ACCU-BRICK PAVING SYSTEMS
Darren and Lisanne Anderson, Owners Positive, driven, focused, kind, family-oriented, motivated, successful, athletic What is the one small thing that always makes you happy?
Why did you choose the Upstate for your business?
I am most happy playing sports with my family. Our children like a variety of athletics including hockey, soccer, and baseball. It is not uncommon for us to spend the majority of our free time on the ice or at the ball field. I grew up in Canada playing hockey, as well as at Iowa State University. As an adult, I have continued to play recreationally and coach my children’s hockey team. Sports are most definitely a major priority in our lives.
When considering a location to grow our company, our first priority was to find a familyfriendly community in which to raise our children so that they would be in the best environment possible. We also wanted to live in an area with all four seasons without the extreme winter weather we experienced in Canada. The Upstate has the ideal climate where outdoor spaces can be enjoyed throughout the year. We now service locations throughout the Carolinas and have an office in Charleston.
What is the best advice you have ever received? I learned at an early age that it is important to surround yourself with trustworthy people who share your interests, values and goals. Your true friends are the ones who motivate you and encourage you to be your best. The company you keep has a huge impact on your success because it impacts your attitude and behavior. As a business owner, I make it a priority to hire talented and reliable employees who are also enjoyable to be around.
What would I be surprised to learn about you? I am a total Foodie! My wife and I enjoy eating at many of the Upstate’s nicest restaurants. Lisanne is a huge connoisseur of sushi. One of my Southern favorites is shrimp and grits, a unique dish that is much different from the typical Canadian cuisine. Lisanne and I hadn’t experienced them until we moved to the Upstate. Since then, our family has acquired a true appreciation for the Southern culinary experience.
What made you start your business? I grew up in Ontario, Canada, where cold weather placed limitations on enjoying the outdoors. As a teenager, I started my first business applying a protective coating to driveways and other outdoor surfaces. My appreciation for a warmer climate and my entrepreneurial spirit fed my desire to invest in a business that promoted outdoor living. Lisanne and I established Accu-Brick while at Iowa State University and moved to the Upstate in 1999. We’ve developed strong relationships with high-end builders and landscape architects in the local area.
What advice would you give a young person just starting out in business? I would encourage young entrepreneurs to choose a business endeavor based on what they are most passionate about. Small business ownership is extremely time consuming and requires a great deal of commitment to achieve success. Therefore, it is important to enjoy your work and to hire a team of employees who appreciate your enthusiasm. I would recommend that a young business owner establish a strong relationship with his or her staff that is based on commitment, trust and respect.
Why should people do business with you? We are known for our diverse brick paving systems and superior installation. From patios and pool decks to driveways and walkways, our pavers complement your home and add curb appeal. We strive to give customers our best ideas with their budget in mind. Our goal is to create a space that will increase their home value and enable them to enjoy the outdoors in a comfortable and inviting setting. With that in mind, the tagline for our business was created: “Expect More from Your Outdoors.”
3360 Hwy 101, Woodruff (Complete Hardscape Outdoor Showroom) 864.476.9000 | accu-brick.com Showroom Hours: 8:30-5:30 M-F; Saturdays by appointment
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