Student Spotlight: John Hayden Sylvester, UNC ’21

For North Carolina residents, the Covid-19 Pandemic became more serious when there were a lack of household essentials in grocery and big box stores. Prior to this point, the pandemic seemed further away. John Hayden Sylvester was home from UNC, adjusting to classes online, but that was not the only work he was doing. John Hayden’s father and his father’s business partner own Piggly Wiggly’s in Eastern North Carolina. When a shipment of household essentials arrived at their grocery stores, John Hayden and his brother reported to the stores to help stock the shelves. The supply chain was not operating on a normal schedule, and John Hayden would often get a text from someone at the store at odd hours that the store needed help.

Growing up in a small town community, John Hayden was not surprised that other childhood friends who were also home from college were willing to pitch in and help his family’s business. Times like these really brought the community together. One evening, a truck came in after Piggly Wiggly closed for the night, and a local church came to the store to help stock shelves.

John Hayden’s father has always managed by working in the store alongside his employees, which was more important than ever in these times. He watched his dad check in on the well-being of employees amidst the pandemic. John Hayden was proud to have a part in the family’s business during the spring.

Now, John Hayden is interning for Trask Land Company in Wilmington, North Carolina. Trask Land Company is another family’s business. John Hayden is doing a rotational program. He has learned about leasing and is conducting market research for future developments in southeastern North Carolina. John Hayden will return to UNC this fall as a senior. He is involved in the student led Family Business club.