For Skip Carney, success has been a lifelong journey of learning, adaptation, and persistence. A proud Statesville native, Skip attended Mitchell Community College from 1971 to 1973 before graduating and transferring to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he studied Radio, Television, and Motion Pictures. His time at Mitchell provided not only a solid educational foundation but also the flexibility to work in radio while pursuing his degree. This passion would later help to shape his entire career.
Skip fondly recalls the friendships he made at Mitchell and the hours spent at the library. While accounting wasn’t his favorite subject at the time, he later recognized how valuable the fundamentals he learned became in running his own business. Those early lessons helped lay the groundwork for Carney & Co., the marketing firm he founded in 1980, which continues to serve businesses across various industries, including colleges, banks, and boat construction.
After graduating from Mitchell, Skip established a thriving career in radio before venturing into business ownership. His passion for innovation led him to author multiple books, including his second release in 2024 and an upcoming third in 2025 focused on creative problem-solving and strategic planning. As he looks ahead, Skip is dedicated to leaving a lasting impact through his writing, aiming to inspire others to think strategically, embrace challenges, and pursue their ambitions with confidence.
Skip’s advice to future Mitchell students is simple but profound: “Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do something. Find something you’re passionate about and work to get better at it.” He emphasizes the importance of perseverance, financial foresight, and faith, encouraging students to never stop learning and to start saving early for their future.
A firm believer that failure only happens when you stop trying, Skip Carney’s journey is a testament to the power of dedication and vision. His story serves as an inspiration for Mitchell students and alum, proving that with passion and persistence, success is always within reach.
Skip Carney’s published books:
The Greatest Church in the World: A Lamp on a Hill
The Greatest Disciple in the World: Be the Light
Start With How Might We?