Back in 2001-2005, I was the Marketing Director for Capital Ford in Raleigh, NC, and our General Manager was the thoroughly wonderful Jerry Mosley, who was kind-hearted, generous, well-versed in our industry and extremely willing to share lessons from his experience; through Jerry, I met the truly amazing Lana Calloway, but I had no idea at the time what an impact Lana would have on me, my fellow women business owners and the entire entrepreneurial community across the Triangle region of North Carolina. I am not able to fully express Lana’s love and care for her fellow human-beings, how much she nurtures, supports and protects the folks in her squad or how she works diligently to make the world better for her children, her grandchildren and generations of women business owners to come. I’m so very grateful for the insights Lana has shared with me, the care she has readily offered me and the inspiration she continually provides. She is a pioneer, and I’m blessed that she’s also my friend; I’m beyond excited to share her awesomeness with you. Enjoy this peek inside the mind and heart of this absolute rock star!

About Lana Calloway

Lana Calloway is an active community member with an extensive career in the trade show, convention and exhibit industries, including 24 years as the founder and CEO of Exhibit Resources. In addition to wearing the hats of wife, mother, grandmother, engaged citizen, Carolina Hurricanes fan, mentor and woman business owner, here are some of Lana’s career highlights:

Exhibit Resources, Founder and CEO, 1991-2015

Career in the Trade Show / Convention / Exhibit industry: 1978 through retirement in 2015

North Carolina Down Syndrome Alliance - President of the BOD 2019-2021, (Member 2009-2021)

National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) Chapter Member of the Year 2003

NAWBO Greater Raleigh’s Chapter President 1999-2000, (BOD Member 1991-2002)

NC Governor’s Old North State Award 2005

N&O Tarheel of the Week 2005

Enterprising Women Magazine Advisory Board 2006

Triangle Business Journal’s Fast Fifty Award 2006

Raleigh Chamber of Commerce Pinnacle Award 2001

WPO Presidents Organization 2008-2013

Triangle Business Journal Women in Business Award 2000

Dress For Success Sponsor 2008-2013

Women’s Center of Wake County Board of Directors 2006-2012

First Friday Female Founder Feature:

Lana Calloway

How would you describe the company you founded and its products?

Exhibit Resources’ mission was to provide trade show services, design and build, sales and management to organizations with varied exhibit needs through skilled and experienced personnel dedicated to the highest standards of service, product quality and profitability.

Why did you start your company?

In 1991 a friend suggested that I start my own company to fill the need of the growing number of companies in the Triangle requiring exhibit management services for their trade show marketing activities. My reaction was “why not?” as I felt confident in my trade show experience... Little did I know I was about to get a PhD in business management! I subleased one room in an office building ($400/month), rented a desk as well as a chair and was “in business” within a week.

What has been the most rewarding part of your journey in founding this company?

The thrill of accomplishment as clients raved about our design ideas, the great job and customer service our team delivered along with the success we provided for our client at show site.

About what are you most proud?

I am extremely proud of the team we assembled to represent Exhibit Resources, the diverse client base we built over the 25 years and the amazing, creative designs we developed and implemented for those clients. I was also able to include my daughter, Cyndi Treadway (Interior Design degree), and my son, Chuck Calloway (Architectural Technology), into the organization with instrumental roles in the growth and direction of Exhibit Resources. It was extremely rewarding to work and travel with both of my children and be able to celebrate our successes together.

Are you naturally organized, was it a skill you learned or is it something with which you regularly struggle, and what tips or tools do you use to stay your most organized?

I try to be organized as it keeps me grounded and allows me to avoid unnecessary stress. I’ve learned to say NO to overbooking my schedule and to avoid taking on commitments that will create pressure or disappointments.

Who’s the one person who changed your life and why?

As a secretary in a large corporation, I was assigned to work with Janet Dinsmore, Trade Show Coordinator for the organization. As Janet discovered my interest and skills in managing and coordinating over 100 trade shows annually, she was willing to mentor me and delegate responsibilities that would lead me to my career in the trade show and convention business. I truly believe that I would not have reached for the stars without her guidance and encouragement.

2B - With Emily and Mosley for NCDSA.jpg

What words of wisdom would you have for someone who is overwhelmed with staying organized and / or productive?

Get help! Life is too short to be overwhelmed continuously. Do whatever is necessary to give yourself rest, relaxation and self-care.

About what causes are you most passionate?

After the sale of Exhibit Resources and my retirement in 2015, I focused my attention and passion to serving the Down syndrome community. As a grandmother to 15-year-old Kasey Treadway who happens to have Down syndrome, I felt the call to work with the organization that guided our family through the early years of Kasey’s life as we navigated prenatal concerns, medical issues, occupational and physical therapy, speech, communication and educational preparation.

North Carolina Down Syndrome Alliance (formerly Triangle Down Syndrome Network) offered us hope, providing guidance, information and a network of support as we navigated the Down syndrome journey. I’ve served on the Board of Directors for NCDSA in some capacity since 2015, including as President in 2019-2021. The mission for NCDSA has always been to empower, connect and support the lifespan of individuals with Down syndrome, their families and the community through outreach, advocacy and education in North Carolina. We are currently offering services to all 100 counties in the state, which includes over 2,000 families just in the Triangle area. It has been a privilege and an honor to serve the Down syndrome community; I hope to be instrumental in continued growth and expansion of the organization while a key influence in Kasey’s life.

What have you found to be the most effective way to relax after a long day or super long week?

A bubble bath, hot tea and candles; then, PJs and off to bed early.

What is your favorite author / book?

I am currently reading The Final Wish of Mr. Murray McBride as a follow up to The Five Wishes of Mr. Murray McBride by Joe Siple. RUN to pick up your copies… You will not be able to stop reading these amazing books. This book helps you to realize that every moment with a loved one counts and that we have to make the best of it. Keep your hankies close!

What is your favorite inspirational quote?

“Never give up!” by Jimmy Valvano

What is your go-to accessory?

I must admit I love to accessorize with scarves and jewelry... They are an easy way to camouflage plain clothes.

What are the fundamentals of your beauty routine?

I follow a very simple routine – good cleanser, serum and moisturizer. I schedule facials whenever I can to relax and take care of myself.

What is your favorite food?

Italian foods are at the top of my list.

What is your favorite place that you have visited?

Greece was the most recent trip in October 2023 and a favorite. That trip is special for so many reasons – the weather, the ancient history, the beautiful landscape, incredible memories and sunsets every day!

What movie could you watch on endless loop?

Toss-up between Shawshank Redemption and Dirty Dancing

If you could have one superpower, what would it be?

Being able to “beam” myself to new and exciting places around the world.

What advice would you give your 21-year old self?

Make sure to take care of yourself and remember how amazing you are every day.

If you could have lunch with anyone (living or deceased), who would it be and why?

I would have lunch with my late husband, Jerry Mosley, who recently passed away from pancreatic cancer six weeks after diagnosis. I would want to let him know that our last trip to Greece was such a gift as we spent 10 wonderful days together in paradise feeling thankful for our lives, our families and each other. What a wonderful memory to cherish!

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