Wade higgs: Making a living, Working Behind the Scenes

February, 2001--As visitors pass lazy days on the beach, local folks work behind the scenes to provide them with services. Wade Higgs and his wife Joy are two young entrepreneurs who say they know the secret of working hard in paradise.

"You got to focus on one thing at a time," says Wade, as he fixes a broken screen at a rental house he cares for.

Wade spends most of his time serving up fresh fried fish at his Seaside Take Away near the fishermens dock. He's improved it with a deck over the water that takes advantage of one of the best shade trees spared by hurricane Floyd. Wade also manages the Seaside Laundromat, handles freight collections for the Daybreak, and is building a house for himself and Joy. Joy also works multiple jobs: she manages her Seaview take away at the foot of Government Dock--home of the best sloppy conchburger--and she works on the side as a maid.

"Nothing comes easy," says Wade. "You got to work for it."

Wade credits his faith as a prime stabilizer in his life. He ministers at the Wesley Methodist Church where his men's group, choir practice, Sunday school, and Bible Study fill every extra minute.

"You've got to remember what's important in life," he says.

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