Charles A. Cannon
Free Enterprise Hall Of Fame
JOHN W. POPE
2007 Inductee
John Pope rose above the competition and successfully turned a small family retail business into a 500 store company. After being discharged from the U.S. Navy in 1945, he attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel-Hill and received a degree in commerce.
A.E. FINLEY
2007 Inductee
Albert Earle Finley truly understood America was the land of opportunity from a young age. After attending business school and serving in the U.S. Army, Finley began working for the General Utilities Company in Raleigh, North Carolina.
EDWIN A. MORRIS
2007 Inductee
Edwin A. Morris studied business administration at Washington and Lee University and Harvard Business School. He worked at a Massachusetts textiles firm before working at the Blue Bell-Globe Manufacturing Company. Within ten years he was CEO of Blue Bell, Inc.
ROGER MILLIKEN
2007 Inductee
Roger Milliken’s introduction to the textile world began at an early age. After graduating from Yale University in 1937, Milliken immersed himself in the textile industry. He became a director of the family company in 1941, and president in 1947.
T. BOONE PICKENS
2007 Inductee
From a humble beginning in a small depression era town, T. Boone Pickens Jr. used his entrepreneurial spirit to become one of the nation’s most successful businessmen. His company, Mesa Petroleum, eventually became the nation’s largest independent oil company.
JACK LAUGHERY
2009 Inductee
Jack A. Laughery grew up in the small town of Guthrie Center, Iowa. He studied business at the University of Iowa, graduated in 1957, and joined the regional fast-food chain, Sandy’s in 1962. He immediately showcased a talent for managing people and, by 1971, was president and CEO.
ALAN T. DICKSON
2013 Inductee
Alan T. Dickson was one of the “founding fathers” of modern-day Charlotte, NC. In 1957 he joined the textile firm American & Efird, as director of quality control. He held a number of positions, and eventually rose to the role of president just ten years after joining the company.
H. CLARK GOODWIN
2015 Inductee
H. Clark Goodwin was one of the titans of free enterprise in North Carolina and a man who left a positive imprint on our community, state and nation. He was a builder in the banking world and a model for philanthropic giving and leadership.
C.C. DICKSON JR.
2017 Inductee
C.C. “Dick” Dickson Jr. is a “silent leader” and a major contributor to our nation’s free enterprise system. He is a shining example of philanthropic service through his leadership on non-profit and educational boards.
DR. DONALD L. HENSON SR.
2017 Inductee
Anyone who knew Dr. Donald L Henson Sr. remembered him for his humor, gracious hospitality, warmth, and deep commitment to the service of others. Above all, he was a devoted family man, entrepreneur and philanthropist who embodied all that it means to be a free enterprise hero.
JOHN MEDLIN JR.
2018 Inductee
John Medlin grew up in rural Johnston County, North Carolina and quickly learned the importance of family and hard work. He knew he wanted to work for a company that shared his values, principles, and philosophies.
