Meet the Team
Caroline Roberts
As the CEO of CCM, Caroline oversees the day-to-day of the company. When she's not running a successful business, she loves to spend time outside at the beach or in the mountains with the guys in her life: her husband John, two sons Miller and Eli, and their two dogs a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Marty, and a Mini Sheepadoodle, Flo. She also enjoys nonfiction, kombucha, Mexican food, and organizing spaces with her other business, The Simplified Island.
Favorite Promo Product: Le Pen ink pens in all colors!
LAURA THORNBROUGH
Laura wows clients daily with fresh ideas and her ability to find the perfect product for their needs. She handles even the most complicated projects with ease. Laura has her work cut out for her with four kids in a bajillion sports and activities, but she still tries to squeeze in time to play in her garden and walk her dogs, Marigold & Rose, on the beach. She loves mint chocolate chip ice cream, live music, and strong, black coffee.
Favorite Promo Product: Corkcicle® Tumblers
LAURA McPHAUL
Laura has a brain for systems and processes. She manages every project detail from production to delivery, ensuring that each order is fulfilled accurately and promptly. She builds relationships with suppliers so we can serve our clients even better. Laura is a mom of two boys and a dog mom to two Golden Retrievers named Henry and Newton. Her favorite seasons are summer and football; her favorite days are spent in a house full of family and friends.
Favorite Promo Product: Yeti® Coffee Mug
Sarah Felton
With career experience in corporate event planning, Sarah recognizes what it takes for a brand to stand out and be memorable. She loves following product trends and working with retail brands on client projects. Sarah is a mom of two wild and silly daughters and an even nuttier labrador retriever named Bo. A day spent anchored at a sandbar is a day well spent.
Favorite Promo Product: Thick, Elevated Stationery
— Carrie Shields, Executive Director, Duplin County Economic Development Commission
"Caroline and her team have been nothing short of amazing. The items we have ordered are great quality and represent our County perfectly. Regardless the project or event, Coastal Connections Marketing is our preferred vendor and our go to for all our marketing needs."
The brand began in 2002. When Debbie Chused saw the need for a local promotional products supplier that offered a wide range of top quality personalized products at competitive pricing, she took matters into her own hands. Just months later in January 2002, Coastal Connections Marketing, Inc. opened its doors in Kinston, NC.
In December 2012, Caroline Roberts purchased CCM from Debbie. Caroline started with the company in 2006, so her familiarity with all aspects of the business
allowed for a smooth transition. Over the 20 years, CCM has expanded and evolved to serve clients in most of the 50 states.
Today, the team lives all over the country and works remotely. They enjoy working with large, national brands and small businesses alike. Many of the clients that started with us in 2002 are still working with us today.
Our promise continues to be the same—to provide our clients with great ideas, quality products, and best-in-class customer service.
