2018 Charleston Profiles in Business

2018

Profiles

in Business

REFLECTING ON LOWCOUNTRY BUSINESSES Charleston’s leading companies reveal the keys to success

Sponsored by

CARVER MARITIME

Handling the entire supply chain Logistics company has all the resources to move products from ship to shore to market

E

very shipper wants their product moved from ship to shore to market as fast and cost-effectively as possible. Often that means dealing with numerous companies and subcontractors up and down the supply chain.

Even if one company contracts to handle the entire process, numerous subcontractors create friction points and inefficiencies.

What if, instead, the whole supply chain could come under one hard hat, with one set of cross-trained employees handling every step of the way?

That is Carver Maritime. With over 800 pieces of iron to move cargo and a private, deep-water port terminal surrounded by over 40 acres of raw land and warehouse space for storage, Carver is one-stop shopping.

Case in point: When 20,000-tons of breakbulk aluminum arrives on a 750-foot vessel drafting 37 feet, Carver’s men tie up the ship; unload the cargo to a place of rest; store, inventory and document for just-in-time delivery. Then, when the order is due, Carver determines whether it is most economical to transport it inland by rail, move it along the coast by barge or haul it with over-the-road trucks. site in less than half the time it would take a Whatever the task, Carver offers fleet of haul trucks. They got the job seamless supply chain solutions done and saved the state millions and always rethinks how cargo of dollars. moves.

Now Carver turns its When the state of attention to the future, Whatever the task, South Carolina needed specifically this country’s Carver offers seamless four million tons of stone lack of skilled labor. By supply chain solutions from Newfoundland renovating the old Navy and always rethinks how to set the foundation hospital buildings in cargo moves. for its new Hugh K. North Charleston into Leatherman Sr. Container workforce housing, Carver Terminal, Carver went intends to offer motivated against conventional wisdom by men and women an immersive proposing to place hoppers on a barge training experience—feeding, housing along with conveyers to belt out stone to the and paying each participant.

Rethinking How Cargo Moves

1400 Pierside Street Building 190 North Charleston, SC 29405 (843) 779-0199

Special Advertising Supplement | 2018 Profiles in Business

3

A NOTE FROM THE PUBLISHER

LOWCOUNTRY NEWSROOM Profiles in Business Editor - Licia Jackson ljackson@scbiznews.com • 803.726.7546 Associate Editor, Special Projects - Steve McDaniel smcdaniel@scbiznews.com • 843.849.3123 Senior Graphic Designer - Jane James jjames@scbiznews.com • 843.849.3118 LOWCOUNTRY ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Senior Account Executive - Sue Gordon sgordon@scbiznews.com • 843.849.3111 Senior Account Executive - Robert Reilly rreilly@scbiznews.com • 843.849.3107 Account Executive - Sara Cox scox@scbiznews.com • 843.849.3109 CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Holly Fisher, Licia Jackson, Steve McDaniel, Barry Waldman CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Jess Wood, Kim McManus

President and Group Publisher - Grady Johnson gjohnson@scbiznews.com • 843.849.3103 Vice President of Sales - Steve Fields sfields@scbiznews.com • 843.849.3110

T

hose of you who have been Business Journal readers all of these years most likely know this story, but for you newer readers, the origin of Profiles in Business bears repeating. Not long after we launched the Business Journal in 1995, businesspeople began asking us to include stories about their companies in our publication. As journalists, we always had to reply, “We can’t do that until you do something we can report as news.”

At the same time, many of those same people were asking if they could hire our advertising copywriters to produce pieces they could use in brochures and marketing materials Grady Johnson — but we were always too busy putting out the newspaper. Finally it dawned on us: Why not combine the two? And looking at the success of this year’s version of Profiles in Business, it seems the marriage has been a happy one.

I hope these profiles give you some insight into the working lives of the people who make up the Charleston-area business community, because each and every one has a unique story to tell. Please accept my enthusiastic invitation to read the 2018 Profiles in Business, and I hope you will enjoy reading about this sample of Charleston business life as much as I do.

Grady Johnson President and Group Publisher

Creative Director - Ryan Wilcox rwilcox@scbiznews.com • 843.849.3117 Event Director - Kathy Allen kallen@scbiznews.com • 864.720.1225 Audience Development & IT Manager Kim McManus kmcmanus@scbiznews.com • 843.849.3116

NWS Company LLC A portfolio company of BridgeTower Media

Accounting Manager - Vickie Deadmon vdeadmon@scbiznews.com • 803.726.7541 CUSTOM MEDIA DIVISION

South Carolina’s Media Engine for Economic Growth

Director of Business Development - Mark Wright mwright@scbiznews.com • 843.849.3143 Business Development Executive Elizabeth Hodges lhodges@scbiznews.com • 843.849.3105

4

2018 Profiles in B usiness | Special Advertising Supplement

The entire contents of this newspaper are copyright by NWS Company LLC with all rights reserved. Any reproduction or use of the content within this publication without permission is prohibited. SCBIZ and South Carolina’s Media Engine for Economic Growth are registered in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

FEATURED PROFILES | LISTED ALPHABETICALLY

6

20

24

18

16

Boeing South Carolina

18

Carolina Dock and Marine

3

Carver Maritime

6

Charles Blanchard Construction

24

Charleston Angel Conference

23

Charleston Cotton Exchange

12

Charleston Steel & Metal

20

Chuck Bennett Contracting

11

Harbor Contracting

26

McMillan Pazdan Smith Architects

27

Newkirk Environmental,Inc.

13

Parker Land Surveying

28

Passarella & Associates

22

Quantum Coatings

9

9

29

Responza

21

Saulisbury Business Machines

30

Seacoast Supply

14

Sequence Financial Specialists

15

Sequence Real Estate

10

Spherion Staffing Services

8

11

12

REI Engineering

25

Spirit Communications Wakefield Beasley & Associates

Special Advertising Supplement | 2018 Profiles in Business

5

CHARLES BLANCHARD CONSTRUCTION

Deep roots in Charleston community Seven generations of Blanchards have left their mark on Holy City construction for 200 years

A

few years ago, Mike Blanchard discovered his roots in the construction industry were even deeper than he originally thought. Blanchard, who took over Charles Blanchard Construction Corp. in 2001 along with childhood friend Matt O’Donnell, has been working with his dad’s construction company since 1975. Mike runs the construction end of the business while Matt runs the financial end.

“The minute I was old enough, dad had me digging ditches,” he said.

Blanchard knew his dad, Charles Blanchard, took over the business from his grandfather, Claude Blanchard in 1975. Also, he knew Claude Blanchard took over from his father, John E. Blanchard, in 1931, and John E. Blanchard was a contractor in the 1890s, but that was all the available information.

Blanchard knew the business dated back to at least the 1890s and four generations.

But, then, he discovered a 1965 newspaper article explaining that his family’s construction company was demolishing a bakery built in 1817 by William Blanchard.

There was a photo of his uncle directing workers in tearing down the building his ancestors built in 1817. That building had been there 148 years, according to the article.

His interest piqued, Blanchard headed to Ancestry.com to research more of his family’s roots. He discovered his family had been in the construction industry for seven generations – not four as he’d originally thought.

“It’s not uncommon for a trade like that to be passed down through the family,” he said. “It happens all over the world.”

And the Blanchards have certainly left a mark on Charleston’s construction landscape.

Their handiwork is visible in countless new buildings and in the renovation of many historic properties all around the city.

6

From Left: Mike Blanchard and Matt O’Donnell

“We’ve renovated buildings that my father, grandfather and great-grandfather built,” Blanchard said.

Today, Charles Blanchard Construction Corp. is a full-service general contractor with three divisions: industrial/mechanical, commercial and historic.

John O’Donnell runs the company’s industrial/mechanical division. O’Donnell has been in the industrial construction business for 41 years. The industrial/mechanical division performs structural concrete, structural steel erection and welding, millwrighting, plant maintenance and capital projects, process piping, pipe welding, nonpotable plumbing, and tank installation. The company has crews

2018 Profiles in B usiness | Special Advertising Supplement

in many of Charleston’s premier industrial plants.

The commercial division handles any type of commercial and historical construction and renovations and is a NUCOR pre-engineered metal building dealer. The company also operates a 10,000-square-foot fabrication facility in North Charleston.

With more than 400 commercial projects and more than 250 historic renovations on its resume, the team at Charles Blanchard Construction can point to examples of its work all around the Lowcountry. Currently they are building a new gymnasium for the Town of Mount Pleasant, the new James Island Town Hall, a juice bar in Goose Creek, a Kaminsky’s

CHARLES BLANCHARD CONSTRUCTION Dessert Café in West Ashley, a restaurant in Knightsville, a 165,000-square-foot warehouse for an auto parts manufacturer and several industrial projects.

The company is also one of just a handful of local construction firms skilled in dealing with historic properties. They have worked on several structures listed on the National Register of Historic Places – the Middleton Place rice mill, Aiken-Rhett House, Colleton County Courthouse, Conway City Hall and the Old Slave Mart in downtown Charleston.

Many of the company’s projects have been honored with Carolopolis Awards from the Preservation Society of Charleston.

One of the ways Charles Blanchard Construction has maintained its steady growth over the years is by doing a lot of the work inhouse versus relying solely on sub-contractors.

“We have 60 employees who are skilled workers, so while we do subcontract a lot of our commercial work, we are able to do much of the work ourselves if our subs get in a bind,” Blanchard said. “We are not at the mercy of our subs if they fall behind and can make sure the project stays on schedule.”

That way of doing business fuels the company’s overall goal and mission: to do the job right, which has resulted in many repeat customers.

“We have extremely low employee turnover.

We treat our employees like family,” Blanchard said. “We say what we are going to do and do

Claude Blanchard, Sr. outside Chicora Grade School, circa 1950s.

what we say.”

Blanchard’s goddaughter, Veronica Frutchey, helps run the operations of the business and is a vital part of the continuation of the business. Matt O’Donnell’s wife, Kathy, and sister, Susan, help in the office, so it’s all in the families.

It’s a business philosophy that spans seven generations and has made Charles Blanchard Construction a staple in Charleston’s building industry.

In fact, Charles Blanchard himself said, “Do the job right, on time, and make money – in that order.”

2845 Rivers Ave. North Charleston, SC 29405 (843) 747-5757 www.blanchardconst.com Charles Blanchard Construction team gathered in front of their fabrication facility.

Special Advertising Supplement | 2018 Profiles in Business

7

SPIRIT COMMUNICATIONS

Merger creates super-regional fiber bandwidth provider Joining Lumos Networks gives both companies expanded footprint and enhanced telecommunications services

S

pirit Communications is a leading fiber provider of data, voice and internet solutions for enterprises, carriers and government customers in South Carolina, North Carolina and Georgia. In 2018, Spirit combined with Lumos Networks, creating a 21,000-mile fiber footprint across nine states in the midAtlantic and Southeast.

Lumos Networks Corp., a Virginia-based fiber bandwidth provider, will combine with Spirit under a new parent company, EQT Partners, an investment company based in Sweden. The two companies will maintain their customer-first approach, said Grey Humphrey, Chief Revenue Officer of the combined entity.

“We’ll be able to reach more customers with a larger network and expanded product offerings,” he said. “We now have enhanced capabilities across a wide array of products and services, and we can cross-sell services such as hosted voice, cloud services, SD-WAN, disaster recovery and many others.”

The new footprint basically doubles that done with cost-cutting in mind, which generally of each company, greatly increasing their fiber reach and network size, giving the combined leads to job cuts and combining duplicated services. This deal is unique within the group much greater control of their industry, said Bob Keane, former customers’ experience, Humphrey Spirit CEO who will serve on said. Coverage will now reach “We’ll be able to the board of directors for the from Pittsburgh, Pa., down combined company. reach more customers to Atlanta and many of the “In an industry where markets in between. The with a larger network most combinations are combined company sees and expanded product focused on eliminating the largest opportunities offerings.” costs, this business for market-share expansion combination is born out in the high-growth states of - GREY HUMPHREY of expectations for revenue Virginia, North Carolina and growth. We now have twice South Carolina. the footprint to reach more of our Both companies are focused customers’ locations, and we expect to on large-capacity customers in education, government, military and wireless carriers, and utilize both companies’ product portfolios to cross-sell these services across the expansive are actively adding more fiber capabilities.

Most telecom mergers and acquisitions are combined enterprise base.”

8

2018 Profiles in B usiness | Special Advertising Supplement

Spirit Communications Headquarters

5900 Core Ave., Suite 300 North Charleston, SC 29406 (843) 513-1100 www.spiritcom.com

REI ENGINEERS INC

Celebrating 20 years of success, growth in Lowcountry Engineering company has expanded services, looks to bright future with talented staff

R

EI Engineers Inc.’s roots are firmly planted in the Southeast, and the company has grown and prospered along with the region.

Since its founding in Raleigh, N.C., in 1997 as a roofing design and engineering firm, REI now has more than 65 employees in offices throughout South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia and Florida. It has established itself as an expert in building envelope systems.

As REI embarks on its third decade with a refreshed brand and new logo, the company is focused on maintaining a strong core of experts within its ranks. As is the case in many industries, engineering faces the challenge of recruiting and retaining talented workers who will ensure continuity and future growth.

Charleston branch manager Roger Parker says REI is doing the right things to attract and keep talented young engineers within the company.

“Our focus is on our people and the on the Medical University of South Carolina’s importance of how valuable they are,” Parker Basic Science Building in downtown Charleston. says. “We have programs in place to draw The $6.5 million project will include window young talent, and to retain those same people. and roof replacement and building envelope Employees are owners in the company from day improvements.

REI’s growth will continue with one, and we have an open-ended leave plans to add office locations policy. If you need time off, we beyond Virginia and the make sure that can happen.”

Carolinas as the company While the company’s “Our focus is on looks forward to the next footprint has grown, its our people and the 20 years of enhancing its reach has also increased importance of how reputation as an expert in far beyond its Southeast valuable they are.” building envelope systems. beginnings. The firm has “Don’t underestimate projects is such far-flung - ROGER PARKER the complexity of building places as Sri Lanka, Israel envelope systems,” REI and Hungary. A new, $9 president Scott Hinesley million, five-year contract with says. “Our focus on identifying the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers specific needs combined with high client will likely involve some hurricane recovery involvement and feedback results in the right work in Puerto Rico. solution for each unique condition at the right The Charleston branch also received one of time, every time.” its largest contracts recently for renovation work

The staff at REI Engineers

2090 Executive Hall Road, Suite 115 Charleston, SC 29407 (843) 225-6272 www.reiengineers.com

Special Advertising Supplement | 2018 Profiles in Business

9

SPHERION STAFFING SERVICES

Connecting job-seekers to jobs is staffing agency’s specialty Spherion helps meet growing demand for skilled workers in thriving Lowcountry market

S

pherion Staffing started with one woman’s idea that Charleston was a market with plenty of potential for growth and success.

Pam Thompson’s vision has proven to be wise, as her small company has grown steadily since beginning in 1994.

Thompson embarked on her journey following a career in Norrell Staffing’s corporate headquarters in Atlanta. Mary Barrineau, Thompson’s daughter, joined the firm a few years later, and the pair has guided the company through changes and growth that include a merger with Interim Staffing and a subsequent name change to Spherion. The firm now has a staff of 11, a list of longtime clients and new customers allowing continuous growth in the Charleston market.

Charleston’s growth has fed Spherion’s to the point where the agency is currently placing 500 employees in the tri-county area every week.

Barrineau says much of the increase has been in manufacturing and distribution.

“Our main area of growth over the a desirable skill set can see more than one offer past decade has been in manufacturing and in a short time, and if an employer needs more distribution jobs,” Barrineau says. “We have seen time to consider a hire, that person might not be a lot of quality growth, providing new available 72 hours later.” career opportunities that did not In that environment, exist even five years ago.”

Barrineau says it is crucial for That has led to her company to stay in close “We’ve been here challenges, according to contact with both potential nearly 25 years now; Barrineau.

Job-seekers employees and employers, our clients know they have more options now gauging interest, supply can always count on us.” and technology has made and demand that are it easier to contact multiple constantly changing.

- MARY BARRINEAU prospective employers. The “Things can change so instant-gratification culture fast,” she said. “We are on the we now live in extends to the job phone, emailing, and even texting market. our candidates all the time, trying to “We can have 100 people lined up for a keep up with who might still be available and certain type of job required by one of our clients, what opportunities are still open. But we’ve been but the names on that list of 100 can change a lot here nearly 25 years now; our clients know they in just a few days,” Barrineau says. “A person with can always count on us.”

10

2018 Profiles in B usiness | Special Advertising Supplement

Mary Barrineau and Pam Thompson

4995 LaCross Road, Suite 1050 North Charleston, SC 29406 (843) 554-4933 www.spherion.com

HARBOR CONTRACTING

Taking the stress out of commercial construction process General contracting firm specializes in making projects run smoothly, on time and on budget

M

ost people have a horror story to tell about a construction project they were involved with. But Harbor Contracting owner Pete McKellar knows well that there’s a better way to build.

“Everyone has a nightmare construction experience,” he said. “Our clients know that it doesn’t have to be that way. It doesn’t have to be a contentious, controversial experience. It can actually be rewarding instead.”

Smooth, stress-free, easy. Those are words McKellar uses to describe what clients experience when Harbor is hired for new commercial construction or upfit work.

“We want clients to hire us based on our experience and qualifications,” he said. “If a client Peter McKellar (holding plans) and team members during the construction of the recently completed needs to interview us multiple times to feel Shipyard Park sports & event complex. comfortable, that’s OK with us.” professionalism that made it a success from start train and compete in tournaments. The complex McKellar compares his company’s role as a to finish. is also capable of handling a variety of events, general contractor to that of a quarterback on “If I ever did one like this again, Harbor is including concerts, weddings and corporate a football team. “We tell prospective customers the only call I’d make,” he said. to choose that QB very carefully. You have to meetings.

“Pete and Harbor were super easy to work have someone with experience, someone you can with,” Stewart said. “They’d never done a ballpark trust to be there for you throughout the entire before, but he understood my vision and made it process.” a reality. They were an incredible team Harbor has an extensive list of to work with.” existing customers who can vouch McKellar said the for the company’s ability Shipyard Park project was to turn their ideas and “They were an one of the most exciting concepts into a successfully incredible team to he’s been a part of. completed project work with.”

“I was very upfront without the stress or worry with Loy in the beginning most project owners fear.

- LOY STEWART JR. about never having done Loy Stewart Jr., President, Detyens Shipyards a ballpark project,” he said.

President of Detyens “Loy appreciated our way of Shipyards, is one of those doing business, our transparency satisfied customers. He chose and honesty. He checked us out and 1147 Pleasant Oaks Drive Harbor to build his Shipyard Park found we came highly recommended. We project, a sports complex on the Wando Mount Pleasant, SC 29464 River north of Mount Pleasant. Stewart wanted shook hands and the project went from there.”

(843) 884-3434 Stewart said Harbor handled the multiple a state-of-the-art facility that would provide www.harborcontracting.net space for baseball and softball teams to practice, aspects of the complicated project with ease and

Special Advertising Supplement | 2018 Profiles in Business

11

CHARLESTON STEEL & METAL CO.

A spirit of environmental, community awareness 125-year-old company focused on supporting causes that improve lives and industry it serves

C

harleston Steel & Metal Co. is in the business of recycling. An inherent part of that business is lessening the environmental impact of manufacturing by giving new life to discarded metals.

Out of that spirit of environmental awareness, the people who run the 125-year-old, Charleston-based company also give their time and expertise to other causes and organizations.

Jonathan Steinberg is a fourth-generation member of the founding family. Along with his duties as vice president and industrial relations manager, he is a member of several industry boards and has served in advisory roles for BB&T, the Berkeley County Chamber of Commerce and Reading Partners of South Carolina.

“We want to bolster the communities we serve,” he said. “Our business promotes cleaning up the streets, the landfills, and improving the environment while also providing opportunities Wolff is on several recycling industry for supplemental income. It’s a win-win for the community and we want to ensure everyone is advisory boards and serves on the Mount Pleasant Board of Zoning Appeals. aware of this benefit.”

“I got involved because of a sense of Mt. Holly facility general manager Greg Habib is a former Goose Creek City Council community, helping Mount Pleasant deal with all the growth and the issues that come member who was recently elected from that,” he said. mayor there, unseating an The company has also had incumbent who’d held the a longstanding relationship position for 40-plus years.

“It’s about giving with the Charleston Fire Barry Wolff, vice president something back to the Department, allowing use and general manager at communities we live in of company facilities for the Charleston facility, and work with.” rescue training. said he and Habib have Company President both been involved in - BARRY WOLFF Bernard Steinberg, community service and Jonathan’s father, is a former industry advisory boards for president of the Institute many years. of Scrap Recycling Industries “It’s about giving something Southeast Chapter. Wolff said being on the back to the communities we live in and advisory boards is a way to help the recycling work with,” Wolff said. “I think, from Greg’s industry grow and improve, and that board standpoint, he saw that he had something to give membership is also an excellent networking to his town.”

12

2018 Profiles in B usiness | Special Advertising Supplement

Inspecting recycled aluminum bales before shipment.

avenue.

“It keeps the Charleston Steel and Metal name in front of people,” Wolff said. “That helps us stay connected in our industry and with current and prospective customers.”

2700 Spruill Ave. North Charleston, SC 29405 3038 Hwy 52 N Mt. Holly, SC 29461 (843) 722-7278

www.charlestonsteelandmetal.com

PARKER LAND SURVEYING

Growing surveying firm celebrates 10 years Parker Land Surveying expands along with Charleston region, celebrating success by giving to community nonprofits, schools and churches

P

arker Land Surveying LLC is celebrating 10 years in business this year — and what a decade it has been, says Steve Parker, president. He and his wife, Pam, started the company in August 2008, thinking that was the low point of the Great Recession. Later that year, they found out they were wrong.

Started with the help of a $255,000 loan from the Berkeley-Charleston-Dorchester Council of Governments Revolving Loan Fund, PLS had run out of money by the end of the year. In early 2009, the firm had to reduce staff and cut salaries. Pam Parker even took a night job at a hospital to make ends meet. However, things soon began to look up and the company has grown from nine to 45 employees, with three offices.

“Pam and I feel we can only be as successful as the quality of the people we surround ourselves with,” Parker says. “Fortunately we have been able to have people around us that are better than we PLS celebrates 10 years of providing excellent service and giving back to the community. are, and we feel they are important to our story News. In 2016 the company was recognized by as well.”

POB magazine, the leading industry publication PLS’s Georgetown office, which opened in 2014, is rapidly growing, having doubled in size for geospatial professionals, as a Top 100 firm in recently, Parker says. It serves the area below the U.S. Most important to the Parkers, Georgetown up to Myrtle Beach. The the business’s success has made company has also recently added it possible to do more for the an office in Summervillecommunity. In summer Jedberg to help service “Pam and I feel we can 2017, their son, Scotty, projects in that booming only be as successful as 14, rode his bike from area, while still using Its the quality of the people we Santa Monica, Calif., to original Hanahan office as surround ourselves with.”

Charleston to raise money a central hub. and awareness of the global Involved in all facets of - STEVE PARKER water crisis, raising more construction, PLS works on 5910 Griffin St. than $629,000 for Water boundary surveys, tree surveys, Hanahan, SC 29410 Mission, a local nonprofit. PLS topographical surveys, wetland (843) 554-7777 also supports schools and robotics surveys, easements, subdivision teams, recreation departments and churches. platting, construction layout, record drawings 400 Church St. “PLS believes in treating others how you and lot-fit studies.

Georgetown, SC 29440 Fast-growing PLS has been honored several want to be treated and in loving our neighbors,” (843) 485-4405 times as a Roaring Twenties winner by SC Biz Parker says.

Special Advertising Supplement | 2018 Profiles in Business

13

SEQUENCE FINANCIAL SPECIALISTS

Financial specialists focused on clients’ transactional needs FINRA/SIPC-registered broker/dealer firm provides investment banking and advisory services

T

he world of investment banking is complex. There are many intricate steps involved in raising capital or transferring ownership of a company. Each step requires expertise and guidance in the form of transactional and financial knowledge.

Sequence Financial Specialists (SFS), is a broker/dealer and boutique investment bank in Charleston, S.C. Under its parent company, Sequence Holdings LLC, SFS offers financial services with an emphasis on raising debt and equity capital.

Investors have peace of mind that they are working with a firm that adheres to maintaining fairness of U.S. capital market transactions. SFS offers managing broker/ dealer services for alternative investment clients looking to raise capital through private placement offerings.

As a managing broker/dealer, SFS works From left: Karen Rollins, senior administrative assistant; Gene King, senior managing director; Charlie Bacon, associate to help clients continually raise capital using selling groups it builds through developing individually tailored plan for each capital working in conjunction with domestic economic broker/dealer relationships with clients’ wealth development and the expertise Sequence market and commercial real estate-oriented advisers.

Financial Specialists offers. client.

Gene King, senior managing director for Sequence Financial also specializes in EB-5 Sequence Holdings, has 35 years transactions, which allow foreign of experience in the financial investors to gain immigration industry. “The internet, status through a federally Google and other search approved process. The Sequence Financial engines allow anyone to EB-5 visa gives high netspecializes in EB-5 educate themselves for worth foreign individuals capital raise, while SFS, as the ability to obtain a transactions, which allow a service provider, works green card, thus lawful foreign investors to gain to complete a transaction,” permanent residency and immigration status. he said. citizenship for the investor 1505 King St. Extension, As the parent company and immediate family in Suite 200 for a financial transaction the United States through an and commercial real estate firm, investment of $500,000.

Charleston, SC 29405 Sequence Holdings, through SFS and The investment must create at least 10 (843) 853-8222 Sequence Real Estate, adds value to transactions U.S. jobs within two years after the investor’s www.sequencefinancialspecialists.com for its clients by utilizing expertise and market application is approved, thus it’s an excellent knowledge in creating, then executing, an example of an international financial transaction

14

2018 Profiles in B usiness | Special Advertising Supplement

SEQUENCE REAL ESTATE

Commercial real estate firm goes beyond traditional services Matching clients with the right property is just the start of what Sequence offers

M

ost commercial firms are set up to handle the standard business of listing properties and finding buyers or tenants. Very few are set up to handle every variation of an investment property search and transaction, including access to debt and capital.

Sequence Real Estate (SRE) does more than the standard when working with its clients, performing services that include creating client profiles, identifying opportunities, matching goals, providing access to debt and equity and managing the investment after the purchase.

SRE prides itself in finding off-market opportunities that match client needs, identifying potential equity partners and investing with clients when appropriate. While many commercial firms focus on matching customers to listed properties, that’s where SRE is just getting started.

“Our approach is that property listings are From left: Gene King, senior managing director; Terry Ansley, broker in charge; Justin Ross, sales associate just a starting point,” broker in charge Terry financing – debt, equity, cash, you name it – so we area of expertise, the team excels and the client Ansley said. “We track properties through can get the whole transaction done, literally from is best served.

We have assembled a team that typical ownership cycles to find the points start to finish,” King said. collaborates on each assignment, and everyone where decisions need to be made with regard to refinancing or selling. We also stay connected celebrates when the deal gets done.”

Gene King is senior managing with landlords to learn where vacancies director for parent company may be on the horizon. By Sequence Holdings.

He continually tracking properties emphasized the relationship in this way, we can often find “We pride ourselves between SRE and its the best fit for our clients in in finding off-market partner, Sequence Financial a property that never goes opportunities, providing Specialists (SFS), which to market.” access to debt and equity and gives clients access to Working through a bringing a team approach to many forms of transaction complete team concept, financing not readily available serving our clients.”

SRE further separates itself 1505 King St. Extension, from other commercial real from the other firms.

Suite 200 estate firms.

“We have gotten away from “As part of Sequence Holdings, the individual armies of one that Charleston, SC 29405 we can refer clients to Sequence Financial are common in real estate,” Ansley said. “In (843) 853-8222 many companies, one agent might excel where Specialists to utilize additional investment www.sequencerealestate.com others don’t, yet each agent has a valuable skill set. vehicles and provide the broadest range of services When we engage each team member in his or her for clients. We have direct access to any kind of

Special Advertising Supplement | 2018 Profiles in Business

15

BOEING SOUTH CAROLINA

History, made with pride in South Carolina New 787-10 model built and delivered completely at Boeing’s North Charleston factory

B

oeing South Carolina has made a habit out of making aerospace history, going all the way back to Oct. 28, 2009, when Boeing announced that its second 787 final assembly and delivery site would be placed in North Charleston, S.C. This decision marked the first time that Boeing would assemble and deliver commercial airplanes from anywhere other than the west coast, and established South Carolina as one of only three places in the world where twin-aisle airplanes are produced.

Fast forward to April 27, 2012, when the first 787-8 rolled out of the factory, greeted by thousands of Boeing South Carolina teammates and guests and covered live by media from around the world. That airplane, which delivered later that year to Air India, was the first fruit of what has become a true 21st century American business success story.

16

The first 787-10 delivered to Singapore Airlines on March 25, 2018. More than 3,000 people attended the delivery event.

The latest chapter of that story was authored on March 25, 2018, when a crowd of approximately 3,000 teammates, invited guests and media witnessed history being made once again as the first 787-10 Dreamliner was delivered to Singapore Airlines. This newest and largest member of the 787 family, “made with pride” exclusively in South Carolina, will set a new global standard for fuel efficiency.

Like the other 787 Dreamliners, the 787-10 is designed with strong, lightweight composites, the most advanced systems, and comfortable cabin features. The 787-10, though, features a longer fuselage which allows it to carry about 40 more passengers or a total of 330 seats in a standard two-class configuration while also carrying 15 percent more cargo than the 7879. With the additional capacity, the 787-10 provides airlines the lowest operating cost per

2018 Profiles in B usiness | Special Advertising Supplement

seat of any widebody airplane in service today.

The 787-10 is a significant milestone for Boeing in South Carolina, but far from the only one and certainly not the last. As Boeing’s presence has evolved in the Lowcountry, the scope of work has grown well beyond the 787.

From a state-of-the-art Research & Technology facility to Propulsion South Carolina’s work on 737 MAX and 777X engine nacelles, Boeing South Carolina teammates demonstrate their abilities every day. The Engineering Design Center and IT Centers located here support projects and programs across the Boeing enterprise, which deliver global impact.

And yet it all started in the early 2000s with nothing more than a vision of what could be, a modern aerospace manufacturing facility rising out of the remnants of a 19th century phosphate mining site. Naysayers said it couldn’t

BOEING SOUTH CAROLINA

Above Left: Boeing has built a strong presence in the state and local community, investing more than $37 million with South Carolina non-profits since 2010.

Boeing teammates have volunteered in our community more than 17,000 times since 2011.

Above Right: A modern aerospace manufacturing facility now thrives where there were once only the remnants of a 19th century phosphate mining operation.

Left: 787 aftbody fuselage sections fabricated from raw composite material in North Charleston, S.C., are delivered to Final Assembly lines here and in Everett, Wash.

– shouldn’t – be done, that complex commercial airplanes could never be built in a place like South Carolina where it had never been done before.

But Boeing has never been a company satisfied with only doing what has been done before. That ambition traces all the way back to Bill Boeing himself, who famously said after

his first flight on a Curtiss floatplane in 1914, “There isn’t much to that machine…. I think we could build a better one.”

And so he did, and the rest, as they say, is history. A history that continues to be written all over the globe and right here in our own backyard. A history made with pride in South Carolina.

MADE WITH PRIDE IN SOUTH CAROLINA

Special Advertising Supplement | 2018 Profiles in Business

17

CAROLINA DOCK AND MARINE, LLC

Hurricanes’ destruction keeps dock builder busy Carolina Dock and Marine specializes in marine construction

C

Founder Joe Keating (left) and President Derek Astorino (right) with his sidekick Mariner (center) stand ready at the helm to get your projects moving.

arolina Dock and Marine meets a need for docks in South Carolina, which has over 8,763 miles of shoreline along marsh-water, upland boundary and the highwater line beaches, according to a study by the Applied Coastal Research Lab at Georgia Southern University. The Charleston Metropolitan Area welcomes 34 net new arrivals a day. Then add three major storm events over the past three seasons and you have a huge demand. Before Hurricane Joaquin in 2015, the company’s business focused mostly on seawalls, says Derek Astorino, president.

18

“After Matthew, we’ve done 80% dock work,” Astorino says. “It knocked out docks that had not been maintained or had been in disrepair since Hugo. Irma (in 2017) took the rest of them out.”

Carolina Dock and Marine’s services include building docks, seawalls and beach access.

Most of the firm’s water-based work is focused in the Charleston area. Astorino explains that construction barges are slow moving and to get a barge to a job in Summerton on Lake Marion took 30 hours. It is much easier to mobilize out of town for seawalls than it is docks. Last year

2018 Profiles in B usiness | Special Advertising Supplement

Carolina Dock and Marine completed a 420foot wall in Lady’s Island just before Irma rolled through. The company is currently building a 555-foot wall on front beach in Hilton Head.

The business faces unique challenges. Tides and wind have a big impact, as heavy weather rocks the barge and can make work impossible.

Regulations have become tighter since the backto-back hurricanes washed away docks that became navigation obstacles. The permitting process with the Army Corps of Engineers and the Ocean and Coastal Resource Management division of SCDHEC takes three to four

CAROLINA DOCK AND MARINE, LLC

Above Left: With close to 15 years of experience, Donny is quite the smooth operator and makes it look easy while setting piles.

Above Right: Crew leader Shaun Dumont and crew are cutting boards to build a new floating dock on Johns Island.

Left: Saul and his crew finish installing pile caps and are ready to frame and deck 600 feet of walkway in West Ashley.

months. Construction requirements are much stricter.

After the last few hurricane seasons most of the business is simply answering or returning calls. The industry is saturated with projects; it is a matter of how soon you can perform. Astorino and his partner, Joe Keating, have the experience, the expertise and the team in place to get a dock

built in a reasonable amount of time. “We are leaders in innovation in the industry,� Keating says, noting that they attend trade shows and talk to dock builders in other regions to learn new techniques. The company recently added another barge and three more tractors to the fleet to better serve the needs of the Lowcountry.

1355 River Road Johns Island, SC 29455 (843) 557-1234

www.carolinadockandmarine.com

Special Advertising Supplement | 2018 Profiles in Business

19

CHUCK BENNETT CONTRACTING INC.

Contractor delivers competitive bid, exceptional quality Chuck Bennett Contracting Inc. specializes in commercial and residential renovation, historic restoration and custom homes

A

n award-winning contractor providing general services as well as a range of custom services may be hard to find in some locations, but not in Charleston. Locally owned Chuck Bennett Contracting Inc., in business since 1986, specializes in commercial renovation, historic restoration, residential renovation and custom homes, as well as commercial and tenant upfit work including restaurants and health care facilities.

“Our company will be opening a 2nd company, New Legacy Contractors, with the intention of providing more commercial services and expanding our residential construction services,” says Chuck Bennett, owner. The company has also added interior design and architectural layout services for residential and commercial projects.

Owned by a fifth-generation Charlestonian, the company has high-visibility projects all over the region. Just a few examples of the projects Chuck Bennett Contracting has worked on are St. Mary’s Church, Allegro Charter School, restaurants at Charleston International Airport, The Boathouse on East Bay Street, Tidelands Bank in Mount Pleasant, the Mills House, Tommy Condon’s restaurant and The Sanctuary Hotel on Kiawah.

Bennett started out small, with $1,500 and a donated truck. Today, he has 44 years of experience in construction administration and his project manager, Laura Smith, has been working in the field for 30 years. Their work has been honored with many awards, including Remodeling magazine’s Big 50, the Charleston Home Builders Association’s Prism Award and the Chrysalis Award for Remodeling Excellence.

In fact, Chuck Bennett Contracting won a Prism Award for the first of 35 homes the company built in The Villages in St. John’s Woods on Johns Island.

Additionally, Chuck Bennett Contracting

20

Chuck Bennett Contracting, Inc. Management Team From left: Ingrid Jantzen, Robert Sease, Chuck Bennett, Laura Smith

is licensed and insured, unlike some of its competitors, Bennett says. “It’s important for the homeowner.” If a workman gets injured on a project and there is no insurance, the claim goes back to the homeowner and his insurance. There is also the danger of hiring an unlicensed and uninsured contractor, only to have the project shut down because the contractor did not get a permit.

Chuck Bennett Contracting has built a reputation in the industry for craftmanship and attention to detail as well as excellent supervision and organization on every project. “We attribute our success to our commitment to company employees, to clients and to family,” Bennett says.

“We are committed to keep moving forward, delivering immediate response and impeccable service.”

2018 Profiles in B usiness | Special Advertising Supplement

2018 Herbert St. Charleston, SC 29405 (843) 577-7968

www.chuckbennettcontracting.com

SAULISBURY BUSINESS MACHINES

Celebrating 50 years of serving Lowcountry businesses Saulisbury family has offered customer-focused business machine sales, service since 1968

S

aulisbury Business Machines is celebrating a milestone with 50 years of service to Lowcountry businesses in 2018.

The company was established in 1968 by Lyles and Mae Saulisbury, specializing in the sales and service of typewriters and adding machines. The original location was a small shop located on Reynolds Avenue in North Charleston.

In 1983, their son and only child, Dale, went to work full-time at the company after graduating from Clemson University. In earlier years, from middle school on, Dale worked in the warehouse, delivered supplies, serviced equipment and found his love for the business.

Dale’s wife, Pam, came onboard to automate the accounting and manage the office in 1994.

Dale became president of the company a year later, and it has since expanded to include offices in Myrtle Beach, Beaufort and the BarnwellBamberg area with 38 total employees.

The Saulisbury staff is dedicated to providing each customer with the best products and finest Saulisbury says. “Excellence in customer service service. They are focused and enthusiastic about is the number-one priority.”

Saulisbury’s extensive line of products continued education and training in both sales includes multifunction printers-copiers-fax and service of their equipment lines. machines in sizes from small desktop Saulisbury introduced copiers and to full-size models that can fax machines into their product “Dedication print 115 pages per minute; line in 1988 and today the and commitment shredders; folders; smart company represents Canon, boards; projectors; and Kyocera and Lanier. The go hand in hand; the high-end production warehouse stocks fullcustomer always comes equipment. bodied supplies and parts first. Excellence in customer Employer-employee for all models in each line, service is the number-one relations are the key to and Saulisbury provides a priority.”

Saulisbury’s thriving and four-hour turnaround for growing business, and Dale service calls. Dale embraces - DALE SAULISBURY strives for longevity in his the technological changes in personnel. Leverne Locklear, Director the industry, which have allowed his of Service, celebrates his 40th anniversary organization to strive to provide a consistent with the company this year. The company recently height of excellence. held a 50th-anniversay employee-appreciation “Dedication and commitment go hand in luncheon to honor its staff. hand; the customer always comes first,” Dale

The staff at Saulisbury Business Machines

7632 Southrail Road North Charleston, SC 29420 (843) 572-9111 www.saulisbury.com

Special Advertising Supplement | 2018 Profiles in Business

21

QUANTUM COATINGS

Providing the finest level of coating application in the Carolinas Quantum Coatings is relationship-driven with a focus on quality that takes customer service to the next level on high-end commercial projects

A

t Quantum Coatings, the staff understands what it takes to complete a large-scale, high-end project, says Scott McCormack, president. “Our experience working on large-scale commercial projects in the Southeast has given us the tools we need to properly manage our projects while delivering the quality and customer service that needs to be delivered.”

The company has grown rapidly and strategically since it opened five years ago in Mount Pleasant. It offers a range of commercial painting, industrial coating and waterproofing services to businesses in the Lowcountry and beyond. The markets it primarily serves are education, hospitality, industrial, medical and office/retail. Major projects underway include the MUSC Children’s Hospital and a ninestory luxury hotel in downtown Charleston, as well as an eight-story mixed-use building downtown.

The company’s mission is “to do whatever it takes to exceed customers’ expectations by providing them with the finest level of coating application, craftsmanship and customer service,” McCormack says. Quantum Coatings’ staff has over 100 years of combined industry experience. The team has been working together since 2014 and quality control is their guiding principle.

Quantum Coatings’ service to customers encompasses providing an accurate estimate and making sure that each project is staffed properly.

The major part of Quantum Coatings’ work is in the Tricounty area, with some projects in Columbia. The company’s focus is the region from Columbia to Savannah to Myrtle Beach, McCormack says.

“We are in the customer service business,” McCormack explains. “It should be a given that you receive a great job. We deliver that job in a way that enables you to focus on your

22

The Quantum Coatings team at the Riley Park Club, a recently completed project in downtown Charleston.

highest priorities, like serving your customer and making money instead of dealing with subcontractor issues all day.”

As the company continues to grow, customer service will remain a No. 1 priority, as the team’s expertise and work ethic seal its reputation. A new waterproofing division will be added to augment services beyond standard commercial painting.

“Quality Focused and Relationship Driven,” Quantum Coatings is prepared to deliver exceptional service and quality work every time on projects throughout the Southeast. “We truly value relationships — with coworkers, fellow contractors and clients,” McCormack says. “The desire to maintain positive working relationships motivates us to get jobs done right.”

2018 Profiles in B usiness | Special Advertising Supplement

1470 Ben Sawyer Blvd.

Suite 16 Mount Pleasant, SC 29464 (843) 628-0298 www.quantumcoatings.com

CHARLESTON COTTON EXCHANGE

Keeping up with trends in brand awareness Charleston Cotton Exchange offers unique, high-quality solutions to help clients

I

n all her years working in custom branding and promotional products, Stephanie Mathias True has seen many product trends come and go, but the idea of branded items remains a strong marketing tool.

True, president of Charleston Cotton Exchange, said one of her key roles is keeping up with growing and changing trends. T-shirts and apparel are still the main branding item.

And Koozies – once a promotional staple – have evolved into Tervis tumblers and insulated water bottles.

“We are always responding to the customers’ demands and requests,” True said. “We listen to what they are trying to achieve, the look, type of event and most importantly, their budget, and guide our customers rather than trying to do a hard sell – that’s never been our business philosophy.

The company recently started branding hats beyond the standard embroidered logo on the front. The idea of using patches and putting the logo on the bill and the side came directly from customer requests, True said.

Another shift is the move toward higherquality items, especially apparel.

Races and events used to give participants a standard cotton T-shirt in unisex sizes. It wasn’t the most comfortable and, for women, didn’t always fit well, True explained. As a result, the shirts were often tossed or stuffed in the bottom of a drawer.

Now, organizations are turning toward performance fabrics and women’s sizes. “They want to spend a little extra so people will wear them,” True said. “With shirts and apparel, it’s a walking billboard.”

Charleston Cotton Exchange also makes it easier for businesses, schools and organizations to provide custom apparel or other branded items through customized online stores. These stores are set up for clients with specific items

Stephanie Mathias True shows a ballcap as it awaits embroidery.

available for purchase.

“We are trying to make it as easy as possible for the customer to get product to their group instead of one employee collecting the money and writing down everyone’s shirt size. This unique option has really taken off this year,” True said.

Attention to the customers’ needs has been a driving force in Charleston Cotton Exchange’s more than 20 years of success.

“We have built a strong local and regional customer base from landscaping companies, breweries and restaurants to large corporations, municipalities and schools,” True said. “We pride ourselves on attentive customer service, and we care about your job, event and brand. We love what we do.”

1758 Ashley River Road Charleston, SC 29407 (843) 763-0740

www.charlestoncottonexchange.com

Special Advertising Supplement | 2018 Profiles in Business

23

CHARLESTON ANGEL CONFERENCE

Getting a taste of angel investing Charleston Angel Conference educates private equity investors with competitive event for entrepreneurs

C

harleston attracts many entrepreneurs with innovative ideas for startup businesses. Private equity investors who want to diversify their portfolios are looking for new opportunities for their capital.

The Charleston Angel Conference brings both together, with the purpose of educating investors, says John Osborne, founder.

“They’re able to participate in an investment at a low minimum while being educated in the process,” Osborne explains. “It gives them a taste, and also offers experienced investors an opportunity to increase their flow of highquality deals to invest in.” Osborne, who has a background in banking, started Funding Charleston in 2012 and held the first Angel Conference in 2016.

The Charleston Angel Conference is a fastpaced, fun event that’s interesting for all involved.

It takes place on two days over two months.

Investors make a minimum commitment of $1,500 to participate. Companies that would at the Charleston Museum auditorium, is open like to be considered pay a $50 registration fee to the public. and provide information. ThriveIP intellectual “We prefer that the investors be actively property law firm is title sponsor of the event. involved in the process, learning how to assess Osborne and his advisory team the opportunity,” Osborne says. “They select 12 diverse companies to learn from people who have done be considered on Screening it a lot.” Investors are not only “We prefer that the Day, which this year takes from Charleston, but also investors be actively place on Sept. 12. At that from such places as Boston involved in the process, event, the companies and Washington. preparing questions and make presentations and The opportunity learning how to assess the the investors vote to select is limited to investors three finalists. accredited by the Securities opportunity.”

Between September and Exchange Commission, - JOHN OSBORNE and November, the team does which has requirements for due diligence on the three finalist net worth and income. The companies. Then on Selection Day, investment funds for each company Nov. 14 in 2018, the finalists make their are held in a special purpose LLC, which presentations. The participants can ask them makes the investment and holds the equity in the questions and then vote to select the company company, Osborne says. to receive their investment. Selection Day, held Companies funded so far are Dynepic, a toy

24

2018 Profiles in B usiness | Special Advertising Supplement

Charleston Angel Conference staff

technology company, at $100,000 in 2016; and Jenny’s Gourmet Foods, the maker of Greenjoy, which received a $153,000 investment in 2017.

Osborne would like to increase the number of investors, with a goal of raising $400,000 to divide among the three finalists.

1505 King St., Suite 200 Charleston, SC 29405 (843) 478-7483

www.charlestonangelconference.com

WAKEFIELD BEASLEY & ASSOCIATES

Architectural and interior design firm is client-focused Bringing global design excellence and world-class service to Charleston and the rest of South Carolina

A

David Hill, AIA, NCIDQ, LEED AP, Senior Architect

city on the world stage deserves world-class design solutions. If you’re one of the visionaries building Charleston’s future, we’re here to help bring your ideas to life.

Since the 1980s, Wakefield Beasley and Associates (WBA) and WB Interiors (WBI) have proudly served the Southeast U.S., offering client-focused architectural and interior design services in a wide range of markets, from hospitality to industrial.

With the opening of its Charleston office in 2017, WBA now serves the city’s and South Carolina’s growing need for mixed-use, retail, multifamily residential and education facilities.

Even better, we do it all backed by a strong regional presence from Georgia to Florida, and an expansive national network through our recent merger with NELSON, an architecture, interior design, planning and consulting firm operating across the globe.

The merger of WBA, WBI and NELSON

Barry Sallas, AIA, LEED AP, Director, Charleston Studio

Bridgeside at Patriots Point in Mount Pleasant is one of Wakefield Beasley and Associates’ recent projects.

allows us to sustain our focus on client needs, while offering the best expertise in the industry. NELSON’s more than 25 locations across the country provide a network of award-winning designers, planners and space consultants who deliver smart and sustainable solutions. Supported by this network, our Charleston office is equipped to respond to every facet of a complex project.

Need a branding consultant? A feasibility study? Are you wondering how to reposition your building in today’s real estate market?

We have a full menu of specialty services to ensure your new development is a success from inception to completion.

As Charleston moves forward, we’ll be there every step of the way, connecting people to places through exceptional design. When you partner with WBA, WBI and NELSON, you get an innovative, multidisciplinary approach to design, with the attention and focus you deserve. For more information, please visit nelsononline.com.

1630 Meeting St. Road, Suite 104 Charleston, SC 29405 (843) 474-9750 www.wbassociates.com

Special Advertising Supplement | 2018 Profiles in Business

25

MCMILLAN PAZDAN SMITH

Helping build a more beautiful Charleston Architecture, planning and design firm’s creative collaboration delivers valuable client support

T

he downtown Charleston offices of architecture, planning and interior design firm McMillan Pazdan Smith embody the spirit of the company. Located in a renovated historic building across from the iconic Mother Emanuel Church, the industrial chic interior is completely open, so ideas can flow across desks, departments and areas of expertise.

Inside, the office thrums with creative collaboration as the firm’s team marries art and science for great design. McMillan Pazdan Smith has built this magnetic and caring culture by assembling, retaining, and developing a tremendous team of growing talent – all with a focus on serving clients and their beloved Charleston community with excellence.

McMillan Pazdan Smith believes great design delights the community as well as the client. They design buildings with the surrounding neighborhoods, and neighbors, top of mind.

“It’s our obligation to the community to enrich the neighborhood and the people who live in it through good design,” says Tom Hund, principal in the Charleston office.

An award-winning designer across many business sectors, McMillan Pazdan Smith has gained increasing recognition for their community-based approach to design. The Charleston Contractors’ Association named them Architectural Firm of the Year in 2016.

They’ve steadily climbed the Engineering News Record’s Top 300 architecture and engineering firms list and have been awarded Zweig Group’s Best Places to Work and Hot Firms awards multiple times in recent years.

Of note, the firm’s K-12 Studio has had a strong impact on the community’s schools. By creating community learning centers that flow into the surrounding neighborhood and provide flexible educational space, they are preparing students for 21st century learning. This standard

26

The Charleston Leadership Team at McMillan Pazdan Smith Architecture.

is the basis for both Berkeley County’s new, award-winning Philip Simmons High School and Mount Pleasant’s new Lucy Beckham High School, to open in 2020.

Likewise, at the Medical University of South Carolina’s groundbreaking Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital, McMillian Pazdan Smith, in association with Perkins+Will, has turned the traditional hospital design upside down. By reorienting the tower, every room is afforded a view of the river. The sickest children are placed on the top floors with the best views, and unique outdoor spaces flow into the rest of the campus.

This facility will be one of only three in the nation to place critically ill newborns in the same rooms as their mothers.

As a firm that leverages cutting-edge technology to create beautiful, cost-effective and enduring design, McMillan Pazdan Smith continues to prove the depth of their enthusiasm for their clients and the city in which they live.

2018 Profiles in B usiness | Special Advertising Supplement

Their diverse portfolio of public and private clients includes Charleston Waterfront Hotel, Charleston and Berkeley County school districts, The Dewberry Hotel, College of Charleston, The Citadel, Porter Gaud, IFA Group, The Boeing Company, Volvo, and many others.

121 Calhoun St., Suite 200 Charleston, SC 29401 (843) 566-0771

www.mcmillanpazdansmith.com

NEWKIRK ENVIRONMENTAL

Guiding clients through complex world of environmental compliance Keeping up to date on ever-changing rules, regulations that govern development is key to Newkirk’s business

Y

ou know Newkirk Environmental Inc. as a professional environmental consulting firm specializing in environmental surveying, planning, permitting, and helping clients maintain compliance with environmental regulations.

In recent years, Newkirk has added stormwater compliance, forestry and land management to its portfolio, obvious complements to the original array of services.

Jim Ducker, PE, and Mac Baughman, Ph.D. have joined the firm to manage these services.

Since 1984, Newkirk has helped utilities, development companies, municipalities and private landowners comply with the complex and fluid environmental permitting processes required by multiple agencies and layers of government before construction can begin. Now they can do more for your project.

Clients planning projects and served by Newkirk prior to groundbreaking can now continue to benefit from Newkirk’s expertise as projects move through construction.

One example of how Newkirk can support a client is its work with WestRock and Newland at its Summers Corner and Nexton projects in Summerville.

During the planning stage of these mixeduse communities, Newkirk completed wetlands and endangered species surveys, and assisted the developer in creating a development plan and obtaining applicable environmental permits.

As construction began, Newkirk’s certified inspectors utilized eSWPPP, their customized web application, to complete the required weekly NPDES inspections for the Summers Corner construction sites. Newkirk continues to monitor the construction to maintain compliance with the plan. Ducker, Newkirk’s on-staff professional engineer, is assisting the client with the close-out process as these projects come to completion.

Newkirk Environmental executives (from left) are Managing Partners Ken Hance and Steve Nichols, Director of Stormwater Services Jim Ducker and Principal of Forestry and Land Management Mac Baughman.

Meanwhile, Baughman, a licensed and certified forester and a certified arborist, spearheaded creation of a forestry plan for Nexton and oversees timber harvest that enhances development activities while continuing to manage the forestry resources. As a registered forester and an arborist, Baughman can help with projects ranging from large tracts of trees down to individual trees within a development.

Newkirk’s expertise in the many overlapping and oft-changing environmental regulations, and in working with the various permitting agencies, can save developers months of delays and millions of dollars. It’s why clients as diverse as Nucor Steel, Roper St. Francis, Santee Cooper, Charleston County Parks, Bulls Bay Golf Course, The Nature Conservancy, the City of Charleston and many more have relied on Newkirk to ensure compliance with environmental regulations.

“We reduce the headaches of permitting by

keeping current on the environmental polices every day,” says Steve Nichols, a managing partner.

1887 Clements Ferry Road Charleston, SC 29492 (843) 388-6585 newkirkenv.com

Special Advertising Supplement | 2018 Profiles in Business

27

PASSARELLA & ASSOCIATES

Giving clients a clear path through environmental regulations Consulting firm stays up to date on complex, evolving policies to keep development projects on track

P

assarella & Associates Inc. helps their clients navigate the complex world of environmental regulations.

Rules and restrictions on land development are constantly changing, and one of the challenges senior ecologist Chris Ryan and his staff at the Mount Pleasant office face is keeping clients updated on those changes.

“A big part of our job is being proactive for our clients. We keep up with changing regulations and make sure our clients are informed every step of the way,” Ryan said.

Passarella, which started with two professionals in Fort Myers, Fla., in 1996, has grown to over 30, expanding its service offerings along the way and adding the Charleston-area location in 2010. Both markets deal with similar issues unique to fast-growing, ecologically sensitive coastal areas.

Passarella’s general services are divided into environmental and GIS consulting. Wetland delineations and permitting, mitigation banks and mitigation design, and threatened and endangered species services make up the bulk of environmental work. Custom mapping, GIS data collection and production, database services, geospatial analysis and GIS web applications are the focus of the company’s GIS consulting business.

Ryan’s staff has grown from two to six, and they are in the process of building a new, larger office near the Wando Welch state ports.

Demand for their services has increased steadily along with the growth in the Lowcountry, Ryan said.

“We opened here in 2010 with unknowns and a slow market,” he said. “Things have definitely changed since then, and the volume of our work reflects that.”

Development and environmental concerns can be a delicate balancing act, and that’s where Passarella helps clients understand what is ahead

28

From left: Timothy Burns, Ecologist; Will Cronin, AutoCAD/GIS; Chris Ryan, Senior Ecologist; Elsie Spencer, Ecologist; and Annamaria Gorman, Administrative Assistant

of them.

“Our mission is to help our clients achieve a sustainable balance between development and the unique environmental resources in the Lowcountry,” said Melissa Kruse, the company’s marketing director. “That’s our focus with each client and every project we work on.”

Ryan added that federal and state environmental regulations dictate what is possible on a given project, and Passarella helps guide clients through the complexities of those rules, but to also achieve the client’s vision for the project.

“We work within the framework of policy and regulations and help clients navigate that,” Ryan said. “We can help them understand the particular constraints on a property so they can make the right decisions to achieve both a successful project and protect the site’s unique natural resources.”

2018 Profiles in B usiness | Special Advertising Supplement

363 Wando Place Drive, Suite 200 Mount Pleasant, SC 29464 (843) 971-8520 www.passarella.net

RESPONZA

More bang for your IT buck Responza uses power of the cloud to lower costs and streamline, safeguard clients’ data

A

re information technology systems strangling your operations? Many small to mid-sized businesses spend too much of their time making IT work at the expense of productivity.

A local IT solutions provider, Responza offers affordable IT consulting and support with the same quality enjoyed by Fortune 100 companies for a fraction of the cost. Why have a vendor, when you can have a partner that is committed to the success of your IT strategy and solutions?

Responza specializes in analyzing your company’s IT environment and processes then streamlining the infrastructure to better equip your company for less downtime and more flexibility in technology processes.

How? You might say Responza has its head in the clouds.

By harnessing the superpower and costeffectiveness of Amazon’s AWS and Microsoft’s Azure & Office 365 clouds, Responza brings the force of these behemoths to small businesses.

Cloud-based systems offer savings and efficient use of storage while increasing capacity for your industry needs.

Responza’s deep experience in information systems consulting, management and implementation develops people who understand users - not just computers. The company builds an environment perfectly suited to your industry by evaluating the complexity of technology needs.

This depth of experience enabled an engineering company to slash weeks of downtime from a major project by building a supercomputer in the cloud for the same monthly cost as the company might spend on a new car lease.

Not all clouds are created equal. Local clouds lack the power of giant, vertically integrated players like Amazon and Microsoft with their hundreds of engineers.

Responza executives Ash Kinghorn (left), principal of the company, and founder Lance Becker.

Will moving to the cloud expose your data to hacking? Not with proper security systems in place, particularly robust staff education. The best firewall, encryption and other measures are only as sophisticated as the people using them.

Responza can simulate attacks to maximize the value of staff training.

Responza complements its expertise in IT architecture with business strategy experience to effectively grow customers’ businesses through cost savings and efficient IT resources.

Start with great computing architecture, develop and implement strategies to achieve company goals, include cloud applications, staff training, and provide ongoing maintenance.

That’s the formula Responza uses to provide more bang for a company’s business buck.

29 Gamecock Ave., Suite 201 Charleston, SC 29407 (843) 990-9200 www.responza.com

Special Advertising Supplement | 2018 Profiles in Business

29

SEACOAST SUPPLY

Ability to deliver quickly, efficiently to any size job Pipe, valve, fitting supplier can move material in a hurry from new, 10,000-square-foot warehouse

W

hen a 92-year-old pipe burst during January’s snow storm, it was one of numerous water main breaks requiring immediate repair by Charleston Water System. As the water gushed, authorities needed to move quickly to staunch the flooding and freezing, and to conserve tens of thousands of gallons of water.

While all eyes were on the municipal water company, a local woman-owned business was behind the scenes, delivering the necessary equipment through treacherous conditions within hours. Their quick work helped repair the broken pipes, limit the damage to streets and maintain the flow of water to homes and businesses, even as many of them lost power.

Seacoast Supply, a wholesale distributor of pipes, valves and fittings for water, sewer, industrial and fire protection projects, boasts an employee team with 250 combined years of service in the industry.

From Left: Eddie Withrock, Marcus DeWitt, Charlene Pittman, Mike Pool, Randy Crocker, Terri Storm, Anne Forrest, Unlike the big box national brands, Steve Vernarec, Michael Sanders, Tim DeCara, Billie Oates and Alex Allen. owner Anne Forrest and her staff can make decisions and take action on the spot for the Bay and Carolina Park, and roadway widening clean water to Lowcountry citizens and carrying contractors, engineers, industrial customers and projects on Clements Ferry Road, Johnnie Dodds away sewer and storm drainage, the entire trimunicipalities with whom they work.

Boulevard, Maybank Highway and Hungryneck county area relies on Seacoast Supply’s Large enough to handle complex Boulevard. service and experience.

Owner Anne projects but small enough to Rapid growth has be nimble, Seacoast Supply increased the need for Forrest and her staff is the right size for any job. improved drainage in the can make decisions and Its new 10,000 sq. ft.

Lowcountry, putting a take action on the spot for warehouse on three acres premium on the company’s the contractors, engineers, just off Ashley Phosphate ability to deliver the most industrial customers and Road is centrally located to advanced solutions. municipalities with whom service the entire tri-county An SCDOT-certified area. Because it is stocked company, Seacoast Supply they work. with a wide variety of inventory, has supported a wide range of customers know that Seacoast large projects, including the Volvo 7227 Cross Park Drive Supply can offer the best products at plant in Berkeley County, the Boeing plant North Charleston, SC 29418 competitive prices and provide personal service and Charleston Airport in North Charleston, (843) 377-2900 to ensure the job comes together smoothly. residential developments like Daniel Island, With an immense system of pipes bringing Nexton, Cane Bay, Summers Corner, Carolina

30

2018 Profiles in B usiness | Special Advertising Supplement