Episode 14 | Law & Location: Why Safety Drives Investment with Sheriff Charles Blackwood

In this episode of Behind the Building, host Emilee Collins, CCIM, takes a break from the dirt and the pipes to sit down with a cornerstone of North Carolina public safety. We’re joined by Orange County’s Sheriff Charles S. Blackwood, who has spent the last 45 years protecting and serving Orange County.

Sheriff Blackwood isn’t just a career lawman; he’s a transformative leader who has risen from patrol deputy in 1980 to the 47th Sheriff of Orange County. From his recent appointment by Governor Josh Stein as the Chair of the Governor’s Crime Commission to his deep-rooted work in mental health and the opioid crisis, Charles brings a unique perspective on how community stability and safety form the ultimate foundation for local growth.

 

🔍 What You’ll Learn:
A Legacy of Service: The journey from a 1980 patrol deputy to becoming one of the state’s most influential law enforcement figures.
Statewide Impact: How his roles on the North Carolina Sheriffs’ Association and the SBI Use of Force Center are shaping modern policing.
The Intersection of Safety & Health: Why Sheriff Blackwood prioritizes behavioral health, school safety, and racial justice as pillars of a thriving county.

Award-Winning Initiatives: Insight into the COORE program and the efforts that earned him the prestigious Dogwood Award for combatting the opioid epidemic.

The Order of the Long Leaf Pine: What it means to receive North Carolina’s highest honor for a lifetime of extraordinary service.

“Public safety is about more than just enforcement; it’s about building a community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.” — Sheriff Charles S. Blackwood

🔗 Connect With Us:
Host: Emilee Collins, CCIM emileecollins.com
Guest: Sheriff Charles S. Blackwood Orange County Sheriff’s Office

Are you ready to learn what it takes to protect the land you build on?

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Episode 18 | Networking, Education, and Technology through CCIM with James Milner, CCIM

May 26, 2026

In this installment of our Behind the Building mini-series, we head to the High Country to sit down with a true titan of the Western North Carolina market: James Milner, CCIM.

As the President and Owner of Appalachian Commercial Real Estate, LLC, James has been a cornerstone of the region’s commercial landscape since 2008. His firm isn’t just about transactions; it’s a full-service powerhouse providing everything from high-stakes brokerage and leasing to specialized consulting and appraisal services. Whether he’s working with a first-time local investor or a national franchise, James brings a level of technical precision that has become his professional trademark.

Episode 17 | Inside the CCIM Designation with PJ Doherty

May 6, 2026

In this Behind the Building episode, Emilee Collins, CCIM sits down with Marcus Thomas, AIA, NCARB, President and CEO of KEi Architects, to explore the intersection of visionary design and community impact. As the leader of a prominent minority-owned architecture firm serving the Southeast, Marcus brings a unique perspective on how thoughtful design drives long-term institutional goals and equitable growth.

Episode 16 | Cost Segregation Explained with Kevin Giles

April 9, 2026

In this episode, Emilee Collins, CCIM sits down with Kevin Giles, Director at Giles Flythe Engineers, to pull back the curtain on the technical and financial lifecycles of commercial real estate. Since 2010, Kevin has been a pivotal partner for investors and developers, providing the critical due diligence and tax optimization strategies that turn a “good deal” into a high-performing asset.