About

Lori Williams has over 20 years of sales and business development experience in southeastern North Carolina, focused primarily in the banking, mortgage and financial services industries. Throughout her career, Lori has earned a reputation for going the extra mile to help her clients accomplish their goals. Her outstanding performance earned sales awards at both First Citizens Bank and Wachovia Bank. She earned degrees in business administration and marketing from UNC Charlotte. 

Drew Jackson, Client Service & Business Development

Drew is a recent graduate of North Carolina State University with a passion for helping clients succeed. A native of Raleigh, N.C., Drew graduated from Holly Springs High School and then earned a Bachelor's Degree in Communication with a concentration in Public Relations. He also has extensive business development experience, working in tech, non-profit fundraising, and sports and entertainment. Prior to joining Pioneer, he worked in inside group sales with NASCAR in Daytona Beach, FL. Drew currently resides in Raleigh and works to elevate brands local to the Triangle and beyond.

Kelly Crosby, Client Service 

Kelly Crosby is an energetic, optimistic communication professional with front-line customer service experience. She is passionate about solving problems and helping people achieve their goals. Kelly is a native of Wilson, N.C. and is a graduate of Appalachian State University. 

Frank Williams, Co-Owner & CEO

Frank Williams has over 25 years of public relations and marketing communication experience. Frank formed Pioneer Strategies, a public relations firm that is co-located with Pioneer Specialties, in 2001. He is actively involved in civic and political affairs and has served on a variety of civic, professional, governmental and political boards. Frank is also a self-published author of two novels. He oversees marketing and operations for Pioneer Specialties. Frank earned a bachelor's degree in communication from North Carolina State University. For more information on Frank's background, visit https://frankwilliamsmedia.com.

Zach Drennan, Graphic Designer 

Zach Drennan graduated from the University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) in May of 2018 with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies. He was a member of the UNCW Campus Conduct and Academic Honor Boards and served as the Seahawk Village Vice President of Public Relations for the UNCW Residence and Housing Association. Drennan previously worked as member of the university's Campus Life Event Staff, fulfilling multiple roles as shift leader, event technician and event manager. He later worked as multi-media communication specialist for theArtWorks™, an art gallery, art village and event venue in downtown Wilmington's South Front Street district.  

Sami, Hospitality Coordinator

Sami (the cat) Williams is the self-appointed ruler of Frank & Lori’s life together, personal, professional and otherwise. You won’t find Sami in the office, as she doesn’t do any actual work. This somewhat bi-polar kitty spends most of her days reclining in various chairs throughout Frank and Lori’s home. She very excitedly greets the first of them to enter at the end of a workday, eats a treat, and then summarily disappears until it is time for the next treat. Sami loves to pose for the camera and has instructed Frank and Lori to post her picture on Pioneer Specialties’ social media from time to time. Sami didn’t attend college, and is purrrrr-fectly content with her decision.