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BOOKof EXPERTS

December 24, 2018 | Volume 21, No. 24

2018 Book of Experts | Special Advertising Supplement

About the cover:

BOOKof

EXPERTS

December 24, 2018

| Volume 21, No.

These six Upstate business executives are not only experts in their respective fields, they also are the leading corporate executive within their company. Some even founded their company. Pictured from left to right (on cover and above): Juanita Worthy, CEO, Greenville Safety Consultants; Debbie Varner, CEO, Recruiting Solutions; Donna Rauch, CEO, Automation Engineering; Marion Crawford, CEO, Crawford Strategy; Pam Christopher, CEO, Anderson Area Chamber of Commerce; and Nika White, CEO, Nika White Consulting. The photo was taken at Halls Chophouse, located in the heart of downtown Greenville. It was provided by Ian Curcio, an award-winning professional photographer based in Greenville. One of Ianâ€™s specialties is corporate portrait photography, and this is his second cover for the Book of Experts. You can see his work at www.iancurcio.com.

Special Advertising Supplement | 2018 Book of Experts

Publisher - Rick Jenkins rjenkins@scbiznews.com • 864.720-1224 ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Account Executive - Ryan Downing rdowning@scbiznews.com • 864-720-1221 Account Executive - Keith Johnson kjohnson@scbiznews.com • 864-720-1974 LOWCOUNTRY NEWSROOM Senior Graphic Designer - Jane James jjames@scbiznews.com • 843.849.3118

LETTER FROM THE PUBLISHER Rick Jenkins

Assistant Graphic Designer - Jessica Stout jstout@scbiznews.com • 843.849.3113 CUSTOM PUBLISHING DIVISION Editor – Steve McDaniel smcdaniel@scbiznews.com • 843.849.3123

South Carolina’s Media Engine for Economic Growth President and Group Publisher - Grady Johnson gjohnson@scbiznews.com • 843.849.3103 Vice President of Sales - Steve Fields sfields@scbiznews.com • 843.849.3110 Creative Director - Ryan Wilcox rwilcox@scbiznews.com • 843.849.3117 Events Director - Kathy Allen kallen@scbiznews.com • 864.720.1225 Audience Development & IT Manager Kim McManus kmcmanus@scbiznews.com • 843.849.3116 Accounting Manager - Vickie Deadmon vdeadmon@scbiznews.com • 803.726.7541 CUSTOM MEDIA DIVISION Director of Business Development - Mark Wright mwright@scbiznews.com • 843.849.3143 Business Development Executive Elizabeth Hodges lhodges@scbiznews.com • 843.849.3105

Publisher

need experts in my life. I’m sure you do as well. In our personal lives, sometimes we need a plumber, an electrician, a realtor or maybe a financial consultant. In our professional lives, we also search for expertise. We often need advice from those who specialize in areas such as IT, marketing, consulting or human resources. Not only are experts more knowledgeable in their chosen field than we are but they’re faster as well. They’ve done it over and over. They have prolonged experience through practice and education. I like to think that we at GSA Business Report are experts in what we do. We provide our readers – top level business executives – a wealth of information every business day. And we help our clients communicate with potential customers via a multitude of print and digital products and business events. One such way is the business resource guide you now hold in your hands – The Book of Experts. Within these pages, 29 experts will provide some advice, share some knowledge and

demonstrate why they are proven leaders in their respective fields. Six experts are pictured on the front cover. But they are more than experts. Each of them is the leading executive officer within their company; several even founded the company they now lead. And yes, they’re all women. Currently, only 5% of Fortune 500 companies are led by female executives. So we certainly have a long way to go to achieve gender equality in the board room. But these women – and others inside these pages – have succeeded in breaking the proverbial glass ceiling. This publication celebrates their knowledge, their success and their expertise. I hope the advice given within these pages delivers value to you as you search for information that can help you make wise decisions in your business and personal life. Enjoy!

Sincerely, Rick Jenkins Publisher, GSA Business Report

SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION GSA Business Report (USPS 8460) is published twice monthly including three special issues in February, August, and December by SC Biz News. 35 Cessna Court, Suite A Greenville, SC 29607-2700 Periodicals postage paid at Greenville, SC. Mailing address: 35 Cessna Court, Suite A Greenville, SC 29607-2700 Postmaster: Please send address changes to: SC Business Publications 1439 Stuart Engals Blvd, Suite 200 Mount Pleasant, SC 29464.

Annual subscribers receive 24 issues of GSA Business Report, including Book of Experts, Market Facts, and the Book of Lists. 24 issues for $57.95; 48 issues for $92.95; 72 issues for $129.95. Subscribe, renew, change your address, or pay your invoice online at www.scbiznews.com/subscriber-services or call 864-517-1492.

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2018 Book of Experts | 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. ©2018 NWS Company LLC

Pictured in top photo from left to right: Andy Sherman, President, Sherman Construction; Sam Erwin, Executive Vice President, Iberia Bank; Steve Sinicropi, Senior Vice President and Market Manager, Entercom Upstate; Paul Pappy, President, Sonfast Corp.; and Tad Goetcheus, President, HRP Associates. (Photos/Ian Curcio)

BOOKof EXPERTS

Special Advertising Supplement | 2018 Book of Experts

FEATURED EXPERTS

Anderson Chamber of Commerce

26 IBERIABANK

Automation Engineering

Merit Technologies

Crawford Strategy

Sherman Construction

Greenville Safety Consultants

Sonfast Corporation

Nika White Consulting

Entercom Radio Group

Recruiting Solutions

35 Ameriprise

Spartanburg Water

American Heart Association

HRP Associates

Bright + Co

2018 Book of Experts | Special Advertising Supplement

FEATURED EXPERTS

Evans General Contractors

Pintail Capital Partners

Furman University

Rick Erwinâ€™s Dining Group

Hilton Greenville

Roebuck Buildings

Industry Event Rentals

SC Premier Signs

Ian Curcio Photography

Swafford Transportation

Mavin Construction

50 IntelliNet 51

Melloul-Blamey Construction Special Advertising Supplement | 2018 Book of Experts

BUSINESS

Helping your business thrive is our focus and goal Anderson Area Chamber of Commerce in business for business B Y PA M C H R I S T O P H E R • P R E S I D E N T & C E O • A N D E R S O N A R E A C H A M B E R O F C O M M E R C E

or 116 years, the Anderson Area Chamber of Commerce has been working collectively to bring resources and talent together to achieve goals for our organization, our members, and community that never could have been reached individually. It truly is a team effort. It is our key to serve our business community and work collaboratively throughout the region and at the state level to ensure our business and community success. We work to elevate Anderson throughout the region and state by focusing on four key areas: business connection, public policy, workforce talent attraction, and promotion. We convene thought leaders that are focused on our future to ensure that our economy and businesses thrive. The organization engages in critical issues affecting the community, including infrastructure, workforce development and education through a team of policy experts made up of members of our board of directors, your Chamber leadership staff, and others throughout our region. These leaders help to ensure Anderson County remains a welcoming county that attracts talent from diverse backgrounds. Through our talent attraction efforts, we are working with our businesses to attract and retain the next generation of talent shaping our region. Your Anderson Area Chamber of Commerce continues to take a leadership role in helping improve the quality of life in our community. By collaborating with public and private sectors, city and county government and Upstate coalitions, the Chamber has had a hand in bringing a hospital to the

region, which today is AnMed Health, a college to Anderson which today is Anderson University, a library known as Anderson County Library, which was named the best library in the State of South Carolina, and many other needed key components to Anderson County. The strong connections we make for our business community to connect them with their suppliers and those purchasing their products or services, or creating that strong network for them is key to our portfolio of offerings. Further, an atmosphere of continuous communication, building consensus and creating positive change for the benefit of all is a priceless value that works for us. You will find a tireless, enthusiastic effort to promote our community and region, accomplish goals and plan for the future. We work with our business community to develop an annual legislative agenda so that we can take a strong stance on the issues that are important to our local and regional business community, and we take that message to the Capitol to speak collectively on your behalf. Together, we can be much more effective in sustaining our economic vitality and advocating for business. Your Anderson Chamber focus is to unite interests and actions toward growth and development in such a way that changes are in support of a better and more prosperous place in which to live, work and conduct business. We are here to help all businesses in Anderson County thrive and reach their business market. Through membership in the Anderson Area Chamber of Commerce you have access to:

2018 Book of Experts | Special Advertising Supplement

President & CEO, Pam Christopher

• Free leads group • An advocate for you and your business here locally, in Columbia, and in Washington D.C. • Promotion of your business daily (Last year alone we provided 1,080,067 referrals of our member businesses, which is an average of 1,270 referrals per member) • Timely seminars for you and your team • Business connections for your business • A partner to work with you in your talent attraction We want to serve you, provide you effective return on investment and help you grow your business. We also have cost-saving benefits to you and your business through our many partnerships. We are just one click (www.andersonscchamber. com), phone call (864-226-3454) or email (membership@andersonscchamber.com) away from your business success!

Special Advertising Supplement | 2018 Book of Experts

AUTOMATION

The constant at Automation Engineering is change Embracing automation technology initiatives B Y D O N N A R A U C H • C E O & O W N E R • A U T O M AT I O N E N G I N E E R I N G

ince Automation Engineering began in 1981, the one thing that remains the same is the ever-changing landscape of manufacturing and the company’s ability to be front and center in it. You’re either the company developing automation or the one being automated – and sometimes it’s a mixture of both. From the stone age to the technology age, it’s been an integral part of human progress and key to modern manufacturing. However, making the commitment to embrace an automation initiative and preparing your organization to collaborate with technology is sometimes a difficult equation. As a company, how do you know when it’s time to make that move? Is there a process that puts your employees in a dangerous position? The introduction of automation to factories improves safety by taking over high-risk jobs. From automotive assembly to carpenter shops, robots can perform functions that can result in immediate harm or ergonomic injury to workers. Even more important, advances in robotics technology are making it safer for humans to work alongside robots. Is there a process that requires greater throughput? The demand for your products may outweigh your ability to produce them. Repeatable tasks that require faster consistent results are ripe for automating. Although this idea may strike fear in your workforce of “being replaced by a machine,” the reality is that jobs are being redesigned in ways that make them more interesting and rewarding for employees. Factory jobs are shifting from manual tasks to designing the work of automated equipment. Are you having issues with consistent quality? Those repeatable tasks requiring manual movement can result in a deterioration of physical stamina and mental attention. At the end of the process, you have another person checking

behind them, monitoring their results. This results in lost time and lost materials costs. A robot, or other automated process, does the same thing the same way all the time – unless you tell it something different or periodic maintenance is required. In any case, the decision to automate your processes will create an organizational change. At Automation Engineering Company, we can advise our customers on work flow processes, designing automation solutions and building equipment, all while understanding the disruption and rewards of change. AEC added three important partners to our capabilities. Finding the right existing technology has been an important focus for us as we stay relevant to our customers’ needs in safety, throughput and quality. First, we became a distributor for Halter, the global leader in machine tending assistants. For machining facilities where processes are repeatable, and demand is high, we’ve worked to retrain machining operators to tend multiple machines with robots to help. Next, we became an ABB Robotics Value Provider. Our engineered solution with ABB allows us to expand on our machine tending solutions, palletizing cells and automated test and assembly operations. Last, we partnered with Lincoln Electric and their welding automation program. Lincoln is the premier expert in welding around the world. Their expertise, coupled with our engineering, can offer efficient and safe solutions to manufacturing facilities where welding is in operation. As we make automation more affordable, more accessible, more reliable and easier to deploy, the associated organizational change becomes less disruptive and much more rewarding. Automation Engineering Company is looking forward to the new year with our customers and offering new capabilities, new technologies and new partnerships.

2018 Book of Experts | Special Advertising Supplement

Special Advertising Supplement | 2018 Book of Experts

MARKETING

Cutting through the noise: How communication strategies aid effective marketing Keep your brand relevant in the digital age through strategic communications

B Y M A R I O N C R A W F O R D • P R E S I D E N T A N D C E O • C R AW F O R D S T R AT E G Y

oday, there are more ways to reach an audience than ever before. Since 1990, the number of communication channels has nearly quintupled. What does that mean? If you want to effectively communicate with your audiences, you need a comprehensive strategy.

a column is good, but repetition is key. Remember, it is a noisy marketplace, so your message may not be heard the first time.

Right channels Determining where to reach your audience is crucial and changes with each generation. Millennials are now the Relevance largest generation How do you “After you craft in the U.S. labor cut through the relevant messages, force, according noise and reach share those messages to Pew Research your audiences frequently.” Center, and effectively? First, their preference you must be for receiving relevant. According - MARION information is to Accenture, one in CRAWFORD different than four customers says older members of the he/she would stop doing population. Pew found 72 business with a company that percent of millennials use social media isn’t relevant. Accenture also found that 68 percent of companies perceived to get information, while Gen-X and baby as relevant will be recommended to boomers prefer television. Knowing who others. To be relevant, you must focus you want to reach will help you identify the best way to reach them. on your audiences: • What do they want? Rally the Troops • What are their aspirations? Finally, your team is critical to • How can your brand help them your success. A recent survey found achieve those aspirations? Once you understand what your companies lose an average of $62.4 audience wants, craft messaging that million per year due to miscommunication to and between employees. Strong speaks to that want. internal communication can help create a thriving corporate culture. When internal Repetition After you craft relevant messages, teams are aligned with the company’s share those messages frequently. In mission, vision and values, they become 2015, Microsoft research found that brand ambassadors. Consider the people people’s attention spans are now just on your front lines, inspire them and let 8 seconds. With that in mind, an ad or them tell your story.

2018 Book of Experts | Special Advertising Supplement

President and CEO, Marion Crawford

Crawford Strategy is an agency of spirited thinkers and doers.

Special Advertising Supplement | 2018 Book of Experts

SAFETY CONSULTING

Greenville Safety Consultants Inc.: ‘Your Complete Safety Solution’ Continually protecting workers’ safety and clients’ financial security and overall success B Y J U A N I TA W O R T H Y • C E O • G R E E N V I L L E S A F E T Y C O N S U LTA N T S

n the United States, 510 workers are injured every hour, eroding 104 million production days. Is your team ready for the significant Occupational Safety Health Administration (OSHA) regulatory challenges in 2019? Regulatory fines have risen to $12,934 per serious and failure to abate, while willful and repeat violations have risen to $129,336 per incident. Your company cannot afford to be on OSHA’s extreme violator list when Greenville Safety provides that needed synergistic, team-minded view in proactively wrangling your environment, health and safety (EHS) needs. What is your company’s EHS philosophy? Do you operate under the “Three C’s - choice, chance or change?” Maybe you utilize the “Zero Incident Mindset” or the old adage, “Our team goes home the same way they came in.” A model EHS approach requires action to ensure results. Partnering with Greenville Safety provides you custom safety representation that is affordable and gives you the advantage of a thirdparty, professional, unbiased entity that will continually work with you on compliance, risk reduction, workforce training, equipment modification and management of safety at various levels. Headquartered in Greenville, S.C., since 2013, Greenville Safety is no stranger to navigating large scale or finite safety projects. With over 30 years’ expertise in partnering with companies in a multitude of industries and in

serving international sectors such as aerospace, automotive, industrial, utility, transportation and health care, Greenville Safety forges that rapport to complement your safety demands. In October 2018, OSHA updated its National Emphasis Program (NEP) on Trenching and Excavation, calling for additional compliance and inspection programs. In 2019 it will be a major regulatory focus. OSHA seeks to ensure that your firm is invoking solid prevention efforts and will validate that your employees are formally trained in addition to mandating that modern protection devices are in use. OSHA is expanding the compliance inspector roll and is actively adding to its workforce in 2019. Avoiding these types of EHS pitfalls is vital for your employees’ safety and your company’s stability. Call upon Greenville Safety at 864-609-4320 or online at www.greenvillesafety.com to review your work landscape, validate areas of enhancement, implement quality driven training, engage field presence to diffuse risk and/or implement proactive confined-space management programs. With the high costs of safety fines or down time, todays corporations cannot afford to be without ideal safety representation. Your business landscape needs knowledgeable, seasoned safety professional partners to combat the ever-changing work environment. Greenville Safety has the wealth of expertise to foster that support.

2018 Book of Experts | Special Advertising Supplement

CEO, Juanita Worthy, CHST Board Member of Women in Manufacturing – Upstate SC

AEROSPACE

Special Advertising Supplement | 2018 Book of Experts

CONSULTING

Nika White Consulting: Diversity and inclusion expert for organizations, companies Nationally recognized consultant can help your group or business embrace change and growth

B Y D R . N I K A W H I T E • P R E S I D E N T & C E O • N I K A W H I T E C O N S U LT I N G

ompanies that are inclusive know how to optimize sustainable success and create strong communities. Navigating the complexities of an evolving global business environment requires strategic diversity and intentional inclusion. But what happens when an organization needs an experienced D&I practitioner, but the size and structure of the company doesn’t make that possible? Let Dr. Nika White be your solution as an outsourced Chief Diversity Officer to help you best leverage your greatest asset (your people) and take your company to the next level. She supports organization in building leadership strength and organizational effectiveness by helping clients stay competitive in today’s marketplace with sustainable solutions to effectively engage diverse constituents. The types of clients Dr. White works with include chambers of commerce, municipalities, government agencies, higher learning institutions, nonprofit organizations, corporations and small and mid-size companies. White’s professional career spans 20-plus years, ranging from serving as a diversity and inclusion practitioner, an accomplished marketing communications executive, economic development leader and community advocate. She found inspiration through the intersection of business, diversity and leadership, and has made this her niche. She is a national soughtafter consultant, thought leader and speaker to countless organizations

and executives on issues of team engagement, organizational leadership, strategic diversity and intentional inclusion. Dr. White demonstrates her influence in the marketplace and the community with awards like SC Career Woman of the Year, SC Upstate Business Journal Who’s Who, US Small Business Association’s SC Minority Business Advocate of the Year, Greenville Business Magazine 50 Most Influential, and national recognition by The Network Journal Magazine as a Top 40 Under 40 Leader, and Diversity MBA Magazine as a Top 100 Under 50 Executive. Dr. White is a graduate of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Institute of Organization Management (IOM), a milestone consisting of 96 credit hours of nonprofit instruction focusing on professional growth and development. Dr. White is a Certified Diversity Executive (CDE) through the Institute for Diversity Certification (IDC), which has conferred globally recognized professional credentials to Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) practitioners in all sectors. Dr. White is the author of “The Intentional Inclusionist,” a book for leaders who want to grow as inclusionminded individuals and exercise their leadership to enhance the workplace, build communities, and have a positive impact on any circle of influence to which they belong. Dr. White’s most recent published work is “Next-Level Inclusionist: Transform Your Work and Yourself for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Success.”

2018 Book of Experts | Special Advertising Supplement

President & CEO, Dr. Nika White

Special Advertising Supplement | 2018 Book of Experts

STAFFING & RECRUITING

How to build your employment brand to attract the best talent Recruiting Solutions can fill all of your hiring needs in a highly competitive job market B Y D E B B I E VA R N E R • C E O & O W N E R • R E C R U I T I N G S O L U T I O N S

inding the right employee today is tougher than ever! Employers across South Carolina are finding it more difficult to fill critical job openings due to record low unemployment and widening skill gaps. Companies that are taking a strategic approach to hiring are faring best in today’s competitive environment. When evaluating your hiring needs it is important to look beyond your current openings and take time to focus through a wider lens. What is your employment brand? In today’s candidate-driven market, providing a positive work environment and a strong company culture are essential in becoming a destination employer. Our company has worked hard at growing our brand and company culture and has seen tremendous results. Here are a few things your company can do to attract and retain the right talent: Offer internships, apprenticeships, trial hires and on-the-job training. Employers are not only looking for candidates that possess the basic skills needed for the job but more importantly have the critical thinking skills and motivation to do the job well. As the economy continues to improve, employers

2018 Book of Experts | Special Advertising Supplement

CEO & Owner Debbie Varner

STAFFING & RECRUITING

are increasing investment into training of aligning with destination employers and developing their employees. aids in our ability to constantly attract This allows employers to fill gaps and add qualified individuals to our in employee skill sets and will help talent benches. Make sure you work companies work to full capacity in an with a staffing partner that knows your local market, has a proven track improving economy. record of success and is open Expand your search to creating customizable past the typical college solutions to address graduate. Although a “Expand your your needs. Invest four-year degree is the necessary time still important to search past the to meet with your many employers, typical college staffing team to some companies graduate.” ensure everyone are rethinking this is focused on hiring requirement. - DEBBIE VARNER your company’s Graduates of objectives. technical schools, We believe the training or those who most successful business possess relevant work relationships center around history are becoming as highly communication where ideas are demanded as those with a degree. Create an outstanding candidate presented, evaluated and implemented experience. Candidate experience is to the benefit of all parties. Equally as important is selecting a defined as how job seekers perceive and react to employers’ sourcing, staffing partner that has the financial recruiting, interviewing, hiring, and resources to support your growth and a conservative approach to managing onboarding processes. Successful employers are putting a risk. Comprehensive insurance greater emphasis on this by ensuring adherence and an new employees are faced with a smooth coverage, first day. Make certain there is someone understanding of today’s everdedicated to providing the new hire changing employment law landscape with all the pertinent information and can provide you with the peace of mind you deserve when addressing your tools needed to get the job done. Find a staffing partner! Today’s employment needs. Recruiting Solutions is a WBENC market requires you to be nimble and quick and a solid staffing partner certified staffing agency that has can be a “difference maker” for your operated since 1992 with offices in the company. At Recruiting Solutions, we Upstate, Midlands and Pee Dee regions hire all day, every day. Our reputation of South Carolina.

The Recruiting Solutions Greenville team sponsored and enjoyed serving at the Greenville Chamber Manufacturing BBQ Bash.

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Special Advertising Supplement | 2018 Book of Experts

WATER UTILITY

Spartanburg Water takes pride in providing safe, clean drinking water Award-winning utility strives to exceed expectations, quality standards as a community partner B Y S U E S C H N E I D E R • C E O • S PA R TA N B U R G WAT E R

partanburg Water is fueled by experts – it takes a team of scientists, engineers, accountants, environmentalists, technicians and a host of other disciplines to fulfill our responsibility to the 200,000 people we serve. We begin each day with a singular mission: To provide quality water and wastewater services to our region in a reliable manner. Spartanburg Water is our community’s water and we will stop at nothing short of excellence to protect it and nurture it and sustain it. Our stellar record is based on a strong, consistent history of exceeding rigorous water quality requirements. That’s why we were named one of only 61 water and wastewater organizations around the globe as a Utility of the Future Today. For nearly 20 years, Spartanburg Water has been an active and awardwinning member of the Partnership for Safe Water, a national volunteer initiative developed by an unprecedented alliance of six prestigious drinking water organizations: American Water Works Association, Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies, Association of State Drinking Water Administrators, National Association of Water Companies, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Water Research Foundation – all striving to provide communities with drinking water quality that surpasses the required federal standards. Each year, we produce a Water Quality Report that shows how we measure up to the standards set by the EPA and DHEC. That report, which

is available on our website, provides a comprehensive view of how we measure up to a variety of water quality requirements and regulations, including those for the presence of lead in the water system. A big part of our commitment to the community is sharing information about our water, and we encourage you to review the report to see for yourself. We also invest in the community with special programs, including an award-winning initiative that we call “Choose Tap.” Our goal is to support large events with free water and promote the benefits of tap water over prepackaged bottled water. Recently, we unveiled a series of refillable water fountains, including at the main branch of the public library. They are the result of a vision that really does help us see and hear and understand the story of our shared community, a story we’re still writing. Together. What better place to tell a story than in a library? Above one fountain is a quote from Mark Twain: “The face of the water, in time, became a wonderful book … And it was not a book to be read once and thrown aside, for it had a new story to tell every day.” And those experts who come to work every day at Spartanburg Water – from the scientists in the lab to the customer service representatives to the accountants – help us ensure that our story will continue into the future. Great things are on the horizon, and that future is as clear as a tall, cold glass of Spartanburg Water.

2018 Book of Experts | Special Advertising Supplement

Sue Schneider, CEO of Spartanburg Water

Special Advertising Supplement | 2018 Book of Experts

2018 Book of Experts | Special Advertising Supplement

BOOKof EXPERTS “Your Anderson Area Chamber of Commerce continues to take a leadership role in helping improve the quality of life in our community.” - PAM CHRISTOPHER ANDERSON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

“We believe the most successful business relationships center around communication where ideas are presented, evaluated and implemented to the benefit of all parties.” - DEBBIE VARNER RECRUITING SOLUTIONS

Special Advertising Supplement | 2018 Book of Experts

ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTING

Minimizing and managing environmental risks with expert guidance A trusted resource can make all the difference throughout a project’s process B Y TA D G O E T C H E U S , P. E . • P R E S I D E N T & C O O • H R P A S S O C I AT E S I N C

here is risk inherent in every business, and HRP Associates Inc. (HRP) took a major risk 25 years ago when the company ventured south from New England to open its first regional office in Greenville. Now, with six regional offices and 125 employees nationwide, HRP continues serving the environmental and engineering needs of companies around the world seeking to minimize and manage their own risks. As a multidisciplinary environmental and engineering consulting firm, HRP supports businesses with expert knowledge on a variety of topics, such as multimedia regulatory compliance (e.g., air, waste, water, etc.), management systems, environmental and occupational health and safety, site assessment and remediation and brownfield redevelopment. Just as the company began more than 35 years ago and has expanded, there have been risks at every turn. When I moved to the Upstate 2 1/2 decades ago to initiate the first expansion of HRP, the company recognized the competitive advantage the area offered and the opportunities available to serve Tier 1 suppliers. We appreciated the international investment being made in the area and were able to walk alongside many of those relocating to the region as they adjusted to the business and regulatory climate of the Upstate. Being able to guide manufacturers in environmental health and safety compliance and risk management proved invaluable as we joined the booming business environment of South Carolina and our neighboring states. As a company, we’ve now provided expertise and managed projects for organizations located in 40 states nationwide and 14 countries around the globe.

2018 Book of Experts | Special Advertising Supplement

HRP Associates, President & COO, Tad Goetcheus, P.E.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTING HRP consults private and public organizations like industrial manufacturers, health care systems and universities with thorough, trusted guidance at each step of the process. Our team members understand that organizations require practical solutions with minimal operational impact, and our focus is to develop safe, cost-effective solutions that balance compliance and risk reduction with business needs, but not straying from full dedication to worker health and safety. Partnership with minimal impact on strategic growth planning “Does our plant expansion require a revision to our current air permit?” “We’re considering the purchase of a historically impacted industrial property; can you help us understand the risks associated with former operations at this site?” We field these types of questions daily, and they reveal important aspects to consider during the planning stages of new projects. Our breadth of services assists with the prevention or mitigation of environmental impacts, improves the efficiency of EH&S management and reduces operating costs associated with the environmentally conscious economy in which we reside. Navigating regulatory issues can be time-consuming and costly, but HRP bridges the gap by conducting multimedia compliance and ISO management system audits for our clients and providing expert strategies to meet requirements. Clients and business partners often seek out our expertise in the area of process safety management, known as PSM within

our profession, and a major regulation outlined by the U.S. Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA). PSM standards focus on preventing releases of highly hazardous chemicals, involving flammable, toxic and dangerous substances, as well as community and industrial process safety. Our team constantly evaluates these guidelines, along with the recently released ISO 14001 and 45001 standards, to provide the best recommendations and programs for our clients. HRP has also developed a certified industrial hygiene team that works with science and technology to protect the health and safety of workers and the community. We understand that quality must be managed from start to finish. We continue to expand our business practices to assist manufacturers in the automotive and aeronautical industries with specific insight, along with the specialized needs of chemical, plastics, pharmaceutical and metal finishing manufacturers. Overall, we understand the risks that an organization’s environment poses, and our entire business is centered on helping to manage those for our clients throughout each project. From the acquisition of property, to the design/ build phase, construction and on through to operations and ongoing management, an expert environmental risk consultant ultimately helps to control risk practices for the complete business process. Environmental management is a fundamental concern for all, and HRP will continue our high level of quality and service to support the Upstate region and beyond as we provide our expertise for minimizing and managing environmental risks.

HRP engineers Cynthia Olley and Michael Steinberg conduct an environmental health and safety compliance audit for a Greenville manufacturer. HRP engineers Laura Lopez-Sosa and Jackie Bailey review data as part of a process safety management risk analysis performed at an Upstate facility.

Special Advertising Supplement | 2018 Book of Experts

BANKING

Preserving our past and fueling our future IBERIABANK strives to make best financial decisions for clients and communities it serves B Y S A M E R W I N • E V P, C A R O L I N A S R E G I O N A L P R E S I D E N T • I B E R I A B A N K

BERIABANK entered the South Carolina market in April 2017 and recently opened our South Carolina headquarters and full service banking center at 110 East Court in the lobby of the E+P Co. Building. We take a relationship-based approach to banking – decisions are made locally by market leadership that knows Greenville, its industries and communities. As the bank continues to grow and expand in Greenville, our strategy remains the – provide solid, straightforward financial solutions in the best interest of our clients. As many understand, Greenville is a crowded banking market. Given this fact, as we continue to build our traditional banking business, we have worked diligently to develop niche strategies that differentiate us from other banks in the market. One such niche has been a focus on real estate projects which utilize tax credits as part of their financing strategy for redeveloping older buildings – specifically, Plush Mill in Greenville and the Montgomery Building in Spartanburg. The Historic Tax Credit (HTC) program

provides an income tax credit to developers of income-producing properties such as office buildings, retail establishments, rental apartments and others against their federal tax liability. This tax credit may be converted to equity, which can offset some of the expense in the rehabilitation of historic buildings. The Federal New Market Tax Credit (NMTC) program provides a tax credit for investments in projects in identified lowincome communities, helping to create jobs and provide new opportunities for businesses.

EVP, Carolinas Regional President, Sam Erwin

encourages private sector investment in the rehabilitation and reuse of historic buildings. Recognizing the cost associated with rehabilitating historic buildings, the HTC

2018 Book of Experts | Special Advertising Supplement

Plush Mill IBERIABANK provided funding and guidance on the $9 million financing package to complete the renovation of the historic Plush Mill in Greenville. The project, located in an Appalachian Regional Commission Distressed Area with 44.2% poverty and 36.8% median family income, included remediation of a brownfield site, restoration of the Plush Mill, and the development of a pocket park for the City of Greenville. Tax credits included

BANKING New Market and Historic and led to the revitalization of a 24,500-squarefoot building housing Serendipity Labs, a high-performance co-working and shared office space located just minutes from downtown Greenville. Project developer Mark Peters, one of the founders of Britt, Peters and Associates, saw promise in the old textile building, which had been abandoned and an ugly scar for the surrounding community, to become a hub for activity on the West side of downtown Greenville. Utilizing the availability of the New Markets Tax Credits and South Carolina Textiles Communities Revitalization programs was essential to completing this project and restoring vibrancy to this long-neglected neighborhood. IBERIABANK’s team, along with strong partnerships from Tax Advantage Group, Enhanced Capital, River Gorge Capital and Stonehenge Community Capital, were able to guide them through the multifaceted financing package to a successful completion. Montgomery Building IBERIABANK provided funding to assist in the $31 million redevelopment of the historic 10-story Montgomery Building in Spartanburg. Originally constructed in 1924 and located in the heart of downtown, the building was on the National Register of Historic Places, yet abandoned over 20 years ago. By utilizing Historic and Abandoned Building Tax Credits as part of the financing package, the building

has been reborn and once again proudly stands tall in downtown Spartanburg. Expected to open in December 2018, the building will contain nearly 90,000 square feet of new retail space, offices and apartments. Project developers James Bakker and Tom Finnegan shared a vision and worked for years to save the building and restore it to its original design. This process included the removal of the original decorative, exterior concrete panels and recasting replacements to match the originals. The inside was also historically restored to match the original plans, but with new, modern improvements. IBERIABANK, Commonwealth Preservation Group, McMillan Pazdan Smith Architects, Harper Construction and the City of Spartanburg worked in partnership to restore the building to be the historic landmark it once was. “While we provide financing for a diverse group of industries and projects locally, we take pride in funding these unique projects and protecting part of upstate South Carolina’s history,” said Sam Erwin, Carolinas Regional President for IBERIABANK and a veteran banker in Greenville. “Tax credit transactions are complex and require some ingenuity and knowhow to get done, but, in the end, there’s a great deal of satisfaction in preserving historic buildings that add character and meaning to our community.”

Top: Montgomery Building, Spartanburg Middle and bottom: Plush Mill, Greenville

Special Advertising Supplement | 2018 Book of Experts

TECHNOLOGY

Merit Technologies combines IT support with client-first service Technical competence, customer empathy are keys to our business model

B Y A B E VA R U G H E S E • C E O • M E R I T T E C H N O L O G I E S

erit Technologies, LLC (Merit) attacks and phishing emails sneaking is making strides in the into your corporate networks to human Upstate. Moving to their new data theft, the problem is massive corporate office located at 68 Pointe and growing in magnitude. Constant Circle, Merit is experiencing rapid vigilance is needed to ensure best practices are in place to minimize growth in the upstate. Merit was founded in 2009 by compromise. Merit can be your entire Abe Varughese and James Edwards. technical business unit or in most Their goal was to provide unbiased cases work with your internal technical and unrivaled information technology teams. Merit uses state-of-the-art tools services to the Upstate business to manage all devices and keep your networks and devices healthy. community and have fun doing it. To better serve our business The world is changing, and the world of information technology (IT) community, Merit has partnered with is changing even faster. Merit takes a industry leaders such as Microsoft, Cisco, VMWare, Watchguard and three-step approach to managing IT. many other manufacturers. These steps are as follows: We also develop software First is redundancy. for mobile apps and Redundancy demands “Being your trusted SaaS multitenant that you have put web applications. advisor, we help you in place systems We provide helpand processes leverage IT to meet your desk services that that will serve business goals.” make support to “mirror” your very easy for you most vital data. - ABE VARUGHESE and your staff. Our Natural disasters engineers are certified, are unpredictable and competent, courteous can cause irreparable and caring. We have created damage. Your information systems are at risk daily, thus a an internal culture of excellence that comprehensive redundancy plan is flows outward as an excellent goldstar service provider for our customers. smart business. Second step is consistency. Lack Today, we have a customer retention of consistency among devices and rate of 94% while the industry average applications raises the cost of IT is at 72%. In our business, it is unsatisfactory support. For example, if an organization has Office 2010, 2013 and 2016, the to be technically competent only, but cost of maintaining various versions rather we must have both the technical is higher. Merit does an organizational skills and customer empathy to make audit and helps you move to the best us an elite IT company. Merit can help consistent environment that meets growing organizations understand and leverage information technology to meet your budget. Finally, security. Security has been their business needs. Contact us on our a massive concern. From unwanted website at MeritTechnologies.com or call automated malware, ransomware 864-908-3577.

2018 Book of Experts | Special Advertising Supplement

CEO, Abe Varughese

Special Advertising Supplement | 2018 Book of Experts

CONSTRUCTION

Sherman Construction using CLT for new project Cross-Laminated Timber offers sturdy, durable alternative to concrete and steel BY ANDY SHERMAN • PRESIDENT • SHERMAN CONSTRUCTION

eveloped in Europe 25 years and requires less labor, which again, ago, Cross-Laminated Timber keeps the costs down. Manufacturing (CLT) is an engineered wood CLT in the South using Southern panel typically consisting of three, yellow pine could also be a boost to five or seven layers of dimensional South Carolina’s timber industry, which lumber. CLT is so thick and sturdy, it currently has an economic impact in can replace concrete and steel in many our state of $21 billion annually. Because of CLT panels’ impressive applications. CLT is constructed using kiln-dried strength, they allow for modern timber boards layered perpendicular to one structures to be built safely at taller another and then glued. Panel sizes heights, which can be seen from many example projects around the vary, but can be as large world. While fire safety as 20 inches thick, 18 is always a concern feet wide and 98 feet in taller buildings, long. For someone “While every project is when exposed unfamiliar with the unique, CLT gives owners to fire the char product, it looks and architects another forms on CLT at like a massive option in design.” a predictable sheet of plywood rate, slowing made from 2x4’s. - ANDY SHERMAN combustion, while The panels can be retaining strength for custom fabricated life safety and firefighting to create openings, purposes. compound angles and There are expected changes to unique features requiring complex geometry to meet specific end-use the upcoming International Building Code that are likely to increase the applications. In North America, the first CLT allowable building heights with CLT manufacturing facilities were in the up to 20 stories. Clemson University Pacific Northwest and Canada using is pioneering this type of construction spruce pine fir and Douglas fir lumber in the Southeast by using CLT in the species. The resulting economics design of the Snow Family Outdoor meant that very little CLT construction Fitness & Wellness Center. Sherman took place in the Southeast Construction will break ground on that because of the transportation costs project this spring. We are also incorporating CLT involved. However, that is changing. With in the design of an office building in the opening of a CLT plant in Dothan, Greenville and a few other projects. Ala., by International Beams, costs are While every project is unique, CLT coming down at the same time that gives owners and architects another steel costs are going up. Additionally, option in design. We’re looking forward given the labor shortages in the to seeing this type of construction more construction industry, CLT is faster here in South Carolina.

2018 Book of Experts | Special Advertising Supplement

President, Andy Sherman

Snow Family Outdoor Wellness & Fitness Building, Cooper Carry

Special Advertising Supplement | 2018 Book of Experts

DISTRIBUTION

Being Superman Establishing corporate vision and setting the bar for service B Y PA U L PA P P Y • P R E S I D E N T • S O N FA S T C O R P O R AT I O N

hen we think about vision, we can personify that vision into a superhero context. Superheroes are unafraid, courageous, curious, ambitious, aware, creative, intellectual; LEADERS. All superheroes have an antihero; Joker to our Batman, Lex Luthor to our Superman. Anti-heroes in the professional capacity are incompetence, cash flow, poor vision, micro-management, unawareness of competition, poor training, low morale and many more. Each leader has to figure out and be transparent about their “corporate kryptonite.” The human element, as juxtaposed between superhero stories and real life, is generally the same. People are always going to need saving due to their own faults, mistakes, shortcomings. Nobody knows everything, and most people will admit they don’t have the ability to do all things without skilled guidance and leadership. Our vision should harness where we go from here. At any given time, here is where we are. Our vision establishes where we will be. So as leaders, we must communicate the path to follow to where we want to go, where we want to take others. Sonfast’s vision: We are an integrated supply partner, sharing your risk AND success. We stand alone in our vision. We are segregated from our competitors by the way we respond to problems as they occur, and plan for the problems we anticipate based on industry

knowledge, customer relationship and experience. We can proactively plan for what our customers and prospects face on a regular basis and we face it with them. It’s a bit overwhelming when we think about all the potential failures our customers face (us too) when we look at all the moving parts, controlled by human beings. People can be great at their jobs and still fail. People can be awful at their jobs and still excel. What is the reason for the paradox? The people that surround us will always impact the outcome of our actions. Why? Because we are a team. When one fails, we all fail. When one succeeds, it picks the rest of us up. That is why we gravitate toward superhero stories. Think about the first time you saw Superman. He possessed the abilities we wish we could have. Even if just for a day, to do and see and hear and know what Superman did, we would give anything. In reality though, we have to muster that ability on a daily basis just to manage all the potential outcomes and pitfalls of every action every team member makes. When we start to build on these pitfalls and learn from the outcomes, the results are felt at the customer level. We project Superman. Remember, you are not God. You are not Superman. However, you can be a hero to your customers when your corporate vision is to save your customers and prospects from where they are and take them where they’ve never been.

2018 Book of Experts | Special Advertising Supplement

President, Paul Pappy

Special Advertising Supplement | 2018 Book of Experts

MEDIA

Level the playing field with the No. 1 medium connecting brands with fans Radio can activate would-be consumers for big and small businesses B Y S T E V E S I N I C R O P I • S E N I O R V I C E P R E S I D E N T & M A R K E T M A N A G E R • E N T E R C O M U P S TAT E

oday, everywhere you look you see AirPods and earbuds, headphones and streaming devices both on the street and at the gym, in the office or at a coffee shop. We are constantly connected, plugged into our favorite brands, accessing content and contemplating purchasing decisions. With an endless sea of options, and a constant stream of adverting messages, it begs the question — how can brands and small businesses alike cut through the marketing clutter and make an impact on consumers? It starts with a medium some advertisers have written off — radio. Radio is experiencing a renaissance, emerging as the No. 1 medium for reaching residents of the USA. And, because of its live and local connection, listeners hear brand messages in real time, avoiding the pitfalls of time-shifted and appointment TV, or streaming services that lack advertising capabilities altogether. In fact, in Greenville alone, the median daily commute is 53 minutes, allowing potential consumers to spend close to an hour listening to their favorite radio stations. That 53-minute commute offers big opportunity, especially when you take into consideration the sheer amount of radio listeners in the Greenville-Spartanburg area — enough listeners to fill Clemson’s 80,000seat Death Valley 11 times over. But radio, especially in the Greenville market, offers more than a massive pool of

potential customers —91% of the GreenvilleSpartanburg population — radio offers an experience unlike that of any other medium. Radio offers brands and business owners a chance for a personal, interactive experience, where radio stations and radio personalities can connect live and in-person with their fans, while advocating for businesses and brands in ways no other medium can by directly engaging within the community. In this respect, radio is able to move beyond a cold, third-party medium and serve as an extension of our communities. In addition to providing a live, in-person and local experience, radio delivers real ROI, providing businesses and brands with a way to connect with over 883,000 people in the Greenville-Spartanburg metro on a weekly basis. A recent survey conducted by Nielsen found that radio’s ROI is unmatched in terms of media, providing a $10 return for every $1 invested. And when budgets are tight, every dollar counts. Radio can provide businesses who might otherwise be unable to compete with large brand budgets an opportunity to talk to consumers, and ultimately, to win business. In fact, those who listen to radio are 100% more likely to purchase from a store and 300% more likely to purchase from a website. When it comes to driving foot traffic, 100% is hard to beat. The purpose of this article isn’t to dissuade you from other adverting methods, after all, radio — like everything else — is stronger in

2018 Book of Experts | Special Advertising Supplement

Senior Vice President & Market Manager, Steve Sinicropi

numbers. When combined with radio, TV campaigns see a 35% increase in brand awareness and search campaigns see a 29% uptick in effectiveness. But, with millions of new radios being brought into homes each year with the likes of Amazon Alexa, Google Homes and smart TVs, brands and small businesses have a greater opportunity than ever to connect with their ideal demographics in a way that can forge meaningful, lasting consumer relationships, that drive ROI and activate sales in record ways.

FINANCIAL

Business succession planning: buy-sell agreements

PA I D A D V E R T I S E M E N T B Y J E F F R E Y B . F R O M A N , C F P ® • F I N A N C I A L A D V I S O R • THOMPSON AND FROMAN A FINANCIAL ADVISORY PRACTICE OF AMERIPRISE FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC.

advise several business owners and know many more. Surprisingly, I know only two, besides myself, with a Business Succession Plan in place. As a Financial Advisor and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ practitioner, I find this lack of planning very disturbing. A buy-sell agreement is a legally binding contract. In the contract the owners of a business set the terms and conditions of a future sale or buy back of a departing owner’s share of the business. A typical buy-sell allows a business entity or other business owners the opportunity to purchase a departing owner’s business interest at a predetermined price. It must clearly identify the potential buyers, any restrictions and limitations, and the conditions under which a sale will occur. Sale-triggering events typically include death, disability, retirement, personal insolvency, and criminal conviction. Funding for buy-sell agreements are usually arranged when the buy-sell is executed, reducing the possibility that funds will not be available when needed. Also, a deceased owner’s estate can be provided with needed liquidity for expenses and taxes. A buy-sell can be funded with cash, debt, private annuity, sale-leaseback, life insurance, or disability insurance. Buy-sells can be structured to meet the needs of both the business and the owners, taking into consideration tax consequences

Jeffrey B. Froman, CFP ®, Financial Advisor 3441 Pelham Road, Suite 102| Greenville, SC 29615 | O: 864.451.7890 | F: 864.451.7892 | C: 864.630.3528

and individual goals. There are four basic structures for buy-sells. 1. Entity purchase buy-sell: The business buys the interests of each departing or deceased owner. 2. Cross purchase buy-sell: Each owner agrees to buy a share of a departing or deceased owner’s interest. 3. Unilateral buy-sell: Sole owner sells his interest to a family member or key employee. 4. Wait-and-see buy-sell: The parties are unsure whether the business, owners or key employees will buy the business interest. If you are a business owner and have not

put a Business Succession Plan in place, ask yourself these questions: 1. How will my family be affected financially if I am no longer able to participate in the business? 2. What will be the effect on other owners and employees if my business fails because of a lack of planning? 3. Will my clients be adversely affected by the interruption or failure of my business? Your business is a large part of your financial plan. Shouldn’t you ensure that your business succeeds now and in the future for yourself, your family and your employees?

Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™and federally registered CFP (with flame design) in the U.S., which it awards to individuals who successfully complete CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements. Ameriprise Financial and its affiliates do not offer tax or legal advice. Consumers should consult with their tax advisor or attorney regarding their specific situation. Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc., Member FINRA and SIPC. © 2018 Ameriprise Financial, Inc., All rights reserved.

Special Advertising Supplement | 2018 Book of Experts

NONPROFIT

More than just a national organization How the American Heart Association is focused on making an impact in the Upstate B Y M E G A N R A M S E Y • M A R K E T I N G D I R E C T O R • A M E R I C A N H E A R T A S S O C I AT I O N

he American Heart Association is one of the most recognized national non-profits in the country that has invested over $4 billion to advance heart and stroke research. Technologies used every day can be attributed to the AHA, drug coated stents, CPR techniques, implantable devices, and more. These advancements save lives around the world, and right here in the Upstate the AHA’s impact is being felt. “Over the past year, we have been fortunate to make a big splash in our local community,” said Kelly Wilkins, Executive Director for the American Heart Association. “We successfully placed CPR in Schools kits in every local public high school, impacting thousands of graduates each year; we worked with the USC School of Medicine Greenville to educate over 500 middle schoolers about the signs and symptoms of stroke; and through partnering with our local YMCA, we were able to donate over 500 athletic balls to promote physical activity in children. All of this and more has been made possible thanks to community partners and supporters.” Additionally, the association’s board of directors has been leading the way to improve blood pressure rates among Upstate residents. Dr. Brent Egan, Board President and VP of Research for the Care Coordination Institute, said, “Hypertension is a widespread epidemic and one of the biggest risk factors for cardiovascular diseases. By making blood pressure a health priority, we can tackle this silent killer of our friends and neighbors.” Dr. Egan has been instrumental in working with local clinics to implement

a program called Target: BP. The goal of this program is to work with medical offices to achieve blood pressure rates of 120/80 for their patient populations. Over 35 Upstate clinics have achieved hypertension control rates of 70% or higher, which will in turn improve cardiovascular health. A look toward the future In 2019, the AHA will continue to prioritize CPR, children’s health and hypertension, but will also seek the help of local organizations to address health barriers in under resourced populations. “The reality is community needs are not one size fits all,” said Wilkins. “In some areas it might take an hour to get to a grocery store, where in others there may not be a way to get there. We are committed to identifying what challenges we face in the Upstate and addressing those head on.” The AHA is working to develop a community needs assessment that will identify what social issues are the largest burden on the community. “While transportation or affordable housing may not directly correlate to heart and brain health, they do indirectly affect the health and wellbeing of our community. Once we uncover the barriers, we can begin to work toward transformation,” said Wilkins. “We can’t do it alone, we need the help of leaders from all sectors of the community to join us to be a relentless force for longer, healthier lives in the Upstate.” For more information or to get involved with the Upstate AHA, contact Kelly Wilkins at Kelly.Wilkins@heart.org or call 864-448-3787.

2018 Book of Experts | Special Advertising Supplement

Executive Director, American Heart Association, Kelly Wilkins

Students from USC School of Medicine Greenville work with the AHA to educate students about signs and treatment of strokes.

Special Advertising Supplement | 2018 Book of Experts

MARKETING

Innovative marketing with BRIGHT+CO: Balancing creativity and analytics Collaboration will make your message more effective and relevant to consumers BY JENNIFER SUT TON • CEO • BRIGHT+CO

oo often, marketing polarizes creativity and analytics. There’s an ongoing clash between the two, stemming from the belief that proper use of analytics restricts creativity. Organizations can be prevented from flourishing because of this assumption. This discord happens because of the belief that people are right-brained or left-brained. It leads to little interaction between creators and analysts because it is assumed they won’t understand each other. Analysts give their data to creators and expect them to grasp the goal and execute. However, this isn’t effective. To push boundaries and create new and innovative work, creators and analysts can’t just inform one another – they need to collaborate. Defining the differences There are two sides of the brain, each controlling different functions. Analysts are thought to be left-brained – logical and analytical. Creators are right-brained and thought to be creative and emotional. Typically, analysts and creators don’t work together in the creative process because it is assumed they think differently. In fact, because they think dissimilar, they should work together. When their two different approaches and viewpoints are combined, the most powerful content is created.

BRIGHT+CO team collaboration session

Breaking the cycle Typically, the process is cyclical – creators receive a recommendation, they create content and the content is sent out. Analysts receive and interpret data and then give their recommendation to creators. This perpetual process works, but it is tedious. However, with constant collaboration, there is a blend between data and creativity. Instead of content being blindly created based on data, it’s being created based on understanding. Analysts understand the target audience and know what people want to see. If analysts and creatives are working

2018 Book of Experts | Special Advertising Supplement

together as one, they will produce work that will be more relevant to consumers. Data drives creativity and creativity drives data. You cannot have one without the other. So why would analysts and creators work separately? When the two collaborate throughout the creative process, there is a balance between data and creativity. This year the creative and analytical collaborators at BRIGHT+CO Marketing celebrate five years of success. Want to read more industry insights? Check out the BRIGHT+CO blog on our website at brightcomarketers.com/blog.

CONSTRUCTION

Evans General Contractors: Design-Build & client partnerships Collaborative effort from start to finish ensures successful project outcome B Y L A R R Y E B E R H A R T • E VA N S G E N E R A L C O N T R A C T O R S

t Evans General Contractors we don’t use terms “Partnership,” “Relationship” or “Trust” as mere buzz words to fill up marketing material. We truly consider our clients as partners and we use the DesignBuild project delivery system to earn and maintain their trust. Our primary goal is to make the building project work in terms of design, budget and function. Our team of architects, engineers, designers and subcontractors all work together at the earliest stages of the project as one cohesive unit. Gone are the days of finger-pointing and “passing the buck” about where the responsibility lies. The client has but one contact … Evans! Our approach starts very early – at the critical conceptual design phase where our team strives to fully understand ALL of the client’s requirements. No detail is too big or too small. This is the phase where the client’s decisions have the biggest impact on a project’s overall cost. The next phase is schematic design, where our team takes everything learned in the conceptual phase and delivers a realistic budget for the project. This is typically the stage at which the owner will use our budget for final capital approval. This approach also saves significant time as there is no need to wait for the design to be finished before requesting construction cost estimates.

Evans General Contractors Greenville Office Staff

Once the client approves the schematic design and budget, the project moves into the final design and construction phase. The design can be phased such that the earliest construction work (site civil) can be completed first, and in many cases the sitework may be procured and started before the final design of the building is completed – saving time. Evans ensures a competitive and honest environment using an open-book approach to bidding and procuring contracts. Our

clients are encouraged to be a part of the decision-making process, thereby building trust throughout the process. There is not just one expert at Evans when it comes to the Design-Build approach. All our team members work together make the Design-Build process a success. If you are truly looking for a partner when it comes to your construction project, then please contact Evans General Contractors and let us show you what a partnership means to us!

Special Advertising Supplement | 2018 Book of Experts

EDUCATION

Proving our promise Furman-Gallup study ensuring that The Furman Advantage delivers while setting a benchmark for higher education B Y E L I Z A B E T H D AV I S • P R E S I D E N T • F U R M A N U N I V E R S I T Y

We also know that the numbere made a promise and we’re keeping it. We call one driver of student engagement it The Furman Advantage, is faculty and staff engagement. Our and it is our promise to provide every study with Gallup shows that employee Furman student an integrated four- engagement at Furman is high, at the year pathway, combining academic 75th percentile for all industries and the excellence with engaged learning 89th percentile for higher education. In an authentic way that is true to experiences, guided by a community of mentors, that will prepare them for lives who we are and that can be measured, of purpose and accelerated impact in we’re changing the narrative about higher education – “how to do it their careers and communities. A year ago, on the one-year right.” We’re showing how combining curricular, co-curricular anniversary of launching The and extracurricular Furman Advantage, we experiences with announced a strategic reflection leads to partnership with the “We’re changing the positive outcomes. national analytics narrative about higher We’re showing how and polling firm education – placing students Gallup. Supported “how to do it right.” at the center by a $2.5 million of everything grant from The we do produces Duke Endowment, - ELIZABETH DAVIS successful graduates the Furman-Gallup who contribute to their study will help us live communities. up to our commitment and The first year of the Furmanprovide a blueprint for delivering Gallup study has established a value in higher education. Early results show that our students baseline. Subsequent years will provide and alumni are indeed getting or have a comprehensive picture of what a had the kinds of emotional support and Furman education looks like and the deep learning experiences that Gallup results it produces. We’ll share this knowledge with studies link to successful lives and other universities to contribute to careers. For example, 82% of Furman alumni the national conversation. In the end, surveyed “strongly agreed” that they we want to ensure that The Furman had at least one professor who made Advantage is doing what we said it them excited about learning, compared would do. Students, graduates and their to 66% nationally. Similarly, 52% of communities deserve nothing less. Furman University President Furman alumni “strongly agreed” they had professors who cared about them Elizabeth Davis launched The Furman as a person, compared with only 29% Advantage in 2016 with a $47 million grant from The Duke Endowment. nationally.

2018 Book of Experts | Special Advertising Supplement

President Elizabeth Davis

Paris Mountain overlooks Furman University and its iconic Bell Tower.

Special Advertising Supplement | 2018 Book of Experts

2018 Book of Experts | Special Advertising Supplement

HOSPITALITY

Never leave money on the table Hilton Greenville offers tips, advice on how to get the best possible deal B Y H AY L E Y W I L D E R A N D K R I S T I B A N N I N G , S E N I O R S A L E S M A N A G E R S • H I LT O N G R E E N V I L L E

he art of negotiating goes back thousands of years, and since then, people have been talking about how to do it best. The team at Hilton Greenville has a few tips for the road warriors and meeting planners out there. First, when booking a hotel, the planner or traveler needs to determine the “must-haves.” Common requests are VIP amenities, commission, flexibility, reward points, and corporate rates are all negotiable. In order to determine what is most important, the planner has to decide what is best for them and their attendees. Each property is unique when offering complimentary amenities called concessions. These concessions are oftentimes at the beginning of the negotiation stage, listed in a venue’s proposal to the potential client or requested by the clients directly. This allows the Sales Manager to customize the proposal to best suit the event’s needs. Some concessions are viewed as “hot buttons”, whether it is parking, wireless internet, or breakfast. In addition Hilton Greenville offers unique concessions like onsite event coordination, indoor pool and whirlpool, double or triple Hilton Honors Planner Senior Sales Manager, Kristi Mason Points, and an exclusive Concierge Level. Another great option is if a planner is negotiating a multi-year conference or meeting, requesting fixed pricing for each year, or ask if a discount is available for booking all the dates at once. Likewise, an incentive for planners is negotiating a commission percentage or rebate back to the booking party on Senior Sales Manager, Hayley Wilder each hotel room. For most venues, this must be negotiated in the contracting phase and will not be honored if requested after the contract has been signed, so don’t forget to ask for it upfront. Individual travelers can also save money while booking with hotels, is to request a Local Negotiated Rate. Although the rates often cannot be used for group travel, it is great for anyone that travels to the same hotel routinely for work. Before calling for a rate, great information to have is stay pattern, potential number of nights in the market, a budget or per diem for the company. Negotiating a discounted rate instead of booking at the regular rate increases potential for employees to save their company money when traveling. Hilton Greenville offers monthly promotions to its corporate accounts, things like discounts in the onsite restaurant and free upgraded Wi-Fi, don’t miss out on these perks! At Hilton Greenville, we pride ourselves in our flexibility for each event to best suit the needs of the planners and attendees. Many detailing questions are asked but as a planner, it is important to know the right questions to ensure no money is left on the table.

Special Advertising Supplement | 2018 Book of Experts

2018 Book of Experts | Special Advertising Supplement

EVENT RENTALS

Creating, inspiring and growing the event world Look to Industry Event Rentals for unique, memorable experiences B R E N D A L U G I N B I L L • O W N E R • I N D U S T R Y E V E N T R E N TA L S

hen executing her event productions and designs, passion is one thing you will surely not miss from Brenda Luginbill, owner of CB Events and Industry Event Rentals. Luginbill took Greenville by storm in 2008 after moving here from Los Angeles with a resume full of top-notch event productions all over the world and hasn’t slowed down since. Greenville has become her event home and she has been blessed to produce many corporate events, festivals, charitable events and weddings. Curious as to what is driving her on any given day? Just ask. While she is undeniably a master of her craft, she takes joy in spreading her expertise, knowledge and journey with others. When asked to give a perspective on what she does, she says, “The event world is based around what the mind can create. We as designers and planners are in essence sharing a part of our story with our clients and creating a true experience for their guests. I think this is what drives that passion for me in the world of events. It is very personal when you hire a planner. They become a part of your story and you theirs.” Sixteen years into her career, Luginbill pushed herself to follow her next passion. What better way to combine her experience and goals than to cultivate a completely organic festival concept to provoke community involvement. And she nailed it. In 2018, Luginbill launched The NESS Fest. It is the very first of its kind regarding health and lifestyle festivals and is dedicated to helping others become the best version of themselves through wellNESS, goodNESS, fitNESS and wholeNESS. Fluor Field, home of the Greenville Drive, came alive this fall with workouts, cooking demos, food, music and more on Oct. 20 and 21, 2018, marking the festival’s inaugural year as a huge success. Moving into 2019, Luginbill and her team are working hard to continue their three main goals of providing quality event productions, creating experiences that both encourage and inspire, ultimately leaving you with memories you will never forget. There is no doubt Brenda Luginbill has made a mark on Greenville, and you can expect to keep witnessing her passion shine on events throughout our city.

Owner, Brenda Luginbill

www.industryeventrentals.com www.cbevents.org

www.theNESSfest.com

Special Advertising Supplement | 2018 Book of Experts

COMMERCIAL PHOTOGRAPHY

Creating an inspiring image requires a level of trust Corporate, editorial and advertising portraiture. BY IAN CURCIO • OWN ER , LE AD PHOTOGR APH ER & DI REC TOR • IANCURCIO, LLC

strong photograph can that being photographed becomes immediately communicate an afterthought to them. It’s at that emotion without using words. It moment I can start creating truly can tell an instant story to the person inspiring images. In order to be creative and bring my who is flipping through a magazine, looking at a website or driving past a ideas to life, I have to think on my feet billboard. A large part of what I do each during each shot. I have to quickly make day is guide people towards that level decisions such as: is this photograph of unspoken communication as they sit going to be made indoors or outdoors; is it going to be an environmental or in front of my camera. It takes trust to get to this point and a studio photograph; should I use natural light or a flash. In each building that trust can take situation, the answers time. Unfortunately, many can create a different top-level professionals “In order to be outcome and it’s up don’t have that kind creative and bring to me to choose of time. Being able the most creative to build that trust in my ideas to life, I have and appropriate a short amount of to think on my feet during answer. time becomes an each shot.” And then invaluable skill set there’s the technical for a photographer - IAN CURCIO knowledge that I to have and, thanks bring to each shoot. It to my understanding seems counterintuitive, but of the craft, I have been I’ve spent my career forgetting able to develop it. It’s equal parts about the equipment I’m using. I don’t psychology, creativity and technique. Being photographed is want it in the way when I’m working. I uncomfortable for many people. Even like to work in advance when possible CEOs of Fortune 500 companies setting up gear and lighting so that can get nervous in front of a camera. when someone walks in, and I’m Dealing with this discomfort is one of standing with my camera in my hand, the many challenges a photographer I can focus all of my attention on them must work through in order to capture and together we can start making dynamic portraits for their clients. My strong photographs. Over 20 years of experience job is to help people get to a place where they feel comfortable and are has brought me to this point as a willing to explore their expressions photographer and I’m grateful for the and their body language in front of opportunity to continue doing what I my camera. The goal for me is to love: documenting people doing what engage and connect with people so they love.

2018 Book of Experts | Special Advertising Supplement

Ian Curcio, Owner, Lead Photographer and Director, iancurcio, Inc.

Special Advertising Supplement | 2018 Book of Experts

CONSTRUCTION

When ‘No’ is exactly what you need to hear An inside perspective on how contractors make decisions in a flourishing Upstate market B Y D J D O H E R T Y • PA R T N E R • M AV I N C O N S T R U C T I O N

ith the current construction market conditions in the Upstate, everyone agrees that it would be easy to enjoy quick growth which can lead to overwhelmed staff and clients feeling like they aren’t the most important part of your day. A seemingly unending list of opportunities, combined with a relatively stable economy and a growing city landscape, make for a successful environment indeed. Mavin Construction would like to share our internal struggles as a young, growing business and describe the intangible factors that drive decision making around potential projects. Consider this an outline on how to get the most for your investment as a building owner in today’s construction market. First, you need to understand the specifics. That is, there seems to be an overwhelming volume of new opportunities, making it more likely that an owner receives a lackluster effort in the delivery of their project. Contractors and clients alike are working on borrowed time, both trying to stay ahead of the inevitable market changes that could make the projects more difficult, more costly and harder to come by. So why does this matter? Because in this season of success, there has to be clarity in what an organization hopes to achieve and defines as non-negotiables. We find ourselves saying no to potential clients more than we say yes. At Mavin, we pride ourselves on providing an exceptional client experience, and trust that high quality work and experiences will fuel the success of our company

2018 Book of Experts | Special Advertising Supplement

Partner DJ Doherty

CONSTRUCTION much more than a shiny new sales strategy or revenue goals could. We feel the pains of being disciplined, as saying no is not the easy answer. However, it is the best decision we can make. We seek to build a culture focused on exceptional client experiences as being a non-negotiable standard. It would quite frankly be irresponsible to say yes to a client when we know that means potentially sacrificing the overall success of that project down the line. In an effort to bring clarity as to how decisions are made in today’s market, I’ve offered some examples of the intangible factors we consider with each new opportunity: • Does the client see the inherent value in the client-focused experience? • Can we serve in an advisory role that supports that client through all aspects of the facility’s life cycle or are we simply a commodity provider where the cost matters more than the experience? • Does our staff have the time and capacity to focus on the development of personal relationships with the client to ensure their expectations are met? What are the challenges in this market due to our prioritized focus? The community views declining a project opportunity as being purely a function of staff availability and financial strength, which means people think the smaller, easier and less complex projects are all we do. On the contrary, our team finds fulfillment investing in relationships with clients

and overcoming challenges on their behalf. Additionally, focusing on clarity and margin for our entire staff drives our project size and complexity much further than a smiling BD person with a short attention span for client experiences ever could. How do you increase your chances of finding the right contractor? As a building owner going through the contractor selection process, the greatest value creator in this economy can be your flexibility of the project requirements. Everyone in commercial construction is currently busy with work, and dollars spent through lastminute decisions certainly come at a higher price than dollars committed three to six months in the future. When faced with the difficult decision of assembling a project team, understand that disciplined decision-making should be a well-respected and desired trait. More so, it should demonstrate dedication by the contractor to the success of their current commitments first. Confidence in your project team is paramount and knowing that they won’t be distracted by tomorrow’s phone call is the foundation for building a great relationship with your project team. Understanding what drives a contractor’s consideration in pursuing your project should be an open and transparent conversation. There should be a willingness to work together and a drive to take down barriers, which will further distinguish your project and earn the focus, drive and attention from the project team. Only then will you know what it means to have an exceptional client experience.

Top: St. Joseph’s Catholic School addition Middle: 131 Falls Street renovation Bottom: GSP Airport Escape Lounge

Special Advertising Supplement | 2018 Book of Experts

IT SERVICES

INTELLI-NET building on reputation of selfless client service Providing the best possible experience from a Christian perspective

B Y D E R E K D AV I S • P R I N C I PA L • I N T E L L I - N E T O F S C

utsourcing the management of your Information Technology is an important decision for most businesses. The development of a trust relationship between two companies is critical to success, therefore having an outstanding reputation for integrity is foundational. At INTELLI-NET, we strive daily to build upon the 17-year history of selflessly serving our clients. A command of the latest technology is only one step in ensuring our clients get the best experience possible. We combine that knowledge with a servant’s attitude as we work with our clients. From the very beginning, our company’s mission is to provide service with a Christian world view. To us, that means every interaction is a chance to serve. Our roots go back to the late 1990s when business partners Derek Davis and Erik Rhine both served on the diaconate at First Presbyterian Church in Greenville. Over the years, INTELLI-NET has been fortunate to work with several nonprofit organizations and churches. Organizations like Greer Community Ministries and Meals on Wheels provide an incredible service. Tamassee DAR School, Mauldin First Baptist, Mitchell Road Presbyterian and others remind us daily of our core mission. Erik Rhine has volunteered at the Rape Crisis Center. Several employees volunteer at their home churches. Since 2001, INTELLI-NET has grown quickly, but we have never abandoned our

Principal Derek Davis

core principles. To us, providing remarkable service is more important than mergers and acquisitions. Derek Davis has provided strategic leadership during some of the most demanding times the U.S. economy has faced. In the second half of this decade, our attention has shifted toward security. We have faced viruses for years, but the level of threats from cybercriminals has grown exponentially over the past few years. As a result, we have changed our strategy for preventing and dealing with security issues. Client education and security awareness

2018 Book of Experts | Special Advertising Supplement

can help prevent cyber-attacks. Unfortunately, the most vulnerable place in most computer networks is sitting behind the keyboard. One person clicking on the wrong thing can undo thousands of dollars’ worth of prevention, so we continually work to educate people on what to look for … not just to be careful. But after all these years, it is still trusting each other and working with a servant’s heart that brings the most value to us and to our clients. In the end, this company’s mission is to be more than technology. We want to leave our mark at a much deeper, personal level.

CONSTRUCTION

The next generation of construction – Are we ready? Transition to lead industry into the future is already underway B Y A N D Y M O S S E R • P R E S I D E N T • M E L L O U L- B L A M E Y C O N S T R U C T I O N

reviously, the U.S. construction market consisted of two generations: the traditionalists and baby boomers. Now the workforce includes two other generations: Generation X and millennials. As more traditionalists and baby boomers begin to retire, the industry is left in the hands of Generation X and millennials who have completed the required degree program but have an entirely different skill set than those leaving the industry. This workforce evolution presents leading construction companies with one question: What is the best way to train the next generation of the construction industry to be just as successful as those of the past? In 1982, Melloul-Blamey Construction began making a name for itself in Canada becoming one of the largest general contractors in Canada’s Technology Triangle. After witnessing the boom of the construction industry in the United States, Melloul-Blamey opened their office in South Carolina in 2000. One of the key superintendents currently working out of the South Carolina office, Paul Brubacher has been a part of the team since the very beginning in 1982. Andy Mosser, President of Melloul-Blamey SC, completed his co-op work term with Melloul-Blamey Canada in 1989, was hired full time in 1991, and took over Melloul-Blamey SC in 2018. These men are the foundation of Melloul-Blamey and are helping the shift from one generation to the next through hands-on training and the summer internship program. Andy and Paul illustrate the need for the next generation to look beyond the degree and grasp an understanding of another set of skills. Both men, although they hold upper-level management positions, still know how to utilize the tools, build quality relationships with design teams, owners and subcontractors, maintain a quality work ethic, and fulfill the projects within budget constraints. Many of these skills cannot be taught in the classroom, and the gap between generations will only be closed through the transfer of experience and knowledge with hands on training and internship work. However, Melloul-Blamey Construction also recognizes what the next generation brings to the company. The millennial generation is better

President, Andy Mosser Greenville County Library

equipped to handle the changes in digital technology with new project management software spreading on the market. The next generation also promotes new practices and presents new ideas to make the construction industry run smoother, faster and be more profitable. Melloul-Blamey has already made progress toward the digital age as they outfit all of their superintendents and project managers with construction management software right at their fingertips on tablets. Making the change from pen and paper to electronic tablets was not easy, but the millennials were able to provide much needed assistance and training. The next generation is an opportunity for growth and Melloul-Blamey Construction is excited to blend the traditional skills that were successful in the past with the new changes for the future.

Special Advertising Supplement | 2018 Book of Experts

2018 Book of Experts | Special Advertising Supplement

REAL ESTATE

Unlocking the value of your commercial real estate asset Key considerations to maximize your building’s sale price

B Y R O S S K E S T E R & T Y S O N S M O A K , C C I M • C O - F O U N D E R S • P I N TA I L C A P I TA L PA R T N E R S

he investment sales team at Pintail Capital Partners has participated in over half a billion dollars’ worth of real estate transactions. Our industry relationships and cutting-edge marketing tools tap into a nationwide network of buyers and sellers, delivering maximum value for our clients. Focus on the real estate terms of the lease. Building owners should partner with an experienced commercial real estate (CRE) investment sales professional to review their lease before entering into an agreement with a tenant. An attorney should review the lease from a legal perspective while the CRE review will focus on maximizing the value through advantageous real estate terms in the lease. A single sentence in an often lengthy lease document can significantly impact the value of the asset in the investment market. Understand pre-payment penalties. Depending on the terms of any outstanding debt on the asset, building owners need to evaluate any potential penalties they may face upon a sale of the building. Many commercial mortgages provide for pre-payment penalties on the front end of the loan term. This penalty could be 3-5% of the outstanding loan balance, which is often offset by the value of the asset in the investment market. Time the sale. Several factors influence building valuation with respect to timing. The three primary drivers are the remaining lease term, overall market conditions and interest rates. • Owners should consider a sale when they have the most remaining lease term to offer an investor. • Market conditions are a key driver of value, and the market for investment real estate has never been stronger. • Interest rates also significantly impact a building’s value. As investors’ cost of capital increases, the amount they can afford to pay for an asset decreases proportionately, further strengthening the argument to consider selling today. Hire the right CRE partner. Investment Sales is a highly specialized niche within the broad spectrum of commercial real estate transactions. Owners should consider hiring a team that has an intricate knowledge of the nuances of commercial investment sales, has ongoing relationships with the investors that acquire these assets, and is very active in this specific sector of the commercial real estate market.

Co-Founders, Tyson Smoak, CCIM & Ross Kester

Special Advertising Supplement | 2018 Book of Experts

HOSPITALITY

Our best ingredient is our people We are not in the food and beverage business serving people – we are in the people business serving food and beverage BY RICK ERWIN • OWNER • RICK ERWIN DINING GROUP

hen we opened the doors to West End Grille in 2005, there were only a handful of other restaurants on the West End side of downtown Greenville. There were only a few of us who had a vision for this area of town before many people gave it a real chance. Business in Greenville was starting to grow and there weren’t many white tablecloth restaurants in town for people to go when they needed to impress. I had been in the restaurant business for 25 years, and I wanted to open a place where business people and families could have an exceptional dining experience when it really mattered. Hiring for this sort of concept had its own challenge when there weren’t many places to pick from. Now, as we fast-forward over a decade, we face a new challenge of hiring when there is a saturation of businesses looking for the same people we are. With the opening of every new location, we create a need to hire around 50 new employees. I have encouraged our Corporate Chef, Jason McCarthy, and Area Manager, Alexandra Hackett, to look internally for leaders, locally for support staff and outside of the region for new talent. This approach will encourage promotion from within and the new talent will only expose us to new things and force us to be better than ever. There were only around five restaurants in downtown Greenville in 2005 when we opened West End Grille. Now there are more than that just on one block. In order for us to continue to grow, we have to build a team of people around us that excels in the areas that we need to succeed. The other key to this growth is

looking outside of where we started (downtown) for expansion. Haywood Road has been on our radar for a few years and we have found a home at Haywood Mall, with our own exterior entrance, opening in the spring. Our sights are also set outside of the region for potential future growth. We haven’t done this in the past, although our efforts in Clemson and Spartanburg have served to be successful case studies as to how we can support the business community in other entertainment regions in South Carolina. There are a few areas that have our attention where business is booming and entertainment is needed. We have been growing at such a rapid pace in this area that our entire team is excited where we may land next. Business owners will often ask me how we continue to grow at this pace and if there is a number in my mind as to how big or if there is a specific goal or number of locations. My answer is simple – I only want to grow if and when it makes sense. If we can grow healthily and it helps our entire company to be better, we will consider it. The most important factor is our people. I have a team of leaders around me that not only makes me better but makes our entire company better. I challenge them to do every day what I have done: Surround yourself with winners and people that want to grow. Our business is not much different than most. We are not in the food and beverage business serving people. We are in the people business serving food and beverage. Whatever industry you are in, you can take on this motto and you’ll be successful. It’s all about people and our commitment to making them better, whether our teams or our customers.

2018 Book of Experts | Special Advertising Supplement

Owner, Rick Erwin

Special Advertising Supplement | 2018 Book of Experts

CONSTRUCTION

Roebuck Buildings has a proven record of success with its Design-Build concept Team-oriented, simplified approach benefits customer with savings in money and time

BY DEAN ANDERSON • PRESIDENT • ROEBUCK BUILDINGS

here are many project delivery methods in the construction industry, which can lead to confusion on the best method to select. Like most other construction companies, Roebuck Buildings offers multiple project delivery methods, but we’ve fine-tuned our Design-Build process and it is our favorite delivery method. It’s a team-oriented and simplified approach that brings everyone – the owner, architect, builder, engineers and estimators – to one table, with their best ideas to provide the best solution. Every owner wants to save time and money. DesignBuild is the ultimate time- and money-saving method, because it focuses on collaboration and innovation from the beginning of a project. How does the Design-Build method provide a successful project outcome for the owner? Single Point of Responsibility: When design and construction fall under one entity, there is a single responsibility for cost, schedule and quality. Owners are able to focus on decisions regarding scope and need, instead of coordination between architect and builder. Cost Planning and Savings: Because the design and construction teams work in tandem, methods and materials can be evaluated for maximum efficiency. There is an early knowledge and understanding of the cost for the project, and design and construction personnel work together to value-engineer the project for cost savings. Efficient Use of Time: Just as the overlap of design and construction can save money, Design-Build can also save time. Bidding periods and redesign are eliminated, significantly reducing construction time. Materials and equipment can be procured and construction work can begin before the construction documents are fully completed. Quality: Because responsibility for a successful project outcome falls on one point of responsibility, the Design-Builder is motivated to ensure a quality project in terms of aesthetic and functionality. Nearly 70% of our work is Design-Build, and we attribute that to the successful outcomes of our DesignBuild projects completed. Our clients say that DesignBuild is easier, faster and more cost-effective – a simple and unified approach for building better.

2018 Book of Experts | Special Advertising Supplement

President, Dean Anderson

SIGNAGE

What’s the true value of signage? Let SC Premier Signs help you make the most of your brand BY STEVE CRAIG • OWNER • SC PREMIER SIGNS

ccording to ChamberofCommerce.com, customers are more likely to purchase from a business they have already heard of, so a sign will help with brand recognition and plant the seed for future sales. It works, Does McDonald’s need its name on its signs? You know the Golden Arches! Did you know to reinforce its branding, the very first thing McDonald’s does at a new location – even before they break ground – is erect a sign! SC Premier Signs is dedicated to giving your business an identity that stands out in an increasingly crowded and competitive market. Our experience, knowledge and dedication to our customers mean we will work with you to create the ideal, costeffective signage to convey your message quickly and memorably. A sign is an essential component of a business’ overall marketing strategy. A sign that contains a business’ logo can help reinforce its brand. Because an exterior sign is visible 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, its effect is continuous. Signs serve as a type of silent salesperson for your business. A salesperson that you don’t need to pay weekly or pay benefits. Signs can also be effective for off-premises use. You can wrap your company vehicle to serve as a form of mobile advertising. Signs on a construction, project or job site are also great ways for brand recognition. There are thousands of people in your community who’ve never been to your door. Your sign is your handshake with the public, and that handshake is the first impression being made on potential customers. Often, people judge the quality of your business on that first impression. What is your sign saying to them? Is it a blur of crowded text and graphics, illegible to drivers as they motor past your store? Does it readily and effectively tell passersby what you offer, or does it make sense only to you and your employees? Is your sign illuminated effectively? Is it being regularly maintained? What role is it playing in your business? Ideally, signage should perform at least these three functions: • Attract new customers • Brand your site in the minds of consumers • Create “impulse” sales Contact SC Premier Signs at 864-608-3813 to find out how we can help you create a brand that works.

Owner, Steve Craig

Special Advertising Supplement | 2018 Book of Experts

WAREHOUSING

US Foreign Trade Zones Benefit our Economy Now More Than Ever Streamlined entry, duty-free processing and storage just a few of the benefits B Y F I E L D B R A D L E Y â€˘ V P O F WA R E H O U S I N G â€˘ S WA F F O R D T R A N S P O R T A N D WA R E H O U S E

ince 1934, U.S. Foreign Trade Zones have been a benefit to our national economy. By providing an incentive for foreign manufacturers to establish factories on U.S. soil, the FTZ program has been a major factor in enabling our country to compete on the global manufacturing stage. At the same time, micro-economies have benefited greatly from the FTZ program, as large international manufacturers have transformed communities such as ours by building massive plants that employ thousands of workers directly and tens of thousands indirectly. We South Carolinians owe as many thanks as any other state to the FTZ program and the business it has attracted to our home, and those of us that form part of global supply chains should understand and capitalize on its benefits. A U.S. Foreign Trade Zone, better known as a Free Trade Zone in other countries, is an area within the borders of the United States that is legally outside of the U.S. Customs Zone. Normally located near a port, FTZs are quite secure and are under the supervision of U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Any activity that occurs in the zone must be approved by Customs, and any goods that come into or leave the Zone must be reported to Customs in great detail. Each FTZ is operated by a public or private corporation, such as Swafford Warehousing, which operates FTZ 03814, and BMW Plant Spartanburg, which operates FTZ 038A. Many Zone operators benefit directly from the use of their Zone, as is the case with BMW Plant Spartanburg. However, FTZs such as Swafford

2018 Book of Experts | Special Advertising Supplement

VP of Warehousing , Field Bradley

WAREHOUSING Warehousing are known as General Customs-compliant systems. There are also many financial Purpose Zones, and we differ in that we do not benefit directly from the benefits of using an FTZ such as FTZ program, but instead offer our Swafford Warehousing. Most of our Zone to any company that would like Zone users enjoy complete duty to benefit from its use. We at Swafford elimination, as their merchandise is then operate the Zone on behalf of imported into the country, stored in our FTZ warehouse and shipped to our customers, transacting BMW Plant Spartanburg Customs business on their without ever having behalf and ensuring to pay any duties. that all activity Other customers meets Customs “We believe we are enjoy deferral of requirements for a force for good in duties on goods security, accuracy our local economy.” that are stored in and traceability. our warehouse, But what are - FIELD BRADLEY with taxes only due the benefits of when the goods are using a General entered into commerce, Purpose FTZ such as much closer to the sale of Swafford Warehousing? the goods and the generation For starters, our FTZ customers can rest assured that their property of revenue. Some customers also is being stored and handled by a benefit from weekly entries, which FTZ Customs-approved warehouse that can process once for all goods that runs an extremely accurate and secure ship from the zone in an entire week, operation with virtually unlimited greatly reducing Customs and broker fees. visibility and traceability. Having experienced the process We at Swafford accomplish this through the use of our WMS and FTZ of applying, activating and operating management systems, as well as an FTZ firsthand, my colleagues through ISO-certified process controls. at Swafford Warehousing and I are Secondly, companies can experience very experienced in the complexity the benefits of an FTZ without the of running a successful FTZ and substantial time and money invested in know very well how valuable that becoming one themselves. At Swafford, experience is. With years of successful our FTZ customers can come onboard FTZ operation, we are one of the few in as little as a week, at no upfront General Purpose Foreign Trade Zones cost, and very little recurring cost. in Upstate South Carolina offering Compare that to the year(s) spent and FTZ benefits to local and international tens of thousands of dollars invested manufacturers. We believe we are a in applying for and activating a zone, force for good in our local economy, not to mention hiring and training and we look forward to many more competent staff and implementing years of successful operation.

Swafford Transport’s warehouse in Greer, SC

Special Advertising Supplement | 2018 Book of Experts

2018 Book of Experts | Special Advertising Supplement

BOOKof EXPERTS “When we think about vision, we can personify that vision into a superhero context. Superheroes are unafraid, courageous, curious, ambitious, aware, creative, intellectual; LEADERS.” - PAUL PAPPY SONFAST CORPORATION

“Radio is experiencing a renaissance, emerging as the No. 1 medium for reaching residents of the USA.” - STEVE SINICROPI ENTERCOM UPSTATE

Special Advertising Supplement | 2018 Book of Experts

2018 Book of Experts | Special Advertising Supplement

Special Advertising Supplement | 2018 Book of Experts

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