December 4, 2015 UBJ

DECEMBER 4, 2015 | VOL. 4 ISSUE 49

A VINTAGE DEVELOPMENT Chad Patterson, Patterson Visual

The vision behind Equus Club & Winery on Lake Keowee will blend food, wine and the outdoors.

See story on page 12.

PLUS: Corporate training goes from the boardroom to the barnyard............page 5

12.04.2015

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INFORMATION YOU WANT TO KNOW

upstatebusinessjournal.com

| TRANSPORTATION | 3

Trucking company opening office, terminal in Greenville Move will help E.L. Hollingsworth gain access to auto industry ASHLEY BONCIMINO | STAFF

aboncimino@communityjournals.com Michigan-based trucking firm E.L. Hollingsworth & Co. has established a Greenville sales office with plans for a trucking terminal to serve its customers in the automotive cluster in the Upstate and the Southeast, according to an executive with the company.

“Having an address in Greenville right now shows that you’re paying attention. There’s momentum,” said the company’s Vice President of Sales Bill Hall, who plans to hire six to eight salaried employees and staff in Greenville. “We’re proud of our heritage in Flint, which is a tough town, and Detroit, but we’re keeping up with the pace that says Greenville is the sharper edge right now.”

The trucking terminal will drive down delivery times and fuel costs for E.L. Hollingsworth customers, many of which are connected to the auto supplier base in the Southeast, said

“We’re proud of our heritage in Flint, which is a tough town, and Detroit, but we’re keeping up with the pace that says Greenville is the sharper edge right now.”

Bill Hall, vice president of sales, E.L. Hollingsworth & Co. Hall. Plans for the location and size have yet to be finalized, but are expected to materialize within a year, he said.

“With our supply base, we’re primarily an automotive supplier, and almost every customer we work with in the Midwest uses a supplier out of here,” said the Detroit native. “How quickly we can move from here to there is obviously greatly impacted if we have a terminal here.”

Founded in 1924 and based in Flint, Mich., E.L. Hollingsworth employs 500 people across 13 locations in North America, including six U.S.

terminals and two sites in Mexico. Hall plans to hire drivers out of Greenville for the Upstate terminal.

“The driver market is the most competitive thing in the world right now. … Driver shortage is the buzzword,” he said, noting that E.L. Hollingsworth has managed to survive 90 years without clashing with organized labor by taking very good care of their employees.

The terminal in Greenville will serve

surrounding markets such as Huntsville, Chattanooga and the Charlotte triangle, “but it really revolves around Greenville,” said Hall. “For us, really the trick to service this market will be having domiciled trucks.”

E.L. Hollingsworth & Co. includes logistics subsidiaries across the country, such as Cheftain Contract Services, Hollingsworth Expedited Lane Partners, Top Worldwide LLC and Native American Logistics.

Strong local knowledge and talent National perspective and resources The Greenville office of Jackson Lewis is best known for its sophisticated employment litigation practice, its national ERISA practice, and its Fair Labor Standards Act work. We advise businesses on all aspects of employment law and regularly defend businesses in employment law disputes. To learn more about the services we offer in Greenville, please contact Office Managing Shareholder Stephanie Lewis at (864) 232-7000 or lewiss@jacksonlewis.com.

With 800 attorneys practicing in major locations throughout the U.S. and Puerto Rico, Jackson Lewis provides creative and strategic solutions to employers in every aspect of workplace law. Recognized as a “Powerhouse” in both Complex and Routine Employment Litigation in the BTI Litigation Outlook 2015 and ranked in the First Tier nationally in Employment Law – Management; Labor Law – Management and Litigation – Labor and Employment in U.S. News – Best Lawyers® “Best Law Firms,” our firm has one of the most active employment litigation practices in the world. To learn more about our services, please visit us at www.jacksonlewis.com.

JACKSON LEWIS P.C. 15 South Main Street • Suite 700 Greenville, SC 29601 • (864) 232-7000

4 | THE RUNDOWN |

TOP-OF-MIND AND IN THE MIX THIS WEEK

UBJ

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12.04.2015

VOLUME 4, ISSUE 49 Featured this issue: 6 9 15

Craig Gaulden Davis

Your office gifting survival guide Flooding can’ t kill state economy Hill Holliday CEO Karen Kaplan’s leadership lessons

MONEY SHOT: Greenville architects Craig Gaulden Davis has designed and executed the firm’s first green wall installation at the recently completed renovation of the Pacolet Milliken Enterprises offices at RiverPlace in downtown Greenville. The interior live plantings visually serve as a piece of dramatic artwork as well as improving environmental quality indoors. The system developed by GSky Plant Systems Inc. places the plants in four-inch pots supported by a patented recycled plastic tray system. The 8-by-16-foot green wall was installed by Interior Plantscapes of Greenville.

WORTH REPEATING

TBA

“I wish we didn’t have a single car on our lot.” Page 10

Negotiations are underway for the space once reserved for Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar and Grill at Magnolia Park on Woodruff Road. Nothing is final yet, but word is this could be a new-to-our-market concept restaurant.

“Today’s peacock is tomorrow’s feather duster.” Page 15 “The dream I have is to give donors their money back.” Page 16

VERBATIM

On the wage gap “It’s not just being paid less in the same job, it’s who gets the best job.”

Ariane Hegewisch, study director for The Institute for Women’s Policy Research. Figures released this week by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics show that South Carolina women’s median pay is 79.5 percent of men’s earnings. Nationally, women’s earnings as a percentage of men’s is 82.5.

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INFORMATION YOU WANT TO KNOW

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Saddle up Lessons from the barnyard can pay off in the boardroom, says Fountain Inn trainer BENJAMIN JEFFERS | STAFF

bjeffers@communityjournals.com What can horses teach someone about business? Lots, according to Deborah Dunlap, executive director of Black Sheep Farm in Fountain Inn. Dunlap is launching a program that takes people out of the office setting and – using horses – leads them through different scenarios. Participants can then apply the concepts they learn to the corporate setting.

One of the training exercises Dunlap does is an obstacle course that mimics starting a new job and getting a promotion. Participants lead a horse over pool noodles on the ground, which may seem like an easy task, Dunlap said, but sometimes the horse stumbles.

The noodles represent some of the struggles of starting a new job that may trip up people. Another part of the course is getting a horse to step up on a platform, which represents a promotion. Sometimes the horse is reluctant to step up or has struggles getting down to move on, Dunlap said.

She said the course helps bring up issues that employees may be afraid to talk about in the office but feel more comfortable talking about outside the workplace.

| TRAINING | 5

Caroline Buxton Avinger, who sonal lives, she said. went through the training and is Dunlap has trained horses for president of Protocol LLC, said years, and recently spent 11 days in she recommends the business Germany to become certified as a community give it a try. licensed HorseDream partner and “I think, particularly from a team a member of the International perspective, there is a tremendous HorseDream Partners community.

HorseDream is a global, benefit,” Avinger said. “It creates a level playing field for the particihorse-assisted corporate training pants, then provides an easy basis program in which Black Sheep for discussing the strengths and Farm participates. Dunlap said weaknesses of the team in a produchorses are terrific because they tive, non-accusatory atmosphere.” teach people empathy and how to She said that horse-centered connect one-on-one. training can translate to business In addition to the corporate Deborah Dunlap, executive director of Black Sheep Farm training programs, Dunlap offers relationships, particularly from a in Fountain Inn programs through the nonprofit leadership position.

Another one of Dunlap’s exercisBlack Sheep Farm, including a es is having people lead a horse from three positions: program for senior citizens to brush and paint the front, middle and rear. Each leadership position has horses with horse-friendly paint, and reading proits pros and cons, Dunlap said, and people can find grams for minors.

Chantal Smith recently went through some of the which way works best for them. The whole program corporate training exercises and brought her 4-yearfocuses on “empowering people to be the best leader old son Sebastien. She said one of the best parts of they can be,” she said.

When leading a horse, she said people must focus the training was seeing her son, who was hesitant on the moment and not let other distractions hinder around the horses at first, open up around them and communication – a skill that can translate at work. then talk nonstop about his experience afterward.

“When you communicate with someone on a She said she is considering sending her dynamic level, it’s an amazing experience and can children to the literacy camp at the farm because of be really fantastic,” Dunlap said.

Sebastien’s experience.

“I think there’s a lot to learn from Deborah Each participant will have a different experience [Dunlap],” Smith said. at the training that they can then use in their per-

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12.04.2015

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6 | GIFT GUIDE |

UBJ

INFORMATION YOU WANT TO KNOW

Surviving the office gift exchange bjeffers@communityjournals.com Christmas is only three weeks away, and with the season comes the stress of choosing the perfect gift for

the people in your life.

It’s hard knowing what to get for everyone, especially the different coworkers in your office. We asked some local experts for suggestions on gifts to give the people with whom you spend much of your day.

Keep the gift “personal but not too personal” when choosing for a coworker, says Terri Herren, HR business partner/owner at The Herren Dimension. When buying for a boss, she said a good option is to go in as a group and get something such as a massage or golf package.

Here are some other options to consider when you’re stuck for ideas:

12.04.2015

1. FOR THE WHITE ELEPHANT GIFT Something handmade like a painting, a sewn item, or woodworking can be a different option than a regular white elephant gift, Herren said.

“The whole idea of the white elephant is it’s kind of fun.”

Keep gifts for coworkers personal – but not too personal, experts warn BENJAMIN JEFFERS | STAFF

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2. FOR THE GREEN THUMB Amaryllis and Christmas cactus plants bloom around the holidays and offer enjoyment yearly, said Barbara Drummond, former senior analyst of facilities and real estate with Verizon Wireless. Giving amaryllis bulbs around Christmas is a growing tradition, and Drummond said not many people are familiar with the Christmas cactus.

YEAR END CELEBRATION

WE’RE THROWING A PARTY SO YOU DON’T HAVE TO!

Thursday December 10th, 7-10 pm

$75 inclusive ticket includes: 3 Hours of Open Beer, Wine, and Cocktails • DJ & Dancing Holiday Themed Stations & Dessert • Holiday Decor OR Purchase a Reserved Table of 8 for $500 inclusive!

Perfect for small companies, organization boards, and to celebrate with your friends!

Contact 864-232-5600 or julia.bankert@clubcorp.com to RSVP.

17th Floor One Liberty Square, 55 Beattie Place Overlooking Downtown Greenville 864-232-5600 • commerce-club.com

12.04.2015

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3. FOR THE OUTDOORSMAN

| GIFT GUIDE | 7

4. FOR THE ENERGIZER BUNNY

Yeti tumblers are a great option for many people and are selling out this season, said Tim Dorsey, general manager at Mast General store. David Vinson, manager in the outdoors department at Mast, said headlamps by Black Diamond and Petzl are good options, or a subscription to the mobile GPS app Earthmate.

Sparkle Bark – a peppermint bark made with popping candy – paired with a Glitter Edition Brut Sparkling Wine by OneHope, is a fun gift for the “loud, off-the-wall, bouncy person in the office,” said Taryn Scher, the sparkle boss at TK PR.

5. FOR THE FITNESS GURU A popular item this year in the fitness world is the BKR water bottle. The glass bottle is dishwasher safe and better than using plastic, said Emily Yepes, an instructor at Barre Evolution and RevUp Indoor Cycling, and a marketing representative at Community Journals.

A silicone covering protects the bottle from drops and comes in a variety of colors for guys and girls, she said.

Transaction Focused PRACTICE AREAS

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The real estate team at Roe Cassidy, represents purchasers and sellers of residential and commercial real estate, including acquisition, development, financing and leasing. The firm’s banking team represents lenders and corporate clients in workouts, collections, and various commercial litigation issues. The firm also serves as counsel to a number of lending institutions for conventional and SBA loans.

Banking Commercial Real Estate Residential Real Estate Creditor’s Rights Business Law

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INFORMATION YOU WANT TO KNOW

| ECONOMY | 9

SC economy steady despite flood damage ASHLEY BONCIMINO | STAFF

aboncimino@communityjournals.com

The Palmetto State could see

FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: SUPERINTENDENT BILL SKELTON, PRESIDENT SAM CELY AND VICE PRESIDENT/PM STEVE HENDERSON

steady gains in job creation, new-home construction and statewide income levels in 2016, as well as overall economic growth despite setbacks due to historic flooding across the state, according to University of South Carolina economists.

Darla Moore School of Business economists Joey Von Nessen and Doug Woodward presented preliminary findings from the university’s annual South Carolina economic forecast, to be presented in full during the Economic Outlook Conference held in Columbia in mid-December.

While the October flood’s impact could be offset slightly by rebuilding efforts in construction and retail trade, said Woodward, the short-term stimulus will not compensate completely for the loss of wealth associated with the natural disaster.

“Preliminary estimates suggest that the October floods will have a comparable economic impact to that of Hurricane Hugo,” said Doug Woodward, an economist with the university’s Moore School Division of Research. “These include losses associated with property and infrastructure damage as well as a four- to six-week period of major disruptions to business activity.”

Despite floods, the state could see as much as 2.9 percent increase in job creation and 4.9 percent in total personal income growth, according to the forecast. However, the growing labor force will likely prevent improvements to the state’s unemployment rate, projected to increase to 6 percent from its current 5.6 percent level.

Growth in non-manufacturing markets led gains in 2015, including regional housing markets, non-residential construction and professional and business services such as engineering, accounting and computer software design.

“The professional services sector encompasses a variety of industries that generate both relatively higher-wage and relatively lower-wage jobs,” Von Nessen says. “However, another positive trend we’ve seen

BY THE NUMBERS

+2.9%

projected 2016 job creation growth

+4.6 to 4.9% projected 2016total personal income growth

+0.4%

projected percentage point increase in unemployment (to 6% from 5.6% now) in 2016 developing this year is that the percentage of higher-wage jobs generated in this sector has been increasing substantially.”

For the year ending October 2015, Upstate counties experienced some of the most significant employment gains, including Anderson (+3.5 percent), Rock Hill (+3.4 percent), Spartanburg (+3 percent) and Greenville (+3 percent). The Upstate also saw significant gains in residential building permit activity, including in Spartanburg (+39.4 percent), and Greenville (+37.5 percent). Other parts of the state saw smaller gains – such as Charleston (+5.1 percent) – and even losses, such as Myrtle Beach (-9.8 percent), Sumter (-13.6 percent) and Florence (-25.2 percent).

“Housing demand in 2015 has been primarily fueled by new construction, rather than by remodeling. This represents a transition from previous years, when the reverse was true,” Von Nessen said. “Because of increases in disposable income, more consumers are making new home purchases instead of remodeling their existing homes.”

The Economic Outlook Conference on Dec. 17 in Columbia will include a keynote address from Martin Ford, author of “Rise of the Robots: Technology and the Threat of a Jobless Future,” as well as the complete forecast for South Carolina in 2016.

10 | AUTOMOTIVE |

UBJ

INFORMATION YOU WANT TO KNOW

DO YOU HAVE WHAT IT TAKES TO RETIRE? WE HAVE WHAT IT TAKES TO TELL YOU.

Beach Foster, AIF® Managing Director, Investments

Pat Fitzsimmons, AIF® First Vice President, Investments

Matthew Foster, AAMS® Financial Advisor

Karen Alexander Sales Associate

12.04.2015

Greenville’s iDrive pivots, takes aim at consumer car shopping ASHLEY BONCIMINO | STAFF

aboncimino@communityjournals.com The consumer auto industry is a hard one to disrupt, but after a few years of trial and error, Greenville startup iDrive On Demand thinks it’s found another avenue: a personal shopping service for cars.

The idea is a two-part pivot from the three-year-old company’s original car club concept, a membership model that kept pricing data transparent but was a barrier to entry for many consumers, according to iDrive President Ryan Alford. Today, Alford said the company sells more than 50 cars a month and is on track to nearly double sales from last year to $4.5 million by the end of 2015.

The new model has no membership requirement, and charges customers $1,000 for the search and asks for payment when they pick the car up.

The difference, said Alford, is while dealerships add thousands of dollars to the sale price, he gets cars at a lower wholesale price, negotiates shipping himself and passes much of the difference to shoppers. A dealer might sell a 535i 2012 BMW for $47,000, but Alford can buy it wholesale for $32,000 and sell it to customers for $37,000, he said.

“I’m not trying to sell you an aging inventory,” said Alford from his office on Laurens Road, where he operates a body shop out back and holds a

handful of cars awaiting customer pickups out front. The company also runs an office in Jacksonville, Fla., led by his business partner. “I wish we didn’t have a single car on our lot.”

While shoppers can buy almost anything with the click of the mouse, the consumer car industry has been slower on the uptake, though other digital services such as Carvana, Vroom and Beepi are slowly making gains. An Accenture survey released this year reported that a full 75 percent of consumers would consider conducting the entire car-buying process, including car selection, financing, price negotiation, back-office paperwork and home delivery, completely online. But many of those platforms still have inventory to push, said Alford, which can add overhead costs that are passed to consumers.

“Success would be that the average customer understands that he can custom-order a car without going through a dealer,” he said. “The car service part is getting people exactly what they want, not what they’ve settled for.”

Alford hopes to add five employees to his eight-member team by the end of the year, and said he’s working on a “technology solution” to ward off copycats. The firm could have a new location within two years, but the effort at hand is highly focused research and marketing efforts to support future expansion, he said.

Visit us at www.fosterfitzsimmons.com to learn more.

Or call 864.289.2166.

112 Haywood Road, Greenville, SC 29607 ©2014 Raymond James & Associates, Inc., member New York Stock Exchange/SIPC Raymond James is a registered trademark of Raymond James Financial, Inc.

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iDrive president Ryan Alford (left) and office manager Kimberly French.

INFORMATION YOU WANT TO KNOW

upstatebusinessjournal.com

State’s jobless rate falls below pre-recession levels 19,155

decrease in unemployed South Carolinians increase in working South Carolinians from July to August

UPDATE

7,886

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864.561.4031

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info@parkplaceonhudson.com

www.parkplaceonhudson.com

in October fell to pre-recession levels.

The state’s jobless rate fell one-tenth of a point to 5.6 percent, the lowest since June 2007. It’s the fifth consecutive month the state’s unemployment rate has decreased.

The number of employed South Carolinians rose by nearly 7,900 in October to a record of 2,128,894.

Greenville County’s unemployment rate fell to 4.7 percent in October, down from 4.9 percent in September. Pickens County’s unemployment rate fell by 0.3 percent to 5.3 percent. Spartanburg’s unemployment rate in October was 5.4 percent, down 0.1 percent. Anderson’s rate fell 0.2 percent to 5.1 percent. Oconee’s rate fell to 5.3 percent from 5.6 percent the month before.

Greenville County’s unemployment rate was below the national rate of 5.0 percent.

While the news in the Upstate was good, the unemployment rate rose in 15 South Carolina counties.

Statewide, employment grew by 66,132 from October 2014 to October 2015, the largest 12-month gain since July 1983-84.

For the detailed report, go to bit.ly/SC-DEW-Oct.

29601

South Carolina’s unemployment rate

BACK TO WORK

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clandrum@communityjournals.com

Greenville, SC

CINDY LANDRUM | STAFF

| WORKFORCE | 11

Wayback Burgers coming to Woodruff Road

11,800

jobs added in Greenville MSA

4,200

jobs added in Spartanburg MSA

57,400

nonfarm jobs added in the last year in South Carolina

Wayback Burgers, a fast casual restaurant, plans to open its sixth South Carolina location at 1757 Woodruff Road in Greenville (between Aldi and Dunkin’ Donuts) this winter. Other South Carolina locations include Clemson, Goose Creek, Hilton Head, Spartanburg and Summerville.

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104 S. Hudson Street

12.04.2015

The new Wayback Burgers of Greenville will encompass 2,750 square feet, featuring a red barn board interior with white and stainless steel accents, modeled after the great American roadside burger joint.

The restaurant is the first Wayback Burgers location owned and operated by local franchisee Dennis Kim. Connecticut-based Wayback Burgers was founded in 1991 in Newark, Del., and currently operates in 26 states with more than 100 locations nationally and internationally in Argentina.

CONTRIBUTE: Got a hot tip on a new or closed restaurant or retail store? Send it to sjackson@upstatebusinessjournal.com.

(Source: SC DEW)

xperience in old Greenville. ience in Greenville’s coveted West End District? A place at once steeped in the

thoroughly forward-thinking in its conception and vision for the future. A place

s storied downtown setting, and also points the way to a dynamic, one-of-kind-

best of both worlds: a rich heritage and a modern living experience, all bound

igned, original townhomes.

A new living experience in old Greenville.

GRANITE COUNTERTOPS | HARDWOOD FLOORS | GARAGE PARKING NEARBY PARKS & RECREATION | OUTDOOR LIVING SPACE | KROC CENTER MEMBERSHIP

www.parkplaceonhudson.com 104 S. Hudson Street | Greenville, SC | 29601 864.561.4031 | info@parkplaceonhudson.com

What if there was a vibrant, new living experience in Greenville’s coveted West End District? A place at once steeped in the history and charm of old Greenville, and yet thoroughly forward-thinking its conception and vision for the future. A place that celebrates all that has come before in this storied downtown setting, and also points the way to a dynamic, one-of-a-kind-lifestyle that’s altogether unique.

This is the best of both worlds: a rich heritage and a modern living experience, all bound together by a collection of 24 thoughtfully designed, original townhomes.

Renderings and Plans presented are illustrative and shall be used for general information purposes only. Actual layout, room dimensions, window sizes and locations and steps to grade vary per plan and are subject to modification without notice.

12 | COVER

UBJ

SHERRY JACKSON | STAFF

Equus Club & Winery aims for ‘social experience’

sjackson@communityjournals.com |

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12.04.2015

@SJackson_CJ

Artist’s rendering of the Equus club house; Bottom: Artist’s rendering of the Equus equestrian center.

335-acre multimilliondollar proposed development on Lake Keowee will feature vineyard and winery in Salem, S.C., a new idea is forming.

Picture a 335-acre tract of land with a 40-acre vineyard and winery, a private, member-owned country club centered around wine, but also with culinary and equestrian elements.

That’s the vision Russ Gardiner is hoping to create.

Gardiner, former owner of one of the country’s largest wine ad agencies in Sonoma County, Calif., and after that a college basketball coach and athletic administrator, hasn’t slowed down since he “retired.” For the past two years, he’s been working on the Equus Club & Winery – putting together plans and investing his own money into a project he calls “a social experience centered around extraordinary wine and winemaking, delicious food and cooking and exquisite outdoor activities.”

CLUB AMENITIES Plans, which were approved by Oconee County in November, call for a 15,000-square-foot clubhouse with a dining room, chef’s kitchen, pool tables, card game tables, TVs and a library. An art gallery will feature Southern artists, and Gardiner plans to establish an artist-in-residence program as well.

Wine bottle designs by Steven Butler, Butler Design Group

Renderings Chad Patterson, Patterson Visual

Along the shores of Lake Keowee

A summer concert series from May through September will include live jazz and other genres. Themed parties are also planned throughout the year.

A fitness facility, polo field, bocce ball court, resort-style swimming pool, fire pits and outdoor sculpture garden are also planned. An equestrian center will include a 20,000-square-foot covered riding arena, along with access to more than 200 miles of riding trails through Jocassee Gorge State Park.

Gardiner intends to build 20 lake cottages to allow members to stay overnight at the club. Five boats, kayaks and canoes will be available for member use. The on-site winery is planned to have a wine barrel room, wine tasting, a culinary school and classroom areas.

The club is expected to be open on the weekends and for special events. During the week, the club and its facilities could be rented out for corporate events and retreats, Gardiner says. Extra revenue could then be donated to local charities, he said.

If all goes as planned, Gardiner expects construction to take about a year and hopes to open by New Year’s Eve 2016.

FOOD AND WINE Now for the wine. Initially, more than $1 million worth of the best grapes from the Napa, Sonoma, Mendocino, Lane and Monterey wine regions will be sourced, Gardiner says. About 5-10 acres will be

used initially for the vineyard on a south-facing hill, expandable to 40 acres. Once the soil is prepped for about a year, Gardiner expects the first harvest to take place in 2018 or 2019.

George Bursick, a world-acclaimed winemaker, has already signed on as >>Equus’ director of

EQUUS CLUB & WINERY PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT BUDGET • Land - 335 acres on Lake Keowee, Salem, S.C. ($3,558/acre)

$1,192,000

• Building construction

$6,085,000

• Infrastructure roads, parking lots, wells, etc.

$1,055,000

• Winery equipment & first-year grape/bulk wine purchases

$1,364,899

• Maintenance equipment & vehicles

$340,000

• Vineyard planting & landscaping

$1,838,576

• Furniture & fixtures

$772,000

• Professional fees (legal, architectural, civil engineering, accounting, traffic engineering, developer’s fee & building permits $1,061,000 • Employee/contract labor, salaries & benefits

$420,000

• Budget overrun allowance & misc. expenses

$121,525

• 500 members X $28,500 initiation fee

$14,250,000

12.04.2015

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COVER | 13

upstatebusinessjournal.com

ENGAGE DEC

Residential Detached Estate Lots

Residential Detached Estate Lots

14

Information session: The Equus Club & Winery at Lake Keowee

When: Monday, Dec. 14 from 6:30–8 p.m.

• 6:30–7 p.m.

Wine tasting & hors d’oeuvres • 7–7:30 p.m.

Equus Club & Winery presentation • 7:30–8 p.m.

Q&A and meet & greet with winemaker George Bursick and Russ Gardiner Where: Poinsett Club, 807 E. Washington St., Greenville

Cost: no charge

Polo Field

RSVP: Russ Gardiner, 864-248-0284.

Deadline for reservations: Sunday, Dec. 13

Covered Riding Area

Call for information for other events in Asheville and Seneca.

Equus Club & Winery Art Gallery

Equus Club & Winery

Residential Detached Estate Lots

Open Air Amphitheater

Lake Keowee

Lake Keowee Winery Open Air Amphitheater Culinary Center

Fitness Center

Wine Tasting Rooms

Bill Dennis, Civil Design Team

>> winemaking. Dr. Tom Cottrell, founder of Cuvaison Winery and Cornell University’s first associate professor of enology, will serve as a consulting winemaker.

“We are sourcing the best grapes from the finest vineyards in California, plus we have designed a state-of-the-art winery to insure the highest quality of wine on a consistent basis,” Bursick said.

Many Upstate residents don’t know that Oconee County was one of the largest grape- and wine-producing regions in the U.S. in the 1880s and 1890s, Gardiner said. “We have determined that the soil types

and climate conditions in Oconee County are ideal for producing 13 different varietals of wine,” he said.

Members will receive two cases of wine each month, four winemaker dinners per year and ongoing winemaking classes.

“Members will be getting fantastic wines for a fraction of the cost,” Gardiner said. Each weekend will have a blending class and insights into wine production. “A lot of people never see how wine is made,” he said.

In its first year of operation, Gardiner says the

vineyard will be the largest in South Carolina, producing 180,000 bottles of wine. Equus Club & Winery will be working in conjunction with Dr. Seth Cohen, director of the viticulture program at Appalachian State University in North Carolina, not only to ensure they are operating correctly, but also to allow students to use the vineyards and winery as a classroom.

You can’t have wine without food, right? Equus also plans to open a culinary center with a team of chefs who will conduct weekly cooking classes and create special menus throughout the year in addition to the winemaker dinners. An on-site organic garden will provide fresh ingredients.

The all-inclusive membership will include unlimited food and wine for members while at the club.

THE COST OF MEMBERSHIP Gardiner is now seeking 500 equity members to buy in to the fully financed member club, organized as a 501(c)(7) tax-exempt social club. Members will pay an initiation fee of $28,500, raising $14.25 million, which will pay for the construction and initial costs. An additional 150 memberships will be established after the initial 500 to raise additional capital.

Membership will be capped at 650 members. Ongoing membership fees of $495 a month (beginning December 2016) will provide members (and their guests) an all-inclusive pass to all club amenities.

Long-range plans a for an additional 100-acre public winery, called Lake Keowee Winery.

“Its primary function will be to produce premium wine for tourism wine tastings,” Gardiner said.

Twenty additional lake cottages are slated to be built to allow tourists overnight stays, and a pavilion on the lake will serve as a wedding venue. The public winery will also have a culinary cooking school and special winemaking dinners.

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12.04.2015

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NOTES FROM THE BEST TALKS YOU MISSED

| THE TAKEAWAY | 15

9 LEADERSHIP LESSONS FROM KAREN KAPLAN Be the CEO of whatever position you’re in, says the Hill Holliday CEO

By MARION MANN Marketing Director, Greenville Chamber

Karen Kaplan epitomizes what makes Hill Holliday, the 13th-largest ad agency in the U.S. and owner of Erwin Penland locally, great: energy, optimism, passion, smarts and loyalty. Not to mention a healthy dose of scrappiness. A driving force behind Hill Holliday’s growth to more than $1 billion in annual billings, she’s been recognized by Business Insider and Advertising Age as one of the most influential women in advertising.

How to get what you want by being who you are As the receptionist finally hired after 40 interviews, Karen was told by the company’s CEO that she was the face and voice of Hill Holliday. She “kinda thought that was what the CEO should be,” so took that thought and ran with it, deciding to be the CEO of the reception desk, then on to CEO of every position she held and department she led within the company.

Karen shared the following nine lessons with the audience, quoting many progressive leaders along the way: 1. Originality requires attention.

Multitasking has added approximately six hours of media to our days, but the days are still only 24 hours. Pull your head up and pay attention to what’s going on around you in order to find inspiration.

2. Be confident and optimistic.

Confidence is fearlessness. It doesn’t matter where you came from or how you got there, it’s what you’re doing and where you’re going.

3. Embrace what makes you different.

Your individuality is your competitive advantage. Knowing who you are and embracing it can be your greatest asset.

4. It’s easy to outwork people.

Karen noted The Beatles, Thomas Edison and Malcolm Gladwell here. Adding a few extra hours each week is the fastest way to get to

where you’re going.

5. Keep your eyes wide open.

Be a lifelong learner. Inspiration comes more from what you don’t know than what you do.

See the world around you and give change a big, warm hug.

6. Go where you’re celebrated, not tolerated.

The right environment can make all the difference. Karen gives the culture at Hill Holliday more credit for her success than herself, for nurturing, encouraging and rewarding successes.

7. Today’s peacock is tomorrow’s feather duster.

Truly successful people don’t take themselves too seriously. Always be nice on your way up because there will always be a way down.

8. To those whom much is given, much is required.

Reach out to others. Most people have no idea what they’re capable of, but with a little love and encouragement, they can do great things.

Karen quoted one of her dad’s favorites sayings: “A pat on the back is only a few inches away from a kick in the butt.”

9. Believe.

Wake up knowing you can and will make a difference.

Notes from audience Q&A On pedigree vs, perspective: Everyone brings a different perspective. As an idea company, it’s best to bring people together from all walks of life to help find a solution. Karen notes having better luck hiring from second-tier schools than Ivy League/MBAs as it tends to take 18 months for them to understand they don’t know everything.

On being a millennial and being heard: Technology is leveling the playing field and millennials have an advantage in being digital natives. Believe in yourself and be confident, but have some humility and contribute in order to make an impact.

On work-life balance: You may have to take some

WHAT: The Greenville Chamber’s ATHENA Leadership Symposium WHEN: Nov. 17, 2015, at TD Convention Center KEYNOTE SPEAKER: Hill Holliday Chairman & CEO Karen Kaplan WHO WAS THERE: 500 members of Greenville’s business community unlikely turns and positions when you decide to put family first, but they will all be learning experiences.

In managing people, everyone has something at all stages of life. Be empathetic and cut some slack when people need it in order to have a happy workforce.

On multicultural messaging in advertising: We used to divide people into demographics and develop messaging silos, but in the age of minorities becoming majorities, the best way to get your message across is to consolidate and be clear about what your company stands for.

On empowering employees: The reality is that in order to make money, you need to push the work down the ladder. Tell employees you believe in them and encourage them to grow and be the CEO of their position and they will reach for more.

On setbacks: If you don’t think you have them, you must be missing something. Either you win or you learn something. It’s like bumper cars – if one direction doesn’t work, pull back and redirect.

On diversity: Bring people from different backgrounds together. Respect and be empathetic of where others are coming from. Always be curious, open and collaborative.

RECOGNIZING LEADERSHIP The second annual ATHENA Organizational Leadership Award was presented to Greenville Health System for their dedication to creating a culture that encourages women employees to achieve their full leadership potential.

The Chamber is now accepting applications for the ATHENA Leadership Award to be presented at the 127th Annual Meeting on Feb. 23, 2016. Nomination information is at greenvillechamber.org.

16 | YOUR MONEY |

UBJ

NEWS AND TIPS FOR YOUR PERSONAL BOT TOM LINE

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Don’t just donate – invest Certified Community Development Corporations allow you to do good while getting some of your money back

By DON OGLESBY CEO, Homes of Hope

Over the 17 years that I’ve been the CEO of Homes of Hope, I’ve had a dream. But it’s not the dream you would guess – one of reaching more people or doing more good. Those dreams are real, but the dream I have is to give donors their money back.

It has long been my belief that the generous community of Greenville would support nonprofit community and economic development work in far greater measure than the state or federal government ever could if given the opportunity to invest instead of to donate. This is my dream – a dream now possible thanks to a designation called the Certified Community Development Corporation (CDC).

With this designation, those certified organizations have the ability to offer a person or corporation a return

both of, and on, their money. And with this, part two of that dream: the lessening of dependency on the government for community and economic development work in our area.

If I’ve piqued your interest, first let me tell you about an additional return on investment beyond the financial part. Then I’ll tell you how it all works.

The additional return would be the “social impact” of your investment.

One that hopefully turns your ROI into a “home run” as you realize not just a financial reward, but the realization that you have played a significant part in impacting our community to make it better.

Through the work of our area CDCs, including one Certified Community Development Finance Institution (CDFI), we have witnessed life change beyond the tangible, meaning the work of these groups goes beyond handouts or the meeting of basic human needs, into building relationships with

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Independent Living Patio and Apartment Homes Assisted Living • Memory Care • Rehabilitation • Skilled Nursing Contact Ruth Wood at 987-4612 for more information.

www.RollingGreenVillage.com

1 Hoke Smith Blvd., Greenville • 864.987.4612

Investing as opposed to donating allows you to have the social impact that you normally only associate with donations, and get your money back, too – with a return. families and individuals, to link arms with them, walking beside them to help break generational cycles of poverty, reduce neighborhood crime rates and increase investment in our community through their newfound economic participation.

Some of this looks like housing with financial wellness training as an added component. Some of this looks like micro-lending programs helping folks start new businesses and become entrepreneurial. Some of it looks like employing people who had no hope of employment for multiple reasons, now trained and equipped to re-enter the job market, only this time with marketable skills. Some of it is even as basic as families formerly living in survival mode, now working off a budget, building savings and having disposable income to contribute to our economy.

Life change is so much better than just “helping folks.” This is the social impact I’m referring to.

So, how can you invest instead of donate?

First, being a certified Community Development Corporation means those organizations have an S.C. income tax credit to offer investors and donors.

This credit is in addition to the normal tax deduction that is offered to taxpayers who itemize their deductions.

An example of a donation would be: An investor who is in a 30 percent federal tax bracket, and 7 percent state bracket, donates to a Certified CDC. This investor would qualify for 37 percent of his or her income to be deducted off their tax return – plus an additional 33 percent would be credited off their S.C. income tax bill. This equals a total of 70 percent coming back to the investor. Not a bad deal for a donation.

Now, what about an investment?

While I can’t speak for all Certified CDCs and CDFIs, I can speak for my own organization and tell you that we offer a promissory note at 2 percent interest, with a 10-year term, in addition to the 33 percent credit, as a return

on investment in our housing development. This is offered to accredited investors and only at minimum $25,000 increments. We certainly also offer the credit for smaller amounts that are donated, and the requirement for accredited investors does not apply there.

For the other organizations in our area, you’ll have to check with each of them for their programs. You can find a list of these organizations at bit.ly/ SC-CDC. Investing as opposed to donating allows you to have the social impact that you normally only associate with donations, and get your money back, too – with a return.

My dream is being realized as many others have already invested, but we need more investors to help allocate the remainder of this year’s credits still available. If you can’t invest, but would like to help anyway through a donation, the tax credit would still be added to your normal tax deduction.

If you’d like to know more, I’m available. Please contact me at don@ homesofhope.org and let’s sit down and discuss this. Ours is but one of many great organizations in our area that are doing excellent and impactful work, and are fully equipped to offer you this opportunity for meaningful returns on your investment dollar.

Photography by carol boone stewart

Advertisement - as seen in Behind the Counter 2015, a Community Journals publications

DAVIS AUDIOLOGY

“Our mission is to help people hear their world and embrace their life.”

If you feel at home when you enter Davis Audiology, that’s all part of the plan of taking hearing healthcare in the Upstate above and beyond.

Situated in a former home on East North Street that has been revamped for the medical offices, owner Dr. Kristin Davis has taken great care to ensure that the office feels homey, with a fireplace in the waiting room, comfortable chairs, and plenty of natural light to show off the art on the walls. The renovated space, which has received rave reviews from patients, is symbolic of the goal of her audiology practice.

“Our mission is to help people hear their world and embrace their life,” says Kristin. Hearing loss, often accompanied by anxiety and denial, is more easily treated when patients and their families feel comfortable and safe in a medical setting.

Along with treating patients with state-of-the-art care and incorporating family members in the treatment regimen, Kristin believes that education and support are vital elements in her patients’ effective functioning. Outreach efforts include a new monthly group, Upstate Open Ears Meet-up, led by a patient.

“It’s open to anyone in the community to meet as a group for three hours of refreshments, topics, questions and answers,” Kristin describes. Both Davis Audiology doctors attend, as well as patient and group leader Beverly Zwahlen, a retired ExxonMobil executive whose significant hearing loss since childhood hasn’t stopped her from accomplishing her dreams. “She’s an inspiration,” Kristin says.

Ongoing outreach efforts include wellness programs at physicians’ offices and corporations, and administering free hearing screenings by appointment. An ongoing in-office eight-week aural rehabilitation class started in March. “It takes people a long time to take action about their hearing. We want people to be pro-active,” Kristin says.

Davis Audiology has flourished since its move from its original location in Greer last year. Dr. Alexandra Tarvin, Au. D., has joined the practice. “Our move has been tremendously supported by the public.

We’re seeing patients from all over the Upstate,” Kristin says. “They know it’s a place where we will take good care of them.”

Kristin is delighted with her new location, and the 19-year audiology professional and mother of three enjoys her practice more than ever.

“What I envisioned has become a reality. It’s very rewarding for me and for the patients,” Kristin says gratefully.

For information on programs offered by Davis Audiology, please call 864.655.8300 or visit www.davisaudiology.com.

Davis 4318 East North Street, Greenville davisaudiology.com | 864.655.8300

18 | ON THE MOVE |

PLAY-BY-PLAY OF UPSTATE CAREERS

HIRED

UBJ

ELECTED

HIRED

HIRED

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12.04.2015

APPOINTED

Reed Cole

William S. Brown

Lee A. Scroggins III

Rick Redmon

John Easterling

Named major gifts officer at the Bon Secours St. Francis Health System Foundation.

Cole will be responsible for bringing gifts to the Bon Secours St. Francis ministry and for expanding the foundation’s planned giving efforts. He previously worked for the Clemson University Alumni Association for seven years.

Named president of the South Carolina Defense Trial Attorneys’ Association (SCDTAA). Brown is a litigation partner of Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP’s Greenville office. He practices in the areas of business litigation, product liability, general liability and ERISA.

Named a personal insurance advisor at Turner Agency Insurance. Scroggins has more than 15 years of experience in the financial service industry. He previously served as sales vice president at Highland Capital Brokerage in Atlanta, where he specialized in comprehensive planning for high-net-worth clients.

Named director of strategic initiatives at Phillips Staffing.

Redmon has 25 years of experience working in executive leadership, business ownership, business development and leadership training. He will analyze and develop plans and implement initiatives to enhance operations.

Named chair-elect of the executive board of the Spartanburg Area Chamber of Commerce. Easterling is president and CEO of Pulliam Investment Company. He serves as chairman of Spartanburg Tomorrow and on the board of directors of the Master of Real Estate Development graduate program at Clemson University.

COMMUNITY

MARBLE

GRANITE GOLD

DEVELOPMENT Creative Builders Inc. hired Stacey Nicol as a project engineer. Nicol has experience in the construction industry as a site supervisor and project manager. She will be on site assisting with the management and oversight on new projects.

Thomas & Hutton hired Lee Brackett as an environmental project manager in its Greenville office.

Brackett has worked as a consulting engineer in South Carolina since 2007. He has performed design, construction administration and construction observation work for wastewater collection and conveyance systems, water distribution systems and pipeline and pump station rehabilitation projects.

O’Neal Inc. hired Kyle Steele as a controls engineer. Steele has more than three years of experience in controls engineering in the automotive industry, having worked with ZF Transmissions.

SILVER

PLATINUM

Thank You

The Arts Partnership of Greater Spartanburg (TAP)/Chapman Cultural Center hired Lynn Pike as

finance director. Pike most recently served as an accountant for Hope Center for Children in Spartanburg.

She has 20 years of experience in financial management.

ENVIRONMENT

www.crewupstate.org

2015 CREW Sponsors_UBJ Ad_.25page_070914_bk.indd 1

IN KIND

Corporate Staffing Division

EnviroSouth hired Andrew Simmons as a staff geologist.

Simmons has experience with imple-

2015 CREW Upstate Sponsors

3/9/2015 3:22:36 PM

menting numerous in-situ groundwater remediation technologies. He will assist in industrial, commercial and brownfield redevelopment projects in the Carolinas, Georgia and Tennessee.

LEGAL Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd P.A. hired Elizabeth L. Bakker and Cory B. Patterson in the Greenville office.

Bakker focuses her practice on construction litigation. Her clients include general contractors, subcontractors and business owners. Patterson focuses his practice on utility and financial services litigations. Prior to joining the firm, he served as in-house counsel for CertusBank. He also served as an assistant district attorney with the Guilford County District Attorney’s Office in Greensboro/High Point, N.C.

MANUFACTURING FlashCo Manufacturing Inc. hired Eric Compton as plant manager for the Piedmont, South Carolina location. Compton has 15 years of experience in plant management and operations. He most recently served as plant manager for Engineered Products.

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

«

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Open for business 1

2

1. The Sanctuary the Place of Restoration recently opened a new location at 217 West Stone Ave., Greenville. The company offers treatment for hair and scalp conditions. For more information, visit thesanctuarysalon1.com.

2. Little Learners Academy recently opened at 102 Pinecrest Drive, Mauldin. The organization offers childcare and a STEM curriculum. For more information, visit littlelearners.one.

CONTRIBUTE: Know of a business opening soon?

Email information to bjeffers@communityjournals.com.

ÂŤ MEDICAL

Hunter Woodall will receive the 2015 Llewelyn Memorial Award from the Carolinas Center for Medical Excellence. Woodall is the first recipient of the award, which recognizes high-quality patient care. Woodall serves as a physician and member of the faculty at AnMed Health Family Medicine. He has also served as medical director of the first Hospice House in South Carolina since 1998.

Carolina Nephrology hired Dejan Lukovic as ESRD care coordinator and Cierra Sullivan as chronic kidney disease care coordinator. Lukovic will be in charge of the education and coordination of care for patients that dialyze at DSI’s eight South Carolina facilities. He previously worked at the Saint Francis Acute Dialysis Unit. Sullivan will help develop a comprehensive and innovative clinical care program for patients with CKD. Sullivan started her nursing career in 2008 at Greenville Health System, where she was an acute inpatient-RN for the medical/renal unit.

PLAY-BY-PLAY OF UPSTATE CAREERS

| ON THE MOVE | 19

20 | THE FINE PRINT |

UBJ

BUSINESS BRIEFS YOU CAN’ T MISS

Shopping during Small Business Saturday increases Consumers spent $16.2 billion at independent retailers and restaurants nationwide during Small Business Saturday this year, a 14 percent over last year, according to a survey by the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB).

The number of shoppers increased by 8 percent over last year to more than 95 million consumers visiting small retailers during the Saturday following Thanksgiving, the survey said.

“It’s very encouraging to see small businesses participate every year and more shoppers giving local entrepreneurs a chance to compete for their business,” said NFIB President and CEO Dan Danner.

“Americans are returning to Main Street for the things they need and ultimately that’s a very healthy economic trend.”

Concrete company acquires 3 South Carolina companies Brundage-Bone Concrete Pumping Inc., a provider of concrete-pumping services in the United States, completed acquisitions of Greenville-based Action Concrete Pumping Inc. and two other companies to expand a presence in the Southeast.

Action Concrete has operations in Knoxville, Tenn.; Birmingham, Ala.; and Augusta, Ga. The other two businesses Brundage-Bone acquired are AJ Concrete Pumping LLC and Kenyon Concrete Pumping Inc., both based in Charleston.

Terms of the three transactions were not disclosed.

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12.04.2015

Brundage-Bone currently operates 65 locations in 17 states ranging from the Pacific Northwest through the Southeast regions of the country. The latest transactions will extend the company’s footprint in the Southeast from its current Atlanta and Nashville locations.

“We enthusiastically welcome the employees of these three highly regarded concrete-pumping companies to Brundage-Bone,” said CEO Bruce Young. “We believe that their talent and our operational expertise will combine to create a level of unparalleled service to our loyal customers in the Southeast. This area has become a highly attractive growth market given strong demographic trends and robust economic fundamentals in the region.”

10-x Group acquires Florida marketing company 10x Digital, a wholly owned subsidiary of Greenville-based 10-x Group LLC, acquired RYP Marketing recently.

RYP, based in Bradenton, Fla., has provided a full range of online services since 2006.

With the acquisition, 10-x Group added the digital division to its offering which is an expansion of its existing content marketing, public relations outreach and digital services.

The company has been in business since October 2002 and will now be known as 10x Digital and will maintain offices in Bradenton and Roanoke, Va. “With this acquisition we are meeting a demand I’ve seen grow exponentially in the past three years,” said 10x Digital President Holly Rollins. “I constantly evangelize that targeted, optimized content marketing is the key for building image and business in the digital age. Now we holistically offer the latest in the industry to help organizations stand out with SEO, SEM, content marketing and public relations.” >>

With your help planting

10,000 TREES IN 10 YEARS in Greenville County Register your tree and learn more at www.treesgreenville.org • • • • •

How to properly plant a tree How to properly mulch and prune What trees to plant (preferred species) Planting the right tree in the right place The benefits of trees and a healthy urban forest

For more information about our mission or to make a donation please visit our website www.treesgreenville.org.

Plant a tree.

Make it count.

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BUSINESS BRIEFS YOU CAN’ T MISS

| THE FINE PRINT | 21

>> The company is also adding two positions. Brian Copening will be executive vice president, and Caroline Davis will be marketing technologist.

Adam Thompson, previously co-owner of RYP, serves as director of digital, where he manages SEO, SEM and PR outreach for clients.

TD Bank gives $10,000 to Greenville Tech The TD Charitable Foundation has contributed $10,000 to the Achieving the Dream initiative at Greenville Technical College.

Through the initiative, Greenville Tech helps students succeed by using data to guide priorities and decisions. The multi-year national initiative is particularly concerned with student groups that traditionally have faced significant barriers to success, including students of color and lowincome students.

The TD Charitable Foundation gift will be used to purchase materials and supplies that directly impact student success in the classroom.

“Achieving the Dream initiatives are helping more students succeed at Greenville Technical College,” said Dr. Keith Miller, president of Greenville Tech.

“With more students gaining the skills they need to take advantage of opportunities, the whole community benefits. We are grateful to TD Bank for partnering with us to remove factors that may stand in the way of college graduation.”

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22 | #TRENDING |

UBJ

INFORMATION YOU WANT TO KNOW

OVERHEARD @ THE WATERCOOLER NOVEMBER 27, 2015

> VicUpstate upstatebusinessjournal.com

DIG IN

“Tommy’s Ham House is an institution and so is Tommy Stevenson. His work ethic is amazing.”

eating The Upstate puts its pants on, ready for an and ever-expanding food restaurant scene

RE: GREENVILLE’S NEW RESTAURANT ROUND UP > Maggie Aiken, Greenville Real Estate “It is awesome to see how many new restaurants are coming to Greenville over the next year!! #nomnom #yeahTHATgreenville #homehappyhome” > Susan Dejanovic, Realtor The Yukich Team – Allen Tate Realtors “Wow! Don’t skim - read. This town we call Greenville is really something!” >Charlie Jones “Hubba Hubba! We keep rockin’!”

>>

12.04.2015

BIZ BUZZ

Distilled commentary from UBJ readers

RE: CONSTRUCTION WORKERS, BUSINESSPEOPLE AND PRESIDENTS – THEY’VE ALL HAD A SEAT AT TOMMY’S COUNTRY HAM HOUSE OVER THE LAST 30 YEARS

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| VOL. 4 ISSUE 48

DIGITAL FLIPBOOK ARCHIVE >>

The top 5 stories from last week’s issue ranked by shareability score

COMPLIMENTARY

The layout of print meets the convenience of the web: flip through the digital edition of any of our print issues at >> upstatebusinessjournal. com/past-issues

>>

> Elizabeth Judge Collins “CAVIAR AND BANANAS OH MY SOUL!”

>> WEIGH IN @ THE UBJ EXCHANGE Got something to offer?

Get it off your chest.

We’re looking for expert guest bloggers from all industries to contribute to the UBJ Exchange. Send posts or blog ideas to eprice@communityjournals.com.

UPSTATEBUSINESSJOURNAL.COM

>> 2,429 1. Greenville’s new restaurant roundup

>> 526

2. Construction workers, businesspeople and presidents – they’ve all had a seat at Tommy’s Country Ham House over the last 30 years

>> 471 3. For nearly 70 years and three generations, Bouharoun’s has poured its soul into the heart of Greenville

>> 143 4. A community of chefs finds a home in the Upstate’s prep kitchens

>> 130 5. Construction underway at Falls Park Place

Greenville Chamber

ECONOMIC ISSUES UPDATE PLEASE JOIN THE GRENVILLE CHAMBER FOR A YEAR-ENd ECONOMIC dEVELOPMENT UPdATE wITH REPRESENTATIVES FROM NEXT, GREENVILLE AREA dEVELOPMENT CORPORATION ANd UPSTATE SC ALLIANCE THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10 | 3:30-5:30 PM AT THE COMMERCE CLUB Visit greenvillechamber.org to learn more and register.

Presented by

12.04.2015

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upstatebusinessjournal.com

DATE

Friday

12/4

Thursday

12/10 Friday

12/11 Wednesday

12/16

INSIDE THE UPSTATE’S NETWORKING AND SOCIAL SCENE

| PLANNER | 23

EVENT INFO

WHERE DO I GO?

HOW DO I GO?

Symposium and Luncheon: Design, Optimization, and Manufacturing of Light-Weight Vehicle Structure

CU-ICAR, Campbell Center Auditorium 4 Research Drive, Greenville 8:30 a.m.-4:15 p.m.

More info: web2.altairhyperworks.com/ cuicar-symposium

Legislative Outlook Breakfast Hear from legislators on the issues that are coming up in 2016

Spartanburg Marriott 299 N. Church St., Spartanburg 7:45-9:30 a.m.

Cost: $25 Chamber members, $50 nonmembers Register: bit.ly/outlook-2016

First Friday Leadership Series Speaker: Scott Carlton, president, SGL Group - The Carbon Company

Clemson at ONE 1 N. Main St., Greenville 5:15-7 p.m.

Cost: Free Register: bit.ly/firstfriday-dec2015

High Performance Leadership Series Topic: Employee Engagement

Commerce Club 55 Beattie Place, Greenville 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

Register: 248-766-6926

2015 Annual Legislative Breakfast Hear from legislators on the issues that are coming up in 2016

Westin Poinsett 120 S. Main St., Greenville 7:30-9:30 a.m.

Cost: $30 (Chamber investors only) Register: bit.ly/outlook-breakfast2015

Tech After Five Networking for tech entrepreneurs and professionals

Pour Lounge 221 N. Main Street, Greenville 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Cost: Free Register: bit.ly/taf-dec2015

CONTRIBUTE: Got a hot date? Submit event information for consideration to events@upstatebusinessjournal.com.

ART & PRODUCTION

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

JAN. 15, 2016 THE MARKETING AND BRANDING ISSUE Getting the word out on local businesses.

ART DIRECTOR Whitney Fincannon

PRESIDENT/CEO

Mark B. Johnston mjohnston@communityjournals.com

UBJ PUBLISHER

ADVERTISING DESIGN Michael Allen

EXECUTIVE EDITOR

EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT Kristi Fortner

HOW TO CONTRIBUTE STORY IDEAS:

STAFF WRITERS

EVENTS:

DIGITAL TEAM Emily Price, Danielle Car

MARKETING & ADVERTISING SALES REPRESENTATIVES Nicole Greer, Kristi Jennings, Donna Johnston, Annie Langston, Lindsay Oehman, Emily Yepes

DIRECTOR OF EVENTS & ACCOUNT STRATEGY

1997 Jackson Dawson launches motorsports Division 1993

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

>>

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

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.

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

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

1998 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 Jackson Dawson changes name to Jackson marketing Group when larry sells his partnership in Detroit and lA 2003

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-prof 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 lients 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 nit inVolVeMent nitY in olV inV olVe VeMent & 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

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

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