
Living Local with Frisbee Real Estate
Living Local with Jay Egolf
Episode 32: Jay Egolf, Henderson County Commissioner and Lifelong Local In Episode 32 of Living Local with Frisbee Real Estate , Ed sits down with Jay Egolf , a longtime Henderson County resident, former school board member, local business owner, and current Henderson County Commissioner for District 5 . Jay shares stories from more than five decades in the area, his family’s history in the local automotive business, and what led him into public service. Jay has called Henderson County home since 1972 and attended local public schools before heading to college at Chapel Hill. After working in the automotive industry in Utah and North Carolina, he became increasingly involved in local issues, first serving six years on the Henderson County Board of Education and later running for County Commission. Today, he represents District 5 but emphasizes that his responsibility is to residents throughout all of Henderson County. The conversation gives listeners a practical look at what the Henderson County Board of Commissioners actually handles, including county budgets, property taxes, zoning and ordinances, courthouse projects, sheriff’s department funding, growth, and coordination with local municipalities. Jay also talks about one of the themes that matters most to him: communication. Even when people disagree, he believes sitting down, listening, and understanding another person’s perspective can solve a lot of problems before they grow larger. Jay also shares the history of Egolf Motors , his family’s longtime Henderson County automotive business. His grandfather began operating locally in the early 1970s, and Jay started washing cars at age 13 before eventually working in sales, service, management, and dealership ownership. He shares stories from selling his first vehicle in Salt Lake City, expanding into Brevard, navigating the automotive industry during the 2008 recession, and eventually selling the family dealership after decades in business. The episode also touches on Jay’s experience living with celiac disease and the challenges of finding truly gluten-free dining options. He gives credit to local restaurants and businesses that understand cross-contamination and mentions places like Arabella’s, Chick-fil-A, and Jimmy John’s as businesses where he has found workable options. When it comes to enjoying Henderson County, Jay encourages residents and visitors to explore beyond the usual stops. He recommends Carl Sandburg Home, Jump Off Rock, downtown Hendersonville, local farmers markets, apple orchards, and farms along Highway 64 East . His biggest message is simple: support local farmers, explore different parts of the county, and appreciate the mix of growth, agriculture, small towns, and rural character that makes Henderson County unique. This episode is a great conversation about Henderson County growth, local government, community leadership, small business history, agriculture, and what it means to truly know the place you call home . As always, keep living local.

