Made in Stanly Spring 2020 | Page 15

are shipped via UPS while the other half are stored in pallets on common carrier trucks. Whenever the company gets a reorder from a satisfied customer, “I jump for joy,” Robin said. People have left reviews on the company’s website raving about the products. “Our grits are loved by people all over the country,” Parker said. Parker works several days a week on the family farm grinding the grits and cornmeal in the same 1954 grist mill his father worked with. He says when he’s working in the mill, he feels closer to his father. “This was his passion and so I feel like I am representing him” whenever I’m in the mill, Parker said. After all these years, the company, which consists of only four full-time employees, has continued to thrive and produce high-quality products — and they’re still adding new products. In the last year, Old School added a chocolate gravy mix and a hot cocoa mix. Mauldin, who has worked at the company for 18 years and handles much of the shipping, credits Old School’s success to its close, family-oriented atmosphere. “They treat me like their family,” she said. Old School is extra special to Makayla -- who works on marketing, especially Facebook and Instagram -- since it’s what helped bring her and Parker together. “The Hinson family is just my world, so seeing the hard work that they put into it and the story behind it with David…it’s pretty amazing,” she said. Though the work can be tough and at times tenuous, “we like what we do and it’s rewarding to us,” Robin said. Whenever things get difficult, Robin asks herself what David would do in the situation and it helps to provide her with clarity. And she believes David would be happy with the company. “I think he would be very impressed that we’ve carried it on and that we’ve built it as much as we have,” she said. For more information about the company, visit oldschoolmill.com. Close to Charlotte. Even closer to perfect. From panoramic lakes, mountains and national forests to its bright business horizon, Stanly County has earned a reputation as a sought-after place to work, to live, to grow a company. Here you’ll find close-knit communities, convenient highway access, an outdoor paradise, and networking that extends from high-tech resources to a firm handshake. Welcome to the ideal place we call home. Candice Lowder, Director 1000 North 1st Street, Suite 11 Albemarle, NC 28001 704-986-3682 • FAX: 704-986-3685 [email protected] www.stanlyedc.com Made in Stanly Magazine | 2020 15