Today, their projects often include luxury outdoor features like pools, fire pits, kitchens, and sound systems — investments that make homes more enjoyable for owners and appealing for vacation rentals. Chad credits tourism as the key driver behind this growth. “Without tourism, people wouldn’t pay to have their properties upkept or to do projects in the off-season. Tourism allows us to employ our team year-round and keep great people working right here in the county.”

Businesses like Yardworks and Emerald Poolworks show that the impact of tourism reaches far beyond restaurants and hotels. Every visitor who falls in love with the area sparks opportunities for local service-based businesses, helping keep the local economy strong and supporting stable, year-round jobs for Carteret County residents.