Brent Honeycutt, who co-owns Honeycutt and Grady CPAs in downtown Benson, received the Benson Area Chamber of Commerce’s highest honor last month. From the chamber to Mule Days to sports leagues, Honeycutt has a hand in nearly every activity in town.

“The activities and volunteerism of this most deserving man could go on for hours,” chamber leaders said during the award presentation.

A Benson native, Honeycutt got his bachelor’s degree in business administration from UNC-Chapel Hill after he graduated from South Johnston High. He began his career at an accounting firm in Garner before returning to his hometown to strike out on his own.

When the firm opened in 1982, Honeycutt had no other employees and just two clients referred by his father. “I started from scratch with nothing,” he said. Since then, he and partner Tim Grady have grown the business to 14 employees and a thriving small-business accounting and income-tax service.

Honeycutt got active in the Chamber of Commerce early, and he’s been involved in its committees and projects since, including a stint as president in 1995.

“I wanted to give to the community as a whole, and the chamber has complete coverage over the community,” Honeycutt said. “I felt like that would also be a natural extension of my civic-mindedness.”

He helped start the chamber’s education and small-business committees. And he and Grady organized the first benefit golf tournament that’s now held annually before Mule Days. “That was back when golf tournaments weren’t really common in our area,” he said.

Honeycutt also helps stage Benson’s two annual parades, during Mule Days and at Christmas. “Working with the parade is always fun,” he said.

Honeycutt has been active in Benson’s arts scene ever since he joined the school band in fifth grade. He’s performed in theatrical productions in town, though most people know him for his gospel quartet performances. Honeycutt’s done that for more than 25 years, including participation in the State Annual Singing Convention in Benson. “I love music, and I love Southern gospel music particularly,” he said.

Honeycutt has coached countless youth sports teams. He serves on the advisory board for the Benson Area Medical Center. And he’s a lifelong member of Pleasant Hill Church.

Looking to the future, Honeycutt wants to help other business leaders continue Benson’s focus on a strong downtown and make the town attractive to young families.