






Welcome to our Gentlemen’s Issue. This month we celebrate dads, husbands, sons, and all the special gentlemen in our lives. Men aren’t always the best about making “guy time” a priority, so we planned a night just for them and were sure to incorporate things guys love: fire, BBQ and beer. I think you will enjoy the photo shoot we did around the bonfire, and perhaps it will encourage you to gather your pals together for some male bonding.
ALSO IN THIS ISSUE:
• Catch up with Chris Williams of East Coast Custom Detailing as he is preparing for his third trip to the Museum of Flight with a special team of detailers to work on Air Force One.
• Explore this summer’s fun and trendy styles with Aiken’s Andy Watford.
• Get to know some Aiken business owners who are keeping it in the family.
As Father’s Day approaches, it is hard not to think about my dad. One of his favorite things to say was, “I’m not going to tell you what to do,” right before he told me exactly what to do. This was usually followed by a massive eye roll from me because I absolutely hate being told what to do. I attribute this lifelong character flaw to being the youngest in the family by several years and having lots of bosses. It didn’t take my husband David long to figure out that things go better if I’m asked because, as he tells it, I automatically push back at being told what to do even if it is something I want to do. My dad never did figure it out. This will be my eleventh year celebrating Father’s Day without him and what I wouldn’t give to have him here to boss me around.
I hope this season affords you some time with the special gentlemen in your life. I will be celebrating my husband with my family (hopefully my son will join us from Atlanta and he and my daughter will cook) and taking some time to ponder happy memories of my dad.
See you next month!
PUBLISHER
Gayle Bryan | gayle.bryan@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Rebecca Williams | rebecca.williams@citylifestyle.com
COPY EDITOR
Ashley Elvis
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Ashley Elvis, Rebecca Williams, Gayle Bryan
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Rebecca Williams, Gayle Bryan, Chris Woolman
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore
DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA Mindy Hargesheimer
ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor
OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson
WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell
AD DESIGNER Rachel Collins
LAYOUT DESIGNER Antanette Ray
GAYLE BRYAN, PUBLISHER @AIKENCITYLIFESTYLELearn how to start your own
Proverbs 3:5-6
Summer enrichment camps begin June 12 through August 11th. Cost is $150 per week per child.
Time: 8am to 6pm. The cost includes a snack and any field trips during the week.
Sign up on our website: hillviewchurch.org/HCA
for more information or to schedule a tour visit our website: hillviewchurch.org/HCA
Our mission is to equip and teach our students to love God with all their hearts, soul, mind, and strength and to love others as themselves.
(Mark 12:30-31)
Proclaim the Truth
Provide Christlike leadership
Pursue excellence in education
Promote a Biblical worldview
Partner with parents and families
Now hiring dynamic educators for 3K to 6th grade. Send resumes to:
amyeddwards@hillviewchristianacademy.org
803-392-7060
1960 Jefferson Davis Hwy, Graniteville, South Carolina 29829 B HillviewChristianAcademy
The spring is a new opportunity to turn your home from “so-so” to “whoa!” Whether your exterior or interior needs a refresh, we’re the Pros to help you do it right. Let CertaPro Painters® of the CSRA show you the power of transformation. Schedule your FREE on-site or remote estimate today.
Fall is a new opportunity to turn your home from “so-so” to “whoa!” Whether your exterior or interior needs a refresh, we’re the Pros to help you do it right. Let CertaPro Painters® of show you the power of transformation. Schedule your FREE on-site or remote estimate today.
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Each CertaPro Painters® business is independently owned and operated.
Jessica Ramp was named Ambassador of the Year at the Aiken Chamber’s Annual Gala. In her volunteer role, Jessica was recognized for going above and beyond in everything she does – whether it’s promoting new members and encouraging them to get involved or assisting the Chamber staff at events. Upon joining the Aiken Chamber Ambassador Team, her employer challenged her to become Ambassador of the Year within five years. Well, she did it in two.
Ronnie Maxwell founded the Maxwell Law Firm in 1992. He treats everyone in the entire firm like family. Additionally, he has served as a valued mentor to many. Ronnie’s confidence-building, negotiating and “friend-raising” skills have been instrumental in providing the future home of Children’s Place. His leadership of this project will impact countless children and families far into the future and made him the perfect choice for the Aiken Chamber's Man of the Year.
Dr. Sandra Field, president of Joye in Aiken, was recognized by the Aiken Chamber as its Woman of the Year. She has been the melody, the harmony and the dynamic chord behind an organization that has firmly placed Aiken in the art scene. Over 46.000 students have been reached and over 600 artists brought to the community over the 15 years she has been the driving force behind Joye in Aiken.
Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/Aiken
ARTICLE
AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY REBECCA WILLIAMSSummer Styles from Lionel Smith
Andy Watford, owner of Watford’s School of Karate, lends his suave sense of style to showcase a few looks from Lionel Smith Ltd., “Limited to the finest in men’s fashion.” We asked Andy and the Lionel Smith team to show us the ultimate summer looks that would be versatile for any situation or event. Our shoot location was downtown Aiken, and we couldn’t have picked a more beautiful day. While shooting, multiple people commented on how dapper Andy looked, and as you can see, they weren’t wrong!
Along with teaching thousands of students internationally, Watford also taught his own children, passing down the discipline to future generations. His daughter Rachel notes, “As I have grown, my father has always instilled in me the principals of love and discipline. I know these are his biggest takeaways from martial arts, and I’ve always valued the lessons he has passed down to me.”
Leisure wear is always on point, and Lionel has the perfect look for your casual days or vacation.
2023
9 weeks of Pro-Am Polo (dates subject to change due to weather)
April 8th
April 15th
April 22nd
April 29th
May 6th
May 13th
May 20th
May 27th
June 3rd
Saturday pro-am polo matches are open to the public every Saturday at 2 pm, from early April to the first weekend of June. Gates open at 12 pm. Join hundreds of fans each week for exciting polo action featuring some of Aiken’s best pros and sponsors, live national anthem, half-time entertainment, food, drinks and traditional divot-stomping.
To purchase pavilion tickets for Saturday Polo, or for more information on sponsorship and reserved pavilion boxes please contact club manager Liv Berube directly at (803) 989-9753 labourgognepoloclub@gmail.com | V @labourgogneclubdepolo | B La Bourgogne Club de Polo LLC |
Since the discovery of fire, men have loved being around it. Throw in some delicious smoked local BBQ and a cooler of beer and you’ve got the ideal setting for guys to hang out and catch up with each other.
The bonfire photo shoot set up by Aiken City Lifestyle's photographer, Rebecca Williams, offered just that for a few local small business owners. With a fire roaring, the guys arrived at the future home site of David Rickenbacker ready to meet, mingle and talk shop. Kurt Mueller of Ironhead Barbeque provided the food which paired perfectly with an ice-cold beer.
Before long, Rickenbacker, Chris Williams, Richard Thomas, Nick Crook, David Hopkins, Bobby Robinson, Ryan Williams, and Kevin Ard had gotten past the introductions and were sharing stories about themselves and their businesses. Later in the evening, Christian Powers, local tiler, stopped by to help model ROC and Design gear sent by Lee Fulmer who was on the road to Nashville.
There’s a sense of community among men who share commonalities: starting a business, the ins and outs of running it successfully, hiring, and marketing. While there’s an endless list, it’s important for guys to gather and share experiences and learn from one another.
It was fun to watch the conversation flow and the guys share a laugh or two. These business owners are leaving their marks on Aiken while building a legacy for themselves and their families. Here's a little about the guys.
There’s a big difference between getting your car washed and getting it detailed and Chris Williams, owner of East Coast Custom Detail, knows all about it. His start with the Aiken County Sheriff's Office and being a firefighter after 9/11 cultivated his keen eye. Chris details all kinds of cars from the classics to the brand-new ones promising a pristine job backed by his eight certifications earned in Big Bear Lake, CA.
Richard Thomas offers flooring solutions full time and the coolest self-serve beer tap truck as a side gig-now that says entrepreneur! He started Decorative Concrete Solutions less than two years ago and has found a niche in Aiken and throughout South Carolina. His work is much more than stamped concrete as he is the only one certified in the state to offer the WERM flooring system, a poured rubber floor product that seals and eliminates the need for mats. Think garage floor, horse trailer, barns, grooming areas, vet offices. They are easy to spray and clean and nothing gets through them. But that’s not all Richard is up to. He is also the owner of a 1951 Chevy 3100 truck turned self-serve beer tap bar that can be rented for any event! He retro-fitted the bed of the truck to hold 4 taps and is launching this new mobile bar this month. Get ready to tap it at your next shindig!
There’s something special about owning a business with your family and David Hopkins and Bobby Robinson know all about it. David Hopkins, owner of Dogwood Construction, started helping his father build barns when he was growing up in Florida. After making his way to Aiken years later, David started his own company. He specializes in custom homes, equestrian communities and barns, and even building on the commercial side. Helping him with Dogwood in its earlier stages was his brother-in-law, Bobby Robinson. Once well-established in the Aiken community, the two saw the need for a roofing company to complement their business. Rite Price Roofing was born and David saw that Bobby would be the
perfect guy to run it. They love working together and supporting and encouraging each other, and David is grateful to have been able to help his brotherin-law start his career. David’s favorite part of Dogwood Construction is seeing the final product of a custom job while Bobby really enjoys the customer service part of his business.
A pro competitor on the circuit since September of 2021, Kurt Mueller knows BBQ. A self-proclaimed fanatic that began at the age of nine, he learned the
“There’s a sense of community among men who share commonalities: starting a business, the ins and outs of running it successfully, hiring, and marketing.”
art of grilling and barbeque from his dad and has worked to create the perfect barbeque in appearance, tenderness, and taste. To Kurt, BBQ is all about people coming together and building relationships which is why it was the perfect meal for the ACL bonfire photoshoot. Kurt loves working under pressure in high- stress situations which is one reason he did so well in the Food Network competition. He embraces failure and strives to continuously improve which makes him such a competitive pitmaster.
Community is important when building a craft, and Kurt is thankful for his mentor, Randall Bowman of Deep South Smokers, who has offered great advice along his BBQ journey.
Ryan Williams, ACL’s Rebecca Williams’ husband, is not only a photoshoot assistant extraordinaire, he is also an expert saddler. Ryan specializes in jumper and dressage saddle repairs right here in Aiken. With nearly 10 years of experience making and repairing saddles, he started his own
business, Ryan the Saddler LLC. which evolved into a fulltime gig. Williams has devoted many hours and long days perfecting his craft, including spending time in England to see firsthand the manufacturing in factories. Problem solving is his favorite part of the day-to-day grind.
Long time Aiken resident, Kevin Ard, has worked in the medical community as a physician assistant, but prior to that, he served in the US Navy as a medic. However, something new and exciting is on the horizon
as his resume now includes the title of business owner. Kevin has purchased 40 acres of land just outside of Aiken where he and his family have big plans to create a seasonal family-friendly venue. This project will be built in phases, but the first phase is the one he’s most excited about. It will be called Deadly Hollow Horror, a terrifyingly haunted trail that winds deep into the woods, and is expected to open this fall. Stay tuned for details!
LOCAL BUSINESSES KEEPING IT ALL IN THE FAMILY
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY
BY REBECCA WILLIAMSHOW DID YOU, AS FAMILY, GET INTO BUSINESS TOGETHER?
We have always known that we wanted to do something together. We worked for a guy in high school who owned a similar business and decided that we enjoyed this line of work. We had $1,200 between the two of us and decided to start our business. From that day forward, we put everything into growing Sunshine.
WHAT MENTORS HAVE YOU HAD WHO HAVE HELPED YOU IN YOUR BUSINESS?
Scott and Craig Heath, owners of Aiken Pest Control, have always been our go-to guys for business advice.
WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST JOB?
We started out cutting grass before we were tall enough to reach the handle of the push lawn mower and also cleaned out gutters for neighbors when we were 12 years old.
HOW HAS FAMILY CONNECTION AND SUPPORT HELPED ENHANCE YOUR BUSINESS AND OR PROFESSIONAL LIFE?
Being identical twins, we have always been close. It is nice having someone you can completely trust and who values your business as much as you do.
HOW DID YOU, AS FAMILY, GET INTO BUSINESS TOGETHER?
My brother-in-law and sister have run a construction company for over 10 years in Aiken. Growing up, I would help out on weekends and throughout the summer. As I started learning my way around job sites and we became busier, the company started looking to find additional roofing help in the area. Fortunately, with few roofers specializing in metal roofing, David and Carole Ann came to me and asked if I would be interested in opening and operating a local roofing company. Rite Price was born.
WHAT MENTORS HAVE YOU HAD WHO HAVE HELPED YOU IN YOUR BUSINESS?
My brother-in-law, David, has been a major help and a mentor from the start of my career in construction. In addition, my crew lead, Luis, as well as all the guys on Dogwood’s team have poured their knowledge and skills into me over the years. I’m grateful for their willingness to teach me and for allowing me the opportunity to grow the skills needed to run Rite Price with integrity and professionalism.
WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST JOB?
My first position in the workplace was with Dogwood Construction. I started with cleanup and quickly worked my way into trim, framing and ultimately roofing.
HOW HAS FAMILY CONNECTION AND SUPPORT HELPED ENHANCE YOUR BUSINESS AND OR PROFESSIONAL LIFE?
I wouldn’t be where I am without the support of my family. My wife, Kaylee, provides unrelenting support by encouraging me, following up with potential customers and keeping me organized. My parents are always recommending us to friends and locals, and they provide encouragement when tough situations arise. I am grateful to be surrounded by a village of encouraging, caring and loving family members who have instilled in me the value of hard work.
“I am grateful to be surrounded by a village of encouraging, caring and loving family members who have instilled in me the value of hard work.”
HOW DID YOU, AS A FAMILY, GET INTO BUSINESS TOGETHER?
Our dad, Rankin Jolly, started the company in 1995. We started working weekends and summers with him as soon as we were able to and really enjoyed it. After graduating from Clemson in 2012, CR spent some time in Charleston, SC working for a large landscape firm before coming back to Aiken in 2014 and going into business full-time with our dad and Manse at Rock Creek.
WHAT MENTORS HAVE YOU HAD WHO HELPED YOU WITH YOUR BUSINESS?
We were lucky to have a few great mentors. From day one our dad, Rankin Jolly, and our grandad, Robert McKie, were both always there with advice and answers for any questions we had. At Clemson, CR had another great mentor in Mr. Jackie Jackson. Manse, having been around construction sites from a young age, is fortunate to have the support of many in the industry over the years. We both feel like we wouldn’t be where we are at this point without all the help from our dad and grandad.
WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST JOB?
CR’s first job was working weekends and summers during middle school and high school doing landscape maintenance for our dad when his company was Custom Lawn & Sprinkler. Manse’s first job was right here at Rock Creek making $5 an hour. Consistent hard work and dedication to this business has contributed to the overall success with the company.
HOW HAS FAMILY CONNECTION AND SUPPORT HELPED ENHANCE YOUR BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONAL LIFE?
Being a family-owned and operated company, family connection and support has helped us tremendously. Our dad built the foundation for our company and connected us with the right people to work with. We are very grateful for this and the opportunity to build it into what Rock Creek is today.
“Our dad built the foundation for our company and connected us with the right people to work with. We are very grateful for this and the opportunity to build it into what Rock Creek is today.”
Rock Creek Land Development
HOW DID YOU, AS FAMILY, GET INTO BUSINESS TOGETHER?
Carlos had already started the business doing lawn maintenance. Harvey came to Aiken and wanted to start offering fencing services, a skill learned in California. So, we decided to collaborate in the business, and the rest is history!
WHAT MENTORS HAVE YOU HAD WHO HAVE HELPED YOU IN THE BUSINESS?
When we run into something new in the fencing part of our business, we can call on Mike, Harvey’s fencing mentor. As for the rest of the business, when we run into something new, we like to collaborate with other people in the same field as us. Besides that, we’ve been pretty self-sufficient!
WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST JOB?
Carlos’ first job was cutting grass for our church, and Harvey’s first job was a cook at Hardees!
HOW HAS FAMILY CONNECTION AND SUPPORT HELPED ENHANCE YOUR BUSINESS AND OR PROFESSIONAL LIFE?
The family connection has helped a lot. Our family is very close, and as a result, we won’t let anything come between us. It’s always family first, business second. Businesses come and go, but family will always be here. It definitely makes us stronger!
“Businesses come and go, but family will always be here. It definitely makes us stronger!”
The Yard Barber Landscaping
community. The Detail Mafia is an exclusive group with just under 200 members, and after a vigorous selection process, 35 of the most professional and technologically advanced detailers are selected to work on Air Force One
The Museum of Flight, located in Seattle, Washington, is the largest independent, nonprofit air and space museum in the world. It is home to over 175 air and spacecraft including Air Force One which is the Boeing VC-137B that served as the first presidential airplane flying Presidents Eisenhower, Kennedy, Johnson and Nixon.
In July, as they have for the past 19 years, a prestigious team of detailers from around the world will travel to Seattle and spend several days detailing Air Force One as well as some of the other historical planes on display at the Museum of Flight.
Chris Williams of East Coast Detailing has been selected as a member of the 2023 Air Force One Detailing Team. This honor has been bestowed on Chris for the third straight year through his affiliation with The Detail Mafia. Mafia members have completed advanced training through Detailing Success and, according to the Mafia Board, have proven themselves as mentors committed to ongoing education and exceptional leaders in their profession and
Chris’ interest in detailing began when he was an Aiken County firefighter. According to Chris, “Everyone loves a sparkling clean fire truck.” He also recalls a Lieutenant who was very strict about vehicle cleanliness when he served with the Aiken County Sheriff’s Office.
Chris’ background in Aiken County law enforcement and fire safety made him a stickler for details. He never wanted to find himself in a situation he wasn’t prepared for. When he made the decision to pursue a career as a professional detailer, he sought the best training and continuing education. That eventually led him to Detailing Success and The Detail Mafia where he now serves on the board. Chris is also a board member of the International Detailer Association and is the only certified, skills-validated detailer in the area.
Chris is looking forward to his third trip to the Museum of Flight and fondly recalls his first visit, “My rookie year I got to polish the tail section. Because of the flag, only detailers that have served their country or community as military or law enforcement are allowed to touch the tail section. It was very emotional and helping to preserve history was so special to me.”
One of the highlights of the trip for Chris is the yearly visit from Captain Dick Nelms (pictured with Chris in front of a B-17). He flew 33 missions and loves to share his story.
For Chris, this is an opportunity to serve but also a chance to work and learn from the best in the business. Plus, he just enjoys the work. His first year he worked on a B29, an all-aluminum aircraft that was 60+ years old. The technique and method required multiple detailers standing shoulder to shoulder moving in the same direction at the same speed to avoid a finished product with zebra stripes running across it.
In addition to his travels to Seattle to work on Air Force One at the Museum of Flight, Chris’ detailing career has taken him to Conroe, Texas to work on jets, The Best of the West Car Show in Ventura, California, and Kentucky to work on Corvettes.
Chris is the owner of East Coast Custom Detailing and offers mobile service to Aiken and the surrounding areas. Detailing, paint correction and ceramic coatings are some of the services that Chris can provide to clients either on location or on a valet basis.
events
A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in our area.
JUNE 2ND-4TH
New Vocations AllThoroughbred Charity Horse Show
HIGHLANDS EVENT CENTER |
6:00 PM
Gather to celebrate the versatility and athleticism of the Thoroughbred! New Vocations is proud to be the oldest and largest racehorse adoption program in the country, serving more than 500 horses a year. For event info go to horseadoption.com/
JUNE 3RD
Aiken Music Festival
Featuring The Robbie Ducey Band
HIGHLANDS EVENT CENTER |
6:00 PM
Beer and Wine are available on site along with Aiken County Crafters booths and multiple food trucks. Bring your own chairs or blankets to spread out in this family-friendly, six-acre field with covered Pavilion. $15/person. Gates open at 6pm. Music from 7-10pm. Visit AikenMusicFest.com for more info and to purchase tickets to #thebestSaturdayNightInAiken.
JUNE 3RD
Boondock Revival III
BOONDOCK FARMS | 4:00 PM
Big Sky Revival returns to Boondock Farms with an awesome lineup of music including the Reedy River String Band and The Mason Jars! Music starts in the afternoon and continues into the evening followed by a late-night campfire jam. Campsites are available. Food truck and libations available. Tickets are $50 and can be purchased through Event Brite.
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JUNE 19TH-23RD
RUTH PATRICK SCIENCE
EDUCATION CENTER | 9:00 AM
- 3:00PM
Give your young innovator an inspiring, action-packed summer adventure! All-new, hands-on challenges will spark their curiosity and build their confidence as they jump into limitless STEM fun with opportunities to imagine, plan, experiment and create. Read more about what your camper will do each day at camp: problem solving, creativity, persistence & entrepreneurship! Grades K-6th
For info go to invent-web.ungerboeck.com/programsearch/moreinfo.aspx?event=39295
JUNE 22ND
“Jazz Explosion” Concert (Jazz Camp Faculty)
ETHERREDGE CENTER |
7:00 PM
“Jazz Explosion” Concert (Jazz Camp Faculty) General admission tickets $20 per person, students free with ID.
Available online or contact the Etherredge Center Box Office (803641-3305)
JUNE 24TH
THE CENTER FOR AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY, ART & CULTURE | 12:00 PM
You won’t want to miss the Celebration of Freedom at the Juneteenth Celebration at Founders Park.
Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/Aiken