Your Future Neighbor: Meet Dr. Coates
- susankeller7
- Aug 13
- 4 min read
If you’ve spent any time around Smithfield, chances are you’ve already felt the ripple effects of Dr. Kathleen Coates’ presence—whether through her thriving audiology clinic, her generous community initiatives, or simply her way of making everyone feel like they belong. As the 2024 Jimmy Creech Small Businessperson of the Year, Dr. Coates embodies the spirit of service, legacy, and small-town pride that we’ve seen time and again in our Your Future Neighbor series.
Like past neighbors featured—from community leaders, non-profit leaders and business owners to volunteers—Dr. Coates reminds us that choosing to live and work in Smithfield is about more than location. It’s about purpose, connection, and giving back.
How would you describe Smithfield’s sense of community to someone considering moving here?
I grew up in a tiny town in Ohio-less than 1,000 people-where community wasn't just a word, it was a way of life. Neighbors looked out for each other, involvement was expected, and connections ran deep. That's why, when I came to Smithfield, something immediately felt familiar. That same sense of belonging, of home, was here waiting for me. What I love most is running into familiar faces, striking up conversations that turn into friendships, and being part of something bigger than myself. Smithfield welcomed me with open arms, and I'm proud to give back to a town that reminds me so much of where I started.
What first brought you to Smithfield, and what has made you decide to stay?
My husband and his family have deep roots in this community - generations who have lived, worked, and raised their families right here. We're now living in the very house his grandparents built, which makes our daughter the fourth generation to call it home. This place isn't just where we live-it's where we're meant to be. I truly believe God had a plan for me here. From the moment I arrived, it felt like He was stitching together the threads of my past and my future in this exact spot. And now, with both roots and purpose firmly planted, we look forward to many more years of growing, giving and building a life in this community we proudly call home.
As a small business owner, how would you describe the local environment for entrepreneurs in Smithfield and the surrounding area?
We've been incredibly fortunate to tap into the wealth of local resources available to small businesses in the area. From the support of our phenomenal Triangle East Chamber of Commerce to the invaluable guidance of the Johnston Community College Small Business Center, we've found a strong foundation for growth and connection.
You were recently named the Jimmy Creech Small Business Person of the Year by the Triangle East Chamber of Commerce. Can you share a story about your clinic and community involvement that makes you especially proud?
In 2023, my husband, Jordan Coates, launched the Coates Community Giving Pledge—a promise to invest 5% of our clinic’s profits each month back into the heart of our community. Through this pledge, we partner with local churches, civic groups, and nonprofits whose tireless work uplifts neighbors in need (learn more here) Being able to share our success in this way has been deeply rewarding. Not only do we provide vital funding, but we also shine a spotlight on the incredible organizations transforming lives around us. By amplifying their missions, we invite our patients, friends, and fellow businesses to join us—because building a stronger, more caring community is something we can all achieve together.
Smithfield has seen exciting growth in recent years. From your perspective, what is your vision for the town's future development?
I’m truly excited to witness the continued growth happening in our area. As someone who loves connecting with people and serving patients through meaningful work, it’s inspiring to see more individuals and families choosing to put down roots here. What makes it even more special is watching that progress unfold while still preserving the small-town charm and deep sense of community that make Smithfield—and our surrounding rural areas—so unique.
Now, as a mother, that vision takes on even greater meaning. I pray that this season of revitalization creates lasting opportunities for the next generation—strong schools, vibrant businesses, and the kind of resources that allow children like my daughter to dream big and build a bright future—without needing to leave for a big city. There’s something powerful about being able to stay close to home and still thrive. And I believe we’re building that kind of place right here.
From her roots in a tiny Ohio town to planting new ones in Smithfield, Dr. Coates brings a deep love for community wherever she goes. Her story is one of legacy—living in a family home passed down through generations—and of vision, through both her clinic’s giving pledge and her hopes for Smithfield’s next chapter. As we continue to meet the neighbors shaping the future of Local70, Dr. Coates shows us what it means to invest in more than just business growth: she’s helping build a town where families can thrive, businesses can serve with heart, and everyone has a reason to stay.
