If you have ever taken a stroll down Riverbend Drive, you have probably seen Brian and Barbara McCuiston out walking their two Yorkies, or sometimes carrying them when the little ones have decided they have had enough exercise. After fourteen years in Bermuda Run, the McCuistons have become a familiar and beloved part of this friendly neighborhood community they are proud to call home.

Brian is a true North Carolina native, born and raised in Winston Salem. As a kid, he spent countless hours helping in his family’s business, R and M Sporting Goods, which once thrived inside Hanes Mall. Those years taught him hard work, connection, and perseverance, values that have guided him ever since. After graduating from North Carolina State University with a degree in Computer Science, Brian began a successful career in healthcare technology sales, a profession that still keeps him busy today.

Barbara’s journey started a few states north. Originally from Michigan, she came to Winston Salem one summer for an internship, never imagining that the trip would change her life. During that summer, she met Brian, and before the leaves had time to turn, the two were engaged. When Barbara returned home to complete her master’s degree at Michigan State University, the couple stayed connected and planned their wedding. Once she graduated, Barbara made North Carolina her home, beginning both her marriage and a career that would span nearly two decades. Today, Barbara serves as the Vice President of Human Resources at Sunrise Technologies in Winston Salem. Her natural warmth and steady leadership have made her a respected voice at the company for almost twenty years.

Brian and Barbara raised their two daughters, Katherine and Julianna, right here in Davie County. Both followed their father’s path to North Carolina State University and proudly joined the Wolfpack family.

Katherine, the oldest, has built an impressive career as a meteorologist and already holds two Emmy Awards for her exceptional work. She recently married her husband, Jack, who shares her love of animals. Together, they have a home filled with energy, laughter, and one very loved dog.

Julianna, their younger daughter, has always been an animal lover, and that passion naturally led her to a career as a veterinarian. Her gentle approach and deep compassion make her especially beloved by her feline patients, and she remains the family’s go to cat expert.

At home, Brian and Barbara share their lives with two Yorkies and one cat who rule the roost. Walking the dogs is part of their daily rhythm, though walking sometimes turns into carrying when the Yorkies decide they have gone far enough.

One of the things the McCuistons love most about Bermuda Run is the sense of connection. “People wave when you walk by,” Barbara says. “It is such a friendly, welcoming place.” They also enjoy the community’s social spirit, especially Wine Club, which gives them a chance to relax, laugh, and connect with friends old and new.

When he is not working or spending time with the dogs, Brian is often found behind his bass guitar or keyboard. He plays in a local band called Catastrophe Journal, which blends rock and alternative influences. The group released its debut EP earlier this year, featuring seven original songs now available on all major streaming platforms. One of the band’s highlights came when they performed at the Bermuda Run Summer Concert Series, a moment that Brian describes as both thrilling and humbling. The band is already at work on a new album that they plan to release next year.

For the McCuistons, travel is another passion that brings them joy and inspiration. They have explored Italy, Spain, Switzerland, France, and Turkey, and they hope to expand their adventures even further in the years to come. Experiencing new cultures, trying local foods, and embracing fresh perspectives have become cornerstones of their shared journey.

Fourteen years after settling into Bermuda Run, Brian and Barbara say they cannot imagine living anywhere else. Their days are filled with music, laughter, and the happy chaos that comes from life with two Yorkies and a cat. But beyond the daily routines, what stands out most is their gratitude, for their family, their neighbors, and the community that has truly become home.

Whether they are walking the dogs, playing music, sharing stories at Wine Club, or planning their next big trip, Brian and Barbara bring warmth and joy to everyone around them. The McCuistons remind us what makes Bermuda Run such a special place, a community built on kindness, connection, and a love for living life to the fullest.