Paul A. Mullinix has opened Global House USA, an import company headquartered in Salisbury that specializes in Brazilian granite.

“Brazil is known for producing the world’s highest quality granite,” Mullinix says. “We have traveled the globe and researched hundreds of granite producers in pursuit of the finest stone available.

“We found it, and Global House USA is now ready to provide the highest quality granite to the Rowan/Salisbury community.”

Mullinix said granite produced in Brazil is cut from quarries in large blocks, which are cut into 3-centimeter slabs and then polished.

Global House offers a collection called the classics because of long-standing popularity, consistent supply, affordability and ease of fabrication, Mullinix says. He also stresses his company has developed relationships with only the most reputable Brazilian granite producers.

The company also works with local designers and contractors and is a member of the Marble Institute of America and the Rowan County Chamber of Commerce.

“It is important for us to identify with the challenges our colleagues and clientele are faced with on a daily basis,” Mullinix says. “Our goal is to provide a level of service that exceeds expectation.”

Global House has a temporary showroom at 111 W. Bank St. Hours are by appointment by calling 704-245-3035.

Mullinix, the new company’s managing partner, has more than 20 years of experience in operational management and customer service. He can be reached at paul@globalhouseusa.com, or visit www.globalhouseusa. com.

He received a bachelor of science degree from Tusculum College in Greenville, Tenn., and a master’s degree in business administration from Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem. He and wife Margo live in Salisbury and have two daughters, Haley and McKenna.

Roadway honor

Roadway celebrated the driving achievements of Salisbury’s Robert Easterling, who has been a driver for the company for almost 17 years and has driven 1 million accident-free miles.

He and two other North Carolina based-drivers were honored Thursday at the Roadway terminal in Charlotte. Lance Farthing has driven 3 million accident-free miles and Louis Tucker reached 1 million accident-free miles.

The North Carolina Highway Patrol, a representative from the governor’s office and the North Carolina Trucking Association were part of the celebration of the achievements.

Roadway, headquartered in Akron, Ohio, transports industrial, commercial and retail goods nationwide and to Canada, Mexico and Puerto Rico. Roadway is a subsidiary of YRC Worldwide Inc., a Fortune 500 company and one of the largest transportation services providers.

Poteat heads officers

Larry A. Poteat was elected president for 2007 at the Jan. 20 annual meeting of Rowan Mutual Fire Insurance Co.

Other officers elected are Carl H. Goodman, vice president; Clyde S. Lippard Jr., secretary/treasurer; and Rhonda Smith, assistant secretary/ treasurer.

Poteat, Goodman and Lippard were also elected directors along with John H. Cauble, David Corriher, Justice Williams, Carl Brown, Mary Lou Howe, Jerry Waller, Patsy Sexton, Jewell Alley and Tom Snider.

Rowan Mutual is in its 105th year serving Rowan County.

New family doctor

Dr. Cheryl Navarro-McGuinness, a new family practice physician, has joined the medical staff of Rowan Medical Clinic, 1904 W. Jake Alexander Blvd., Suite 301, and Rowan Regional Medical Center, 602 Mocksville Ave.

A board-certified family practitioner Navarro-McGuinness received her medical degree from Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine in Kirksville, Mo. She completed her internship and residency in family practice at Michigan State University, Garden City Hospital in Garden City, Mich.

She joins family practitioner Dr. Deidra McCants and internist Dr. Obioma Anukwuem at Rowan Medical Clinic.

Business seminars

Rowan-Cabarrus Community College has scheduled six free business seminars in February and March.

* “What Every New Manager Should Know,” 9:30-11:30 a.m. Feb. 1, Room 9281, Concord. Participants will be introduced to the core principles of supervising and delegating without infuriating subordinates and how to work with employees to create a cohesive team.

* “Market Research for Your Small Business Idea,” 6:30-8:30 p.m. Feb. 1, Room 9281, Concord. Participants will learn about their industry, market area, competition, ideal customers and sources for research in all these areas.

* “The Best Small Business to Start Right Now,” 6:30-8:30 p.m. Feb. 13, Room 251, Salisbury. This seminar will focus on three areas: How to create a business idea that fits you, businesses that will grow in coming years and 30 types of businesses with growth potential.

* “If Money Doesn’t Grow on Trees, How Do I Finance My Business Idea?” 6:30-8:30 p.m. Feb. 15, Room 9281, Concord. Participants will discover the many sources of financing available and learn what steps to take to begin the process. The seminar will review the various forms of equity and debt financing, including conventional bank loans, SBA guaranteed loans, private loans, venture capital, factored receivables, credit cards and supplier trade credit. It will also cover critical related topics of collateral, equity, cash flow and earning power.

* “Introduction to Biotechnology for Entrepreneurs,” 6:30-8:30 p.m. Feb. 21, Kannapolis Train Station. An introduction to the biotechnology and life science industries with particular focus on the nurturing of biotech companies. Participants will discuss how to support economic development that relies on successful technology-based enterprises. A review of what biotech means, a history of biotechnology development in North Carolina and the elements necessary to support the growth of a cluster of life science companies will be covered.

* “Creating Customer Loyalty,” 6:30-8:30 p.m. Feb. 27, Room 251, Salisbury. This is an interactive session in creating and building customer loyalty that will help participants create and retain customer loyalty and develop a practical marketing plan.

* “Computing Costs,” 6:30-8:30 p.m. March 1, Room 9281, Concord. Participants will learn how to identify the various costs of doing business and how to develop a scorecard for tracking costs by understanding and using financial tools.

The seminars are offered by RCCC Small Business Center, Rowan County Chamber of Commerce and Cabarrus Regional Chamber of Commerce.

To pre-register or for more information, e-mail Angie Corriher at corrihera@rowancabarrus.edu.

‘Racing for Dollars’

Rowan-Cabarrus Community College invites business owners and leaders to attend the “Racing for Dollars” program Feb. 1 at Lowe’s Motor Speedway.

Offered by RCCC’s Customized Training and Workforce Development Team, the four-hour program will provide information and offer suggestions on these business issues:

* What can businesses do to grow their customer base?

* How to reduce employee turnover.

* What are some of the newer tools businesses are using to increase profits?

* What resources are available to provide workforce training?

The program will highlight some of the offerings and services available through RCCC’s Workforce Development Department. Discussion topics will include leadership, customer service and the importance of diversity and inclusion.

The program begins with breakfast at 7:45 a.m., with presentations from 8:30 a.m. to noon. There is a $25 registration fee. Space is limited.

For more information, call 704-788-3197, extension 476, or e-mail basdend@rowancabarrus.edu.

Samilo joins hospital

ALBEMARLE — Nick Samilo has joined Stanly Regional Medical Center as vice president of fiscal services and chief financial officer.

Samilo has more than 15 years of senior-level financial management experience with nonprofit and for-profit health systems. He was previously chief financial officer for Health First Health Systems Inc. in Melbourne, Fla. He has also worked for hospitals and health systems in West Virginia and Texas.

He began his career as a financial analyst and cost accountant for Mobil Oil Corp. in Texas and New York.

He has an accounting degree from State University of New York at Buffalo and an MBA in finance from the University of St. Thomas in Houston, Texas.

New B&R agent

Kimberly Smith has joined the staff of B&R Realty.

Smith lives in eastern Rowan County and has three daughters. She was educated at Rowan-Cabarrus Community College.

W.A. Brown awards

A Wednesday luncheon held by W.A. Brown & Son Inc. honored employees who have attained milestones in service to the company.

They include:

Five years: Pamela Cordts, Ron Gettinger, Linda Jones, Shannon Kyles and Larry Rodgers.

10 years: Slade Hodges, Leslie Rich, David Sloan, Anita Sturdivant, Denver Thomas and Alan Vann.

20 years: Myron Bost.

25 years: Paul Brown and David Ross;

30 years: Dave Morris.

The award recipients represent 185 years of service. Combined with the others who have more than 25 years of service, they represent 509 years of service.

W.A. Brown & Son is the oldest private manufacturer of commercial walk-in coolers and freezers in the food service industry, continuously operating in Salisbury since 1910.

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Linda Braswell compiles the Rowan Roundup of companies, organizations and individuals. You can submit information about new businesses, honors and management promotions to her at the Salisbury Post, P.O. Box 4639, Salisbury, NC 28145-4639; fax it to 704-639-0003; or e-mail lbraswell@ salisburypost.com. Please include a daytime phone number.