Patricia McCoy Hill cuts the ribbon Tuesday morning during a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the new downtown location for her Hilltop Insurance Services and N.C. Realty. Behind Hill is her husband Maurice. Others include Mount Olive Area Chamber of Commerce officials Edward Olive, chairman, front row, left; Melissa Kilpatrick, immediate past chairman, front row second, from left; Julie Beck, president, front row, third from left; and far right, Leora “Sam” Jones, Chamber ambassador; and Pernell Brickley, second from right, board member. Hill purchased and rennovated the strip shopping area at 212 N. Center St.(Steve Herring|mountolivetribune.com)
For Patricia McCoy Hill of Dudley buying and renovating a strip shopping area and then relocating her businesses there was a step of faith.
It was also an expression of her confidence in her businesses and in downtown Mount Olive. It is a confidence shared by local businesses and town leaders.
Tuesday morning a ribbon cutting was held for her Hilltop Insurance Services and N.C. Realty at its new location at 212 N. Center St.
The move is being welcomed by local business and town leaders as a sign of a healthy downtown and the efforts to further revitalize the area.
“It has been an experience,” said Hill, a Southern Wayne High School graduate. “I always say the playing ground isn’t level, but I love a good fight.”
Asked how she has been able to accomplish so much, Hill’s response is simple — “to God be all the glory.”
“You have done a great job because I have been in here before,” said Julie Beck, Mount Olive Area Chamber of Commerce president just prior to the ribbon cutting. “It is amazing. Those who may not know, she still has a couple of offices here available for rent. So if you know anyone who is interested or might be looking a place, please tell them to contact Patricia.
“We are glad to have you as a Chamber member; glad that you choice to stay in downtown. I think it is great that Patricia has already had a business in downtown Mount Olive, and I appreciate the fact that she chose to stay in downtown Mount Olive.
It is a very unique situation in that it is a minority-owned business — for a black woman to own a business, several businesses actually, Beck said.
“It really speaks volumes about our community and what we have going on,” she added.
“I am just proud to have her as a Chamber member and for her continued commitment to downtown as we continue to revitalize our downtown.”
Not only did she move locations where she had one facility, but now she has bought this strip mall with three different offices and has done some major renovations, Beck said.
Also, within her office there are other offices, she added.
“So there are just lots of opportunities for small businesses, people who want to get involved and maybe start a business for the first time — they can be a part of this,” Beck said.
“So this is really great. It is not just relocation of one business, but many opportunities for other businesses.”
Ed Olive, Chamber board chairman, introduced Chamber board members.
“What a beautiful day it is; what a beautiful space this is,” Olive said. “Patricia and team, hats off to you all. Kudos to a great job in turning this into your next home.
“We love it. We appreciate you joining the Chamber. We welcome you with open arms to continue with the Chamber. We are glad to be a part of your ribbon cutting today. And again we extend our congratulations to you.”
Mayor Pro-tem Barbara Kornegay, who is helping guide downtown redevelopment, was unable to attend the ribbon cutting.
However, she agreed with Beck.
“Businesswomen like Patricia Hill who purchase and operate their own businesses are vital to downtown economic development,” Kornegay said. “We appreciate Patricia’s efforts and support the move to the new location.”
As a teenager, Hill dreamed of becoming an honorable businesswoman. Today, she is living that dream — not only as a highly respected entrepreneur, but as a wife, mother of seven and grandmother of 13.
For Hill, her journey to success has been one of faith, resilience and unwavering determination.
Hill’s first husband died in an accident, leaving her a widow with four young children.
In the wake of that hardship, Hill learned firsthand the importance of financial security and the devastating impact of inadequate life insurance.
Determined to turn that pain into purpose, Hill entered the life and property insurance industry in the early 1990s. She became an advisor to her clients.
In 2014, Hill opened a storefront insurance office in downtown Mount Olive to assist a colleague. In 2019, she purchased the business giving birth to Hilltop Insurance Services — Wayne County’s first black female-owned and operated insurance company.
In 2025, Hill purchased the strip shopping center at 212 N. Center St.
The space not only houses her thriving businesses, but provides office rental spaces for aspiring entrepreneurs looking for a place to grow, she said.
“Car insurance is the main thing I do right now,” Hill said. “But I do all kinds of insurance — life insurance, annuities, homeowners insurance. Also, I am a real estate agent.”
An active elder in her church, Hill considers her work a ministry and finds fulfillment in helping people prepare for life’s uncertainties.
Currently, Hill is the only employee in office, but she is looking for licensed employees.
“I am just looking forward to grow, grow, grow,” Hill said.
Hill said that she and her team are more than just business professionals —they also are community advocates dedicated to strengthening the local economy and serving families with integrity.
The business is open from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
For more information call Hill at 919-658-8980.
