Meet Our Team!

Bill Godwin
Bill Godwin

Bill is the Owner and General Manager of Paper Skyscraper. He is a Charlotte native and grew up enjoying Paper Skyscraper like so many born and raised Charlotteans. In 2019, Bill purchased Paper Skyscraper from the shop's founders. The store continues to serve as a destination and gathering place. Operating a Charlotte institution is no small task and in his time away from the store, he is spending it with his daughters or crafting a game plan for their next soccer match.

Lauren Burns

Lauren called New Mexico home for a time. Her family had lived there since before it was a state. Then in 2014, she moved to Charlotte and is still happily discovering all that North Carolina has to offer.

With a background in marketing that spans brand strategy and digital campaigns, Lauren brings both creativity and a love of data to the team.
Gift-giving is her love language, so helping customers find the perfect meaningful or playful gift is a natural fit. When she’s not at the shop, she’s spending time with her partner Bill, their four kids, or their corgi Saban—who you just might spot lounging near the register.

Robert McAlexander

Originally from the scenic foothills of the Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia, Robert brings both Southern charm and a wealth of experience to his role. After graduating college, he began his professional journey in Northern Virginia before relocating to Charlotte in 2011.

Robert’s extensive background in retail makes him a perfect match for our core value of “delighting our guests.” He is passionate about creating engaging shopping experiences and has a natural ability to build meaningful connections with customers and team members alike.

Outside of work, Robert enjoys quality time with his wife and daughter. He’s also an avid explorer of Charlotte’s dynamic music and food scenes, often seeking out new spots to enjoy with friends.

Hayden Jones

Originally from Morganton, NC, Hayden brings a strong work ethic and thoughtful approach to everything he does. Known for his smarts, steady determination, and team-first mindset, he’s a valued part of our crew.

Outside of work, Hayden is a self-proclaimed comic book nerd and an avid hiker who’s always up for exploring a new trail. He’s also no stranger to adrenaline—having raced motocross competitively since the age of 14. Whether he’s deep in a story or tearing up the track, Hayden brings passion and focus to every pursuit.

Rebecca Arnold

Our Freight Manager, Rebecca, is a North Carolina native.  She is originally from Raleigh, but spent a couple of years living in the mountains of Western North Carolina before moving to Charlotte in 2020.  Outside of work she loves bopping around town with family and friends and experimenting in the kitchen with her husband.

Claiborne Williams

Claiborne is a North Carolina native and grew up in Raleigh. After completing his studies in Film Production at UNC Charlotte, he worked as a touring musician and then producer in the sound design industry in and around Charlotte.

He joined the team 5 years ago as Freight Director, learning the store from the shipment that arrived day to day. Currently, Claiborne serves as the Marketing & Media Manager.

Follow the page (@paperskyscrapergifts) and send him a joke, or a cute dog video.

Away from the store, an instrument of some sort is always around. Claiborne works as a private music instructor to a handful of students. Outside of all the music, you can find him playing hockey, supporting the Carolina Hurricanes, or watching Star Wars.