Notable Locals
Get to Know Your Neighbors
Photos by Ray Sepesy
Faces introduces you to people who make Ballantyne lively and interesting. In this edition, meet Sam Kwak, Kristina Cruise and Greg Duckworth.
Greg Duckworth
Job: Branch Manager, First Vice President, Wells Fargo Advisors
Hometown: Glen Alpine, North Carolina
What do you like most about your work?
As a branch manager and a financial adviser, I wear two hats. What I enjoy about both is helping people live and work their life the way they want.
Do you live in Ballantyne?
Yes. I have lived in Piper Glen Country Club for four years and in Charlotte for 31 years.
What did you want to be when you were a kid?
A pilot. I loved watching jets fly overhead, especially when they would break the sound barrier.
Favorite thing to do in Ballantyne?
There is an energy I feel as I ride my bike up North Community House Road, out of the residential area and into the vibrant expanse of the corporate park.
Kristina Cruise
Job: Founder and CEO, Promising Pages
Hometown: St. Petersburg, Florida
What do you like most about your work?
Re-gifting books — more than 580,000 to date — to children who need them. Every time we give a book, my heart shines a little brighter and I become a tiny bit better version of myself.
Do you live in Ballantyne?
We live in BridgeHampton, on the South Carolina side. We moved to the Ballantyne area in 2012.
What did you want to be when you were a kid?
A TV newswoman. My dream came true. It was through covering a story for the NBC affiliate in Cincinnati that I got the idea for Promising Pages.
Any life-management tips to share?
Daily meditations, usually early in the morning and late at night. YouTube has some great guided ones. I’m a fan of Yoga Nidra meditations.
Sam Kwak
Job: Owner, Q Dry Cleaners, Ballantyne Corners
Hometown: Seoul, South Korea
What do you like best about your work?
I like social interactions with customers and the ability to manage my own business.
Do you live in Ballantyne?
I lived in the Ballantyne area for 11 years, but I moved to the Waxhaw area last year.
What did you want to be when you were a kid?
A musician.
Favorite things to do in Ballantyne?
Play golf and find a great restaurant.