Whether you believe leaders are born that way or hone their skills as they mature, you know when you have been in the presence of a real leader – someone who has made a difference. One such person in Morgan County is Charles “Bud” Swisher.

Independent business is tough business. Operating an independent retail clothing store – in today’s era of big-box retailers and plentiful online vendors – is even tougher still. But that’s exactly what Jack and Carolyn Ward, owners of Ward’s Apparel in Mooresville, have done for the past 41 years.