CH2: Celebrate Hilton Head - December 2013 by CH2/ CB2 : Celebrate Hilton Head / Celebrate Bluffton

DECEMBER 2013

FEATURES

CONTENTS

december 2013

124

>> features

P41

P56 C2 Gift Guide

P61 Bachelor vs. Bachelorette 2014 Meet the Top Ten!

P76

>> Business profiles

P70 Louette A unique boutique

Top Dollar Pawn Ray Clark knows the pawn business, and he’s quick to say it’s nothing like what you see on TV.

P134 Look at those Eyes! Indulge Spa goes Xtreme with lash extensions

BACHELOR VS. BACHELORETTE

MEET THE TOP 10 & VOTE FOR YOUR FAVORITE!

BEFORE MIDNIGHT, AFTER MIDNIGHT YOUR MOM WAS RIGHT. NOTHING GOOD HAPPENS AFTER MIDNIGHT

CENTER FOR INNOVATION

STAYING POWER

HAPPY HOLIDAYS

THE

DON RYAN

P112

On Our Cover: Photography by Krisztian Lonyai Hair & Make-up by Danielle Keasling/Salon Karma Model: Karla Elizabeth Ronaszegi

P116 Happy New Year 2014! Before Midnight: A Fashion Spread by Krisztian Lonyai

>>> ON OUR COVERS

FROM ALL OF US AT CH2

LOWCOUNTRY BUSINESSES THAT HAVE STOOD THE TEST OF TIME DECEMBER 2013

The Man Cave Every guy should have a place to call his own.

Is your home healthy? Healthy Environments’ Tim Silcox answers most frequently asked questions by homeowners about keeping their houses clean and “healthy.”

DECEMBER 2013

Staying Power

P148

P142

P81

The Sound and the Glory Greg Critchley ushers a visitor inside “The Sound,” his high-security Hilton Head recording studio that local musicians are touting as the only truly professional recording space to be found for many miles in any direction.

The Nail Bar Since opening eight months ago, Jason Nguyen has some exciting plans for phase two of Nail Bar, including a point program, a couple’s night or motherdaughter night in which Nguyen would offer after-hours services and a special activity like a movie on his 96-inch movie screen.

CH2 CELEBRATE HILTON HEAD!

The Don Ryan Center for Innovation Incubating businesses and Bluffton’s new economy

P144

P138

ENJOY THE HOLIDAY SEASO

This could have been on our back cover: Photography by Mark Staff Hair and Make-up by Christine Stephens and Annie Emison of Karisma Salon Models: Carmen Williams and Leo Wilkerson

DECEMBER 2013

Being Better, Christmas Edition The art of gift giving

After Midnight: C2 Shenanigans by Mark Staff Photography Your mom was right. Nothing good happens after midnight.

P52

P124

42nd Street With some of the most loved songs in all of theater this big, bold, Tony Award-winning musical will bring you to your feet, celebrating the stuff dreams are made of!

ENJOY THE HOLIDAY SEASON…

DON'T DRINK & DRIVE! A PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT BROUGHT TO YOU BY SEA PINES LIQUOR & CH2 MAGAZINE

From the Editor

12.2013

2 Publisher / Editor-in-Chief: maggie washo Art Director: Kelly stroud Art & Production Catherine Davies Advertising Sales: Ashton Kelley kim crouch Kandace wightman Kaity Bennett Executive Assistant Hunter Kostylo Contributing Writers: KItty Bartell Michael Connelly Frank Dunne Jr. Rebecca Edwards Andrea Gannon Courtney Hampson Linda S. Hopkins Drew Laughlin MICHAEL PASKEVICH Pete Popovich debbie Szpanka Lisa Sulka Contributing Photographers / Artist: Photography by anne mark staff Photography Photography by Krisztian Photography By Jordan Strum John Brackett Photography Contributing Art Direction: Tom Staebler P.O.Box 22949 Hilton Head Island, SC 29925 843.689.2658

We present to you the issue that almost killed me. Thanks to everyone who came out to support the Island Rec Center at this year’s Bachelor vs. Bachelorette White Party at Park Plaza!

lthough I’m not generally one to fuss when things go wrong, this month I’ll admit I found myself pretty overwhelmed. There were many late night (think midnight) photo shoots, weekends at the office and brainstorming telephone calls with my team until 11 p.m. at night. If something could go wrong this month, let me assure you it did. But I guess that’s what happens when you have a recordbreaking month. At some point last week, when I was about at my limit, thoughts began swirling in my head. “Does anyone really care that we put in all this effort? Am I happy? What is the meaning of life? Should I run off and join the Peace Corps?” And you know what came to mind? All the letters I received last month regarding my November cover quandary. Letters, upon letters, upon letters. They weren’t all kind (seems a lot of you do not like tattoos at all), but most of them were. I especially loved

Steph’s comment, which gave me an attitude adjustment when I needed it most. Her comment was simply, “I truly love getting this magazine every month!” So to everyone who wrote to me last month, this issue is dedicated to you. And to Steph, wherever you are, I truly LOVED getting your note. I’ve decided the Peace Corps can wait. For now… Happy Holidays to everyone and have a SAFE New Year’s Eve!

M. Washo Publisher / Editor-in-Chief

m.washo@celebratehiltonhead.com

www.celebratehiltonhead.com

DECEMBER 2013

Letters

To the Editor...

Regarding a line in the sand about Common Core I understand Courtney’s perspective and I applaud her for wanting more for her students. I, too, want more for my students (my children) but I don’t think Common Core is the answer. I am disappointed that Frank didn’t take the opportunity to enlighten more people to the real issues. Instead Frank took a more mud slinging comical approach…which is the point of the series of monthly topics (I suppose). My resistance to Common Core comes from the same resistance that educators and parents have always had: We don’t want kids to be experiments; we don’t trust the business model as a way to run education; we are wary of the corporate and political influence involved in the process; we are sick of standardized tests being used to value a school, a teacher, and a child; and we are tired of having initiatives thrust on top of them without them even being sort of ready to be implemented. -Mary Frances Lowrey

64% 36%

Without a doubt, the tattooed man should have been your cover art. :) -Brucie Holler

Turkeys vs. Tattoos EDITOR’S NOTE: Last month, I asked our readers if they were in my shoes, which of these two covers they would have chosen. We certainly did get a lot of responses. While most of the letters we received were in favor of the turkeys, our fans on Facebook clearly preferred the tattoo cover, out LIKING the turkeys 64 to 36. Hi Maggie, You made a good choice. I’d venture to guess that 99 percent of Americans (save a few vegans) love the anticipated Thanksgiving turkey. The percentages decrease greatly for tattooed bodies, especially by those over 40. If I were younger, I would invest heavily in laser tattoo removals, a business that will undoubtedly thrive as the inked ones begin to regret some of the symbols and sayings that they obtained in a moment of “keeping up with the fad.” They may look good on a buff body, but with time, everything sags and starts pointing toward Brazil. It’s not quite the same effect. I enjoy your editorials. Best Regards, B.A.

Hi there! You’re definitely not an old fuddy-duddy! I really love the turkeys (the ones inside the magazine, too). They’re great. I am a Hilton Head Island native who just moved back after trying to live in Murrells Inlet and Greenville. They just weren’t home. Thanks for your time! Kristin 24

www.celebratehiltonhead.com

PS. The tattooed football guy is excellent eye candy, but I love those turkeys! :)

Maggie, Hope all is well with you. Up in Columbus watching “hell” slowly descend on Ohio! Just read Nov. CH2 online; it was either that or lick and paste Green Stamps. I love the magazine, and even though the cover was a bit tame, I think it was much less scary than the guy with all the tats, who I think had to have done a little time at some local correctional facility! I have two tattoos, and I also do a lot of prison ministry in Ohio and S.C. and bet a very large dude at Lucasville Prison in Ohio (only maximum security in Ohio) $5 that I would get one and he still has not paid me. Another fact with tattoos is that if you get one you will ALWAYS get at least one more! I think the wild side of you wanted “Tat Man,” but the boss decisionmaker part of you won out which was the best choice. Best Regards, Dr. Evans

Dear Maggie, Great choice... I, for one, feel the turkey cover for November is a most creative and “fun” cover. You chose wisely! I do believe the tattoo one would have discouraged me from picking up the magazine. Maybe I’m a fuddy-duddy too, but let’s say then the majority of the folks who live on Hilton Head Island may be also. With all the wonderful local artists on the island and in Bluffton, I believe I will be in the majority in liking the cover. It captured my attention immediately! I love all the various turkeys on Page 52. Gary Palmer did a wonderful job depicting the true holiday spirit. After all, Thanksgiving is a family tradition, and you have kept that image just that! It’s a fun and thankful time of year... it put a smile on my face! Kudos to you for making the right choice! Happy Thanksgiving to you and all at CH2! My best, Sandy

DECEMBER 2013

Letters

To the Editor...

M, I am so turned off by this tattoo thing. To me it seems ludicrous to have something so permanent etched into the body. Decorative? No way. I see it as a scar that will never ever go away. “Decorating my house,” says the lady in the interview describing the reason for her tattoos. Will she never, ever want to redecorate her “house?” Women change their clothes, shoes, purses, at a whim! Why would they want the same design plastered on

their arm, neck, stomach, etc. without the option to CHANGE or ERASE? I also do not think a magazine such as yours needs to promote this idiotic craze as cool and artistically expressive. A tattoo does not help you get a job. A tattoo can ruin a relationship. A tattoo is usually strange. A tattoo will stretch and change as the body ages. What are the positives? -D

M. Washo, I was reading the November issue of CH2 and saw the cover choices. I am a 39-year-old nurse. You would never suspect me to have a tattoo. I didn’t until recently. I think more and more people are getting tattoos later in life. Either making a statement, holding onto youth and fun or symbolizing something special in their life. I always knew I wanted one, but as you stated before, it is permanent. I have really been reminiscing about my grandmother. How we always would grow and pick roses together. So I finally knew what I wanted. I never want to forget those times I shared with her. So I had an orchid tattoo placed in her memory permanently on my upper back. I love it. ;) So to answer your question on which cover to pick: definitely Colin Kaepernicks! Plus, he is not bad to look at. ;) Hope this helps. Ashley

www.celebratehiltonhead.com

DECEMBER 2013

Dear Ms. Washo, I appreciate your more traditional instincts with the very artsy Turkey cover. I would like to think this form of art still prevails with the majority of your readers, and the public as well. But who knows?! This is the first time in a long time that I have read your magazine from cover to cover. I must say, I am impressed and found it thoroughly enjoyable with colorful ads, and captivating with its informative articles. The “A Line in the Sand” article has me really wondering which viewpoint is more valid. I have a tendency to be an Obama skeptic since I voted for him twice and he has let me down more times than that! On the other hand, who can doubt the sincerity of Courtney Hampson and her first-hand experience with an actual student. I would suggest a follow up article with more feedback and results. And finally, the tattoo article. Since I am decidedly old (and old-schooled!), I was not even interested in this topic. However, in the spirit of the magazine, I decided to delve into the subject and see what was said about what I consider to be a total waste of time and money. I found the background of the tattoo movement fascinating and the reasons for getting tattooed legitimate and of

DECEMBER 2013

merit for many. The suggestion of doing a temporary one first and living with it for a while makes sense to me and seemed to be a good way to make up one’s mind, either pro or con. So congratulations on putting forth a very compelling, informative, interesting and very artistically done issue of CB2. Richard

Ms. Washo, For what it’s worth, you did make the right choice for the November cover. Tattoos for Thanksgiving? Give me a break. Gary Palmer’s turkeys were very cleverly drawn, and I, also, found them humorous. I find little humor or cleverness in tattoos. Tattoos may go over well in San Francisco, but that’s a totally different culture out there which they can keep out there! We may be getting older, but we don’t have to abandon our sense of good taste for what I believe to be another current fad that will pass with time. Happy Thanksgiving! Jim

www.celebratehiltonhead.com 27

Letters

To the Editor...

I like your choice. I am sick to death of seeing Tattoos!!!!!! Keep up the good work. -Betty Reid, Smith Mountain Lake, VA

Cover was fantastic. Enjoyed all the turkey renditions. Sorry, nothing against tattoos but I really don’t want to see it on the cover of a Hilton Head magazine. -Martha

I truly love getting this magazine every month. -Steph “

I love the cover of the November issue! However I am anticipating the ink cover…perhaps after the holidays! -T. Mervin

I prefer the turkey to the tattoo, but it depends on what you are going to do with the magazine. If you want a dignified magazine on your coffee table, looking at a guy’s tattoos plus the waistband on his underwear is not what you want to see for a month. It might be attention-getting at a newsstand, and maybe the younger generation would like it better. Some magazines have two covers when there is a conflict :) That way the more conservative folks can have the turkey and the trendy set can look at tattoos!”

www.celebratehiltonhead.com

I like the turkey cover. -Cinda YEA! YEA! Best cover is the Turkey!!! -Pat Pollak

Thank you for having selected the wonderful, whimsical island turkey design of Gary Palmer, ( and including his other depicitons of island turkey) for your cover. It was this very imaginative drawing that caught my attention, and made me take a copy of the magazine home. I most definitely

would not have even given the magazine a second look had the cover picture shown the tattooed fellow. The consequence would have been unfortunate for me, as I not only thoroughly enjoyed reading this edition of your magazine, but also have been directed to many new shops/businesses that I didn’t previously know about. I absolutely love the turkey, Marlene Masales

DECEMBER 2013

Letters

To the Editor...

Hello, I am responding to your article in CB2 where you were conflicted about what cover to use for the November cover, and actually, I agree with your art director, I would have went with the guy with the tattoo. I am a retired Marine, I served 20 years, and I have lived here in Bluffton since

www.celebratehiltonhead.com

2005. Since that time frame, I watched Bluffton grow and evolve. I am in my mid-40s, and I have a son who is in his early twenties and serving in the Marines as well. We all, including my wife, have tattoos. My tattoos represent myself (sarcastically) and some important trials and journeys in my life, but no Marine Corps symbols. My wife has a rose on her leg with my son’s name underneath. my son, however, has the traditional Marine Corps tattoo on his back. How ironic eh? I normally read your magazine on occasion to see what’s new around town, and I was disappointed that you were what I called “gun-shy” or “playing it safe”. Do you feel that this cover was in bad

taste? That is the impression that I get from you choosing the current cover. You started out with this article on a good note, showing Bluffton’s diversity, and bridging the generation gap, but you set yourself back by being too conservative. I think I am way older than you, despite your mustache! (LOL) Your magazine represents what Bluffton is about, you can not state “Celebrate Bluffton and Beyond”, and stay conservative for readers sake. There is a lot of people older and younger that have tattoos. I know guys who are

decades older than me that have tattoos, and did not involve bar scenes, and they have a story to tell as well. Showcasing things like this about Bluffton encourages growth and development within our community, how else are we going to learn about Bluffton? To answer your question yes you were being “fuddy-duddy” which by the way nobody uses that term unless.......I will let you fill in the blanks, my son did not know what you meant, and I had to show my age thanks ;)! r/ Ed McKay SSgt USMC Retired (Not old, just better!)

How to reach us: Email your letter to the editor to m.washo@celebratehiltonhead.com. We have the right to print all letters and emails submitted to CH2 magazine. We reserve the right to edit for clarity and brevity.

DECEMBER 2013

C2 A SERIES OF FORTUNATE EVENTS

www.celebratehiltonhead.com

Welcome Back

Congratulations

RE/MAX Island Realty would like to announce the return of awardwinning realtor, Mark Desjean. He has been selling real estate on Hilton Head Island since 1987 and was the #1 RE/MAX Agent in South Carolina every year from 19902008.

Nada Lindstrom has been named broker-in-charge at Premium Properties of Hilton Head, located on New Orleans Rd. Lindstromâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s real estate career spans 16+ years on Hilton Head Island. Previously associated with another island firm for 12 years, she joined Premium Properties of Hilton Head as a sales executive in 2010.

A Big Achievement Jackie Reynecke, longtime tournament director of the Palmetto Dunes Tennis Center, recently received top honors for her volunteer work in the Hilton Head Island tennis community. The United States Tennis Association (USTA) South Carolina named her the League Volunteer of the Year for 2013 for her work with the organizationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s South Carolina tennis league.

Way to Go! Andrew Rice, director of instruction at Berkeley Hall, was recently named a TrackMan University Partner. Partners are awarded exclusively and by invitation only to individuals who contribute extensively to the research and development side of the corporation. As one of only 11 partners in the world, Rice travels throughout the U.S. conducting seminars for NCAA coaches, golf academies, and regional/national PGA Sections.

DECEMBER 2013

December 2013

Welcome Hope Rowe AuD, CCC-A has joined Christina Gwozdz, MD of Palmetto Ear, Nose and Throat, P.A. as the new audiologist. Rowe has a Doctorate of Audiology and specializes in diagnostic hearing testing and hearing aid sales and service for all ages and is welcoming new patients

A New Coffee Shop Twenty/20 Cafe recently opened at 10 William Pope Drive in the SunGate Medical Center and serves quality gelato, hand-roasted coffee, and other artisan items.

Partnership Day Break of the Lowcountry, the leading provider of in-home senior care, has announced an exclusive partnership agreement with VetserV to offer their clients another financial option for receiving quality care in their home.

Party Time On October 9, the League of Women Voters Hilton Head Island/ Bluffton Area hosted a Wine, Cheese and a â&#x20AC;&#x153;Bit Moreâ&#x20AC;? Party to celebrate the services of our elected officia. DECEMBER 2013

www.celebratehiltonhead.com 33

Engaged! Congratulations to Jessica Deckert and Brendan Long on their engagement!

Good Deeds The ServeFest team from Live Oak Christian Church of Bluffton recently helped renovate the Literacy Volunteers of the Lowcountry, the Boys and Girls Club and Family Promise.

A New Team Member Margaret S. Day, Esquire has become of counsel to The Law Firm of David Parker Geis on Hilton Head Island, handling divorce, custody and probate matters.

East meets West Hugh and Linda Lockman of Sunset Grille took their show on the road last month, pairing up with Greg Bouchaine to present a wine dinner menu for the 2013 Bouchaine Chef Series. The many courses accentuated southern cuisine indigenous to the Lowcountry.

A New Team Member

Wedding Bells Carrie Anne Chandler and Paul Wayne Bailey II, both of Hilton Head Island, married on September 21 at a private residence in Port Royal Planation. The couple spent their honeymoon in St. Lucia and will reside on Hilton Head Island. DECEMBER 2013

Marge Dwyer has joined The Alliance Group Realty, located in the Fresh Market Shoppes on Hilton Head Island.

To be included in our next Series of Fortunate Events, please email Ashton Kelley a PHOTO and A SENTENCE (not a paragraph) at a.kelley@ celebratehiltonhead.com. Photos will not be accepted without a sentence. Sentences will not be accepted without a photo. Paragraphs will be edited down to one sentence. Get it? Got it! Good.

www.celebratehiltonhead.com 34

DECEMBER 2013

www.celebratehiltonhead.com 35

O’clock

5 It’s

Wednesday

Charbar Co.Live music with Reid Richmond!- Join us for half price happy hour from 4-7PM with live music outside (6-9PM)

Tuesday

Sunday

Monday

somewhere!

Charbar Co.Live music with Reid Richmond!- Join us for half price happy hour from 4-7PM with live music outside (6-9PM) Ruby Lee’s- Dec. 3 & 10: Terry Grant & All that Jazz Riptides- Shag Lessons

Ela’s Blu Water Grille- Live music (6:30-9:30PM)

Big Bamboo- NYE Reggae Party (7:30PM)

Ruby Lee’s-Sunday Special

Mellow Mushroom (Bluffton)- Trivia Night (9PM)

Lodge Craft Beer and Burger Bar$1 Pasta Night $1 for each bowl of pasta with red sauce and slice of garlic bread, $1 for meatball, $1 for sausage – any combination you like (Begins at 5pm – All Night)

Charbar Co.- NFL Football, All Games, ALL Day- Join us for NFL food & drink specials all day; gameday bar snacks, $12 beer buckets & More!



Ruby Lee’s- Sterling & Shuvette (Every Monday) Big Bamboo- Johnny Breeze (6PM-9:30PM)

HAPPY HOLIDAYS! Charbar Co.Live music with Whitley Deputy!Join us for half price happy hour from 4-7PM with live music outside (7-10PM) Mellow Mushroom (Hilton Head)-Trivia Night (9PM)

Bayley’s Bar & Tavern(Sonesta Resort) Daily Happy Hour throughout December! Irish coffee & hot chocolate available to guest. (5-6:30PM)

Send your event/entertainment listing to c.davies@celebratehiltonhead.com

Old Fort Pub- Happy Hour(5-7PM) Ruby Lee’s- Reggie Deas & Lavon Stevens Big Bamboo- Reggae Night with Patwa (10PM-1:30AM)

Saturday

Ruby Lee’s- Dec. 5: Deas Guyz De. 12, 29 & 26: Target the Band

Friday

thursday

Ela’s Blu Water Grille - Live music (Starting at 8PM) Charbar Co.- Tommy Sims (Every Friday 7-10PM) Vineyard 55- Patterson Colt and the Peacemakers (Every third Friday) Electric Piano- Dueling Pianos! All Request Live! & $3 and $4 Shot Specials!

Vineyard 55Neil and Bob (Every third Thursday)

Riptides- Carolina Beach & Shag music Big Bamboo- The Beagles (6:30PM)

Ela’s Blu Water Grille - Live music (Starting at 8PM) Charbar Co.- Live Music with Mike Bagenstose!Join us for half price happy hour from 4-7PM with live music outside (7-10PM) Electric Piano- Pinnacle Vodka Ladies Night, Classic Rock Beach Music & Motown with the Simpson Brothers Big Bamboo- Johnny Breeze (6PM-9:30PM) Electric Piano- Charlie Denison All Request Show & Pinnacle Vodka Ladies Night!

Skull Creek BoathouseDec. 21: Full Moon Party Live Music by Damon and the Sh**kickers (7:00PM-11:00PM) $4 Cruzan Rum and $5 Pinnacle Vodka Drinks. (4:00PM-Midnight) Charbar Co.- Jason Damato, Sammy Passaloukas & Special Guest & All Day Football Specials

The Jazz CornerDec.6:Honoring Nat King Cole w/ Reggie Deas Dec. 13: Sinatra Style Christmas w/ Bobby Ryder Quartet Dec. 27&28: Hotlanta Dixieland Jazz Band (8PM)

Ruby Lee’s- Earl Williams & Alexander Newton (Every Sat.) Riptides- Saturday Night Live! The Black Marlin- Dec. 28: Total Cluster Shuck Local Oyster Clusters. $15 Full Buckets, $10 1/2 Buckets. Fresh Blue Crabs. $1.50 Bud Light Drafts and more! Live Music (6:00PM-10:00PM) (4:00PM-Midnight)

DECEMBER

2013 SUNDAY

MONDAY

2 3-21

EVERY SUNDAY BRUNCH WITH SANTA Sonesta Resort 10AM-1:30MPM Through Dec. 22 Reservations required: (843) 842-2400

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

TOYS FOR TOTS Through December 12th Sonesta Resort Donations can be dropped off at Front Desk.

9-15

2013 CHARLESTON DANCE FESTIVAL DanceFX Studios Charleston, SC $15 charlestondance festival.com

8 DAYS ‘TIL CHRISTMAS! HAVE YOU BEEN NAUGHTY OR NICE?

Sonesta Resort Through Dec. 23 Winner announced December 20th!

4-29

EVERY THURSDAY FARMERS MARKET IN OLD TOWN BLUFFTON Every Thursday 2:00-6:00PM Calhoun Street farmersmarketbluffton .org

23 GREGG RUSSELL CHRISTMAS CONCERT 7:30-9:00PM Relish the spirit of the holidays with an evening in Harbour Town

24 PHOTOS WITH SANTA CLAUS The Sandbox 12:30PM-1:30PM Museum closes at 2PM thesandbox.org

13TH ANNUAL POLAR BEAR SWIM 10:00AM Show your adventurous side by taking an invigorating dip in the Harbour Town Pool on a chilly winter day. (843) 842-1979

www.celebratehiltonhead.com

11TH ANNUAL FREE COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS DAY DINNER 11AM-3PM First Presbyterian Church (843) 304-1086

31 NEW YEAR’S EVE CELEBRATION! 7PM & Midnight Join us for a festive New Year’s Eve ball drop from the top of the Harbour Town Lighthouse! (843) 842-1979

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

AMATEUR GINGERBREAD HOUSE COMPETITION

42ND STREET

6-7:30PM First Baptist Church Free & Open to Public! www.fbchhi.org/ SANTA CLAUS VISITS THE SANDBOX 10:30-11:30AM An interactive reading of “Twas the Night Before Christmas.” thesandbox.org

WOMEN’S ASSOCIATION OF HH ANNUAL CHRISTMAS LUNCHEON Sea Pines Country Club 11AM-12PM wahhi.com

Arts Center of Coastal Carolina Preview tickets December 4-5 are $45 for adults and $31 for children 4-15; regular tickets are $55 for adults and $37 for children $45 adult, $31 children December 4-5; $55 and $37 thereafter. artshhi.com

CLASSIC CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL

THURSDAY

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

6 BLIZZARD Blue Heron Trail Ridgeland,SC $5/snow & bouncy house www. bgclowcountry. org

2013 ENMARK SAVANNAH RIVER BRIDGE RUN 9AM-7PM Savannah, GA SavannahRiver BridgeRun.com

139 “SANTA TECHNOLOGY SHOPPING LIST: SMART GUIDE FOR PARENTS” HHCA 8:00-9:30AM www.hhca.org

EVERY FRIDAY CAMPUS TOUR Every Friday Hilton Head Christian Academy 9AM-10AM (843) 681-2878 hhca.org

14 10 BREAKFAST WITH SANTA & A HOLIDAY DANCE PERFORMANCE Bluffton School of Dance 8:30AM; $8 (843) 815-2619

21 HH HOSPITAL JINGLE JINGLE RUN 9AM-11AM Hilton Head Regional Campus & Main Street $30/$35 after Dec. 17th. People who donate toys will qualify to win a Holiday Gift Package valued at over $150. www. bearfootsports. com

EVERY FRIDAY & SATURDAY THROUGH DECEMBER 21ST

HOLIDAY LIGHTS & FREE PICTURES WITH SANTA! South Beach Marina 3:00PM-7:00PM Bring the whole family and well behaved pets! www.saltydog.com

DECEMBER 2013

42nd Street Taps into Your Love of Great Musicals

article by Andrea Gannon // Photography by Jordan Sturm

t’s that time of year to bask in all things sparkly, twinkly and bubbly! All three can be found in abundance this holiday season at the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina, when 42nd Street, one of the most beloved shows of all time, bursts onto the stage. This dazzling production proves that you don’t need tinsel, carols and faux snow to completely delight an audience during the holiday season. On stage from December 4-29, 42nd Street extravaganza is full of life, color and energy, making it a truly wonderful production for all ages, and is in fact, a perfect event to share as a family. Like the 1933 Busby Berkeley film from which the stage musical was adapted by Michael Stewart and Mark Bramble, 42nd Street is set against the Depression, and was the ideally-timed escapist fare for this era. And there’s nothing depressing about this non-stop fun show at the Arts Center either. From the opening curtain ascending two feet to reveal only a line of timestepping feet, through the rainbowhued “Dames” and gilt-edged “We’re in the Money,” to the tap ballet, you’ll be swept up in the inspirational, beat-theodds, showbiz story that is a perfect

DECEMBER 2013

From left, Gabrielle Ruiz (who plays Peggy Sawyer) and Nic Thompson (who plays Billy Lawlor)

dose of optimism for the holiday season. Returning from New York City once again, is one of the Arts Center’s most beloved directors, Casey Colgan, casting his unique kind of stage magic once again,

while creating a wonderful tribute to the exhilarating excitement of the grand Broadway musicals. It’s also a celebration of some exceptional artistic talent. This is a story of hard work, being in the right place at the right time, talent and love. It’s the timeless “backstage” fable, tracing a Broadway musical-comedy from casting call to opening night. The show-within-the-show’s director Julian Marsh (Jeffrey Watkins) loses Dorothy Brock (Susan Powell), the headliner of his Broadway-bound show Pretty Lady, to an onstage mishap, allowing for the game but unproven, apple-cheeked Peggy Sawyer (Gabrielle Ruiz) to step into the spotlight and begin her own rise to showbiz stardom. Peggy has exactly 36 hours to learn 25 pages, 6 songs and 10 dance numbers. As Julian says, by the next evening, he’ll have either a live leading lady or a dead chorus girl! A hint of romance is in the air between the confident but infinitely likable lead Billy Lawlor (Nic Thompson) who sings, dances and charms his way into and Peggy’s heart—and ours—with his “Young and Healthy” (with Ruiz) to heading up the snappy, sensational “Dames” production number.

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Cast of 42nd Street

Throughout the show, you’ll be doing all you can not to sing along (or even dance along) to the beloved classics such as “We’re in the Money,” “Lullaby of Broadway,” “Shuffle on Down to Buffalo,” and, of course title song “42nd Street,” in this quintessential tap-dancing show with one glittering production number after the other. There’s no doubt that this tap-happy musical features a dazzling rat-a-tat tap style that is irresistible. Close your eyes during one of the crescendo chorus-line numbers and you will hear the clicking synchronization of countless dancing feet. It’s a credit to choreographer Kelli Barclay and the show’s energetic hoofers that the riveting tap is so precision-perfect. Barclay comes to the Arts Center from New York City, who in addition to dancing on Broadway herself, worked alongside Randy Skinner on many Broadway musicals including Ain’t Broadway Grand, Irving Berlin’s White Christmas, and the revival of 42nd Street, all earning Tony nominations for Best Choreography. The set and lighting design are both rendered in an art deco style by Terry Cermak, vice president of production. Adding the Colgan-signature sparkle and shine, Diana Griffin created the costume design for the show, using period designs that replicate the era of the early ’30s. Music direction is by the talented Bradley Vieth, back to the Arts Center for his seventh show, most recently having musically directed last summer’s Chicago. 42nd Street was a surprise smash when it originally opened on Broadway in August 1980, directed and choreographed by Gower Champion, who died hours before the opening curtain. Drawn from the film of the same name, and fueled by a score culled from various Warner Bros. movie musicals, this is one of the longest running musicals in Broadway history. Winner of the 2001 Tony award for Best Revival of a Musical and the Drama Desk award for the same category, 42nd Street makes us all believe that dreams can come true! Audiences craving unbridled pizzazz and a respite from holiday chaos should race to get their tickets to 42nd Street, which runs from December 4-29 at the Arts Center. Tickets are $45/adult and $31/child for previews on December 4 and 5 and $55/adult and $37/child through December 29 and may be purchased online at artshhi.com or through the Arts Center Box Office at (843) 842-ARTS (2787).

M A Y or

Drew Laughlin H ilton Head Island

Photography By Anne

Your Town at Work

his fall, the Town of Hilton Head Island has been hard at work on several new capital projects. These projects will provide our residents and visitors with improved infrastructure, safer travel ways and a new emergency service facility. Here is an update on a few of our most recent projects: New Pathway connecting Jarvis Creek Park and Honey Horn to Gum Tree Road Pathway users now have safer access to Jarvis Creek Park and Honey Horn by using the new pedestrian pathway built this fall. The project also included a signalized crosswalk and traffic safety lane modifications on U.S. 278. The far right lane of east bound traffic must turn right at the intersection with the Cross Island Parkway, and motorists leaving the Cross Island Parkway have a free flowing right turn onto U.S. 278. Staff worked closely with the SCDOT to achieve these safety enhancements that will benefit motorists as well as pedestrians. William Hilton Parkway Intersection Improvement at Leamington The town has begun construction on a new roadway intersection improvement project at William Hilton Parkway (U.S. 278 Business) and the entrance to Leamington. Construction is scheduled to be completed by mid-March at a cost of roughly $730,400.00. Along with the 40,000 or so motorists who travel through this area daily on U.S. 278, residents of the Leamington Community and patrons of the Fresh Market Shoppes and Hargray offices will benefit directly as they will be able to make safer left turns to and from William Hilton Parkway at a signalized intersection. This project will improve traffic safety in the corridor, enhance emergency response to adjacent properties, and improve pedestrian safety and connectivity of the town’s ever-expanding pathway network with a new signalized crosswalk at the new intersection. Replacement of Fire Station 6 (Palmetto Dunes) Construction is underway on the replacement of Fire Station 6. This facility will be located just outside the main gates of Palmetto Dunes and is an 11,500-square-foot structure that will be used to house emergency responders who serve the midisland and Palmetto Dunes areas. While this new station will be a continuation of the existing model used for the last several new stations, it will be the town’s first LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) project. The grand opening is scheduled for July 2014. Your town council is proud to be in a position to improve the quality of life for its residents. These are just three of the 38 public projects we have this year. Thank you for your continued support for our Capital Improvement Program, and I hope that you like some of the improvements the town has made this year. Best wishes for a safe and wonderful holiday season! 

www.celebratehiltonhead.com

DECEMBER 2013

M A Y or

Lisa Sulka B LU F FTON

Photography By Anne

Family, Friends, and Fun at DuBois Park With the completion of the DuBois Park Pavilion, the Town of Bluffton has provided yet another amenity to the Old Town area. Work on the playground earlier this year has provided our youngest residents and visitors a safe place to grow and play. The pavilion provides a place for moms and dads to set up picnic lunches and take the sleeping babes out of the sun while they watch big brothers and sisters run, jump and climb in an imaginative playground. The pavilion now provides restrooms for these little people (and not so little) to use while they are on the playground or visiting Old Town. The changing tables located in both restrooms also offer an opportunity to take care of the babies’ needs safely. Picnic tables are available at the pavilion and playground to help out with those picnic lunches, and more picnic tables are being constructed and shipped to the park for everyone’s use.

As Old Town continues to flourish with new shops and restaurants, DuBois Park provides a pleasant destination in which to enjoy tasty treats purchased at the farmers market, get out of the sun and rest a bit, serenely swing along the walkways and take the children, allowing them to spend some of the energy built up as they wait for Mom and Dad while shopping. My favorite thing about these new projects being built around town is seeing how people use them. Last Sunday, I dropped by DuBois Park and saw children climbing on the shrimp boat in the playground with others playing some kind of a ball game— surely one they invented—on the big grassy area. Underneath the shelter, I spied some parents relaxing in the shade between a pile of presents on one table and food on the other. Surely this was a birthday party in progress, and it looked like all were having a good time. As Old Town continues to flourish with new shops and restaurants, DuBois Park provides a pleasant destination in which to enjoy tasty treats purchased at the farmers market, get out of the sun and rest a bit, serenely swing along the walkways and take the children, allowing them to spend some of the energy built up as they wait for Mom and Dad while shopping. While DuBois Park can be a great rest stop or way station for people strolling through town, this place can also be a gathering spot in its own right. For example, the pavilion also provides a catering kitchen with a sink and window counter for special events. This feature makes possible food-centered events such as family reunions, scout troop fundraisers, or even a cooking contest! Of course, with its wide expanse of grassy lawn, combined with the comforts provided by the pavilion, DuBois Park could be the perfect venue for many other types of events such as birthday parties, alumni reunions, a string quartet, movie night, or open-air art. The possibilities for fun at this special park are endless, and we welcome your creative ideas on how to use it.  DECEMBER 2013

www.celebratehiltonhead.com 45

A Line in the Sand

Photography By Anne

One subject. Two opinions.

Frank Dunne Jr.

Where Have all the Babies Gone?

’ll tell you up front; I’m not sure what Courtney’s angle is here. The idea comes from Newsweek article from last February, “Where Have All the Babies Gone?” It’s about a downward trend in birthrates in the United States. The article’s deck gives the gist: “More and more Americans are childless by

choice. But what makes sense for the individual may spell disaster for the country as a whole.” Disaster for the country? What the authors mean is with increasing numbers of Americans shunning procreation we won’t have enough productive working

citizens to sustain the society down the road. In other words, the choice to remain childless is making sense for an increasing number of individuals, but there are severe consequences for the nation. My question is, how do Courtney and I split that down the middle? This is her answer: “Well, you don’t have kids (true) but do you want them? Are you willing to change your whole life?” By that I assume she’s saying having children is a personal choice. It is, but she ends it right there. That would leave me with having to argue that to offset the projected consequences, we would have to force people to have babies, and I’m not going there because that’s crazy—it’s Orwellian. So I’ll just give you my

Courtney Hampson

wo words: Justin Bieber. One look at all of the Beliebers out there, and I think this is the perfect time in history to stop, take a look around, and say, what the heck have we created? I look at some teenagers today and wonder, “What planet are you from? Why is your hair hanging in your eyes, and why do you have this weird twitchy-hair flip thing? Why are you unable to use your hands to move your hair from your eyes? Why are you taking pictures of yourself (and everything on the back of your toilet) in your bathroom mirror? Why are you using social media to tell the world every single detail about yourself? Why is your underwear hanging out? Do your parents know you have the word “juicy” embroidered across your

rear-end?” It was an interesting Newsweek article circa February 2013 that spawned this month’s debate. Here is an excerpt: “The fertility rate among women has plummeted, since the 2008 economic crisis and the Great Recession that followed, to its lowest level since reliable numbers were first kept in 1920. That downturn has put the U.S. fertility rate increasingly in line with those in other developed economies— suggesting that even if the economy rebounds, the birthrate may not. For many individual women considering their own lives and careers, children have become a choice, rather than an inevitable milestone—and one that comes with more costs than benefits.”

Frank Dunne Jr.

thoughts on this problem’s causes, from which you should quite easily deduce my solution. Courtney’s response is congruent with the attitudes exhibited by some of the young women interviewed for the article. Quote: “Kids, they change your entire life. That’s the name of the game. And that’s not something I’m interested in.” To illustrate that this attitude is a growing trend, the authors point out that fertility rates among American women are at the lowest levels since anybody started counting in 1920, and suggest that the weak economy is at least partially to blame. They go on to say, “For many individual women…children have become a choice rather than an inevitable milestone—and one that comes with more costs than benefits.” So now children are seen as nothing more than a balance sheet item. All of that said, the authors present as inevitable: “…as boomers hold on to life and on to the pension and health benefits promised by the state while relatively few new children arrive to balance their numbers and to pay for those promises.” The attitude expressed by these young women reveals a certain sense of selfishness and a devalued concept of family that is seen throughout the culture. Where is this coming from? Media is largely responsible; just look at how family life and values are incessantly mocked and ridiculed in TV sitcoms, movies, and elsewhere. But it goes beyond that. How is it that children and families have become economically unfeasible for so many? If you know a thing or two about economics, you know that boom and bust cycles are caused by interventionism. That is, 48

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How is it that children and families have become economically unfeasible for so many? If you know a thing or two about economics, you know that boom and bust cycles are caused by interventionism. central planning attempts to control the economy through taxing and spending and stimulus schemes; they’re not caused by the free market. Sound familiar? Now let’s talk about those pension and health benefits promised by The State, e.g., Social Security and Medicare. Isn’t the condition of those programs enough evidence that The State is incapable of keeping such promises? So why does The State continue down a path that is certain to bankrupt The People? Now they want to pile on with Obamacare. Why do we allow it? The authors conclude the article with: “We should listen carefully. In the coming decades, success will accrue to those cultures that preserve the family’s place, not as the exclusive social unit, but as one that is truly indispensable. It’s a case we need to make as a society, rather than counting on nature to take its course.” That pretty much nails it…except for one thing. This “baby slump” is anything but nature taking its course. It’s the exact opposite. People being born, living their lives without interference from The State, achieving goals and dreams on their own and raising families to repeat the cycle and perpetuate the human race is the natural order of things. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all!  DECEMBER 2013

Courtney Hampson

The article suggests that declining U.S. birth rates will irreparably damage our country, our society. And apparently, it is the fault of women. Women like me who Baby Boomers (those born 1946-1964) had a plethora of siblings. So when boomers started having families, they likely scaled back on the whole kid thing because they watched their parents struggle. Because they wore hand-me downs their entire life. Because they never had their own room. Because they never had a new bike. have chosen not to have children. Who have chosen career over diaper. Well, this puts a whole new spin on the right to choose doesn’t it? First, let’s look at the numbers of births in the United States over the last 60 years. 1950 3,632,000 (24.1%) 4,257,850 (23.7%) 1960 3,731,386 (18.4%) 1970 3,612,258 (15.9%) 1980 4,179,000 (16.7%) 1990 2000 4,058,814 (14.7%) 3,999,386 (13 %) 2010 Yes, percentages are down, but we have to look at the raw numbers too. It isn’t fair to look at percentages only when percentages are being compared to the Baby Boom generation. Um, it was called a “boom” because it was the highest spike in births over an 18-year period. We’re looking at a rise, a fall, another rise, and now the start of another fall. A cycle. Baby Boomers (those born 1946-1964) had a plethora of siblings. So when boomers started having families, they likely scaled DECEMBER 2013

back on the whole kid thing because they watched their parents struggle. Because they wore hand-me downs their entire life. Because they never had their own room. Because they never had a new bike. And because they didn’t want their child getting the crap kicked out of him by his five older brothers every day. It is a cycle. Just like economic downturns. (There was one in the ’70s, the ’80s, and the ’90s.) History repeats itself. How else could you explain that people are cuffing the bottom of their jeans again? That is so eighties. And yet oddly 2013, too. Why don’t we wait and see how this actually plays out? The future of our country and our society should not be a factor when deciding whether or not to have children. It sounds selfish and maybe it is, but who else should I be thinking about? Birth rates are down. So are teenage pregnancy rates. That is a good thing. Or would we prefer that teenagers continue having unprotected sex and unwanted pregnancies? Deciding not to have children is a tough decision. Having children because society deems you should is careless. I could bore you with more data, but let’s face it. You’re already bored from reading Frank’s opinion. So, let’s keep it simple: History repeats itself. Boot cut jeans are back. So are skinny ties. And plaid flannel. Heck, Jason Priestly is back as Justin Bieber. Let’s relax and remember the late, great Mark Twain who said, “A favorite theory of mine—to wit, that no occurrence is sole and solitary, but is merely a repetition of a thing which has happened before, and perhaps often.”  www.celebratehiltonhead.com 49

 Golf Tips From a Pro

Pete Popovich, 2012 HHIPGA Player of the Year

Supersize That? The advantage of oversized grips We live in a world where everything is oversized. The oversize phenomenon has even crept into grips, in particular, putting grips. Where oversize might not be good for some things—our waistlines, meals, etc.—it might actually prove beneficial to our putting. Let us examine why. Conventional putter grips are small in diameter, i.e. thin. Unless they are built up by adding tape under them in the installation process, many of them are no bigger than one inch in diameter. As the fingers and hand close around the handle, if the grip is not large enough to accommodate the hand, the trailing hand wraps too much on top of the grip, causing the trailing arm to ride high at set-up and during the stroke. (PIC 1) This causes the arms to work on a separate plane from the rest of the body and target line. As a result, your stroke moves outside to in, as it follows the plane of the arms, which results in missed putts. (Notice how you can see the bottom half of the lead forearm.) (PIC 2) Using an oversized grip allows the lead arm and the trailing arm to be on the same plane. (PIC 3) When this occurs, not only are the arms in alignment with one another, they are also in alignment with the target line and the body lines. This is all good, regardless of what putting theory you apply. If you are having trouble with your putting stroke, it might PICture 2 be the result of a putter grip that is too small. Try a larger grip and see if it fixes your set-up and results in more putts made.  For more information, email us at pete@ golfacademyhiltonhead.com, contact us on Facebook at ‘Golf Proformance Acadmey-Hilton Head or call us at (843) 338-6737.

PICture 1

PICture 3

(GOOD.)

(BAD.)

B e i n g Better q

The Art of Gift Giving Article by Kitty Bartell

ike the Island of Misfit Gifts, is there a drawer or closet in your home filled with presents you received that you are considering re-gifting? Are you ready to resort to gift cards for all, and to all a good night? Do you avoid looking at the gift list you wrote in early November because the thought of finding, buying, wrapping, and presenting them makes you a bit nauseous? Have you ever dropped off a gift on your neighbor’s doorstep or your co-workers desk, hoping they weren’t going to be there to open it in front of you, because you’re just a bit embarrassed with the obvious no-thought-put-into-it theme you’re going with this year? Being a better gift giver is possible, and it doesn’t require blowing your budget or taking a leave of absence from your job. Being a better gift giver begins by simply paying attention. There is an expression that says we have been given one mouth and two ears because we should listen twice as much as we speak. When it comes to finding a great present for someone,

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I like to add that we have also been given two eyes to assist our ears in their quest to overcome the almighty mouth. If you really listen to what someone says and watch what they do throughout the year, you will have a notebook filled with gift ideas. Conversations are loaded with great ammunition to arm you when it’s time to get inspired. Does your boss keep it all business until her grandchildren are mentioned? A photo album! Does your aunt always know who’s on the New York Times Bestseller list and talks passionately about volunteering as a reader at the senior center? A book light! Does your daughter sleep with her tennis racquet tucked under her pillow? Cool tennis backpack! Clues … clues … clues … right before your very eyes, ready to make you better. One of my favorite tricks to gathering those perfect give ideas is when I’m shopping with a friend or relative. Some of my most well-received gifts have resulted from an annual girls’ day that my sister spearheads when we’re together during the

DECEMBER 2013 December

(BAD.)

(WORSE.)

q summers in Northern Michigan. We can’t always be together, and sometimes one of the guys even tags along. But when we do manage it, what happens is a great lunch followed by some aimless meandering through the charming shops overlooking Little Traverse Bay. The things my mother-sister-daughter-niecebrother talk about and pick up are like mined gold for the aware gift giver. A notebook is key—something small that is always with you to jot down ideas. A brother obsessed with finding the best gelato… Hmmm, I know how to make a great pistachio gelato…check. A niece who wants to stop at every bead shop in the county to feed her need to make jewelry… Hmmm, she may not have asked for it, but a gift card to Michael’s would help her supply… check. Yes, sometimes gift cards are thoughtful. One caveat to all this inspired meandering: do not confuse your own wishes with those of your recipient. You may have seen the perfect pair of gold hoop earrings or tasted the most

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sublime lemon verbena jam, but likely, these are not good ideas for others. Now is the time to use your mouth and express how much you love what you see, and hopefully one savvy gift-giver will catch on and it will be under the tree for you on Christmas morning. With the holidays upon us, it may be too late to do all this meandering and careful reflection; however, it is not too late to be thoughtful. Choosing one gift for everyone isn’t usually the road to better gift giving. However, if “everyone” means that all your co-workers will receive a pretty package filled with candies you made from your grandmother’s recipe, go for it; but please don’t give all your female relatives, ages 2 to 82 matching nightgowns… cute Christmas picture, but that’s the end of it. Also, ’tis the season for impulse buying. RESIST! I love the lists of gift ideas magazines and TV shows start pumping

DECEMBER 2013

(FAIL.)

out in early November. Who doesn’t want to see what the Today Show’s top toy picks are, or the latest makeup trends? What I try to do is keep specific people in mind who are on my list to glean inspiration from the media blitz and then stick with a plan. Also, all those displays at the front of stores with piles of gifts priced to entice… I repeat, RESIST! Finally, the hot-potato subject of re-gifting: When you re-gift, it’s obvious, really. We may be gracious enough not to call you out, but we know. I even have a couple of gifts that were excellent re-gifting decisions because they were perfect for me; they just weren’t perfect for my friend. These I consider happy accidents, and if you have something that you know, without question or doubt would be perfect for someone on your list, then go for it. But proceed with caution and always consider if it might not be better to donate it to charity. If you are re-gifting, ask yourself, am I being better? Receiving gifts graciously and being appreciative of those who put some thought into what you may like/want/need helps make you a better gift giver. And if you do receive a gift from someone who is not on your list, say thank you, and move on. It was thoughtful, but I say, along with many etiquette gurus, you do not need to respond by coming up with something for which you had not planned. Simply be gracious. One of the best things about delivering just the right gift to just the right person is that you get a warm glow deep inside that can send shivers of the season right up your spine right to your heart. Here’s to being better … and to all a good night. DECEMBER 2013

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( ( CH2

Gift Guide 

Pure Fiji Hydrating Body Lotion A great gift for that special lady in your life! After a long day of pampering at the Arum Spa at the Sonesta Resort, finish with this hydrating lotion, complete with a bionetwork of essential nutrients and vitamins for skin’s daily requirements. - $34 Sonesta Hilton Head



 Shot Gun Shell Jewelry For the Lowcountry girl who wants to “sport” an outdoor look. Handcrafted, made in the USA. Bullet earrings with Swarovski crystal and leather cuff with brass finish shot shells. - $25 to $30 Gigi’s - Calhoun Street, Old Town Bluffton

Tapestry Boots by Rockwell Tharp Make a statement in these fabulous knee-high boots $475 Palmettoes Sea Pines Center



Get the Look at Chella D Coat by Ringspun, $110, Handbag by Charm & Luck, $85 Scarf by Chella D, $15 Chella D Boutique Consignment South Island Square

Vance Kitira Woven Scarf in Aqua Nothing dresses up a winter wardrobe like a scarf—and you can never have too many! - $18 Louette A Boutique The Village Exchange

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Ashley Hahn Portraits Freeze this moment in time with the gift of portrait photography. Contact Ashley Hahn (843) 384-9225

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Hobie Pro Angler 12 This Ultimate Fishing Machine is adventureready with six rod holders, a fully adjustable seat, a standing platform, built in cooler, tackle boxes in flush compartments, customizable electronics mounting boards, Hobie Mirage Turbo pedal drive system and much more! A complete fishing boat at a fantastic price. - $2889 Outside Hilton Head Shelter Cove

Garmin Approach S4 GPS Golf Watch The Approach S4 is a featurepacked hi-res touch screen GPS golf watch with precise yardage to the front, back, and middle of the green, including doglegs and layups, for over 30,000 international courses. Plus enjoy extended battery life and free lifetime updates. The Approach S4 offers a dedicated Green View button with manual pin positioning. Smart Notification lets you receive e-mails, texts and alerts from your iPhone (iPhone 4s and above only). $349.99 Robert Trent Jones Pro Shop Palmetto Dunes

( ( CH2

Gift



Guide

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Stained Glass with Nautilus By Judy Apol $585 Nash Gallery Shelter Cove Harbour

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DogTheGiftSAlty Set South Beach Marina 69 Arrow Rd. Tanger 2 Outlets saltydog.com

Block Print Nightshirt Add a monogram to make it personal. 100 percent cotton. $74 Cocoon 17 Sherrington Drive, Bluffton

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Hand-carved and painted wooden Russian Santa $179 Blue Parrot Village at Wexford

Tria Hair Removal Laser 4X The first FDA-cleared laser available for home use, the Hair Removal Laser 4X uses the same diode laser technology preferred by dermatologists to target and permanently disable the hair follicle for permanent results. $449 FACES DaySpa Village at Wexford

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www.celebratehiltonhead.com



Good Ole Mountain Shine Old Appalachian recipe handed down for generations, made with pure mountain spring water. Come by for a FREE tasting and pick some up for your kin. Sea Pines Liquor, Sea Pines Center

Tory Burch canvas bags in Black/Ivory or Navy/Black Large $195, Small, $150. The Porcupine Village at Wexford

DECEMBER 2013

 The “Wet” Brush The Healthy after shower brush... No tears, no snags, no clumps, and no tangles! Wet Brush $12.00 Lil’ Wet Brush $9.00 Hair Designers Village at Wexford

 Peter Millar Vest and Long Sleeve in Soft Cotton Fleece $125 and $145, respectively Teague’s Menswear Village at Wexford

andrew

Ruffle Red Front Top

DECEMBER 2013

G O L F

Gift Certificate Series of 5 or 10 Sessions Hourly Lessons andrew@andrewricegolf.com

For the Golfer on Your List



Celebrate the color of the season with this festive holiday blouse Luciana 37 Arrow Road

RICE

Andrew Rice Gift Certificate Give the gift of instruction to the golf lover on your list. (843) 247-4688 or Andrew@ andrewricegolf.com

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Meet the

Top Ten!

Bachelor vs. bachelorette

Ding! Ding! Five guys and girls in the ring. Who will get the most votes and become CH2’s Bachelor(ette) of 2014? With $5000 and the cover of our January issue at stake, the competition is heating up!

The Artist 62 63 The Dental Assistant The Lady of Lexus 64 65 The Realtor The Entrepreneur 66 67 The Marketing Maven The Prep Teacher 68 69 The Reporter The Business Owner 70 71 The Pre-school Teacher Now it’s your turn to get in on the act. We have no electoral college at CH2 so EVERY VOTE counts. Go to www.celebratehiltonhead.com and cast a vote for your favorite guy or gal. But hurry – the polls close at midnight on Friday, December 13th.

Thanks to all of these lovely men and women we were able to raise over $7000 this year for the Island Rec Center. That’s a whole lot of $3 votes! (2,333 votes, to be exact.) Special thanks to our sponsors The Porcupine, Outside Hilton Head, Old Fort Pub, CQ’s, The Art Café, Bomboras, Advanced Integrated Controls, South Island Square & Hospice Care of the Lowcountry. A BIG HUGE THANK-YOU to the hosts of our WHITE PARTY, the restaurants and bars of Park Plaza: Mellow Mushroom, EP Lounge, Riptides, Trattoria Divina and CharBar Co.!

Lincoln Joly Age: 21 Occupation: Art Teacher at the Boys and Girls Club Hometown: South Dartmouth, MA.

DECEMBER 2013

www.celebratehiltonhead.com 62

Nadia Pavon

Age: 23 Occupation: Dental Assistant Hometown: Miami, FL 63

www.celebratehiltonhead.com

DECEMBER 2013

Allison Saunders

Age: 46 Occupation: Client Advisor Hometown: Wilmington, NC

Barry Ginn Age: 61 Occupation: Real Estate Agent Hometown: Varnville, SC.

Taylor Whitehead

Age: 23 Occupation: President of HHI Jet Pack Hometown: Hilton Head Island, SC

Amber Cohick

Age: 24 Occupation: Director of Marketing Hometown: Williamsport, PA.

Brian Vangronigan

Age: 26 Occupation: High School Social Studies Teacher Hometown: Saint Louis, MO

Brittany Shane

Age: 28 Occupation: Reporter for WSAV Hometown: Pittsburgh, PA

Jason Nguyen Age: 32 Occupation: Manicurist Hometown: Atlanta, GA

Ashley Kemeny

Age: 27 Occupation: Pre-school teacher Hometown: Hilton Head Island, SC

A r t i c l e B y R e b e cca E d w a r d s

Ph o t o g r a p h y B y A n n e

u n i q u e

eslie Hughes is “boutique-ing,” not shopping, at Louette in the Village Exchange. If she were shopping, she would be sifting through mounds of clothes or shelves of home goods. She would probably feel ignored by the salesperson and less than inclined to greet the storeowner. And she would probably be merely filling a retail void, rather than actually enjoying herself and taking her time to peruse and appreciate a little time away from her three young boys. Yet, because she is boutique-ing, and more specifically at Louette, she is familiar with certain clothing designers; admiring their recent work, she is greeted by the storeowner, Heather Quinn, with a happy-to-see-you hug. She is here because ever since she first stepped inside Louette she “felt instantly attracted to how soft and how intricate everything is.” Hughes points over to a display of urban, handcrafted-looking tops and comfortable, yet posh-looking bottoms and adds, “Like those brown leggings over there—I love them. I also bought a beautiful, comfortable top from here for my Christmas family photo shoot.”

Quinn is also attracted to conscious living and is, therefore, very thoughtful and selective when choosing her merchandise. “I handpick every item and make every effort to buy organic or environmentally/sociallysensitive products made locally or in the U.S.A.”

“I want to provide a true and enjoyable experience, not just racks with merchandise with no thought behind it,” Quinn said. She also says that she “is drawn to women entrepreneurs” and hand-selects all of her vendors. Take, for example, the leather bag and accessory line Satchel. “Satchel was started by a Savannah College of Art and Design student. I carry her bags because I want to support her,” Quinn said. She is also attracted to conscious living and is, therefore, very thoughtful and selective when choosing her merchandise. “I handpick every item and make every effort to buy organic or environmentally/socially-sensitive products made locally or in the U.S.A.,” Quinn said. Yet she never forgets her customer—the everyday woman—when she goes on her buying trips. “I go to market in Atlanta and New York, and I try to focus on lines that you can’t get just anywhere else and that can fit all body types. I want to carry things that make people feel good about themselves,” she said. This philosophy also translates into Louette’s physical space. All structural materials (the walls, dressing room doors, and display tables) are made from reclaimed objects and repurposed to reinvigorate life and be mindful and meaningful. “My husband made almost every piece of furniture,” Quinn said. Pointing to a rusticated, yet mod-looking piece with a base made of several different doors cut into segments and then reassembled and painted in different colors, she said. “Like our kiosk there. I don’t know how my husband made it, but I know it’s too heavy to ever leave here.” In fact every element of Louette is a thoughtful homage, honoring her family and friends. For example, the boutique is named after Quinn’s grandmother, Louette, the woman who taught her that “no matter your circumstances, you can always afford the finer things in life—you just have to be creative about it.” Breathless Paper, Co is a line of greeting and thank you cards created and owned by Quinn’s childhood friend Jessica that offers a combination of flawless vintage imagery, great 74

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DECEMBER 2013

Other Must-Haves: •

•

Barr Co: A collection of handcrafted, made in the U.S.A. soaps, lotions and candles. Ice Milk Aprons: This gourmet line of heirloom aprons is made from 100 percent linen and comes in a mason jar. fashionABLE: The mission of this line “is to create sustainable business for Africans so they aren’t dependent upon charity, but instead earn the dignity of a job.” Quinn sells one artisan’s textured scarves, which are made from “ridiculously soft cotton.” Red Haute: A clothing line that blends simplicity and sophistication to give women fashionable and figure flattering clothes. Left of Houston: Named after “one of the epicenters of all things design, art and culture, this brand takes a proverbial left from conventional fashion approaches” to give you comfortable, yet stylish clothes. Heather Fashion: Sleek and sexy, yet totally something you would throw in your suitcase or on in a mad dash; this line is a favorite of Jessica Alba. Zebi Baby: A fusion of vintage and modern looking baby clothing that actually makes you want to be invited to a baby shower just so you can have the cutest gift. YaYa Bamboo: This woman-owned business believes “that every person can buy gorgeous products and still maintain an eco-friendly lifestyle.”

sayings and top-notch quality. These cards remind you to take the time to properly acknowledge people in your life— something that is important to Quinn and perhaps one of the reasons she is so purposeful and considerate. After all, she knows what it means to lose someone very special. In April 2012, she and her husband lost their infant daughter Harper Louette Quinn. In the wake of their tragedy, Quinn poured her energy into the boutique and was surprised and blessed with her second child Ella Grace only five months ago. (Note: Quinn is every active in The Zoe Foundation, “a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that helps uplift families who have lost infants by easing the financial burden of memorial costs, as well as providing support through local groups and peer connections.”) Though Quinn does not let her loss define her, it does give some insight into who she is and why Louette offers such an elegant, considerate boutique experience. “I want to empower people, whether it is the designer or the customer,” she said. Just as Quinn is speaking, Hughes’ mother-in-law and boutique-ing buddy holds up a Nation, Ltd. tunic and exclaims, “Leslie, this would look great on you!” Leslie smiles and so does Quinn—and that’s just the point and the purpose of Louette, a true boutique. 

Louette, A Boutique is located at 32 Palmetto Bay Rd., Suite 9A on Hilton Head Island. Visit www.louetteboutique. com or call 843.686.4141. DECEMBER 2013

www.celebratehiltonhead.com 75

i Don Ryan Center fo r I n n o v a t o n Incubating businesses and Bluffton’s new economy ARTICLE BY DEBBIE SZPANKA

itting around the conference table at CareCore National a few years ago, Bluffton’s Mayor Lisa Sulka felt a surge of decisive motivation. Those gathered were a local, human brain trust of greater Bluffton—leaders from different facets of the community— who wanted to bring better jobs to the region. Those leaders included Don Ryan, the late CEO of CareCore, county representatives, business leaders, top officials from regional educational institutions and Dr. Mac Horton, director of Clemson’s Institute for Economic and Community Development. They were debating a risky decision: Does Bluffton, known for its eclectic, artsy community and historic district, have enough innovative, creative, technical, knowledge-based companies to sustain a local business incubator? No one knew the answer.

However, Clemson University’s Institute for Economic and Community Development had a mission to establish business incubators in the state’s nonmetropolitan areas. It was Horton’s job to find towns and cities that would partner with Clemson and create socalled “technology villages.” The concept is, if the rural areas of the state ignite innovative success, the entire state’s economic engine will produce more energy. Bluffton wasn’t even on the map for consideration for the program until resident Larry Hughes attended a lecture about the concept and pitched the idea to Clemson officials. Now Bluffton was on the map and would be the first. The eyes of the state would be on Bluffton, which until 15 years ago, was one-square mile and had 738 residents. Mayor Lisa Sulka glanced around the table and made a decision. “The

train is leaving the station. We want you to join us. There will be no ticket; there will be no fare. However, Bluffton is pushing this train out of the station and we are leaving now,” she said. With that statement, Bluffton’s mission to selfdirect its own economy was born. Without knowing what greater Bluffton held in terms of innovative companies, Ryan told the group his company would donate 1,600 square feet of his building to the Center. Committed to the decision of making a business incubator work here, he was the first CEO to relocate his company’s headquarters to Bluffton and became the namesake of the state’s first incubator. Two years later, the Don Ryan Center for Innovation has graduated six companies, and the pipeline remains full of innovative companies. “The Don Ryan Center was the first technology-transfer center that Clemson

www.celebratehiltonhead.com

partnered with a community to establish,” Horton said. “Since that time of development, the Don Ryan Center has led the way for technology centers, and Bluffton is a model for other communities in the state.” “It is an honor to be the mayor of a town that isn’t afraid of risk-taking,” Sulka said. “Great risks sometimes produce great rewards, and establishing the Don Ryan Center was a risk and an investment that keeps producing results, rewards and returns.” During the Hilton Head Island—Bluffton Chamber of Commerce’s “State of Region” event in early November, Sulka said the train is moving further down the track and she and the town would love more cars to join them as it gains momentum. One of the successful cars of that train is Nutrifusion and its CEO, Bill Grand, the first graduate of the Don Ryan Center. At Nutrifusion’s graduation ceremony in May, Grand told the audience about the Center’s benefits: connecting companies with local contacts, Clemson University and research through the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC). MUSC conducted research on animals to assess the health benefits of Nutrifusion’s product, GrandFusion, a nutritional powder consisting of the nutrients of fruits and vegetables. MUSC’s research indicates the product reduces oxidative stress and can actually repair damaged DNA at the

David Nelems, executive director of the Don Ryan Center for Innovation, speaks to a packed “Coffee Talk,” a HHI-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce event.

individual cell level. Research is currently examining GrandFusion’s ability to reduce strokes, the amount of damage caused by strokes, stamina, recovery time, aging and traumatic brain injury. This research gives Nutrifusion credibility as it markets its projects to food and nutrition companies. Nutrifusion was featured in January’s Forbes Magazine, because the product was infused in the Girl Scout cookie Mango Cremes. By infusing the fruit and vegetable powder into processed foods, such as Mango Cremes, the cookie contains 15 percent of the recommended daily intake of Vitamin B-1, and five percent of the suggested

levels for Vitamins A, C, D, and B6. Grand said infusing nutrition into processed foods is very significant due to the severe decline in the consumption of fruits and vegetables and the subsequent loss of key nutrients for America’s health. “The Center provided me with resources for my business plan formation, marketing analysis and mentoring. Through those resources, I connected with the right people to complete product research at MUSC,” Grand said. “I am proud of being the first to graduate, and I plan to locate my business in Bluffton as Nutrifusion moves forward.”

DECEMBER 2013

stay headquartered in Bluffton as it introduces the service nationwide.” According to Sulka, not all companies will taste success; however, that’s part of the process. What’s important is that each company, along with the Town of Bluffton, is being proactive and directing its future. Ryan gave the Town of Bluffton the office space to launch this pilot program back in 2011. Now Hartsville and Rock Hill have followed Bluffton’s path. The plan is for non-metropolitan areas of the state to ignite a stronger economy as each company’s success adds another log on that fire. Sulka admits that when she made that decision more than two years ago, she never imagined Bluffton being the pilot and the pioneer for other cities and towns. “We are proud that we are doing our best to provide a better future for Bluffton,” she said. “It’s just icing on the cake that our progress is rippling to the region and throughout the state.” Wanted: Innovative Companies criteria used to evaluate The prospective innovators throughout the application process are based on the mission and objectives of the Don Ryan Center for Innovation program. In order to be eligible for consideration, a potential innovator should:

David Nelems, director of the Don Ryan Center, said Nutrifusion makes a perfect case for the process. “Our focus is supporting innovative companies, strengthening their potential with research, funding and business support resources. After they graduate, they base their company in Bluffton, Nelems said. “The ultimate goal is to make each company competitive. The new companies then collectively diversify and strengthen Bluffton’s economy. In the end, we want to attract high-paying, career-rewarding jobs for Bluffton’s residents.” The Center’s newest innovator, Bluffton resident Dave Ropes, cofounded mobiPET to help owners find lost pets by offering a recovery system using patented mobile image recognition technology. MobiPET is the only lost pet recovery company in the nation that offers a program allowing pet owners to instantaneously send out a photo “Amber Alert” of the missing pet. “Using the greater Bluffton area as the company’s pilot market is a natural fit since this community is so pet-centric,” Nelems said. “MobiPET is another great example of the type of innovation and creativity that exists in the region. It is a company that will experience tremendous growth but will

Business, town and community leaders in Bluffton toast the Center’s first anniversary in May 2013.

1) Be a for-profit business in a high-growth field. 2) Have a product or service that can be commercialized within a reasonable amount of time. 3) Be in the early stages of business development. 4) Demonstrate strong market for products or services. 5) The company should intend to remain in the Bluffton area. 6) Have a basic business plan or a written description of a business and a financial forecast. 7) Have the ability to pay the incubator’s monthly licensing agreement fee for the intended term of occupancy. 8) Have potential for positive economic impact on the community. For more information, visit ryaninnovation-center.com or call (843) 5400405.

www.celebratehiltonhead.com 79

Staying Power 80%

of businesses fail within the first five years

The statistics may vary according to study or website, but suffice it to say it takes a lot of hard work for a business to get to the five-year mark. We present quite a few Lowcountry businesses (and the people that are behind them) that must be doing something right. Celebrate Success! â&#x20AC;˘ Fun Facts taken from the Town of Hilton Headâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s website as well as from Images of America: Hilton Head Island

Staying Power

Sea Pines Montessori Academy

➮

Sea Pines Montessori Academy is South Carolina’s first Montessori school and holds a tri-accreditation. Established by Mary Fraser, wife of Sea Pines Plantation developer, the school is rich in history and experience. Montessori is about community, trust, and growth, and nurturing not only the whole child, but also the families. SPMA knows that when school and family work together and become one unit, each child feels comfortable, safe, confident, loved and most importantly, happy. Choosing a school is easy. Choosing the right school is a challenge. A Montessori school should feel like home, a “Children’s House” to be exact. When Maria Montessori opened her first classroom in 1907, she dubbed it Casa dei Bambini, or Children’s House. It was “owned” by the children, which is truly what sets

Montessori apart from other schools. This ownership of the environment that the students feel contributes to their pride, independence, confidence and love of learning. In the same regard, Montessori teachers are very special. They are trained for a specific age group and know that range in and out—socially, emotionally, and academically. You will not find a general K-12 instructor. Instead you will see a highly developed curriculum, amazing enrichment courses, Chinese immersion, STEM and a growing and Robotics, athletics program. SPMA welcomes your questions about their work, philosophies, and school life, and they value the opportunity to begin this journey with you. “We have 45 years behind us, and an endless number of years in front of us!”

Years in Business



Secret to Success:

Treat your students and parents like family, and always hold high expectations.

For more information on Sea Pines Montessori, call 843.785.2434 or visit spma.com.

1967

The Hilton Head Airport opens. The first plane to land belongs to Arnold Palmer. 82

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1975

Hilton Head Hospital was completed. DECEMBER 2013

Years in Business

 Secret to Success: Bringing every client comfort and peace of mind

Peter Wolf and Associates

➮

Peter Wolf has been practicing law on Hilton Head Island since 1971, mainly in the areas of estate planning, estate probate, and real estate closings. In the early ’70s, when Highway 278 was a twolane road, the island had only a couple of traffic lights, and a swing bridge that opened to let boats pass (tying up traffic seemingly forever). Wolf says he survived only because of the support of some wonderful friends who believed in him and wanted him to succeed. These friends included, among others, Ralph Hilton and Tom Wamsley, who founded the Island Packet in 1970, and Ben Racusin, who became the first mayor of the Town of Hilton Head Island. Racusin encouraged Wolf to get involved in the Hilton Head Community Association, the unofficial representative of island residents prior to incorporation, where Wolf eventually served as president. He also became involved in the Committee on Incorporation of the Town of Hilton Head Island. Inspired by Hilton, Wolf took an interest in education here, as well, joining the Island School Council, the public school parents’ organization, and eventually served as its president. Upon reflection, Wolf says that three principal factors kept him going:

1) After living through the stressful life that his father experienced, reducing the stress of his own life became a priority for Wolf. As he practiced law, he came to see that many people were looking for the same thing, particularly as they became older. Estate planning and estate probate involve a lot of emotion and stress for most people, and he found that, as much as his clients needed him to undertake the legal work involved, they needed even more to feel comfortable that he cared about their situation, that he would maintain very strict confidentiality with respect to their discussions, and that they could rely on him to help them get past the stress and emotion that they were experiencing. “It is my goal with every client I assist to bring each of them comfort and peace of mind,” Wolf said. 2) As Wolf gained experience, being a creative person at heart, he found better and better ways to help people avoid, or at least deal with, issues that could arise in the areas of law in which he practiced. This was particularly true in drafting wills and revocable living trust agreements, where the documents must address a wide variety of very personal, and often unanticipated, matters that could possibly occur far into the future.



“In these areas of the law, experience is a great teacher, and I have never stopped learning,” Wolfe said. 3) Some 20 years ago, Wolf was fortunate to hire a bright young paralegal named Nikki Campbell. For the past 20 years, she has worked with him as an estate planning and probate paralegal. “She is one of the best and, equally as important, she takes a genuine personal interest in our clients and shares my goal to reduce their stress and bring them peace of mind,” Wolf said. Two years ago, Wolf moved his office to 70 Main Street. For his real estate clients, he made an arrangement with the Law Offices of James F. Berl, P.C., which is located in the same building; Berl’s staff processes the closings and Wolf oversees and manages the closing process. Campbell and Wolf continue to maintain the estate planning and probate practice, which is based almost entirely upon returning clients, referrals, and word-of-mouth recommendations. “After 42 years, I am still practicing law on Hilton Head Island, I still enjoy my work, and I still feel good every time I am able to help someone,” Wolf said. “I consider myself to be a very lucky person.”

For more information, call (843) 842-2202 or visit peterwolfattorney.com

s Year iness

in Bus

Earle of Sandwich Pub



Secret to Success:

Quality food at a good price

➮

The Earle of Sandwich Pub’s nickname should be The Earle of Staywich. Celebrating 40 years of business, this Coligny Plaza mainstay is one of the oldest existing restaurant/bars on Hilton Head Island. For 23 years, current owner Jeff Flenard has been serving up local favorites like the pub’s signature

1976

dish, The Earle—a yummy combination of thin slices of roast beef, sautéed onions and mushrooms, and melted mozzarella cheese. And Flenard’s staff is a dedicated group of longtime employees. “Wendy’s been with me for 16 years,” Flenard said, pointing to Wendy herself who was delivering a tray of delicious-looking plates that were prepared by Lina, his cook of almost 20 years. Even though The Earle of Sandwich has been around for decades, the restaurant is forever keeping things fresh. “I value my

customers and I always want to adapt to their needs,” Flenard said. He plans on creating outdoor bar seating because, “people like to sit up high, be social and be outside at the same time when the weather is nice.” This outdoor space would complement The Earle of Sandwich’s cozy interior, which Flenard describes as an “authentic style pub with a biker theme.” Flenard, a Harley Davidson repairman, showcases a fully operational Harley Davidson Sportster, as well as other biker paraphernalia. These features combined with tavern-like elements such as dark wood, brass and stained glass provide a comfortable, Cheers-reminiscent feel. Yet, the main attraction for The Earle of Sandwich regulars is the food. “We believe in good food quality, and we know how to prepare it,” Flenard said. Offering homemade half-pound hamburger patties, potato chips, coleslaw, macaroni, and tuna and chicken salad—just to name a few—The Earle of Sandwich treats patrons like royalty with flavorful comfort food at comfortable prices. Call (843) 785-7767 for more information

The Hilton Head Humane Association was incorporated with a sheltering capacity of 29 dogs and 15 cats.

 Secret to Success:

“Over the years we have maintained our reputation as a trendsetter as well as a friendly, easy-to-work with interior design firm that offers our clients a high degree of personal service. “

PLANTATION INTERIORS ➮

Plantation Interiors has been the Low Country’s leading interior design firm since 1972. Their extensive 25,000 square foot facility includes a design center, resource library and furniture showroom complimented with seasoned management and award-winning professional interior designers. Plantation Interiors is the only Hilton Head & Bluffton area interior design firm with an on-site warehouse and trucks complimented with full time installation and warehouse personnel. Plantation Interiors feels that being able to control product throughout the design process allows them to be more responsive to

their client’s needs and better control the quality of their service. Client satisfaction has been a top priority at Plantation Interiors for more than 40 years. Their thorough, attentive and responsive service focuses on quality, accountability, flexibility and efficiency, therefore, completing projects on time and on budget. As a result Plantation Interiors clients have requested their design expertise from New York City, to the Caribbean, to the South of France. Plantation Interiors takes pride in the many local, regional and national awards they have won throughout the years, including 11 “Aurora” awards for interior design in the surrounding

Years in Business

twelve state region and the Caribbean. They have also received 3 “Grand Auroras” & the coveted “Golden Aurora” which is given once yearly from more than 2,500 entries. Plantation Interiors is also a twotime recipient of the national award, “The Best in American Living Award.” This prestigious award is sponsored by the National Association of Home Builders and Professional Builder Magazine. Plantation Interiors is located at 10 Target Road on Hilton Head Island. They are open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5p.m. and Saturday by appointment. For more information, visit their website at www.plantationinteriors.com or phone 843.785.5261 or email info@ plantationinteriors.com

Billy Wood Appliance

Years in Business



Secret to Success:

“The bitterness of poor service lingers long after the sweetness of low cost.”

One cannot talk about businesses with staying power without mentioning Billy Wood Appliance. The question the current owners, Cal and Mary Navis are most asked is, “Who is Billy Wood?” In the 1970s, Billy Wood was the island’s only appliance repairman. His business turned into an appliance store when he couldn’t fix the appliance and the customer had to buy new. When the Navises purchased the business in 1998, they decided to keep the name because of the store’s great reputation and name recognition. Billy Wood Appliance is a family owned business whose goal is to provide the best value in home appliances and the highest level of service to all customers— builders, remodelers and homeowners alike. The two daughters, Carrie Haertel and Betsy Miller, work in the showroom and are well known for their product knowledge and commitment to customer service. Mike Haertel leads the delivery team and is a certified installer for all the major brands. In 2006, Billy Wood Appliance was chosen by Sub-Zero/Wolf to be the first “Living Kitchen” in the Southeast. This started the process of remodeling and expanding the entire building. The result is a state-of-the-art 14,000-square-foot showroom and warehouse, showcasing the latest in appliances and kitchen design. To view their entire line and showroom images, visit billywoodappliance.com, or showroom at 6 Marshland Head Island.

of appliances their website, stop by the Road, Hilton



Secret to Success:

Being a part of an island tradition that has felt like coming home for generations of families.

Honoring an artist’s legacy is a lot of responsibility. In 1992 Pierce and Bonnie Lowrey took on that challenge when they purchased the iconic CQ’s restaurant. Opened in 1973, and nestled under the crooked and lovely live oaks in Harbour Town, CQ’s was originally designed by illustrator Ralph Ballantine as his studio, with the architecture reflecting his study of Lowcountry rice barns. Interest in what was going on in the unique building was so great that Ballantine gave up the idea of a peaceful artist’s colony, and CQ’s was born. Having established itself as a favorite tradition for families visiting and living on Hilton Head Island, the Lowreys found a way to take the restaurant to the next culinary level, while maintaining its charming history. Under Bonnie’s design direction, the interior is filled with décor, treasures, and murals reflecting the history of Sea Pines and Harbour Town; its dining rooms are named with a nod to the land’s heritage: The Plantation Room, The Rice Room and the Indigo Roon to name a few. CQ’s is the quintessential Hilton Head stop just off the golf course or for a sparkling special occasion. Guiding the kitchens at CQ’s and its sister restaurant Old Fort Pub, Executive Chef Keith Josefiak focuses the CQ’s menu on American cuisine with a Lowcountry influence. On any given day, the professionally trained staff creates an exceptional dining experience, practicing their art with sustainable seafood and local resources from area farmers and fishermen. Ballantine imagined his rice barninspired studio as an artist’s retreat, and remarkably, that is exactly what it became. The medium may be a bit different than his pens, pencils, and paint brushes, but the result truly honors his legacy. CQ’s is located at 140 Lighthouse Road, Hilton Head Island. Reservations are recommended. Please call (843) 671-2779 or visit cqsrestaurant.com.

CQ’s

Years in Business

Old Fort Pub

Years in Business



Secret to Success: The sunset view and an outstanding reputation

As Charles Fraser’s vision of Hilton Head Island was coming to fruition in the early 1970s, he commissioned one of the island’s art community pioneers, illustrator Ralph Ballantine, to design a waterfront restaurant overlooking Skull Creek in Hilton Head Plantation, adjacent to one of the area’s Civil War forts. Like its sister restaurant CQ’s, Old Fort Pub was formed from the mind of a man in touch with the Lowcountry and all its nuances. It is these nuances that Pierce and Bonnie Lowrey so deftly protected and nurtured when they purchased Old Fort Pub, along with CQ’s, in 1992. The only AAA four-star restaurant on Hilton Head Island, eleven years running, Old Fort Pub is a culinary masterpiece with sunset views and charming elegance emanating from every stunning angle and each delicious dish. Recently named in the “Top 100 Scenic Restaurants” by Open Table, and “Best View” by the Food Network, Old Fort Pub has a lot of competition for attention, and Executive Chef Keith Josefiak does not disappoint. His menu focuses on American cuisine with a French accent, featuring sustainable seafood and local farm-sourced produce. With four decades of staying power, Old Fort Pub is the place for a special occasion, an everyday treat, or where you go to feed your culinary imagination. Guests come for the remarkable sunset view and then are simply wowed by the service and the food. Old Fort Pub has deftly balanced Fraser’s original vision with the future, nurturing guests again and again. Old Fort Pub is located at 65 Skull Creek Drive, Hilton Head Island. Reservations are recommended. Please call (843) 681.2386 or visit oldfortpub. com.

Vacation Time of Hilton Head Island

Clark Fons, Linda Roberts, Michael Notartomaso, Terry Notartomaso, Gary Fons, Laurie Fons , Lois Clark, Tim Clark Jean and Dennis Lowes moved to Hilton Head Island in 1976

Years in Business



Secret to Success: Perseverance and Progeny

Each year families of all shapes and sizes pack the minivan or Mini Cooper with pool noodles, boogie boards, pails, shovels, and sunscreen and make their way to I-95’s Exit 8. Getting off the interstate, and winding down Highway 278, the anticipation grows. Taking in that first glimpse of salt marsh and sea while crossing over first one bridge, then two, and finally arriving for their week of letting go on Hilton Head Island, the final step in their journey brings them to their accommodations. Cozy beds and efficient kitchens, clean towels and cable TV greet moms, dads, children, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends; all made ready by Vacation Time of Hilton Head Island, Inc. It truly is vacation time on Hilton Head. It would be difficult to find a family or a vacation rental company who have greater staying power, or who know Hilton Head Island and its visitors better than the extended family of Dennis and Jean Lowes. In 1976 the Lowes purchased Hilton Head Island’s Adventure Inn on South Forest Beach

Drive with a ground-breaking vision for the resort … timesharing. “Timesharing was an unknown product at that time,” says Michael Notartomaso, CEO and husband to the Lowes’ daughter Terry Notartomaso. Terry and Michael are only two of the many Lowes family members working in the business today. Having ridden the timeshare boom, Notartomaso now says, “The continuous threads running through the history of the company have been property management, real estate sales, and vacation rentals.” The Lowes siblings all work for the business: Terry – VP of Marketing/Associate Broker; Laurie Fons – VP/ Manager of Sutton Place Design; Linda Roberts – VP of Villa Rentals; and Tim Clark – VP of Special Projects. Laurie and her husband Gary Fons, now President and COO, ran the Adventure Inn’s iconic restaurant Fitzgerald’s for 30 years before it closed in anticipation of the redevelopment of the property. Tim’s wife Lois Clark is Manager of Timeshare Operations, and as further testament to the business’s staying power, Clark Fons, the company’s Long Term Rental Manager/Associate Broker represents

the third generation of family members operating this empire. Managing over 600 resort villas, including over 250 rentals, and substantial real estate assets there has to be a secret to their success. “The family has always stayed together as a cohesive unit. We’ve been able to put aside personal interests and personalities for the good of the family and for the good of the company, and we have some very focused and dedicated individuals within the family that have adapted well to change,” shares Notartomaso. He says that perseverance and family unity along with some committed, hard working non-family team members are the keys to their success. In 1976 when Dennis and Jean packed their moving van, there was no Exit 8, and pool noodles hadn’t been invented; however, due to their courage and three generations of commitment and hard work, visitors can now count on that cozy bed waiting at the end of a day at the beach. Vacation Time of Hilton Head Island is located at 3 LeMoyne Avenue, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928. 843-785-5151 or 800.845.9500 www.vthhi.com

Staying Power

Years in Business

First Dental of Bluffton



Secret to Success:

A relaxed and comfortable environment

➮

1982

Dr. Chuck Hobart knows how some folks feel about making a trip to the dentist, so he puts an emphasis on making them feel good about a sometimes reluctant decision. “I feel it’s important to always look at things from a patient’s perspective,” he said, “so we always make it a priority to have them feel comfortable and relaxed. I think that’s a big part of dentistry, as well as dealing with issues when they’re still small to avoid bigger problems later.”

Dr. Hobart took over the general dentistry practice in 2008 after practicing for 11 years in Spartanburg, SC. Guy and Susan Matthews, who opened the town’s first dental practice (hence the name) back in 1982, retired after practicing with Dr. Hobart for 1 year. Dr. Hobart looks at dentistry from a functional standpoint. He said, “When we look at cosmetic cases, we have to start with making things work properly first.” This has directed his practice towards a full range of procedures from implant to oral surgery. Crowns, bridges and veneers are now fabricated in the office. They still do many “fillings” as well. Dr. Louis Costa, III, joined the practice about 18 months ago to assist with procedures. First Dental handles insurance paperwork and accepts payment from many insurance providers. They offer several payment options for all ages of patients. The open practice that offers Friday hours will move to a larger office just up the road at 181 Bluffton Rd. in February. “We love the area and enjoy being on a first-name basis with our patients,” Dr. Hobart said. “We like them and they seem to like us.” First Dental of Bluffton, 168 Bluffton Rd., open Mon.-Thur. 7:45 a.m.-5:45 p.m., Fri. 7:45 a.m. - 2 p.m., (843) 757-2828, firstdentalofbluffton. com

A four-lane bridge was built to replace the twolane swing-bridge to the island. The island’s full-time population was 12,500. More than 500,000 visitors came to Hilton Head in 1982.

The Hair Designers

 ➮

Secret to Success: Always On-Trend

Years in Business

Launched in 1976 by island icon David Bagwell, with a groovy name and hip vibe, The Vogue Stylon opened its doors and began a 37 year salon odyssey rooted in transformations; not only of its clients but of the salon itself. With locations in Palmetto Dunes and on Archer Road, stylist Mark Goodman joined Bagwell in 1978. In 1981 Goodman became part owner of the salon, and the name was changed to The Hair Designers to better reflect the times. In 1985 the Village at Wexford location was opened as the Archer Road location was closed. By the mid-1990s the Palmetto Dunes location shuttered and Goodman became sole owner, doubling the size of the salon in the Village at Wexford.

Always at the forefront of change, Goodman attributes his staying power to being an employeebased salon with a commitment to his staff being educated wellbeyond the requirements of the state’s licensing board. “I expect all my employees to get as much education as is possible and to work as a team,” explains Goodman. The Hair Designers’ staff meets monthly to share what they have learned inside and outside the classroom. Goodman understands that change is required to stay competitive, and in addition to promoting shared knowledge of all the tools and techniques of the trade, he also makes sure the salon stays up-to-date by making at least one change annually to the salon itself. Suffice to say that there is always something new, along with something familiar at The Hair Designers. Call 843.686.HAIR for more information or visit www. thehairdesigners.net

Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort

Years in Business



Secret to Success:

The personal touches provided by the staff and the service

➮

One of the best places to get a sense for what Palmetto Dunes was truly like when it was first conceived of in the late 1960s is from the seat of a kayak or canoe, navigating the elevenmile lagoon system that winds its way through Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort. Paddling along with the gently flowing current, egrets and herons linger in the shallows, waiting to snatch their dinner, and Spanish moss feathers down from the crooked limbs of water oak trees. Just beyond the sandy banks are homes and villas dotting the waterway like nests, not made for birds, but for residents and visitors. In 1978, at the encouragement of Hilton Head Island’s founding father Charles Fraser, Greenwood Development Corporation purchased the land that would become Palmetto Dunes. The lagoon system was the first project at what would quickly become a world-class resort destination with a whole lot of staying power, where the welcome was distinctly Lowcountry, and where families would come to create traditions and memories for generations. Like coming home, “It’s been generational,” said Brad Marra, assistant vice president, resort director. “We have grandparents bringing their children, and their children bringing their children. In 10-15 more years, we’ll see another generation.” Part of the heart and soul of Palmetto Dunes that keeps these families returning is the personality of the staff. “We have a lot of staff members who have been here for over 30 years, so when the customer walks in the door and sees the same face, I think that really touches them.” Recognized by Travel & Leisure and Conde Nast Traveler as one of the most popular resort destinations, and striving to wow guests and maintain their world-class status, Palmetto Dunes takes the care and keeping of its amenities seriously, always working to better itself, while keeping the familiar for each generation to share with the next. Virtually the epicenter of island golf, the resort’s three courses, designed individually by Robert Trent Jones, George Fazio, and Arthur Hills, have been renovated and upgraded periodically throughout the years. Palmetto Dunes is giving golfers plenty of options to improve their experience; golf carts

with GPS at the Jones course, a new Palmetto Dunes Golf App, the air-conditioned golf carts at the Hills Course, and new pull-carts available on the walking-friendly layouts. Ranked first in the Carolinas and top 10 in the US by Tennis Magazine, the Palmetto Dunes Tennis Center maintains its award-winning status, “because of the size of our facility, our teaching team and all the pros. The different lessons, clinics, and programs that they do are extraordinary,” said Karen Kozemchak, director of marketing. Over the past six or seven years, Palmetto Dunes has gradually evolved into a conciergestyle resort. Visitors can make reservations and arrangements for golf, tennis, biking, kayaking, fishing, surfing lessons and parasailing from one centralized source, with new amenities and events added every year. Visiting Palmetto Dunes without pedals under your feet would seem unimaginable, and Hilton Head Outfitters is the resort’s own bike and equipment rental facility, located inside the resort. Just across the street from Outfitters is the Palmetto Dunes General Store, where unofficially, the best fried chicken on the island is served. A short pedal to the opposite side of William Hilton Parkway, Shelter Cove Harbor, with its personality-filled shops and restaurants, and unparalleled view, plays host to Shannon Tanner, who for the past 25 summers has brought families together for his music and humor. Visiting Palmetto Dunes without pedals under your feet would seem unimaginable, and Hilton Head Outfitters is the resort’s own bike and equipment rental facility, located inside the resort. Just across the street from Outfitters is the Palmetto Dunes General Store, where unofficially, the best fried chicken on the island is served. A short pedal to the opposite side of William Hilton Parkway, Shelter Cove Harbor, with its personality-filled shops and restaurants, and unparalleled view, plays host to Shannon Tanner, who for the past 25 summers has brought families together for his music and humor. As the vision for Palmetto Dunes took shape over 40 years ago, it may not have included surfing lessons or fried chicken, but what guests have found to be true is that this special place in the heart of Hilton Head Island feels a lot like coming home. For more information, please call (866) 380-1778 or visit palmettodunes.com.

1956

Years

Years in Business

The Hilton Head Chamber of Commerce is established.

in Business

Outside Hilton Head

➮

Island Car Wash

 ➮

Secret to Success:

Consistency and teamwork

Island Car Wash has been keeping cars looking shiny and clean since 1979. Kelly Ogden recalls the days when cars were given finishing touches just a few feet away from Hwy. 278. In the past 30 years, many changes have occurred on the island and at Island Car Wash! ICW offers full service washes as well as hand washing, detailing and more. “We’re definitely not your average car wash,” said Ogden, who handles advertising and marketing for the family-owned business. Her father, Robert Troch, bought Island Car Wash in 1986 and added a location in Bluffton complete with a Quik Lube and detail center. To better serve their customers, the wash on Hilton Head was completely rebuilt in 2006, adding state-ofthe-art equipment. “With the design of the new wash, we wanted to provide the ultimate in convenience and service and to take advantage of this beautiful island we call home, with outdoor patio seating complete with WiFi. Inside, Internet access and televisions are available to catch up on news, sports and social media—something that was not even in the picture 30 years ago! The newly designed website, islandcarwash.com, offers the ability to buy washes and gift cards online. “We have a wonderful team of employees; some have been with the company for many years, Ogden said, “and customers love having a familiar face taking care of their pride and joy. Thank you for your business during the past 34 years and we look forward to many more. Congratulations to Hilton Head Island for their 350/30 Celebration!”

1958

The first deed to a lot in Sea Pines Plantation is signed. Beachfront lots initially sell for around $5000. Palmetto Bay Marina opens.

1958

Hargray Telephone Company brings service to the island. Their office opens in 1960.

Island Car Wash 1008B William Hilton Parkway, Hilton Head (843) 785-8944 1008 Fording Island Road, Bluffton (843) 815-2440 Open Mon-Sat 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Quik Lube—Closed Sunday > The original Island Car Wash

1959

Hurricane Gracie hits the island, causing minimal damage. Organized mosquito spraying begins.

Since 1979 the go-to source for grass-roots, feel-good energy on Hilton Head has been a little company called Outside. Grown out of fledgling windsurfing business, Outside is now a sizable operation with four distinct divisions: Destination Management, Specialty Retail, Team and Leadership Development and Leisure Recreation. “Outside Hilton Head is a company made up of a lot of people, and for a lot of people, who, on any given day, would prefer to be outside rather than inside,” said Outside president and founder, Mike Overton. It was Overton’s preference for being outside that prompted him to pack a truck and drive from Vermont to Hilton Head in the summer of 1979. He established Windsurfing Hilton Head, a company that offered over-thetop outdoor experiences focused on safety, teamwork, sustainability, passion and excellence. For the next ten years it thrived as the premier windsurfing school and race organizer on the East Coast. By the ’80’s, the company had expanded its options and was renamed Outside Hilton Head in 1992. The same year won Business of the Year from the Hilton Head Chamber of Commerce. As Outside’s offerings grew, Overton looked for new ways to get people outside. The answer came in the form of a 30-acre chain of islands, named the Page Islands. This adventure outpost is a hub for backwater boating and paddlesports excursions, a site for teambuilding activities and an unbelievable event venue. In 2010, Outside established a destination management division, Destinations by Outside. This arm of the company constructs customized experiences for groups, including transportation, events, activities and teambuilding. Outside has locations at Shelter Cove Plaza and Marina, Pinckney Island, The Westin, Palmetto Bluff, Daufuskie Island and Page Island. Their program offerings include kayaking, paddleboarding, boating, dolphin tours, tubing, ski trips, bike tours, scavenger hunts, surf camps, kids programs, and customized group offerings. At peak season, over fifty people make up the Outside team, each of whom shares the same passion for the outdoors that led Overton to Hilton Head in 1979. For more information, visit oustsidehiltonhead. com or call (843) 686-6996.



Secret to Success:

Offering over-the-top outdoor experiences focused on safety, teamwork, sustainability, passion and excellence



Secret to Success:

A close-knit community with a high level of personal attention

➮

Building an alliance between designers and builders is one of the most successful ways to build a home today, and Randy Jeffcoat Builders is rooted in that principle. Brought to the Lowcountry 33 years ago by founder Randy Jeffcoat, the company is a family operation with wife Brenda, as in-house design consultant, and sons Trey and Rhett as part of the operation. Understanding the value of remaining a small, family-run business, their focus on customer service and quality workmanship has given them a reputation for excellence. The design-build team approach practiced at Randy Jeffcoat Builders is one of the secrets to their longevity and ongoing success. Combining project architects and designers, structural

engineers and landscape architects, all working under one umbrella affords numerous benefits to their clients: saving time and money on construction plans; less time required to deliver the finished home; easier to budget; construction details are settled upfront, not during the construction process; permitting and review board experience and guidance; and an in-house one-ofa-kind photo gallery of building and finishing options. With the successful experience and deep resources to build custom homes of any size, in any style, and in any design, there are more than just a few advantages to hiring a builder with this kind of staying power. Every member of the Jeffcoat team listens carefully to the client’s needs, wishes, and dreams, transforming them into a home that meets not only their imagination, but comes in on budget as well. Attention to every detail is achieved

Randy Jeffcoat Builders

with a hands-on approach taken by every member of the project team. From floor plan decisions all the way to cabinet knobs, a team of professionals collaborate with the client, lining things up, and making them fit into a spectacular final product. “It takes years to build a reputation and just days to destroy it,” Jeffcoat said. “This is why we value our work and demand perfection on every job.” The foundations laid at Randy Jeffcoat Builders have firmly rooted them as one of the area’s premier home builders. Their execution of the design-build approach goes above and beyond what is expected and provides award-winning surprises around every elegant corner. Randy Jeffcoat Builders, 40 Persimmon Street, Suite 103, Bluffton, SC 29910. Please call (843) 837-5133 or visit RandyJeffcoatBuilders.com.

Years in Business

Staying Power Years in Business

Captain Woody’s



Secret to Success:

Loyal customers, a great staff, and a great partner

➮

Captain Woody’s may have a great staff, loyal customers, and owners who keep it all feeling like family, but the real sustenance that gives this 32-year Lowcountry institution its genuine staying power is the staples of island life: great oysters, fresh shrimp, cold beer, and good conversation. Still giving the pub his blessing, the original patriarch and founding father,

Captain Woody Collins himself was recently in for a meal, said Russell Anderson, coowner with partner Shannon Wright for the past 14 years. Some things change, and some stay very much the same. “Change is the process of survival,” Anderson said, and he and Wright know how to mix just the right cocktail of the familiar with the fresh, as both their recent move from Palmetto Bay to Target Road on Hilton Head Island and opening their Bluffton location in 2009 have been nothing but good. Offering Sunday brunch, lunch and dinner menus, and now Saturday and Sunday game day offerings in their two bars, Captain Woody’s is throwing down the welcome mat all week long. On Hilton Head Island, the new outdoor bar curtains will be down and the heaters cranked up, giving fans a place to combine their favorite team with their favorite hang-out— the perfect perch for the playoffs. Whether you are a local, or just want to feel like one, you know that Captain Woody’s has fantastic oysters, shrimp, and beer, but don’t miss the hush puppies! Located at 6 Target Road, Hilton Head Island (843) 785-2400 and 17 State of Mind Street, Bluffton (843) 757.6222. Please visit captainwoodys.com.

Hilton head by the numbers Approx. 39,000 permanent residents and 2.5 million visitors annually

< Snow storm of 89’ in front of the Original Reilleys

Years in Business

Reilley’s Grill & Bar



Secret to Success:

Being ready every day to do what’s right for the customer

➮

“We’re like a Broadway play,” said Tom Reilley, of Reilley’s Grill & Bar and Reilley’s North End Pub on Hilton Head Island. His staff comes to work in the morning and, “They prepare the restaurant, they put on their uniforms, they open the door, and they put on a play every single day.” So far, it’s been a pretty successful 31-year run. Backed by two of his customers from his

sales days, Reilley, with his wife Diane, had a highly successful first year thanks to two out-of-the-ordinary events that he describes as really kick-starting his iconic restaurant. Less than three months after opening in December 1982, the final episode of the TV show MASH was aired on February 28, 1983. Reilley’s held a MASH Bash that was hugely successful. And just a couple short weeks

later, Reilley agreed to start a St. Patrick’s Day parade, which culminated in a huge celebration at Reilley’s restaurant. Since that first year when only about 20 people marched, the parade has grown to epic proportions, but still ends on Reilley’s doorstep, where he and his co-owners (his three children) sell the sizzle and not the steak. The Reilleys know you can get an excellent meal a lot of places, but understand that selling the experience is how you set yourself above the rest. “Make your customer’s experience a little better,” Reilley said. Like a great Broadway play, Reilley’s has proven to have real staying power, and sells out most every night. Reilley’s Grill & Bar, 70 Greenwood Drive (843) 842-4414. Reilley’s North End Pub, 95 Matthews Drive, (843) 681-4153. Please visit reilleyshiltonhead.com.

Years in Business

Faces Day Spa

 Secret to Success:

Be a visionary. Stay on top of trends and be ready and willing to adapt to changes in the marketplace, your industry, and the world.

There is something to be said about ➮ a business that wins an award. But there is something very special about a business that wins awards year after year. FACES DaySpa is one of those unique companies that has received accolades, not only locally, but on a state-wide and national level. Over the past 30 years, FACES DaySpa has been recognized as the Hilton Head Small Business of the Year, the South Carolina Small Business of the Year, and the US Chamber’s Small Business of the Year for the entire southeast to name a few. In fact, the attention to detail and commitment to excellence that the management and staff at FACES DaySpa has shown, propelled it to being named the “Best of the Best” day spa in the country last year by Day Spa Magazine. However, it is the recognition of their clients that matters most. The management team, front desk staff and spa therapists are hand-picked for their professionalism and customer care. The products and services that are offered have been carefully chosen for their effectiveness. At FACES DaySpa, the mission is to treat every client like a VIP by providing them with a relaxing escape from daily life. This year, the FACES legacy continues with the newest addition of FACES Lash Studio, the Island’s premiere beauty lounge. The studio is a brand new concept where the main focus is on offering eyelash extensions in an elegant upscale setting. Much like its older sister, FACES Lash Studio is destined for greatness. FACES DaySpa and FACES Lash studio are both located in the Village at Wexford. Call 843.785.3075 or visit www. facesdayspa.com for more information.

Future site of Poseidon Coastal Cuisine and Rooftop Bar. Coming 2014!

Years in Business

1969 Island Travel Whether it’s a quick getaway ➮ to Atlanta, a round-the-world cruise booking or even an upcoming journey into sub-orbital space on Virgin Galactic, Jim Buckley and Island Travel will be there for you from bon voyage to homecoming. The travel agency, which operates offices in Bluffton and Beaufort in addition to the Hilton Head location founded by Carlo Hilliard, offers more than can be obtained on ubiquitous websites or by calling “1-800 Who Cares,” said Buckley, president and partner of the independent firm that’s a member of Virtuoso, an exclusive invitation-only consortium of travel agents. “The trouble with websites is that they simply process you; they don’t have your history or take your specific needs into consideration.” Face-to-face meetings with clients before they leave home help customize their itineraries and assure proper documentation and timely connections. “And if an incident occurs or people want to amend their plans en route, we’re here for them,” said Buckley, who has handled lost passports and credit card problems for travelers abroad. “We’re with them, virtually, throughout the trip.” A one-time tour escort with his spouse and business partner Martha, Buckley continues to lend his expertise to local organizations and families looking to see the world together. “That’s one of our specialties, and we’re in position to arrange anything from a one-night stay or going on Richard Branson’s Virgin Galactic, which will start flying next year,” he said. The space trek costs $200,000 per voyager, and Island Travel is ready when you are. Island Travel, 95 Matthews Dr. #B-3, Hilton Head, (843) 681-3033; 14 Johnston Way #C, Bluffton, (843) 757-5888; 12 Fairfield Rd., Ste. 5B, Beaufort, (843) 5250777. Open Mon.-Fri. 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sat. by appointment only. islandtvl.com.



Secret to Success: Creating memorable experiences for lifetime memories

Years in Business

Harbour Town Village is completed. The full-time population of the Island is 2500.

SERG

1970 The Island Packet newspaper is first published and the Deep Well project begins.

1972

The first movie theatre opens on Hilton Head Island in Coligny Plaza. Walt Disney’s Song of the South is the first movie shown.

1975 Time-share condominiums start being sold in Sea Pines.



Secret to Success:

Creating a unique, satisfying and memorable dining experience for every guest, each time by maintaining a SERG commitment to excellence.

Years in Business

➮

SERG is a locally owned and operated independent multi-unit multi-concept restaurant group. They are dedicated to providing guests with quality, value and genuine coastal hospitality at each of their unique award-winning restaurants. They strive to create a unique, satisfying and memorable dining experience for every guest, each time by maintaining a SERG commitment to excellence. In 1984, they felt that Hilton Head was hungry for a real neighborhood pizzeria experience and were happy to deliver! The sheer delight they saw on the faces of their first Giuseppi’s Pizza & Pasta customers made them so happy, in fact, that they had to do it again, and again, and again. Today, the SERG award-winning family of restaurants includes: Giuseppi’s Pizza & Pasta on Hilton Head Island and in Bluffton, One Hot Mama’s American Grille, Frankie Bones Restaurant and Lounge, The Black Marlin Bayside Grill & Hurricane Bar at Palmetto Bay Marina on Hilton Head, The Lodge Craft Beer and Burger Bar, Skull Creek Boathouse Landmark Waterfront Restaurant, and WiseGuys Restaurant and Lounge on Hilton Head Island. They have come a long way since they made that first pizza, but their philosophy that is served up every day in every SERG establishment remains the same. “We are humbled, proud and thankful every day for our dedicated employees and loyal customers. We never take anything for granted and continue to strive to be the best that we can.” For more information, please visit serggroup.com.

Years in Business

Kelley Designs â&#x17E;Ž

KELLEY DESIGNS, INC. is an award-winning, full-service design firm, specializing in residential interior design for over 25 years. The showroom and resource studio is located on Hilton Head Island. In addition to interior design services in the Lowcountry and neighboring coastal communities, KELLEY DESIGNS, INC. has completed projects in New York City, Chicago, Beaver Creek, Toronto, and Maui. Whether a simple villa renovation or the complete design, specification, and installation of your primary or vacation home, the company takes pride in providing unique, distinctive, and personalized decor for each project.

Turn your house or villa into an extraordinary place you can call home. Call KELLEY DESIGNS, INC. at (843) 785-6911; e-mail info@kelleydesignsinc.com; or visit the showroom at 841 William Hilton Parkway, South Island Square, Suite R, Hilton Head Island, S.C.

ď &#x192;

Secret to Success:

Turning your design dreams into a reality

➮

Player’s World of Sports offers the best selection of everything you need for sports and fitness—from tennis rackets to running shoes, from soccer cleats to yoga pants and everything in between. Tom & Julie Jilly have been active in our community for over 25 years. “We know our customers and they know us,” said owner, Tom Jilly, whose daughter Shannon serves as store manager. Tom and Shannon are always on hand to offer personal service and knowledgeable assistance to all. Player’s World has the island’s best selection of everything tennis related, including rackets, apparel (home to over 90 different demo rackets and a huge selection of apparel), footwear, bags accessories and more. Quick turn around on stringing is sure to please everyone! Brands carried including Babolat, Nike, Adidas, Head, Wilson, Prince, SofiBella, Lucky in Love, Bolle, Lija, K-Swiss, Lotto, Tommy Bahama and New Balance.

Year

iness in Bus

Player’s World of Sports



Player’s World of Sports is located at 890 William Hilton Parkway in the Fresh Market Shoppes. Open every day! Stop in and say hello. Call 842-5100 or visit playersworld.com for more information.

Secret to Success:

Family owned & operated, Player’s World prides ourselves on knowing our products and our customers.

2008

On March 3 John and Elizabeth Calvert vanish, bringing national media attention to Hilton Head Island. They remain missing.

Years in Business

Benny Hudson Seafood It’s hard to believe that when the ➮ first Hudson arrived on Hilton Head Island in 1890, that the same family would still be in the seafood business today. Located just off Squire Pope Road, Benny Hudson Seafood Corporation is the last retail seafood market that actually off loads fresh, local seafood from its own docks on the island. After Benny and Barbara Hudson sold Hudson’s Seafood Restaurant to the Carmines family back in the mid ‘70s, they still had salt in their veins. That’s when Benny Hudson Seafood was born. They will be celebrating their 20th year of business right down the road from the restaurant where it all began.



Secret to Success:

“Consistent product and impeccable customer service will always keep them coming back.”

at one time, was over 25 trawlers! Today, Tonya Hudson-DeSalve, fourth generation Hudson, runs the family business located just one mile down the street from the restaurant. Whether she’s unloading boats, or helping customers in the market, you can see she still has that same salt running through her veins and that Hudson pride that makes their family name synonymous with seafood on Hilton Head Island.

The Hudson family opened their first oyster shucking facility in the early 1900s, at Bull Point, where the restaurant stands today, eventually expanding to three facilities, with the ability to shuck over 250 gallons of oysters a day! With the Benny Hudson Seafood is located arrival of the bridge and electricity in the at 175 Squire Pope Road. For more ‘50s, the family was also able to expand information call 843-682-3474 or visit and optimize their shrimping fleet, which, www.bennyhudsonseafood.com

> Gary Bruno with Son

Years

in Business

1962 Port Royal Plantation is developed by the Hilton Head Company.



Bruno Landscape and Nursery



Secret to Success:

Getting up every day and doing the right thing

➮

Gary and Mary Ann Bruno built their landscape design and maintenance business from the ground up. As a matter of fact, “The business and the family have kind of grown up hand-in-hand,” says Mary Ann. Some would say timing is everything, especially with a successful operation like Bruno Landscape and Nursery on Hilton Head Island. However, in 1989 when Gary quit his steady job, with Mary Ann seven months pregnant, the timing was less than ideal. Rolling up their sleeves and quite literally rolling coins to purchase their first truck, the Brunos began putting in the real work. “The secret to our success really isn’t that big of a secret. It’s like raising kids; every day getting up and trying to do the right thing. I don’t think it’s much more than that,” shared Mary Ann. The quintessential family business, at Bruno Landscape and Nursery Gary’s focus is landscape design, irrigation, and installation, while Mary Ann directs operations from the office. Mary Ann’s brother-in-law, Mark Nizolek runs the home maintenance division. Two of the Bruno children are part of the operation with middle daughter, Jenna, living and working in Greenville. Steven Bruno is graduating in May from Clemson with an agricultural degree, and will be joining the company fulltime. While youngest daughter Nicole recently joined the office staff; just in time her mother says, taking on the healthcare and e-verification work that has become a time-consuming part of operating a small business. Wondering where the time went; reflecting on their years of honest, hard work, both personally and professionally. “It’s nice to feel pride. When someone compliments our business or our kids, it’s the same feeling. We have put a lot of effort into it,” says Mary Ann. Bruno Landscape and Nursery is located at 109 Dillon Road, Hilton Head Island. Call the Landscape Office at 843.681.7022 or the Nursery at 843.682.2624 for more information or visit www. brunolandscapeandnursery.com

1968 Hudson’s restaurant is opened by J.B. Hudson Jr.

1971 Sea Pines acquires land on the north end of the island which is later developed into Hilton Head Plantation.

1985 Lot sales begin at Indigo Run.

Nash Gallery ➮

Nash Gallery has been a family owned and operated business since 1989 on Hilton Head Island, beginning first as Trilogy Gallery. Its longevity has much to do with loyal local customers, appreciation of American made products, and the fact that customers always have fun in the gallery! “Longevity is not the only measure of business success, but a lot can be learned from persevering over a long period of time—lessons taught only through the ups and downs of experience. It’s important to be adaptable and never stop learning what your customers want,” said Lynn Alexander, owner of Nash Gallery. With the support of so many loyal customers, Nash Gallery will continue to showcase a sophisticated collection of extraordinary work by America’s finest craft artists for at least the next 20 years. “We’re going to give you glass, ceramics, jewelry, metal, and so much more, Alexander said. “I am proud to be an American business woman, living on our beautiful island, selling works of art all made in the USA!” Nash Gallery is located at 13 Harbourside Lane, Suite 2H at Shelter Cover Harbour. The venue is open seven days a week, Mon.-Sat. from 10 a.m.-7 p.m., and on Sundays from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. For more information, including online shopping capabilities, visit nashgallery. com. For directions and other inquiries, please contact the store directly at (843) 785-6424.



Secret to Success: Selling American-made fine crafts

Years

in Business

1983

The Town of Hilton Head Island is incorporated as a municipality.

Skillets CafE & Grill



Secret to Success:

A team that works like clockwork

San Miguel’s ➮

It seems that avocados, salsa, and fresh fish tacos are used as fuel by San Miguel’s to help generate its phenomenal staying power. Add one of the best on-the-water locales, live music, margaritas, and every other California-inspired Mexican dish delivered from the restaurant’s kitchen, and it is understandable why San Miguel’s is celebrating its 36th anniversary on Hilton Head Island. Already well-established, Scott and Maryanne Laskowitz took ownership of San Miguel’s in 1991. With Melvin Fields running the kitchen for the past 21 years, and Dave Thornton as floor manager, the Laskowtizs have a firm grasp on what makes this operation click. “We’ve been serving consistently fresh, prepared food. We have an incredible location in Shelter Cove Harbour and an outdoor bar on the water. We have great musicians seven nights a week the majority of the year; so we have a great atmosphere,” says Maryanne. “We really work at capitalizing on everything that is available to us.” Making connections with customer is another key to San Miguel’s staying power. “We enjoy seeing our repeat people who have second homes here, and we’ve starting doing small rehearsal dinners outside. That’s been great. We’ve had a lot of celebrations and we have people come back on their anniversaries. That’s been a lot of fun,” shares Maryanne. There’s always plenty of great fuel to add to the fire at San Miguel’s. 9 Shelter Cove Lane, Hilton Head Island. Open for lunch Monday – Saturday and for dinner every day. Happy hour Monday –Friday 4pm – 6pm. 843.842.4555 www.sanmiguels.com



Secret to Success: Avocados, salsa, fresh fish tacos, live music and margaritas.

1995

The permanent year-round population exceeds 28,000 people. The island has over 1.5 million visitors.

Celebrating their 20th anniversary, Skillets’ ➮ owner Amie Baima knows that in addition to her customers, the real secret to her restaurant’s longevity and enduring fans is her staff. Whether in the kitchen cooking, creating, prepping, or washing dishes, behind the bar pouring drinks, taking orders, balancing trays, and serving guests, or manning the hostess stand keeping everybody happy and getting folks seated as soon as possible, Baima knows this team needs to operate like a well-oiled machine to succeed, and it usually does.

April of

1996

The Arts Center of Coastal Carolina puts on the first show in the new building at Shelter Cove, “Crazy for You.”

$81

million The cost of the cross island parkway, which opened in 1998.

With ample tables, their prime Coligny Plaza location, and one of the best porches around to lean back and enjoy a leisurely breakfast any time of the day, lunch, or dinner, on any given day, the staff needs to hustle to keep it all running smoothly. The kitchen staff and wait staff really show what they’ve got, cooking, serving dishes from the three menus and keeping up with the creative changes made by Baima. Ever on the lookout for new culinary inspiration, Baima surprises her guests with delicious specials, inspired themes, and great menu additions. With the potential for some chilly island days upon us, the timing is perfect to visit Skillets and check out the soup of the day. Every summer Baima’s mom and dad join the staff, with her mom helping at the hostess stand, and her dad helping with recipe development, particularly soup recipes. Like its own little family, Skillets is a whole lot like coming home. Skillets Café & Grill is located in Coligny Plaza at 1 North Forest Beach Drive, #225. Open daily 7 a.m.-10 p.m. (in season). For more information, please call (843) 785-3131 or visit skilletscafe.com.

Staying Power

Years

in Business

Coastal Home by Marco Polo

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Secret to Success: Loving What You Do

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Like many others, Bob and Martha Steele escaped rugged Pennsylvania winters for the warmth and charms of the Lowcountry. And the couple, who arrived with a successful retail background in home decor, found a perfect match for their new lifestyle when they purchased Marco Polo, a venerable north island outlet offering furniture geared for sunnier climes. “We offer the type of furnishings you see in Coastal Living (magazine),” said Martha Steele, “which means a lighter look and feel with rattan and earth tones such as pale aqua, light greens and sand colors. They’re the type of things that are

1973

in Business

appropriate to the area, and that’s what people are looking for when they move here for the island lifestyle.” The couple’s success required a larger showroom, so they moved to a fresh location in Bluffton in 2011, christening the 13,000-square-foot locale as Coastal Home by Marco Polo, located just off the U.S. 278 bridge connecting to Hilton Head Island. The showroom is filled with indoor and outdoor furniture from prominent designers, and the staff handles special orders along with delivery and in-home setup. The business is a family affair—son Steve Steele and his spouse Heidi are part of the team—and they keep up with the latest trends in home design. “There’s been a move away from wicker and the pink and green Florida condo look to a more sophisticated feel with rattan and lighter color leather,” Martha Steele said. “It’s more understated today, and it’s décor that matches the Lowcountry lifestyle.” Coastal Home by Marco Polo, 1528 Fording Island Rd., Bluffton, open Mon.Sat. 10 a.m.-6 p.m., (843) 837-4100, coastalhomehhi.com.

Moss Creek, the first off-island planned development begins. Rose Hill, Callawassie, Belfair, Colleton River and others follow over the next 20 years.

markets, and now a permanent fixture on the menu and made on site. The Big Bamboo has an ocean-facing deck on the second floor. Finished in 2013, adding an extra 60 seats, this outdoor area is in Business the perfect place to relax while sipping a margarita, enjoying a delicious meal, listening to the latest bands and watching the world go by.

Years

The Big Bamboo CafE

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Secret to Success:

A relaxed setting, a creative menu, and a diverse lineup of great musical entertainment that appeals to all ages

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Escape to the Big Bamboo Café’s 1940s themed Pacific Island setting with an extensive menu of local seafood, burgers and a collection of funky salads, featuring a fully stocked bar with over 20 craft beers on tap and live music daily in season. Made in house daily for over 13 years, the half-pound burgers include the original Bamboo Burger in Paradise; a Carolina Fire Burger topped with fresh jalapenos, Gouda and house Carolina Spice sauce and a Black and Bleu Burger blackened and stuffed with bleu cheese. Try “The Kish of Death” (Hot Meat Curry), in demand at local farmers

Entertainment lineup The Big Bamboo Café has managed to beat the odds by attracting a loyal local following of all ages. From reggae, rock and acoustic classics to live entertainment is almost always on tap at The Big Bamboo Café. Tristan O’Grady, credits a large part of the restaurant’s success to the diversity of the musical lineup. This fall, take a trip to the South Pacific without ever leaving the Lowcountry with a visit to The Big Bamboo Café in Coligny Plaza. To check out the menu or the live music schedule, visit bigbamboocafe.com or call 843686-3443.

Two Tomatoes Catering

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Secret to Success:

Making it right every time

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Susan Lykins was a home cook who went pro. After working for a caterer out of the Bear Creek Golf Club kitchen from 1991 to 1995, she took over and formed Two Tomatoes Catering. Now the busy cook has over 10 employees, including the other tomato, Diane Dewitt, who has been a part of the magic for 17 years. “At the end of the day, it’s just about making it right every time,” Lykins said. “I think people still just want good food. This is a place where people come to really enjoy life, and one of the best parts of enjoying life is enjoying a meal.” With a real heart for her clients, Lykins has found a formula that has given Two Tomatoes real staying power. Keeping menus and pricing flexible, while never compromising on the making it right every time motto, results in events that exceed expectations. With Two Tomatoes woven into the fabric of local catering, Lykins leverages her business to contribute to local service organizations such as Literacy Volunteers of the Lowcountry, Volunteers in Medicine, Knights of Columbus, Deep Well, Palmetto Animal League, and the Hilton Head Humane Association. “I have the ability to work with their budgets and give something back to the community that has given me so much,” she said. Showing up and making it right every time… “it’s a great job.” For more information, please call (843) 681-7806 or visit twotomatoescatering.com.

1974

The swing bridge to Hilton Head is struck by a barge which forces residents to travel off the island on a pontoon bridge constructed by the Army Corps of Engineers. The bridge is closed for six weeks.

s Year iness

in Bus



Celebrations Catering & Events Secret to Success:

There is no detail left undone… and everyone loves the staff

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Organic evolution is a pretty accurate way to describe how Celebrations Catering & Events came into being. As requests for catered events from the Old Fort Pub menu and venue grew beyond capacity, it made sense to allow the company to grow and a put down roots in their own kitchen and event planning offices. Seventeen years later, this offshoot is just getting better and better. Having earned a reputation for unparalleled excellence, an invitation to an event planned and catered by Celebrations is always met with great

1975

anticipation. From the smallest affair to the most spectacular soirée, every detail is meticulously set out and executed by a team with the resources to make magic. Director of sales, Molly Kennedy and her staff are experts at executing virtually any imaginable event, from weddings and celebrations, to corporate events and skyboxes. And what Kennedy does for planning, Executive Chef Andy Borgmeirer does for the food. Delicious, creative, and beautiful describe selection after selection coming from his kitchen. The latest shoot to sprout from the Celebrations group is B’s Kitchen, launched in 2006. Operating out of the Celebrations’ catering headquarters, fans of Chef Andy and his staff are getting to take home what they crave. Made with the same fresh ingredients used by the catering company, small-batch cooking is frozen and ready for pick-up. Listening to what the customers want, and delivering it, is one of the secrets to how Celebrations Catering & Events continues to evolve. Just imagine what will come next. Celebrations Catering & Events and B’s Kitchen are located at 12 Capital Drive, Hilton Head Island. Please call (843) 785-1185 or visit wecelebrateyou.com.

Pinckney Island’s owners Edward Starr and James Barker donate their 5000-acre island to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for conservation.

Years in Business

Main Street CafE and Pub to meet and eat,” this family-friendly café near Hilton Head Plantation’s main gate is embarking on its 15th year. It all started in 1999 when two local restaurant couples, John and Faith Roppelt, together with Aaron and Sharen Glugover, joined hands to take over what was then a struggling eatery known as Gulf Stream Café. The two couples, related by marriage, renamed it Main Street Café & Pub. Today Aaron serves as chef and Faith handles the front. It has been Chef Aaron’s kitchen talent and intuitive sense of what his patrons enjoy that has propelled the café

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Widely known on Hilton Head Island’s ➮ north end as “the place where locals like

Secret to Success:

Unpretentious setting, creative menu and fair prices (which appears from the street as an unpretentious neighborhood pub) into a “Top 10 Percent Rating” among more than 300 Hilton Head Island restaurants on Trip Advisor—the Internet’s influential travel guide. “We’ve had an evolving menu since the beginning,” Chef Aaron said, pointing out how the public’s dining-out expectations have perceptively changed

in recent years because of the Food Network. “It also helps to have a talented and loyal staff. We’re like family. Some have been with us since we bought the restaurant in 1999.” The popular club sandwich is about the only menu item remaining untouched since opening day” said Chef Aaron, who constantly seeks ways to please his patrons’ taste buds. Among today’s more asked-for items are the Café’s distinctive seafood chowder, fried green tomato BLT, parmesan encrusted grouper and the highly popular “all-youcan-eat” crab legs. The prized crab legs are relatively new to the menu, first appearing in 2009 to draw summer vacationers from the island’s South End. But the legs quickly caught on with regulars too, and now are the signature menu attraction drawing folks from as far away as Sun City. “People say they feel really comfortable dining with us,” Faith said. “We have a lively bar, and some even say we remind them of the pub in the TV show Cheers. That makes me smile. It’s a good thing.” Main Street Café & Pub is located at 1411 Main Street. Call (843) 689-3999 for reservations; visit HiltonHeadCafe.com for more information.

Staying Power

Years

Years in Business

in Business

Sippin Cow

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Secret to Success:

“Always pay attention to detail— especially with the customer.”

➮

1989

Every community has certain places where anyone can go and be a part of the family. It is a place where “everybody knows your name.” If they don’t, it won’t take long. These are the places where the Bluffton “state of mind” is in full swing. We really don’t know what that means other than that we are who we are and we are family. The Sippin Cow embodies Bluffton.

At Sippin Cow, people from all walks of life gather to enjoy the fixin’s, but better yet, share their lives and stories over some good home cookin’. It might be a secret or not, but if you want something not on the menu, just ask. Owner, Christy Pinski will try to make it happen. Pinski’s secret to success is that she is the Sippin Cow. She treats everybody like they are her family and her staff and customers do the same in return. Some enjoy the atmosphere, some come out of habit, some come for fellowship; everyone comes for the food. If you eat at “the Cow,” you are family. Don’t worry, be happy. You won’t go away hungry. Breakfast and lunch are served every day except for Monday when the crew catches a break. Come on and get in “a state of mind.” You never know. We might sing, dance, and just be plain old crazy. Who cares? We are at the Cow. Sippin Cow is located at 1230A May River Rd. in Old Town Bluffton. For information, visit sippincow.com or call (843) 757-5051.

Using some state funding, town officials implement a beach nourishment plan to restore heavily eroded beaches by pumping sand from offshore. The project is then repeated in 1997, and again in 2006.

Years in Business

Gilman Floors

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Secret to Success:

Best selection, reasonable prices, expert service

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In 2001, with only a van and a few samples began the humble launch of Gilman Floors. Bluffton was just beginning to bloom. It was serendipitous that they chose to locate in Bluffton—now it’s in the center of everything! Customers frequently ask, “What would you put in your home?” The ability to honestly answer that question really sets Gilman Floors apart from their competition. “Our goal and inspiration is to help each customer to create a beautiful home. The floor is the foundation of every room and makes a big impact on how you feel about your home.”

What’s Popular?

Hardwood. Hand-sculpted, oil-rubbed, distressed & repurposed, wide planks Carpet. Super soft, patterned carpet with lifetime stain resistance and 25-year wear warranties, memory foam cushion with moisture barrier, custom stair runners Vinyl—LVT. Luxury vinyl tile offers the look and feel of hardwood and the resilience of vinyl. LVT is perfectly suited for rental properties and commercial offices. Make no mistake; this is not your grandmother’s linoleum! Tile & Stone. Glass tile kitchen backsplashes, river rock shower floors, 12 x 24 porcelain tile Area Rugs. Indoor/outdoor synthetic sisal and seagrass, custom made-to-fit area rugs, value 8x10 rugs starting at $259 Stop by the showroom and visit with the knowledgeable, friendly sales associates at Gilman Floors, 1113 Fording Island Rd., Hwy. 278 (next to Home Depot), Bluffton (843) 757-5800, gilmanfloors.com.

Mellow Mushroom

 Secret to Success:

To always have top of the line food, service, atmosphere, and employees

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Eleven years ago when John and Kim Boyce opened their first Mellow Mushroom on Hilton Head Island, things were a little different. “Winters are much busier than when we first opened,” Kim said. Now the island keeps a pretty steady pace until summer arrives, and she says, “Because business keeps flowing year around, we can keep the employees happy, and that pays off in the busier summers with trained employees.” Changes in technology have helped the business evolve as well. “There’s no substitute for being in your restaurant and talking to customers,” Kim said. However, technology has helped manage food and labor costs and makes it possible to interact with customers on the Internet. Adding a second Mellow Mushroom in Bluffton in 2011, technology continues to help the Boyces do what they do best: run a thriving business. Of course, one thing that never changes is the great food. Periodically throughout the year the menu may change just enough to entice customers to try some new flavors and combinations, while always offering all the favorites that Mellow Mushroom fans crave. Currently celebrating Bootleg Bacon Fest, Kim says, “We’ve got some amazing pizzas; imagine eggs and bacon, with asparagus and truffle oil.” Mellow Mushroom is a very happy place to be right now. “We’ve been focused from day one on good quality food, good quality people, good quality service, and a quality location,” Kim said. It seems everything is top of the line.

Mellow Mushroom Hilton Head, 33 Office Park Road, Park Plaza (843) 6862474. Mellow Mushroom Bluffton, 878 Fording Island Road (843) 706-0800. Please visit mellowmushroom.com.

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Secret to Success:

Being a family-style academy

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There are three steps to winning any tennis match. 1) Win the first game. Smith Stearns Tennis Academy took to the courts in 2002 and did just that. With fewer than 10 students, serves were tossed and lobs were smashed as a tennis family was formed, offering a full time academy focused on getting players ready to earn scholarships to compete at the college level, along with camps and private lessons. GAME! 2) Win the first set. That requires utilizing all the tools in your duffle, and Smith Stearns packed an impressive bag. The academy’s greatest assets are its world-class instructors, and that include its three founders. Former world #1 player, and U.S. Open and Wimbledon champion,

Stan Smith is known for an impressive ability to communicate technique, strategy, and mental toughness. Smith approaches each interaction with a sense of integrity, valuing sportsmanship and courtesy above all else. Having coached 24 All-American collegiate players and NCAA champions, Billy Stearns is pivotal in helping students achieve their goal of playing collegiate tennis, known for his ability to build precision tennis strokes capitalizing on a student’s strengths. And bringing his own University of Texas collegiate experience, along with 18 national championships, B.J. Stearns, as the academy director is the driving force behind the academy’s impressive growth over the past five years…SET! 3) Win the match. With over 55 students from around the world, a reputation of being one of the best academies of its kind, and proven results with over 300 state, sectional, and national champions, Smith Stearns is proving to

Smith Stearns Tennis Academy

have real staying power. The academy’s family atmosphere provides that special something extra. “The owners are handson. They are on the court every single day, with Stan on the court teaching every single day that he’s in town,” said Kelley Stearns, academy administrator, director of student services, and a former national champion herself. In addition to academy administration, her role includes scheduling tournaments and travel, along with the many social and fun events planned throughout the year. “It’s more than just tennis. We hope that we can help students become the best tennis player they can be, but also the best person they can be off the court.” MATCH! Smith Stearns Tennis Academy is located at 1 Lighthouse Lane, Hilton Head Island. For more information, call (843) 363-4789 or visit online at smithstearns. com.

Years in Business

Photography by Anne, Inc.

Years in Business



Secret to Success:

Love what you do and treat people like you wish to be treated!

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Wayne Gretzky, the Hockey Hall of Fame player was known for his speed and agility, but the trait that was most admired by his teammates and competitors alike was his ability to “skate to where the puck was going to be”. When wedding clients of Photography by Anne view the pictures of their special day, they are amazed that they were able to capture so much of both the look and feel of this extraordinary time in their lives. It’s not only their ability to see the shot before it happens that separates them from competitors, it’s also an unwavering commitment to provide professional interaction at every contact and a can-do attitude to create the most positive customer experience. Anne and her team strongly believe in loyalty. Loyalty is defined as the firm, unwavering devotion to a person or cause. In business, the term loyalty can refer to customer, brand, or employee loyalty. Customer loyalty is very important in any business, because it is the customer that comes back repeatedly to buy more of the same or related products or services that keeps a company going for a long time. New customers are, of course, always valued, but a one-time customer will not have as large an effect in the company’s long-term well-being as a loyal customer will. Photography by Anne is grateful to have continued relationships with first class clients who “live” by the above, such as CH2 Magazine, Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort & ICON Creative. If you haven’t heard, Photography by Anne is in the process of opening a second studio in downtown Charleston. The only thing missing from the city’s rich history, well-preserved architecture and celebrated restaurant community seems to be this talented group! For more information go to www. photographybyanne.com

Staying Power

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The Village at Wexford store, The Blue Parrot, opened in 2002, and very quickly became a destination for seekers of fresh, interesting hand-crafted gifts. Pandora Jewelry was added to the offerings in 2004, followed by wonderful jewelry lines such as Lori Bonn, John Medeiros, Firefly, We Dream in Color, and Robin Goodfellow. Customer favorites include local wines, tide clocks, patio sculptures that are Bluetooth speakers, wooden Santas from Russia, handbags, wall art from Southern artists, Wolfard oil lamps, the wonderful Farmhouse Fresh products—one of the top five favorite body care lines in the U.S., and the adorable Wee Forest Folk. At the same time, recent additions of products from Charleston Shoe Co. and John Wind Jewelry, are typical of the shop’s intention to be constantly changing and always current.

Year

s sines

in Bu

The Blue Parrot

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Secret to Success:

Warm and welcoming staff and intriguing product mix

The Blue Parrot is located in the Village at Wexford Hilton Head Island, SC. For more information call (800) 252-6653 or (843) 785-9877

Hilton Head’s first mayor, Ben Racusin is elected to two terms.

1983



Secret to Success: Being honest and truthful

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After almost a decade of building a reputation as one of the area’s most skilled technicians in the spray foam insulation business, T. J. Anderson is appreciating the fruits of his labors, but most certainly is not resting on his laurels. Early in his career there was a time when his product was a foreign entity to most builders and homeowners in the Lowcountry. “I would have to spend 30 minutes to an hour just explaining the process,” says Anderson. Now he uses that time to discuss ways that customers can make their property more efficient, and that doesn’t always include changes to their insulation. “I look at everything on the house. I try to look at the whole scope. Insulation may not be the issue.” Anderson believes that it is well worth it to lose a customer in the shortrun because a more pressing issue with their property may have come to light during his inspection. However, what he has learned is that these are the owners who will be coming back to him when the time is right. Crediting honesty, along

Years in Business

T. J. Anderson of Atlantic Spray Foam with well-trained applicators, as the keys to successfully growing his business and reputation, Anderson believes that doing it right sets him apart from the competition. Additionally, air seal testing is conducted on every project to insure the house is 100% sealed. A native of Statesboro, Georgia, Anderson has invested a decade building a professional reputation and a business,

and growing his family here in the Lowcountry. “I love being here and I love what I do,” he shares. Anderson’s two young sons can look forward to learning a great deal about integrity, hard work, and honesty from their dad. For more information, please call 843.441.6690 or visit www. atlanticsprayfoam.net.

Oak Advisors

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Years in Business

Secret to Success: Placing the needs of the client first

For more than eight years, Oak Advisors has been one of the Hilton Head Island area’s most respected fee-only, wealth management firms. The firm, independently owned by partners John Chiacchiero and Michelle Myhre, CFP®, is not a brokerage firm or dealer of securities; the company is not affiliated with any broker, bank, accounting firm, law firm or insurance company. The company does not sell any insurance or any products or receive any commissions. All advice clients receive is objective and in their best interest. Serving as a fiduciary, the key to their success has been based on the core principle of placing the needs of the client first. As a fee-only firm, the company has removed the conflicts of interest that often arise when associates are paid by commissions on the products and services that they recommend. Simply put, the company feels that working on a fee-only basis is the only way to deliver objective advice to clients with complex financial needs. While the company has experienced substantial growth since its founding in 2005, its goal remains to create customized solutions for each client and to build long-term relationships with them. The company’s culture emphasizes excellence in all areas of financial planning and portfolio management. As a result, all company employees are required to have either an advanced degree such as a Master of Business Administration (MBA) or a professional designation such as Certified Financial PlannerTM (CFP®) or Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA). The wealth management process requires specific skill sets and professional experience. The Oak Advisors team (including Christopher Kiesel, CFA, Al Cerrati, and Jennifer Thompson, CFP®) brings this necessary expertise to the process and ensures that their clients with complex financial planning and investment management issues find solutions As Michelle Myhre, CFP® states, “At the end of the day, helping people get what they want defines our success.”

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Oak Advisors is located at The Plaza at Belfair, 3 Clark Summit Drive, Suite 201. Call (843) 757-9339 for more information or visit www.oakadvisors.net.

2012

The Royal Bank of Canada signs on to sponsor the Heritage golf tournament through 2016.

Staying Power

Years

Wine. These refreshing recipes have broad appeal, and labels feature original artwork with Lowcountry themes. Whether you are a visitor or a resident, your experience at Island Winery won’t disappoint. Sip wines amongst the barrels while enjoying a cheese platter. The extremely friendly and knowledgeable staff will make you feel at home. Free wine tastings are available daily from 12:30-5:30 p.m.; wine flights with a cheese platter are available daily from12:30-2:30 p.m.; or enjoy Happy Hour starting at 4 p.m. Monday-Thursday. Can’t make it to the winery? Here are a few places where you can purchase Island Wines: The Island Gift Shop in Harbour Town, mid-island at The Fresh Market or in Bluffton at Vineyard 55. You can also shop online for wines, which can be shipped to most states. Visit islandwinery.com to learn about barrel tastings, private parties and custom labeling.

in Business

Island Winery



Secret to Success:

We established the “something for everybody” motto

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Tucked away on the north end of the island, off the beaten path, Island Winery is a hidden gem, offering a unique concept perfectly tailored to Hilton Head Island. They hand-craft award-winning red and white wines from fresh grapes selected from the finest vineyards in the world, making popular varietals such as Chardonnay, Merlot and Pinot Noir and lesser-known classics such as Sangiovese, Tempranillo and Barbera. If traditional wines aren’t your thing, no worries. They also offer a unique product line called Low Country Specialty Wines made from local fruits, including Peach On The Beach, Cranberry Sunset, Apple Cinnamon Wine and Margarita

1992

Island Winery is located at 12A Cardinal Rd. Call (843) 842-3141 for more information of visit www.islandwinery.com. Island winery is closed on Sundays.

The Beach Preservation fee (part of Hilton Head Island’s Accommodation tax) is passed by the town council to provide for future beach renourishment projects.

Years in Business

Carrabbas Italian Grill



Secret to Success:

Pride in From-Scratch Cooking

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A well-known name and great midisland location on US 278 turn out to be only minor details when it comes to the popularity of Carrabbas Italian Grill on Hilton Head. “We operate under a (Florida-based) corporate umbrella but one of the things that set us apart from the competition is that almost everything we serve here is made from-scratch, including our meatballs and pizza dough,” said proprietor Chris Hurt. “We’re a family-style Italian restaurant and one of our big draws is that we have an open kitchen where people can see the smoke and flames as we cook on our wood-burning grill.” The format and friendly pricing starting at $10 per person on up to more

expensive fine dining options has proven popular at more than 250 Carrabbas locations east of Houston, TX., earning a dedicated following and a #1 ranking from Zagat Survey. “Tourists come to us a little quicker because they know the name, but we also have developed a great rapport with the locals and offer great happy hours during the week,” Hurt noted. Other ongoing specials include Wine Wednesdays when bottles and house pitchers are discounted ten bucks and Amore Mondays that feature a fixed-price menu and other food discounts. The regular menu covers all manner of popular Italian fare with plenty of pasta plus fresh seafood, chicken and meat dishes. Online ordering allows for quick pickup for meals at home. “We’re proud of our staff and service, of course,” said Hurt, “but pride in our food is really what we’re all about.” Carrabbas Italian Grill, 14 Folly Field Rd., Hilton Head, 843-7855007, open Mon.-Fri. 4 p.m.-9:30 p.m., weekends 11 a.m.-10:00 p.m. www.carrabbas.com

Years in Business

Fat Baby’s Pizza and Subs



Secret to Success:

We treat people the way we want to be treated.

➮

Pete Bernstein’s family was both the motivation and the inspiration behind his neighborhood pizza joint, Fat Baby’s Pizza and Subs on Hilton Head Island. This former restaurant owner took a few years away from the professional kitchens to stay at home with his two small children, but when he and his wife decided the timing was right, he was ready to open the classic pizza restaurant he’d long imagined. The name was inspired by his daughter’s nickname as an infant. “Now she’s a beautiful nine-year-old who is very proud to tell everybody how the name came about,” Bernstein said. With delicious homemade dough and sauce, everything is fresh and madeto-order: pizzas, calzones, subs, salads, and appetizers. “Our sales have increased every year that we’ve been open,” Bernstein said. Now he and his long-time island team are ready to take it to the next level. Planning to be open by the first of the year, Fat Baby’s is moving just around the corner to 1034 William Hilton Parkway. “We were looking for a newer facility, a bigger facility, better parking, and we wanted to stay in the neighborhood. This new location satisfies all the criteria.” The joint may really be jumpin’, but customers will always be able to count on great food, friendly faces, and a big thank you on their way out the door. Fat Baby’s Pizza and Subs is located at 120 Arrow Road, Hilton Head Island. For more information, please call (843) 8424200 or visit fatbabyspizza.com.

1993

Del Webb Corporation begins its 5100 acre development of Sun City Hilton Head, a retirement community. which ironically, is located in Hardeeville and Okatie.

Le Cookery Hilton Head Island

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The recipe for business success on Hilton Head Island is simple, said co-owner of Le Cookery, Laurel Greif: “people, and your relationships.” Greif and her husband Chuck have been helping cooks all over Hilton Head Island for nearly seven years, providing them the tools and the serving wear they need to make their culinary creations special and their dinner guests impressed. Of all the ingredients for their success, what they keep closest to their hearts are the customers they help and the friends they make along the way. Their store has brightly painted walls and a fun atmosphere where only the finest hand-painted serving wear, pots, pans and linens are sold. Located in the Village of Wexford, this store has been crucial for many island parties and continues to be a hidden gem. “The secret to our success is greeting people, meeting them at the

door and striking up a conversation,” Laurel Grief said. “Are they here on vacation? Did they just buy a house, or redo a kitchen, or maybe they need something special. We truly care about the people who come in our store and the friends we make. We don’t tell them what to buy; the big box stores do that. We explain the benefits of the products and take our time to educate anyone with a question. I think that is our secret ingredient to success.”

Years in Business



Secret to Success:

Relationships are key to any success.

Le Cookery, The Village at Wexford, 1000 William Hilton Pkwy, Suite B3, Hilton Head Island. For more information, call (843) 785-7171 or visit lecookeryusa.com.

November 2013

The staff of CH2 magazine spends nights and weekends in the office on a project called Staying Power for the December issue.

Lowcountry Spine & Sport

Years in Business

➮



Secret to Success:

“First and foremost, find your passion. When you have passion for something, you work hard for it. You know it, believe in it, and you love it. Your customers or patients will appreciate that. Second, like my mom used to say, ‘Don’t get too big for your britches.’ I’m a doctor, but I don’t mind sweeping a dirty floor, answering a phone, or calling a patient directly. These ‘small’ tasks go a long way in the eyes of staff, patients and colleagues.”

Committed to community  Dr. John P. Batson grew up in the Lowcountry, the youngest of six with a single mom. He graduated from Hilton Head Island High School, and through his early years worked as a windsurfing instructor and kayak guide with Outside Hilton Head. During college, he volunteered hundreds of hours with Hilton Head Hospital. He has raised thousands of dollars for the Volunteers in Medicine Center during Kayak for Charity events. His medical practice has been a patron sponsor for the RBC Heritage of Golf for the past four years, and he has organized local physicians to jointly sponsor the event when the future of the tournament was in jeopardy. For over five years, he has served as a volunteer team physician with Bluffton High School. Batson and his wife Alice currently serve as the American Heart Association Heart Ball chairs for 2014. Committed to medicine  Batson graduated from USC School of Medicine and completed internship and residency in Greenville, S.C. He then completed dual fellowships in both Sports Medicine and Spinal Pain Medicine. In fact, he is the only physician in the State of South Carolina to hold these dual board certifications. He has lectured extensively in the field of sports medicine and spine care and has personally coauthored three book chapters in sports medicine and spine care. He is a fellow in

the American College of Sports Medicine as well as a member of the International Spine Intervention Society, American Medical Society for Sports Medicine and the Pain Society of the Carolinas. He is a reviewer for the journal Current Sports Medicine Reports. For his dedication to medicine, he has been presented with the USC School of Medicine Young Alumni Award. Committed to you  In private practice for over five years in the Lowcountry, Batson provides nonsurgical spine and sports medicine care in a safe and compassionate environment. He has performed literally thousands of spine and sports medicine procedures, medically proven and effective for pain. “If you are in pain, I will make every effort to provide prompt medical care. I will listen to your concerns and take time to examine you. I will order medical tests only when necessary to diagnose your problem. I will perform procedures only when medically necessary to treat your pain,” Batson said. “I will personally call and check on you if I performed a procedure for your pain. Above and beyond typical care and medical practice. That is what I promise to you.” Dr John P. Batson, Lowcountry Spine & Sport, 300 New River Parkway, Suite 37, Hardeeville, SC, (843) 208-2420, spineandsportmd.com.

Photography by Anne // Article by Frank Dunne Jr.

357 Cal. Revolver Accoustic Electric Guitar

22 Cal. Pistols Pink Lady

Simply put, pawn is a non-traditional, if you will, option for buying and selling merchandise or, for some folks, borrowing money.

Digital SL-R with Flash & lenses

With Scope. Model 1500, Caliber 270

2.5 ct. 14K white Gold Wedding Set.

Platinum 1.33ct. Yellow Diamond w/2 25pt. White Diamond.

18K white gold, 4 diamond band, 1.5 ct. total weight.

ho could ever forget the pawnshop scene from the 1983 film Trading Places? Down and out, Louis Winthorpe III tries to pawn off his $6,000-plus Rochefoucauld—the sports watch of the ’80s—and is offered a measly $50. “It tells time simultaneously in Monte Carlo, Beverly Hills, London, Paris, Rome, and Gstaad!” he protests. “In Philadelphia it’s worth fifty bucks,” retorts the pawnbroker. A wonderfully funny scene, no doubt about it, but not entirely accurate in the real world, and certainly not at Top Dollar Pawn & Sales. First of all, you’re not likely to see Bo Diddley behind the counter. More important, you’ll get a fairer price for your merchandise, and if you hear a little voice in your head telling you that you’re doing something shady or disreputable, feel free to tell ’em to shut up. “The biggest problem we’ve had in the industry is the image,” said Top Dollar owner Ray Clark, who has been in the pawn business for over 30 years. “Movies and TV have always depicted it as the seedy guy behind the steel cage, paying $20 for your grandfather’s gold pocket watch or buying stolen stuff through the back door.” Not so, according to Clark and his industry colleagues. For one thing, the State Department of Consumer Affairs regulates the industry. “They enforce the laws, grant the licenses, and revoke them when necessary,” Clark said. “We’re fully licensed, bonded, and insured.” And the pawn license is not a one-size-fits-all deal. “I have a precious metals license, which is required by this state, and a federal firearms license.” Meaning that buying a firearm at a pawnshop is no different from buying through other channels; a background check is required for all firearms coming in and going out. If you bring a firearm in to sell or pawn, the Sheriff’s Department will run a check to confirm that it is legal, and any time a firearm leaves the store, whether you’re purchasing

3/4 ct. Diamond & Platinum Rings.

Men’s Watch

18K & Stainless Sub-Marine

or reclaiming, it you’ll have to pass a background check. So if you pawn and reclaim a firearm multiple times, you’ll have to pass the background check each time you reclaim it. Simply put, pawn is a nontraditional, if you will, option for buying and selling merchandise or, for some folks, borrowing money. “We keep an eye on what our customers come in looking for; that’s what we try to buy and that’s what we try to sell,” Clark said. “And we try to give a good price.” Sounds just like retail from that standpoint, except that the merchandise suppliers are other customers, and if you find what you’re looking for, you’re going to pay a lot less than you would at retail, even online. Take golf clubs, for example. Wouldn’t you love to pay as much as 70 percent less than you would for a new set? But, you say, they’re used! Of course they are, but look at it this way: as soon as you take that first swing with your brand new clubs, you’ve got a used set in your bag. On the other side of the transaction—people selling or pawning items—Clark says another misconception is that it’s only for people experiencing hard times, forced to part with cherished items or unable to get a more traditional loan. In some cases yes, that’s true. “It’s good for people who need money quick,” he said. “They have emergencies and don’t have time to wait for a bank to come through. Here they can walk in and walk out with cash.” Other folks are simply getting rid of items that they no longer need or want. Top Dollar Pawn & Sales provides an option to clear out the closets and get some value in return. The only caveat is it’s got to be something that Clark will be able to sell. “I’ll be completely honest with people,” he said. “If I can’t sell or get a good price for something, I obviously can’t offer a good price. So I’ll advise somebody that they might get more if they tried selling something

TOP Dollar

U.S $10 1/2 oz. Gold Coin in 1 1/2 diamond Bezel on 14K Plait Rope Chain AR-15 XM 15-E2S 223 Cal. Rifle w/ accessories

directly to another person.” A good example is the shelves full of cameras at the back of Clark’s Hilton Head Island store (he has a second location in Bluffton). Digital SLR cameras are still very marketable in the pawn business, but the little compact digitals have little value since everybody’s got a camera in their phone now. Clark opened the Hilton Head Island store on Mathews Drive in 1986 and a second location in Hardeeville in 1993, which he relocated to Bluffton on Kitties Landing Road in 1993. He says the inventory and clientele are by and large the same at both stores, although the Bluffton location sees greater traffic. To give an example of what you’ll find when you visit, the floor at Top Dollar of Hilton Head is crowded with power tools and equipment, musical instruments and other band gear, electronics, and sporting goods (primarily golf clubs and hunting and fishing gear). Handguns and gold and jewelry are displayed in glass cases for obvious reasons. Demand for certain items comes and goes over time in

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the pawn business, but the business also experiences seasonal cycles just like the retail sector. For example, this time of year is very busy for jewelry and gold sales with the Christmas season coming up. “We have some really nice pieces in here…great for gifts,” Clark said, noting that people don’t necessarily sell their jewelry because it’s broken or damaged. “They look at a piece that they haven’t worn in a few years and say why not clean out the jewelry box and make room for new stuff?” Clark laughs when asked if people ever come in expecting a scene from the Pawn Stars television program. “I get it all the time, and it’s been great!” he said. “I tell them that that’s not the reality. Those crazy things you see on shows like that are planted by the producers. This is the reality.” But hey…at least it brings them into the store. Top Dollar Pawn & Sales is located at 11 Mathews Drive, Suite 7, Hilton Head Island (843) 681-3400 or 10 Kitties Landing Road, Suite F, Bluffton (843) 836-5626.

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C2 FASHION

PHOTOGRAPHY BY KRISZTIAN LONYAI HAIR BY DANIELLE KEASLING AND THE SALON KARMA TEAM / MAKE-UP BY EMILY SANDERS OF SALON KARMA

ALL MENS FASHION FROM PALMETTOES

It's officially New Year's Eve. You have less than 24 hours to do all the things you'll resolve not to do in 2014.

FOR HER: BLACK DRESS BY YPSY PARIS FROM THE PORCUPINE

"Let's not spend New Year's Eve figuring out where to spend New Year's Eve."

FOR HER: DRESS AND PURSE BY JULIE BROWN, ALL FROM PALMETTOES

â&#x20AC;&#x153;You staying home all alone on New Year's Eve? Unthinkable. Take my advice ... the countdown should be shared with someone, or it's just another set of numbers passing you by.â&#x20AC;? Brushstrokes of a Gadfly

FOR HER: DRESS BY KATHERINE BARCLAY, JEWELRY BY PATRICIA’S COLLECTION, ALL FROM PATRICIA’S

"New Year's is my favorite holiday. Mostly because everyone wants to make out." Unknown Funny Person

FOR HER: DRESS BY AlbertO MAKALI FROM Luciana JEWELED MASK FROM PATRICIAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S

C2 SHENANIGANS

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARK STAFF HAIR AND MAKEUP BY CHRISTINE STEPHENS OF KARISMA SALON / ASSISTED BY ANNIE EMISON

"I love you man!"

Tom doesn't always drink vodka, but when he does, (he thinks) he's the most interesting man in the room.

It seemed like a good idea at the time.

"Keep your friends close and your pizza closer." Sun Tzu

"I fear the man who drinks water, and so remembers this morning what the rest of us said last night." Benjamin Franklin

DONâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;T DRINK & DRIVE! SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR ACTORS AND ACTRESSES WHO SPENT A LONG CHILLY NIGHT ACTING LIKE DRUNK IDIOTS, ALL THE WHILE BEING COMPLETELY SOBER. HOLLY MILLER, TONY CROSETTO, TANYA AQUINO, DAWN STANZIONE, LAURIE TOWLER, CARMEN WILLIAMS, LEO WILKERSON, MATHEW ESNAULT, PHILLIP SCOTT, BRIAN KOLLAR AND ALEX.

Beauty

Look

Eyes! at those

In d ulge S pa goes X t r e m e w i th lash extens i ons

Christina Bucci, Owner of Indulge Spa

Article By Rebecca Edwards . Photography by Claire Bove

hristina Bucci, owner and operator of Indulge Spa since 2004, has the ability to help you relax as well as enhance your appearance without surgery. Statuesque, beautiful and brunette, Bucci is as approachable as she is attractive, and her mission statement is straight forward and genuine: “to offer services that allow people to indulge themselves.” “With today’s fast-paced lifestyle, it’s important for people to take care of themselves,” Bucci said. “Spa services can play an important role in that self-care routine.” Indulge Spa offers a variety of stress-relieving, beauty boosting services, including five types of massage by licensed therapists who specialize in deep tissue, Swedish, reflexology, hot stone therapy and Shiatsu stretch. Deep-cleansing, relaxing facials as well as a wide array of waxing procedures are also available for both men and women. After 19 years of massaging, six days a week and often as many as four-six massages a day, Bucci is now concentrating her talents and expertise on facials and Xtreme Lashes® eyelash extensions. She was first introduced to Xtreme Lashes at Frederic Fekkai’s salon on Rodeo Drive in California, where she learned that Xtreme was the number-one company for lashes and the top pick of most Hollywood celebrities. Today, her own subtle yet eye-popping lashes are a testament to the beauty and quality of the product and the standard of care you can expect when she applies yours.

Xtreme Lashes was founded in 2005 by a registered nurse, Jo Mousselli, who formulated a safe and hygienic process for applying these faux-mink extensions to the natural lash. Mousselli’s background and knowledge allowed her to incorporate a medical-grade adhesive (the same used by surgeons) for applying the lashes. “The technique of applying Xtreme Lashes to your own individual lash (one by one) calls for the highest grade of products as well as training,” said Bucci, who has been perfecting her lash craft for almost a decade. “It’s not a skill you learn in a weekend.” According to Bucci, before you can purchase Xtreme’s high-end lash products, you must complete rigorous hours of training and testing. Xtreme has the most comprehensive, educational training offered, to assure that their attention to detail (which includes hypo-allergenic medical-grade adhesive, high-quality faux-mink lashes and the widest variety of lash shapes, sizes, lengths and colors) will afford the consumer the finest experience possible in this industry. “Part of that training is to assure that your Xtreme stylist consults with you beforehand to create a specific lash application designed with your eye shape and lifestyle in mind,” Bucci said. “The idea is for you to leave my establishment so that your friends will look at you and wonder why you look so good but not ask, ‘oh, when did you

Bucci is now concentrating her talents and expertise on facials and Xtreme Lashes® eyelash extensions. She was first introduced to Xtreme Lashes at Frederic Fekkai’s salon on Rodeo Drive in California, where she learned that Xtreme was the number-one company for lashes and the top pick of most Hollywood celebrities.

get false eyelashes?’ Achieving that natural look is the highest compliment I can get and it is what I strive for.” When considering lash extensions, Bucci’s advises doing your homework. “There is a true art to lash work. It is an intricate application and calls for a very steady hand,” she said. “The quality of service and safety to your eyes should be at the forefront of your search; the product being used and the experience and training of the stylist are of utmost importance.” A proper lash application should never be uncomfortable, painful or show signs of clumpy residual adhesive or damage to your natural lashes. “After the curing period, you can go mascara-free and wake up looking beautiful. It will give your eyes a lift without surgery,” Bucci said. It’s often said that the eyes are the windows to the soul. It’s quite obvious that Bucci’s passion for this art is soul-inspired.  For more about Indulge Spa or to make an appointment, please visit indulgespaofhhi.com or call (843) 842-4416.

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Nail Bar

A new experience

in nail care Nail Bar is not your typical nail salon, and owner Jason Nguyen is not your average nail salon owner. Pointing to the back wall of his serene space in Bluffton Commons near Westbury Park, he reads the following quote from the wall: “Welcome… may all who enter as guests leave as friends.” Nguyen is heartfelt, courteous and venturing to change the way you experience a manicure or pedicure.

article By Rebecca Edwards

“My family moved to Atlanta, Georgia from Vietnam in 1991 and started a nail business. I’ve grown up in this industry, and I wanted to offer something different than anything else in the area,” Nguyen said. “So I created this comfortable place where you can enjoy a complimentary glass of wine, champagne or other beverage like water, soda, coffee or green tea. I want my clients to truly feel relaxed. That’s why we play tranquil music, rather than blasting the news on TV.” (Note: In the background Enya is playing like a siren song to get pampered, and I watch enviously as one woman blissfully closes her eyes as she gets a leg massage.) Nguyen admits that sanitation is “of the utmost importance.” All pedicure basins are kept clean with disposable liners and all implements are sanitized in a sterilizer. Yet, Nguyen’s core concept of “treating

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Nail Bar

his customer like a friend rather than a number” also ranks paramount. To that end, he has trained his staff to engage with their “guests,” generate conversations and “cultivate a relationship.” As Nguyen describes his business vision I am struck with a memory of a Seinfeld episode in which Elaine goes to a nail salon and is mocked relentlessly. I am also reminded of nail salons I have visited in which the technicians seemed unaware I was even attached to the feet they were so hurryingly honing. And chances are you have had a similar experience elsewhere, making Nguyen’s hospitality all the more refreshing and appealing. As I scan Nail Bar from a manicure station, I see Nguyen’s plan is taking shape. Two women who are getting pedicures joke with one of the nail pros about a television show, and another bursts out, “I’m just so glad to have a break from my kids!” Nguyen laughs and then seems pensive for a minute before saying, “I am constantly thinking of ways to set us apart from other salons. I don’t worry about our competition, because when you worry about competition you fall behind thinking about the client. But I do want to make sure we are always being innovative and not becoming obsolete.” Since opening eight months ago, Nguyen has some exciting plans for phase two of Nail Bar. Ideas include a point program, a couple’s night or mother-daughter night in which Nguyen would offer after-hours services and a special activity like a movie on his 96-inch movie screen. Nguyen is also a big believer in giving back to his community and donates to several local charities. In honor of breast cancer awareness month, he recently hosted an evening in which a percentage of the proceeds went to Beaufort Memorial Hospital. He has also provided a special benefit for May River Montessori. He says he would like to partner with more and if anyone has a charity to feel free to contact him. “I want people to be able to reflect on something positive,” said Nguyen, who thinks it is important to provide an outlet for people to escape from everyday stressors. Other quotes on the walls read, “Dance as though no one is watching”; “Love as though you’ve never been hurt”; “Sing as though no one can hear you,”; “Live as though heaven is on earth”; and “Life is not measured by the breaths you take but by the moments that take your breath away.” On another wall is a peaceful photo of a sunset in Vietnam. Seeing me eye the picture, and once again embodying the gracious host, Nguyen said, “I wanted to share the comforts of my native home with clients with an image of coconut trees and tiki huts.” Nail Bar regulars Marianne Morgantini and Judy Storey attest to Nguyen’s hard work. Both have been customers for several years and are excited about the new space. “I go every two weeks for my nails and every three to four weeks for feet. I always feel so attended to and come out feeling like such a lady,” exclaimed Morgantini, who admits past places she tried felt like a factory rather than a salon. “I go every two weeks, early Saturday morning. It’s great when it works out that my daughter or friend can come and we drink coffee and have fun. Jason is not just my manicurist or pedicurist; he knows my family, he’s intelligent, he’s enjoyable and his salon is tiptop clean. He is sincerely interested in his clientele,” said Storey, who is also excited about watching Nail Bar continue to expand and succeed.

Services include: • • • • •

Nail enhancements: acrylic, UV gel powder, liquid gel, Pink & White, and Shellac gel polish Six signature manicure and pedicure services Additional services: take off, nail repair, nail art, French or American, and polish change for hands and/or feet Waxing: eyebrows, lip, chin, full face, back, chest, stomach, underarms, half and full arms, and half and full legs Packages: Bridal parties of eight or more get one complimentary service 

Nail Bar is open Mon.-Sat. 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are recommended. To learn more about Nail Bar, please visit on Facebook at TheNailBarSC or call (843) 815-8022 for appointments. DECEMBER 2013

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Q A

HOME

101

With Tim Silcox

Healthy Environments’ Tim Silcox answers frequently asked questions by homeowners about keeping their houses “healthy”

Infrared picture of open cell foam

why is my home so dusty? It’s attic fiberglass, because local codes do not require sealing areas around supply boot boxes and other sheet rock penetrations that pull dust into conditioned space. (These problems are worse in newer homes with blown-in fiberglass insulation.) Why does mold grow in air ducts? When homes are built, construction dust gets sucked into return ducts, coating brand new air handler components and supply ducts. This dust is a food source that grows into mold the first cooling season. How is your duct cleaning process different than other duct cleaners? We only use low velocity nozzles to clean, not damaging brushes. Our EPAregistered coating is not a dangerous biocide pesticide that is allowed to be used in this state. How do you clean dryer vents and how often do you recommend it? With over 15,000 dryer fires every year, it is recommended every one-three years, depending on use. We use only

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low velocity nozzles that do not damage or disconnect dryer ducts causing more issues. Why don’t you recommend using open cell spay foam insulation? In a crawlspace, it absorbs moisture like a sponge, so rats and termites love it. In attics, it heats up and off-gasses and it has a poor insulation value.

^ V-Kool panel

Why is your V-Kool window film better than any tinted film? It’s the world’s clearest film, so it doesn’t darken your view. It is not shiny at night and does not heat up the glass causing glass failure. It cuts 89 percent heat and is rated number one to reduce fading. What does it mean to be ACAC accredited? Many states, including Florida and Maryland, have passed state laws that require ACAC certification as a prerequisite for mold licensure to handle mold assessment and remediation. For more information, visit healthyenvironmentsinc.net or call (843) 363-6751 on Hilton Head Island, (843) 757-5522 in Bluffton or (843) 726-4729 in Ridgeland.

Before and after moldy duct

Before and after dryer vent cleaning

DECEMBER 2013

Article by Michael Paskevich // Photography By Krisztian Lonyai

With an easy smile and a firm handshake, Greg Critchley ushers a visitor inside “The Sound,” his highsecurity Hilton Head recording studio that local musicians are touting as the only truly professional recording space to be found for many miles in any direction. It’s a cozy but impressive space, packed with state-of-the art recording equipment that also includes a vintage 1967 Ludwig drum kit, favored by the likes of Ringo Starr during legendary sessions by The Beatles.

“Drums can be moody and one of the hardest things is to make them sound good in a studio,” said Critchley, a drummer himself with The Storks who pounded out the beats on the selftitled Cranford Hollow album, which was released in October. Critchley, who rebuilt and co-wrote many of the band’s tunes, envisions success, and maybe an overdue national breakthrough for the island’s most popular band with an updated sound he describes as finally capturing Cranford Hollow’s trademark blend of “stomp, swamp and grunge drinking songs. “It’s got mojo all over it,” Critchley continued, “and they have raised the bar and matured a lot. I think several of the tunes are radio-ready, and John Cranford has everything that can make him a rock star. He’s got the right combination of good looks, charm, charisma, talent and a bit of arrogance that it takes to make it big in this business.” But now the hard work begins, and Critchley surely speaks from experience. He started playing professionally while still in his teens growing up in a small Canadian town just north of the U.S. border, gigging and constantly touring with bands including a progressive trio (Regatta) that achieved notoriety north of the border but failed at achieving rare crossover success in the States. “Now it’s time for Cranford Hollow to hit the road and show off their skills in new venues across the country instead of just the Eastern seaboard,” Critchley said, “and while that sounds glamorous, normal life simply doesn’t exist for touring musicians. You have girlfriends waiting at home, families that miss you and the day-to-day grind is so tough.” Those same factors eventually forced Critchley to abandon touring, despite skills that found him backing the likes of The Dixie Chicks, Toby Keith and Michelle Branch, the latter performer carting him off to Japan where he stood transfixed in the wings just feet away during performances by rock icons The Who and Aerosmith. “That was such a memorable thrill,” he said, “right up there with getting to play with [Canadian superstars] Rush, who were my childhood heroes. But it was time for me to get back home, turn the page and start a new chapter in my life.” Settled down, he quickly received no shortage of Canadian session work, wrote well-paid commercial jingles and figured he’d finally found a welcome musical niche. However, friends and former band mates who had immigrated to Los Angeles, then the center of musical universe, urged him to give the place a try. Somewhat reluctant, he loaded up a truck and traveled cross-country, first setting up a makeshift 146

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The Sound facility was completed June 6, and Critchley has worked with budding amateurs as well as seasoned pros. He describes the role of producer as “parttime psychologist, confidant and relationship counselor” with a goal of bringing out the best in every artist.

recording studio in a Santa Monica cottage that was so small it required him to store his bed in a van until the sessions ended. But within a matter of days he found himself re-arranging strings for multi-Grammy winner David Foster, composing songs for television shows, Disney productions and solo artists including American Idol’s Clay Aiken. His expanding skills allowed him to set up a full-fledged studio that exists today and explains the 310 area code he maintains. “It was a hotbed for work,” he recalled, “and I probably have 300 to 500 different pieces in circulation. But L.A. is very competitive, and it’s infested with sharks concerned only about making money. That’s not a bad thing, but it’s not about the human soul, and disappointment and failure happens every day.” His view of recent American Idol winner Candace Glover of Lady’s Island reflects the harsh duality of a business bent on profit and remaining part of the gravy train. “The best thing that ever happened to her was winning American Idol … the worst thing that ever happened to her was winning American Idol,” he said, noting she’s under contract for the next three years and has no options beyond playing along with her handler’s decisions or dumping her contract and later re-launching her career from scratch. Family reunions on Hilton Head first brought Critchley to the island, and he admits he paid little attention to the local music scene in favor of enjoying family and the area’s natural beauty. But eventual sit-in sessions backing singer Whitley Deputy and The Storks helped expose him to other local

talents, and Critchley’s wheels started turning upon learning that the Lowcountry lacked a first-class recording facility. “There’s so much talent here, and with the way the industry is changing, it seemed like a perfect opportunity to channel my skills and, I hope, create what I think could become another musical hotbed like Athens, Georgia, or Seattle,” he said. “There just wasn’t a place here where someone with my (collective) experiences can usher artists through the entire process.” Storks principal Joe Vicars offered to help him move his studio equipment from L.A., and Critchley became an official islander in early 2012. “There’s no need to be in Los Angeles anymore because of all the advances in instant communication these days,” he said, although he recently returned from Smog City where he took meetings to expose the fresh sounds coming out of Hilton Head for potential commercial projects including film placement. “It’s funny, but by moving away, it’s now even easier to get meetings with important industry people.” The Sound facility was completed June 6, and Critchley has worked with budding amateurs as well as seasoned pros. He describes the role of producer as “part-time psychologist, confidant and relationship counselor” with a goal of bringing out the best in every artist. “I work differently with everyone based on their needs, and being together in the studio you become a family in all the good ways and sometimes the bad,” he smiled. A devotee of Yoga and meditation, Critchley spends precious spare time with his girlfriend and their dogs. “When I’m not working in the studio we’re usually running on the beach or taking long walks through nature,” he said. “We feel so fortunate to be able to live in such a beautiful place, and when we go out for dinner we could be back in Los Angeles because there are so many great restaurants.” As a professional songwriter, composer, multiinstrumentalist and experienced producer, it’s impossible for a visitor to avoid asking Critchley what kind of music he listens to at home. “There are so many different styles of music I enjoy, but when I’m home my favorite sound is simply sitting on the porch and listening to the rain,” he said.  The Sound is located on the island’s south end, but the exact address near Arrow Road is best excluded because of priceless equipment inside the studio despite 24-hour security measures. For more information, contact sound mixer Trevor Harden at (843) 341-2513 or via trevor@thesoundrecordingstudio.com.

 The

n nearly every happy couple’s home, there remains a secret place few are privy to see. From the female’s perspective, it is a vortex of manliness and so void of any design aesthetic or modicum of tidiness that she dares to enter it. This mysterious, masculine room is the “man cave;” and ladies, no matter how evolved your significant other is, there are times he is summoned by a primal urge to seek refuge from you and the rest of the house in this testosterone-filled and fueled space. And as it turns out, he’s doing you a favor. According to psychiatrist Dr. Joseph Walters of Lowcountry Psychiatric Associates, “There are absolutely benefits for both partners in having a man cave. The man cave has taken its own form over recent years, but the driving idea is one that has always been around—we are healthier individually and relationships are healthier when each partner has their own space and time.”

Walters, a happily married man, notes that women should also have an equivalent getaway. To this point, many men might retort, “Yeah, that’s the entire rest of the house,” further illuminating their need for a piece, even if it is a sliver, of the residential pie and a taste of spatial sanctity. “When couples begin dating, ‘time apart’ is a part of their relationship,” Walters said. “This continues to be healthy in small doses during a healthy marriage. Couples who do not realize this need possibly have greater issues at hand.” Walters recommends that husbands first (and this is critical, boys) “take care of family and household responsibilities before enjoying personal time” and then jokes “and occasionally the man should clean thy cave.” For those of you who are looking to excavate your own man cave, here’s how. Also referred to as the “man space,”

 The

Inside on the first floor is a four-car garage with two Ferraris, one Maserati and one Mercedes, porcelain floors, 900lb mahogany garage doors and maintenance stations for each car with water, air and power. Attached to the garage section is a 2,500-bottle cellar with a humidor for cigars.

the “man-tuary,” or for the deluxe dudes the “man-mahal,” the man cave is typically a castoff room, meaning a spare bedroom, media room, garage or basement. So by its very genesis, the man cave is excused from following any other design standards, organization credos or cleanliness codes otherwise maintained in the home. This opens up the realm of design possibility for the man cave dweller. Let’s start with man-a-phernalia. Man-aphernalia can be anything machismo-reminiscent, such as power tools, nostalgic photos of days long past before the wife and kids (and presumably involving fraternity brothers), framed team jerseys and other sports memorabilia, the seemingly obligatory photo of an attractive and often unattainable woman (clothing optional), and/or trophies of a prized kill or act of valor (like winning a beer chugging contest). When asked about what makes a man cave awesome, A.I.C owner Curt Hubner keeps it short and sweet. “The three key elements to a man cave are (holding up one finger) big sound, 150

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(holding up two fingers) big screens, and (holding three fingers) lots of toys,” he said. Hubner should know. He’s your go-toguy when it comes to forging a technologically kick-ass man cave. A.I.C., which stands for Advanced Integrative Controls, specializes in home theatre, automation, audio, television and wireless products and services. Hubner has used his expertise to carve out his own macho niche. His cave is enshrouded with manliness—from a 123-inch flat screen that consumes an entire wall, to a 12 and a quarter-pound mounted bass, to an entire shelf of NASCAR memorabilia. The furniture includes a big converted cobalt equipment rack for his TV speakers and gear so he “can turn on Blu-ray and grab a wrench.” Plus, Hubner has a mixture of masculine materials like an assortment of reclaimed wood and “pieces of steel that just look like something cool.” “This isn’t a place to watch the Notebook, or even Transformers—that just feels weird,” Hubner said. “This is a place where you drink beer and you can put things that your DECEMBER 2013

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 The

Outside is a half-court basketball court, shuffleboard court, Bocce court, full bar and seated area by a fire pit.

wife wouldn’t normally let you have like bowling pins. This is the place you don’t worry about stains or if something gets dirty. This is place where you just get to be a guy.” Other possible man cave accoutrements include a dartboard, a kegerator, a pool table, man-snacks, a Foosball table, fishing and hunting equipment, a La-Z-Boy recliner with a built-in remote and cooler in the armrest, and steer horns and/or just about anything that if animated would growl or charge at you. Hubner consults with his man cave clients to also consider the following: • Audio. “I have massive speakers in my man cave,” Hubner said. “Good quality speakers range from $1,000 to $80,000, so I recommend people installing speakers that fit their entertainment needs.” • Gaming. According to Hubner, the gaming world is divided into different sects of gamers. So, when choosing your set-up he says, “What kind of gamer you are is important—you’ve got Play Station, Xbox, Wii, and PC gamers. Then you have to factor in what kind of games you play—do you like first person shooter games or more interactive games you might play with your kids?” (Note: Alternate-reality based gamers might also go as far as decorating the room to look like their favorite game.) • TV. Hubner recommends Apple TV, hailing it as one of the “Top five AV inventions.” He also says, “Plasma is the best TV on the planet, especially for watching sporting events. Like a car, you get what you pay for, and if a deal 152

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sounds too good to be true, then it is.” • Integrated Technology. Hubner has incorporated integrative technology into his man cave. The lighting dims 50 percent when he turns on the TV, and when he pushes the pause button on his remote, the lights go back up to 100 percent. Hubner can also control his thermostat and lighting from a phone app. As for the man-mahal category, builder Tommy Smith of Sandcastle Constructors, Inc. has put some serious time and innovation into one particular man-ificent project. “We have one client who is a car enthusiast. His man cave is two-stories high and has both indoor and outdoor areas,” Smith said. Inside on the first floor is a four-car garage with two Ferraris, one Maserati and one Mercedes, porcelain floors, 900-lb mahogany garage doors and maintenance stations for each car with water, air and power. Attached to the garage section is a 2,500-bottle cellar with a humidor for cigars. In one section of the upstairs there are eight bunk beds (each equipped with its own 22-inch flat screen, USB port, and lighting and air controls), two full bathrooms and a kitchenette for his grandchildren. In the second section upstairs is a guest suite, complete with a full kitchen, full bath and sitting area. Outside is a half-court basketball court, shuffleboard court, Bocce court, full bar and seated area by a fire pit. Standing next to one of the Ferraris, Smith, who has developed a friendship with this particular client, says, “He deserves this. He’s worked hard and this is his reward. There is where a man can feel like a king.”  DECEMBER 2013

For The Ultimate Man Cave

1. Izon Camera: Monitor Your Man Cave The iZON Remote Room Monitor allows you to view activity in your man cave via your iPod Touch, iPhone or iPad. iZON will tell you when something is happening in your man cave by sending an alert to your iDevice. www.steminnovation.com/ izon Price: $129.95 -15% off using code CYBER15

2. Cigar Box Speakers These genuine cigar boxes come complete with their original brass hardware and labels, but have been reinforced with internal bracing and custom tuned for the 2.5” aluminum cone speaker. Good Deed Audio www.mancavegadgets.com Price: $225 3. Stine Custom Poker Table Stine Gaming Tables builds the finest round and hold’em style tables you can buy. Don’t take our word for it; check out Stine’s list of satisfied celebrity clients. LeAnn Rimes and Slash may be worlds apart musically, but both enjoy poker on their custom hold’em tables. www.stinegametables.com Price: $3,300 4. Beer Keg Bar Stools The kit includes a vinyl swivel seat that turns 360 degrees and a durable power-coated foot rest. The bar stool stands 32 inches high when assembled. The Keg Stool Kit has been featured on DIY’s Man Cave show and assembles in just minutes. Amazon.com Price: $120 5. X Rocker Gaming Chair The X Rocker Pro Series works with xBox, Playstation, Gameboy and any home theater system. www.mancavegadgets.com Price: $150

6. Professional grade indoor putting greens! www.proputtsystems. com/ golf-rooms-the-ultimateaddict-man-cave Price: see website 7. Whiskey Stones www.uncommongoods. com/product/whiskeystones-gift-set Price: $20-$50 9. Authentic Baseball Glove Leather Chair Made by Rawlings, this is the chair crafted in the form of a gargantuan baseball glove, upholstered entirely with the same exceptional leather as the mitts used by professional ballplayers. www.hammacher.com Price: $6,200 10. Life Size Storm Trooper Action Figure www.dudeiwantthat.com/ gear/novelty/life-sizestormtrooper-actionfigure.asp Price: $2,299.99 11. Typographic Icon Movie Posters www.dudeiwantthat. com/household/decor/ typographic-iconicmovie-prints.asp Price: $50 12. American Patriot Personalized Cigar Humidor www.homewetbar. com/American-PatriotPersonalized-CigarHumidor-p-663.html Price: $55.95 13. New England Patriots NFL Team Carpet Tiles 18X18 www.mancavekingdom. com/nfl-football/flooring/ new-england-patriots/ carpet-tiles-18x18_1595 Price: $259.00

For The Ultimate Man Cave

14. Man Cave Custom Menu Board www.homewetbar.com/ man-cave-custommenu-board-p-2124.html Price: $49.95 16. Custom Built Single Kegerator www.mancavekingdom. com/refrigerators/beerkegerators-keg Price: $825 17. Viper Championship Backboard Set www.mancaveathome. com/darts-dartboards/ dartboards/ traditional-dartboards/ viper-championshipbackboard-set.html Price: $149.99 18. Boston Red Sox Neon Sign www.mancaveathome. com/man-cave-decor/ neon-signs/mlb-neonsigns Price: $470