Ray and Renee share a passion for individuals with disabilities. Their interest in this area stems from their personal lives because both Ray and Renee have experienced firsthand the effects of disabilities. Ray grew up with a brother named Davie who had Downs Syndrome, and Renee suffered from a brain tumor, which at one point, left her unable to walk. Together, their goal is to rally the community to support and provide independent living solutions, while enlightening people on the best practices of engaging with people with disabilities in realizing respect and dignity without any limitations.
Ray Breazeale is a seasoned leader with over 40 years of experience in senior executive roles encompassing management, operations, sales, and finance. Throughout his career, he has focused on driving profitable growth while managing risks effectively. With a background in overseeing businesses with significant revenue streams, he brings in-depth expertise in P&L management. In addition to his corporate experience, Ray has contributed to not-for-profit organizations, serving on the boards of Turning Point and UMAR. His dedication to The Victory Advantage Foundation is deeply rooted in personal experiences within his family, including encounters with cancer, Down Syndrome, stroke, brain tumors, and related physical limitations. This personal connection fuels his passion for the foundation’s mission.
Christa, a Union County native, brings over 32 years of commercial real estate expertise, specializing in development and brokerage with Ty-Par Realty, Inc, where she serves as President of Sales. Actively involved in the community, she holds leadership roles on multiple boards, including South Piedmont Community College, Alliance for Children, Bridge to Recovery, Chamber of Commerce, and Matthews United Methodist Church. Recognized as one of the 50 Most Powerful Women in Union County, Christa extends her influence as a featured speaker for both profit and non-profit organizations. A mother of two adult daughters, she exemplifies leadership in both her personal and professional life.
With over 25 years in the financial services industry, Erik is the owner of a Community Banking software business. Beyond the business realm, Erik is actively involved with Room at the Inn at Matthews United Methodist Church. His personal journey is marked by the challenges of raising a daughter born with cerebral palsy, who faced numerous autoimmune issues as a child and young adult. Erik has navigated the complexities of providing a normal upbringing for his daughter, and he extends his support to her endeavors with ABLE SC, a disability empowerment organization, and Rainbow Express, a church-sponsored group for children and young adults with disabilities.
With over 35 years of construction industry experience, Steve, a Union County native, has crafted a career fueled by a passion for creating exceptional spaces. Starting in his father’s interior design and flooring business, he holds a General Contractor License in three states and collaborates with architects and engineers across North and South Carolina to stay at the forefront of industry advancements. Despite his extensive background, Steve remains hands-on, often found wielding tools and guiding his team on various projects. His commitment to continued education and mentorship underscores his belief in the importance of practical expertise and strong leadership for delivering outstanding construction results.
Daniel McGuirt, a resident of Union County, North Carolina, is proud of his roots as he was born and raised there. He and his wonderful wife of 23 years have two children. Daniel actively participates in his local Baptist Church and finds joy in the rhythm of farm and family life. Boasting a three-decade-long career in the construction industry, Daniel’s journey began at the bottom, and through hard work and dedication, he now owns and manages a small construction company based in Monroe. Eager to contribute to the community, Daniel expresses his interest in getting involved with the foundation. He aims to leverage his problem-solving skills to assist other handicapped individuals in achieving the best quality of life possible.
Patrick, a resident of Union County for 21 years alongside his wife, Brooke, is a dedicated family man with two daughters, Brayden (17) and Keely (10). A graduate of Wingate University, he serves on the Advisory Council for the Boys and Girls Clubs. Professionally, Patrick is a CPA and partner with RSM, a public accounting firm. In his role, he leads RSM’s audit practice in the Carolinas and the firm’s Industrial Goods practice in the Atlantic region, accumulating over 23 years of experience in public accounting. Specializing in complex accounting and auditing matters, Patrick has extensive expertise in mergers and acquisitions, due diligence, and serving family and private equity-owned companies, showcasing his commitment to the local community and professional excellence.
Kema Kovach, a former missionary and educator, has left a lasting impact through her teaching experiences, from special needs children in the public school system to an International Elementary School in Papua New Guinea’s Highlands. Now dedicated to homeschooling her youngest daughter, Kema extends her influence beyond her family. Outside her home, Kema is deeply committed to community service. As a former board member of the Matthews Alliance for Affordable Housing, she passionately works towards providing accessible housing solutions made affordable. She generously volunteers for Give Hope Global, supporting families in Haiti, and leads a vibrant young adults ministry at her church. Her heart for service and dedication shines through her varied volunteer endeavors.
Nolan McBride, VP at Mako Medical, is driven by a dual passion for service in both his professional and personal life. His commitment to The Victory Advantage Foundation reflects a dedication to changing lives and making the community a better place, one individual at a time. As a native of Union County, NC, Nolan resides with his wife, Ashley, and their three beautiful kids. His promise to those they partner with is unwavering—to never stop fighting for them and their families.
Renee Johnson Breazeale, hailing from Marshville, North Carolina, turned childhood exposure to her parents’ textile business into a thriving entrepreneurial journey. She founded Victory Bolt & Specialty in 1988, propelling it to the thirteenth largest woman-owned business in Charlotte. Alongside personal triumphs over adversity, including overcoming domestic violence and a brain tumor, Renee contributed her expertise to the Truist Bank Advisory Board and served as the president of the board for Turning Point, a battered women’s shelter in Union County.
In 2019, she sold Victory Bolt after surviving the Great Recession. Today, Renee continues making a difference in the community alongside her husband, Ray. Proud of her entrepreneurial daughters and bonus children, she relishes her role as the cool “NeNe” to ten grandchildren. Renee’s story is one of resilience, triumph, and the transformative power of faith and community.
Renee Johnson Breazeale, hailing from Marshville, North Carolina, turned childhood exposure to her parents’ textile business into a thriving entrepreneurial journey. She founded Victory Bolt & Specialty in 1988, propelling it to the thirteenth largest woman-owned business in Charlotte. Alongside personal triumphs over adversity, including overcoming domestic violence and a brain tumor, Renee contributed her expertise to the Truist Bank Advisory Board and served as the president of the board for Turning Point, a battered women’s shelter in Union County.
In 2019, she sold Victory Bolt after surviving the Great Recession. Today, Renee continues making a difference in the community alongside her husband, Ray. Proud of her entrepreneurial daughters and bonus children, she relishes her role as the cool “NeNe” to ten grandchildren. Renee’s story is one of resilience, triumph, and the transformative power of faith and community.
The following strengths of the organization as a whole have been identified:
In 2008, my life took an unexpected turn when a brain tumor left me unable to walk. Overnight, I went from being an independent woman to someone who relied on others for everything. Through this challenging experience, I gained firsthand insight into the discrimination faced by disabled individuals. It’s hard to put into words just how difficult it was. Not only did I have to adapt to life in a wheelchair and relearn basic skills, but I also encountered a lack of respect from others. It was disheartening to see how people would avoid eye contact or meaningful conversation simply because I looked different. I felt devalued and like I had nothing to offer the world. It was overwhelming and completely unexpected.
However, in the midst of this struggle, God brought loving and compassionate individuals into my life. My husband became my rock, tirelessly taking care of my every need, despite his exhaustion. Witnessing his unwavering support, I gained a newfound respect for caregivers. Their presence, along with many others, illuminated the way forward for me. They helped me realize that I still had gifts to offer and could make a difference, even in my new circumstances.
They encouraged me not to give up and lifted me up, quite literally, as I learned to walk again. Although I have regained the ability to walk, I still face lifelong limitations. Despite the challenges, I consider myself blessed. This new path in life has ignited a deep passion within me to help others with disabilities.
In a world that promotes inclusivity, I came to realize that people weren’t intentionally hurtful, but rather uninformed about the daily struggles faced by those with disabilities. This realization fueled my determination to educate and empower others to treat everyone, regardless of their abilities or limitations, with dignity and respect. Ray and I are committed to providing opportunities for individuals to live fulfilling lives without boundaries. Out of our love and respect for those with disabilities, Victory Advantage was born. Join us in breaking down barriers where everyone can thrive.
In 2008, my life took an unexpected turn when a brain tumor left me unable to walk. Overnight, I went from being an independent woman to someone who relied on others for everything. Through this challenging experience, I gained firsthand insight into the discrimination faced by disabled individuals. It’s hard to put into words just how difficult it was. Not only did I have to adapt to life in a wheelchair and relearn basic skills, but I also encountered a lack of respect from others. It was disheartening to see how people would avoid eye contact or meaningful conversation simply because I looked different. I felt devalued and like I had nothing to offer the world. It was overwhelming and completely unexpected.
However, in the midst of this struggle, God brought loving and compassionate individuals into my life. My husband became my rock, tirelessly taking care of my every need, despite his exhaustion. Witnessing his unwavering support, I gained a newfound respect for caregivers. Their presence, along with many others, illuminated the way forward for me. They helped me realize that I still had gifts to offer and could make a difference, even in my new circumstances.
They encouraged me not to give up and lifted me up, quite literally, as I learned to walk again. Although I have regained the ability to walk, I still face lifelong limitations. Despite the challenges, I consider myself blessed. This new path in life has ignited a deep passion within me to help others with disabilities.
In a world that promotes inclusivity, I came to realize that people weren’t intentionally hurtful, but rather uninformed about the daily struggles faced by those with disabilities. This realization fueled my determination to educate and empower others to treat everyone, regardless of their abilities or limitations, with dignity and respect. Ray and I are committed to providing opportunities for individuals to live fulfilling lives without boundaries. Out of our love and respect for those with disabilities, Victory Advantage was born. Join us in breaking down barriers where everyone can thrive.
My little brother Davie brought so much love, joy, and inspiration to our lives during his 59 years with us. With his contagious smile and heart filled with compassion, he touched the hearts of everyone he met.
Davie was my first encounter with someone with a disability, and from that moment on, I developed a deep appreciation and respect for individuals with special needs. Let me explain about how his remarkable qualities shaped my life’s mission.
Davie was a remarkable person who had Down Syndrome. He was born 14 months after me, and our family welcomed him with open arms. Despite some initial challenges with the doctor’s misguided remark about something my mom must have done being the cause of his condition, we all knew that he was a blessing.
Davie’s biggest gift was his ability to love unconditionally. He had a heart that overflowed with joy and generosity, and he never met a stranger. He loved to hug people, and his embrace always made you feel like the most important person in the world. He had a great sense of humor and loved to make people laugh. His favorite place to hang out was the neighborhood Walmart, where he would greet everyone with his infectious smile and offer them a hug. Davie’s presence always brightened up everyone’s day, and he had a special talent for connecting with people from all walks of life.
One of my fondest memories was attending church with our family. Davie loved being the preacher’s right-hand man when it came to greeting everyone with a hug and a handshake at the end of every service. His unwavering faith in God was an inspiration to all who knew him. He reminded us that we are all God’s children and that everyone deserves to be loved and accepted, no matter their abilities.
Davie also loved spending time with our family. He especially enjoyed our backyard picnics, where we would make homemade ice cream and play music on our record player. Davie’s favorite musician was Glen Campbell, and he would sit cross-legged in front of the stereo and sing along to every song at the top of his lungs. His joy was infectious, and we cherished every moment we spent together.
My brother Davie may no longer be with us, but his legacy lives on. Through his unconditional love, infectious joy, and unwavering faith, he made a profound impact on our lives and the lives of everyone he met. Davie taught us to embrace diversity, to see beyond people’s disabilities and focus on their abilities, and to love each other unconditionally.
It is because of Davie along with caring for Renee and watching as she persevered and rose above her disability that has inspired us to start Victory Advantage. Our mission is to advocate for equal opportunities and empower individuals with disabilities to achieve their full potential and to live independently.