2020 Columbia Book of Experts

BOOK of EXPERTS August 31, 2020 | Volume 13, No. 11

Sponsors

EXPERT ADVICE TO HELP YOUR BUSINESS RUN BETTER

IT STAFFING

IT Recruiting: The Customer Experience SYSTEMTEC has 23 years of commitment to the Midlands

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eadquartered in Columbia, SYSTEMTEC is in its 23rd year of bringing companies and people together, providing contract, project-based, and direct hire

technical recruitment services. SYSTEMTEC’s focus has always been on the broad disciplines of Information Technology. Over two

decades, technology has become intuitive, autonomous, even selfsustaining. The demand for IT skills has skyrocketed and the supply has not kept pace.

“Most of today’s required skillsets were unheard of when we started SYSTEMTEC in 1998,” said CEO Steve Bryant. “It’s imperative that our sales and recruiting teams are knowledgeable about the business of each client, and they have to possess a degree of evolving knowledge and fluency in IT.” Bryant said the company he owns with partner Paul Elias should not be considered a tech company, but a company of recruiting experts. Recruiting technical people. A specialty.

The advantages of working with an IT staffing organization include a faster hiring process, higher quality candidates, and specialized knowledge. Because of the high demand and the short supply of IT professionals, the scene is crowded with agencies trying to deliver IT talent. Agencies who fall prey to the ‘race to the finish line’ mentality can produce poor quality for clients and leave behind emotional gaps with candidates.

“Technology and software have dramatically enhanced the ways candidates are sourced, but after identification, recruiting remains an

Systemtec CEO Steve Bryant

emotional connection for the candidate and for the hiring manager,” added Laura Hoge, Managing Director. “Technology cannot account

top talent. The priority of SYSTEMTEC’s candidates and employees

for the complexities of human emotion and behavior.”

is staying employable and professionally relevant. “If we work to

Customer Experience, or CX as it is known in tech, is the impression customers have of a company as a whole, developed throughout all aspects of the buyer’s journey. The lion’s share of SYSTEMTEC’s business history is referrals. “Customer Experience is a real thing and a negative one negates money and any company

said Bryant.

The subjective feeling a customer has through their interaction with SYSTEMTEC is what separates them from the competition.

statistic,” said Hoge. “We try in every aspect of our business to stay

If you or someone you know needs to augment skills in their

grounded in quality, focused on delighting clients and candidates,

IT organization or hire a full-time employee, please contact

and always doing the right thing by people.”

SYSTEMTEC via email at mail@systemtec.net or call 803-806-

The priority of SYSTEMTEC’s clients is attracting and retaining

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support the priorities of our customers, we improve our business,”

8100.

2020 Book of Experts | Special Advertising Supplement

ACCOUNTING

The Hobbs Group, P.A.: Meeting client needs is our primary goal A client-focused approach to assessing customers’ financial health

BY MARK HOBBS, MANAGING SHAREHOLDER

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hen a prospective client reaches out to The Hobbs Group, P.A. our first duty is to determine if the prospective client is a “good fit” for our firm and, more importantly, can we meet their needs in a cost effective, efficient manner? Our assessments are very important as we must identify the prospective client’s “pain.” Why they are dissatisfied with their current situation and what is keeping them awake at night? What is the systemic cause of why they are worried about their business or their personal finances?

We realize that each client’s needs are unique and we are committed to finding a way to help, whether it’s providing an internal control assessment for a small business, evaluating the options for a special needs child or developing a plan to assist in funding the cost of an elderly parent or solving a problem with their business.

We believe that a high percentage of small businesses, nonprofit entities and others benefit tremendously from an attestation engagement tailored to their specific needs and risks. These attestation services (whether audit, review or agreed-uponprocedures) assist owners, management and Boards of Governance to determine the adequacy and sufficiency of internal controls. Internal controls are critical tools to safeguard assets and minimize the risk of loss due to accounting irregularities or misappropriation.

The attestation engagement is much like a checkup of financial health and is as important as the annual checkup with your doctor to assess your personal health.

We provide attestation services for employee benefits plans, state and local governments, nonprofit organizations, construction companies, manufacturing companies, real estate and hospitality businesses. The Hobbs Group, PA, has been in business since 1986, with 43 staff providing attestation, tax and consulting services. The firm’s main office is at 1704 Laurel St. in

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2020 Book of Experts | Special Advertising Supplement

Mark Hobbs, Managing Shareholder

ACCOUNTING

The staff at The Hobbs Group, P.A. has the expertise to handle all of your accounting, financial planning and tax needs.

at the request of the client, we started our affiliate Hobbs Group Columbia, with a satellite office in Greenville at 125 West Stone Ave. In working with all our clients, cultivating relationships is a major Advisors, LLC, which provides comprehensive financial planning, goal. After working with you for a period of time, we know your needs risk assessment and wealth management. These services include and habits. If you tell us that you never get your tax return done on budgeting as well as retirement cash flow planning. time, we can help you stay on schedule and make sure you do that.

Litigation support for family court cases, civil litigation and We get to know our clients so well that we can actually predict what forensic accounting are also areas in which our firm offers a wealth date they will come in with their tax information. Some come early of experience and common-sense approach to solutions with the in the year, but others will come on April 5 client’s interest in mind. or April 8. We will be there, ready to help.

We value the professionals on our staff We help businesses with tax planning to and treat them like they’re part of our family We have a real desire to minimize their tax liabilities. This assistance too. Each staff member is encouraged to protect the assets and can consist of reviewing prior year returns work with a nonprofit that fits their interest. businesses of our clients and to determine if any amendments could We have people involved with schools, arts to assist them in achieving be filed to benefit the client, reviewing groups, animal rescue organizations and financial goals. of the firm’s structure to assure it is still children’s shelters. We allow them to take the most advantageous for the business or time off for volunteer service and host board assisting the business owner on questions of meetings here in our office. valuation and business succession strategies.

Why should a client come to us for their accounting needs? We Our firm has been involved with 10 to 14 business transitions in are a firm that puts the client first and looks out for their needs. We the last year with the legacy owners deciding to diversify their assets have a real desire to protect the assets and businesses of our clients and shift to more of a retirement mode. Our firm is well qualified to and to assist them in achieving financial goals. We believe our provide accounting tax and consulting services in these situations.

Many of the clients have been served by our firm for 25 plus years.

In the late 1990s, we were involved in a forensic accounting case evaluating the damages arising from inappropriate and unauthorized transactions related to an investment account. Shortly thereafter and

services should add more value to the client than the cost of our fees.

At the Hobbs Group, P.A. we know from experience that If we put our clients’ objectives, goals and needs first, the rest will take care of itself.

Special Advertising Supplement | 2020 Book of Experts

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LETTER FROM THE EDITOR MIDLANDS NEWSROOM Editor - Melinda Waldrop mwaldrop@scbiznews.com • 803.726.7542 MIDLANDS ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Senior Account Executive - Lucia Smith lsmith@scbiznews.com • 803.726.7547 LOWCOUNTRY NEWSROOM Executive Editor - Andy Owens aowens@scbiznews.com • 843.849.3142 Senior Copy Editor - Beverly Barfield bbarfield@scbiznews.com • 843.849.3115 Editor, Custom Publishing Division Steve McDaniel smcdaniel@scbiznews.com • 843.849.3123 Graphic Designer - Elizabeth Greff egreff@molawyersmedia.com UPSTATE NEWSROOM Associate Editor, Custom Publishing Division Jim Tatum jtatum@scbiznews.com • 864.720.2269

South Carolina’s Media Engine for Economic Growth President and Group Publisher - Grady Johnson gjohnson@scbiznews.com • 843.849.3103 Creative Director - Ryan Wilcox rwilcox@scbiznews.com • 843.849.3117 Events Director - Kim McManus kmcmanus@scbiznews.com • 843.849.3116

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elcome to the 2020 edition of the Columbia Regional Business Report Book of Experts. Inside you’ll find a wide variety of expertise in fields such as staffing, marketing, business consulting, insurance and more.

Each expert within these pages offers adv ice, tips, strategies and solutions to help you make the most of your business. They are par t of local ly operated companies that are focused on helping their Midlands neighbors grow and prosper.

As we all learn to navigate t h e n e w, f o r m i d a b l e challenges of the coronavirus pandemic, the expertise and Steve McDaniel, Editor support of businesses that Custom Media Division specialize in areas that are able to take pressure off your staff can prove to be invaluable.

Please keep these experts and their companies in mind whenever you find yourself in need of business services. You’ll find knowledgeable, friendly and capable staffs at each, ready to help you and your employees reach their full business potential.

SC Biz News is proud to bring you this valuable resource, and we know you will find advice and knowledge inside that is useful to you and your business.

Events Account Executive - Melissa Tomberg mtomberg@scbiznews.com • 864.720.1220 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

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THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS

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FEATURED EXPERTS 2 Systemtec

16 Splash Omnimedia

4 Hobbs Group

17 KRJ Consulting

8 Scott & Co

18 Theodore & Associates

10 WeGetBiz

19 Belfor Property Restoration

12 CEC Engineering

20 KRUM

14 Capital City Professionals

22 Capitol Office Products

15 Greater Lexington Chamber

ACCOUNTING

Scott and Company: Experts in deterring and detecting accounting fraud 25 years of saving time and money for Midlands businesses

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he National Insurance Crime Bureau estimates that accounting fraud costs businesses roughly $20 billion annually, and research has found that the vast majority of it is preventable with improved financial controls.

Because many business and non-profit leaders consider accounting fraud a black swan event — rare but potentially devastating — they dismiss the possibility that it might occur to their institutions.

Yet, the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners found that 42% of organizations with fewer than 100 employees experience a fraud event, costing them an average of $164,000.

Because so many organizations underestimate the risk, they fail to take simple steps to ensure that their books are in order. Many believe that their annual audit will catch any untoward activity, but audits are not designed to detect most fraud.

Opportunity, justification and incentive are all necessary for fraud to occur, says Michael Slapnik, a member at Scott and Company in Columbia, who has 25 years of service to businesses, nonprofits and individuals focusing on detecting fraud, tax minimization, compliance, assurance and customized business consulting. Interrupting any of those three can prevent employees from engaging in fraud.

Opportunity usually arises because one person is entrusted with most, or all, of the accounting duties. Segregating those duties and crosstraining employees to do each other’s jobs is a simple way to diminish the opportunity to embezzle, says Slapnik. For smaller enterprises, CEOs must intervene in the finances and double-check invoices, review vendor lists and ask questions when suspicions arise. “Poor internal controls lead to opportunities,” he said. “It is the one thing companies have control over.”

Often, the perpetrator turns out to be a longtime, trusted employee who no one would ever suspect. Most of those who commit accounting fraud are first-time offenders. They often start small, justifying the theft as a loan, until the stealing snowballs.

CEOs can trust their employees but still verify their work. Slapnik recommends that all employees be required to take time off each year and allow others to handle their responsibilities. Another set of eyes on the accounting practices helps deter and detect fraud.

These are the kinds of issues that keep corporate and nonprofit leaders up at night. To alleviate their concerns, it helps to engage the services of an accounting firm to do surprise spot-check audits that take a deeper dive into some element of the business.

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Scott and Company member Michael Slapnik

Scott and Company members have experience at the nation’s “Big Four” accounting firms. Unlike some firms that delegate most of their work to junior employees, Scott and Company members spend significant time with clients.

For fraud prevention cases, they review internal controls, policies and procedures, then test accounting systems and evaluate the results. This helps organizational leadership sleep at night and concentrate on other important business matters during the day.

Scott and Company is located at 1441 Main St., Suite 800, in Columbia.

Call Michael at 803-256-6021 to find out how he and his staff can help your company.

2020 Book of Experts | Special Advertising Supplement

Are You a Value Building Leader?

Or Are You That “Other Kind” of Leader?

Every Leader Needs access to the “3 Essential Tools of a Value Building Leader”

Leadership Tools

- The leader needs a full complement of leadership assessment, selection, benchmarking, and development tools to ensure that h/er leaders are a good fit for the culture and team they will lead. It is also critical to know each leader’s strengths and weaknesses to develop the leadership team. After knowing what capabilities need development, you need the methods to deliver the required training and development to each leader. Go To www.WeGetBiz.com/Services to discover our extensive leadership capabilities.

Top Talent Tools

- A leader is only as good as the people whom the leader can hire and develop. To ensure Top Talent, tools such as assessments, benchmarking, selection, and development strategies are needed. Not only does a leader need to know each individual, but s/he also needs to know the dynamics of the team. Using such things as team assessments and 360’s, a leader can have intelligence critical to leading. Go To www.WeGetBiz.com/ Services to discover employee and team capabilities you never knew existed.

Biz Intel Tools

- Just as a pilot needs flight information to keep a plane flying, a business leader needs up-to-date business intelligence to make effective decisions for the organization’s health. We have all of the business intelligence tools you need to fly your business successfully. It is also much easier than many business leaders believe. Go To www.WeGetBiz.com/Services to discover leader instrument panel tools you never knew existed.

Find out why our clients call us Leadership Sherpas

ORGANIZATIONAL VALUE ARCHITECT

WeGetBiz.com a leader in helping businesses thrive by improving value Purpose: Improve lives by improving personal and organizational value (health)

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ou’ve worked hard building your business, and it seems to be doing well.

Sales are strong; customers are happy.

Then, one day, you find you need a loan, or investors, or need to sell due to health issues, or you want to retire.

You may be shocked to learn that, despite those strong sales and a seemingly productive bottom line, you can’t sell your business for what you think it’s worth because the value isn’t there.

You learn that you don’t dictate the value of your

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business, the buyer does. Sure, buyers look at sales and bottom line (tangible assets) but that’s only a small portion of the valuation equation.

Buyers also look at intangible assets such as leadership (all leaders), quality employees, systems, and more. Therefore, the best objective measurement of business health is to value the business based on tangible and intangible assets – together, these determine an organization’s health.

Why are healthy organizations valuable?

2020 Book of Experts | Special Advertising Supplement

Because when one walks into a healthy organization, they get a good feeling; everything feels right. This feeling is the result of quality intangible assets. There is no chaos; employees and managers are happy; everything is clean and neat; you get that “comfy feeling.”

Of course, this makes shareholders, owners, leaders, employees, and customers happy - it feels good (and valuable) to be a part of an organization like this.

One common reason for poor organizational

ORGANIZATIONAL VALUE ARCHITECT value is because leadership is often unaware (healthy) organization.”

This means providing them with respect of the critical role intangible assets play in However, when leaders discover the Top through Fit, Healthy Culture, Training, and that value. When a banker, investor, or buyer 3 Strategies to Ensure Organizational Value Development. Employees, and those who work wants a quick value estimate of a business, (Health), they start to recognize that may not with them, need to fit well into the company, they often use a simple formula (Value = be as unreachable a goal as they first believed. team, and job. This requires a modern hiring EBITDA x Multiple). Here, EBITDA (Earnings Nonetheless, WeGetBiz.com is the first to process. We benchmark each job, then assess Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and emphasize that these strategies are not easy to candidates using multiple sciences to determine Amortization) is multiplied by a “multiple.” implement - it takes earnest desire, work, focus, if they are a good fit, then perform a sound Generally, the average multiple is what and some helpful tools. onboarding process. Employees want to be businesses have been selling for in a given Most business valuation professionals a part of a good organizational culture, and, industry. However, this is just a starting point agree that these three strategies are, with few since they want to feel like they are moving in a that is adjusted up or down - based mostly exceptions, the biggest drivers of business favorable job path, they want to be trained and upon the intangible assets. In fact, leadership is value (heath). We will approach them in developed for that growth. often surprised to find that intangible assets can order of importance. Quality leadership The third strateg y is Business make up 70-80% of the value. Therefore, if your in every position who leads one or more Intelligence. Business organization’s quick leaders often avoid this, value calculation is to their organization’s LEADERS NEED $3 million, but your detriment, for fear of UP-TO-DATE BUSINESS intangible assets not understanding the INTELLIGENCE TO AS THE LEADER are weak, you could information or how to lose as much as $2.4 MAKE EFFECTIVE GOES, SO GOES THE use it effectively. Yet, just m i l l i o n i n v a l u e.

DECISIONS FOR THE COMPANY. as a pilot needs flight Wo r s e , i n s o m e ORGANIZATION’S information to keep a situations, intangible HEALTH plane flying, a business assets can reduce an leader needs up-to-date organization’s value business intelligence to to zero. make effective decisions for the organization’s employees - is the most critical value driver That’s why WeGetBiz.com spends much of health. With today’s technology, tools, and for every business. We use the term “Quality its time helping organizational leaders identify easy-to-understand graphs and reports, there Leadership” because so many in leadership the intangible assets that can improve the value is little reason to neglect business intelligence. positions are LINO’s (Leader in Name Only). and health of an organization. Obviously, this It’s not easy, but the good news is today’s In fact, WeGetBiz.com believes this so strongly doesn’t mean leaders should focus only on business leaders have excellent tools available that, typically, the first step taken with any intangible assets. Rather, leaders must always to help them be better stewards of their organization is to give top leadership one keep an eye on both tangible and intangible organization. The journey may not literally be a of the best leadership assessments available assets and remain aware of the power intangible climb up Mt. Everest, but a good leader should to highlight the leaders’ strengths and assets have over tangible asset value - and seek an experienced Sherpa, one who has been opportunities. organizational success. there, done that, and can help navigate the path The second strategy is Top Talent.

One concern WeGetBiz.com often hears to organizational success. about value is, “I just don’t believe we can WeGetBiz.com suggests every organization The team at WeGetBiz.com might just be become the ‘happy employees, managers, not consider “the employees” a top asset, but and shareholders you portray in a valuable the Sherpa you need. instead consider each employee a partner.

Top 3 Organizational Value Strategies

Leadership - Ensure Quality Leaders are in every lead position Top Talent - Strive to constantantly improve all employees

through Fit, Healthy Culture, Training and Development

Biz Intel

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Just as pilots need constant flight instrument information to ensure flight success, leaders need continuous business intelligence for organizational success Special Advertising Supplement | 2020 Book of Experts

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CIVIL ENGINEERING AND CONSTRUCTION

Building Community Civil Engineering of Columbia takes the lead in building community throughout the Midlands

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t Civil Engineering of Columbia, our expertise in civil engineering and surveying is just one of many aspects of the work we do for our clients. We look at the entirety of the picture when assessing a project and advising our clients on their options. From residential, commercial and industrial development to utility and infrastructure improvements, we take pride in being part of building communities, as well as community, throughout the Midlands and South Carolina.

We have been known for over 45 years as an integral part of the single-family residential market throughout the Midlands of South Carolina. We cherish that reputation and are proud of our position as a leader in the housing industry. Community is more than just where people live. It also includes where people work and play.

We have recruited talented employees with experience in all sectors of development to expand our experience portfolio to include large scale commercial and industrial developments, utility and infrastructure projects, as well as smaller scale commercial projects. The blend of staff experience with the rich history of single-family residential development positions us to best live out our mission statement of “Building Community.�

We do our best to exemplify our mission and core values in every facet of our business. As an industry leader whose mission is to build community, this also includes giving back to the community which we are a part of. We are members of the Water Environment Association of South Carolina, the Building Industry Association of Central South Carolina, the Central South Carolina Alliance, and the South Carolina Economic Developers Association. We look for sponsorship opportunities to support local nonprofit organizations and charities as much as possible. We also strive to foster community within our organization, creating a workplace people want to come to and where co-workers are considered family.

We consider ourselves a consultant on many fronts to our clients, focusing on a quality design, but also focusing on the community impacts that each project will bring. Every project will have challenges and require teamwork, collaboration and critical thinking.

The coordination of the design professionals, coupled with local leadership and stakeholders, can optimize and maximize the positive benefit that every project has on its impact area. Working together, we can continue building this outstanding Midlands community.

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Bill Flowers, President

Clay Walsh, PLS, Director of Surveying

Daniel Mosher, PE, Director of Engineering

Josh Rabon, PE, Managing Partner

2020 Book of Experts | Special Advertising Supplement

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Â

Building Community.

cecola.com

urveying

A History of Excellence Civil Engineering of Columbia has provided high-quality engineering services since 1974. Our clients stay with us because they know they won’t find the level of quality customer service that we provide anywhere else.

Partner

Single-Family Residential

Multi-Family Residential

Commercial/ Industrial

Water/ Wastewater

Planning

Surveying

ACCOUNTING

Capital City Professional Services can save you time and money Accounting professionals can take on the complexities of taxes, bookkeeping, payroll services B Y T H E R E S A T O D D • P R I N C I P A L • C A P I TA L C I T Y P R O F E S S I O N A L S E R V I C E S L L C

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f you’re awake at night worrying about how much your small business owes in taxes or whether you’re keeping correct track of your income and expenditures, and you can’t afford to hire an accountant, here’s a solution: Save your money, restore your peace of mind and focus on growing your business. You can do all that by outsourcing your accounting, bookkeeping, payroll, tax planning and preparation to one experienced accountant.

Capital City Professional Services LLC helps small businesses, from sole proprietorships to small corporations, navigate the rough waters of tax compliance and accounting. Principal Theresa Todd applies her 30 years of experience working with small to mid-sized businesses as an outsourced public accountant.

With Theresa’s personal attention, small firms get customized service that is right for them and helps them save money and grow. One HR consultant discovered after meeting with Theresa that she would benefit from converting to an S-corporation, saving her approximately $12,000 in self-employment tax.

Every small business has different needs, so Capital City Professional Services offers each the package that best meets their needs. Do you require help calculating and paying sales tax? The firm can handle that for you. Is your company ready for a full suite of bookkeeping, payroll and tax services? Bring in Capital City Professional Services. Capital City charges a flat rate, so you always know that you can call, email or meet with Theresa without incurring further costs. Many accountants begin running the meter every time they pick up the phone, disincentivizing productive conversation. When you call the firm, not only is there no extra charge but you reach the owner. She doesn’t need to take a message or ask you to spell your name. By working with a limited number of clients, her attention is always personal.

Operating a small business is a challenge in the best of times. Proprietors can’t do everything and can’t afford expensive professional fees. With SBA lending and forgiveness requirements under the CARES Act, the need for proper documentation and financial tracking is greater than ever. Theresa understands the struggles small business owners face and adapts her offerings to their needs.

Most of Capital City Professional Services’ clients come from referrals.

One new client told Theresa that he can sleep at night because he knows the books are in order after hiring Capital City Professional Services, and now refers clients to the firm. The firm is just a year old and is already expanding to serve clients even better. In the fall, Capital City will offer financial planning, tax resolution and tax representation to the suite of services. Any business owner in trouble with the IRS will be able to bring in Capital City Professional Services and have professional representation working to reduce the pain.

Contact Theresa at 803-400-8683 or email her at theresa@ capitalcityprosvcs.com.

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2020 Book of Experts | Special Advertising Supplement

Capital City Professional Services Principal Theresa Todd

COMMERCE

Lexington Chamber and Visitors Center advocates for local businesses Chamber membership ensures higher visibility, better growth potential

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here is one organization in Lexington that has been growing businesses for more than 60 years. The Lexington Chamber and Visitors Center, a four-star accredited Chamber, helps businesses of all sizes experience cost-savings, association with a worldwide brand and a voice in the community.

More than 800 area businesses enjoy the benefits, advocacy and education they receive with their investment in the Chamber.

The Chamber’s Reopen Responsibly Pledge is designed to boost business and reassure consumers during the COVID-19 crisis. Consumers know that they can safely patronize Lexington businesses pledging to reopen while maintaining strict adherence to CDC health and safety guidelines, such as sanitizing, mask wearing and social distancing. The Chamber is posting information in shop windows and providing an online resource for those who seek to shop with peace of mind.

Businesses appreciate events and programs each year that affect the local community, including the annual dinner on the Lake Murray Dam that attracts prospective businesses to the community and the need-based Doris Burkett Scholarships awarded to one student from each of the five area high schools.

Investment in the Chamber provides a direct conduit to public officials, including Gov. Henry McMaster and U.S. Sen. Tim Scott, an opportunity generally not available to small businesses. The Chamber is in regular communication with local elected officials, relaying businesses’ concerns about a variety of issues. Recent discussions over inconsistent signage enforcement persuaded officials to reevaluate enforcement of the signage ordinance. The Chamber also suggested the Town create a $1 million fund to keep businesses afloat while they await federal aid.

“Businesses are the only group that creates jobs and provides the mechanisms through taxation and contribution for government, nonprofits and educational institutions to adhere to their mission of serving the public,” said Chamber President & CEO Otis Rawl. “When businesses are thriving, our whole socioeconomic wellbeing is enhanced.”

Associating with the Chamber, one of the world’s most recognized brands, offers tangible benefits. A 2012 study found that consumers are 89% more likely to buy from businesses that are part of the Chamber. Shareholders provide discounts to each other and Chamber partnerships provide cost reductions on health insurance, office supplies and much more.

New leadership committed to small business success comes to the Lexington Chamber and Visitors Center as of August in the form of new President and CEO Angelle LaBorde, who replaces the retiring Otis Rawl. A nationally recognized Certified Chamber Executive, LaBorde has provided more than a decade of service and leadership to the Greenwood, S.C., business community and has a quarter century of experience in the Chamber of Commerce industry and nonprofit sector.

Join the Chamber today at lexingtonsc.org to make your business’ voice heard.

The annual Dinner on the Dam at Lake Murray is a popular Chamber event.

Lexington Chamber officials announce the Reopen Responsibly Pledge.

Special Advertising Supplement | 2019 Book of Experts

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MARKETING

Your customers are on a journey.

Are you riding shotgun?

Splash Omnimedia has the road map to growing your business B Y M I K E W H I T E • S E N I O R P A RT N E R • S P L A S H O M N I M E D I A

The team at Splash Omnimedia can help your brand stand out in the increasingly crowded digital advertising landscape.

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hen you hear the words “marketing” or “advertising,” you might picture Don Draper, his feet up on the desk, inhaling his cigarette, and exhaling idea after idea until the magic happened – that one grand idea, a tv or radio commercial that would skyrocket sales and save the day.

Well, the days of “Mad Men” marketing are long behind us. Back then, the average American encountered only 500 advertisements a day. In today’s digitally tethered world, it’s upward of 10,000. Whether it’s an ad popping up during a music video or on your social media feed, marketing is EVERYWHERE. Join Them on Their Journey Today, consumers have endless amounts of information available to them, right at their fingertips. They can search, read reviews, watch videos, and ask their social network questions while binge-watching the latest Netflix series.

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Let’s face it; today, people hate being “sold.”

Instead, they want to make informed buying decisions. The more critical the decision, the longer the process. Join them on their journey by engaging them with relevant content every step of the way.

Be Their Navigator To make an impact, you need to show up across the platforms, channels, and devices where your ideal customers invest their time. But, just showing up isn’t enough. Customers buy from companies that provide clear and compelling content as they navigate their way from curiosity to commitment.

To do this effectively requires a variety of skill sets, equipment, and experience. Most of all, doing this well takes a lot of TIME. And time is your most precious asset.

A lack of time, resources, and expertise are why so many companies have weak marketing.

2020 Book of Experts | Special Advertising Supplement

That’s Where We Can Help We are Splash Omnimedia, a modern marketing agency. Our designers, copywriters, videographers, and marketing strategists – become an extension of your team. We become your marketing department. From marketing leadership to social media management, and everything in-between, we create and execute your marketing plan.

With us as your marketing partner, you’ll no longer have to worry. You can relax knowing that the professionals are handling your marketing.

Most important, you’ll have MORE - more brand visibility, more customers, more profits, and yes, even more time to do the things you enjoy.

Ready to explore how Splash Omnimedia can help you grow your business?

Visit us online at: SplashOmnimedia.com & Schedule a Discovery Call

BUSINESS CONSULTING

Managing change and crisis through synergy Those who do not adapt to change will be left behind B Y K A R E N R . J E N K I N S • P R E S I D E N T A N D C E O • K R J C O N S U LT I N G L L C

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ost businesses face a variety of challenges. They all seek strategies for increasing revenues while decreasing costs to improve their bottom line.

Having worked with dozens of a variety of businesses, KRJ Consulting, LLC (KRJC) has discovered a common theme: businesses struggle to effectively manage change while lessening the negative impact change can have on staff.

In some cases, leadership feels uncertain of decisions to change. They realize the team’s morale is low, and struggle to find solutions to help the team embrace change.

KRJ Consulting, LLC (KRJC) helps businesses implement positive organizational change through developing employee confidence and capacity so they can effectively manage change and crisis.

The first step to effectively managing change is simple: schedule a discovery session with KRJC. We help identify an organization’s specific challenges, and develop and deliver a customized solution.

Utilizing our Synergy Leadership Model, we develop confident leaders who ENGAGE, ENLIGHTEN and EMPOWER their teams.

After working with KRJC our clients have achieved many of the following results: • Excellent customer acquisition and retention • Strong risk management • Excellent brand reputation • Adherence to procedures and processes • Low staff turnover • High employee engagement and satisfaction • High revenue and market share • High confidence of future success Our clients have traded feelings of uncertainty about decisions on the future of their company for feelings of confidence in leaders who have created a cohesive, agile company positioned for future success.

Founded in April 2008, KRJC specializes in delivering human performance and organizational development solutions that bring people and processes together to achieve optimal results. KRJC works with clients to: • Improve performance and efficiency • Collaborate to achieve managerial and staff excellence • Align organizational needs with staff capabilities We Offer: Organizational Consulting • Change and Crisis Management • Organizational Alignment

KRJ Consulting President and CEO Karen R. Jenkins

• Organizational Capacity Solutions • Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Staff Development • Innovative Learning: People/Processes • Career Development/Succession • Team Building and Synergy Leadership • Specialized (SME)/Staff Augmentation Staff Training • Workforce Development • Personalized Training Sessions • Group Workshops • Skills Development Training Call or email us today to schedule your complimentary consultation: 803-727-9036 or info@KRJConsutling.com.

Special Advertising Supplement | 2020 Book of Experts

17

INSURANCE

Theodore & Associates is the one-stop shop for all your insurance needs Agency focused on helping clients navigate the process of obtaining all types of insurance

Theodore & Associates President Drew Theodore

W

hat makes Theodore & Associates stand out from the other insurance agencies? It’s simple – we are a one stop shop for all of your insurance needs. Theodore & Associates provides property, casualty, life, employee benefits and health insurance solutions for businesses and individuals. Our commitment to excellence has made us one of the most respected independent insurance agencies in the southeast, and service to our clients is our main focus. Simply put, we strive to eliminate all obstacles in your way while obtaining an insurance policy. Our goal is to be a valuable part of our client’s lives and businesses by protecting them against unforeseen, unavoidable losses, and doing so with as little effort as possible from our client.

What makes us different from our competition is our friendly, informed and professional staff, and our ability to respond to our clients’ needs quickly.

We offer access to clients’ insurance information with our 24/7 client portal, which makes it easy to obtain documents, request certificates, review coverage, and much more, all from your computer or smart phone. We have a competitive and aggressive spirit shown through our competent, well-trained, and ethical team. We take pride in the fact that we have an average of over 27 years of insurance experience among our staff. Additionally, our commitment to our clients is to actively pursue the professional development of our

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employees. We make it our practice for our associates to exceed the annual continuing education requirements of the state, and most of our associates currently hold or are pursuing professional designations to guarantee they are always up to date on the latest information.

With the unique distinction of our roots going back to 1884, we can offer preferential insurance products with only the most respected insurance companies in the world. Theodore & Associates has offices in Columbia and Summerville, S.C., and is licensed to do business in all Southeastern states.

When you call Theodore & Associates, you talk to a real person; not an automated answering system. Our clients are assigned an experienced Account Executive tthe first time you call our office. We provide old-fashioned service to our clients with a modern, high-tech delivery system. ​Because not all insurance agents are the same, choosing the right one can make a big difference – in price, service, and value. With other agencies, you get one company that sells one brand of insurance, but with an independent insurance agency like Theodore & Associates, you get choices. Why? Because Independent Insurance Agencies, like Theodore & Associates, represent a number of different insurance companies and can compare coverage and prices to find the best possible value for your individual circumstances. As independent agents, we are members of the Columbia community, and we’re committed to doing business face-to-face and being your advocate.

Our office is convenientaly located on Devine Street in the heart of Columbia, and has plenty of suitable parking behind the building and on the street. However, no matter where you are located, the good news is you can do business with us from the comfort of your home. Even when a pandemic hits, we are fully equipped with the technology to work remotely and still facilitate our client’s needs to their upmost satisfaction.

Not only do our employees get out in the Midlands community and volunteer to help where there is a need, Theodore & Associates as an agency is very involved in making Columbia a better place. We have implemented the “Commit to Cola” Referral Program, which supports a different local charity every quarter. Referrals mean the world to us, and we work hard to earn each one with great service and appreciation for our clients every day.

Here’s how it works: What qualifies as a referral? A referral is when we are contacted for a quote from someone saying you referred them to us. Don’t worry - we ask on every call. For every referral we receive, we will donate $10 to the chosen charity of the quarter. The person you refer doesn’t have to purchase a policy with us. There are many worthy charitable organizations in our community, so help us help them! Also, our referral program is open to anyone, whether they’re a client or not.

For more information on what Theodore & Associates can do for you, visit our website at www.theodoreinsurance.com or give us a call at 803.799.9979.

2020 Book of Experts | Special Advertising Supplement

DISASTER RECOVERY

BELFOR Property Restoration: Local experts, global resources Restoring more than property in South Carolina

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hen disaster strikes, the clock starts ticking, and the right response team can mean the difference between recovery and total loss. In the midst of chaos, you need proven expertise, especially when even a minor water loss can result in extensive and costly damages.

BELFOR Property Restoration is always prepared to be that team.

With offices in Columbia, Charleston, and now Myrtle Beach, we have South Carolina covered whenever it comes to fire, water, storm, mold, and other significant property damage.

As the worldwide leader in integrated disaster recovery and restoration services, BELFOR has decades of experience responding to large-scale catastrophic events of all types. Every day, our locally focused teams use that expertise to help businesses and communities in all areas of South Carolina that have been impacted by natural and manmade disasters.

As we continue to open offices in additional locations across the state, and with over 150 locations nationwide, we’re able to bring all the power and resources of a global company to address losses on the local level. From structural security and reconstruction to the recovery and restoration of equipment and vital documents, you can count on BELFOR for a rapid response and proven results.

BELFOR has also played an essential role on the front lines of the coronavirus pandemic by providing cleaning and treatment services for residential households as well as hospitals and health care facilities, first responder departments, cruise ships, schools and universities, sports arenas, assisted living facilities, hotels and more.

All of our local teams throughout South Carolina are proud to call this state home, and our promise is to deliver the highest level of service for our neighbors, family, and friends in every unique region. From the Upstate and Midlands to the Lowcountry, or anywhere in between, we are here 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year to help you recover quickly and restore peace of mind for everyone.

Visit www.belfor.com to find your local office, or call 800-856-3333 for 24/7 emergency response.

Above: BELFOR established a mobile COVID-19 testing site for the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston.

Middle: BELFOR’s extensive equipment inventories offer unrivaled response capability to losses of any size.

Top: BELFOR deep cleans for Major League Soccer at a soccer facility.

Special Advertising Supplement | 2020 Book of Experts

19

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

Krumware is a fresh take on Tech Development New approach focuses on educating, inspiring your workforce

“

M

ake technology your business” is a phrase that Krumware takes to heart. Since 2016, Krumware has built its business around helping companies find ways to transform and innovate.

Krumware is a new type of firm that helps companies develop their next-generation expertise through assisted technology development and support. We focus on building the abilities of people just as much as the technology.

The number of new technologies available to businesses today is astounding and frankly overwhelming. Today, folks can exchange with crypto, sprinkle in some AI, cruise through data lakes, link up some blockchain, and SaaS their way through a pitch deck. That’s how we build a billion-dollar business, right? In a world where social media is king, we’re exhausted and fascinated by these stories. But these things don’t need just to be words that a marketing team throws into a tweet.

“Innovation” has, unfortunately, become a term to make you roll your eyes alongside the hundreds of other tech buzzwords. For many businesses, innovation means purchasing; or in other words, spending countless hours evaluating pricing, suffering through demos, and convincing employees that their new toy isn’t just another cause for training webinars. Afterward, there are months of “if only it had this one feature” fights, “it works on my machine” mayhem, and “I’m sorry, you don’t own your own data” disasters, and the process is hardly inspiring.

For many others, outsourcing seems to be the way to go.

But after they’ve been handed an absolute mess of a project after blowing through budgets, they discover that it’s as useful as a paperweight. Other times they find themselves dependent on a support relationship, with no backup options.

What happened to homegrown? Now, more than ever, it is a real option to make something yourself.

If we cut through all of the tech-speak and chatter, one thing is certain. We are entering a new age of unparalleled human capability. People are getting smarter, skillsets are growing larger, and expectations are getting higher. Going are the days of paper pushers and line workers. As businesses, we must change the way we look at innovation and turn

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Krumware staff can help your company tap into hidden IT talent within your workforce.

2020 Book of Experts | Special Advertising Supplement

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

Krumware will show you how to inspire and empower your employees to help your company reach its maximum potential.

back to invention. When people are empowered with tools and expertise,

started because you might tip your hand, and certainly, don’t be afraid of

encouraged to be creative, and provided with a healthy environment for

asking questions in fear of sounding foolish. If needed, find someone

technology development, the return on investment can be amazing.

trustworthy and understanding that will help you and your people grow

If you choose to grow your company’s next big success from within, here are some tips to get started on your journey: 1.

through challenges.

Krumware’s experiences have shown that ideas are not unique, and

Ask for ideas and feedback. The chances are high that someone

neither are the challenges. While helping our partners execute, we have

is taking a “bootcamp course” or tinkering at home and would jump at

learned that the greatest and most lasting impacts on companies are a direct

the opportunity to break the mold or change careers (without changing

result of working with their people. With hands-on learning, while assisting

companies!).

them in building powerful new tools and products,

2.

we find that people throughout the company become

Invest in continuing education. Many

people don’t know what they are capable of, simply because they have not been exposed to something.

Courses and hands-on learning experiences can break through that fear and open them to a whole new world of capabilities.

3.

Use tools, not toys. “Low-code” and “no-

code” solutions are offered by Google, Amazon Web

Krumware has learned that the greatest and most lasting impacts on companies are a direct result of working with their people.

more engaged and excited to perform. Having shiny new products to be proud of is the cherry on top.

Inspired and empowered people make inspiring companies, and we see that in action with our clients every day. We’ve doubled down on this concept, and today, making that happen is our mission.

Now, more than ever, companies are looking for

Services, Microsoft, and QuickBase, and all provide

new ways to operate, and it starts with the people. Talk

great starting points for building internal apps and

with a Krumware team member to see how we can

putting your data and other systems to work. Bonus points: this is a great

help you jumpstart your next generation. Ask us about our learning center

way to jumpstart your cloud adoption.

and mentorship options for employees, and our Center of Excellence as a

4.

Find a project! You can’t find a solution if you can’t see the

Service. If you are an employee who wants your company to talk with us,

problem. Projects create a focal point for creative energy and provide a

give us an anonymous tip and we’ll help raise the flags. Let’s build something

vehicle for progress while serving as a guide for learning. Sometimes the

great together!

treasure map can have many X’s, and you can make the map.

5.

For more information go to www.krum.io, or contact us at sales@krum.

Don’t be afraid to get help. Ideas, challenges, and solutions have

something thing in common: they are not unique. Don’t be scared of getting

io. Krumware is a proud Columbia, S.C., headquartered business and GrowCo member company (www.grow-co.org).

Special Advertising Supplement | 2020 Book of Experts

21

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

Capital Office Products: Your hub for information technology 20-plus years of serving Midlands businesses with a local touch

C

apital Office Products, Inc. was established on April 1, 1997.

Our mission was simple: To build relationships with our customers, to exceed their expectations for quality products and service with competitive pricing on a consistent basis.

Capital’s founder, Bill MacDonald, started in the industry over 30 years ago. Back then, copiers ran on liquid toner and salespeople wore horrible knit ties and white shirts. The hardest part of the job was keeping clean and fixing paper jams.

Today the industry has evolved. We now are the hub of your information technology. Your “copier” is the main vehicle you use to communicate documents to the world.

Your current equipment can now process documents to your software, the cloud or even print it. Our role has evolved to an office automation consultant.

Capital is an authorized dealer for Canon and Copystar (Kyocera). After a rigorous process of certification in sales and service, we were deemed qualified to sell their equipment line. This sets us apart from our competition. As a dealer, we work directly with the manufacturer to be able to compete with any national company and deliver the highest quality service with a local touch.

Fast forward to today. Bill’s daughter, Ashley Whisonant, is the General Manager. She takes the founded, established principles and adds the perspective of the next generation.

Ashley wants to continue growing Capital and works on new ways to meet the needs of the customers. Her favorite quote is, “Just take care of the customer, then we can figure the rest out.” When you call our office, you will always talk to a local person who cares.

Now that the world has changed, rely on a company with the old-school values that can navigate the digital world.

You need an expert to match your budget, needs and office environment to the right equipment. Capital Office Products has been doing this for over 20 years, and every year the industry evolves with the innovation of new technology. We are local and here to stay. We are the experts because we love copiers and what they do.

1667 Lake Murray Blvd., Columbia, SC 29212 | 803-407-4321

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Capital Office Products General Manager Ashley Whisonant (left) and Founder Bill MacDonald.

Capital Office Products has served Midlands businesses’ IT needs for over 20 years.

2020 Book of Experts | Special Advertising Supplement

Your Local

Workplace Entry Solutions Get back to business – safely.

Our workplace entry solutions can help you and your employees feel better about being back in the workplace by taking extra precautions coordinated through our wellness team. | Occupational Health – DOT Physicals – Drug Screens

– Workers’ Compensation – Pre-Employment Physicals

– Injury Care – Physical Therapy

– PPD/TB Gold Tests – OSHA (CAOHC) Hearing Screenings

| Corporate Health & Wellness On-Site Services – Flu Shot Clinics – Biometric Screenings

Contact your Employer Health Services representative today to discuss custom options for your needs.

– Drug Screens – Health Coaching & Education

– COVID-19 Diagnostic Tests – COVID-19 Antibody Tests

Grand Strand (843) 238-4520

Midlands (803) 726-0477

Upstate (864) 516-1274

Lowcountry (843) 737-8971

Kitty Howell

Jonathan Pent

Ryan Martin

Lisa Morelli

Director of Business Development

Business Developer

Business Developer

Business Developer

Corporate Health & Wellness (803) 726-3134

Danielle Hickson

Corporate Health and Wellness Coordinator

Employer Health Services Doctors Care provides occupational medicine and corporate wellness to more than 2,500 companies in South Carolina. We help employers reduce costs through efficient in-center scheduling and on-site service support, driving productivity through convenience.

With more than 50 locations across the state, your employees have unparalleled access to our high quality health care services.

Call toll free: 888-845-6887 Email: Sales@DoctorsCare.com Employers.DoctorsCare.com