January 12, 2018 Upstate Business Journal

JANUARY 12, 2018 | VOL. 7 ISSUE 2

The Future of

MEDICINE in the Upstate

Patrona Medical St. Francis Labs Culturing a Specimen Will Crooks / UBJ

INSIDE // TOPGOLF TEES OFF AGAIN | THE NEW FEREBEELANE | HOW TO HIRE VETERANS

THE RUNDOWN |

TOP-OF-MIND AND IN THE MIX THIS WEEK

VOLUME 7, ISSUE 2 Featured this issue: Signage changes lead DRB meeting............................................................................6 United Way of Greenville County hires new president/CEO.............................7 Checking on our inventory of resources in the Upstate....................................16

The Greenville Health System Cancer Institute and KIYATEC, a Greenville-based biomedical company, are partnering to provide ovarian cancer patients with access to series of diagnostic tests that can indicate how their tumors respond to chemotherapy drugs. Researchers hope the tests will reduce the need for patients to undergo treatments that may not work or cause pain. Read more about innovations in medical technology on Page 10.

Will Crooks/Upstate Business Journal

WORTH REPEATING “It’s inspiring, open space that backs up to a parking deck and is upstairs from some of the best coffee and food in town.”

Matt Ferebee – Page 4

“The decision to expand our portfolio into Greenville was easy given it is a highly desirable area for businesses and their employees.”

Tempus Real Estate Investments – Page 6

“If you have ever read a veteran’s resume, you know the military has an acronym for everything.”

Robyn Grable – Page 15

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VERBATIM

Keep Building “This optimism is likely based on current economic conditions, an increasingly business-friendly regulatory environment, and expectations the Trump administration will boost infrastructure investments.”

Stephen Sandherr, CEO of the Associated General Contractors of America, on the positive outlook for the construction industry in 2018

INFORMATION YOU WANT TO KNOW

| NEWS

Rendering of the Charlotte, N.C., Topgolf location. Courtesy of Michael Baxter, Baxter Imaging LLC.

MBAe DEVELOPMENT

Teeing Off

Topgolf renews plans for Greenville location ANDREW MOORE | STAFF

amoore@communityjournals.com Topgolf is taking another swing at Greenville.

The Dallas-based company has confirmed that it plans to construct one of its signature driving ranges on a 77-acre property near the intersection of Pelham and Garlington roads.

It will anchor Garlington Park, a new mixed-used development that is currently under construction for occupancy in 2019.

Topgolf first announced it was considering Greenville for a new location in March 2016. The company then filed a request with Greenville County to subdivide 73 acres along the two roads for a golf entertainment center, 90-room hotel, and 7,000-square-foot restaurant. But those plans were withdrawn in October.

Caroline Jerome, a spokesperson for Topgolf, said the company’s development team had to withdraw the plans because it was “still working

through local approvals.”

Signage depicting a three-story Topgolf facility has since been installed near the intersection of the two roads.

The signs include the logos of The Shopping Center Group, a global retail group, and RealtyLink, a Greenville-based commercial real estate firm.

If plans progress, the facility would mark the second Topgolf location in South Carolina. The company received approval in November to construct a 53,000-square-foot facility in Myrtle Beach. It is expected to create 540 jobs.

Topgolf currently has 30 locations across the country. The company describes itself as a golf entertainment center with competitive golfing games for people of all ages and skill levels.

Most Topgolf venues are three levels and include 102 hitting bays for up to six golfers at a time. Players can hit golf balls with computer microchips to track the distance and accuracy of shots.

FULL-TIME Take your business from idea to launch in 1 year.

PART-TIME Maintain your career & innovate in your current position.

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mbaprogram@clemson.edu 1.12.2018 | upstatebusinessjournal.com

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Each day at 9 a.m., the entire staff meets in this open space for “Traffic” to discuss the day’s game plan. The mural, designed by an employee, is FerebeeLane’s motto: “All we can with all we have.”

FIRST LOOK

Collaborate and Listen

New downtown Greenville FerebeeLane office provides the growing creative firm with open work areas, ability to keep up to date with social trends WORDS BY ARIEL TURNER | PHOTOS BY WILL CROOKS A basketball hoop, cornhole, and Razor scooters are a few elements in the new second-floor, 8,155-square-foot FerebeeLane office overlooking ONE City Plaza that suggest the multidisciplinary brand communications firm doesn’t take itself too seriously.

Multiple open collaborative work spaces, a social listening room with five screens, whiteboard walls, and an entire side of the office dedicated to visual production would indicate, however, just how serious the firm is about the branding, public relations, and marketing work it does for international clients such as Le Creuset, Blackberry Farm, and Microban.

FerebeeLane moved in October to its new space at 4

UBJ | 1.12.2018

3 N. Laurens St. from its office of many years in the Countybank building at 201 W. McBee Ave. and is still customizing the space for their particular needs.

Currently, there is workspace for 25 employees with the ability to double that as the company grows.

“About two years ago, when it was clear we were outgrowing our old offices, we decided that our next space wasn’t just going to be a place for our team to work,” says Matt Ferebee, partner and director of creative strategy. “We wanted it to be part of who we are and integrated into the way we work. We obviously knew we wanted it to foster and facilitate agency creativity but without distracting from careful

strategy and planning. We also needed it to be comfortable for our team, while being welcoming to our wide range of clients.”

Given the firm’s extensive needs, it was important the space be versatile enough to promote creativity within the staff while also serving as a professional meeting place.

“We made a list of things that were most important to us when we started looking for a new office,” says Josh Lane, partner and director of account strategy.

“At the top of that list, of course, was an environment that was conducive to the sort of collaborative work we do. That was a must. The next few priorities

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were a mix of practical conveniences — like easy parking — and the sort of cultural wants like being near great restaurants, bars, and coffee shops. The end result checks all those boxes: It’s inspiring, open space that backs up to a parking deck and is upstairs from some of the best coffee and food in town.”

“Additionally, we wanted the new office to help us attract talent from major markets across the country, while being flexible as we continue to grow,” Ferebee says. “These diverse expectations drove our entire process, from finding the right real estate to our architecture, up fit, interiors, and technology. It was admittedly a tall order that resulted in countless property tours, site visits, and hours and hours of design and construction work. But at the end of the day, it’s what got us exactly where we needed to be.”

The space is configured into a few distinct components to meet the various needs. A street-level gallery area serves as both an entrance to the agency and a small venue for pop-up collaborations with clients and friends. At the top of the stairs, a large kitchen with a waterfall countertop island divides the space in two: To the left is an open workspace that houses pods of desks, open gathering spaces, conference rooms, and a social listening room, and to the right is a completely flexible studio space able to host photography and video shoots.

“We’re a culture-focused brand agency that helps our clients tell their story through smart strategies and campaigns,” Lane says.

“I can’t think of a better place for FerebeeLane than in the epicenter of our community’s downtown culture, in the heart of Greenville’s own remarkable story.”

The large conference room overlooks ONE City Plaza.

| NEWS

Each employee has an assigned desk, but all of the open work areas are fair game.

See before and after photos of the new FerebeeLane workspace at upstatebusinessjournal.com

The multiuse area to the left of the kitchen is open for staff use or client meetings.

1.12.2018 | upstatebusinessjournal.com

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SQUARE FEET |

REAL ESTATE DEALS AND DEVELOPMENTS ACROSS THE REGION

ARIEL TURNER | STAFF

FRONT ROW

aturner@communityjournals.com |

@arielhturner

January Design Review Board Urban Panel

The first City of Greenville Design Review

Photo by Will Crooks

Board Urban Panel public hearing of the new year held Jan. 4 was relatively brief, with mixed results for the two applicants, each presenting signage changes to Main Street properties.

M. JUDSON BOOKSELLERS Earlier in 2017, an application for exterior signage at M. Judson Booksellers, 130 S. Main St., was denied by staff. Applicant June Wilcox appealed that decision at the December public hearing, and, after lengthy discussion, the appeal was tabled until a subcommittee of DRB panelists Robert Benedict and Danielle Fontaine could meet with Wilcox to work through the font choice for the proposed signage that would be attached to the historic building.

That meeting took place prior to the Jan. 4 DRB meeting, and an agreement was reached to keep only the Furman on Main banners hanging near the top of the building, and the proposed large letters running horizontally above the front doors and windows would be reduced in size and affixed to the historic building in the least invasive way. The font used will be more in the classical style of the building, rather the proposed more modern font.

When asked by Fontaine about the method and number of joints that would be used to attach the metal letters, Wilcox said, “We will use as few joints as possible.”

“That’s a good answer,” Fontaine replied.

WELLS FARGO CENTER The only item of new business, an application for approval of a monument sign and awning at the entrance of the recently renovated Wells Fargo Center, at South Main and Washington streets, was eventually withdrawn by the applicant for the chance to work with staff to revise the plans submitted after it was clear the panel’s decision was heading toward denial.

Panelists raised concerns about the overall style of the modern canopy’s design not meshing with the current building’s architecture and the scale of the monument sign.

Applicant Meg Terry of DP3 Architects clarified that the drawing of the sign, showing it at 17 feet tall, was not to scale, but rather it should be 14 feet.

Fontaine commented she wished the sign could be replaced with a piece of public art. Terry said the building exterior doesn’t offer another option for signage. The panel agreed the project has potential and would like to see a revised plan submitted after Terry works with staff.

Four-building Class A suburban office park sold for $18M in Greenville Four vacant suburban office buildings totaling approximately 228,000 square feet formerly occupied by Fluor at 350-352 Halton Road in Greenville were recently sold for $18.35 million to Tempus Real Estate Investments. The asset has been rebranded Axis Office Park.

Colliers International’s offices in South Carolina and Arkansas jointly represented the buyer, and Stewart Calhoun with Cushman & Wakefield Atlanta represented the seller.

Tempus Real Estate Investments is an Arkansasbased real estate investment partnership focused on acquiring and developing commercial real estate. Tempus plans to invest more than $1 million rebranding and refreshing the park.

Notable improvements will include modernized lobbies, new park signage, a fitness center addition, and central courtyard transformation.

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Photo provided

“We chose Axis Office Park as our next investment opportunity because of the strategic location, quality of the buildings, and efficient floor plates,” said a representative from Tempus.

“The decision to expand our portfolio into Greenville was easy given it is a highly desirable area for businesses and their employees. We look forward to being a partner of the dynamic and

thriving state of the entire Upstate community.”

Colliers International brokerage team members Taylor Allen and Brantley Anderson have been selected by Tempus to provide leasing services for Axis Office Park. The asking rate will be $23 per square foot, full service gross, Allen said.

Brendan Gower of Colliers International will oversee real estate management services of the park, and LCK will provide project management services.

“We are excited to work with an investor of the caliber and reputation of Tempus. The owner’s dedication to and focus on the tenant experience will allow Colliers to attract and fill the Park with quality, Class A tenants,” said David Feild, market president of Colliers International’s office in Greenville. -Ariel Turner

INFORMATION YOU WANT TO KNOW

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LEADERSHIP

United Way of Greenville County names new CEO ANDREW MOORE | STAFF

amoore@communityjournals.com United Way of Greenville County has hired Meghan Barp, senior vice president of community impact at the Great Twin Cities United Way in Minneapolis/St. Paul, to serve as the organization’s next president and CEO. “After an extensive search that included more than 900 initial candidates, we are thrilled to welcome Meghan Barp to United Way of Greenville County,” said United Way Board Chairman Michael Cinquemani.

“Meghan is a dynamic, innovative leader with a stellar track record of developing and implementing impactful community initiatives. We are excited to have her leadership in Greenville County and for our community to get to know her.”

Barp was selected for the position after a six-month search to fill the role left vacant by Ted Hendry, who retired last month after 40 years with United Way. She is slated to begin her tenure as president and CEO in February.

Dick Wilkerson, a board member for United Way of Greenville County and retired president of Michelin North America, spearheaded the national search process along with a committee

of volunteers and community partners.

“We started the recruitment process by setting a very high bar for potential candidates,” he said. “Our United Way deserves a blue-chip prospect, and I’m proud to say we found that with Meghan Barp. She is a true servant leader, both visionary and collaborative, and we know she is the right person to lead our United Way into the future.”

Prior to joining United Way, Barp served as the director of teaching and learning for FEGS Health and Human Services in New York, N.Y., a $350 million nonprofit. She also served as senior director for the YWCA of the city of New York. Barp graduated from the University of Nebraska and has a master’s degree from Oregon State University.

“I’m delighted to join the United Way of Greenville County team,” Barp said. “United Ways play such a crucial role in our communities, and it is clear to me that United Way of Greenville County is paving the way in ensuring that all residents of this community thrive. I look forward to partnering with the board, the team, and the community to continue to offer cutting-edge solutions to our most challenging opportunities.”

l a u n n Semi-A e Sale c n a r a e Cl

Meghan Barp was selected for the position after a six-month search to fill the role left vacant by Ted Hendry. Photo provided

“Purveyors of Classic American Style” 23 West North St. | Downtown Greenville 864.232.2761 | rushwilson.com 1.12.2018 | upstatebusinessjournal.com

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The Power of No “No” – this word may be small but it is mighty. It is only 2 letters yet, it can be one of the most difficult words to say aloud. We are raised to be people pleasers and as humans, we have an innate desire for people to like us. This leads us to say “yes” to people when often the best answer is a simple “no”.

At work, employees are expected to complete tasks assigned and to move the goals and mission of the company forward. They are expected to be “Yes” people and to positively and diligently work on the current objectives. Most team players want to be helpful and contribute to the overall goal and saying “yes” seems natural.

As a manager, my job is to promote the mission of the organization by hiring the right people with the right skills and effectively supervising their work. I consider myself a pretty good manager who values people’s skills and helps them effectively handle projects. I believe in good communication and an opendoor policy. However, I recently realized that I didn’t understand the full power of “No” and how as an effective manager, I need to empower my team to use that simple word more. I have learned that team members who chronically say “yes” can feel overwhelmed, overworked, and underappreciated.

There is a smart balance of “yes” and “no” that every organization, team, and individual must find. Companies that are most successful stick to their mission and don’t try to be all things to all people. Likewise, individuals need to stick to their greatest strengths and work within deadlines and priorities to be most effective. As a leader in my business, I need to help team members learn when to say “no”.

When determining what should be considered a “yes” or “no”, take all factors into account: • Is the request critical to the mission of the company and the annual goals?

• Is the deadline possible while also fulfilling the current duties?

• If the new request becomes a top priority, are the other responsibilities able to be reprioritized or reassigned?

• Will the new assignment provide a learning opportunity to the individual?

• Who in the company is the best fit for this assignment?

• Who has the most time available to do the best job?

• Is this the most effective use of time, resources, and skills?

Open communication and transparency between a manager and employee is necessary to achieve the correct balance. Unfortunately, work is still work and we all must do things we don’t always love to do, but that we must do because it is part of our job. However, if one says “yes” to everything, then they may never do anything to the best of their ability. Honesty to oneself and to the team is necessary. Managers need to be careful to not always assign new projects to the people who say “yes” the most often. They need to look at the whole team and review all the work and deadlines. The manager needs to manage the plan and help reassign so that all priorities are achieved.

Remember there is always a third option, “Yes, but not right now.” This response is often a welcome response. It affirms that the job will be handled and sets the expectations. Next steps are to set a deadline, communicate along the way, and complete on time. As for myself, I plan to ask more probing questions of my team and give them the space to say “no” if that is best. I will respect the power of “no”.

Lee Yarborough President

669 N. Academy St. Greenville, SC 29601 propelHR.com Info@propelHR.com 800–446–6567

Photo provided

BMW’s US sales fall in 2017 despite strong December Germany-based luxury automaker BMW’s U.S. business improved in December but fell 3.4 percent in 2017 despite sales growth of some of its X models produced in the Upstate.

BMW of North America LLC reported Wednesday, Jan. 3, it sold 38,864 vehicles during the month, a 3.7 percent increase compared with 37,493 during the same month of 2016.

For the year, the company said it sold 352,790 vehicles, down from 365,204 during the prior year.

“Momentum has been building throughout 2017 and the December results have put us in a strong position for the New Year,” said Bernhard Kuhnt, president and CEO of BMW of North America, in a statement. “Our BMW models are attracting entirely new customers to our dealerships, especially the BMW 5 Series, X models, and our electrified vehicles. There’s much more to come in 2018 with the next new model — the BMW X2 — premiering at the Detroit Auto Show in less than two weeks.”

Sales of BMW’s light trucks division produced exclusively at its plant in Spartanburg County, which includes the X3, X4, X5, and X6, increased 2.1 percent in December to 12,673 vehicles, compared with 12,416 during the same month a year ago.

The division’s sales for the year UBJ | 1.12.2018

decreased four-tenths of a percent to 103,484 vehicles, compared with 103,943 in 2016.

X3 sales fell 14 percent during the month to 4,283 units, compared with 4,978 during the previous December. Sales of the X3 decreased almost 8 percent for the year to 40,691 units, compared with 44,196 in 2016.

BMW said it sold 538 X4s in December, a nearly 35 percent increase compared with 399 during the same month of 2016. Year-todate, the company said it sold 5,198 X4 units, a more than 4 percent increase compared with 4,989 during the previous year.

X5 sales increased almost 10 percent during the month to 6,847 units, compared with 6,245 during the previous December. Sales of the X5 for the year increased almost 7 percent to 50,815 units, compared with 47,641 in 2016.

Sales of the X6 increased almost 27 percent during the month to 1,005 units, compared with 794 during December 2016. For the year, X6 sales were down almost 5 percent to 6,780 units, compared with 7,117 during the prior year.

The company said its brand sales increased 4.3 percent in December, but fell 2.4 percent for the year.

Its MINI brand sales for the month and year decreased 1 percent and 9.5 percent, respectively.

–Trevor Anderson

INFORMATION YOU WANT TO KNOW

Atlanta-based Rooker Development building $30M logistics center in Spartanburg A new logistics center could bring hundreds of jobs to Spartanburg County.

Atlanta-based Rooker Development is clearing 52 acres of land at 2010 Nazareth Church Road near Gibbs International and the Upward Star Center for its $30 million Spartan Ridge Logistics Center.

The center will be comprised of two Class A speculative, or spec, buildings totaling 559,000 square feet, as well as ample dock doors and blacktop space for employee parking, truck traffic, and trailer storage.

“We have been interested in investing in the Greenville-Spartanburg market with a project of this kind for some time,” said John Rooker, CEO of Rooker Development. “The metro area is experiencing population growth and job growth that significantly outpace the national average.”

“Greenville-Spartanburg is a diverse local economy, and it’s also a great regional location for both manufacturing and distribution operations thanks to its central location within the Atlanta-Charlotte-Raleigh [Interstate] 85 corridor mega-region,” Rooker added.

Rooker Development has purchased the land from Gibbs International, a diversified textile, energy, real estate, mining, and demolition firm founded in 1973 by local businessman and philanthropist Jimmy Gibbs.

Gibbs International still owns about 80 acres of surrounding property.

Rooker Development’s site plan shows a “Building 1” that will be 273,000 square feet, and a 286,000-square-foot “Building 2.”

Building 1 will be completed by late 2018.

Building 2, which Rooker said would be “a great option” for tenants who would prefer a build-to-suit or custom building, will be constructed as soon as the company finds a tenant for either building.

Rooker said the company will choose a general contractor for the project within the next 30 days.

Spartanburg-based Clary Hood is the site work contractor.

Rooker said he expects the project will support 100 construction jobs.

While the center’s impact on the county’s job growth will depend on the tenants it attracts, Rooker said similar projects his company has completed have created 100 to 400 jobs.

“Spartanburg County is a great place to do business,” Rooker said. “We have been very impressed by the professionalism of the county leadership, especially Katherine O’Neill and the Planning and Development department team.”

Rooker Development is a full-service real estate development, design, and construction management firm specializing in the industrial and government segments.

The company has completed projects across the Southeast and is currently building a two-story office building in Mauldin for the General Services Administration.

“It has been a pleasure to work with Rooker Development,” said Butch Genoble, head of real estate sales, leasing, and development for Gibbs International. “We are glad to see them expand their reach into Spartanburg County and looking forward to working with them in the future.”

Spartanburg County Councilman David Britt said the project will be a boon for local economic development, as well as efforts to enhance the interchange at I-85 and Highway 29.

Britt praised Jimmy Gibbs and Caz McCaslin, founder of Upward, and their teams for the work they have done to make the area more attractive to prospective investors, residents, and visitors.

“That area is ripe for development, and it’s a major gateway to Spartanburg,” Britt said. “For [Rooker Development] to make this investment, it shows

| NEWS

Rendering provided

THE BOTTOM LINE What: Spec/Build-to-suit building Size: 559,000 new square feet Where: near the I-85 / Highway 29 Jobs: Initially 100 construction jobs interchange Completion: Phase I expected late 2018 Who: Rooker Development Land: 52 acres their belief in Spartanburg County. I think it’s a bright move on their part and I congratulate them.”

Rooker Development has chosen Trey Pennington, senior vice president of CBRE’s Greenville office, to market and lease the center. –Trevor Anderson

1.12.2018 | upstatebusinessjournal.com

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COVER |

THE FUTURE OF MEDICINE IN THE UPSTATE

THE NEXT BEST THING IS HAPPENING CLOSE TO HOME

S I X UP S T A T E ME DIC A L T E CHNOL OGIE S CH A NGING T OMORRO W ’ S HE A L T H C A RE T OD AY

WORDS BY JORDANA MEGONIGAL PHOTOS BY WILL CROOKS

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UBJ | 1.12.2018

n 2016 alone, individual health-care spending grew 4.3 percent nationally, hitting more than $10,000 per person, according to information provided by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. At the same time, gaps in health-care services leave many Americans still needing more — or better — care.

With this current focus on health care and a system that seems to be straining on many levels, all eyes are turned to the “next best thing” that has the power to transform medicine as we know it.

Whether it’s a product or a process that makes recovery or prevention faster, cheaper, or simply more effective, the need for change is imminent, and expected.

Enter: South Carolina. The Palmetto State has built an infrastructure on medical research and development, and thus created a culture of innovation that is changing the future of medical care, medical practice, and outcomes as we know it. As an example, here are six local companies whose technology is changing tomorrow’s health care, today.

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THE FUTURE OF MEDICINE IN THE UPSTATE

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Researchers from Greenville-based KIYATEC are developing a new diagnostic tool for cancer treatments.

KIYATEC

MEDICAL BEAM TECHNOLOGIES

It’s no secret that cancer is one of the most focused on illnesses today; around 38 percent of men and women will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime. But soon, cancer patients at Greenville Health System will have access to a new diagnostic tool provided in partnership with Greenville-based KIYATEC. This test, which examines cancer cells in minute detail through a three-dimensional culture, accurately predicts how those cells will respond when facing different biologic or physiologic interactions. Thus, it can predict with up to 93 percent accuracy how a patient will respond to chemotherapy, essentially eliminating the risks associated with spending time on a treatment that may or may not work for the patient. It aligns perfectly with KIYATEC’s own mission: to “to accurately predict patient specific response to cancer drugs using their living tumor cells in 3-D culture, and to use those predictions to improve patient outcomes, reduce health-care costs, and increase success in drug development and clinical trials.” KIYATEC is housed within Greenville Health System’s Health Sciences Center, where the Institute for Translational Oncology Research is a component.

In cancer research, Medical Beam Technologies recently won an InnoVision Award, a recognition for the advancement of technology in South Carolina, for its creation of a device that uses gamma radiation to destroy cancerous tumors in both people and pets. Born out of research from Clemson University, the device, created by Donald Medlin in collaboration with Endre Takacs and Mark Leising of Clemson’s astronomy department, uses an image guidance system in conjunction with highly focused beams of radiation to ensure that the only target is the tumor itself.

3-D CANCER CELL MODEL

TARGETED GAMMA RADIATION

STERASSURE

MEDICAL WASTE DISPOSAL Within an increasingly active health-care industry, there is also an increase in suppliers and vendors serving the health-care industry. On the other end, there is an increasing amount of waste generated by the system as a whole.

It’s estimated that health-care facilities can generate up to 25 pounds of waste per patient, per day — an extraordinary amount of waste that must be disposed of properly. Typically, a smaller

portion of that is biomedical waste, or “red-bag waste,” which includes everything from used syringes to infectious liquids, most of which is typically incinerated or hauled away, creating potential environmental risks in its handling. But through a patented product that uses both high temperature and high pressure, SterAssure’s equipment can take the most hazardous red-bag waste and convert it into normal waste that can be disposed of in a landfill. Thus, SterAssure’s conversion equipment is not only a “greener” way to address medical waste but also it ends up being cheaper and faster than other methods.

PATRONA MEDICAL FOLEY GARDE CATHETER

When it comes to getting sick in the hospital, it’s a fear we all may have. One of the most common infections acquired in the hospital — so common that it accounts for 40 percent of all such infections — is the catheter-induced urinary tract infection, which is also responsible for 13,000 deaths in America alone each year.

Through a new wireless technology, however, Patrona Medical’s Foley Garde catheter can prevent those infections by detecting a UTI in its early stages. Also available as a nonwireless option,

1.12.2018 | upstatebusinessjournal.com

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THE FUTURE OF MEDICINE IN THE UPSTATE

the Foley Garde monitors urine in a patient, and, as it interacts with a filter embedded in the catheter, can detect nitrites and leukocytes — which note the presence of a possible UTI. Through the data compiled by the catheter, alerts are then sent to healthcare staff for immediate treatment.

ACCESSIBLE DIAGNOSTICS VET-TAB

Early-stage UTI detection technology by Patrona Medical is being tested in partnership with St. Francis Hospital.

What started off as research from Delphine Dean at Clemson University on the affordability of diabetes testing strips has grown into the newest product for pets who suffer from the disease. Accessible Diagnostics began with a focus on creating a low-cost blood glucose system, and although its focus is still on glucose, it has created a unique way to address testing for animals.

Called Vet-Tab, the product prevents the painful need to stick your pet for a blood drop to read (usually in some inconvenient place like an upper lip or muzzle), instead offering a saliva swab that interacts with a smartphone app — creating a simple way for pet owners to monitor their pets’ health.

The swab, once inserted into a provided enzyme solution, will change color. Snap a picture of the then-colored swab, and your phone (through the Vet-Tab app) will give you a corresponding glucose level.

While further work has to be done to provide the same benefit for people (it’s easier to regulate a dog’s glucose for a shorter term than human glucose in a much longer life span), that is a focus of the company moving forward, including other smartphone-centered saliva and blood tests. According to CEO John Warner, the glucose testing system will be forwarded for regulatory approval in the first quarter of 2018 — around the same time that Vet-Tab will hit the consumer market.

RECOVR INC.

RECOVR REHABILITATION SYSTEM

The Vet-Tab glucose testing strip was first developed at Clemson University and is designed for animals with diabetes.

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UBJ | 1.12.2018

When it comes to physical rehabilitation after having a stroke, the daily exercise required can be tedious. It might be a simple movement of a hand or arm a few inches at a time, but the repetitive nature of the exercise is what really makes a difference.

Unfortunately, that repetition also makes the therapy progressively boring — and the real risk is when a patient stops physical therapy because of disinterest. Consequently, only 10 percent of stroke victims will recover completely, according to the National Stroke Association.

Recovr Inc., now operating out of Greenville, is addressing that issue — all through a video game. The tool, which originated at the Medical University of South Carolina, has been cleared by the FDA and addresses neuroplasticity, where stroke victims can repair the neurons in their brains through repetitive exercise.

In practice, physical therapists can customize the game for their own patients’ needs. The patient stands in front of a large monitor equipped with a motion-detecting camera, simply following the motions dictated by the game, and earning points along the way. By simply keeping patients engaged in their rehabilitation, therapy can become more effective, and more stroke victims can see full recovery.

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WHAT ’S NEXT FOR THE UPSTATE, AND HOW WE’LL GET THERE

Telling Cancer to Take a Hike Innovation milestone is a message of authentic hope for local cancer patients

By MATTHEW GEVAERT, PH.D. & W. JEFFREY EDENFIELD, MD KIYATEC Inc. and GHS’ Institute for Translational Oncology Research

Cancer innovation and hiking the Appalachian Trail have a few things in common.

Neither happens overnight; the AT typically takes five to seven months, and meaningful innovation in cancer research can take five to seven years or more, start to finish.

Both are marked by increasingly significant milestones as the end goal nears. In the case of the AT, certain literal “mile” stones are of special importance on each hiker’s 2,189-mile trek.

On the cancer innovation side, we achieved one of those significant

milestones on Dec. 14 when Greenville Health System and KIYATEC announced an enhanced partnership that will soon bring Upstate cancer patients access to a series of groundbreaking diagnostic tests.

These tests could accurately predict which drugs a patient will respond to before he receives a single treatment, potentially saving patients months of ineffective, toxic, and expensive chemotherapies.

And because of our unique partnership, this will happen in Greenville first – before anywhere else in the world.

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UBJ | 1.12.2018

It is unusual within health care that a hospital would allow a company to locate within its walls, enabling private-sector leadership to rub shoulders and bump elbows with oncologists and cancer-care professionals in the same place where patients are being treated.

But GHS embraced this concept, and it has proved to be a formula for success. Predicting how a patient will respond to a specific drug is an enormous challenge that many researchers have unsuccessfully tried to overcome. But KIYATEC may have done it through studying tissues from more than 500 patients across many cancers, the majority of whom were treated at GHS. Using these tissues, KIYATEC has conducted “blinded” clinical studies, first in ovarian cancer, initially with GHS and later with other institutions. They are blinded in that although a patient-specific prediction is made, KIYATEC does not share this information with the participating oncologists, and also in that KIYATEC does not receive any information about the patient’s identity. Thus, test information does not influence any treatment decisions until test performance has been sufficiently evaluated.

Here’s where it gets really exciting. The early data from these blinded clinical studies is now in, showing up to 93 percent accuracy predicting how women who are newly diagnosed with ovarian cancer will respond to platinum chemotherapy, the most common drug for patients in this situation.

The test makes a prediction within seven days; each patient’s response or nonresponse in real life can take up to 12 months to determine.

Now, with confidence in the test’s performance, we are jointly ready to move into the next phase of innovation. GHS and KIYATEC have agreed to an enhanced partnership, in which GHS will serve as KIYATEC’s flagship clinical institu-

tion for the “unblinded” clinical studies.

There is a huge difference in these studies compared with the prior ones, because in these studies KIYATEC’s data will be released to the clinicians, who will now have the benefit of the response prediction for each enrolled patient. It is a win for KIYATEC: The company has done a lot of great things, but it has never used its data to help improve a patient’s outcome, which is a core element of the company’s mission.

But, it is also a win for GHS, and most importantly, GHS’ cancer patients, who through the study will be eligible to receive individually guided care in a way that initially no other patients, at any other treatment center, will have the benefit of.

This cancer innovation journey is not over. The test must be proven in the larger clinical studies hosted

by GHS and eventually by other clinical institutions from across the nation. Patient enrollment here in Greenville is projected to begin early this year, and commercial launch of the first test could be as early as 2020.

So, just like the AT hiker who has hit a significant milestone midjourney, there are still miles to go. But it’s great to take a breath having summitted one of the biggest peaks on the way there.

Matthew Gevaert, Ph.D, is the CEO of KIYATEC Inc., a Greenville company pioneering the ability to accurately predict individual cancer patients’ response to therapies.

W. Jeffrey Edenfield, MD, is the medical director for GHS’ Institute for Translational Oncology Research (ITOR), where KIYATEC is located.

WHAT ’S NEXT FOR THE UPSTATE, AND HOW WE’LL GET THERE

New Year, New Jobs

| FORWARD

IN-HOME CARE SERVICES

How to approach hiring veterans

By ROBYN GRABLE founder, Service to Civilian

Happy New Year! It’s a new year to grow your business, and you are ready to hire. You’ve got competition.

The unemployment rate in South Carolina is 3.9 percent, and the Upstate was just named the No. 2 best place for manufacturing jobs. Companies are moving here, opening here, and expanding here. That’s great for our community and our veterans.

With over 100,000 veterans in the Upstate, and more coming home every day, the pool of talent is out there. So how do you get them to work for your company?

The Department of Labor is a great place to start via dol. gov/vets/hire. Here you will find guidance on finding qualified veterans, policy and compliance, an employer toolkit, and the HIRE Vets Medallion Program.

If you have ever read a veteran’s resume, you know the military has an acronym for everything. Without civilian guidance, veterans put those acronyms on their resume. It’s easy to quickly dismiss those resumes, as we do with most things we don’t understand.

With the growth of the Upstate, the talent shortage is only going to get worse. Be on the cutting edge of bringing on highly qualified, widely trained, and dedicated employees — veterans.

As an example, military logistics personnel are primarily warehouse workers or storekeepers who are responsible for maintaining inventories, receiving and shipping supplies, and securing transportation for those supplies. These veterans have been responsible for millions of dollars of equipment, food, hospital supplies, and more. Lives are on the line, so these logistics personnel know the importance of their job and take it very seriously. As a civilian, they will carry this over to your company. They’ve already been trained for several years. Yet they can’t get employed with your company, because their resume doesn’t pass the electronic filter when a job post requires a specific number of years of industry experience.

Veteran profiles – each of these veterans are available for their next great career after a successful start in the military.

INSTRUCTOR/MANAGEMENT Aircraft armament systems instructor Certified to teach seven different courses pertaining to AFSC 2W1X1. Conducted over 2,000 hours of instruction. Given four additional duties: CTK and TMDE supervisor, EOC supervisor, FW&A monitor, and GPC cardholder for 54th Fighter Group.

Weapons load team chief for F-35s Extensively tested new aspects of the jet prior to its operational use worldwide. Worked together with Lockheed Martin personnel and had vast knowledge working in ALIS creating and clearing jobs and ordering parts. Supervisor for three

airmen, leading my crew to multiple victories in quarterly and yearly load competitions. Detected flaws in BRU racks, implementing a change to the vent valves aircraft wide.

Frequently substituted as swing shift expediter and coordinated and oversaw all flight-line weapons-loading and maintenance operations. Achieved AFSC skill level seven.

Conducted extensive troubleshooting tasks and assisted in changing of multiple wings on F-16s. Lead marshaling qualified and conducted “hot pitting” procedures during sortie generations.

This is a perfect example of a resume that will undoubtedly be passed over by the electronic filter for any job this veteran applies to. Yet a direct translation of his skills yields: •C ommunication (adept trainer, active listening) •O rganization (planning and implementing projects) • Teamwork •P unctuality (new wings on an F-16 can’t wait) •C ritical thinking (detecting flaws and efficiencies) • Sociability • Creativity • Adaptability • Interpersonal skills

EXPERIENCE Human resource specialist | Chemical, biological, and nuclear specialist Primarily responsible for defending the country against the threat of CBRN weapons and weapons of mass destruction •A ssist in the establishment of CBRN defense measures •P rovide training advice and supervision regarding CBRN equipment and operations •T rain military and civilian personnel on CBRN response operations •O perate and maintain CBRN detection and decontamination equipment

CORE COMPETENCIES • Effective team leader • Positive attitude •T rained in emergency •E xceptional problem solver response hazmat handling •H ighly responsible and • Strong verbal reliable communicator •W orks well under pressure Street, Spartanburg, SC 29302 • I ntelligence-gathering 945 E.•Main E xceptional interpersonal 864-573-2353 techniques skills • Dedicated team player • Attention to detail • Cheerful and energetic • Focused and driven Employers are missing highly talented gems that will hit the ground running from day one. Your company needs them, and they are out there if you look beyond the military jargon and acronyms and instead think about skills and core competencies rather than titles.

1.12.2018 | upstatebusinessjournal.com

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FORWARD |

WHAT ’S NEXT FOR THE UPSTATE, AND HOW WE’LL GET THERE

Inventory Check The importance of identifying and understanding our Upstate resources One thing I have clearly seen during

By DEAN HYBL my eight years living executive director, Ten at the Top in the Upstate is that leaders and residents have a can-do attitude and a willingness to create programs to address the area’s challenges. However, while the Upstate has lots of initiatives and resources, in many cases they exist in a vacuum and are not necessarily well known by those who might benefit or others who could be involved and supportive.

I initially recognized this challenge in 2011 during our first meeting of Ten at the Top’s Economic and Entrepreneurial Vitality Task Force. One committee member opened the discussion by saying that the region didn’t have any resources for someone looking to start or grow a small business.

For several minutes, others reinforced that statement before another attendee started rattling off local resources, including the Small Business Development Centers, Piedmont SCORE, local chambers, entrepreneurial incubators, and several others.

What we quickly realized is that the Upstate isn’t short on resources, but we are not always good at promoting them and making them easily accessible. This can lead to duplication of services, as the can-do nature of the region often results in groups addressing an issue without realizing that others are already working on it.

Pre s i d e nt, T H R I V E Fa r m e r s

FREE and open to the public. Space is limited!

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UBJ | 1.12.2018

The latest inventory in the works is a comprehensive list of organizations, venues, and programs involving arts and culture in the Upstate. So far, we have identified more than 1,200 arts and culture efforts, which play a valuable role both in enhancing quality of life and in growing the economy.

While most organizations and resources in the region can be found through a Google search, if you don’t know exactly what you are looking for, that platform isn’t necessarily easy to manage. A search for a service need in the Upstate can return thousands of options, many of which are not actually in the Upstate or are unrelated to your need.

That is why in 2012 Ten at the Top used a grant from the Graham Foundation to develop the Upstate Information Hub (ourupstatesc.info) as a regional repository of resources and events. The site initially included direct links to more than 1,200 resources and has a comprehensive calendar that regularly lists more than 600 events and activities happening across the region.

As Ten at the Top has continued our mission of building collaborative partnerships around issues that impact economic vitality and quality of life, knowing who is working on various issues across the 10-county Upstate region has become even more important.

Over the past three years, we have added many more regional inventories to the Upstate Information Hub, developing comprehensive lists around a wide variety of topics, including nontraditional funding sources and support organizations for entrepreneurs and small businesses, child well-being organizations, and those supporting senior needs. We also have developed a comprehensive inventory of outdoor recreation (hiking, biking, etc.) locations in the region.

Using Google Maps, anyone looking for the inventories for child well-being, senior services, or outdoor recreation can now access them through specially developed maps that provide locations, directions, hours, websites, and other valuable information.

The latest inventory in the works is a comprehensive list of organizations, venues, and programs involving arts and culture in the Upstate. So far, we have identified more than 1,200 arts and culture efforts, which play a valuable role both in enhancing quality of life and in growing the economy.

We will be unveiling the Upstate Arts & Culture Interactive Map during an Upstate Regional Forum titled “Culture Counts” on Jan. 24 at the Chapman Cultural Center in Spartanburg. The forum will also include discussions about the many valuable roles arts and culture initiatives play in our communities. If you are interested in attending, you can register on the Ten at the Top website (tenatthetop.org).

Over the next several months, TATT will be developing more regional inventories and asset maps both to connect Upstate residents with resources, and to help with discussions on how the Upstate can continue addressing key problems in the community. As we gain a stronger understanding of what resources already exist, we’ll be able to maximize those resources and collectively fill in any gaps.

If you are interested in helping TATT grow the Upstate inventory of available services and resources, please reach out to us through our website, tenatthetop.org.

PLAY-BY-PLAY OF UPSTATE CAREERS

PROMOTED

HIRED

HIRED

APPOINTED

| ON THE MOVE

HIRED

DR. JERMAINE WHIRL

MIKE DOLCH

BILL DURRELL

LAURA HAIGHT

PRESTON WERNER

Has been named vice president for learning and workforce development at Greenville Technical College.

Whirl has been with the college since October 2016 and previously served as vice president of economic development and corporate training.

Has joined The Hiring Group as a senior recruiter. Dolch brings over 15 years of technical recruiting experience to the Hiring Group.

Has joined United Community Bank as commercial relationship manager. Durrell has more than 30 years of financial experience. He previously worked at First Union National Bank, South State Bank, and more.

Has been named communications coordinator of the Greenville County Democratic Party. Haight is a Greenville business owner, columnist, and former journalist. Haight has extensive experience in media, technology, writing, and production.

Has joined RealOp Investments as an investment management associate. Werner received his undergraduate degree from Coastal Carolina University with majors in corporate finance and professional golf management. He previously worked at Acosta Sales and Marketing.

Upstate Forever has added three new members to its board of directors: Hank McCullough, Ken Deon, and Charles Dalton. McCullough currently serves as senior manager, government relations and community, for Piedmont Natural Gas. Deon is a retired partner with KPMG LLP’s government audit practice. Dalton is the president and CEO of Blue Ridge Electric Cooperative.

Twenty-one South Carolina leaders have been selected for Liberty Fellowship’s 14th Class. Fellows from the Upstate include Hope Blackley (clerk of court, Spartanburg County), Gary Eichelberger (rector, St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church), Meliah Bowers Jefferson (member, Wyche, P.A.), Eric McCarthy (senior vice president of government relations and legal affairs, Proterra Inc.), Cedrek McFadden (colon and rectal surgeon, Greenville Health System), Christy Thompson (vice president of worldwide marketing, ScanSource Inc.), and Diana Farfan Valente (visual artist, Diana Farfan Studios).

The Inn at Patrick Square of Clemson has been selected as a member of the Southern Living Hotel Collections as one of the best accommodations in the South. The Southern Living Hotel Collection features independent, hotels, and inns devoted to the best hospitality and experience.

CONTRIBUTE: New hires, promotions, & award winners may be featured in On the Move. Send information and photos to onthemove@upstatebusinessjournal.com.

1.12.2018 | upstatebusinessjournal.com

17

#TRENDING / NEW TO THE STREET |

INFORMATION YOU WANT TO KNOW / NEW FACES OF BUSINESS

THE WATERCOOLER 1. It’s happening. Topgolf is coming to Greenville.

GINS UCTION BE X7 PROD INSIDE //

2. Hare & Field to open on GHS Swamp Rabbit Trail in TR

E TRAIL | PUB ON TH | GASTRO

E GIVING CHARITABL

GET THE INBOX Follow up on the Upstate’s workweek.

The Inbox – our weekly rundown of the top 10 local biz stories you need to know. upstatebusinessjournal.com/email

IN 2018

E1

JANUARY

5, 2018

ISSU | VOL. 7

ORDER A PRINT SUBSCRIPTION Style & substance are not mutually exclusive.

Order a year of UBJ in no time, and we’ll deliver every week. upstatebusinessjournal.com/subscribe

ill How ewform tax r t affec pstate the U

3. 2017 Top 5: Business News

CONNECT

4. 2018’s most highly anticipated restaurants

5. Greenville’s downtown master plan to be updated

*The Top 5 stories from last week ranked by Facebook reach

We’re great at networking.

DIGITAL FLIPBOOK ARCHIVE The layout of print meets the convenience of the Web. Flip through the digital editions of any of our print issues, and see them all in one place. upstatebusinessjournal.com/past-issues

LINKEDIN.COM/COMPANY/ UPSTATE-BUSINESS-JOURNAL FACEBOOK.COM/ THEUPSTATEBUSINESSJOURNAL @UPSTATEBIZ

Social Chatter RE: TOPGOLF RENEWS PLANS FOR GREENVILLE LOCATION “Sounds like a lot of fun! It will bring a lot of visitors to the area.”

Miller Hyatt

“Time to get my golf on!”

James Michael

“That’s a great addition to town, but I am glad I don’t have to battle my way across I-85 anymore, because when strip mall/apartments and golf get added to the mix…”

Raymond L. Evans

“Without updated infrastructure, this is an absolute disaster. If you cannot plan for traffic,

Open for business

do not continue to approve these types of plans. It’s completely irresponsible and embarrassing.”

Rachael Ann Kipphut

“And Pelham Road becomes just like Woodruff.

UGH.”

Susan Anstead Leiby

2

1

4

3

CONTRIBUTE: Know of a business opening soon?

Email information to aturner@communityjournals.com.

18

UBJ | 1.12.2018

1. Medical Imaging Express recently opened for business at 361 Woodruff Road in Greenville. Learn more at medimageexpress.com.

2. MIX Salon Studios recently opened their second location at 823 S. Church St. Learn more at mixsalonstudios.com.

3. Subway is opening their first South Carolina location to feature the Subway Fresh Forward design located at 5151 Pelham Road.

4. DP3 Architects Ltd. has moved to the Wells Fargo Center located at 15 S. Main St. Learn more at dp3architects.com.

EVENTS YOU SHOULD HAVE ON YOUR CALENDAR

DATE

EVENT INFO

WHERE DO I GO?

HOW DO I GO?

Tuesday

01/16

Greenville Technical College’s Economic Outlook Breakfast

Center for Manufacturing Innovation 575 Millennium Blvd.

7–9 a.m.

Cost: Free, registration required For more info: http://bit.ly/2Bfyo4Q

Tuesday

01/23

Piedmont SCORE’s Business Planning Seminar

Greenville County Library Augusta Road Branch 100 Lydia St. | 6–8 p.m.

Cost: Free For more info: http://bit.ly/2zFFZcP, 864-271-3638, info@piedmontscore.org

Wednesday

01/24

Greenville Chamber of Commerce’s Pulse Leadership Luncheon

Kroc Center 424 Westfield St. 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m.

Cost: Free for members, $25 for nonmembers For more info: http://bit.ly/2pLLv92, 864-239-3730, eaustin@greenvillechamber.org

Monday

Greenville Chamber of Commerce’s Gubernatorial Series Lunch feat.

Kevin Bryant (R)

More information coming soon noon–1 p.m.

Thursday

02/01

Greenville Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Meeting

TD Convention Center 1 Exposition Drive 5–8 p.m.

Monday

Greenville Chamber of Commerce’s Gubernatorial Series Lunch feat.

James Smith (D)

More information coming soon noon–1 p.m.

Thursday

Collaborators & Cocktails: Marla Kaplovitz, president & CEO, American Association of Advertising Agencies

Endeavor 1 N. Main St., 4th floor 5–7:15 p.m.

Cost: Free for members, $30 for preregistered guests.

No walk-ins.

For more info: Endeavor@EndeavorGreenville.com

Thursday

Urban League of the Upstate’s Annual Equal Opportunity Dinner Awards Gala

TD Convention Center 1 Exposition Drive 6 p.m.

Cost: $75 for individuals For more info: www.2018wmyeod.eventbrite.com

Webster University 124 Verdae Blvd, Ste 400 1/16 and 1/23 (6:30-9 p.m.), 1/20 and 1/27 (9-11:30 a.m.)

Cost: $45 For more info: http://simplifyyourretirement. com/greenville/

PRESIDENT/CEO

Mark B. Johnston mjohnston@communityjournals.com

UBJ PUBLISHER

Ryan L. Johnston rjohnston@communityjournals.com

EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT Susan Schwartzkopf susans@communityjournals.com

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Emily Pietras epietras@communityjournals.com

ADMINISTRATIVE EDITOR

Heidi Coryell Williams hwilliams@communityjournals.com

COPY EDITOR Rebecca Strelow

STAFF WRITERS

Trevor Anderson, Cindy Landrum, Andrew Moore, Sara Pearce, Ariel Turner

MARKETING & ADVERTISING SALES MANAGER Emily Yepes

MARKETING REPRESENTATIVES John Clark, Donna Johnston, Caroline Spivey

ART & PRODUCTION VISUAL DIRECTOR Will Crooks

LAYOUT

Bo Leslie | Tammy Smith

01/29

02/12 01/18 02/08

Tuesday-Saturday JEHM Wealth & Retirement’s Baby Boomer Retirement Course

01/16-27

VICE PRESIDENT OF OPERATIONS Holly Hardin

ADVERTISING DESIGN

Kristy Adair | Michael Allen

CLIENT SERVICES

Anita Harley | Rosie Peck | Jane Rogers

EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT Kristi Fortner

HOW TO CONTRIBUTE STORY IDEAS:

ideas@upstatebusinessjournal.com

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For more info: http://bit.ly/2A8oPjL; 864-271-0718

IN THIS WEEK’S ISSUE OF UBJ? WANT A COPY FOR YOUR LOBBY?

JANUARY 19 MARKETING ISSUE

1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011

UBJ milestone

UBJ milestone jackson Marketing Group’s 25 Years 1988 Jackson Dawson opens in Greenville at Downtown Airport

1988

FEBRUARY 9 CRE ISSUE

>>

Chairman larry Jackson, Jackson marketing Group. Photos by Greg Beckner / Staff

Jackson Marketing Group celebrates 25 years By sherry Jackson | staff | sjackson@communityjournals.com

Solve. Serve. Grow. Those three words summarize Jackson Marketing Group’s guiding principles, and according to owner Larry Jackson, form the motivation that has kept the firm thriving for the past 25 years.

MARCH 2 INTERNATIONAL ISSUE Got any thoughts? Care to contribute? Let us know at ideas@upstatebusinessjournal.com.

1997 Jackson Dawson launches motorsports Division 1993

1990 Jackson Dawson acquires therapon marketing Group and moves to Piedmont office Center on Villa.

Jackson graduated from Bob Jones University with a degree in video and film production and started his 41-year career in the communications industry with the U.S. Army’s Public Information Office. He served during

Vietnam, where he said he was “luckily” stationed in the middle of Texas at Fort Hood.

He left the service and went to work in public affairs and motorsports at Ford Motor Company in Detroit.

After a stint at Bell and Howell, where he was responsible for managing Ford’s dealer marketing and training, the entrepreneurial bug hit and he co-founded Jackson-Dawson Marketing Communications, a company specializing in dealer training and product launches for the auto industry in 1980.

In 1987, Jackson wanted to move back south and thought Greenville would be a good fit. An avid pilot, he

learned of an opportunity to purchase Cornerstone Aviation, a fixed base operation (FBO) that served as a service station for the Greenville Downtown Airport, providing fuel, maintenance and storage.

In fact, when he started the Greenville office of what is now Jackson Marketing Group (JMG) in 1988, the offices were housed on the second floor in an airport hangar.

“Clients would get distracted by the airplanes in the hangars and we’d have to corral them to get back upstairs to the meeting,” Jackson said.

Jackson sold the FBO in 1993, but says it was a great way to get to know Greenville’s fathers and leaders

>>

with a majority of them utilizing the general aviation airport as a “corporate gateway to the city.”

In 1997, Jackson and his son, Darrell, launched Jackson Motorsports Group. The new division was designed to sell race tires and go to racetracks to sell and mount the tires. Darrell Jackson now serves as president of the motorsports group and Larry Jackson has two other children and a son-in-law who work there. Jackson said all his children started at the bottom and “earned their way up.”

Jackson kept the Jackson-Dawson branches in Detroit and others in Los Angeles and New York until he sold his portion of that partnership in 2009 as part of his estate planning.

The company now operates a small office in Charlotte, but its main headquarters are in Greenville in a large office space off Woodruff Road, complete with a vision gallery that displays local artwork and an auditorium Jackson makes available for non-profit use. The Motorsports Group is housed in an additional 26,000 square feet building just down the street, and the agency is currently looking for another 20,000 square feet.

Jackson said JMG has expanded into other verticals such as financial, healthcare, manufacturing and pro-bono work, but still has a strong focus on the auto industry and transportation. It’s

2003 motorsports Division acquires an additional 26,000 sq. ft. of warehouse space

1998

2009 Jackson Dawson changes name to Jackson marketing Group when larry sells his partnership in Detroit and lA 2003

1998 Jackson Dawson moves to task industrial Court

also one of the few marketing companies in South Carolina to handle all aspects of a project in-house, with four suites handling video production, copywriting, media and research and web design.

Clients include heavyweights such as BMW, Bob Jones University, the Peace Center, Michelin and Sage Automotive. Recent projects have included an interactive mobile application for Milliken’s arboretum and 600-acre Spartanburg campus and a marketing campaign for the 2013 Big League World Series.

“In my opinion, our greatest single achievement is the longevity of our client relationships,” said Darrell Jackson. “Our first client from back in 1988 is still a client today. I can count on one hand the number of clients who have gone elsewhere in the past decade.”

Larry Jackson says his Christian faith and belief in service to others, coupled with business values rooted in solving clients’ problems, have kept

2009-2012 Jackson marketing Group named a top BtoB agency by BtoB magazine 4 years running

him going and growing his business over the years. He is passionate about giving back and outreach to non-profits. The company was recently awarded the Community Foundation Spirit Award.

The company reaffirmed its commitment to serving the community last week by celebrating its 25th anniversary with a birthday party and a 25-hour Serve-A-Thon partnership with Hands on Greenville and Habitat for Humanity. JMG’s 103 full-time employees worked in shifts around the clock on October 22 and 23 to help construct a house for a deserving family.

As Jackson inches towards retirement, he says he hasn’t quite figured out his succession plan yet, but sees the companies staying under the same umbrella. He wants to continue to strategically grow the business.

“From the beginning, my father has taught me that this business is all about our people – both our clients and our associates,” said his son, Darrell. “We have created a focus and a culture that strives to solve problems, serve people and grow careers.”

Darrell Jackson said he wants to “continue helping lead a culture where we solve, serve and grow. If we are successful, we will continue to grow towards our ultimate goal of becoming the leading integrated marketing communications brand in the Southeast.”

2011 Jackson marketing Group/Jackson motorsports Group employee base reaches 100 people

2008 2012 Jackson marketing Group recognized by Community Foundation with Creative spirit Award

pro-bono/non-proFit Clients American Red Cross of Western Carolinas Metropolitan Arts Council Artisphere Big League World Series The Wilds Advance SC South Carolina Charities, Inc. Aloft Hidden Treasure Christian School

CoMMUnitY inVolVeMent & boarD positions lArry JACkson (ChAirmAn): Bob Jones University Board chairman, The Wilds Christian Camp and Conference Center board member, Gospel Fellowship Association board member, Past Greenville Area Development Corporation board member, Past Chamber of Commerce Headquarters Recruiting Committee member, Past Greenville Tech Foundation board member David Jones (Vice President Client services, Chief marketing officer): Hands on Greenville board chairman mike Zeller (Vice President, Brand marketing): Artisphere Board, Metropolitan Arts Council Board, American Red Cross Board, Greenville Tech Foundation Board, South Carolina Chamber Board eric Jackson (Jackson motorsports Group sales specialist): Salvation Army Boys & Girls Club Advisory Board

November 1, 2013 Upstate bUsiness joUrnal 21

20 Upstate bUsiness joUrnal November 1, 2013

AS SEEN IN

NOVEMBER 1, 2013

Order a reprint today, PDFs available for $25. For more information, contact Anita Harley 864.679.1205 or aharley@communityjournals.com

onthemove@upstatebusinessjournal.com UBJ welcomes expert commentary from business leaders on timely news topics related to their specialties. Guest columns run 700-800 words. Contact associate editor Emily Pietras at epietras@communityjournals.com to submit an article for consideration.

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EVENTS: Submit event information for consideration to events@upstatebusinessjournal.com

publishers of Copyright ©2017 BY COMMUNITY JOURNALS LLC. All rights reserved.

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