the challenge with open arms, he created Murphy’s mosquito sticks in 2013 — out of his garage.
Philip Freeman at 24 years old | Photo via Philip
Philip Freeman now | Photo via Philip
The Loading Dock’s creation
When he found the warehouse where Dock 1053 is now, he decided to lease more space than he needed currently since the business had been rapidly expanding. But, that space still cost money to rent.
In the meantime, he had the idea of renting the extra space out as a coworking space.
Click the button below to read the full story detailing Philip's journey joining the Navy, starting both businesses, and how he's helping fellow veterans.
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Today
- Wine + Weeds | Wed., Nov. 17 | 5-7 p.m. | The Well Fed Garden, 1321 Athens Dr. | Free | Work in the Pollinator Garden while sipping wine courtesy of The Well Fed Community Garden.
- Catalan Passport Wine Dinner Vino y Tapas | Wed., Nov. 17 | 6:30-9 p.m. | Catalan Tapas Bar, 4214 NW Cary Pwy | $99 | Enjoy five courses prepared by the Catalan Tapas Bar culinary team + wine pairings led by Andrew Mehring of Winebow Wines.
Thursday
- Coding in the Natural World | Thurs., Nov. 18 | 1-2 p.m. | Virtual | Free | Find out how scientists at the NC Museum of Natural Sciences analyze their data through coding.
- Adaptable Book Launch Party | Thurs., Nov. 18 | 6-8 p.m. | Watts & Ward, 200 S. Blount St. | Free | Join author + founder of Women Empower X Alexa Carlin to celebrate the launch of her new book + enjoy networking, drinks, and live music.
Friday
- NC Chinese Lantern Festival | Fri., Nov. 19-Sun., Jan. 9 | Various times | Koka Booth Amphitheatre | $25 | Experience all-new displays at this year’s Chinese Lantern Festival.
- Downtown Raleigh Tree Lighting | Fri., Nov. 19 | 5:30-8 p.m. | Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts | Free | Join Downtown Raleigh Alliance for the city’s Christmas tree lighting + shop at the Triangle Pop-Up holiday market while you’re there.
- Holiday Open House & Tree Lighting | Fri., Nov. 19 | 4-8:30 p.m. | Waverly Place, 302 Colonades Way, Cary | Free | Celebrate the holiday season + enjoy tastings, in-store events, live music, and a Christmas tree lighting — Santa will be there too.
We have a monthly guide filled with events + activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.
Weather
- 74º | Sunny | 10% chance of rain
Biz
- Triangle Town Center has been sold to NY investor Kohan Realty Investment Group for $33.25 million — a drop from its last sale price of $174 million in 2016. According to Kohan Realty, the mall has seen a recent uptick in occupancy. (Triangle Business Journal)
- Garmin will be expanding its presence in the Triangle with a 12-year lease at the Regency Office Park off of US 64 in Cary. The tech company’s new location will provide it with easy access to both RTP + RDU airport. The company plans to move sometime in April 2022. (Cary Citizen)
Ranked
- In a study ranking the riskiest homebuyers in the US, NC came in last — meaning North Carolinians were the least likely to skip an appraisal or forfeit an inspection before buying a home. On the Repair Pricer list, NC has the lowest risk score of all the states.
- A CommercialCafe report lists the Raleigh metro at No. 10 for the country’s highest metro-to-metro migration from 2015-2019. Raleigh’s largest influx came from New York + totaled ~4,000 people — including Natalie Barbu, co-founder of Raleigh-based Rella, and Brooke Navarro of Without a Trace Foods. (Triangle Business Journal)
Cause
- Wake County is accepting applications until Fri., Dec. 10 for its first Affordable Housing Committee. The 16-seat committee will provide feedback and resources around housing affordability and community revitalization. The county is looking for members who represent a wide variety of community organizations + perspectives. Apply here.
Seasonal
- After looking at 570 US cities, WalletHub calculated a maximum holiday budget for each. Cary ranked No. 15 among cities with the largest holiday budget at $2,541, while Raleigh ranked No. 240 with a holiday budget of $952. Check out our holiday gift guide for present ideas.
- THE RINK - Presented by UNC Health is opening Sat., Nov. 20 + can be enjoyed through Jan. 1 at Red Hat Amphitheater (500 S. McDowell St.), ft. a natural ice skating rink with stunning views of the Raleigh skyline. Thanksgiving weekend plans, anyone? Ⓟ
Community
- Registration for the January-April Raleigh Parks programs will open Tues., Nov. 30. Programs will be available in areas like the arts, health + wellness, outdoor recreation, and aquatics. The City of Raleigh is able to provide financial assistance to those who qualify and wish to participate in programs.
Sports
- The NC State basketball team will be traveling north for the Basketball Hall of Fame Showcase. Fans will be able to catch the Wednesday game against Oklahoma State on CBS Sports Network, CBSSports.com, FubuTV + other streaming services. (The News & Observer)
Jobs
- Raleigh Parks is currently seeking applicants for part-time positions. Roles are open in multiple areas involving community centers, pools, parks + programs. Find open positions including an opening for Assistant Pool Manager or an Arts Instructor here.
Eat
- Raise your hand if the thought of cooking a whole turkey for Thanksgiving is a little intimidating. Enter: this recipe from Lowes Foods that breaks it down into an easy, step-by-step process. You gobble gobble got this. 🦃 Ⓟ
Holiday
- Planning on Black Friday shopping? First Bank is offering a 0% introductory APR for the first nine months with a competitive variable APR + rewards on every qualified dollar you spend. Loans subject to credit approval. First Bank is a Member FDIC. More info + apply. 💳Ⓟ
Downtown Raleigh is getting a brand new mural, and it’s honoring LeVelle Moton. He’s currently the NC Central head basketball coach, but you also might have heard his name in the news recently as he’s working with the city + RALT to bring affordable housing to the southeast Raleigh neighborhood where he grew up.
Sean Kernick is creating the mural, in collaboration with the Raleigh Murals Project + Adam Willams. You’ll find it on Salisbury Street (across from Deco Raleigh) where it is planned to be completed by the end of November.
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Answered: Yesterday, we asked to hear your stories of surviving the 2014 snowpocalypse. Reader Amanda B. recounted leaving work at Regency Park in Cary as soon as the snow began to head home to Fuquay, but the traffic was so bad she never made it there, despite trying different routes. Luckily, some of her coworkers lived close by, and they happily opened their home to her for the night. She said it was a 3+ hour journey to ultimately end up 2 miles from her office.
What would we do without that Southern hospitality, right? Here's a photo she took on Ten Ten Rd. not long after the snowfall began.
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