CH2 MAGAZINE AUGUST 2026

ON THE CH2 COVER Lee Edwards of The Greenery is photographed at his home.

Robert Rivers is photographed at Lowcountry Shelving and Glass.

GENIUSES AT WORK

Vibe Manager

Maggie Marie Washo

Master of Coin

Marion Elizabeth Bowser

Chief Chatter

Kim Conrad Crouch

Head Unicorn Wrangler

“Just Kandace” Cunningham

Collector of Business Cards

Morgan Ambler

Employee of the Year Jevon Daly

Mascot in Training

Buoy Conrad Crouch Pritchard

The Gatekeepers

Greta Von Bowser

Vincent Von Bowser

Kerning Queen

Catherine Davies

Punctuation Prodigy

Lynne Cope Hummell

Innovation Sherpas

Jesse Blanco

Courtney Hampson

Lynne Cope Hummell

Barry Kaufman

Brooke Peck

Alan Perry

Cheryl Ricer

Larry Toomer

Sheila Tucker

Lighting Experts

Photography by M.Kat

Photography by Lisa Staff

Photography by Sophie Hyde; Lilly Wilmot; and SumKai Creative, Summer Pagapaton

Find Us Here PO Box 22949

Hilton Head Island, SC 29925

843.816.6247 maggie@ch2cb2magazine.com

EDITOR'S NOTE

AUGUST 2026

As July came to a close, I was lucky enough to observe what thousands of visitors to this island only hope to get a glimpse of – baby sea turtles making their way down the sand towards the water at dusk. The hundreds of attendees who volunteered for Sea Turtle Patrol’s Put the Beach to Bed event July 19 near the Hilton Oceanfront Resort in Palmetto Dunes were told to stick around after filling in holes and picking up garbage – there was a chance of seeing something really special that night.

Amber Kuehn, executive director of Hilton Head Island's Sea Turtle Patrol, informed the crowd that she and other Sea Turtle Patrol permitted volunteers would be taking inventory of four sea turtle nests, just a few yards from each other, that had all hatched in the past three days. This process is done to log how many eggs were laid, how many hatched, and to assist any remaining baby sea turtles make it to the water without incident.

There is never a guarantee that there will be stragglers in the nest, but with four being inventoried that night, the Sea Turtle Patrol team had a pretty good feeling that we might get to see a few. When Kym Castillo, longtime local and Sea Turtle Patrol volunteer for 23 years, excitedly held up one tiny baby loggerhead turtle from the nest, a sound of awe and excitement rose up. Kids squealed in delight as they observed the tiny creature making little swimming motions with its tiny flippers. Simultaneously, another nest was

being inventoried and Brooke Peck texted me from down the beach: “12 hatchlings!” What followed was careful instruction from the Sea Turtle patrol team to ensure the tiny creatures had a clear path to the water amongst the hundreds of feet surrounding them. “Do not move,” instructed Castillo. “Pretend your feet are stuck in cement!” Gasps and cheers erupted from the onlookers as the waves came in and out and the baby loggerheads determinedly made their way to the ocean.

I’ve had the pleasure of riding along on the morning patrol more than once with Kuehn and her team of enthusiastic conservationists, so I’m no stranger to all that is done by this team to ensure these majestic creatures continue to see Hilton Head Island as a hospitable place to lay their eggs. Actually getting to see the fruits of their labor in the way of baby loggerheads was something special though, I have to say.

I can think of no better way to kick off the last in our series of summer fun issues than to share this story with y’all.

Enjoy the dog days of summer – it’ll be Halloween before you know it. 

MAGGIE WASHO Publisher / Editor-in-Chief

5

REASONS TO CELEBRATE SHEILA TUCKER,

Writer and Therapist · Photography by Maggie Washo

1

A lover of light, whimsy, and magical moments, it all makes sense when you consider that Sheila was born on the summer solstice. Although Sheila has a great affinity for the sun and long days, she does not share the same affection for the elevated humidity and dew point, making spring and fall her favorite seasons in the Lowcountry.

3

When not writing for CH2, Sheila, a licensed marriage and family therapist, can be found sitting with clients at her private practice, Heart Mind & Soul Counseling. She specializes in working with those navigating anxiety, perfectionism, and overthinking, and those carrying the weight of relationship issues and trauma. Sheila brings the same heart, wit, and straightforwardness from her articles into her therapy practice.

4

Sheila is a dog mom to Finn, a 5-year-old rescue pup who is absolutely running the show. Her life is filled with walks, play, and endless snuggles. Together with her husband, Greg, they’ve even crossed borders, with Finn proudly logging several trips to Canada under his collar.

2

When the outdoors calls, Sheila always answers. One of her favorite outdoor activities is hiking – taking in the scent of whatever is blooming, listening to the birds, or simply feeling the breeze against her skin. It’s where her stress melts away, leaving space for dreaming and connecting.

5

Sheila was the kid getting in trouble for reading at the dinner table, skipping naps for books, and filling nearly every other moment with music. Although she took piano lessons as a child and guitar lessons from CH2’s Jevon Daly in her 20s, she’s best known for playing the radio and somehow retaining every lyric from her youth. Fun facts: Sheila co-wrote a song for a TV show that aired briefly (it was on the air for less time than it took you to read this sentence) and sang backup on an HGTV track produced by her husband, Greg Critchley.

A

from

STORM READY: PREPARATION IS OUR BEST PROTECTION

As hurricane season continues, there is no better time than now to make sure you are prepared. Hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30. While late August through early September is typically the most active period, storms can develop at any time. Fortunately, the town has a dedicated emergency management team that closely monitors weather conditions and takes proactive steps to prepare for potential storms. We encourage every resident and visitor to do the same.

In the event of a potential or actual storm, you play a vital role in helping ensure a safe response before, during, and after the storm. The best way to protect yourself and your family is to have a disaster plan and a well-stocked emergency kit. The town’s online Hurricane Center (hiltonheadislandsc.gov) offers hurricane guides and helpful resources outlining what your emergency plan and supply kit should include.

I’d also like to address two of the most common questions we receive whenever a hurricane threatens our area. First, only the governor of South Carolina can issue an evacuation order based on a storm’s anticipated impact. If evacuation is ordered, the town will move quickly to share that information through all official communication channels. Second, our bridges to Hilton Head Island remain open unless the island faces dangerously high winds or an evacuation order is in effect.

When it comes to storm information, please rely on official sources for accurate and timely updates. Follow the town’s social media channels and sign up for our e-subscription service to receive emergency alerts directly. Unofficial sources can sometimes spread misinformation, creating unnecessary confusion and concern.

Please know that your town is preparing as well. We have developed comprehensive emergency response plans to protect our community and support recovery after a disaster. We have also established an emergency reserve fund to help finance critical response and recovery efforts.

Behind the scenes, our emergency management team, led by Tom Dunn in Fire Rescue, works year-round to ensure readiness. Team members participate in annual training exercises and emergency simulations to strengthen response capabilities. The town is proud to be one of only three emergency management programs accredited through the Emergency Management Accreditation Program, reflecting our commitment to preparedness and excellence. Additionally, the National Hurricane Center regularly updates forecasting tools, models, and communication products. Our team stays informed about these changes and evaluates how they may affect our response timelines, planning, and public messaging.

Preparedness also requires strong partnerships. We work closely with neighborhood leaders, utility providers, medical facilities, and local agencies, including the Beaufort County Sheriff's Office and the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office Emergency Management Division, to ensure a coordinated response.

Ultimately, hurricane preparedness is a team effort. By preparing now, staying informed, and following official guidance, we can help keep our families, neighbors, and community safe throughout hurricane season. 

Staff Photography

Note

Hilton Head Island Mayor Alan Perry

PUBLIC SAFETY AND PUBLIC TRUST GO HAND IN HAND

New technology often brings questions, and that’s a good thing.

The Town of Bluffton and the Bluffton Police Department have recently received questions about Flock Safety cameras following several acts of vandalism involving the cameras, as well as a number of Freedom of Information Act requests related to the technology. As your mayor, I believe residents deserve answers about how these tools are used and the safeguards in place to protect privacy and maintain public trust.

First, it is important to understand what these cameras are and what they are not.

Flock cameras are automated license plate readers, or ALPRs. They are designed to identify vehicles by reading license plates and noting vehicle characteristics such as make, model, color, and distinguishing features. They are not designed to identify people. They do not use facial recognition technology. They do not record audio, listen to conversations, access cellphones, or collect information from mobile devices. The parent company, Flock Safety, makes this technology and the cameras are named after the company.

Their purpose is straightforward: to help law enforcement investigate crimes, recover stolen vehicles, locate missing and endangered individuals, and provide valuable leads when every minute matters.

In many ways, these cameras serve as additional sets of eyes on our roadways. In a growing community such as Bluffton, it simply is not possible to have a police officer at every intersection or on every street at every hour of the day. Technology can help our officers work more efficiently and respond more quickly while allowing us to be good stewards of taxpayer resources.

Equally important is how this technology is governed.

Before a single camera was installed, the Bluffton Police Department established policies governing how the technology could be used, who could access it, and what accountability measures would be required. Officers cannot simply search the system out of curiosity. Access is limited to authorized personnel for legitimate law enforcement purposes, and every search is logged and auditable.

The department also operates under an additional layer of oversight that many communities do not have.

In 2020, Bluffton Town Council established the Law Enforcement Citizens Advisory Committee as part of the department’s commitment to community-oriented policing and transparency. This six-member, resident-led committee serves as a bridge between the community and the police department and conducts regular reviews of the department’s use of this technology.

That citizen committee exists to represent residents’ voices.

The committee reviews how the technology is being used, audits access to the system and helps ensure that

Flock cameras are automated license plate readers, or ALPRs. They are designed to identify vehicles by reading license plates and noting vehicle characteristics such as make, model, color, and distinguishing features. They are not designed to identify people.

established policies and procedures are being followed. Their work helps provide transparency, accountability, and confidence that these tools are being used responsibly and appropriately.

In Bluffton, public safety and privacy protections go hand in hand.

As our community continues to grow, our responsibility is to use technology thoughtfully, transparently, and within clearly defined legal and ethical boundaries. The Bluffton Police Department remains committed to protecting both the safety and the privacy of our residents, and town council remains committed to maintaining the public trust that makes community policing successful.

Questions are welcome. Residents are welcome to attend the bi-monthly meetings of the Law Enforcement Citizens Advisory Committee. If you need more information about these meetings, please contact the department’s community relations manager, Eydie Moody, at emoody@ townofbluffton.com. 

A Note from Bluffton Mayor Larry Toomer

“I took him to the Shipyard Beach Club to teach him how to windsurf,” Overton said. “He had a miserable time. I don’t think he ever stood up for more than five seconds. He cut his knee, got stung by a jellyfish, and wanted his money back.”

Recognizing that enthusiasm alone would not guarantee success, Overton enrolled in a professional windsurfing instructor certification program in Florida. There, he learned what would become a guiding principle throughout his career.

“They taught you the three most important things in business – at least pre-internet – which were location, location, location,” Overton said.

Armed with new knowledge, he began searching for the ideal place to build his business. That search eventually led him to one of Hilton Head Island’s most influential visionaries.

A Meeting with Charles Fraser

When Overton asked around for advice, several people pointed him toward Charles Fraser, the legendary developer whose vision helped shape modern Hilton Head Island. Overton managed to secure a brief appointment. What happened next exceeded all expectations.

Instead of a quick meeting, Fraser spent hours with the young entrepreneur, showing him around Sea Pines, introducing him to the island’s unique assets, and listening to his ideas.

“He said, ‘I think you have a really good idea,’” Overton said. Fraser encouraged him to establish his operation at South Beach Marina and offered him a simple but invaluable opportunity: a card table inside the South Beach General Store. It was enough.

By the Fourth of July in 1979, Overton was teaching windsurfing lessons in Sea Pines. He taught a few hundred students that first summer. The following year, business expanded so quickly that he hired his first instructor.

The foundation had been laid.

That first summer also taught Overton something about Hilton Head itself. The island was still young as a destination, still shaping its identity, and still small enough that a good idea could find room to grow. The Lowcountry’s natural setting was not simply a backdrop for business. It was the business.

The marshes, creeks, beaches, tides, and wildlife offered something no manufactured attraction could replicate. Overton recognized early that people did not come to Hilton Head only to be entertained. They came to feel connected to a place.

That understanding would become one of the company’s most important advantages. Rather than building experiences that competed with the environment, Outside Brands built experiences that helped people enter it, understand it, and appreciate it.

As Hilton Head Island grew, so did Overton’s business. When ownership changes at South Beach created new opportunities, he expanded beyond windsurfing. A sailing school, boat rentals, and retail operations soon followed. The company eventually became known as Island Water Sports, reflecting its growing range of services.

“We had a sailing school and a windsurfing school,” Overton said. “Upstairs, I put some T-shirts and windsurfers, and we changed the name of the company.”

By the mid-1980s, Windsurfing Hilton Head had become the largest windsurfing school in the United States. At

A team shot of the Outside Hilton Head crew in the earlier days of the brand's time in the Lowcountry.

the same time, the island itself was evolving. Commercial development expanded northward. Shelter Cove emerged as a major destination, and Overton recognized another opportunity. When the Shelter Cove Plaza was developed, the company opened a retail location there, establishing a presence that continues today.

Seeing

Opportunity Before Everyone Else

One theme runs consistently throughout Outside Brands’ history: identifying emerging trends before they become mainstream. In the early 1990s, the company became the first Rollerblade dealer east of the Mississippi River. Later in the decade, Overton turned his attention to another growing outdoor activity: kayaking.

Today, guided kayak tours are common throughout coastal communities. At the time, however, the concept was virtually unheard of. “I think we became the first company in the country to offer guided nature kayak tours,” Overton said.

Recognizing that success would require knowledgeable guides, the company developed a comprehensive naturalist training program. That commitment to education helped establish a reputation for excellence that extended well beyond Hilton Head Island. “It’s been internationally recognized on how we train our guides and naturalists,” Overton said.

The program transformed kayaking from a recreational activity into an educational experience, helping guests better understand the Lowcountry’s ecology, wildlife, and history.

That ability to evolve has helped Outside Brands stay relevant through changing travel trends, shifting economies, and the many reinventions of Hilton Head Island itself. Windsurfing gave way to kayaking. Kayaking expanded into naturalist-led tours. Outdoor adventures opened the door to corporate team building. Corporate relationships eventually supported destination management.

Each new step made sense because it grew from what the company already knew how to do well: manage logistics, build relationships, train people carefully, and deliver memorable experiences in exceptional settings.

Overton has never seen the company as being locked into one product or one era. Instead, Outside Brands has

Mike Overton began his career on Hilton Head Island with a windsurfing school in Sea Pines at South Beach Marina.

continued to follow the needs of its clients while staying rooted in its original love of the outdoors.

Perhaps no expansion illustrates Overton’s vision more clearly than Page Island.

In the late 1990s, the company acquired a chain of islands behind Daufuskie Island and began bringing visitors there for outdoor experiences.

Over time, Overton noticed something interesting. The remote environment naturally encouraged communication, trust, and collaboration. Those observations eventually led to the creation of the Page Island Growth Center, which focused on team development and leadership training. “We found it was a great place to grow teams and grow relationships,” Overton said.

The concept resonated with corporate clients. Within a decade, Outside Brands was conducting team-building and leadership programs for divisions of virtually every Fortune 100 company. What started as outdoor recreation had evolved into organizational development.

Adapting During Challenging Times

Long-term success rarely comes from standing still. When the economic downturn of 2008 disrupted the hospitality industry, two destination management companies (DMCs) serving Hilton Head Island ceased operations.

Rather than viewing the situation as a threat, Overton saw an opportunity. The company already had extensive relationships with corporate clients and sophisticated logistical systems. Expanding into destination management felt like a natural progression. Today, the destination management division is the largest part of Outside Brands’ business.

For many visitors, destination management is an unfamiliar term, but the role is essential to the success of corporate meetings, incentive trips, and conferences. “A DMC is really the best ambassador for a destination,” Overton said.

The division coordinates transportation, entertainment, décor, event production, activities, excursions, and countless behind-the-scenes details that create memorable experiences for visiting groups. Last year alone, the company hired more than 400 bands and entertainers for client events.

That expertise has helped establish Outside Brands as a trusted partner for organizations visiting Hilton Head Island, Bluffton, and Savannah.

Five Divisions, One Mission

Today, Outside Brands operates through five interconnected divisions. Its retail division includes stores in Shelter Cove and Palmetto Bluff. Its outdoor recreation division

access to, helping inspire the next generation of environmental stewards.

Looking Ahead

As Outside Brands approaches its fifth decade, growth remains a priority. The company continues expanding in Savannah and Palmetto Bluff while exploring new opportunities throughout the region. Overton is particularly optimistic about Hilton Head Island’s future as a destination for high-end corporate groups and meetings. He also sees significant potential for continued growth in the company’s leadership and teamdevelopment programs.

Despite the scale of the company today, the company remains grounded in the same principles that launched it nearly 50 years ago: Relationships. Adventure. Education. Stewardship.

What started with six windsurfers and a card table has become one of the Lowcountry’s most enduring success stories. Along the way, Outside Brands has done far more than build a business. It has helped generations of visitors and residents discover the waterways, wildlife, history, and culture that make the Lowcountry unlike anywhere else.

For Overton, that connection remains the heart of everything the company does. “At the end of the day, our product is what’s indigenous to the Lowcountry – the nature, the history, and the culture,” he said.

In many ways, the Outside Brands story mirrors the story of Hilton Head Island itself. Both began with a bold belief in the power of place. Both grew through vision, adaptability, and careful stewardship. And both continue to thrive because people are drawn to something authentic here.

For Overton, the company’s success is not measured only in tours booked, events managed, or retail sales made. It is measured in moments: a child seeing a dolphin from a boat for the first time, a corporate team discovering new trust on Page Island, a visitor understanding the salt marsh in a deeper way, or an employee building a career around the outdoors.

That is the kind of staying power that cannot be manufactured. It has to be lived, season after season, tide after tide, relationship after relationship.

Nearly five decades later, that simple idea continues to carry Outside Brands forward. 

MICHAEL HAYS

TIKI HUT, BARTENDER

How long have you lived here and what do you like most about it?

More than 30 years. I moved here in 1994 and I love the family I’ve met along the way.

What’s one thing you miss about Hilton Head Island’s olden days?

I really miss the heavy metal, hard rock jukebox that was in the downstairs bar at Prime Time! Those who know, know exactly what I’m talking about. Oh, and the belly flop contests as well. I also have to say that I always miss my friends that left us too early. It’s never where you are that matters, it’s who you’re with. I always say I can have a great time in a wet paper bag if I’m with the right group of people.

What’s one thing you love about recent changes to the island?

My favorite change on the island isn’t recent. It will always be the addition of the Cross Island

Expressway. If you ever had to leave this island from the south end in July before that road was built, you will have to agree with me!

What question do you get asked most often by our visitors? And what is your answer?

“What brought you down here?” I was looking to get out of smalltown Kentucky. I didn’t realize that I really loved a small town, I just wanted it to be MY small town and not be living in my family’s small town. I love all my peeps back home, but I found out that I wanted to make my own mark in this world.

Unofficial Poll: Where do most of our visitors hail from, in your experience?

Ohio, for sure. Whoever marketed this island up there was a genius!

If you had to recommend one item to your guests on the Tiki Hut menu, what would it be?

The ultimate marg, skinny with salt! Tequila is one of my faves.

Favorite annual event or festival?

I love the Heritage Golf Tournament and always will. So many good times with great friends. It explains itself.

If you had to recommend a visitor to Hilton Head Island do ONE thing before they leave town, what would it be?

I always love a good dolphin tour. Watching a dolphin swimming two feet away from me and looking straight into their eyes is the best! It always brings a big smile to my face.

CAITLIN RYAN

MEMORY LANE PORTRAITS, OWNER, DIGITAL CREATOR, ARTIST

How long have you lived here and what do you like most about it?

I have lived on Hilton Head Island for 10 years. This is the longest I have ever lived anywhere, and I believe there are many more years ahead on this magical island. The sun, saltwater, and sand feel like the healthiest environment I have ever enjoyed.

What’s your favorite part about being a photographer on Hilton Head Island?

My favorite part is capturing authentic family connections against such a stunning, everchanging coastal backdrop. I especially love running into the ocean with my families at the end of a session to capture epic, joy-filled portraits. Being part of some of the happiest moments in people’s lives is an incredible blessing. I am grateful that my legacy is their memories.

What question do you get asked most often by visitors? And what is your answer?

The question I get asked most often is how to pose and look good on camera. I have a few secrets that I share, but the most important one is simple: Have a good time, because happiness is beautiful.

Unofficial Poll: Where do most of your visitors hail from, in your experience?

In my experience, most visitors travel from Ohio and Pennsylvania.

Favorite annual event or festival?

The Mindful Triathlon. It is a beautiful 5K on the beach in April, when the temperature is just right and you can feel the ocean breeze guiding you to the finish line. It also includes yoga and meditation – no better way to finish the day.

If you had to recommend a visitor to Hilton Head Island do ONE thing before they leave town, what would it be?

Schedule a session with Memory Lane Portraits. Your time on the island may pass quickly, but the portraits you create here become

part of your family’s story, carrying the feeling of a moment long after it has passed.

When not working, we can find you where, and doing what? When I’m not working, you can find me taking my pups, Tigger and Sunny, to the beach at sunset. The beach is Tigger’s favorite place. Every time he hears the word “beach,” he perks his ears in anticipation. I rescued Sunny from the Dominican Republic. I’m pretty sure his favorite place is the couch; however, he is at home on the beach.

The Mindful Triathlon. It is a beautiful 5K on the beach in April, when the temperature is just right and you can feel the ocean breeze guiding you to the finish line. It also includes yoga and meditation – no better way to finish the day.

NOLAN GREGORY

MARRIOTT’S GRANDE OCEAN, DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS

How long have you lived here and what do you like most about it?

I’ve lived here my entire life, and my parents actually met on Hilton Head in the late 1980s while working for Marriott. It’s hard to pick just one thing, but I’d say the overall island lifestyle is what I love most. Knowing so many locals, having so many options for golf and tennis, being able to go to the pool or beach whenever, and having so many great local restaurants you can’t find anywhere else. Every time I go over the bridge, it’s a reminder of just how lucky I am to live here.

What’s one thing you miss about Hilton Head Island’s olden days?

I would say having more local islanders actually living on the island. With the rising cost of living, that’s become less common. A lot of people now live in Bluffton or Okatie, and I find myself going to Bluffton a lot to spend time with friends.

What’s one thing you love about recent changes to the island?

I really appreciate how much the

variety of leisure activities and events has grown over the past 20 years. The town does a great job hosting festivals and keeping weekends full of things to do. There are also many more restaurant options now, with a much wider range of cuisines than there used to be, and that is not even counting everything Bluffton has added.

What question do you get asked most often by our visitors? And what is your answer?

The most common question is definitely “Where should I go to eat?” My answer is usually, “It depends on what you are looking for.” Whether someone wants something casual or something more upscale, you can find almost anything here. For casual spots, I like Fiesta Fresh, Amigos, Local Pie, and Smokehouse. For something more upscale, you cannot go wrong with Charlie’s, Ombra, or Michael Anthony’s.

Unofficial Poll: Where do most of our visitors hail from, in your experience?

Without a doubt, Ohio. You can tell just by how many restaurants and bars cater to Ohio sports fans. I would also say we see a lot of visitors from New Jersey as well.

Favorite annual event or festival?

I am a little biased, but I would say the Lantern Parade, since it starts right in front of our resort at Grande Ocean. It is a beautiful event that keeps getting bigger every year. My second favorite would have to be Wing Fest, because there are very few things I enjoy more than a good chicken wing.

If you had to recommend a visitor to Hilton Head Island do ONE thing before they leave town, what would it be?

That is a tough question because it really depends on the person, but I would say do something on the water or the beach. Ride a bike on the beach, ideally at sunrise or sunset, or my personal favorite is to get out on the water with a dolphin cruise or a casual boat cruise. It is the best way to experience what makes Hilton Head Island special.

TONIANN COMELLO

SWEET AL’S AND SWEET AL’S ON THE BEACH

OWNER, BARISTA,

ACCOUNTANT, BUSINESS LIAISON, SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETER, TASTE TESTER, GREETER, CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

How long have you lived here and what do you like most about it?

Four years. I love the Hilton Head bubble. It’s hard to explain unless you live here. It’s like life is simpler here but it’s also what you make of it. It’s busy but can also be so relaxing. And it almost feels like its own little world. Aside from that, the weather and community here are like nothing I have ever been around before and it brings me a lot of joy! Sunshine and smiles –that’s what life is all about!

What’s one thing you miss about Hilton Head Island’s olden days?

Well, I wasn’t around for the old days, but I have heard great stories about it. Owning a coffee shop on the island where people coming in have been traveling with their families for over 20 years and telling us great traditions and stories about the island are always so fun to hear.

What’s one thing you love about recent changes to the island?

Love the new pocket park in Coligny. Great place to hang.

What question do you get asked most often by our visitors? And what is your answer?

“What made you move to Hilton Head from New Jersey?” We visited during 2021-2022 about six times and those were our first experiences on Hilton Head. Every time we came here, people were so friendly, made small talk, smiled, waved and we just felt so at home and welcomed here. It was a nobrainer for us.

Unofficial Poll: Where do most of our visitors hail from, in your opinion?

Because I’m from New Jersey, I feel like I hear or am biased to hearing it more. But I definitely see a lot of New Jersey license plates down here while I’m driving. And they bring that great driving philosophy too.

If you had to recommend to your guests one item on the Sweet Al’s menu, what would it be?

The acai bowls on a healthy day or the cinnamon roll with homemade cream cheese icing on an “I need my sweets” day.

Favorite annual event or festival?

Love the wings festival. I'm a sucker for good wings and they bring out the best flavors there. My favorite this year was actually a peanut butter and jelly wing! Delicious.

If you had to recommend a visitor to Hilton Head Island do ONE thing before they leave town, what would it be?

Wake up early and walk out to the beach at sunrise and watch the magic happen when the sun casts the most magical view. You will be joined by so many others on the beach and it’s a truly energizing experience. Then come see me and get some coffee after!

HEATH BABB

DOLPHIN DISCOVERY TOURS, OWNER & CAPTAIN

How long have you lived here and what do you like most about it?

I moved to Hilton Head in 1993, just two months out of high school. What I love most about Hilton Head and the Lowcountry is the incredible diversity of the landscape. I can be on the beaches in the morning, then hop on a boat and head offshore, or duck into the saltwater creeks and rivers. I can head inland a bit and hit the swamps or just spend hours enjoying our saltwater marshes. There is just so much here to love.

What’s one thing you miss about Hilton Head Island’s olden days?

What I miss most about the old days are the quiet winters. There were evenings back then where you could drive down Pope Avenue and not see another single car.

Those quiet times shared with the people who lived here year-round created some truly great memories.

What’s one thing you love about recent changes to the island?

This is a tough one, because growth is always a challenge. But one thing that really stands out to me is the recent effort to remove the abandoned and sunken boats from the creeks, rivers, and the sound around the island. It’s a huge improvement, and I really hope they keep making changes like this to protect our local waterways from all that garbage.

What question do you get asked most often by our visitors? And what is your answer?

That’s easy: “When is the best time to see dolphins?” My answer is

always the same: We guarantee you’ll see dolphins because they are so plentiful here! That said, I believe the absolute best time to go on a boat tour is first thing in the morning. That first tour of the day, right as the sun is coming up, usually has less wind, with calmer waters. Conditions like this allows you to see so much farther out. Honestly, there is nothing better than a Hilton Head sunrise.

Unofficial Poll: Where do most of our visitors hail from, in your experience?

I’m sure everyone is going to give you this exact same answer, but on average, most of our visitors are coming from Ohio and Michigan. I will say, though, that over the past couple of years we’ve been seeing more and more people from all across the country as first-time visitors. It’s always really cool to see new people coming down to check out the island.

Favorite annual event or festival?

This may not be the exact type of event you’re looking for, but my favorite annual event is simply the arrival of fall. There is absolutely nothing better here than the fall season. You get slightly cooler weather, less wind, and the water temperature is still warm enough to enjoy – not to mention all the new fishing and wildlife species coming into season. It is just handsdown my favorite time of year on the island.

If you had to recommend a visitor to Hilton Head Island do ONE thing before they leave town, what would it be?

Well, I’m definitely biased on this one, but the number one thing I recommend people do is a dolphins, sharks, and shells excursion. This boat tour rolls three of everyone’s favorite activities all into one. You get to see dolphins in their natural habitat, you get to safely touch and hold sharks, and you get to do some of the best shelling around – which happens on spots you can’t reach from the regular Hilton Head beaches. I always tell people to book at least the four-hour tour to give yourself ample time for all three. Trust me, the time goes fast!

JODI O’BRIEN

OUTSIDE BRANDS, KAYAK, SUP GUIDE, SUP YOGA INSTRUCTOR

How long have you lived here and what do you like most about it?

I have lived on Hilton Head Island off and on for the past 13 years. I love the beauty and availability of the island – there is always something to do. The weather is always nice, sun is out, you can hit the water, go to the beach, eat amazing food, listen to live music almost anywhere, sit, or go for a walk and admire the beauty of the Lowcountry. There are always festivals or events going on, so many dog-friendly spots, you can really enjoy island life. The island has so much history and beauty to offer, with such an amazing community that brings it all together!

What’s one thing you miss about Hilton Head Island’s olden days? I miss when the island was less developed, it was like a hidden secret.

What’s one thing you love about recent changes to the island? They have built more parks, and restaurants for more amazing food, and places to come together. I love heading down to Celebration Park for gatherings and events.

What question do you get asked most often by our visitors? And what is your answer?

What I get asked most is “You get to live here?” My answer is “Yes! Once I moved here, I knew this is where I needed to be. The weather, tight-knit community, balance of nature, and historical surroundings are what makes me proud to call Hilton Head Island my home!”

Unofficial Poll: Where do most of our visitors hail from, in your experience?

Isn’t the obvious answer “Ohio”? Joking aside, I have had a lot of visitors from New England and the Midwest. It really depends on the time of year and school vacation schedules. We have visitors from all over the world come to see our beautiful Island.

Favorite annual event or festival?

This is tough! We have so many amazing events every year. If I have to pick one, it is the Lantern Parade – such a cool event! The creativity, ingenuity, and intricacies of the lantern designs always make me awestruck. What an amazing

time to gather with friends and community to showcase all the creativity this island has to offer. I love seeing all the lanterns people have made! It brings together all age groups to enjoy in the fun.

If you had to recommend a visitor to Hilton Head Island do ONE thing before they leave town, what would it be?

Explore and try something you’ve never done before to create new memories and be present in what you chose. You could always come join me for SUP Yoga! It’s more approachable than people think and we always have a good time! What’s the worst that could happen – you go swimming on a hot day?

Once I moved here, I knew this is where I needed to be. The weather, tight-knit community, balance of nature, and historical surroundings are what makes me proud to call Hilton Head Island my home!

How long have you lived here and what do you like most about it?

I moved to Hilton Head in 2005. Having grown up in the small town of New Concord, Ohio, I have always appreciated the “slow pace” of the Lowcountry. The smalltown feel was very comforting when I first moved to the area.

What’s one thing you miss about Hilton Head Island’s olden days?

I miss some of the old shops and restaurants that have come and gone – Loose Lucy’s, Internet Cafe, Market Street Cafe, Monkey Business, and Murphy’s, to name a few.

What’s one thing you love about recent changes to the island?

I really enjoy Celebration Park and the various upgrades throughout the south end area.

What question do you get asked most often by our visitors? And what is your answer?

Visitors most often ask where the locals go for dinner. Since I live in Bluffton, Nectar in Old Town is always a goto. I also recommend Pomodori and Calhoun’s. While on the island, I love WiseGuys and French Bakery.

Unofficial Poll: Where do most of our visitors hail from, in your experience?

In my experience, many visitors come from Ohio. Like myself, many fall in love with the area and are eventually lucky enough to call Hilton Head “home.”

If you had to recommend one item from the Poseidon menu to your guests, what would it be?

I would recommend the New Bedford Scallops, served with a baked sweet potato and haricots verts, followed by a slice of our homemade Key Lime pie.

Favorite Annual Event or Festival?

I love the Lantern Parade. It is unlike anything I have ever seen, and I enjoy seeing everyone's creativity and vision come to life.

If you had to recommend a visitor do ONE thing before they leave town, what would it be?

I would encourage everyone to see the Lowcountry from the water, whether by renting a kayak or taking a dolphin or sunset cruise. Hilton Head is best enjoyed outdoors, and its natural beauty is a significant part of its draw.

POSEIDON AND THE ROOFTOP BAR, GENERAL MANAGER

MISTY MARSHALL

How long have you lived here and what do you like most about it?

I have lived here for five summers and now one full year. I love the Lowcountry charm and, most of all, living and working by the ocean.

What’s your favorite part about being a lifeguard on Hilton Head Island?

I love being able to help this amazing community on the island and working closely with such an awesome staff of guards from all over the world.

What question do you get asked most often by our visitors? And what is your answer?

I most commonly get asked what type of jellyfish wash up on our beaches. I always tell them that they are usually Cannonball Jellyfish which lack tentacles and rarely sting humans.

Unofficial Poll: Where do most of our visitors hail from, in your experience? Ohio!

Favorite annual event or festival?

Oyster Fest

If you had to recommend a visitor to Hilton Head Island do ONE thing before they leave town, what would it be?

Besides the beach, I always recommend exploring Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge. Pinckney has some really beautiful sights and you will see a large variety of Lowcountry wildlife.

When not working we can find you where, and doing what?

When not working I still love going to the beach. You can almost always find me spending my days off swimming in the ocean and looking for shark teeth!

ORLA CLASBY LIFEGUARD, SHORE BEACH SERVICES

CAPPY

THE

CLOWN

(A.K.A. ROBIN CARRIG)

How long have you lived here and what do you like most about it?

I arrived on Hilton Head Island about 41 years ago as a boat captain. There is so much history and natural beauty to explore here along the beach, walking through nature preserves, watching birds, and learning about sea life.

What’s one thing you miss about Hilton Head Island’s olden days?

The phone book was maybe half an inch thick! Everyone knew everyone in the community.

What’s one thing you love about recent changes to the island?

There are more ways to learn about local people and culture with magazines, books, museums, live theatres, arts centers, and music.

What question do you get asked most often by our visitors? And what is your answer?

“Where should we go to eat?!” I answer, “We have choices for every palate at Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina!”

Unofficial Poll: Where do most of our visitors hail from, in your experience?

I have a map for visitors to put stickers on their home state. Ohio still wins, however other East Coast visitors increase each year.

Favorite annual event or festival?

That’s easy: HarbourFest!

If you had to recommend a visitor to Hilton Head Island do ONE thing before they leave town, what would it be? Go out on a boat. But also, to name a few others: crabbing, fishing, dinner, sunset cruise, and dolphin watching.

ANA ROJAS

ISLAND BAGEL OWNER

How long have you lived here and what do you like most about it?

I’ve lived 25 years on the island. I love the beach and I love that it’s a small town.

What’s one thing you miss about Hilton Head Island’s olden days?

I really miss Cracker Barrel.

What’s one thing you love about recent changes to the island?

What I like about new Hilton Head is that we are creating new parks for families.

What question do you get asked most often by our visitors? And what is your answer?

They pretty much ask me for a good Mexican restaurant, and I say, “It’s next door to us! Try Carlitos.”

Unofficial Poll: Where do most of our visitors hail from, in your experience?

New York and Ohio.

Favorite Annual Event or Festival I like WingFest.

If you had to recommend a visitor to Hilton Head Island do ONE thing before they leave town, what would it be?

Of course, visit Island Bagel for fresh, made from scratch every day bagels and our delicious flavors of homemade cream cheese.

What is your personal favorite bagel order!

Veggie omelet on multigrain bagel with provolone cheese. Yummy!

How long have you lived here and what do you like most about it?

I grew up in the big city of Due West, about four hours straight up the Savannah River from Hilton Head. I’m told by my parents that I first set foot on the island in 1969. Funny, I don’t recall that. Whenever my parents said that we were going to Hilton Head in our early years, my sister and I would complain that there was NOTHING to do on Hilton Head and why weren’t we going to Myrtle Beach! Funny how much smarter the parents were than we thought. I made the Lowcountry my permanent home in 1985 after graduating from USC.

What’s one thing you miss about Hilton Head Island’s olden days? There was certainly a calm that we had the opportunity to experience through the cooler months that we no longer realize ... a nice time to take a breath and have maybe a little more of an opportunity to experience all the attributes and benefits that the Lowcountry offers. I remember Edwin (McCain) at Wild Wing (Café) on the duck pond; Hootie at the OPO (Old Post Office) and just the OPO, period; Perry White’s Gullah Flea Market, the Crow’s Nest, Remy’s, cycling on the roads without the serious pucker factor.

What’s one thing you love about recent changes to the island?

I’d have to say the renovations to some of the older hotels is something that I appreciate. It was needed. It certainly was to the benefit of our visitors as well as the island economics.

What question do you get asked most often by our visitors?

And what is your answer?

“Are there sharks here?” and “Are there alligators here?” (Pretty much the same frequency.) After staring blankly, I say “yes.” I did have one visitor ask how far off the beach was the metal fencing that was designed to keep the sharks out, about which she’d been told.

Unofficial Poll: Where do most of our visitors hail from, in your experience?

C’mon! Outside of SC and Georgia, it’s Ohio.

Favorite annual event or festival?

Wine Fest. Wing Fest is a close second.

If you had to recommend a visitor to Hilton Head Island do ONE thing before they leave town, what would it be?

Discover the island! See it through Coastal Discovery Museum, an adventure on the water, a tour with Gullah Heritage Trail Tours, a horseback ride with Lawton Stables, a visit to the Arts Center, or a long early-morning beach walk. Whatever raises an interest, discover the island. It’s a lot more than golf, tennis, and beach.

ANDY KENNEDY

The CH2 crew (Maggie Washo, Brooke Peck and Jevon Daly) enjoy the view from the top.

Park Rangers are all smiles at the ribboncutting of the newly renovated Hunting Island Lighthouse.

Ted Panayotoff serves as lighthouse director for Friends of Hunting Island, a nonprofit organization formed to support the park with funds and volunteers.

Article by Brooke Peck . Photography by Maggie Washo

Hunting Island Lighthouse Reopens After Restoration

One of the most visited state parks in South Carolina is only about an hour from Hilton Head Island and Bluffton. Sandwiched between Edisto and Fripp islands, Hunting Island State Park’s visitors are drawn to explore miles of maritime forest trails, walk its pristine beaches and the fishing pier, and see wildlife at the Nature Center. Thanks to its popular campground, boasting 100 campsites and with easy access for day visitors, it’s no surprise that more than one million guests enjoy visiting this barrier island each year.

One of the park’s biggest attractions, the Hunting Island Lighthouse, recently reopened after being closed for necessary repairs during the past four years. The welcoming black and white lighthouse resumed tours to the public on May 26 with a ribboncutting ceremony featuring park staff and elected officials.

Hunting Island State Park, located at 2555 Sea Island Parkway, east of Beaufort, is open

“Today, together we are witnessing history,” said Kirby Brady, park manager. “We are not just reopening a lighthouse; we’re rekindling a beacon that has guided generations through time and storm. Arriving at this moment took intentional planning, dedication, and unending passion of people who believed it was worth protecting, preserving, and sharing.”

In early 2022, park officials made the difficult decision to close the popular lighthouse due to safety concerns with its deteriorating conditions. Over the past four years, restoration projects included repairs and reinforcements to the interior staircase, handrails, and upper observation deck. Additional work to repaint the lighthouse’s interior and exterior, replace glass in the lantern room, and repair water intrusion issues were also completed.

“When the lighthouse was built, it wasn’t meant to be an attraction for visitors,” said Duane Parrish, director of the South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism. “It was built to be a functioning lighthouse, with one person going up and down the stairs periodically.”

The historic lighthouse was erected in 1859 and was rebuilt in 1875 due to damages from the Civil War. The forward-thinking construction included interchangeable cast-iron sections that would allow for relocation, if necessary. In 1889, significant beach erosion required the lighthouse to relocate more than a mile inland.

According to the South Carolina State Parks website, the historic lighthouse initially opened for public climbing after it became a state park in the 1940s. Since then, visitors have made the trip up for educational and recreational purposes. Many climbers were motivated to ascend to the top for breathtaking views of the beach, ocean, distant islands, and treetops.

A stunning view of the beach from the top of the Hunting Island Lighthouse.

year-round.

“If you have walked to the top, there is a sense of reverence in the moment that you step out,” said Joy Raintree, director of the State Park Service. “It doesn’t matter who you’re with, what mood you were in before you stepped through the storied threshold of this lighthouse or what thoughts crossed your mind on your ascent. When you’re 136 feet up in the air, (you’re) a world away. It’s a panoramic horizon that opens up around you.”

Ted Panayotoff serves as lighthouse director for Friends of Hunting Island, a nonprofit organization formed to support the park with funds and

Duane Parrish, director of the South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism.

CH2 contributor Brooke Peck enjoys the climb back down, notes in hand.

volunteers. “I hope people will come and visit, they’ll understand about the history of the lighthouse, and they’ll understand about the dedication of the keepers,” he said. Panayotoff referenced the lighthouse keepers and their families who previously lived on the remote island and made sure that the lighthouse was functioning properly so that mariners coming along the coast were safe.

The restoration budget was more than $4 million and most of the funds were allocated from the South Carolina state legislature. Additional funds came from grants from Friends of Hunting Island, the Recreation Development Fund, and from state park revenue dollars.

“As the keepers of this nationally registered historic place, it is our duty to ensure the continuity of this invaluable resource that has become an inherent part of our state’s brand identity,” Parrish said. “Like any major undertaking, this project was a result of the efforts and hard work of many.”

The state park is also home to a large Fresnel lens, the most powerful and largest lighthouse type of lens. The 12-foot-tall lens originally operated in the Morris Island lighthouse at the entrance to Charleston Harbor and was moved to Hunting Island in 1962. Efforts are underway to construct an ADA accessible ground level building to showcase the Fresnel lens. This project will provide an additional educational opportunity for park visitors.

Hunting Island State Park, located at 2555 Sea Island Parkway, east of Beaufort, is open year-round. Park admission is $8 per adult, $5 seniors, $4 children ages 6-15, and free for children 5 and under.

Tickets to climb the lighthouse are an additional fee and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. The cost is $5 per person and climbers must be at least 44 inches tall and able to climb 167 stairs on their own (carrying or lifting individuals is not permitted, including the use of child carriers). Climbers under 13 years of age must be accompanied by an adult. Only 12 guests can climb at a time and each group is allotted 30 minutes for their climb.

For more information about Hunting Island State Park, visit southcarolinaparks.com/hunting-island. 

A ribbon-cutting ceremony featuring park staff and elected officials was held on May 26.

Article by Brooke Peck

by Maggie Washo

The Bluffton Bookshop is Now Open!

When her family moved to Bluffton three years ago, Allyn Oliver knew Old Town was missing something special. “Bluffton is such a fantastic small town with so much personality, but it needed a bookstore,” she said. “It needed a cute space, a space with books, but also a space for people to come together, for readers to meet each other.”

Over the past year and half, Allyn and her husband, Jamie, worked to purchase, renovate, decorate, stock, and open The Bluffton Bookshop. “I’ve always loved a bookstore,” she said. “Whether we are traveling to a small town or going to another country, I’m always looking at their bookstores. I think they are just special places in the community.”

As a lifelong reader, Oliver has a passion for books and the literature community. “I have a library at home,” she said. “I’ve always been a collector. I like to keep my books.”

Since she’s read so many books, Oliver can easily make recommendations to shoppers at The Bluffton Bookshop. “I’ll read a little bit of anything and everything,” she said. “I read to escape and I read according to my mood. I like to be a bit darker in the fall and winter than I am in the summer, when I am more of a beach reader.”

The store’s shelves are stocked with common categories of fiction, cooking, mysteries, and children’s books, but the shop offers a tailored approach to supporting local authors and artists. At the front of the shop, a book section is devoted to South Carolina authors including Pat Conroy, Kardea Brown, and T.I Lowe. The works of local artists cover the space with collages, paintings, and murals. Local gifts and artwork are also available for purchase.

A shelf labeled “Salty Pages” is stocked with publisher overstock books that are significantly discounted in price. “They’re perfect for the beach or boat,” Oliver said. “If you get them wet or drop them in the sand, or take them on vacation and leave them behind, it’s no problem.”

Photography

Allyn and Jamie Oliver recently opened the Bluffton Bookshop on Bridge Street in Old Town.

Not sure what book to pick? The shop offers customers an option called “Blind Date with a Book.” These books are wrapped and labeled with a few plot descriptions. It’s a fun way to gift books as well. Many readers have been introduced to unfamiliar authors through this offering. In addition, the staff is very knowledgeable and able to help provide personalized recommendations.

Oliver’s dream is for The Bluffton Bookshop to be a community gathering space. “I really hope to have a lot of events here and connect with people and have people connect with each other,” she said. Children’s story time, author meet and greets, small business pop-ups, and book signings are some of the events planned for the new business.

Unlike libraries, which are often quiet, Oliver welcomes noise and activity in the bookshop. “I want a hubbub going on in here at any given time,” she said. The store attracts shoppers of all ages, interests, and hobbies.

On Mondays and Tuesdays, Mahjong players are welcome to sign up for two-hour time slots to enjoy playing in the back room of the bookshop. They can bring their friends or meet new friends and share some fun together in the space. Tiles are provided, but players are welcome to bring their own if they’d prefer. Players can sign up for a free time slot on the The Bluffton Bookshop website.

The shop offers a personal connection that can’t be duplicated with shopping online. “The bookstore is an experience,” Oliver said. “We’ve got the events, the books out, and it’s all an experience.” Visitors can grab a cup of Origin coffee or Hale tea (both of which come from Savannah) to help elevate the in-person experience that one can’t get with shopping online.

Pre-packaged ice cream treats are also available at the new business, through a pass-through window, labeled as the Frozen Fiddler, on one side of the building. “We’re working with Leopold’s Ice Cream, which people are really excited to see,” Oliver said. “We have Nightingale’s ice cream sandwiches, which are huge, and we are doing snow cones.”

“We have bagged ice too,” she said. Since the business is so close to the Bluffton Oyster Factory boat landing, it’s an accessible stop for boaters. Ice is available for purchase 24/7 on the back corner of the building, next to the Frozen Fiddler.

Creating the Bookshop

Even the bookshop’s location has a storied history. Early in 2025, the Olivers located the vacant, off-market home and worked with the Town of Bluffton to rezone the property from residential to commercial.

Built in 1946 by H.E. McCracken Sr., the structure went through a significant renovation. “It was an old house, which was perfect, because you need a place with character to turn into a bookstore,” Oliver said.

A cozy little nook for reading and discovering new authors.

An ice cream window at the bookstore offers sweet treats to patrons.

However, that character also came with some structural challenges. The home’s original construction was supported only by six inches of oyster shells during its first 80 years of life. One of the first major projects was to add concrete footings. Connecting to the town’s sewer system was also a big project. Creating an off-street parking area was also important to the owners. In total, the renovations took about nine months.

While repairing termite damage, the project’s builder, Jen Sommerville with DH Abney, located a foundation block signed by McCracken in 1946. She suggested that the design team do something creative to highlight the historical signature while keeping the foundation in place. “Absolutely, the more character, the better,” said Oliver.

Now, when shoppers visit the store, they can open up a hidden space to check out the signed foundation block. Similar to a diorama, the space is neatly tucked into a wall in the hallway. Visitors of all ages enjoy access to the uniquely placed historical piece. “This has been the biggest hit so far, with some families coming in just to look for the hidden space,” Oliver said.

Next, came the more creative part: design installation. Led by Nancy Parrish Interiors, the shop features soothing colors, accessories that nod to the Lowcountry, welcoming furnishings, and fun wallpaper selections. “I didn’t want a square box,” Oliver said. “I wanted a cool spot.”

Local muralist and neighbor, Amiri Farris, recently completed a Lowcountry-inspired mural on the building’s exterior. It features two children reading on the banks of the May River, surrounded by a vibrant sunset. “Bluffton is known as the heart of the Lowcountry,” Farris said. “You will see a lot of those elements.”

Located next to the Frozen Fiddler window, the mural is a welcomed addition to The Bluffton Bookshop’s exterior. “It pops off the side of the building and it looks great,” Oliver said. “I think it is just a beautiful addition to this corner of town.”

Some local authors have already stopped by to offer their support to the new business. “Ellen Malphrus stopped in on our very first day and signed a bunch of books for us,” Oliver said. Patti Callahan Henry came by during construction, and then stopped by again post construction with Mary Kay Andrews. “She could not believe the renovations,” she said.

The Bluffton Bookshop and Frozen Fiddler are located at 89 Bridge Street, next to the Bluffton Oyster Company. Business hours are Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. For event information and to learn more, visit theblufftonbookshop.com and sign up for the newsletter. 

Article by Cheryl Ricer

More Than Mrs. Art

Lowcountry artist, educator, interior designer, and now children’s author Pati Arseneau has spent decades creating beauty – and helping children discover their own.

There are days in every elementary art room when two hands are simply not enough. One student needs help with glue. Another wants to show off the next step of a project. Someone else is waiting patiently, too shy to ask for help. Across the room, paint is drying, paper is curling, rockets are being built, and 26 small voices all seem to need the teacher at the same time.

In those moments, Pati Arseneau knows exactly what to ask. “What do I wish I was?”

Her students know the answer by heart. “An octopus!”

The classroom joke has been repeated for years at St. Gregory the Great Catholic School, where Arseneau has taught art for 17 years. This summer, the playful exchange became something more. It became Mrs. Artipus , Arseneau’s first children’s book, a colorful, rhyming story about an art teacher who dreams of having eight arms so she can help every child at once, only to discover that the greatest gift she can offer is not doing everything, but giving time, attention, and heart.

“It just started from all the years of going, ‘What do I wish I was?’” Arseneau said. “I sometimes wish I had all these arms to help everybody, but you can’t. I am a two-armed person.”

A Life Built Around Creativity

Arseneau has lived in the Lowcountry for 35 years, building a life that has always revolved around art in one form or another. Originally from Atlanta, she moved to the area and began

working with interior designer Charlotte Tilton of The Finishing Touch, a creative partnership that has continued, off and on, for more than three decades.

“We can’t quit each other,” Arseneau said with a laugh. “We are so close. We’re like family.”

Over the years, her creative path has taken many turns. She opened The Art Café, a paint-your-own pottery studio on Hilton Head Island, later opened Pottery in Paradise in Old Town Bluffton, sold her own artwork at Bluffton’s Mayfest, worked on interior design projects throughout the region and beyond, and continued creating in every season of life. Yet the work that most captured her heart arrived unexpectedly.

After her mother passed away 18 years ago, Arseneau met a woman in her neighborhood who had known her mother through chemotherapy. During a long conversation, the woman mentioned that St. Gregory the Great needed an art teacher.

Arseneau was not Catholic and had not planned on becoming a schoolteacher. But she agreed to meet with Sister Canice, then the

Photography by Maggie Washo

Pati Arseneau with her new children's book, Mrs. Artipus.

The seed for Mrs. Artipus was planted years ago during summer art camps, when Arseneau created a small octopus teacher character for a theater-themed project. The idea stayed with her, resurfacing every time her students crowded around, asking for help all at once.

school principal. “I said, ‘I will give you a year,’” Arseneau said. “I just didn’t know. It was something different.”

One year became 17. Now beginning her 18th year, Arseneau teaches pre-K through sixth grade, which means she may have the same students every week from age 4 to age 12. “I love it so much,” she said. “I’ve had these children for eight years. I really get a relationship with them.”

Teaching From the Heart

For Arseneau, teaching art is not only about technique. It is about confidence, kindness, patience, and helping children see creativity as something far bigger than a finished project. “I want my students to know there’s more than being an art teacher or a painter,” she said. “There are so many other things you can do with art.”

That belief has shaped the way she teaches. One year, her entire classroom theme centered on art careers. She introduced students to clothing design, toy design, costume design, lighting design, and other creative fields they might never have considered. A former neighbor who founded a clothing company

Zoomed with the entire school. Her sisterin-law, who works for a toy company, donated Lite-Brites so students could explore how product design changes over time.

“They just don’t understand how it develops,” Arseneau said. “I wanted them exposed to other worlds.”

Arseneau also helps organize the sixth grade Cupcake Wars, in which students create and decorate cupcakes as part of a full presentation – another reminder that art can show up in unexpected places. “They have to decorate it really creatively,” she said. “The whole table has to be decorated. It’s art.”

In her classroom, Arseneau does not grade art based on whether one child’s work looks “better” than another’s. Instead, she looks at participation, effort, direction-following, and growth. “I’m not going to ever judge your work, because everybody’s different,” she said. “Some are very unique and add their own twist, and I love that.”

The Birth of Mrs. Artipus

The seed for Mrs. Artipus was planted years ago during summer art camps, when Arseneau created a small octopus teacher character for a theaterthemed project. The idea stayed with her, resurfacing every time her students crowded around, asking for help all at once.

In the book, Mrs. Arseneau begins as herself, an art teacher surrounded by eager students painting, drawing, and creating. As the classroom grows busy, she dreams of becoming Mrs. Artipus, an art teacher with eight arms who can help every child at the same time.

“If I was only an octopus,” Arseneau recited from the book, “to help each child in every way, then that would be the perfect day.”

At first, Mrs. Artipus seems to be the answer. With all those extra arms, she can do more, reach farther, and help faster. But soon, she realizes that doing more is not the same as connecting more. In the rush to help everyone, she begins to miss the quiet moments that matter most.

“The biggest thing I didn’t want to lose was the attention,” Arseneau said. “If I sit down with that person who won’t get up, the next thing, they’re just talking away and telling me what they’re doing. I love that one-on-one.”

That realization becomes the heart of the story. Mrs. Artipus might have eight arms, but Mrs. Arseneau has something better: the ability to slow down, listen, encourage, and notice each child.

Every Child is an Artist

The book is written in rhyme, a style Arseneau chose with her students in mind. Because she teaches children from preschool through sixth grade, she wanted the story to feel joyful, accessible, and fun for a wide range of young readers.

Inside the pages are the same values she tries to cultivate in her classroom: kindness, creativity, confidence, and joy. Those words are not decoration. They are the foundation of her teaching. “The whole thing at our school is being kind to each other,” she said. “Because everybody’s different.”

For Arseneau, the book is also a way to show her students that creativity can lead them in many directions. She wants them to see that an artist can become a teacher, designer, author, entrepreneur, inventor, baker, illustrator, or anything else imagination allows. “I did this to inspire my students,” she said. “I want them to know you can be more.”

That message is especially meaningful because Arseneau has lived it. She has been an interior designer, business owner, artist, teacher, wife, mother, and now author. Each chapter has looked different, but all have been connected by the same thread: creating beauty and helping others discover it.

Although Mrs. Artipus was written for children, its message will resonate with anyone who has ever tried to be everywhere for everyone.

Teachers will recognize the chaos and comedy of a room full of children who all need help at the same time. Parents will understand the wish for extra arms. Children will see themselves in the eager, shy, messy, imaginative students who fill the pages. But at its heart, the book is not about an octopus. It is about presence.

Sometimes the most meaningful thing a teacher can offer is not the fastest answer or the perfect project. It is a moment of undivided attention. A word of encouragement. A reminder that every child’s work matters because every child matters.

That is what Arseneau hopes readers take away.

Her students, of course, are already thrilled. When she told one class they had inspired her to finish the book, they immediately wanted to know if they would get a copy. “They were so fun,” she said. “They said, ‘Do we get one if we’re inspiring you?’” Arseneau laughed at the memory, but it also confirmed what she already knew: This story belongs to them.

After all, they are the reason Mrs. Artipus exists.

When those same children smile and say maybe Mrs. Artipus should visit the classroom today, Arseneau knows the truth. She might never have eight arms, but she has spent 17 years giving her students something far more lasting: Her creative spirit is already there.

Find Mrs. Artipus on Amazon. 

Sam and Caroline Wilner after an outfit change. Caroline in heirloom vintage Vera Wang, her aunt’s wedding dress.

Sam in a J Parker tuxedo with Gucci details.

Caroline walked down the aisle to "Wild Love" by James Bay, carrying lily of the valley escorted by her dad, Craig.

Article by Cheryl Ricer

An Intentional Love Story

A MARRIAGE CENTERED ON FAITH, FAMILY, AND FOREVER

Some love stories begin with a chance encounter. Others begin with years of quiet observation, friendship, and patience. For Caroline Molloy Wilner and Sam Wilner, the foundation of their relationship was being built long before either of them realized it.

The couple first met in 2021 while serving in the youth ministry at Lowcountry Community Church in Bluffton. There, they developed a friendship rooted in a shared commitment to faith, service, and investing in the lives of young people. For the next three years, they remained part of the same church community, serving side by side.

Although their paths stayed closely connected, the timing wasn’t quite right. “We were in different seasons of our life at the time and ultimately God’s timing for our story was perfect,” Caroline said. A few years later, their friendship grew into something more.

“I had kind of been waiting and watching,” he said. “Through serving together, I had observed who she was and what she was about. I saw how much she valued family and how much she invested in the kids at church. Everything she cared deeply about was something I valued too.”

Those shared priorities would become the cornerstone of a relationship that moved quickly – but never carelessly. Their first date happened somewhat unexpectedly. Both happened to be visiting friends in Charleston on the same weekend. When they realized they were in the same city, they decided to have dinner together. Because they belonged to a close-knit church community, they wanted to see if there was genuine potential before inviting the inevitable excitement and speculation that would come with a new relationship. The answer became clear almost immediately.

“It was kind of lights out from there,” Caroline said.

What followed was less a traditional courtship and more an intentional pursuit of genuine connection. Rather than spending months making small talk over dinners, the couple dove into meaningful conversations.

“We would put our phones on the kitchen island and cook dinner,” Caroline said. “Then we’d sit at the table and go through all of these conversation card games and relationship questions.”

The couple at their welcome pool party the day before the wedding.

Caroline and Sam with his family, father David, mother Brenda, brother Willy and sisterin-law Meredith.

Those evenings often stretched into the early morning hours. “Sometimes we would talk until 3 a.m. and not even realize it,” she said. “We laughed, cried, shared everything, and weren’t trying to impress each other.”

Instead of carefully curated versions of themselves, they chose honesty. “I feel like it deepened our bond so quickly,” Caroline said. “It was almost like we were either going to fall in love or break up because we knew everything about each other.”

Fortunately, it was the former.

Seeing Character in Action

While chemistry was certainly present, both insist that character was what truly drew them together. For Sam, watching Caroline’s life from a distance revealed qualities that mattered deeply.

“I saw how much she valued family,” he said. “I saw how much time and energy she poured into serving kids and working with Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Those things mattered to me.”

Caroline, who has spent the past five years serving with FCA on Hilton Head Island and in Bluffton schools, found herself equally impressed by the way Sam treated the people around him.

One memory stands out. On their first Valentine’s Day together, Sam visited his grandmother at her assisted living facility before bringing flowers to his mother.

“I remember thinking, what 30-year-old man spends his morning taking flowers to his grandma and his mom?” Caroline said. “Watching how he loved the women in his life told me everything I needed to know.”

She was equally moved by his commitment to mentoring

young men through church. “He was always volunteering to go on trips and camps and pour into middle school boys,” she said. “He never seemed annoyed or overwhelmed. He genuinely loved investing in them.”

Today, Caroline laughs when describing how she sees her husband. “I have rose-colored glasses when it comes to Sam,” she said. “I genuinely think he’s the most incredible man in the world.”

Choosing Intentionality

Although their relationship moved quickly, the couple made a conscious decision to approach dating with purpose. From the beginning, they agreed not to waste each other’s time.

“We basically told each other that if either person ever felt like this wasn’t leading toward marriage, then let’s be honest about it,” Caroline said. “We were both at a stage in life where we wanted a family.”

By Christmas, only a few months after beginning to date, both felt increasingly confident about their future together. Still, they wanted to test that confidence. They traveled together. Spent time with each other’s families. Introduced friends. Observed one another in different environments and situations. Then they took another important step: premarital counseling before becoming engaged. “We wanted to hit all the heavy topics,” Caroline said. “Finances, parenting, politics, faith – everything.”

The process only strengthened their confidence. “One of the smartest things we did was pre-engagement counseling,” she said. “We addressed so many potential issues before they ever became issues.”

Sam agreed. “We had already spent so much time

Caroline and Sam with her family, father Craig, mother Kim, brothers Davis and Whit.

getting to know each other deeply,” he said. “Even difficult conversations became easier because we loved each other enough to listen.”

For both, faith remained central throughout the process. “We strongly believe that God’s design is better than our own,” Caroline said. “We wanted our relationship and future marriage to reflect that.”

A Proposal Without the Production

While many modern proposals involve elaborate surprises and carefully orchestrated photo shoots, Caroline had always preferred simplicity. “She always told me I could literally ask her in the kitchen while she was making dinner,” Sam said.

Still, he wanted the moment to feel special. After selecting a diamond, Sam enlisted an important team: Caroline’s mother, his mother, and Caroline’s grandmother. Together, they helped design the ring at Heritage Jewelers. By January, Caroline knew a proposal was likely approaching. Sam had already spoken with her father and even her brothers.

Fortunately, the couple already had a trip planned to Atlanta. After attending a concert together, they returned to their hotel room. The proposal itself was wonderfully understated.

“The lights weren’t even on,” Caroline said.

Sam quietly pulled out the ring. “I practically didn’t even ask,” he joked. “I said a few things and then finally said, ‘Will you be my wife?’”

Her answer was immediate. The couple became engaged on January 15, 2026. Just four months later, they would be married.

A Weekend of Celebration

With a wedding date set for Memorial Day weekend, the couple turned their attention toward creating an experience that felt less like a wedding and more like hosting loved ones for an unforgettable long weekend. Their venue of choice was May River Manor.

“We wanted somewhere that could host everything,” Caroline said. “We wanted people to feel like they were coming to our house for the weekend.”

The couple affectionately nicknamed the experience the “S and C Country Club” – a playful nod to both Sam and Caroline’s initials and South Carolina itself. Family members arrived days before the ceremony, transforming the manor into a true gathering place.

Despite a condensed planning timeline, nearly every decision came together with remarkable ease. Caroline found her dream dress on the very first try. Designed by Colby John, the gown featured intricate laser-cut lace, a dramatic silhouette, and unique architectural details.

“I put it on and knew immediately,” she said. “It’s still my dream dress. I wish I could wear it again.”

The bride also incorporated meaningful family heirlooms into her wedding attire. Her custom wedding band was modeled after her mother’s sapphire and diamond ring, while her reception dress was a vintage Vera Wang originally worn by her aunt more than three decades earlier.

The festivities began with a bridal luncheon at Joelle’s, where out-of-town family members and close friends gathered on the restaurant’s patio. That evening, guests returned to May River Manor for a rehearsal dinner hosted by Sam’s parents. Food played a starring role throughout the weekend.

“We wanted something different,” Caroline said. “We love food and wanted the menu to be memorable.”

The rehearsal dinner featured sushi boats, steak frites, handmade tacos, and naturally gluten-free dishes prepared by chef Antonio Albano of AMA Private Dining. One of the evening’s most meaningful elements was a collection of handwritten letters placed at each guest’s seat. The couple also invited open-mic speeches. “It ended up being one of the most special parts of the entire weekend,” Caroline said.

Dessert included coconut cake and Key lime pie, the latter chosen in honor of Sam’s beloved grandmother, who had passed away the previous fall. The next day brought a vibrant pool party complete with floats, fresh juices, wraps, salads, acai bowls, and a dirty soda truck that quickly became a favorite among younger guests. “It really felt like our own private country club,” Caroline said.

In a departure from wedding tradition, the couple spent the evening before their ceremony together. After the pool party ended, they shared a quiet date night. Over dinner, they exchanged the personal vows they had written for one another. Because Sam knew he would struggle to make it through the vows publicly without Caroline becoming overwhelmed, the private moment felt especially meaningful.

“We read them just to each other,” Caroline said. “It was perfect.”

A Ceremony Filled With Presence Wedding morning arrived with an unwelcome surprise: Rain. Lots of it. “I was absolutely freaking out,” Caroline admitted.

Thankfully, the skies cleared two hours before the ceremony. The result was a breathtaking afternoon ceremony framed by a towering oyster-shell cross borrowed from family friends. The couple chose not to have bridesmaids or

Craig Molloy gives the bride away at the oyster cross, borrowed from the Richardson family.

groomsmen, opting instead for a simple celebration focused on family and faith. Their officiant was Rob Jacobs, Caroline’s boss, mentor, and the pastor who had guided them through premarital counseling.

One of the ceremony’s most memorable moments came when family members gathered around the couple, laid hands on them, and prayed while gospel singers performed “The Blessing.” For many guests, it became the emotional centerpiece of the day.

“We had people tell us afterward that they felt something during that moment,” Caroline said. “We had prayed that people would experience God’s presence during our ceremony.”

It was exactly the kind of wedding they had hoped to create.

Earlier that afternoon, Sam had finally seen the dress. The moment nearly brought him to tears before Caroline even stepped into view. “I was already crying,” he admitted.

Having spent months refusing to sneak a peek, he knew the reveal would be worth the wait. “She was the most beautiful girl I’d ever seen,” he said. “I knew it was everything she could have ever wanted and seeing how happy she was made it even more special.”

For Caroline, hearing those words afterward made the moment even sweeter.

Looking Toward Forever

Today, the newlyweds are intentionally resisting the urge to rush into the next phase of life. They have postponed their honeymoon until September, when they will spend several weeks exploring Italy. For now, they’re enjoying something they waited a long time to experience – everyday life together.

“We just wanted time to be married,” Caroline said. “To wake up together, go to sleep together, and enjoy this season.”

Children are certainly part of their future plans, but not immediately. Instead, they hope to build a home known for hospitality, generosity, and open doors. “We want our home to be a place where anyone would want to come,” Caroline said. “A place where people feel welcomed and cared for.”

For Sam, the future looks bright because of who he gets to share it with. “Everyone close to Caroline is her biggest fan,” he said. “She’s incredibly intentional with every relationship in her life. I knew that if she cared for me the way she cared for everyone else, I’d be unbelievably blessed.”

Caroline feels the same. “I hope everyone gets to experience this kind of love,” she said. “Getting to do life with Sam is the greatest privilege I’ve ever had. I really am so lucky to be his wife.”

For a couple whose relationship was built on patience, faith, friendship, and intentionality, forever seems not only possible – but beautifully inevitable. 

Catering by AMA Private Dining and Healthy Habit

Planning by Love Gigi Events

Coordination by Meg James

Rentals by EventWorks Savannah Florals by Coastal Gardenia

Photography by Sophie Hyde; Lilly Wilmot; and SumKai Creative, Summer Pagapaton

Videography by Kristina Cunningham, SumKai Creative, Christian Perry

Hair and Makeup by Lauren Norton

Social Media Content by Katie Baca

Even the office tells a story. Each team member has their own custom locker, adding personality to the one-of-a-kind showroom.

Architecture, interior design, and construction planning—all working together from day one.

One team. One process. One trusted design-build partner.

on Mathews Drive represented more than just a boost in square footage. It gave Steve and Danielle a chance to give their clients something no one else could – a completely immersive experience that lets owners see, feel, and walk around in their dream home.

Consider it a three-dimensional vision board, with each room offering its own vignette of colors and materials. And that extends beyond the central showroom.

“In all of the offices, all of the desks are built out of different cabinet lines that we have. In the bathrooms, we’ve shown off the tiles we use. One has a backlit mirror and the other has a front-lit mirror so you can actually see how they feel and function,” Danielle said. “Everything in here is the design showroom.”

That creative touch lets you truly walk through the possibilities. Have you had your eye on white shaker cabinets? Go to Steve’s office and you can see how they work with your colors. Thinking about some whimsical tiles for a child’s bathroom? The locker room lets you see the blazing colors of Pac-Man and all his ghostly pals along the wall.

“We really wanted this space to show clients how we can think outside the box,” Steve said. “I really feel like our team went the extra mile in setting all of this up.”

One of Steve’s favorite details in the new location is the lighting setup in the central design center. Hanging above two wide counters whose cabinets hold fabric, tile, and stone samples, a pair of wicker light fixtures and recessed can lights are able to shift their tones into an infinite number of possibilities. A touch pad in one of the rooms lets the entire room shift from a low warm glow to a brilliantly clear white tone and everything in between. (You can even go beyond

Every remodel is designed, planned, and built by Hilton Head Builders in-house team—all under one roof.

the usual with an array of colors that turn the whole showroom into a disco. You might not need that in your home, but it is truly fun to see.)

“We really wanted to give people a way to immerse themselves in the possibilities and see every material they chose in the kind of lighting they have at home,” Steve said. “Instead of getting materials into the house and realizing that they just don’t work with your lighting, now we can show you.”

It’s a detail that might sound niche, but for clients who are used to surprises when their selections look different at home than they did in the showroom, it can be the difference between doubt and confidence. And it’s a detail that shows what sets HHI Builders apart.

These are professionals who look deeper. They realize that no details are insignificant when it comes to creating a remodel that speaks to you. They recognize that opportunity to do something amazing lies everywhere, even in a simple move across the street. And they realize that the experience leading up to a big reveal of your new home is perhaps the most important service they offer.

“We’re not transactional people; we’re more about building relationships,” Danielle said. “The best part of the design phase is you need to ‘date’ each other to make sure you want to be in that relationship and go forward with the build. … We like to make sure it’s a right fit on both ends.”

Now you have the perfect spot to take that first date and see all the possibilities HHI Builders can bring to your home. When the ribbon is cut August 13, it will be more than just the opening at a new address. It will mark a new chapter in how Steve and Danielle Young bring design, construction, and experience together under one very thoughtfully designed roof.

For more, visit hhi-builders.com.

Article by Barry Kaufman

These Roots Run Deep

Each plate tells a story at Radici Italian Chophouse

Italian cuisine is not a monolith.

For some of us, the flavors of the old country might come back in the crust of a chicken parmesan, or in the savory overload of a trattoria-style meatball. For others, the concept of Italian cuisine might hinge on more regional offerings, the creamy sauces and heart meat of the North or the seafood-forward flavors of the South.

At Radici Italian Chophouse, the overriding philosophy of the menu and the expertise of its Italian-born owners, forged in Michelin-starred restaurants, is geared toward letting diners experience Italy as Italians do.

“In the beginning, people were a little afraid, because it isn’t the kind of traditional Italian American food,” said Mattia Bianchi, executive chef and co-owner. “That comparison was a bit of a struggle for us at first, because really we wanted to bring our culture here.”

A native of Turin, Bianchi was born into a family of chefs and restaurateurs and honed his craft at the Giuseppina Colombatto School. After a stint in London serving as a sous chef under Chef Massimiliano Musso at Michelin-starred Cà Vittoria, where he met Radici’s other owner, Giandomenico Prestopino, he returned to Italy with his fiancée and now general manager and fellow owner, Camilla Eula. Blending their talents and experience, this Italian trio then brought their talents to the States.

Their shared venture, in the spot formerly occupied by Pour Richard’s in Bluffton, allows them to bring each of their talents to bear.

“We are not what some might think of as traditional Italian cuisine. We’ve maintained those traditional recipes, but we’ve mixed it with our own backgrounds to create our idea of traditional Italian cuisine,” Bianchi said.

That means blending Bianchi’s Piedmont upbringing with Prestopino’s Calabrian roots.

“The culture of Italian cuisine is more homemade. I grew up with my parents and grandparents all being fantastic cooks, and we’re trying to elevate what we tasted from the beginning,” Prestopino said. “‘Radici’ means ‘roots’ in English, and that’s what we’re trying to bring to this restaurant. … We are trying to tell our story with the plate.”

That story has gained an appreciative audience across the Lowcountry in Radici’s first year in business, and has even reached the ears of the Italian-American Chamber of Commerce, which granted the restaurant a prestigious Ospitalità Italiana – Ristoranti Italiani nel Mondo certification.

Granted to just 200 restaurants across the country (with Radici being the only one in South Carolina), this designation serves as a seal of quality for Italian restaurants, recognizing their authenticity as ambassadors of the nation’s culinary heritage.

“This has been something extra for us, because it shows that this isn’t about just us saying we’re authentic,” Bianchi said. “We have a kind of proof that this is authentic. This is real.”

This authenticity roots itself all over the menu. The caponet starter speaks to a very old recipe from the Piedmont region that you generally won’t even find on restaurant menus, as most Italians will make their own at home. The ’Nduja sauce on the Braciola di Maiale and the chili emulsion and the Spaghetti Aglio Olio e Peperoncino mark both dishes with Calabrian flair.

And with every dish in between, a new appreciation is forged for the ever-evolving world of Italian cuisine.

“We are trying to elevate something that is very old and bring it to you, to let you really understand the background of the Italian culture,” Bianchi said. “If you go to Italy, chefs are still experimenting.”

Visit radicibluffton.com to see the full menu. 

Pictured from left to right: Mattia Bianchi, Eric Bissonnette, Camilla Eula, Giandomenico Prestopino.

Caponêt (savoy cabbage roll, Italian sausage , caciocavallo DOP cheese), potato cream, cryspy leeks.

Pork chop, nduja sauce, balsamic IGP glaze, corn ribs.

Hazelnut panna cotta, coconut ganache, raspberry gel, chocolate crumble.

Article by Barry Kaufman

Headlands Tile & Flooring

When Bob Dluhos purchased Headlands Tile & Flooring in 1997, it had already established itself on Hilton Head Island as a refreshing alternative to the big box stores that were beginning to pop up around the Lowcountry. Leaning into the true value of a small community business, namely the personalized service and greater attention to quality, Dluhos took that reputation to new heights. More than just a typical stop for tile and flooring, Headlands Tile became a trusted resource for both professionals and discerning DIYers.

With Bob’s unexpected passing last year, it was a loss not just for the business but also for the community. Many wondered whether the business would continue without him. That’s when Jose Cintron stepped in, determined to build on the decades-strong reputation that Headlands had built.

“We wanted to keep Bob’s legacy and the Headlands Tile name here on the island. We’ve been a small business on Hilton Head and in the Lowcountry for 40 years, and there aren’t a lot of businesses that can say that,” Cintron said. “I’ve really enjoyed being able to work with repeat customers who have come in to share memories of Bob, and I’m excited to continue what he started.”

Coming into the business with 15 years of experience in commercial construction, focusing on large data and Wi-Fi installs, Cintron knew he was going to need some guidance on his side if he was going to properly continue the company’s reputation for quality. Thankfully, one of the island’s experts was waiting in the wings to offer that guidance.

“I’ve brought on Nikki Atkinson, who worked with Bob for years prior,” Cintron said. “She comes with such a wealth of knowledge from working so closely with Bob, and she has shared so much of it.”

His biggest lessons so far make up the pillars of what sets Headlands Tile & Flooring apart. The first and most important principle is to value the customer. “That’s our number one goal – to help them in any way we can with their project,” Cintron said. “The remodeling or redecorating process can be overwhelming, to say the least, so we try to make it much more relaxing.”

Jose Cintron and his Golden Retreiver, Clark.

The second pillar comes down to three words: Quality over quantity. “Anyone can go to a big box store and pick out inexpensive tile, but the issue you run into is the quality of those products,” he said. “We pride ourselves on carrying high-quality products at a reasonable price. That allows you to really bring your ideas and dreams to life and not break the bank.”

The final pillar is maintaining that small business atmosphere while offering far more than meets the eye. That means tiles for every purpose and style, flooring from LVP to engineered hardwoods, and a commitment to finding you exactly the material you need. “We don’t want you to come in and feel like you’re limited to what’s in the store. If you’ve found something online or come to us with a sample, we pride ourselves on being able to take that idea and find something even better than what you had in mind,” Cintron said. “And really, finding and sourcing tile is one of Nikki’s favorite things to do. She truly enjoys it, and there is nothing she can’t track down and get her hands on.”

That speaks to the service that sets Headlands Tile & Flooring apart. The reputation built over 40 years is being carried into the future by an owner who understands the dedication to quality and the customers it took to get here. For more information, visit headlandstileandflooring.com 

Headlands Tile & Flooring is located at 3 Hunter Road on Hilton Head Island.

Howard Hanna Allen Tate partners with Carolina Realty of the Lowcountry, expanding the company’s footprint to Port Royal.

Growing Strategically in the Lowcountry

Howard Hanna Allen Tate Real Estate strengthens

market footprint

The summer season is in full swing, and the Lowcountry real estate market is experiencing robust energy and activity from both buyers and sellers.

It’s an exciting time, as Howard Hanna Allen Tate Real Estate continues to grow strategically throughout the region. In June, Howard Hanna Allen Tate announced the opening of its Port Royal office, partnering with Carolina Realty of the Lowcountry. This month, the company celebrates the one-year anniversary of joining forces with Coastal Properties.

These acquisitions, along with Alliance Realty Group in 2024, make up Howard Hanna Allen Tate’s impressive portfolio in the region, and establish the company as the fastest growing real estate firm in the Lowcountry. Howard Hanna Allen Tate has six Lowcountry offices: Beaufort, Bluffton, Hilton Head Island, Port Royal, Savannah, and Sun City/Okatie, with 180 sales agents.

“Our greatest advantage is simple: We are the Lowcountry,” said Gary Scott, president of Howard Hanna Allen Tate. “Families and individuals from across the country continue to discover the incredible lifestyle we are fortunate to call home. From our beautiful coastline and vibrant communities to our unmatched quality of life, the region remains one of the most desirable places to live, work, and retire.”

Scott recently shared his insights on the local market and Howard Hanna’s vision for continued growth.

Q: What’s happening with the Lowcountry’s real estate market right now?

A: While Q2 2026 inventory was down slightly from the same period last year, closed sales and median sales price were both up about 4%. Homes are still receiving about 95% of asking price but they are taking a little longer to sell –about 81 days – as buyers are taking their time to find the right property. These are signs of a more balanced market

that is both healthy and sustainable, with opportunities for both buyers and sellers.

Q: Howard Hanna Allen Tate has quickly established its brand in the Lowcountry. Why have you been so successful?

A: Since 1957, the Howard Hanna brand has always grown purposefully, and with our customer at the forefront of every decision we make. We have strategically partnered with like-minded companies in the Lowcountry who share that vision. We strive to deliver exceptional service and create an outstanding experience for buyers and sellers alike. Our commitment to excellence has been proven over the past 69 years, and that legacy continues to guide us every day.

Q: How does today’s real estate market differ from a few years ago?

A: Real estate has become increasingly complex for consumers because of industry regulations, shifting dynamics, and, honestly, companies aligned with Wall Street. Howard Hanna has always been family-owned and operated. We have always believed that excellence is the standard, and we have held our agents to that same standard. Our goal has always been to help consumers confidently navigate the complexities of the real estate transaction while helping them find the place they are proud to call home.

Q: What’s ahead?

A: We are incredibly optimistic about the future. Homes are continuing to appreciate at a healthy pace that is sustainable. The Lowcountry will continue to be a destination where people come not only to visit, but to build their lives, create memories, and invest in their future. We are honored to be part of that journey and look forward to serving this remarkable community for many years to come.

For expert guidance navigating the Lowcountry’s evolving real estate market, contact Howard Hanna Allen Tate Real Estate or visit howardhanna.com. 

The Men Behind the Business

Mark S. Creamer

FOUNDER OF PALATIAL HOMES DESIGN, A PREMIER CUSTOM RESIDENTIAL HOME BUILDER, AND FOUNDER OF VEHICLE VAULT, HILTON HEAD’S PRIVATE AUTOMOTIVE CLUB.

What services does your business offer?

Vehicle Vault is a private automotive club offering climatecontrolled storage for exotic and collector vehicles, along with exclusive member experiences. Amenities include a luxury lounge, wine lockers, a premium coffee bar, and an executive conference room, providing members with a welcoming place to connect over a shared passion for exceptional automobiles. In addition to its member amenities, the club also hosts private events and charity galas.

Did you have a mentor? If so, what was the most important thing that person taught you?

I've been fortunate to learn from several outstanding mentors throughout my career. While each taught me something valuable, the lesson that has stayed with me is simple: show up every day, work harder than anyone expects, and let your actions speak louder than your words. Consistency and work ethic never go out of style.

Running a business requires you to wear many hats. Is there a specific side of the business that you enjoy the most? What would you like to never have to do again?

Every aspect of the business brings its own challenges, and that's part of what keeps it exciting. What I enjoy most is meeting people, building relationships, and creating experiences our members genuinely enjoy. If there's one thing I could do without, it's negativity. I've learned that surrounding yourself with optimistic, solution-oriented people is one of the biggest keys to building a successful business and an enjoyable life.

What do you do for fun when you aren't working?

When I'm not working, you'll usually find me on the boat with my wife, Cindy, enjoying everything the Lowcountry has to offer,

or spending time with our grandchildren. Family is what matters most to me, and those moments are the best way to relax, recharge, and appreciate the life we've built together.

What advice would you give to someone thinking about starting their own business?

Start with something you're genuinely passionate about, because passion is what carries you through the difficult days. Master your craft, stay committed to continuous learning, and don't be afraid of hard work. Most importantly, don't let someone else's doubts become your limits. If you believe in your vision and are willing to put in the work, take the leap—you'll never regret betting on yourself.

Hilton Head 145 Island Drive . (843) 422-1823 vehiclevaultclub.com

Mark Palmer

What makes Kitchen Design Solutions unique?

What makes us unique is that we genuinely care about how people live in their homes. We design kitchens, closets, and cabinetry, but at the center of it all are the people who use those spaces every day – where families gather, friends come over, and everyday moments turn into memories. That’s really the heart of our slogan: Improving the Heart of the Home. We’re also a family-held, locally rooted company with a team of more than 40 people who believe in doing things the right way. For us, great design isn’t just about how a space looks. It’s about how it works, how it feels, and how it supports the way our clients want to live. What do you enjoy most about the business?

Seeing the transformation in our clients’ homes never gets old. Clients often come back and say things like, “Every morning when I walk into this kitchen, I’m excited to start my day with my first cup of coffee in my dream kitchen,” or “For the first time, this really feels

Bluffton / Ridgeland

61 Schinger Ave Ste 107 (912) 289-8616

kitchendesignsolutions.com

like my home.” That’s when you know the work made a real difference in someone’s life. I also love solving problems, whether that’s reimagining a space that isn’t working for a client or looking closely at the business itself.

What do you enjoy most about being a business owner?

I believe my own success comes from helping other people succeed, whatever success means to them. When you build a business, you’re also building people, and that’s one of the most important responsibilities of leadership. At KDS, we want our team to feel supported, challenged, and proud of the work they’re doing. What’s the best business advice you’ve ever received?

It came from Zig Ziglar: “You can have everything in life you want, if you will just help enough other people get what they want.” Success isn’t something you build alone. At KDS, that means helping clients create homes they truly love, helping our team members grow, and giving back to the communities that have helped us grow. To me, success is much more meaningful when it’s shared.

Are there any local charitable organizations that you support?

Through The Palmer Group Cares, we support children and families in need through food drives, toy drives for children in foster care, and local backpack programs, along with organizations like St. Jude. We’re blessed to be part of this community, and we believe it’s our responsibility to use our business to support others.

What do you do for fun when you aren’t working?

I love boating, traveling, spending time with family, great food, and a good glass of red wine. I’m also a car fanatic, a true gearhead at heart who appreciates the design, engineering, and craftsmanship that goes into a beautiful car.

Dave Peck

When you’ve been around Hilton Head Island as long as Dave Peck has, you experience more than your share of full circle moments. One example comes from the Coligny Plaza spot where his signature eatery, Bad Biscuit, now resides, serving hungry customers perhaps the most heavenly biscuits known to man.

Long before it was Bad Biscuit, it was Urato’s Plaza Pizza, and he was just a kid who was barely tall enough to order a slice through the Dutch door on the side of the building that is still there to this day.

“I only came about halfway up,” he said. “I started out at probably 11 or 12 years old, emptying trash cans at Coligny. Urato’s was one of my lunch stops. That, and we would occasionally cook hamburgers back in the meat department at the old Red & White. When I found out the old Uratos/Market Street Cafe spot was available to move Bad Biscuit to, I just grabbed it. We had a deal in an hour.”

Moving Bad Biscuit from Dunnagan’s Alley was one full circle moment for Peck. His latest venture, taking over operations of the island’s iconic Pool Bar Jim’s beachside bar, is far more personal.

“I used to work for Jim Lisenby as a DJ at Jim’s Paradise back in the ’80s. Later, when I owned A Lowcountry Backyard, we opened the Backyard

Hilton Head

10 N. Forest Beach Drive (843) 301-2521 poolbarjims.com

Hilton Head

1 N. Forest Beach Drive, B2 (Coligny Plaza) (843) 785-2323 badbiscuit.com

Beach Bar at the Sea Crest. Jim showed up for a beer and we got to chatting, and I suggested he come over to Sea Crest permanently,” Peck said. “We made an arrangement where I’d handle the food and he would have free rein to run the bar. So he brought Pool Bar Jim’s over with him.”

That arrangement, a perfect marriage of Peck’s culinary acumen and Lisenby’s legendary frozen concoctions, produced a new chapter in Pool Bar Jim’s history. That chapter sadly came to a close after 8 years when Lisenby passed away. But a new chapter awaited.

“When Jim passed, his family said they really wanted the business to carry on, and none of them wanted to be in the bar business. So, we continued on,” Peck said. “What I wanted to do with it in particular was nothing. We did not want to change anything, because all we were missing was this place’s key person. No one’s going to replace Jim, so we do the best we can by having the same great staff in place.”

From DJing for a young Jim Lisenby to carrying his legacy forward, Peck’s journey to Pool Bar Jim’s represents the latest full-circle moment in a storied career in Hilton Head hospitality.

Jim Bannon

For those who have somehow escaped the brilliant marketing of Bannon Law Group, you might be a bit perplexed by the unique nature of the firm.

Founded by husband-and-wife team Jim and Meredith Bannon, the practice uniquely offers a blend of real estate and HOA service with seasoned criminal defense. It’s two very different legal fields to combine under a single banner, but it’s a natural extension of Meredith’s focus on real estate and Jim’s focus on criminal defense.

And while Jim has proven himself as a skilled defense attorney, the new locations they’ve opened in Charleston and Savannah might just give him a future in sports broadcasting.

“I listen to a lot of PTI (Pardon the Interruption) and sports podcasts – which is tough this time of year because it’s pretty much just baseball,” he said.

He’s getting plenty of time to catch up, being an indemand attorney with clients across two states. “One day last week, I drove to Ridgeland for a hearing, down to Pooler for a closing, back to Ridgeland for a different hearing, and then ultimately back here to finish up my day.”

It’s a lot of travel, but that’s all relative. Before landing in Bluffton 18 years ago, he went from the University of Miami’s law school, where he first met Meredith, to Arizona, where he served as a prosecutor. When South Carolina’s Fourteenth Judicial Circuit Solicitor Duffy Stone was forming the career criminal team, he found the Bannons, and the rest is history.

“Experiencing the legal profession in a number of different places, first studying in Florida then practicing in Arizona and now South Carolina and Georgia, as well as being licensed in Washington, D.C., has given me a great perspective on how different systems can be and take what works well from each,” Bannon said.

That perspective forged a unique approach to the law, one seasoned by the lessons learned at each stop and now applied to a rapidly growing law firm.

“I think my philosophy on the law is that it’s kind of like golf. You have to play the course you’re given,” he said. “You can’t change the facts, but you can change what will be considered admissible in court. You can take some air out of the balloon. If you can do that, it’s the same charge, but you’re playing a completely different course.”

It’s a simile fit for ESPN. But until they come calling, those facing criminal charges in South Carolina and Georgia can rely on the experienced defense that Bannon brings to each case.

Bluffton 10 Westbury Parkway, Unit A (843) 815-4505

Charleston 78 Ashley Point Dr, Suite 201 (843) 815-4505

Pooler

2201 Pooler Parkway, Suite 200 (912) 239-6610

bannonlawgroup.com

ANDREW AMBLER

What makes your business unique?

We have found a niche market doing only kitchen and bathroom cabinet refinishing and refacing. With custom cabinet painting and/or refacing, you can get a dramatic transformation in approximately five days or less, guaranteed. Not only is the process quick, but it is a quality solution that is cost friendly. With more than 12 years of experience, we have mastered our craft, and are extremely proud of our work.

Who was instrumental in setting you on your path to business success? Did you have a mentor?

I didn’t necessarily have a mentor, but my parents have played a huge role in my business success. They instilled an old-school mentality in me: Work hard, show up on time, treat people how you want to be treated, and give 100% to everything I do.

Running a business generally requires you to wear many hats. Is there a specific side of the business you enjoy most?

I have always enjoyed working with my hands. The most rewarding part of my job is seeing the before and after, seeing happy customers, and working with my crew.

What do you do for fun when you aren’t working?

I love to spend time with my family. We enjoy driving up to the mountains as much as we can. My step-daughter is an awesome volleyball player and I am looking forward to some travel volleyball tournaments this fall. I really enjoy college football and Saturday Gamedays!

What is the best business advice you were ever given?

The best advice I was ever given was from an old boss. He said, “If you are going to do something in construction, specialize in kitchens and bathrooms. The kitchen is the heart of any home, and if you’re looking to give your home a fresh new look, it’s the most important place to start.”

What would you do differently if you had to do it all over again?

I wouldn’t do anything different. I am extremely grateful for my employees and customers I have had in the past 12 years. It truly has been a pleasure owning and running a successful business in the Lowcountry. I look forward to many more years of working with my crew and meeting new customers.

Darrel Quinn

If you were to simply sit down and chat with Darrel Quinn, you’d think he was someone who didn’t take anything too seriously. He’ll mention that he and his wife, Nancy, recently celebrated their 50th anniversary and then add, “But the next 50 are going to be even better.” If you ask him how business is going, he’ll say with a laugh, “On a good day, Nancy only fires me twice.”

But if you were to bring up the subject of jewelry, you’ll find that the perpetually ebullient man is also seriously dedicated to the craft he’s devoted his life to.

Hilton Head

1000 William Hilton Parkway (843) 342-6663 diamondland.com

“You have to be certified in everything. I’m certified in every facet of my industry,” Quinn said. And that studied expertise comes in handy when it comes to one of the most expensive purchases some people will make. “I had one guy bring in what he thought was a diamond, but I knew immediately it was a cubic zirconia. I had to get out my equipment to prove it to him, and he was heartbroken. He’d paid $11,000 for it and it wasn’t worth a fraction of that.”

That expertise, first honed in his father’s jewelry store when Quinn was just an eighth grader fixing watches and refined over years of study, is something he pairs with a dedication to customer service few can match.

“Amazon will give you a 30-day guarantee. When you buy something online, you’re never sure who’s going to back it up. As long as I’m around, you’re going to be alright. If you have a problem, I have a problem,” he said. “I can give you that service. That’s my big advantage over everyone.”

It’s not the only advantage. As part of the Retail Jewelers Organization, he has access to some of the best sources for quality gems. As an independent jeweler with a lean operation, he can control his pricing. As one of the most experienced jewelers working today, he can offer unmatched expertise.

As one of the most genuinely funny people you’ll ever meet, you’ll always leave with a smile on your face and something sparkly you can trust.

“I have a ball with customers. Really, I have no intention of retirement because it’s too much fun,” Quinn said. “When people come in here, they’re in love.”

Bryan Barrs

What makes your business unique?

Earthworks isn’t just about landscaping. It’s about cultivating intentional relationships through passion, creativity, and honest, hard work. Our mission is to create meaningful connections with every client, not simply maximize profits. We’re also one of the few truly turnkey, locally owned landscape companies in the Lowcountry, and we’re proud to provide a seamless experience while remaining deeply rooted in our community.

Who was instrumental in setting you on your path to business success? Did you have a mentor?

I’ve been fortunate to learn from many mentors, especially my family. My parents taught me discipline, hard work, and perseverance, and growing up with a football coach as a father shaped my competitive mindset. I also learn from leaders, teammates, and everyday experiences. Ultimately, my greatest mentor is the standard I set for myself and my commitment to always keep learning and improving.

Running a business requires wearing many hats. Which side do you enjoy most?

Leading five divisions means every day is different, and I enjoy that challenge. But my favorite place is still on the jobsite,

Bluffton

291 Red Cedar Street (843) 645-3300

earthworks-sc.com

working alongside my team, getting my hands dirty, and helping bring a client’s vision to life. That’s where Earthworks began – with me as a one-person operation – and it’s still where I feel most at home.

What would you like to never do again if you didn’t have to?

Without question, letting an employee go. Thankfully, it’s been rare, but it’s never easy. Sometimes difficult decisions are necessary for the long-term health of both the business and the team, but it’s still the hardest part of being a business owner.

What do you enjoy when you’re not working?

I love traveling with my family, spending time on the water, and cheering on the Georgia Bulldogs. I’m also a volunteer middle school football coach and Booster Club president at Hilton Head Christian Academy, and I stay actively involved in my church.

What’s the best business advice you’ve ever received?

“You’ll never achieve true success by comparing yourself to others.” At Earthworks, we don’t focus on competitors – we focus on being the best version of ourselves. Every company has its own strengths, and we’re committed to serving the Lowcountry in our own unique way.

Are there any local charitable organizations you’d like to recognize?

We’re proud to partner with Family Promise of the Lowcountry and are completing a backyard renovation at the Freedom House, creating a safe place for children to play and simply be kids. I also support Lowcountry Dress for Success, which helps provide local students with school uniforms, supplies, and other essential resources.

What would you do differently if you had to do it all over again?

Every success and mistake has helped shape who I am today. If I could change one thing, I’d encourage my team – and myself – to embrace mistakes as opportunities to learn and to celebrate both the small and big victories along the way.

Henry Criss

What services does your business provide?

Fraum Health is a restorative medicine and longevity medicine practice focused on helping people extend their health span – the years they can live actively, independently, and with a high quality of life. We combine restorative medicine, chiropractic care, hormone optimization, medical weight loss, advanced rehabilitation, and wellness services to help our patients live younger, longer, and better.

Did you have a mentor? If so, what was the most important thing that person taught you.

My biggest mentor was my dad. He taught me that character matters more than titles, your word is your bond, and you should always leave things better than you found them. He also taught me one of the most important leadership lessons I’ve ever learned: You can manage supplies and materials, but

Hilton Head Island 1403 Main Street (843) 681-7777 fraum.com

you have to lead people. Those principles have shaped how I approach leadership and continue to guide me every day at Fraum Health.

Running a business requires you to wear many hats. Is there a specific side of the business that you enjoy the most? What would you like to never have to do again?

The people are my favorite part of the job. I love building relationships, mentoring our team, developing partnerships, and connecting with others in the community. Helping people grow, whether they’re employees, patients, or community partners, is the most rewarding part of what I do. If I never had to deal with payroll taxes or insurance paperwork again, I wouldn’t miss it.

What do you do for fun when you aren’t working?

I enjoy spending time with my family, reading history and leadership books, exploring museums, supporting community events, and staying involved in local organizations. I also enjoy learning. I’m always reading or studying something that helps me become a better leader. What advice would you give to someone thinking about starting their own business?

Know your “why,” and make sure it’s bigger than yourself. If you have a product or service that truly adds value and you take care of your customers and your team, the P&L will take care of itself. Focus on helping other people succeed, and your own success will follow.

Are there any local charitable organizations that you support? Give them a shout-out here.

We’re proud to support many organizations that make Hilton Head Island and the Lowcountry a better place, including the VanLandingham Rotary Club, Volunteers in Medicine, Boys & Girls Club of Hilton Head Island, and Operation Patriots FOB. We’re grateful for the work they do and the opportunity to partner with them in serving our community.

David Lopez

What services does your business provide?

Father Nature Landscape & Hardscape is a local company serving Bluffton, Hilton Head, Beaufort, Okatie, and surrounding areas. We provide landscape maintenance, landscape design, hardscape construction, patios, retaining walls, outdoor living spaces, irrigation, drainage solutions, landscape lighting, and property enhancements for both residential and commercial clients.

What inspired you to start your own business?

I wanted to create opportunities not only for myself, but for others. I saw a need for a company that could deliver quality work, strong communication, and a great customer experience. What started as a desire for financial freedom grew into a passion for building something that positively impacts employees, customers, and the community.

Did you have a mentor? If so, what was the most important thing that person taught you?

I’ve learned from several mentors, coaches, and business leaders throughout my journey. The most important lesson they’ve taught me is that growth starts with personal responsibility. Success comes from discipline, consistency, and being willing to do the hard things long after the excitement wears off.

Running a business requires you to wear many hats. Is there a specific side of the business that you enjoy the most? What would you like to never have to do again?

My favorite part is building relationships – meeting clients, helping solve problems, developing team members, and creating opportunities for others to grow. If I could avoid one thing forever, it would probably be administrative paperwork. It’s necessary, but I’d much rather spend my time with people and helping move the business forward.

What do you do for fun when you aren’t working?

At 27 years old, I still have many goals I’m pursuing. When I’m not working, I enjoy spending time with my family and daughters,

exercising, kickboxing, being outdoors, traveling, and working on personal development. I believe business growth starts with personal growth, so I enjoy anything that helps me become a better father, leader, and individual.

What advice would you give to someone thinking about starting their own business?

Start before you feel ready. Focus on serving people, solving real problems, and staying consistent. There will never be a perfect time. Be prepared to make mistakes, learn quickly, and stay committed through challenges. Success is usually the result of small daily actions repeated over a long period of time.

Are there any local charitable organizations that you support? Give them a shout-out here.

Giving back is important to me and our company. One organization we are proud to support is Volunteers in Medicine, which provides vital healthcare services to members of our community who may not otherwise have access to care. We also look for opportunities to support local families, schools, and community initiatives throughout the Lowcountry. As our company continues to grow, expanding our community involvement remains a major priority because we believe success is measured by the impact we make on others as much as the business we build.

Dr. Ben Parker

Even though he has served the Lowcountry for nearly four decades as a respected veterinarian and owner of his own practice, some of you might be surprised to see Dr. Ben Parker on these pages.

“I get a lot of comments from people who thought I’d retired,” he said with a laugh. “It’s just because I’m only working 20 to 30 hours a week these days instead of the 50 hours a week I usually work. The fact is, I still enjoy it. I’ve been doing this half my life, and – knock on wood – I’m still healthy enough to do it.”

That drive propelled Parker from his Louisville, Kentucky, roots to veterinary school at Auburn before landing in the Lowcountry. After working for Dr. Larry Watts for several years, the time came to open his own practice. In choosing his location, Dr. Parker proved a prescient business sense that would serve him well over the ensuing years.

“I opened a small shopping center practice in Moss Creek Village back in 1993, anticipating that Bluffton would soon explode,” he said. As anyone who lives on the mainland can tell you, he was right. He would move across town to his current location on Buck Island Road in 2001, and 25 years later he’s still there, even if it’s only for part-time hours. But don’t think he’s stopped looking ahead.

“My partner, Matt Tenwolde, and I opened up the first 24/7 emergency care hospital five years ago, Carolina Vet Critical Care. We started out running it out of my hospital, but the plan always was to move into a new facility,” Parker

said. “That will officially happen this September when we open in the old Wild Wing Café building. Matt is going to have an opportunity to be open 24/7 and eventually bring in specialists.”

It’s an incredible new chapter in a storied career, one that is keeping Dr. Parker deeply involved in his business even as he nears a semi-retirement of tending his goats and chickens at home and volunteering with Beaufort County, helping rehabilitate injured wildlife.

“I see myself getting more involved with wildlife injuries and rehabilitation. It would be great way to keep my hands in the veterinary world, and it’s something I certainly enjoy doing,” he said.

So don’t worry, Dr. Parker isn’t going anywhere. He’s just doing what he’s always done, looking ahead to find new ways to treat animals across the Lowcountry.

Bluffton 21 Buck Island Road (843) 757-1112 . coastalvetclinic.com

LARRY SETOLA JR

It’s one thing to hang out your own shingle and launch a business that’s all your own. It’s quite another to carry on a legacy by taking the family business, and supersede it while honoring the generations that came before you.

It was precisely this tightrope that Larry Setola Jr. began walking over a decade ago when he joined the business that his father, Larry Sr., founded 30 years ago. A third-generation crafter with a needle and thread, Larry Sr. launched Just Cushions & Upholstery in 1994 as a shop where the traditions of his craft could continue. Reupholstering furniture to bring older furniture to new life and crafting custom cushions, Larry Sr. built a business that has become an institution on Hilton Head Island.

Larry Jr. joined the firm with an eye on the future. This meant expanding beyond the niche trade in which the generations before him specialized by escalating their offerings to include home furnishings and new, custom, American-made furniture that would live up to the family’s high-quality standards.

Hilton Head

45 New Orleands Road

Hilton Head Furniture: (843) 702-7756

hhifurniture.com

Just Cushions: (843) 681-9995

justcushionshhi.com

“Through Just Cushions, we were seeing the reprehensible ‘quality’ of newer furniture coming through our doors, and I knew that we could find better quality products for our clients than what was being offered out there,” Larry Jr. said.

Underpinning this expansion was the personal service and commitment that Larry Sr. had established.

“We began doing something new, but I instilled the generational core principles in the forefront. We’re still in the business of educating our clients, offering top-quality products, all while going above and beyond on the customer service side of things,” Larry Jr. said. “It’s a mix of our old school philosophies with my new school vision.”

It was immediately evident that Larry Jr. was on the right track. In just a short time after finding a worthy and exclusive North Carolina-based custom furniture manufacturer, he began offering new 100% Americanmade furniture to their clients in 2018, starting from a catalog. Then in 2020, he expanded into a 1,500-squarefoot showroom, cutting into the vast warehouse space at the rear of the storefront.

And now they’re expanding again.

“In the fall of 2024, we converted 90% of our 7,000-square-foot building into our showroom and design center space that will showcase our custom American-made new furniture,” Larry Jr. said. “We’re still going to have our upholstery shop; we’re just going to condense the workshop area to maximize our retail space.”

Just as he has for 30 years, Larry Sr. will continue to use his seasoned craftsmanship to tailor custom cushions and reupholster furniture. But now, he’ll do it surrounded by his son Larry’s new and improved furniture showroom, which will exhibit furniture that meets even his stringent standards, revealing how the next generation is leading the family business into the future.

Thomas M. Kersey

What makes your business unique?

My business is built around highly personalized, direct representation. When a client hires me, they work directly with me – not a junior agent or someone they’ve never met. I combine a lifetime of knowledge of the South Carolina Lowcountry with a background in law, allowing me to guide clients through the financial, legal, and personal aspects of one of life’s biggest decisions. More than anything, I hope my clients remember how they were treated long after they remember the transaction itself. At the end of my career, I don't hope to be remembered for the number of homes I sold. I hope I'm remembered for the trust I earned, the integrity with which I lived, and the people I was privileged to serve.

Who was instrumental in setting you on your path to business success?

My family shaped the person and professional I’ve become. They taught me that your reputation is earned through honesty, humility, consistency, and how you treat people when no one is watching. The Golden Rule (Matthew 7:12) has guided both my life and business, and I’ve learned something valuable from nearly every person I’ve met. My clients, however, have probably been my greatest teachers. What is the best business advice you were ever given?

Protect your reputation because it takes years to build and only moments to lose. That advice has influenced nearly every decision I’ve made. Commissions are temporary. My character follows me everywhere. I’ve always believed it’s my responsibility to tell clients what they need to hear, not simply what they want to

hear. I’d rather lose business than lose someone’s trust. Consistency matters more than occasional effort. Success isn’t usually built through one extraordinary moment as much as it’s built by doing ordinary things extraordinarily well, day after day, year after year.

Do you help support any local charitable organizations or would like to give a shoutout to any?

I’ve been fortunate to support many individuals, families, and local causes over the years, but I intentionally prefer not to publicly highlight those efforts. I’ve always believed the most meaningful acts of generosity are the ones no one else ever hears about. As Matthew 6:3 reminds us, “Do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing.” Charity should be measured by the lives it changes and not the recognition, vanity, publicity, or business opportunities.

What would you do differently if you had to do it all over again?

I would have trusted my instincts sooner and invested earlier in better systems that allowed me to spend more time with my family. Hard work has always been part of who I am, but becoming a husband and father has taught me that success isn’t just about building a business – it’s about building a life worth coming home to. In the end, our legacy isn’t measured by titles, awards, or accomplishments. It’s measured by our character, the lives we touch, and whether we leave the people and places entrusted to us better than we found them. If people remember that I was honest when it mattered, present when I was needed, and that I cared more about people than the transaction, then I’ll consider my career a success.

Caleb Campbell, Randy Rose, Steve Kreibel

What services does your business provide?

Randy Rose: We do it all when it comes to helping people hear well again. We offer hearing tests, clean and check hearing aid instruments, ear irrigation (wax removal), programming of hearing aid instruments to the prescribed settings based on the degree of hearing loss, and, of course, dispensing hearing aid instruments and accessories.

Did you have a mentor? If so, what was the most important thing that person taught you.

Rose: Yes. His name was Dr. Ron Hunt, and I could not have asked for a better mentor. His philosophy was that our customers did not come to us for just a hearing test, they came to us for help. If a hearing-impaired person left without help, he felt we failed them. He taught me to be compassionate but direct. He also taught me to always keep learning. After 47 years, his words hold true. Our technology has surpassed our wildest dreams regarding what is possible for those who suffer with hearing loss.

Caleb Campbell: Yes. They taught me the importance of always genuinely caring for every person that walks through the door, and ensuring they are treated the same way you would treat your own family.

Steve Krehbiel: The work ethic is the most important key attribute a prospective business partner needs in order to succeed in business and life in general. A person who watches the clock and pays more attention to their social media status is not going to be a team player. There is no “I” in “team.”

Running a business requires you to wear many hats. Is there a specific side of the business that you enjoy the most? What would you like to never have to do again?

Campbell: My favorite part is the patient interaction and being able to do what I enjoy by helping people every day. I’d love to never have to deal with insurance!

What do you do for fun when you aren’t working?

Rose: For fun, we travel, spend time with family, ride bikes, fish off the dock, read, enjoy our home and all that is around us. I enjoy spending time with my wife.

Campbell: I enjoy spending time with my beautiful wife and our two children. I also love to play sports. I still play pick-up basketball and soccer any chance I get.

Krehbiel: We live in a great area with some of the most beautiful beaches in the country. Spending time relaxing and reading an interesting book on the beach is a great way to relax and wind down. I also enjoy carpentry and making crafty things in my workshop. What advice would you give to someone thinking about starting their own business?

Rose: Be ready, it is not for everyone. You must wear many hats and must be financially sound – you must be able to go a year without pay. Know accounting and your budget, advertising, and, most importantly, know how to lead others. I would say find the best employees, and when you do, treat them well, pay them well, build a team. At the end of the day, close the door and leave the work there until the next business day. Always keep your business at the office. You must have balance of home life and work life.

Campbell: Surround yourself with people of integrity.

Krehbiel: You must be dedicated to working efficiently. Long hours are not the answer to successful business management. Dedication to those you serve is key.

Are there any local charitable organizations that you support? Give them a shout-out here.

Rose: I like to support multiple local charities: Bargain Box, The Litter Box, Gods Goods, Osprey Village, Volunteers in Medicine, many past and present.

Campbell: Volunteers in Medicine and Hilton Head Symphony.

1505 Main Street (Main Street Village) (843) 891-5819

Bluffton 108 Buckwalter Pkwy., Ste. 2G (Berkeley Place) (843) 631-2237

Hilton Head

Patrick Cosentino

What makes your business unique?

Our business stands apart because of the exceptional team we’ve built over the years. Each member brings specialized expertise and a unique role, allowing us to work seamlessly together to deliver an elevated, personalized experience for every client.

Who was instrumental in setting you on your path to business success? Did you have a mentor?

I come from a family with generations of experience across every level of the construction industry, and I have been fortunate to learn from all of them. In addition to my family, Scott and Anne Middleton, owners of Southern Coastal Homes, have been an integral part of my growth, from

Bluffton / Hilton Head 19 Pritchard Street (843) 815-0100

southerncoastalhomes.com

always having my back to empowering me enough to continue to learn every day.

Running a business generally requires you to wear many hats. Is there a specific side of the business you enjoy most?

It’s a tie between the details in the construction and the relationship we build with our clients. The problem solving skills I have developed while working in the field are invaluable and can be applied to each future project. The important relationship we build with our clients is critical to our reputation and for growing and expanding our business.

What would you like to never do again if you didn’t have to?

I would never underestimate the importance of community involvement. What do you do for fun or enjoyment when you aren’t working?

I spend time with my wife and family on our boat and visiting back home to New Jersey.

What is the best business advice you were ever given?

From a young age, the values of hard work and communication have been instilled in me. These are the two most important things that make you successful in any line of work.

What would you do differently if you had to do it all over again?

I would not change a thing. I believe that every chapter of my career has been a building block in my overall success and happiness.

Do you have any local charitable organizations you support or would like to give a shoutout to?

We partner with Pockets Full of Sunshine for all of our company shirts. It is a great organization that supports differently-abled adults and we are grateful for our relationship.

Russell Baxley

What is your business and what services does it offer?

I serve as the president and CEO of Beaufort Memorial, the largest healthcare system in the region, providing comprehensive care to residents of Beaufort and Jasper counties.

Running a business requires you to wear many hats. Is there a specific side of the business that you enjoy the most?

Leading a large, multi-facility health system allows me to combine strategy with purpose. I find great fulfillment in working alongside our caregivers and employees to develop programs and services that make a difference in the lives of our community. I am especially proud of the career development opportunities we provide. Watching team members learn, grow, and achieve their career goals is one of the most rewarding parts of what I do.

BeaufortMemorial.org . (843) 522-5200

What do you do for fun when you aren’t working? How do you juggle family time?

Working in healthcare means being part of a 24/7/365 mission. Balancing work, family, and personal time requires intention, so when I’m off the clock, I make family my top priority. I enjoy spending time with my kids, Austin and Allie, and my wife, Stephanie. My father always coached me in sports, so my goal is to make enough time to coach my kids and be involved in their lives.

What are some of the biggest challenges in your industry currently and how are you addressing them?

As the region grows, one of the biggest healthcare challenges is ensuring residents have access to the care they need. That starts with attracting and retaining healthcare professionals, which is why we’ve prioritized workforce development. We’re addressing barriers such as housing and childcare by investing in workforce housing initiatives, including 120 attainable units at LiveWell Terrace in Bluffton and 14 units at Canal Street Apartments in Beaufort, while also expanding childcare assistance programs for employees. At the same time, we’re growing access points for care, actively recruiting primary care providers and opening new practices. We broke ground last year on Bluffton’s first hospital, which will bring emergency, inpatient, and surgical services to Southern Beaufort County residents, meeting them where they are. On Hilton Head Island, we’ll open one of South Carolina’s first combined ER and urgent care facilities, providing 24/7 access to immediate care.

What accomplishments are you most proud of and why?

Beaufort Memorial has many accomplishments to be proud of, but I always come back to the PATH (People Achieving Their Highest) program. More than a career pathway, the program demonstrates our commitment to helping employees succeed and build long-term careers in healthcare. This workforce development initiative has helped more than 120 employees grow their skills and advance their careers across a wide range of disciplines, with many more in the pipeline. The program has also led to the development of a satellite nursing program on our campus – which is just one example of how we’re investing in our workforce. Did you have a mentor? If so, what was the most important thing that person taught you?

My mentor was Bob Moore, who was CEO when I served as COO in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. He taught me the value of humility, thoughtful leadership, and surrounding myself with the right people. What stood out most was his ability to listen carefully, encourage open dialogue, and make intentional decisions without rushing to judgment. His leadership style showed me the importance of valuing others’ perspectives, and I strive to bring that same thoughtfulness and purpose to my role as CEO at Beaufort Memorial.

Robert Vaughn

Someone who is good at business knows to never let an opportunity slip away from them. Someone who is great at business knows that the reason for taking those opportunities is just as important as grasping them when they present themselves.

Brendan Downey

Hilton Head 5 Park Lane (843) 802-0215

hhipharmacy.com

Bluffton 167 Bluffton Rd B (843) 757-4999

blufftonpharmacy.com

For Robert Vaughn, who took over the storied hometown Bluffton Pharmacy seven years ago, the opportunity to expand across the bridge and open Hilton Head Pharmacy was an opportunity too good to pass up. But more importantly, his reasons behind it show his incredible skill as a businessman and his compassion as a pharmacist.

“When I opened up Hilton Head and saw the space that I had, I realized it made sense to add a sterile facility. It’s a huge financial undertaking, but it’s something that’s really going to provide a lot of benefit to the area,” he said.

Once up and running, this facility will allow Hilton Head Pharmacy to provide more affordable, and crucially more reliable, compounds including GLP1s, peptides, injectables, and more. Vaughn plans to offer medications compounded at his pharmacy to other pharmacists to help customers even if they aren’t his own.

“The potential is exciting because of what we’ll be able to offer the community,” Vaughn said. “It’s going to help the price point, but it will also lend transparency and credibility to the medications people are getting.”

As the unofficial mayor of Bluffton, it seems like Brendan Downey knows everyone. His newest friend is someone you definitely want to meet, especially if you own a business and struggle with all the financing and paperwork that goes with it. Her name is Roxxy, and she’s here to save you stress and, perhaps more importantly, money.

“Roxxy is, essentially, AI business banking. We’ll be doing your banking, your deposits, your bill pay, your credit card processing … pretty much everything a brick-and-mortar bank does, but we do it for next to nothing,” Downey said.

But Roxxy is so much more than a bank. This sophisticated AI can handle everything including managing paychecks, running analytics, and more, with new functionality rolling out all the time. There’s even an app where you can talk to Roxxy itself, getting instant answers to all your needs. And when you need an actual human, Downey is just a phone call away.

“We can do anything from a mom-and-pop shop all the way up to a huge corporation,” he said. “I want to help everybody’s business grow. I don’t care if you do $5,000 or $5,000,000 a month, we’re going to treat you the right way. I’ve been in banking my whole life, and that’s just how you treat the customer.”

Jeff Hunt

Back when Jeff Hunt was a young man testing his strength on the football field, he learned a profound lesson that has carried him through an incredibly successful career as one of the island’s top real estate professionals.

“I always had goals. If I was benching 250 pounds, my goal would be 300. Eventually I got to a point where I was hitting this plateau of 295 pounds, then 297, and I just couldn’t get over that hump. It was a mental thing,” he

Hilton Head 6 Queens Folly Road (843) 422-5933

jeff@jeffhuntandassociates.com

dunesrealestate.com/bio/jeffh

said. “Some of the guys said to warm up and they would load up the bar to 295 pounds. But they really added 20. I benched 315 pounds three times without realizing it. That really stuck with me … that you can do these things with just a little extra effort.”

That epiphany, that leaving distractions behind and focusing on what needs doing, carried him forward. After owning and operating several multi-million-dollar businesses, he turned his attention to the real estate industry and joined Dunes Real Estate. It didn’t take long before he established himself as not only an industry leader, but as a leading voice in the local market.

“I remember having a conversation with a broker where they asked if one agent could even sell $60 million in a year. It really got me thinking about what’s possible. I mean, there was a time when people didn’t think we could get to the moon,” he said. “So, I set out to see what I could do and I sold $76 million that year.”

Hunt has always been defined by the little extra effort it takes to accomplish something truly remarkable. One of those extra efforts is the gift drive he does every year during the holidays to purchase as many bikes as possible and distribute them to needy children all over the Lowcountry.

“It’s no small feat, but it’s something I have to do,” he said. “Whatever I have to do to get those bicycles to help those children, I’m committed to doing it.”

His is a career built on discipline and focus, one that has allowed him to achieve great things, help others in his community, and give clients the kind of seasoned experience that comes from a lifetime of putting in that little extra effort.

Logan Drevitch

As the all-time franchise leader in goals scored for the Savannah Ghost Pirates during his four years with the team (two as captain), Logan Drevitch knows a thing or two about finding a path to success. But more importantly, at

Eric Kuhn

How many years have you been in the real estate business and what do you enjoy most about it?

Going on ten years in the business, having moved from Buffalo, New York. A lot of friends and family have come from that area to visit, and having so much pride in the area, I love to showcase it. Friends often joke, “Eric, you’re not working!” but showing them all the great parts

(774) 634-5837 . Ldrevitch@harborhealthins.com harbourhealthins.com

least to his clients at Safe Harbor Insurance, he learned even more as the franchise’s all-time leader in assists.

“I got into this to help people,” he said. “I want Safe Harbor to be the trusted local agency where people can meet with us face to face, ask questions, and receive honest guidance, knowing we’ll be there whenever they need support. On the Ghost Pirates, we always had health insurance through the team, but every offseason finding affordable coverage was confusing. There were countless plans to compare, and I realized most people simply don’t know where to start.”

Having been through that struggle and having worked in insurance during the offseasons while with the Ghost Pirates, Drevitch decided to devote his retirement from sports to helping others avoid that stress.

“We never charge a service fee, so our guidance is completely free,” he said. “My goal is to take the stress out of shopping for insurance by comparing options and finding the best possible coverage at the best value for every client.”

Hilton Head 1038 William Hilton Parkway (716) 785-1570 . erickuhn.allentate.com

of the lifestyle is very exciting to me – and even more exciting when they want a piece for themselves. Assisting anyone transitioning into new, exciting stages of their lives gives me a lot of fulfillment. Watching someone’s dreams come true of retirement, being closer to family, or investing hard-earned money wisely into real estate is so rewarding and an honor to be part of.

What is your favorite room in a house?

The room with the best view. I’m a sucker for a multi-hued sunset, calm marsh, or the anticipation of the first sun trickling over the golf course. For me, it’s the best spot in a house to relax, entertain, and appreciate our beautiful surroundings. Any room with large windows and doors, consider me there. I think clients sometimes are surprised by the emotion that comes from me when seeing many views in our area, and no matter how many properties you see, there are just so many different perspectives to admire.

When selling our area, what things do you specifically highlight and why?

The natural setting: minimal power lines that are above ground, minimal large signage, and lack of commercialized spaces compared to other coastal towns, no bright lights, minimal building above tree height, abundance of sidewalks and bike paths, and essentially everything that supports our eco-friendly attitude and peaceful setting.

Dr. Matt Tenwolde

As a doctor of veterinary medicine, Dr. Matt Tenwolde has always cared for animals. But while many vets see their practice as a measured craft, one that rarely calls for split-second decisions, Tenwolde has always done his best work against a ticking clock.

"I've been in emergency veterinary medicine for 20 years now, and it's always a lot of thinking on your feet and getting outside your comfort zone. I always found I was a little more adept at dealing with sick and injured patients than seeing them day to day," he said. "Yes, there's a little more adrenaline and a little more excitement, but it lets me help in the way I know best."

That specialty led him to partner with Dr. Ben Parker at Coastal Veterinary Clinic, offering emergency care for sick and injured animals. But because Parker's practice was a working daytime office, the true round-the-clock care Tenwolde wanted to provide could only begin once regular hours ended.

His latest move changes that. In the sprawling space on Fording Island Road once occupied by Wild Wing Café, Tenwolde's Carolina Vet Critical Care can finally operate as the always-on-duty practice it was meant to be.

(843) 706-9200 . carolinavcc.com

"Now we're able to see patients any time, day or night. Holidays, weekends, it doesn't matter, we're going to be open," he said. "This was always the goal when we first opened. This is where we were heading."

Turning a former bar and restaurant into a state-of-the-art veterinary facility was no small undertaking. But for Tenwolde, the move was never about adding numbers to a ledger.

"My staff and I are so excited to get this place up and running while keeping our priority of community over profit," he said. "There are a lot of folks here with ample resources, but there are also a lot who don't. It's expensive to have a pet, and we don't want to let finances get in the way during an emergency."

He credits community business leaders like Tanner Sutphin of May River Group as part of a wide web of support that helps CVCC keep emergency care affordable and save pets in moments of crisis. That web of support even extends to Tenwolde's own golden retriever, Miss Lima Bean.

"Miss Lima Bean is one of our blood donor dogs," he said. "We use the same process as human donations, and we've been doing it for about a year now. We've had quite a few donors, and we love it. It's really expanded our ability to provide excellent care."

With the community behind him, and the able assistance of Miss Lima Bean, Dr. Tenwolde has finally seen his dream of a true 24/7 emergency practice come to life. Built on a focus of pets and people over profit, decades of hard-won experience, and a gift for helping animals in crisis, it's the culmination of his entire career. And it's only getting started.

"This new space is going to allow us not just to establish emergency care, but to expand beyond it by bringing in some really experienced specialists," he said. "People will still go to their local vet for regular visits, but they can come to us when there's an emergency."

Find out more at carolinavcc.com.

John Batson

What makes your business unique?

I’m the only physician in South Carolina who has completed fellowships in both pain medicine and sports medicine and is board certified in both. That unique combination allows me to care for active adults and young athletes alike.

Running a business generally requires you to wear many hats. Is there a specific side of the business you enjoy most?

I still love seeing patients. Nothing is more rewarding than helping people get back to doing what they love. I’ve always believed that if I take great care of my patients, the rest of the business will follow.

Max Zugan

If you’ve been to any of the farmers markets that dot the calendar here in the Lowcountry, your dog has no doubt pulled you toward the folks at Pet Wants. Their premium food and treats for cats

Hilton Head

70 Main Street, Suite 200

Hardeeville

300 New River Parkway, Suite 37

(843) 208-2420 . lcspineandsport.com

What do you do for fun when you aren’t working?

My daughter is out on her own now, so my wife and I spend as much time outdoors as possible. We love paddleboarding, kite surfing, walking our dogs, and enjoying the Lowcountry.

Do you have any local charitable organizations you support or would like to give a shoutout to?

I’ve served on the board of The Outside Foundation for 10 years. Growing up on Hilton Head, time on the water shaped my childhood, so supporting an organization that helps kids experience the outdoors is especially meaningful. What is the best business advice you were ever given?

No task is too small. Whether it’s answering the phone or helping wherever needed, every effort improves the patient experience. Patients really get a kick out of me answering the phone, so that’s always a fun one.

Hilton Head Coligny Plaza, 1 N. Forest Beach Dr., Unit E3 (Next to Island Fudge) (843) 310.2456

petwantshiltonhead.com

and dogs are impossible scents for pets to ignore, so it’s only reasonable that you will have found yourself browsing all they have to offer.

Now that owners Max and Anna Zugan have opened their Coligny Plaza location, a sister to their other store out in Bluffton’s New Riverside district, your dog will not have to pull you quite as far.

“I think the new location will be a real hotspot, Coligny makes perfect sense to us to reach island visitors and locals,” Max said. “Our New Riverside location has a full FDA-registered commercial kitchen, so we’re able to work with local farms and create a lot of freeze-dried and dehydrated treats.”

The couple became interested in Pet Wants after being customers up in Ohio before moving down here five years ago. Intrigued by not only the company’s offerings but its commitment to personalizing each franchise to its area, they bought in and have been expanding it ever since.

“It’s strictly been organic word-of-mouth,” Max said. “Our customers tell their friends about the personalized experience and nutritional advice we can offer, and it’s just grown.”

Pet Wants is located in Coligny next to Cutting Room and Island Fudge Shoppe.

James Norris Richardson Jr. ("JR")

Few people have witnessed Hilton Head Island's transformation quite like James Norris Richardson Jr., better known to the community as JR. Having arrived on the island more than 70 years ago - before the bridge connected Hilton Head to the mainland - he has not only watched its remarkable growth but has helped shape it every step of the way.

In those early years as a teenager, one of his first responsibilities to the community was driving the school bus that carried his classmates across the swing bridge to Bluffton each day. Looking back, it seems fitting. Long before he became a developer, entrepreneur, and community leader, JR was a caretaker of his his peers.

Growing up when Hilton Head Island was little more than maritime forest, dirt roads, and endless opportunity, JR spent his days exploring by boat while helping his parents operate their grocery store and vacation rental business in what is now Coligny Plaza.

As a high school student, JR landed his first job working for visionary developer - who then became a lifelong friend and mentor - Charles Fraser. JR started as the janitor and errand runner, even racing to Charles' car to answer its telephone, a invention by Charles, long before car phones became commonplace. Charles took JR sailing and hunting, nurtured his appreciation for antique maps, and instilled in him a vision for preserving Hilton Head's unique character while planning for its future. Those experiences laid the foundation for JR's lifelong commitment to thoughtful stewardship of the island.

Over the decades, JR has remained a dedicated steward of Coligny, believing it should always be the heart of Hilton Head Island - a vibrant downtown where locally owned businesses thrive. He believes Coligny is more than a shopping center; it's a place where residents and visitors can shop, dine, connect, and experience the island's unique character

by supporting businesses owned by their neighbors.

His entrepreneurial vision extends well beyond Coligny. JR developed Windmill Harbour and Westbury Park, founded the South Carolina Yacht Club nearly four decades ago, and in recent years launched local restaurants including Local Pie, FISH Casual Coastal Seafood, and Slowcountry BBQ. More than 20 years ago, he joined a group of local business leaders to establish Coastal States Bank.

His greatest passions, however, extend beyond business. Deeply committed to addressing food insecurity and expanding workforce housing, JR believes thriving communities are built by ensuring people can afford to live where they work.

A handshake from JR is still as good as a contract, rare in today's world. While his businesses and developments have helped shape Hilton Head Island, his generosity, and genuine love for the community that define his legacy.

In many ways, the young man who once drove the school bus for his Island community never stopped serving his neighbors. He simply found bigger ways to do it. More than 70 years after arriving on the island, JR continues to help guide Hilton Head forward with the same vision, humility, and commitment that have defined his life's journey.

The Richardson Family, circa 1955, Hilton Head Island

The Richardson Family, 2026

Heath Prosser

If there is one true global language, it is food. Ingredients might change from one locale to the next in keeping with regional offerings, techniques may bloom closer to where they were first developed, but we’re all speaking the same tongue. While the cuisine at Alfred’s Restaurant has always leaned toward the German and European dialects of this universal culinary language, Chef Heath Prosser’s global influence has always given it an accent you won’t find anywhere else.

Robert Rivers

When Robert Rivers was just 12 years old, helping his dad on job sites for the family business, he probably never imagined that one day he’d be the one calling the shots. As he got older, however, going off to Clemson and earning a business management degree, it became clearer

Hilton Head

807 William Hilton Pkwy Ste 1200 (843) 920-3026 alfredshhi.com

Born in New Zealand to a mother who insisted that each of her three boys learn how to cook, he took to the assignment with gusto. Whether it was cooking for his family or helping procure fresh eels for the local Maori tables, it was clear this young man was destined to be a chef. He followed that destiny through restaurant and cruise ship kitchens to culinary school and to grand heights like cooking for then-president Bill Clinton while serving as executive chef at The Quay West Auckland.

At each stop, he trained under chefs from around the world, finally landing on Hilton Head Island, where he and his wife Linda create a global experience at Alfred’s, while doting on their granddaughters Aurora Sky and Opal Awa.

Bluffton

6-D Plantation Park Drive . (843) 757-5524 lowcountryshelvingandglass.com

with every year that someday he’d be at the helm of Lowcountry Shelving and Glass.

It’s almost inevitable, when you grow up surrounded by that entrepreneurial spirit, grounded by a solid work ethic and an overall mandate to serve the customers no matter what, that he would continue on that same path. When he actually purchased Lowcountry Shelving and Glass in March of this year, it was a fullcircle moment for Robert.

“It’s been a tremendously smooth transition because my roles and routines have remained largely the same for the last several years,” he said. “It’s something that I’ve always hoped to do and have long been working towards, transitioning into the leadership role for the last decade. I’m very excited to have that process completed and officially call it mine.”

Carrying on the legacy his parents started in 1992, Rivers brings to bear all of the experience he’s gained working in every aspect of the family business. “Fortunately for me, my dad’s always been a mentor, and seeing his work ethic has inspired me to offer the best quality and service possible,” he said. “We've always been blessed with good customer relationships, and I recognize that as the backbone of what we do, so I will always make it a priority.”

Jim Buser

Some people will tell you that the only way to succeed in business is to play as cutthroat as you can, boosting your bottom line with the bodies of smaller businesses who challenge you and never giving an inch to the competition.

But Jim Buser has never played by those rules. His is an almost zen-like approach that has helped build out the many ventures across his SA Sports Incorporated families of brands including Sports Addiction, Old Town Bike Barn & Adventures, Hilton Head by Boat, Daufuskie Bike Rentals, and Golden Isles Bike Rentals on St. Simons Island.

“I’m all about everybody prospering. I say ‘share the wealth,’” Buser said. “I’ve been at the bottom, scratching to start a business 25 years ago. If you can help the other guy, they’re going to help you. The people who don’t help other people are going to go out of business.”

As Buser transitioned from professional athlete into the business realm, he soon found that helping that tide rise meant finding the right people.

“That’s the key for me, my staff. They’re all very knowledgeable,” he said. “Old Town Bike Barn is in its 10th year now, and I have one of my longesttenured employees back after some time away, Dave Flemetis. He’s taken that shop to another level.”

He also has a great crew at his flagship Okatie store, a crew of dedicated cyclists and gearheads who are helping feed that active community’s massive appetite for quality bikes, equipment, and accessories.

“Our story out in Okatie is just exploding, and those guys are doing amazing,” he said. “I hired a great GM about a month ago, Matt Fowler, and everyone in that shop really knows what they are doing. … You really need to know your product. It’s a totally different ballgame than it was 40 years ago.”

It’s not just the guys who are elevating Sports Addiction. Buser’s wife,

Bluffton

200 Okatie Village Dr., Suite 101 (843) 815-8281

sportsaddictionbluffton.com

Bluffton

28 Dr. Mellichamp Dr. (843) 837-BARN (2276) blufftonbikestore.com

(843) 304-3847

Marri, has played a crucial role since joining the business after a long career in the restaurant industry.

“She has taken Sports Addiction to another level,” he said. “It’s a numbers game with any business, and means finding the right type of inventory, and she is doing a great job with that.”

Of course, sometimes helping lift up other businesses does require setting aside a few joys for yourself. For Buser, it’s getting out on the water with Hilton Head by Boat.

“Partnering with Doug and Monique at Sky Pirate with a bigger boat has really helped Hilton Head by Boat grow. And that’s my outlet,” he said. “The bike shop’s my business, but the boat side is my love.”

John Pedigo, David Flemetis, and Chris Crawley

Jim and Marri Buser and their dog

Mike Foskey

Perhaps the most important thing about going into business for yourself is the “why.” Why – when you could simply show up, punch a timecard, and collect a check – does anyone take it upon themselves to start an entire business from scratch?

For Mike Foskey, there are a few different answers to that question.

The first answer for him comes from faith in a higher calling. “The key to our success is putting faith in God and looking to him for guidance,” he said. “Without Him, none of this is possible.”

William Voelkel, Coley Davis, Travers Davis

What makes your business unique?

We believe people deserve better. Our clients know their agent, work directly with us, and even have our personal cell phone numbers.

Who was instrumental in setting you on your path to success in business?

We’ve learned from great leaders, but also from watching businesses fall short when growth becomes more important than service. Those experiences shaped a culture where integrity and relationships come first.

Ridgeland

6983 N. Okatie Highway (843) 681-4328

info@foskeyheatingandair.com

The second reason is one his customers have come to appreciate the most. As a 38-year veteran of the heating and cooling industry, Foskey had seen what other firms do right, but had also witnessed what they do wrong.

“Honest answers and affordable options, that’s our motto,” he said. “Our company has grown tremendously since we started, but I never wanted to get too big to provide that level of service. We’re family owned and operated so we treat customers, and employees, like family.”

And that speaks to one of the primary reasons Foskey started his firm: Family. He and his wife, Christine, started Foskey Heating and Air so they would have the flexibility to spend time with their children. And now, with them all grown, the focus is solely on you, their customer.

“There’s nothing like the relief you see on someone’s face when it’s 90 degrees in the house and you feel that AC come on,” he said. “I’ve been doing this 38 years, and that never gets old.”

Bluffton 40 Pennington Drive, Suite E (843) 507-5072 . coastalhaveninsurance.com

What do you do for fun?

We’re big golfers, although only one of us is a scratch golfer. We’ll let you guess who! We love golf, great food, and bringing people together. Most Fridays, we host an informal network hour for clients, referral partners, and friends.

What side of the business do you enjoy most?

Building relationships. We love connecting with people, solving problems, and helping families and businesses protect what they’ve worked hard to build.

What would you do differently if you had to do it all over again?

We would have started Coastal Haven Insurance sooner. We wanted the freedom to build our own culture and make decisions based on what’s best for our clients.

What local organizations do you support?

We’re proud to support Young Life, The First Tee –Lowcountry, and Pockets Full of Sunshine – organizations that are making the Lowcountry a better place to live and work.

Kevin Thompson

Summit Services was founded on the idea of being a different home services company, a company that would serve at the top among others while never compromising on customer service and always treating customers with respect. This is something easily said, but we challenge ourselves every day to do just that.

My name is Kevin Thompson, founder and owner of Summit Services. I grew up in this beautiful place we call home and attended Hilton Head High School before attending the University of Georgia, where I met my wife, Valerie. We have two boys, Finley and Brody, who both attend Hilton Head Preparatory School. When I’m not working, you can usually find me at the baseball field coaching or watching baseball with my boys, kids I’ve coached previously, and friends. I love to play golf whenever I find the time.

I started in the heating and air business in 2007 after working for a national homebuilder. I worked in the HVAC business for many years until I realized I wanted to serve homeowners at a higher level. I was tired of hearing excuses made by service companies for not showing up on time, not completing installations or service visits to customers’ satisfaction, or not taking pride in customers’ homes.

I started Summit Services with an idea and a passion to be the best. I believed we could provide service for the people who want the best customer experience on every call and installation. I knew it would be a lot of work, especially starting a company from scratch – with no customers, no employees, and no handbook to guide me. I made some unfavorable and costly decisions starting out, but I learned from my mistakes.

Summit has been in business for nearly 10 years now and we have gotten better and stronger each year. We have built a culture within our company where employees love coming to work every day to serve our community. In fact, employee satisfaction is a core value at Summit.

We recently moved our company to Bluffton, where we are in the process of building a showroom and education center focusing

on educating our community and employees. This design center will allow homeowners to learn about different types of equipment and design their own HVAC installations. Customers can ask questions about their current HVAC systems and see the newest technology available. It will be a place where anyone can purchase hard-tofind filters as well.

At Summit, we are growing each day. We recently opened a pool division and also acquired Simoneaux Electric, a well-known company based in Bluffton for more than 30 years. We can now serve customers with the same level of service for multiple needs inside and outside the home or business.

Be assured that the heating and air technicians that customers are accustomed to seeing are not the same technicians working on electrical panels or cleaning pools. We have a completely different crew of Summit employees for each division.

We offer monthly pool service plans as well as annual electrical safety plans, providing the same great service that our heating and air customers are accustomed to receiving.

I look forward to meeting new customers throughout Hilton Head and Bluffton in the coming months. At Summit Services, we pride ourselves on delivering the best service on your HVAC, electrical, and pool equipment while exceeding your expectations every day. It’s our top priority to deliver the right solution the first time, every time, and ensure you are always 100% satisfied. We look forward to serving the residents of our great community for years to come!

4454 Bluffton Park Crescent #301 (843) 836-2653 . callsummitservices.com

Bluffton

Joseph Dembeck

What makes your business unique?

Brims on the Bluff is all about creating a custom hat experience where every customer leaves with something that’s uniquely their own. While custom hats are what we’re known for, we offer so much more – from boots and apparel, and thoughtfully curated pieces for both men and women.

Running a business requires you to wear many hats. Is there a specific side of the business you enjoy most?

The real owner, Lauren! She is the creative visionary behind Brims, and I’m the one making sure her big ideas become reality. Behind

Liam

Did you have a mentor? If so, what was the most important thing that person taught you.

I have been blessed to have many people influence my life throughout the years. It’s hard to pick just one lesson that has stuck with me BUT I

Bluffton

10C Johnston Way . (843) 949-8126 brimsonthebluff.com

the scenes, I haul our trailer wherever Brims takes us, building out event spaces, handling logistics, and making sure everything runs smoothly. My favorite part is watching an off-site event transform from an empty space into a one-of-a-kind Brims experience. I’ve never seen two events – or even two hats – turn out the same, and that’s what makes Brims so special.

What would you like to never do again, if you didn’t have to?

Parallel park our trailer and build an entire custom hat bar on the side of a mountain. Although, if you see the pictures, you’ll see it was worth it.

What is the best business advice you were ever given?

Treat people the way you want to be treated. A simple act of kindness and making people feel valued can leave a lasting impression, both in business and in life.

Hilton Head

800 Main Street, Suite 110 . (843) 290-7770 liam.cronin@evrealestate.com . LowcountryGroup.evhhi.com

would say the one that I have been practicing the most over recent years is “Simple, not easy. Be consistent!”

Running a business requires you to wear many hats. Is there a specific side of the business that you enjoy the most? What would you like to never have to do again?

A lot of hats, for sure. The most enjoyable moments are watching the team secure a client and seeing them through the closing table; there’s a lot of joy in celebrating the success of others. I guess, if I really had to pick one thing not to do again it would be wearing shoes. #Flipflopsareprofessionaltoo

What do you do for fun when you aren’t working?

I enjoy spending time in the gym & cooking. All-time favorite activity is whatever my son, Caleb, is up to at the moment.

What advice would you give to someone thinking about starting their own business?

Nothing happens overnight. Pick something that you are passionate about, surround yourself with successful people and do a little better than the day before.

Are there any local charitable organizations that you support? Give them a shout-out here.

Self Help continues to expand its reach, creating even more opportunities to support our neighbors. Every contribution makes a difference—whether it's your time, a financial donation, or an in-kind gift.

Cronin

CHris Wells and Ryan Moore

The true nightmare of a disaster in the home begins when you have to start calling all of the numerous professionals that are needed to help you get your home back to normal. Calls to insurance companies, contractors, plumbers, electricians, and inspectors can be overwhelming.

Sometimes you just want to make one call to make it all go away. That’s what High Tide Restoration is for. Our team will see every aspect of the job through until your home is exactly the way it was before disaster struck. It’s a no-excuses, make-it-happen methodology that has helped homeowners rebuild after disasters including mold infestations and the ravages of hurricanes.

“We are a full-service cleaning and restoration company offering 24/7 emergency services, fire, mold, smoke, and water restoration along with a multitude of cleaning services, including carpet, tile, and upholstery,” said Founder and CEO Ryan Moore. “Our team is the backbone of our company. I take a lot of pride in hearing compliments from homeowners about our team members and the professional jobs they do

every day. In an economy where everyone has a hard time finding staff, we are fortunate to have team members that have been with us for more than a decade.”

Moore and his team pride themselves in customer service and professionalism, making sure each client is treated with respect. These high standards are the reason High Tide Restoration and Cleaning has become the gold standard of turnkey disaster remediation in the Lowcountry.

SMatthew Curry, Steven Vega, and Christopher Curry

ome families embed themselves so deeply in their community that they become a vital part of it, as important as the streets that connect everyone. In the case of the Curry family, that embedment is quite literal. Starting with Lowcountry Paver, the highly successful paver manufacturing company launched by Tom Curry, the family was able to put their stamp on nearly every aspect of our community. Parks, public spaces, retail businesses … it seems like everywhere you look in the Lowcountry you’ll see their work.

“We take such pride in building the future of Beaufort and Jasper County, and contributing to projects that last a lifetime,” said Steven Vega, president of Curry Family Brands, the entity that now covers the family’s many endeavors. “And our next step is expanding our reach and the regions we service. Having each of Tom’s sons running a dedicated business under this same brand allows us the opportunity to do so quickly.”

Coming from outside of the family in this family-run venture, Vega brings a seasoned perspective to his leadership role, working his way up through the ranks from a territorial sales position at Lowcountry Paver.

Matthew and Christopher were involved in Lowcountry Paver as soon as they were old enough. It was CurryCrete Ready-Mix Concrete, the joint venture they launched after a lifetime mentoring under their father, that started a wave a growth for Curry Family Brands.

“The most rewarding part of my job at CurryCrete is the impact our concrete has on the community and industry,” Matthew said when the company first launched. “Watching our team’s hard work translate into the literal foundation that shapes where we live, work, and play in the Lowcountry is incredibly satisfying.”

Once the new venture proved successful, it was a natural transition for the brothers to each focus on their own venture, with Matthew leading CurryCrete and Christopher taking on the next evolution of the family’s portfolio in Curry Disposal, offering a range of commercial waste disposal services for contractors and the community.

“We were able to align with our partners on the concrete and paver side, offering another crucial service for their businesses. We started with 20 cans and now we’re at almost 100, and we recently

landed our first large contract with a developer,” Christopher said. “All of these businesses operate with the exact same mindset and goal: to provide the best customer service and quality and help our local businesses build and grow.”

With Matthew leading CurryCrete, Christopher leading Curry Disposal, and Vega overseeing the entire operation, Curry Family Brands now has a next generation of leadership who either grew up in the industry or has experienced it from the ground up, soaking up Curry Family Brands’ values, dedication, and commitment to the community.

“It’s been great to see the growth of each of these businesses, but it’s also been amazing seeing the feedback and excitement we get from the community,” Matthew said.

After all, Curry Family Brands is a family business. Theirs is a family that built its future in our community, but more importantly has invested in our community. One paver, one pour, one dumpster – and one new venture – at a time.

“Part of our core values is treating our customer base like family, and being given the opportunity to provide service across all these sectors and help our local partners thrive and grow, that's what's been most rewarding,” Vega said.

And with Steven, Matthew, and Christopher leading the way into the future for Curry Family Brands, those rewards will continue to build, not just in our community, but beyond.

Article by Cheryl Ricer

by Maggie Washo

The Greenery

GROWING SOMETHING GREATER

By the time Lee Edwards was old enough to understand what his parents did for a living, Hilton Head Island was still discovering what it would become.

When his parents, Berry and Ruthie, purchased a small landscape company called The Greenery in 1973, Lee was only four years old. The island’s now-iconic neighborhoods were still taking shape, Bluffton was little more than a sleepy crossroads, and much of the Lowcountry’s explosive growth lay decades in the future. As other children spent summers at the beach, Edwards spent his time watching crews transform bare stretches of sand and scrub into lush entrances, neighborhoods, and commercial properties that would become familiar landmarks across the region.

He didn’t realize it then, but he was receiving an education that couldn’t be taught in a classroom. That upbringing instilled an appreciation not only for hard work, but for the patience required to build something lasting. Landscapes don’t mature overnight, and neither do successful businesses. Both require vision, consistent care, and a willingness to think years – even decades – ahead.

Today, as president and CEO of The Greenery, Edwards leads one of the Southeast’s premier commercial landscape companies, with operations spanning South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida. Yet despite overseeing a company far larger and more sophisticated than the one his parents purchased more than 50 years ago, his philosophy remains remarkably grounded.

Success, he believes, has never been about growing the biggest company. It’s about building the right one.

Finding His Own Path

For many second-generation business owners, joining the family company feels inevitable. For Edwards, it wasn’t. In fact, after graduating from Tulane University, he intentionally set out to do almost anything except return home.

“My parents never pressured me to come into the business,” he said. “They basically told me, ‘You’re off the payroll now. You can always come home and sleep in your old bed, but don’t ask us for money.’”

He laughs at the memory now, but the lesson proved invaluable. Instead of stepping directly into a leadership role, Edwards spent several years discovering who he was outside the family business.

He lived in the Virgin Islands, supporting himself by bartending and working construction while living aboard an aging sailboat. After selling the boat, he traveled throughout Central America for nearly a year, teaching English and immersing himself in different cultures. Those experiences taught lessons

Photography

Lee Edwards is photographed with his dog, Xena, at his home on Hilton Head Island.

no business textbook could provide.

Travel demanded resourcefulness. Construction reinforced the value of physical labor. Living on limited means cultivated humility. Learning Spanish allowed him to communicate fluently with workers from diverse backgrounds – something that would later become one of his greatest professional assets. Looking back, Edwards believes leaving Hilton Head ultimately made him a better leader when he returned.

“I was thinking I would go to business school,” he said. “That was the plan.”

Life, however, had other ideas.

The Turning Point

Friends eventually persuaded Edwards to spend a winter in Aspen, Colorado. One season became another, and before long he accepted a position with a local landscape company. It seemed like a temporary job. Instead, it became the turning point of his career.

Because he already knew how to operate equipment and communicate with Spanish-speaking crews, Edwards quickly found himself taking on increasing responsibility.

“About halfway through the summer, I realized I was actually enjoying it,” he said. “I thought, maybe I’m pretty good at this.”

For the first time, landscaping wasn’t simply the family business he had grown up around. It became a profession filled with strategy, logistics, leadership, and endless opportunities to solve problems. Rather than pursuing graduate school, Edwards picked up the phone and called his father.

“I told him I’d like to think about coming back and working at The Greenery. And he said, ‘Great! We could really use you.’”

Even then, his father had one more lesson waiting.

Learning Before Leading

Instead of bringing his son directly into the company, Edwards’ father encouraged him to spend time with one of the nation’s most respected landscape firms in Maryland. It proved to be one of the most influential experiences of his career.

Until then, Edwards had worked for The Greenery and one relatively small company in Colorado. The Maryland operation was entirely different: Multiple branches. Dedicated human resources. Formal onboarding programs. Structured management systems. Clear opportunities for advancement.

“It opened my eyes to what The Greenery could become,” Edwards said.

Importantly, it challenged him to think differently. Rather than seeing landscaping as simply completing projects, he began seeing the importance of building an organization capable of sustaining growth. “I realized we could promote people from within,” he said. “We could train people better. We could build management systems that helped people succeed.”

He wasn’t interested in adding bureaucracy. He wanted to create a company where people could build careers. That distinction would become one of the defining characteristics of his leadership.

Edwards returned to Hilton Head in the fall of 1994. The timing could not have been better. Sun City Hilton Head was beginning construction. Bluffton was on the verge of unprecedented growth. Highway 278 still consisted of just two lanes cutting through what many people viewed as little more than open countryside. While others saw undeveloped land, the Edwardses saw opportunity.

Recognizing that the future lay west of Hilton Head Island, they relocated The Greenery’s construction division to their Bluffton maintenance shop and began expanding into new markets, including Beaufort, Savannah, and eventually Charleston.

“The growth was happening,” he said. “We just needed to be positioned to take advantage of it.”

Building More Than Landscapes

Commercial landscaping is often misunderstood. To many people, it conjures images of lawnmowers, leaf blowers, and neatly trimmed hedges. Edwards smiles at the misconception.

“The reality is much more complex,” he said.

Today’s commercial landscape company functions

Ruthie, Lee, and Berry Edwards, in the early to mid '80s.

Lee Edwards chats with Evan Hurley, fleet shop manager at The Greenery's Arrow Road location.

as part construction firm, part horticultural expert, part environmental steward, and part logistics operation. Projects frequently involve sophisticated irrigation systems, erosion control, drainage planning, tree preservation, seasonal color design, water management, lighting, hardscapes, and longterm maintenance strategies that protect millions of dollars in property investments.

Large commercial communities, resorts, municipalities, and homeowners’ associations depend on landscapes that remain healthy year-round despite extreme weather, changing seasons, and heavy public use. Achieving that requires far more than routine maintenance. “It certainly isn’t just mowing grass,” Edwards said. “There are a lot of moving pieces.”

That complexity is precisely what appealed to him. Every project presents new challenges and requires different solutions. And every successful installation reflects months – sometimes years – of planning and coordination.

Raising the Standard

One of Berry Edwards’ earliest priorities was elevating The Greenery’s level of professionalism. He believed clients deserved more than basic maintenance. At a time when many landscape companies embraced what Lee jokingly calls the “mow, blow, and go” approach, The Greenery focused on preventative care, horticultural expertise, and long-term planning.

Instead of applying fertilizer once or twice a year, the company developed comprehensive nutrient programs. Instead of waiting for irrigation systems to fail, they embraced emerging technologies that allowed remote monitoring and improved water conservation.

Certified horticulturists joined the team. Communication became as important as craftsmanship. “We believed there was a better way,” Edwards said.

Clients noticed. Developers noticed. Before long, projects grew larger, more technically demanding, and increasingly visible throughout the Southeast. The Greenery wasn’t simply maintaining landscapes anymore. It was redefining expectations for what commercial landscaping could be.

One project changed the trajectory of the company.

After completing an elaborate entrance for a major Charleston development – complete with cascading waterfalls, multi-tiered fountains, mature trees and extensive masonry – The Greenery suddenly found itself fielding calls from developers across the region.

Instead of trying to manage those opportunities from Hilton Head, Edwards made another bold decision: He moved. In 1999, he relocated to Charleston to establish The Greenery of Charleston, taking just one employee with him and starting almost from scratch.

“It was intimidating,” he said. “We had one big job lined up, and after that we just kept growing.”

Charleston was entering a period of extraordinary growth, and the Edwards believed there was room in the market for a company committed to a higher level of service and professionalism. The gamble paid off. Within a few years, The Greenery had become the dominant commercial landscape company in the Charleston market.

“We never really slowed down, and we weren’t necessarily doing something nobody else could do,” he said. “We were just doing it at a consistently higher level.”

That philosophy extended well beyond beautiful landscapes. It meant communicating proactively with clients, embracing emerging technologies, investing in employee training, and never becoming complacent simply because of reputation.

“Yesterday’s success never guarantees tomorrow’s,” he said. “You have to keep getting better.”

Growing Leaders

As The Greenery expanded, Edwards discovered that one of leadership’s greatest challenges had little to do with landscaping. It had everything to do with letting go.

Like many entrepreneurs, he initially believed that the best way to ensure quality was to remain personally involved in nearly every decision. But as the company continued growing, that approach became unsustainable. “The bigger you get, the more you have to trust other people,” he said.

Today, Edwards speaks about leadership less in terms of authority than responsibility. His role is no longer to make every decision. His responsibility is to build a team capable of making excellent decisions without him. That begins with hiring exceptional people.

“I’ve always tried to surround myself with really smart people,” he said. “People I trust. People who work as hard as I do.”

It’s advice he readily shares with young entrepreneurs. Too often, he believes, business owners feel they must prove they’re the smartest person in the room. Edwards sees it differently. “The best leaders hire people who know more than they do in certain areas,” he said. "The best lesson I learned from my father was, hire great people, give them the tools and support they need, and get out of the way."

Whether it’s finance, horticulture, operations, technology, or human resources, he believes successful organizations thrive when leaders empower specialists instead of trying to become experts in everything themselves. That willingness to trust others has created opportunities for employees to grow into leadership positions while strengthening the company as a whole. “I don’t think one person builds a great business,” he said. “A great team builds a great business.”

A Culture Worth Investing In

While The Greenery’s landscapes might be its most

visible product, Edwards believes the company’s greatest asset has always been its people.

Over the years, he has watched employees build careers – not just jobs –within the organization. Many have spent decades with the company, growing alongside it as operations expanded into new markets and new specialties. That commitment to employees has shaped many of the company’s business decisions.

When Berry Edwards decided to retire, The Greenery became an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), allowing employees to share in the company’s success through ownership. As the organization continued growing, however, leadership recognized that the structure no longer reflected the realities of a much larger company. Over time, the ESOP had become increasingly difficult for newer employees to benefit from in the same way long-tenured team members had.

Again, Edwards and his leadership team chose to evolve. The company transitioned to a different ownership structure with a performance-based incentive bonus program designed to reward employees more equitably while directly connecting individual success with company performance.

“When the company does well, everybody does well,” Edwards said. The program has proven enormously successful – not only because it rewards performance, but because it reinforces something Edwards has always believed: People are more invested when they understand that their work genuinely contributes to a shared outcome.

“It creates ownership in a different way,” he said. “Everyone understands they’re helping move the company forward.”

That mindset has helped cultivate a culture where employees celebrate one another’s successes instead of competing against one another. It also reinforces another lesson Edwards has learned over three decades of leadership: Business is ultimately a team sport.

Despite decades of success, Edwards is remarkably reluctant to describe himself as having all the answers. If anything, experience has taught him the opposite. “The longer I’ve been doing this, the more I realize how much there still is to learn,” he said.

Markets change. Technology evolves. Environmental regulations shift.

Customer expectations continue rising. The companies that survive, he believes, are the ones willing to adapt. That willingness to learn has remained a hallmark of his career since the day he stepped inside that Maryland landscape company as a young intern.

He still looks outside his own organization for ideas. He still believes innovation matters. And he still encourages his leadership team to challenge longstanding assumptions whenever better solutions emerge. Growth, in his view, begins the moment leaders admit they don’t know everything.

Advice for the Next Generation

Ask Edwards what advice he would give someone hoping to build a successful business, and his answer has little to do with landscaping. Instead, he talks about character, relationships, humility, and patience. “Surround yourself with great people,” he said. “Hire people you trust. Work hard enough to earn their respect. Then give them room to succeed.”

He also cautions young entrepreneurs against chasing quick wins. The most successful companies aren’t built in months, he cautioned. They’re built over decades through consistency, integrity, and countless small decisions that rarely make headlines. “Reputation matters,” he said. “You earn it every day.”

He encourages young business owners to remain curious, to listen more than they speak, and to recognize that leadership isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about creating an environment where other people can do their best work.

A Legacy Still Growing

Today, it would be difficult to drive

Lee and Berry Edwards are photographed in front of the Sea Pines Lighthouse in the '70s.

very far across the Lowcountry without encountering a property shaped by The Greenery. From the entrances welcoming visitors into master-planned communities to commercial campuses, resorts, municipalities, and neighborhood landscapes, the company’s work has become woven into the fabric of the region Edwards has called home since childhood.

Yet ask him what makes him most proud, and he talks about people. He talks about the managers who began in entrylevel positions and now lead divisions. The immigrant who began pushing a mower and didn't speak English and is now a manager living "the American Dream"- a solid career, home ownership, and putting his kids through college. The employees who have spent decades building careers with the company, and the clients who have entrusted The Greenery with their properties year after year. Those relationships, he believes, represent the company’s greatest accomplishment.

Landscapes change with the seasons, businesses evolve, and communities continue to grow. But trust – earned through decades of keeping promises – endures. Perhaps that’s fitting for someone whose life has been spent helping things grow.

After all, beautiful landscapes are never created overnight. They flourish because someone plants a vision, nurtures it with patience, and invests in it long after the initial work is done.

Edwards has applied that same philosophy to business. For more than 30 years, he has helped cultivate a company rooted in professionalism, innovation, and integrity. More importantly, he has built an organization where people have the opportunity to grow alongside it.

In the end, that’s the legacy he hopes will endure. Not simply the landscapes The Greenery has created, but the people who will continue cultivating them for generations to come. 

Article by Barry Kaufman

A Short Drive North of Broad

While our community has long embraced First Tee – The Lowcountry for its singular determination in improving the lives of area youth, teaching them the game of golf while imparting vital life skills, what often goes unheralded is the brilliant way the organization has expanded that mission.

What started out as volunteers in schools and area golf courses reached a new level with construction of a beautiful facility on Gumtree Road, with courses and practice ranges ideally suited for their instruction. That began a period of expansion, with First Tee cementing their foothold in Bluffton with another office and partnerships with courses in Hardeeville, Beaufort, and Lady’s Island.

With their latest addition, First Tee’s leadership has shown a unique ability to think outside the tee box.

“Other chapters have partnered with golf courses or taken over existing courses, but this is the first time I’ve heard about a partnership to improve an existing facility in exchange for a use agreement,” said Executive Director Pat Zuk.

Their agreement with The Landings Golf Course in Pleasant Point is a brilliant win-win for both the course and First Tee. Improvements to the course, provided by First Tee, included a 100-foot artificial tee line that enables the range to be used in wet conditions, as well as a Clyde

Johnston-designed practice green near the 10th tee.

In exchange, First Tee was granted a 10-year use agreement at the course, enabling them to expand on their programs north of the Broad River. Zuk is quick to credit John Nesvold of the Pleasant Point POA with helping put the deal together, one that has tremendous benefits to both parties.

“In the past if we wanted to work on putting we’d use the 18th green, which was fun but limited what you could do, because if a group came up, we’d have to get out of the way,” Zuk said. This also limited the use of instructional gear like pool noodles and chalk lines, keeping kids from getting the full experience. “It’s going to be a much more enjoyable atmosphere for the kids.”

Because ultimately, that’s what all this is about. Reaching kids, teaching them the game of golf, and providing them the tools to a better future, no matter where they live.

“We did summer camps north of the Broad last year, and it allowed us to expand into that area. As we grow north of the Broad, we’ll start doing multiple classes a week in the spring and the fall,” Zuk said. “We’ve reached a milestone of helping 600 kids this year, and we’re hoping this will be a way to reach hundreds more.”

To learn more, visit firstteelowcountry.org. 

First Tee – The Lowcountry partnership is a stroke of genius

First Tee participants

Supporters at Pleasant Point.

Photography by M.Kat

A LINE IN THE SAND

Breakin’ all the Rules

ICOURTNEY’S THOUGHTS

am a rule breaker from way back. Just ask my mother. I liked to push the envelope, to see how far I could get. This is likely the reason my father once removed my bedroom door from its hinges. You can’t slam a door if you don’t have a door.

We are programmed from an early age to follow the rules. Grow up. Get a job. Get married. Buy a house. Have kids. Start saving for retirement. Work more. Earn more. Do more.

So yes, as Barry has alluded to, one self-imposed rule that I try to maintain is leaving the office between 4:30 and 5 p.m. almost every day – even if I haven’t crossed everything off my list. Regardless of what time my day started and even though I’ll probably crack open my laptop later that night. I do it on purpose because my team is watching. The people I lead need to know that boundaries matter. Family matters. Dinner together matters. Walking the dog matters. Getting to the soccer game matters. We’ve somehow convinced ourselves that staying late is a sign of commitment. Sometimes it isn’t. The goal isn’t to work more hours. The goal is to make the hours work harder.

And that is why I love this current chapter of my life. I am making the rules. And here’s the best part: You get to break your own rules.

In fact, some of the happiest people I’ve ever known have done exactly that.

Like my friend Adam.

By every traditional measure, Adam had done everything “right.” He built a successful career, was an entrepreneur, earned the titles and the paycheck. Bought the house. Put in a pool. Life was solid.

Then one day, he told me about sitting around his kitchen table with his family. As they talked about what came next, he realized something had changed. He didn’t want the next promotion. He didn’t want another rung on the ladder. He wanted to be the community guy again.

He wanted to wake up every morning knowing his work made someone’s life a little better. So, he broke one of society’s biggest rules. He changed course and took a pay cut to join me in working at Bluffton Self Help.

People spend decades chasing the biggest salary, convinced that’s how the story is supposed to end.

Adam chose something different. He chose purpose over prestige. Service over status. Impact over income.

In a cruel twist of fate, he didn’t get nearly enough time to write that final chapter.

But maybe that’s exactly why it deserves to be remembered.

Adam reminded all of us that success isn’t measured

Adam broke the rules because he had figured out something many people never do: Life is simply too short to spend it climbing someone else’s ladder when your heart is calling you somewhere else.

by what’s printed on your business card or deposited into your bank account. It’s measured by the lives you touch, the people who miss you when you’re gone, and the legacy you leave behind.

Adam broke the rules because he had figured out something many people never do: Life is simply too short to spend it climbing someone else’s ladder when your heart is calling you somewhere else.

I can’t think of a better reminder that sometimes the rules worth breaking are the ones we’ve accepted without ever stopping to ask whether they were ours to begin with.

BARRY'S THOUGHTS

A while back, Courtney posted something to Facebook about a rule she follows where she leaves the office between 4:30 and 5 p.m. every day, whether there’s still work to do or not. It’s an admirable rule, even if it’s an obvious cover for her to be the giant slacker we all know her to be.*

Myself, I have a little more complicated relationship with rules. As I’ve mentioned in this space before, I was granted a one-month vacation from high school after our SRO found a BB gun in my car. That vacation came about, school officials assured me, because of the then-recently enacted Safety in America’s Schools act, which required expulsion for any student caught with a firearm.

The thing is, it wasn’t a firearm. That’s not just my opinion. That is literally what the letter I later received from the President of the United States said. That rule never applied to my situation, and school officials knew it. It was just the easiest way for them to feel like they’d done something to address the serious problem of students with broken toys in their cars.

That incident forever changed the way I looked at rules. A lot of them exist just to make the people in charge feel like they’ve done something. It’s why I’ll always ignore a sign for 15-minute parking. No one’s enforcing that rule, and it impacts no one if it’s broken. It’s just words on paper so someone can say they’re helping improve parking. Thus, it’s only a rule for those compelled to follow it.

But the greatest joy in life is being the reason those rules exist. If you’d ever been to the Bluffton Fourth of July fireworks back when they were at the high school football field, you might have noticed a rule against bringing a grill. That rule wasn’t there the first year of the event,

from actions. Yes, this means you have to take action first, then motivation will follow. In its simplest form, you show up for it, and it will show up for you.

There is good news. Engaging in a behavior, even without enthusiasm, generates emotional and neurological feedback that produces motivation. I can attest to this. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve complained about a workout while doing it (I’m looking at you, HIIT) and then kept showing up again and again because it feels so good when I’m done.

It reminds me of Mr. Teriault’s physics class in high school: “An object in motion will stay in motion.” Doing something creates momentum, which creates the “feeling” of wanting to do more. Chances are, if you wait to “feel ready,” you might never make a move.

You might be saying to yourself, “This is great information, but how do I actually apply it when I don’t have any motivation at all?” I have a few ideas, all based on science.

1. Define the smallest thing you can do

One of the biggest killers of motivation is the all-ornothing mindset. You know, if you can’t do it all, then you do nothing. Instead, define a baseline. What is the minimum you will do? “I will write at least one sentence” or “I will exercise for at least five minutes.” This small action keeps the streak alive even on hard days.

2. Set yourself up for success

Instead of relying on your willpower (which can be fleeting), reduce the obstacles to the behavior you want. For

example, you could lay out your running clothes the night before or have a recipe and ingredients ready to prepare a healthy meal.

3. Create a routine

Feelings fluctuate (“But I don’t feel like it”). Routines don’t have to. There’s research on habit formation that consistently shows “behavior anchored to a consistent time, place, or trigger becomes automatic over time.” That means choosing a specific time and place to do the thing. The results? You expend less motivational energy to initiate the task, and you end up creating a habit. The cue does all the heavy lifting.

4. Create a feedback loop you can actually see Effort without visible progress quickly drains motivation. Track even the smallest effort. Make the invisible visible.

5. Grab a friend

Accountability partners, communities, or even just working alongside someone (the “body doubling” effect) significantly extend sustained effort. There’s something about the shared experience that keeps you motivated.

6. Give it two minutes

Set your watch, microwave, or phone for two minutes. Then, commit to doing the thing until your timer goes off – with one caveat: Do it with full permission to stop after. Why? Not because two minutes is enough to accomplish anything, but because starting is the hard part. The brain’s resistance is almost entirely front-loaded. Once you’re in motion, it’s easier to remain in motion. Not to mention, it also tricks your nervous system. Declaring you’re going to

do something for “just two minutes” doesn’t trigger the same resistance as “work on this for three hours.”

The through-line across all these ideas is building systems that make effort the path of least resistance. Then, when, not if, motivation is low, the behavior still happens.

I’d be amiss if I didn’t also include a few common traps – ideas that sound like they inspire motivation, but don’t.

∙ Waiting for the right mood. Waiting for motivation to sweep you off your feet means you’re likely waiting indefinitely. Action equals motivation, not the other way around.

∙ Consuming motivational content instead of acting. It’s great to get ideas. Watching and reading all about what you could do even produces a very brief emotional spike that feels like you’re doing something. However, it usually leads to more watching and listening and doesn’t typically equate to doing the thing.

∙ Placing pressure on yourself or the task. When you do this, it’s likely going to increase your stress levels, cause overwhelm, and deepen your resistance to doing the thing. Intentionally and purposefully lower the stakes. Try reframing it as, “I’m just exploring.”

Motivation may seem elusive, but it’s yours for the taking. Keep in mind your goal isn’t to magically generate motivation and then act. That will keep you stuck and frustrated. You’ll want to start moving forward, even unenthusiastically, taking the smallest step possible. Eventually, the momentum of your tiniest action will nudge your motivation into motion, making it easier to take the next steps. Then the next. And the next. 

Article by Barry Kaufman

The Winning Bid

First Tee – The Lowcountry’s Champions Tournament Auction

You probably don’t need to be told this, but the Lowcountry is one of those golf destinations people all over the world plan their trips to all year long.

We are a true destination, attracting golfers from all over the world who are drawn by our famed designs, blissful climate, and handicap-challenging layouts.

But there’s a whole world of golf out there. And now, those of us who enjoy the embarrassment of riches we have here will get a chance to bid on some amazing getaways. Running from August 27 through September 10, the First Tee – The Lowcountry’s Champions Tournament Auction gives you a chance to bid on rounds at far-flung courses like The Country Club of Naples, Aronimink Golf Club, Sweetens Cove Golf Club, The Greenbrier, and a host of Ireland’s finest in an Emerald Fairway Experience.

There will also be a two-night stay in Las Vegas with tickets to The Sphere, two nights at Montage Laguna Beach, private lessons with top golf professionals, and so much more up for bids. The final set of auction items was still being finalized at press time, but Executive Director Pat Zuk was able to give us a slight sneak preview of the expected 80-plus items.

“A lot of the local courses that people here know and love are always so generous with auction items year after year, so you’ll see some of them offering rounds on the auction block. And we also have a lot of local artists who have donated their works to be bid on,” he said. “It’s very gratifying for us to have all of these people and organizations believe in us and want to support us.”

That support will continue when the auction ends and the tournament begins, returning to Belfair for the second year. As in years past, organizations all across the Lowcountry have stepped up to sponsor the event, with hole and tee sponsorships still available.

The entire event, both the tournament and the auction that precedes it, underscores the immense support that First Tee – The Lowcountry has always enjoyed from the community.

“It’s very gratifying how many people will join, especially seeing the wide-ranging variety of people and businesses who come together to help us out,” Zuk said. “This event accounts for probably 10 percent of what we take in, and the success of it is allowing us to keep expanding programs not only in Hilton Head and Bluffton, but into Ridgeland, Hardeeville, and north of the Broad River. It lets us serve more kids, and that’s the whole idea.”

Learn more at firstteelowcountry.org. 

The First Tee – The Lowcountry’s Champions Tournament Auction gives you a chance to bid on two nights at Montage Laguna Beach.

Also up for bid is a a twonight stay in Las Vegas with tickets to The Sphere.

Article by Jesse Blanco . Photography by Maggie Washo

Burger Bash Is Back

13 Days, 30-Plus Burgers, One Region About to Lose Its Mind

Let’s talk about the 2026 Eat It and Like It Burger Bash. If you were around last year, you already know what this is. If you’re new here, welcome – you picked a good year to start paying attention.

The Burger Bash is Eat It and Like It’s answer to a simple question: What happens when you ask 30-plus of the best restaurants across the Lowcountry to build one exclusive burger, put it on the menu for a limited run, and let the whole region go try them all?

Chaos. Good chaos. That’s what happens.

This year, the number is hovering around 30 restaurants locked in, stretching from Savannah up through Bluffton, Hilton Head Island, and Beaufort. Thirteen days – August 22 through September 3 – of restaurants going all in on one burger they built specifically for this. Not a special. Not a limited-time menu item they’ll run again in October. A Burger Bash burger. One shot, one burger, all the effort.

I’ve spent the past month with a camera crew driving all over this region eating burgers before you get to, and I’m just going to say it: The quality this year is a step up from last year, and last year was good. Restaurants take this seriously now. They know their neighbors are in it too, and nobody wants to be the burger people forget.

A few, I can talk about already. Char Bar on Hilton Head Island is exactly the kind of spot that makes this event worth doing – locals know it, visitors find it, and their burger is going to be one people drive across the island for. Pete at Bluffton’s Slider Bar is a master of creativity. The Fillin’ Station in Beaufort is repping a market that doesn’t always get its due in regional food coverage, which is part of why

Burger Bash exists in the first place. Beaufort eats. People just don’t talk about it enough. Don’t sleep on Breakwater’s masterpiece featuring gruyere and Cafe de Paris aioli. Yeah, seriously.

That’s really the whole point of this thing. Savannah’s food gets plenty of attention. Hilton Head Island gets plenty of attention. But Bluffton and Beaufort also have restaurants doing real work, and Burger Bash puts them on the same map, same event, same conversation. Thirty-plus spots means wherever you live in this region, there’s a burger worth driving to that’s close to you – and a handful more worth the drive, if you’re the type who plans a whole day around eating.

Here’s how I’d play it if I were you. Don’t try to hit all 30-plus in 13 days unless that’s genuinely your idea of a good time – no judgment if it is. Pick your market, hit the ones near you first, then pick two or three “worth the trip” burgers in other markets and make a day of it. Bring your friends, cut some in half and enjoy.

Between now and August 22, I’ll be rolling out burger reveals across all our channels – Facebook, Instagram, our newsletter (sign up at eatitandlikeit.com), and, of course, television – so you’ll know exactly what you’re getting into before the event even starts. No surprises, no guessing. Just 30-plus restaurants, one region, and 13 days to eat like you mean it.

The reveals are rolling out. Check them out and see which of these beauties strikes a chord with you. They are all making beautiful music. Just make sure you show up hungry.

Find out more at eatitburgerbash.com. 

The Ragin' Pimiento Burger at Sundown Saloon. Jesse Blanco

August 2026 Edition

A Series of Fortunate Events, interesting news and a hodge-podge of other items. You know…this and that! If you would like to submit something for this special section, please email maggie@ch2cb2magazine. com. If we have room and it’s appropriate for public consumption, we’ll be happy to oblige.

On Aug. 15, associate broker Lea Smith celebrates an extraordinary milestone – 40 years as a full-time real estate professional serving Hilton Head Island, Bluffton, and the surrounding Lowcountry.

A West Virginia native, Smith began her real estate career in 1986 with International Paper Realty at Haig Point. Nearly 30 years ago, she joined RE/MAX Island Realty, where she continues to serve buyers and sellers today. Having spent four decades with only two brokerages is a rare distinction in today’s real estate industry and it reflects her loyalty, professionalism, and steadfast commitment to her clients.

During her career, Smith has witnessed the remarkable growth of Hilton Head Island and Bluffton, helping clients navigate every type of real estate market imaginable, from periods of rapid appreciation and economic downturns to changing interest rates, new technologies, and evolving consumer expectations. Through every market cycle, one thing has remained constant: her dedication to providing knowledgeable guidance, honest advice, and exceptional personal service.

For Smith, real estate has never been just about buying and selling homes. It has always been about building relationships, earning trust, and helping people through some of life’s biggest decisions. Her personal philosophy has remained unchanged throughout her career: “I don’t sell, I serve.”

“I’ve been incredibly fortunate to spend my career doing something I truly love,” Smith said. “The greatest reward has been the relationships I’ve built over the years. Many of my clients have become lifelong friends, and I’ve had the privilege of helping multiple generations of the same families buy and sell homes. That trust means everything to me.”

Having lived in the Hilton Head area for more than four decades, Smith offers firsthand knowledge of the communities, neighborhoods, and lifestyle that continue to attract people from across the country. Her experience, combined with a genuine passion for helping others, has earned her the respect of both clients and fellow real estate professionals.

Aug. 2026 Calendar

MONDAYS

TURTLE TALKS BY AMBER KUEHN

7:30 p.m. activities, 8 p.m. talk Celebration Park

HARBOURFEST

Shannon Tanner, Cappy the Clown Fireworks August 4, 11 & 18 Tuesdays 6-9 p.m.

Shelter Cove Harbour

THURSDAYS

BLUFFTON FARMER’S MARKET

10 a.m.-2 p.m.

68 Boundary Street Local artists, makers, farmers Farmersmarketbluffton.org

COLIGNY CENTER STAGE

6:30-8:30 p.m.

Jevon Daly Kids’ Show, Sun-W-F

John Cranford, Eric Reid, Mon Kyle Wareham, Tues Nick Poulin, Thurs Anna Barnes, Sat

GREGG RUSSELL SUMMER CONCERTS

August 3-13:

Monday - Thursday, 8-9:30 p.m.

August 17-28

M, W, F , 8-9:30 p.m.

Liberty Oak at Harbour Town

1-9

“MEAN GIRLS: THE MUSICAL” Based on Tina Fey book Arts Center artshhi.org

1-28

“FINDING LIGHT”

Exhibition by L. Robert Stanfield Art League of Hilton Head artleaguehhi.org

5, 12

Wednesdays

TURTLE TROT 5K

Packets 7 a.m.; Race 8 a.m. Palmetto Dunes TurtleTrot5K.com

6 Thursday

FIRST THURSDAY ARTISAN ALLEY 4-7 p.m. Shops at Sea Pines Center

7 Friday

BACK TO SCHOOL! BEAUFORT COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

7 Friday

RICK HUBBARD’S GREAT AMERICAN KIDS SHOW

8-9:30 p.m.

Liberty Oak at Harbour Town

7, 14

Friday

SUNSET CELEBRATION CONCERTS 7 p.m.

Shelter Cove Community Park Free. Bring chairs.

8

Saturday

PALM TREES & PISTONS 9-11 a.m.

Nala’s Beach Bar & Grill 14 Folly Field Road Free Car Show

8 Saturday CATWALK COLLECTION

6-8 p.m. The Litter Box Thrift Store (843) 681-8686 hhhumane.org

8 Friday

FAIRWELL TO SUMMER CONCERT Folderol Jazz Band

7 p.m. Coligny Theatre folderoljazz.com

14 Friday

DJ ALAN FAMILY SHOW

8-9:30 p.m. Liberty Oak at Harbour Town

COMING UP!

SEPT 4-13

“SAVANNAH SIPPING SOCIETY” May River Theatre mayrivertheatre.com