Issuu

VOLUME 25 NUMBER 14 ■ GSABUSINESS.COM

Part of the

network

AUGUST 8-SEPTEMBER 4, 2022 ■ $2.25

Hot investment

Furman alumni put their money on the students of their alma mater. Page 5

A solar field at Clemson University doubles as a shady place to park cars. (Photo/Ross Norton)

Flipping the script Student entrepreneur finds success with FlipRings. Page 7

Report: SC solar jobs lag behind Southeastern neighbors

Still spinning

179-year-old company hire new chief operation officer. Page 8

By Molly Hulsey

In Focus

The Cliffs introduces a new neighborhood. Page 23

INSIDE

Leading Off .......................... 2 SC Biz News Briefs ................ 3 C-Suite ................................ 4 In Focus: AEC .....................23 LIST: Architecture Firms .....33 At Work ..............................35 Viewpoint ...........................39

gsanews@scbiznews.com

ver the past decade, employment in the nation’s solar sector more than doubled from 2020 to 2021 and grew by 9% in South Carolina. Despite job growth on par with the national average, South Carolina’s solar sector has

neither the existing workforce nor growth rate of its neighbors to the north or south, according to a July 2022 report from the Interstate Renewable Energy Council. In 2021, the Palmetto State’s solar industry saw a 9.4% increase, or 291 additional positions, from the 3,086 jobs in 2020. South Carolina’s solar industry is the 24th largest in the country in terms of workforce

size, according to the report. Georgia and Florida continue to be industry leaders in the Southeast with respective 5,314 jobs (19% growth year-over-year) and 11,761 jobs (4.5% growth year-over-year) with the nation’s 14th and second largest solar sectors. See SOLAR, Page 10

Tax evasion alleged at several Upstate stores By Ross Norton

rnorton@scbiznews.com

.C. Department of Revenue agents in late July arrested a North Carolina couple and charged them with tax evasion and failure to file a state tax return or pay a tax related to businesses they operated in Spartanburg, Greenville and Anderson counties. Natalia Sokil, 46, of Tryon, N.C., was the

owner and operator of ESF Management, doing business as European Market LLC, in Spartanburg County. The specialty grocery store had multiple locations in other Upstate counties as well. Andrej Sokil, 54, also of Tryon, worked and lived in Spartanburg during the time under investigation, according to a news release from the Revenue Department. In 2017 and 2018, the couple filed joint

Icons and Phenoms

SC Biz News honors business and community leaders for 2022. Page 11

Individual Income Tax returns but failed to include her business income of $2,707,322, the department alleges. The couple owed $19,010 in state taxes for tax years 2017 and 2018. They also failed to file returns for tax years 2019 and 2020, during which an investigation found they had taxable income of $1.4 million, the news release said. They owe See TAX, Page 8

Leading Off

BRIEFS | FACTS | STATEWIDE NEWS | C-SUITE

hree S.C. towns are in the top 20 of a RentCafé ranking of the best cities for renters. The highest-ranked Palmetto State city, Greenville, came in at No. 4, with Charleston at No. 8 and Columbia at No. 16. The rankings were based on several factors, the most important of which was the cost of living and housing, which seems to have powered Greenville into the top 5. Among cities in the survey across the country, only Savannah had better numbers for the cost of living and housing. Greenville also was noted for a high percentage of college graduates and the quality of jobs available to residents. Charleston also scored points for a large number of highly educated residents, as well as historic charm, beaches, a strong local economy and world-renowned restaurants. We spend a lot of time in South Carolina drawing distinctiosn among the regions, but a common thread that supported the case for the cities in the Upstate and Lowcountry also runs through Columbia. The cost of living and housing, the unemployment rate, higher education and other factors pushed the capital city to No. 16 on the nationwide list. What we like about the ranking is that the factors they considered to make towns great for renting also make

those towns great for living for everyone. Source: Rent Cafe

overall Rank

city

Cost of Living & Housing Rank(Weight: 50%)

Population

Cost of Living

Avg.Apt SqFt

Occupancy

Round Rock,Tx

128,812

912

95.8%

Raleigh,NC

468,698

958

95.2%

Conroe,T X

88,369

920

94.3%

Greenville,SC

69648

947

94.8%

Orlando,FL

284,817

958

95.8%

Charleston,SC

137,041

100

967

94.4%

Columbia,SC

134,057

1006

93.0%

SOURCE: RentCafe.com

ON THE

RECORD

“You would see these types of programs at major business schools but this is a unique offering at a traditional liberal arts and sciences university.” — Anthony Herrera, Furman University

WEBSITE: www.GSABusiness.com

@GSABusiness

facebook.com/GSABusiness

August 8-September 4, 2022

www.gsabusiness.com 3

SC Biz News Briefs What’s your

why? What’s your

What’s your

why?

I WANT OUR COMMUNITY TO FLOURISH IN EVERY WAY.

Why we choose to lend a hand is different for everyone. For us, it’s because we’re committed to making a positive difference in the lives of everyone who makes a home here. That’s why we dedicate time and resources Boku Kitchen and Saloon is Publico owner Michael Duganier’s latest venture.our (Photo/Christina Lee Knauss) to the organizations that make the community an even more special place.

COLUMBIA

OUR COMMUNITY We’re proud to support SC BIZI WANT News and all you do for all of us. TO FLOURISH IN EVERY WAY.

Columbia Regional Business Report

Let’s talk about your why.

we choose hand for everyone. ForIus,T Y T IWhyW A N toTlendOa U Ris different COM MUN

Contact David Leppert, Senior Relationship Strategist,, at 336-420-3676 david.leppert@pnc.com, it’s because we’re committedorto making a positive difference or visit pnc.com/privatebank.

WANT OUR COMMUNITY TO FLOURISH IN EVERY WA New restaurant brings Asian flair,I flavor in the lives of everyone who makes a home here. That’s why we Why choose toeveryone. lendtoaFor hand different for dedicate our and for resources the organizations that Why we choose to lend awe hand is time different us, it’s is because we’re committ to Columbia’s Congaree Vista district make the community an even more special place. “PNC Private Bank” is a service mark of The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. Investments: Not FDIC Insured. No Bank Guarantee. May Lose Value. making a positive difference in the lives of everyone who makes a home ©2022 The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. All rights reserved. PNC Bank. National Association, Member FDIC.

That’s w making a positive difference in thehere. lives ofwhy eve our time and resources to the organizations t

new restaurant in the Vista offers diners the chance to enjoy Pan-Asian cuisine our time and resources to thetoorganizations thatNews makeand the community anall even more specia INV WM PDF 0621-081-1854703 We’re proud support SC BIZ all you do for of us. in an upscale atmosphere. Boku Kitchen and Saloon, located at 916 Gervais St., has beenWe’re open since proud to support SC BIZ News andtalk all you do your for allwhy. of us. Let’s about February, but its grand opening on July 21 attracted community and civic leaders to check out the latest offering from owner Michael Duganier, already a well-known figure Let’s talk about your why.“PNC Private Bank” is a service mark of The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. in Columbia’s restaurant community. Investments: NotStrategist,, FDIC Insured. Noat Bank Guarantee. May Lose Value. Contact David Leppert, Senior Relationship 336-420-3676 or david.leppert@pnc.com, Duganier also owns Publico Kitchen and Tap in Five Points and its sister location, © 2022 The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. All rights reserved. PNC Bank. National Association, Member FDIC. visit pnc.com/privatebank. which opened in May in the BullStreet District. Publico offers Latin/Asianorcuisine. “Once again, it’s another great day as we celebrate the opening of another business,” said Columbia Mayor Daniel Rickenmann at the opening. “This is the third area of “PNC Private Bank” is a service mark of The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. Columbia Michael has invested in, and he’s committed to growing here and hiring Investments: Not FDIC Insured. No Bank Guarantee. May Lose Value. here.” ©2022 The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. All rights reserved. PNC Bank. National Association, Member FDIC. Duganier said in an interview that a restaurant like Boku was a concept tossed around for several years by the late Robert “Bob” McCarthy, his mentor and long-time INV WM PDF 0621-081-1854703 business partner with Publico who died in late 2021. The two originally talked about opening Boku as a fast-casual type of eatery, but “PNC Private Bank” is a service mark of The PNC Financial Duganier said fast-casual businesses had already tried the Gervais Street location and ended up closing. The building was previously home to Fiery Taco before Boku opened. Investments: Not FDIC Insured. No Bank Guarantee. May L “I suggested maybe going with a more upscale Pan-Asian concept,” Duganier said. “The vision with Boku was bringing something really different to this neighborhood, ©2022 The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. All rights res something it hasn’t had before.” INV WM PDF 0621-081-1854703 The Boku menu includes soups, salads, noodles, Crab Rangoon, calamari, and other items. An elaborate bar offers a lineup of signature drinks, as well as a large sake selection. Diners can eat inside or at an outdoor lounge area. Duganier wanted the new restaurant’s atmosphere to be as distinctive as its menu. Murals by Miami artist Ruben Ubiera catch customers’ eyes as soon as they walk inside, such as the largest one featuring a brightly colored rooster, a woman drawn in anime style, and a fedora hat draped over a Chinese character for the word “love.” That element, Duganier said, is a tribute to his friend McCarthy because both men had an affinity for Frank Sinatra’s music, and the fedora was the singer’s signature hat. Other unique elements of the decor pay tribute to the restaurant’s Asian theme, including bright red bird cage lights that hang in the front of the restaurant and distinctive light fixtures made from chopsticks that illuminate tables toward the back. One popular feature at Boku is the daily happy hour that features $7 cocktails, $6 wines and $5 appetizers. Duganier said the restaurant will also start serving a Dim Sum Brunch the first weekend of August.

We’re proud to support SC BIZ News and all

Let’s talk about your why.

Contact David Leppert, Senior Relationship Strategi or visit pnc.com/privatebank.

NEW HIRE Munday now president of entrepreneur group

With publications in the Upstate, Columbia and Charleston, as well as a statewide magazine, SC Biz News covers the pulse of business across South Carolina. Above are excerpts from our other publications.

PAGE 43 VOLUME 15 NUMBER 10  COLUMBIABUSINESSREPORT.COM

Part of the

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New partnership

University, medical center creating nursing center. Page 4

JULY 18-AUGUST 14, 2022  $2.25

Manufacturing organizations enter official partnership

Part of the

VOLUME 28 NUMBER 14  CHARLESTONBUSINESS.COM

network

AUGUST 8 - 21, 2022  $2.25

Pearl pivot

Lowcountry Oysters finds new revenue stream. Page 10

SCBIZNEWS.COM JULY/AUGUST 2022

By Ross Norton

Landmark sale

Iconic Upstate property sold to investement group. Page 18

Making the grade SC Biz News names Best Places to Work for 2022. Page 6

Courts roundup

MOVING MILESTONE Pyramid Contracting celebrated the grand opening of its new Irmo headquarters June 22. (Photo/Melinda Waldrop)

Irmo contractor settles into new headquarters ahead of anniversary

Defendants sentenced in fraud, bribery cases. Page 8

By Melinda Waldrop

INSIDE

Upfront ................................ 2 SC Biz News Briefs ................ 4 In Focus: Commercial Real Estate ................................ 13 List: Commercial Real Estate Firms ................................ 19 Bonus List: Commercial Moving and Storage Companies........................ 20 At Work .............................. 21 Viewpoint ...........................23

mwaldrop@scbiznews.com

year shy of its 20th anniversary, Pyramid Contracting is celebrating a new home for its business. Company executives joined state representatives and city officials to cut the ribbon on Pyramid’s new corporate headquarters at 951 Western Lane in Irmo on June 22. Pyramid crews completely renovated the former Sea Ray Boats facility just off Interstate 26 as the company relocated from its former Irmo office on Lykes Lane. “I’m most proud that our employees put their hands on and self-performed so much of the work in this building,” Bobby Alex-

ander, Pyramid president, told SC Biz News after cutting the bright blue ribbon to a round of applause. “We’re very proud of it.” Alexander founded the company in April 2003 with one location and nine employees. Now, Pyramid has six locations in three states and employs 50. The contractor, which specializes in commercial, federal and defense construction, was the 2018 South Carolina 8(a) Construction Firm of the Year. Alexander credits joining that Small Business Administration program, which provides training and technical assistance to firms owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged See PYRAMID, Page 7

GOING VERTICAL

rnorton@scbiznews.com

wo organizations dedicated to supporting and growing the manufacturing industry and assisting manufacturing companies in the state have entered a formal partnership. The S.C. Manufacturers Alliance and the S.C. Manufacturing Extension Partnership have formalized their relationship after many years on working together on projects. A goal of the partnership is to collaborate formally on efforts to elevate industry and manufacturing statewide, according to a news release. SCMA has worked to ensure manufacturers have the right legislative climate and network to encourage growth and prosperity for the facilities operating in the state. SCMEP has a long history of providing a wide range of consulting and training services that helps small- to medium-sized manufacturers increase their competitiveness, the news release said. A primary aim of the partnership will focus on increased promotion of the services the two organizations provide, ensuring more companies are able to access their support and, in the process, further strengthening the state’s overall manufacturing environment. “The S.C. Manufacturers Alliance and our colleagues at the S.C. Manufacturing Extension Partnership have always worked toward the same goal — creating the most supportive manufacturing environment possible,” SCMA President and CEO Sara Hazzard said in the release. “By creating and committing to a more formal partnership, we will be better equipped to learn from each other, build on each other’s work and provide a comprehenSee SCMA, Page 9

Speculative frenzy

Demand for spec buildings fueling strong industrial real estate market. Page 13

ColumbiaBusinessReport.com

Ownership change Baltimore company buys Mount Pleasant center. Page 4

RESTORING A STAR

Flipping the script Student entrepreneur finds success with FlipRings. Page 6

Veteran leader

Air Force vet new dean at CSU College of Nursing. Page 7

INSIDE

Upfront ................................ 2 SC Biz News Briefs ................ 3 In Focus: Architecture, Engineering and Construction ......................25 Charleston Under Construction ......................29 List: Architecture Firms ..... 38 At Work ............................. 40 Viewpoint ...........................43

The Starlight Motor Inn is undergoing renovations that will preserve design details while adding modern amenities. (Photo/National Register of Historic Places application)

Hydroponics changin g cropproduction

GROWING TREND

Farm taking hemp to next level

Renovations aim to bring life back to mid-century hotel By Jenny Peterson

Contributing Writer

owns in the Charleston area, including historic renovations of a 32,000-square-foot building that houses the Redux Contemporary Arts Center on King Street. The Rivers Avenue inn first piqued Morrison’s interest thanks to its curb appeal, despite being shuttered to the public since the 1990s and a portion being used as a residence. “With the pink and white, it looked like it was right out of South Florida,” Morrison said. After learning that owner Jay Patel was open to selling, Morrison asked Lamond to come on board and lead the creative and branding side. “We talked to the original owner who said that back in the ‘60s and ‘70s, the bar was packed with Navy sailors and contractors and families by the pool. It really came from an era when (nearby) Reynolds Avenue was truly the Main Street of North Charleston,” Lamond said.

The duo ramped up renovation plans after learning the motel, which had fallen into disrepair, was slated for demolition. According to Charleston County land records, Star Motel LLC purchased the property for $800,000 in March 2020. Morrison said the property sits on about an acre of land. The first order of business was to get the hotel onto the National Register of Historic Places and use historic tax credits to help fund the full renovation. “Historic tax credits can be the difference in a project working out or not,” Morrison said. Morrison said he worked with historian and consultant Brittany Lavelle Tulla, whom he worked with during the Redux Contemporary Arts Center renovation. Tulla discovered that the America Motor Inn was likely the first prefabricated motel in the country, a note that

Check outthe 10b est upscale neighborhood s in Greenville

See STARLIGHT, Page 27

Icons and Phenoms

SC Biz News honors business and community leaders for 2022. Page 13

CharlestonBusiness.com

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August 8-September 4, 2022

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THE BEST ADVICE I’VE EVER RECEIVED

Whatever you do, do it with passion. Be relentlessly focused and begin with the goal in mind.

WHAT’S THE BEST ADVICE YOU COULD GIVE?

Strive for a work/life balance. Be committed to your profession but keep family first. Work hard, enjoy life, be kind.

WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST JOB? Room service server as a teenager.

WHAT IS THE STIFFEST CHALLENGE FACING YOUR INDUSTRY RIGHT NOW? The definitive answer is a challenging labor market. This is not only an Upstate concern but a nationwide problem plaguing the industry.

LITTLE KNOWN FACT ABOUT YOUR COMPANY Hay Creek Hotels will be seeing tremendous growth by 50% in the next 18 months while remaining focused as an exclusive, luxury boutique company.

WHAT IS YOUR ROLE? Lead and motivate a team to achieve excellence in service and deliver remarkable experiences for all guests while fostering an environment of participation and inclusion for all colleagues.

WHAT DOES YOUR COMPANY DO? While our essential product may be luxury lodging and spectacular food and beverage, we are ultimately in the business of curating memorable experiences. Personalized service delivery is at the core of what we do. We surprise and delight!

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er 4, 2022 August 8-September 4, 2022

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Alumni invest $1M in Furman investors fellowship By Molly Hulsey

gsanews@scbiznews.com

alking in the footsteps of two Furman graduates, fledgling investors can learn the ropes through a Venture South fellowship program at the university’s The Hill Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship. The eight-week Clemens Angel Analyst Fellowship, coined through a $1 million gift from Ken Clemens, an 1987 alumnus, and his son Chase Clemens, a 2022 alumnus, will offer students a deep dive into the “secrets of angel investing,” according to a news release. Eight to 10 students will be taught the analytical skills needed to evaluate pitches and parse promising startup plans from the rest, according to the younger Chase, who served for two years as the chair of Furman’s Investment Banking Club and is pursuing a career in finance. At the conclusion of the fellowship, the students will be eligible for a paid internship during which they can apply what they learned through real-life investment opportunities with VentureSouth. Clemens said he was approached about three years ago by Anthony Herrera, executive director of The Hill Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, with an idea that spurred the Angel Ana-

The Clemens family, flanked by Ken Clemens ‘87 and Chase Clemens ‘22, hope to inspire future investment in the program. (Photo/Provided)

lyst Program. The student seized on the idea and ran with it. “It was Chase’s ideas that led us to the gift for the fellowship,” the elder Clemens, CEO of the Pennsylvania-based URL Insurance Group, said in the release. “I thought this was a great chance to re-engage with my alma mater.” Herrera said the gift is critical to positioning Furman University as a national leader in the field among liberal arts and

science colleges by equipping students for careers in angel investing, venture capital and private equity. “You would see these types of programs at major business schools,” Herrera said in the release, “but this is a unique offering at a traditional liberal arts and sciences university.” The fellowship will help students understand how to evaluate companies in the early stages that they don’t have a

lot of data on, he said. “This is not like investing in Amazon or Walmart where you can look at their historical financial statements,” Herrera said in the release. “You’re having to use your research and evaluation and analytical skills.” Some 60-70% of high school students want to study entrepreneurship in college, he said, noting the nation is in a period of entrepreneurial revolution with more people wanting to work for themselves, a trend accelerated by the pandemic. The program can also be advantageous to young entrepreneurs, according to Herrera. “Chase grabbed onto the vision of what this could be,” he said in the release. “Future students will come here because we have this program.” While many schools have great ideas, the URL Insurance Group CEO said, they aren’t always adept at putting the right energy and people behind them. He sees something different in The Hill Institute, something worth investing in now and in the future. He hopes his family’s $1 million gift will snowball into investment from additional families. “The Hill Institute is as innovative as anything I’ve seen nationally,” Clemens said in the release.

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August 8-September 4, 2022

Boeing receives order for more SC-made 787s By Ross Norton

rnorton@scbiznews.com

oeing and AerCap Holdings N.V. have announced that AerCap is growing its 787 Dreamliner portfolio with an order for five additional 787-9 jets. The 787-9 is built in North Charleston, which is home to Boeing’s 787 program, which includes the 787-8 and 787-10. “AerCap is the world’s largest 787 customer and we are very pleased to strengthen that position with this order for five additional aircraft,” Peter Anderson, chief commercial officer of AerCap, said in a July 19 news release. “This transaction is in line with our portfolio strategy of investing in the most in-demand new technology assets and will help us continue to support our airline customers meet their sustainability commitments.” AerCap leases its fleet to airlines. AerCap has about 300 customers around the world. AerCap is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (AER) and is based in Dublin with around the world, including Miami, Memphis and Seattle. AerCap now has 125 787 Dreamliners in its portfolio or on order, the release said. The world’s largest 787 customer, AerCap continues to invest in the 787 family, which has received more than 700 repeat orders from 47 customers across the globe. The 787 has been the most-utilized widebody throughout

Boeing buyer AerCap leases 787-9s like this one, as well as other models, to customers around the world. (Photo/Boeing)

the pandemic due to its efficiency, capacity and capability, according to the release. Boeing designed the 787 family with improved efficiency, which allows airlines to profitably open new routes. “AerCap oversees a world-class leasing portfolio, epitomized by the most utilized widebody in the industry, the 787 Dreamliner,” Ihssane Mounir, Boeing senior vice president of commercial sales and marketing. “With its unparalleled fuel efficiency and passenger appeal, the 787 Dreamliner family is

playing a major role in sustaining, reopening and pioneering new routes in the long-haul travel market.” Since revenue service began in 2011, the 787 family has launched more than 325 new nonstop routes around the world, including 50 routes opened since 2020. The 787-9 can fly 296 passengers up to 7,565 nautical miles in a typical two-class configuration, the release said. Deliveries for the 787 Dreamliner program have been halted for months while the

company and the Federal Aviation Administration look into production quality issues regarding tiny gaps found between the sections of the fuselage, about the width of a human hair. The gaps were not a safety of flight issue for the in-service fleet, Boeing said, but the company has been working since to address the problem. Boeing has declined to speculate on when deliveries will resume. Reach Ross Norton at 864-720-1222.

MIN G

IN S

EPT

EM BER !

Taking Flight: SC Aerospace In September, SCBIZ magazine explores the economic impact of the aviation and aerospace industries, the businesses that support them, and growth trends for the future in South Carolina. Richland County will be in the Spotlight, along with a Power List of Accounting Firms, and a special section showcasing the Best Places to Work in South Carolina. Don’t miss this opportunity to promote your brand to 80,000+ high-level business executives and site selectors.

DEPARTMENTS

SPECIAL SECTIONS

• Upfront • SC Delivers - Port Impact • The South Carolina You Don’t Know

• County Spotlight: Richland • Power List: Accounting Firms • Best Places to Work in South Carolina

For more information, contact Rick Jenkins at 864-720-1224 or rjenkins@scbiznews.com

er 4, 2022 August 8-September 4, 2022

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College senior passes $500,000 in sales with ‘modern mood ring’ By Jenny Peterson

Contributing Writer

ith 38,000 Instagram followers and counting, a College of Charleston rising senior has made a business creating and selling colorful silicone rubber rings with a literal twist — the ability to flip them over to display opposing phrases: tequila or coffee, thriving or surviving, sun-kissed or sunburnt, and others. The idea started when founder Nicole Birnbaum, a communication major, was home in New Jersey and noticed her dad’s silicone black wedding ring on the table, which he wore when he worked out at the gym. “I started thinking, ‘What if you could just have a ring with some fun, expressive words on it, kind of like those bracelets that used to be so popular a few years ago?’ ” Birnbaum said. “I was also thinking about bright colors.” Birnbaum, who partnered with her dad to get FlipRings off the ground, found a Chinese manufacturer through Alibaba and gets bulk orders shipped to her personal residence and packages and ships them individually to customers Launched in the winter of 2020, FlipRings had exceeded $500,000 in gross sales by the end of 2021. The secret to Birnbaum’s success is organic social media marketing and

FlipRings, invented by student Nicole Birnbaum, have topped $500,000 in sales. (Photo/Provided)

growth, engaging college students as ambassadors and influencers to promote the rings on their personal Instagram pages in their own unique and creative way. “I ordered some samples and showed those to my roommates. The photos of them wearing the rings were the first elements of our marketing collateral,” she said. “It’s basically a mood ring — taking the old mood ring and doing a modern version of it. It turned into self-expression and that’s what the brand is based

off of.” Rings are priced at $10 each and come in a variety of colors and duo phrases. Since rings made from stretchy rubber silicone material, she’s able to sell a onesize-fits-all model. Today, more than 30 college ambassadors across the country promote FlipRings, which they get shipped for free in exchange for social media promotion. “We ask ambassadors their Zodiac sign and ask them to pick their three top rings and we send those, and they go crazy with it and take pictures and submit them. Our whole Instagram feed is organic — college ambassadors sending pictures in through direct messages,” she said. Posts regularly get more than 1,000 likes on the platform. Birnbaum plans to do another round of college ambassador applications in August when the next semester starts. Applications can be found on the FlipRings website. Birnbaum and her dad continuously brainstorm new FlipRing phrases, which now include an entire line of opposing emojis and has expanded to totes and bucket hats. “My dad and I will make a spreadsheet of words that we’ve thought of, or phrases people have given to us; we’re constantly looking for new words, and the ambassadors are a huge help. I also

do polls on Instagram asking people what they want to see,” she said. While Instagram is the main marketing platform, Birnbaum is slowly trying to grow a following on TikTok. “We’ve seen people on TikTok who have a following wearing the rings and we will reach out to them and say, ‘We would love to send you your favorites,’ ” Birnbaum said. “It’s a lot of word of mouth. I wanted to showcase the rings in people’s lives, so it works.” She’s dabbled in customizable rings for gender reveal parties — where attendees can choose a “boy” or “girl” side — and she’s exploring moving production stateside, which would allow for a quicker turnaround on customized rings. Her venture earned her the Student Entrepreneur of the Year for the College of Charleston for the 2021-2022 school year. “My advice to other entrepreneurs would be to just start — I’ve learned this past year in school that there’s a difference between people who have the idea and people who actually do it. You really don’t know what’s going to happen unless you try,” Birnbaum said. “I would love to expand it to bigger things and other concepts. I’m just trying to get the word out and see where it takes me.” Follow along on Instagram @fliprings and at www.fliprings.com.

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August 8-September 4, 2022

Company founded in 1843 continues to change with new COO By Jason Thomas

jthomas@scbiznews.com

entwool, which got its start in Greenville in 1843, recently named Justin Ferdinand its new chief operating officer. Before making the hire, Kim Kent, CEO of Kentwool, spent time assessing all lines of business under the Kentwool brand, a Kentwool news release stated. Ferdinand joined Kentwool in December 2021 as president of the Performance Division, according to the release. Kentwool has adapted to an ever-changing industry for the last 179 years, and to continue doing so, it was

necessary to refine its strategic operations process, the release stated. Ferdinand, who has a background in manufacturing operations and data-drivFerdinand en decision-making, was an immediate contender, according to the release. “Through conversations about his assuming this dual role, and the support of an experienced team, I knew his empowering leadership style would help position Kentwool for its next phase of growth in the wool market,” Kent said

in the release Kentwool’s long history of family ownership and brand reputation is what initially captured Ferdinand’s interest and led him to join the team, the release stated. After working with the Performance Division to successfully define strategic direction and implement an execution plan, he’s ready to bring his efforts to the Manufacturing Division, the release said. Ferdinand will focus on expanding the company’s commitment to employee safety, optimizing production process, and promoting a one-team mindset through continual collaboration and employee appreciation.

Over the next five years, Kentwool Performance expects to expand product lines and break into the outdoors market, the release stated. Kentwool Yarn plans to continue its 179 years in business by aligning with macro-economic trends and remaining the preferred source for worsted wool yarns. “The potential is enormous,” Ferdinand said. Kentwool, whose production facility is in Pickens, is the only company in America and one of just 66 in the world to receive the Usterized Quality Certification, indicating the highest level of quality assurance in yarn production, according to the release.

Workforce scholarship program gets $25M boost By Christina Lee Knauss

cknauss@scbiznews.com

outh Carolina residents seeking workforce training will get a boost from an additional $25 million investment in the Workforce Scholarships for the Future program announced by Gov. Henry McMaster. The scholarship program, created in November 2021, covers the cost of tuition and fees at any of the state’s 16 technical colleges for any adult or recent

high school graduate who wants to pursue a credential or associate degree in a high-demand field such as manufacturing, health care, computer science or logistics. “With over 65,000 jobs created in just the last five years, South Carolina has experienced record-breaking economic growth,” the governor said in a statement. “To continue to attract more jobs and investment to South Carolina, we must invest in our people to make sure we can meet the ever-changing needs of

our business community.” The additional $25 million investment combined with $39 million allocated by the General Assembly in this year’s state budget should cover the costs to train or retrain about 40,000 people, according to the governor’s office. The scholarships have proven results in getting workers trained to meet the state’s constantly rising demand for a skilled workforce, which includes dramatic increases in manufacturing employment needs, according to Sara

Hazzard, president and CEO of the S.C. Manufacturers Alliance. “Investing in scholarships that South Carolina citizens can use for training and upskilling for careers in high demand professions ensures our workforce pipeline and economic potential remains strong,” Hazzard said in a statement. “We applaud Gov. McMaster and members of the General Assembly for supporting this important initiative, and we look forward to its continued success.”

TAX, from Page 1

state taxes of $29,409 for tax years 2019 and 2020. Natalia Sokil also was charged with two counts of operating without a retail license. Warrants allege agents purchased items at two Inman stores in January 2021 and sales tax was charged, though the business did not have a valid license, according to the release. She previously was convicted of operating without a retail license in Lexington in 2021. According not an earlier report, she was ordered by the Revenue Department to close that store, also a European Market. If convicted, each defendant faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000, plus the cost of prosecution, for each count of tax evasion; and one year and a fine of up to $10,000 for each count of failure to file, plus the cost of prosecution. Natalia Sokil faces a maximum sentence of 30 days in jail or a fine of $200, or both, plus the cost of prosecution for each count of operating without a retail license. Both defendants on July 25 were being held in the Spartanburg County Detention Center pending a bond hearing. On July 26, Natalia Sokil was charged and arrested for the same offense in Greenville County. On July 27 she was

On July 27, Natalia Sokil was charged for the third day in a row for charges related to operating European Market stores, this one in Anderson. (Photo/Ross Norton)

arrested in Anderson County for the same charges related to the European Market on E. Greenville St. The Revenue Department says it takes enforcement action against noncompliant taxpayers to prevent unfairly

increasing the tax burden on those who comply. The department encourages anyone who knows or suspects a person or business that has committed a state tax crime to contact them at criminalinvestigation@dor.sc.gov or to fill out a

Tax Violation Complain Form and mail it to S.C. Department of Revenue, Attn: Fraud Adviser, 2070 Northbrook Blvd, Suite B7, North Charleston, SC 29406. Reach Ross Norton at 864-720-1222.

er 4, 2022 August 8-September 4, 2022

www.gsabusiness.com 9

Capstone $5M investment powers project to finish Staff Report

gsanews@scbiznews.com

apStone Holdings Inc. has invested $5 million with real estate owner and developer Blackstock Development LLC as part of the purchase of Restoration Senior Living at Westgate in Spartanburg. CapStone Holdings is a self-funded family office incubator and investment group.

“Blackstock Development is an accomplished entity, and we are happy to work with their team,” CapStone chairman and founder Keith J. Stone said in a news release. “This investment helps CapStone expand its real estate portfolio and explore other related opportunities.” Restoration at Westgate is a 62,000-squarefoot assisted living community designed for those who need continuous care. The development includes 82 units which will accom-

modate 100 residents. Blackstock Development is developing multiple sites across the Southeast. The company is led by experienced real estate developers and entrepreneurs who focus on creatively transforming under-utilized properties and land. “CapStone’s investment helps take the multi-million-dollar project through to the finish line,” Seth Henry, principal at Blackstock Development, said in the release. “We sought out investors that offered a partner-

ship beyond just funding, but a relationship for future opportunities. We found that in the CapStone team.” In recent months, CapStone has continued its strategic partnership in real estate with Blaq Projects, a property development, construction and investment company in Australia. In addition, one of its significant real estate developments includes the fast-growing City Foundry STL in St. Louis.

State sees drop in unemployment numbers for June By Melinda Waldrop

mwaldrop@scbiznews.com

outh Carolina’s unemployment rate dropped to 3.2% in June, down from May’s estimate of 3.3%, with the state’s economy adding 76,100 jobs in the last 12 months. The S.C. Department of Employment and Workforce’s monthly, seasonally adjusted survey of households found the number of South Carolinians increased to 2,326,257, a jump of 4,288 people from May to June 2022 and an increase of 56,048 from the June 2021 estimate. DEW’s estimate of unemployed people dropped to 78,101, a decrease of 1,028

and mail ue, Attn: ok Blvd, 29406.

from May and of 19,244 from June 2021. South Carolina’s estimated labor force, or people working plus unemployed people looking for work, increased to 2,404,358, up 3,260 from May and 36,804 from June 2021’s estimate. Unemployment rates rose in every S.C. county. Marlboro County has a state-high 7.1% unemployment rate, while Lexington and Charleston counties have the lowest at 2.9%. Nonfarm industries adding jobs from May to June included government, which added 2,100 jobs, and trade, transportation and utilities, which added 1,000. Construction saw a decrease of 900 jobs. From June 2021 to June 2022, the

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trade, transportation and utilities industry has added 21,800 jobs, while leisure and hospitality has added 20,600, according to DEW statistics. Construction has lost 800 jobs year-to-year. The Columbia metropolitan statistical area added 700 jobs from May to June and has gained 8,100 from June 2021 to June 2022. Charleston/North Charleston added 2,300 jobs month-to-month and has added 17,500 year-to-year, while Greenville/Anderson/Mauldin added 400 jobs month-to-month and 19,800 yearto-year. The Spartanburg MSA lost 300 jobs month-to-month and has added 3,700 in the last 12 months.

“The economy remains strong with tens of thousands of job postings in the SC Works Online Services database,” Dan Ellzey, DEW executive director, said in a news release. “While federal payroll figures may show the economy is slowing down nationally, South Carolina local area unemployment statistics show increases in employment in the household survey, and current employment statistics survey of businesses continue to show an increase in jobs. The methodology to gather national numbers is very different than that used for states, but, overall, our state’s economy remains robust as employers continue to look for workers.”

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August 8-September 4, 2022

SOLAR, from Page 1

North Carolina saw a 14.3% increase between 2020 and 2021 to 6,978 jobs, making the state’s solar sector the 10th largest. And while Alabama has one of the smallest solar workforces in the nation, it also has the fastest growing at 43.3%, or, in other terms, 208 additional jobs. “America’s solar industry came back strong from the pandemic to expand the clean energy workforce across all regions of the country,” Larry Sherwood, president and CEO at the Interstate Renewable Energy Council, said in the report announcement. “The future remains uncertain in light of the supply chain disruptions, trade issues and stalled federal policy in the first part of 2022.” Installation and product development remain the most bullish segments of the solar industry, according to the report, with almost 247% growth since 2011. Over the past two years, Anderson, Orangeburg, Clarendon and Florence Counties have become solar hotspots with the installation of a 500-acre SolarGen farm in Alcolu, a 600-acre array owned by Anderson Solar Farm LLC and Cypress Creek Renewable’s $68 million solar project also based in Anderson—to name a few. Installation and project management make up 66% of solar jobs, as most manufacturers within the sector remain overseas. First Solar, which has a distribution hub located near Greer’s Inland Port, may be

BOOKof EXPERTS

A small solar farm at Clemson University was build with the panels high enough of the ground to double as shady parking for vehicles. (Photo/Ross Norton)

one of the few exceptions with its recent $680 million investment in an Ohio facility slated to become the largest vertically integrated solar manufacturing complex outside of China, according to the company. When First Solar announced plans to open a 450,000-square-foot facility in Greer in 2020, the company expected to move 7,000 containers each year through

the Port of Charleston. “There is potential for unprecedented job growth in the coming years if federal, state and local leaders take action to expand clean energy use and address climate change,” Sherwood said in the announcement. To grow, however, the industry needs a growing workforce.

More than 89% of more than 7,500 firms surveyed by the report noted that they had difficulty finding qualified applicants; 35% reported that the hunt for talent was “very difficult.” Respondents attributed the bottleneck to small applicant pools, competition and a lack of the experience, training or technical skills needed for the job.

20 22

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er 4, 2022 August 8-September 4, 2022

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PRESENTED BY

SC Biz News is pleased to present an influential group of area businesspeople: the 2022 Icons & Phenoms. This wide-ranging group of professionals is creating change and making South Carolina a better place to live, whether they’ve been movers and shakers on the scene for decades or are just beginning to make their presence and potential felt. The honorees, nominated by our readers and selected by a panel of judges, represent the best of business practices, boundless creativity and a commitment to service. They include established CEOs and well-known leaders as well as up-and-coming entrepreneurs who are already having a measurable impact. What all the honorees share is a wealth of talent and ambition and a readily evident passion for improving the communities they call home.

#IconsPhenomsSC Sponsored by:

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August 8-September 4, 2022

ELIZABETH IGLEHEART

SOUTH CAROLINA ICON

For the first time in 2022, SC Biz News selected an overall state Icon honoree. The recipient of this inaugural award is Elizabeth Igleheart, a tireless advocate for Midlands nonprofits and vice president of advancement at Transitions Homeless Center. City of birth: Bronxville, N.Y. Education: Undergraduate degree in Industrial and Labor Relations, Cornell University; MBA. University of Connecticut Current Job: Vice President of Advancement, Transitions Homeless Center Career Overview: After finishing a management training program at Aetna, I was part of the early efforts to design and negotiate managed care networks around the country. From there was one of five to move to Texas as part of a joint venture company formed by Aetna and Voluntary Hospitals of America. Was director of marketing and product development until leaving to join Towers Perrin, an employee benefits consulting firm, where I worked with large national companies on the design, pricing, and auditing of their employee health plans. This success in the Dallas office led to a move to the Atlanta office, where I continued to work with clients such as Coca Cola, Boeing, Boy Scouts of America, UPS, and 7-11. With my two children in middle school, I decided it was time to reduce the amount of business travel, so I accepted the position of director of provider services for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Georgia, before taking the jump into nonprofit work, working for Jane Fonda at the Georgia Campaign for Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention and then as executive director of Senior Services North Fulton. My husband and I moved to Columbia in 2010. After a few years in development for the School of Public Health at USC, I accepted the call to join the management team at Transitions, where I have been leading their development efforts for six years. Community Involvement: From Child Care Dallas to positions on the Senior Services North Fulton Board and several years as board chair of the Community Action Center in Atlanta, I have always made community involvement a priority. Soon after moving to Columbia, I accepted a position on the board of EdVenture, followed by a position on the board of Senior Resources. Currently serving on the board of the S.C. Environmental Law Project, a statewide public interest environmental law firm. What has meant the most to me in my career: Much of my career has been spent in male-dominated companies, in roles requiring a high level of credibility and persuasive skills. I learned early not to sweat the small stuff and to be pragmatic. The reputation I earned as someone who is a bridge builder — as someone who listens and is able to get groups to reach consensus — that has meant a great deal to me. My kids and husband always understood my need to have a career, and that made it all possible. If I could go back and change one thing in my career, it would be: It would have been fun to have worked overseas for a couple of years. Something most people don’t know about me: I need a big dose of creativity in my life. So, when I’m going through a fairly routine period at work, I start needlepointing up a storm. When work is providing creativity and new challenges, I have no need to touch a needlepoint canvas. A recent book or podcast I recommend: I always recommend “Atlas Shrugged,” by Ayn Rand. But during COVID, my husband and I discovered “The Titans That Built America.” Really fascinating. Favorite quote: “You only live once. But if you do it right, once is enough.” — Mae West

HEATHER SIMMONS JONES

PAMELA S. EVETTE UPSTATE

UPSTATE

City of birth: Cleveland, Ohio Education: Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting, Cleveland State University Current Job: Lieutenant Governor of South Carolina Career Overview: I’m currently serving as the 93rd lieutenant governor of South Carolina and as the first female Republican lieutenant governor in our state’s history. An entrepreneur and businesswoman, I founded Quality Business Solutions, a payroll, HR, and benefits services firm headquartered in Travelers Rest, in 2000. Community Involvement: As lieutenant governor, I’ve dedicated my time to highlighting S.C.’s thriving small business ecosystem and attracting new business. I’m a staunch promoter of innovative public-private partnerships and have worked to bring greater awareness to S.C. nonprofits and their impact. In 2019, I was asked the join the sixth cohort of Hunt-Kean Leadership Fellows Program, which focuses on state education policy. In partnership with PalmettoPride, I created the annual #GrabABagSC Statewide Cleanup initiative in 2019 — encouraging businesses, community organizations and individuals to get involved in efforts to keep South Carolina clean and beautiful. If I could go back and change one thing in my career, it would be: Honestly, I wouldn’t change a thing. Every experience I’ve had — both the wins and the losses — has made me who I am today and I am grateful for every opportunity to learn and grow. Something most people don’t know about me: I like to read romance novels at the beach. Favorite quote: “Work hard. Do good. Aim higher” — Emil Gajoch, my father

City of birth: Tampa, Fla. Education: B.A., English, Clemson University; Master of Human Resource Development, Clemson University Current Job: Director of Southeast Operations, MRB Group Career Overview: Savannah College of Art and Design; Allendale County Administrator/Economic Development Director; Greater Beaufort-Hilton Head Economic Partnership-Executive Director; Assistant County Administrator/Director of Economic Development, Anderson County; Business Development Manager, Find Great People; Founder and CEO, Opus 3 LLC; CEO, Greenwood Partnership Alliance. Community Involvement: Charleston Metro Chamber Business Advisory Council member; S.C. Ports Authority ambassador; Ten at the Top Board of Directors; Greenwood Abbeville United Way Board chair; S.C. Research Authority Board of Trustees; SCBIO Board of Directors; Clemson University Board of Visitors; Greenwood Area Clemson Club Board; Greenwood Promise Advisory Council; Lander University Foundation Board; S.C. Economic Developers Association president (2012-16) and Board of Directors. If I could go back and change one thing in my career, it would be: Not everyone has your best interest at heart. Be careful in whom you confide. Something most people don’t know about me: I worked as a Walt Disney World College Program participant. Favorite quote: “Success isn’t the result of spontaneous combustion. You must set yourself on fire.” — Elizabeth Holmes, 31-year-old billionaire

er 4, 2022 August 8-September 4, 2022

www.gsabusiness.com 13

KATHLEEN DOMM

SOUTH CAROLINA PHENOM

For the first time in 2022, SC Biz News selected an overall state Phenom honoree. The recipient of this inaugural award is Kathleen Domm, a pioneer in health and foster care programs throughout South Carolina. City of birth: Toledo, Ohio Education: B.A., University of Michigan; M.D., Medical College of Ohio Current Job: Foster care medical director and pediatrician, Select Health of South Carolina Best thing about my job: Collaborating with fabulous coworkers at Select Health (and our colleagues at other agencies) to serve children and youth in foster care across our state. Community Involvement: I volunteer at the Shifa Clinic (a free health clinic for the underserved), at events like their community health fairs, pediatric outreach, holiday giveaways, and back to school events. I also serve on the board of the Kang Family Foundation, which helps provide scholarship funds to deserving youth (among other endeavors). What did someone do to encourage your career success? My parents always emphasized the importance of education, and I would not be where I am today without that foundation! An innovation I’ve made that could help others in business: Our Select Health Foster Care Team developed an innovative pilot program called “First Choice Fit: Taking Flight” for 17-yearolds in foster care. This program enrolls youth who are 17 in Care Management, and through it we deliver a curriculum on health and wellness to prepare these youth as they near adulthood and independence. Knowledge is power, and we want to make sure that our 17-year-olds in foster care are prepared! Something most people don’t know about me: I have lived abroad at two different times in my life. The first experience was spending my junior year abroad in Paris, France, and the second was teaching English as a second language in Seoul, South Korea (after I graduated from college). A recent book or podcast I recommend: “A Tree Grows in Brooklyn,” by Betty Smith Favorite quote: “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” — Maya Angelou

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August 8-September 4, 2022

CHRIS MANLEY

RIC STANDRIDGE

UPSTATE

City of birth: Greenwood Education: Clemson University Current Job: CEO, Engenius Web Design + Digital Marketing. Career Overview: I co-founded Engenius Web Design + Digital Marketing during the 2008 recession. Engenius has seen continued growth including an increase of 41.6% in sales and 56.6% in recurring revenue over the last three years. I helped Engenius maintain a client retention rate in excess of 98% year over year since its inception. I am also the Founder of Rebuild Upstate, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to repairing the homes of low-income neighbors. Community Involvement: Rebuild Upstate has repaired over 900 homes in Anderson, Greenville, Oconee, and Pickens counties with the dedication of over 7,000 volunteers. Won the Fred R. Shaheen Award from Together SC in 2018 for excellence in nonprofit leadership. Also co-founded the national Coalition for Home Repair in 2011. Other involvement: the Greenville Chamber; 39th Class of Leadership Greenville; Rotary Club of Greenville, Greenville Zoo Foundation. What has meant the most to me in my career: Starting and growing two businesses centered on a culture of caring for the individuals on the team. If I could go back and change one thing in my career, it would be: Asking for advice sooner than I did. Something most people don’t know about me: I never grew out of enjoying building and playing with LEGOs. Favorite quote: “Do. Or do not. There is no try.” — Yoda

City of birth: Greenville Education: Lander University Current Job: Artist and gallery owner Career Overview: I have always been aware of the power of art. As a young teenager, I worked as an apprentice for master woodworkers. I worked as an art director for a perishable food packaging company, Cryovac, then with theater, costume design, set design, playwriting, directing theater, and managing annual budgets and fundraising. In developing the South Carolina Children’s Theater, I would soon learn that “there is an art to business, and a business to art.” Community Involvement: President of Art Upstate. Leadership South Carolina graduate. Served on the boards of Very Special Arts of South Carolina (Advisory Council), the Development Council for the Children’s Hospital, Piedmont Council for the Prevention of Child Abuse, Arts in Public Places (Advisory Board). Recipient of the S.C. Arts and Education Award. What has meant the most to me in my career: Art empowers you. It continually lets the artists expand parameters of life experience, what they can become and what art can become. ... The most meaningful thought of gratitude in my career as a painter, a story telling director, is having the privilege to be a part of that individual viewer’s reflection of their human experience and characteristics. A recent book or podcast I recommend: “The Botany of Desire,” by Michael Pollan Favorite quote: “Life has no meaning. Each of us has meaning and we bring it to life. It is a waste to be asking the question when you are the answer. We must be willing to let go of the life we planned so as to have the life that is waiting for us.” — Joseph Campbell

STEWART SPINKS

Congratulations to

STEWART SPINKS for being honored as one of the 2022 Icons & Phenoms Honorees

Making Life Easier for 50 Years

UPSTATE City of birth: Charleston Education: Bachelor’s degree in Business, University of Tennessee Current Job: Founder and Chairman of the Board, The Spinx Co. Career Overview: I enlisted in the Army Reserves in 1968 and completed my active duty stint in 1969. I served until my honorable discharge in 1974. I then went to work for Shell Oil Co. as a service station dealer representative in Atlanta. I was promoted to dealer representative in Greenville in 1970. In April 1972, I purchased my first service station, directly across from what would later become the Spinx corporate office. This year, the Spinx Co. celebrates its 50th anniversary with more than 80 convenience stores and more than 1,200 employees across the Carolinas. Community Involvement: The Spinks Family Foundation was established to support organizations that align with our charitable giving mission: Spinx & Kids: Mind, Body, Spirit. This year the Spinx Co. held fundraisers for the March of Dimes and the American Cancer Society. What has meant the most to me in my career: Pushing myself farther than I think possible to find something within myself to take advantage of great opportunities. My ability to intuitively take an action path that is not proven. If I could go back change one thing in my career, it would be: I regret not being available at times to my family and people with whom I worked closely. A recent book or podcast I recommend: “Dark Horse: Achieving Success Through the Pursuit of Fulfillment,” by Todd Rose. “From Strength to Strength,” by Arthur Brooks. Favorite quote: “Don’t look back; something might be gaining on you.” — Satchel Paige

er 4, 2022 August 8-September 4, 2022

www.gsabusiness.com 15

CATHERINE CANTEY

JENNIFER SUTTON UPSTATE

MIDLANDS

City of birth: Macon, Ga. Education: B.A., Political Science; B.A., Communications, Indiana University Current Job: Founder, BRIGHT+CO Marketing, and Founder/Publisher, OrangeWip Career Overview: I founded integrated marketing firm BRIGHT+CO Marketing in 2013. I saw a distinct need for a dedicated platform to not only support entrepreneurs and founders but to connect them to resources and to one another. From this idea, OrangeWip (Work in Progress) was born. OrangeWip is a national but hyper-locally focused business media company dedicated to serving entrepreneurs, innovators and founders in affiliate cities while connecting the shared experiences of founders across the country. OrangeWip features the “Hello Chaos” podcast, a suite of local digital digests and social platforms. Community Involvement: Have served as sponsorship committee chair, Business Marketing Association; on Fall for Greenville Board and as chairman of the board; chairman of board, YouthBase; present marketing chair, Junior Achievement of Upstate; Board of Directors, Junior Achievement of SC; Board of Directors, VisitGVLSC. If I could go back and change one thing in my career, it would be: I don’t think I would change anything. I learned from every experience, win and failure. And intentionally worked agencies where I could wear many hats and learn, as well as be able to live in a family-friendly community where I have four kids and am an active working mom. Everything happens for a reason. Something most people don’t know about me: I’m a comic book nerd; DC comics are my jam. I wrote my college thesis on the history of Batman and its influence on pop culture media.

City of birth: Greenville Education: B.S., Marketing and Management, University of South Carolina Current Job: CEO, Cantey Advisors Career Overview: As only the second female relationship leader in a $300 billion system in over 100 years, I leverage my 20 years creating success to support CEOs and business leaders to elevate their results through greater Business Vitality™. In my 20 years in big banking, I managed both billion-dollar lines of credit for my clients and created 90% success of the 3,000 proposals I led my team to produce. From this work, I recognized the power of thinking and doing differently as the key to remaining vital over time. Since “retiring” from big banking, I partner with CEOs and business leaders using my unique process, Business Vitality™ , which includes the assessment of talent and key development needs, the identification of marketing and sales opportunities for greater success, and exploring opportunities to elevate efficiency. Community Involvement: I have initiated and supported a $12.1 million public-private partnership resulting in the installation of 256 miles of fiber to help close a rural broadband gap. I have repurposed and renovated a downtown city block. Currently, I have identified a four-county area Business Accelerator opportunity to benefit local businesses. This year, I co-chaired a black tie event that raised $50,000 for working moms and their kids in need of transitional housing. Something most people don’t know about me: I paint and throw pottery. Favorite quote: “You can have everything in life you want, if you will just help other people get what they want.” — Zig Ziglar

www.gsabusiness.com

August 8-September 4, 2022

LILA ANNA SAULS

SAM MOSES MIDLANDS

MIDLANDS

Education: B.A., University of South Carolina; MIBS, University of South Carolina: J.D., University of South Carolina Current Job: Corporate and economic development attorney representing U.S. and international companies, Parker Poe Adams & Bernstein. Career Overview: I served as managing director of the State of South Carolina’s European Office in Germany, advising European investors on U.S. site location projects. I also managed South Carolina’s export development program for Europe, Africa and the Middle East. In 2002, I was selected to serve as a Robert Bosch Foundation Fellow in Frankfurt, Germany, during which I worked for Credit Suisse First Boston and Gleiss Lutz, a leading German law firm. Since 2010, I have been involved in business expansion and incentives projects resulting in more than $6 billion in capital investment as well as the creation of more than 6,000 jobs in various industries. Community Involvement: South Carolina I-77 Alliance, Board of Directors; Global Carolina Connections Conference, co-founder; German American Chamber of Commerce of the Southern United States, Board of Directors; South Carolina Economic Developers’ Association; Palmetto Partners; S.C. Solar Business Alliance; Midlands International Trade Association; World Affairs Council, Columbia Chapter; Columbia Jewish Community Center, Board of Directors; Council of American States in Europe, member and Germany coordinator. What has meant the most to me in my career: The opportunity to work with a diverse group of globally minded people from all over the world and the friendships and enrichment I have gained through such engagement. A recent book or podcast I recommend: “Neither Here nor There,” by Bill Bryson.

City of birth: Springfield (in rural Orangeburg County) Education: Affordable Housing Finance Professional certification, NDC; B.A. in Journalism and Mass Communications, University of South Carolina; M.A., Organizational Leadership, Columbia College; Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership and Systems, Northeastern University, Boston Current Job: President/CEO of Homeless No More Career Overview: As president and CEO in 2013, I guided Trinity Housing Corp. and its board through rebranding to Homeless No More, a strategic step to fully encompass the scope of the organization’s mission and work. This led to incorporation of The Family Shelter into the newly expanded organization, alongside St. Lawrence Place and Live Oak Place. Together, these programs provide a continuum of support from emergency housing to transitional housing to affordable housing. The expansion into affordable housing will see more than 200 units created by 2024. Community Involvement: Richland School District One Board of Commissioners, Junior League and South Carolina Women in Leadership. Have served as a regular guest speaker in USC’s Schools of Social Work and Education and Columbia College’s School of Social Work and Leadership Institute. What has meant the most to me in my career: Over the past three decades I have become a part of a community of women leaders locally and nationally who serve as sounding boards and brain trusts for each other. Favorite quote: “I like you, John, because you are a dreamer, with a shovel in your hands.” — The late Dr. Dorothy I. Height, then chairman of the National Council of Negro Women, speaking to John Hope Bryant.

Congratulations to Liberty Fellows MIDLANDS ICON

ANN MARIE STIERITZ MIDLANDS

Ann Marie Stieritz ('16) PRESIDENT & CEO Liberty Fellowship

UPSTATE PHENOM

James Jordon (new Class) PRESIDENT Jordon Construction Company Jordon Development Company

libertyfellowshipsc.org

City of birth: Xenia, Ohio Education: B.A., Xavier University; M.A., New York University; M. Phil. (ABD for Ph.D.), New York University; Diplôme d’études, Mention Bien, Université de Paris, la Sorbonne Current Job: President and CEO, Liberty Fellowship Career Overview: I serve as president and CEO of Liberty Fellowship, the only state-based leadership initiative within the Aspen Institute’s Aspen Global Leadership Network (AGLN), a worldwide community of 3,000 high-integrity entrepreneurial leaders from more than 60 countries. Before joining Liberty Fellowship, I served as president and CEO of the S.C. Council on Competitiveness. While I was there, SC Aerospace and SC Logistics were founded. Previously, I was founding director of Apprenticeship Carolina. I played an instrumental role in the establishment of the University of South Carolina’s Office of Economic Engagement while serving as its deputy executive director. Community Involvement: One of six inaugural Governing Board members of the newly established national nonprofit Apprenticeships for America. AFA’s goal is to help the U.S. bring registered apprenticeships to competitive scale by building a robust, sustainable system. Also serve as the CentralSC Tiffany Circle Chair for the American Red Cross and recently joined the Board of Trustees and Executive Committee of the Columbia Museum of Art. What has meant the most to me in my career: I’ve had an opportunity to be constantly learning. That newness keeps me energized. If I could go back and change one thing in my career, it would be: Not worrying so much about what’s next.

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W. FORD GRAHAM

SHANDA SCOTT JOHNSON

COASTAL

City of birth: Camden Education: B.A., Tulane University; J.D., University of South Carolina School of Law; IMBA, Moore School of Business Current Job: McGuireWoods LLP; McGuireWoods Consulting Career Overview: Served in the Peace Corps in Guatemala before going to law/business school at University of South Carolina; after two years in private practice joined the South Carolina Department of Commerce as an industry recruiter focused on international companies; joined K&L Gates law firm to help start their national economic development practice; moved to McGuireWoods in 2022. Community Involvement: Served on a number of boards including Folks Center for International Studies; S.C. Returned Peace Corps Volunteers; Indian Waters Council ScoutReach program; WestEdge Development; French American Chamber of the Carolinas. Mentor, Teach for America. What has meant the most to me in my career: Helping rural areas of South Carolina recruit jobs and investment to their communities. If I could go back and change one thing in my career, it would be: I would have paid more attention in high school Spanish class. Something most people don’t know about me: I play guitar in bars in Charleston and Columbia a couple of times a year. A recent book or podcast I recommend: “History of English” Favorite quote: “There are many ways of going forward, but only one way of standing still.” — Franklin D. Roosevelt

City of birth: Charleston Education: B.S., Business Administration, College of Charleston Current Job: Retired, Department of the Navy STEM Outreach Director (more than 35 years) Career Overview: I began my civil service career with the Naval Supply center in 1984 and in 1988 was promoted to supervisor. In 1995, I began working at SPAWAR Systems Center Atlantic and was promoted to Branch Head for Network Security Solutions. I led the Computer Network Defense program and managed a team of nearly 60 government employees and 200 support contractor personnel. I retired from Naval Information Warfare Center Atlantic as the Science Technology Engineering and Math (STEM) Outreach Director. I am responsible for securing and standing up programs such as: Summer Faculty Research Program, Naval Research Enterprise Internship Program, Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program and My Brother’s Keeper. Community Involvement: Founder and program coordinator of New Jerusalem Church of God In Christ Summer Camp. Established in 2010, the summer camp was designed to reach at-risk youth. NJSC has contributed to the growth and development of many scholars and young professionals and has recently rebranded as Cornerstone Camp. State president of the Young Women Christian Council (YWCC) for the Church of God In Christ in South Carolina and locally, If I could go back and change one thing in my career, it would be: I wish I could have reached more children and been an instrument of change in more lives. Favorite quote: “Write the vision and make it plain.” — Habakkuk 2:2

JEAN HOEFER TOAL

EDIE BLAKESLEE COASTAL

MIDLANDS

City of birth: Buffalo, N.Y. Education: B.A., English and Social Studies, University at Buffalo Current Job: Vice President of Grantmaking and Community Leadership, Coastal Community Foundation of South Carolina Career Overview: Serendipitous. While the plan had been to teach high school social studies, I was fortunate to have discovered philanthropy and have spend 20-plus years working alongside community. It is an honor to play a part to help create communities rich in equity, opportunity, and well-being by uniting people and investing resources so that all community members have a pathway to achieve their goals. Community Involvement: National Center for Responsive Philanthropy, Power Moves Participant; Investing in Leaders of Color, Planning Committee; Passing Gear Philanthropy Institute, Cohort Member; YWCA of Greater Charleston, REI Partner; Bank of America Neighborhood Champions, Selection Committee; Social Venture Partners Charleston, loaned executive What has meant the most to me in my career: Working with people who want to make the world a better place. If I could go back and change one thing in my career, it would be: I don’t believe in going back; rather, it’s about learning, growing, and moving forward. Something most people don’t know about me: I can make balloon animals. A recent book or podcast I recommend: “All the Light We Cannot See,” by Anthony Doerr; anything on Code Switch and Revisionist History Favorite quote: “Progress happens at the speed of trust.” — Stephen Covey

City of birth: Columbia Education: B.A., philosophy, Agnes Scott College; J.D., University of South Carolina School of Law My job: former Chief Justice, Supreme Court of South Carolina My career: Practiced law for 20 years. Experienced litigator in U.S. District Court and the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals, and made one appearance as co-counsel before the U.S. Supreme Court. Became first woman to serve on the S.C. Supreme Court as an Associate Justice in 1988. Re-elected in 1996 and was installed as Chief Justice in 2000. Re-elected Chief Justice in 2004 and 2014. During 27 years on the S.C. Supreme Court, wrote opinions addressing the full range of issues both criminal and civil. Community Involvement: Beginning in 1975, served in the S.C. House of Representatives representing Richland County for 13 years. Chair of the House Rules Committee and chair of the Constitutional Laws subcommittee of the House Judiciary Committee. Member of the Richland County, South Carolina and American Bar Associations, the S.C. Women Lawyers Association, the National Association of Women Judges and the John Belton O’Neil Inn of Court. Serve on the board of trustees of the American Inns of Court Foundation. What has meant the most to me in my career: Serving as a mentor for my many law clerks. Something most people don’t know about me: I am scared of lightning. A recent book or podcast I recommend: “Frederick Douglass: Prophet of Freedom,” by David W. Blight Favorite quote: “Fight for the things that you care about, but do it in a way that will lead others to join you.” — Ruth Bader Ginsburg

www.gsabusiness.com

August 8-September 4, 2022

TIFFANY JOHNSONWILSON

JAMES K. O’CONNOR

COASTAL

City of birth: Charleston Education: Attended Charleston Southern University for business administration and psychology. Went back for degree in biology. Current Job: President and CEO of Johnson & Wilson Family Companies, which includes Johnson & Wilson Real Estate Co., J&W Construction and Design, Johnson & Wilson Development Co., Johnson & Wilson Title Co., J&W Mortgage Solutions, Yelsiap Homes, Tiffany’s Teachings LLC and Hope for Homes. Career Overview: Created Johnson & Wilson Real Estate Co. in 2013, the only real estate company in South Carolina certified as a minority- and woman-owned small business by the SBA. Created Johnson & Wilson Development Co. in 2017. J&W Construction and Design founded in 2019 to empower homeowners to maximize their return. Yelsiap Homes LLC created in 2004 to focus on affordable housing initiatives. Broker and manager with Coldwell Banker from 2004-13, to date have produced over $145 million in real estate sales. Community Involvement: Board of directors for Dorchester Habitat for Humanity; Governor’s Foster Care Review Board; vice chair and chair for grievance committee for LLR and CTAR; Paul Harris Fellow, Rotary International; S.C. Community Load Fund board member; state mediator. What has meant the most to me in my career: Receiving the Honorary Colonel Award from the governor of Alabama, where I led construction of 100 homes in 100 days following Hurricane Katrina. Favorite quote: “The success of every woman should be the inspiration to another. We should raise each other up. Make sure you’re very courageous: be strong, be extremely kind, and above all, be humble.” — Serena Williams

City of birth: Somerville, Mass. Education: B.S., Civil Engineering, The Citadel; M.S., Structural Engineering, Rutgers University Current Job: Senior Vice President for JMT; operations manager and senior engineering manager for complex projects in South Carolina Career Overview: After graduating from The Citadel, I joined SCDOT’s bridge construction office, responsible for delivering several major projects around Charleston including Mark Clark Expressway, James Island Connector and IOP Connector. I worked for HNTB, a large national firm, for 10 years before joining Collins Engineers for my next 10 years. I opened the S.C. offices for JMT in 2013. Community Involvement: I am a longtime member of American Society of Civil Engineers, which afforded many opportunities for advocacy of the engineering profession with students from elementary school to college. Also a long time member of the Charleston Civil Engineers Club, which is more locally focused. I am currently the S.C. National Director for the American Council of Engineering Companies. I have also been active in the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce. What has meant the most to me in my career: The overall sense of camaraderie and community throughout the engineering industry. If I could go back and change one thing in my career, it would be: I would have spent more time appreciating the present and what it had to offer at the time. Something most people don’t know about me: Being a third-generation Irish-American, I was lucky to have spent several years of my career working on infrastructure projects in Ireland that afforded me the ability to travel throughout the country of my great-grandparents.

JENNIFER BELSHE

SEAN POPSON COASTAL

UPSTATE

City of birth: Kansas City, Mo. Education: Bachelor of Business Administration, the College of Charleston Current Job: Director, Plan Operations and Administration, Select Health of South Carolina Career Overview: After more than 20 years in finance, four years ago I took a position in plan operations and administration. I am responsible for the day-today direction, management and coordination of all business planning and administrative-related functions, processes and resources for a health plan with over 400,000 members. Community Involvement: I am a life-long donor with American Red Cross and have participated in various community activities through our Care Crew committee, including volunteering at Ronald McDonald house and various fundraising walks. I also contribute to the East Cooper Community Outreach pantry through my church. What has meant the most to me in my career: The growth and evolution of Select Health, which has expanded to include our most fragile population, children and youth in foster care. In addition, contributing to our company mission to serve our members while interacting with our dedicated and talented staff. If I could go back and change one thing in my career, it would be: Absolutely nothing! I am fulfilled with the path my career has taken and the people I have met along the way. Something most people don’t know about me: I love to travel and look forward to traveling to distant countries upon my retirement. A recent book or podcast I recommend: “Cold Mountain,” by Charles Frazier Favorite quote: “Success is not final; failure is not fatal; it is the courage to continue that counts.” — Winston Churchill

City of birth: Boca Raton, Fla. Education: B.A., Business and Economics, Minor in Art, Wheaton College. Attended Trust School and completed the CFP® professional certificate program at Boston University. Current Job: Co-Founder and Principal of Novus Advisors Community Involvement: I am a member of Women Entrepreneurs of Upstate, SC, Female Advisor Network and WIPN. I am also a strong supporter of the arts in South Carolina. What did someone do to encourage your career success? Over the years, I have been fortunate to have worked with, and been friends with, many strong business leaders. Each of these individuals has inspired me, has taught me valuable lessons in business and in life, and has provided me with opportunities and encouragement. An innovation I’ve made that could help others in business: The word “Novus,” in our company name, is of Latin origin and means “new, innovative, extraordinary.” At Novus Advisors, what started as a relatively simple idea of providing better, more innovative, and accessible investment solutions to clients, particularly within retirement plans, has evolved into a thriving full-service investment firm serving individual and institutional clients across the United States. Something most people don’t know about me: When I am not running my business and meeting with clients, you will often find me cheering for my son on the athletic field or court, visiting art studios and galleries, traveling, and finding the best vegan restaurants in town. Favorite quote: “What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.” – Jane Goodall

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BILL A. HATHAWAY

SALLIE HOLDER

UPSTATE

City of birth: Winston-Salem, NC Education: Furman University Current Job: Chief Customer Officer, Noregon Systems Best thing about my job: My true passion is working with people, and in my role I get to do that every day with not only customers but my incredible team. Community Involvement: I am very fortunate to serve as the vice president of the Hathaway Family Foundation, an organization my family started in 2018. We exist to assist and support both the short-term and long-term needs of the homeless and most needy in Upstate South Carolina by providing food, shelter, health care and education both directly and through local organizations. What did someone do to encourage your career success? My dad has been my biggest inspiration from day one. He always challenges me to learn more and push beyond my comfort zone because experiences are ultimately the best way to grow, provided that we take the time to reflect and learn from them. An innovation I’ve made that could help others in business: The past 18 months since I stepped into my current role, I have been focusing on expanding Noregon’s presence in North America. We have grown our sales and marketing staff from 20 people to nearly 200, creating jobs and opportunities across the country, while also bringing new and needed technology to both businesses and an industry that would otherwise progress at a much slower pace. Something most people don’t know about me: I have a passion for learning new things. When I hear a topic I am unfamiliar with or come across a new type of technology or even pass a unique building, I have to research and learn more.

City of birth: Greenville Education: Degree in Human and Organizational Development; law degree, Vanderbilt University Current Job: Founder, The BRIMM Best thing about my job: Getting to help female entrepreneurs grow and scale their businesses past the six-figure mark. Community Involvement: Meals on Wheels and United Way What did someone do to encourage your career success? I have an amazing support system which is constantly there to push me outside my comfort zone and accomplish my goals. An innovation I’ve made that could help others in business: A business coaching program focused on revenue strategies for growing your business. Something most people don’t know about me: I have a twin sister who is also an entrepreneur. A recent book or podcast I recommend: “Scale Or Fail: How to Build Your Dream Team, Explode Your Growth, and Let Your Business Soar,” by Allison Maslan and Gildan Media Favorite quote: “Tell me, what else should I have done? Doesn’t everything die at last, and too soon? Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?” — Mary Oliver (This quote just reminds me that my success is up to me and keeps me driven to stay resilient no matter the hurdles.)

JAMES JORDON

JESSICA MCCOY

UPSTATE

City of birth: Kalamazoo, Mich. Education: Marquette University Current Job: President, Jordon Construction Co. Best thing about my job: Having the opportunity to build people and communities. Community Involvement: I volunteer with the Greenville Chamber of Commerce, Greenville Tech Foundation, Habitat for Humanity, Homes of Hope and Urban League. What did someone do to encourage your career success? Mentoring and investing their time in showing me how to grow as a person and a business. An innovation I’ve made that could help others in business: Be intentional about diversity.

City of birth: Greenville Education: B.A., Political Science, Clemson University Current Job: Client Experience Manager at Brasfield & Gorrie LLC Best thing about my job: Getting to work with people across our entire company, industry and community. I’ve had the opportunity to build relationships with industry partners, clients, community leaders, and staff across the entire Southeast. I love getting to learn each person’s story and brainstorm on how we can work together to make our communities stronger. Community Involvement: I currently serve as the board chair for GirlUp GVL, a nonprofit organization that serves at-risk, under-resourced middle and high school-age young women. I also serve on the Board of Trustees for The Blood Connection. What did someone do to encourage your career success? My biggest supporters have been the folks willing to promote the work I am doing in the rooms I’m not in. An innovation I’ve made that could help others in business: I wouldn’t say this is an innovative idea as much as it is basic but rarely well-executed: Listen intently; respond thoughtfully. When we consider the needs being communicated and work to meet people where they are, we have the opportunity to form meaningful, lasting relationships. Something most people don’t know about me: I competed in my high school pageant and forgot the words to my talent song in the middle of my performance. Even with that experience burned into my memory, I welcome the opportunity to speak publicly – I find it exciting, invigorating, and (still) terrifying.

Something most people don’t know about me: I’m learning to play the guitar. A recent book or podcast I recommend: “The Psychology of Money,” by Morgan Housel Favorite quote: “Carpe diem.”

www.gsabusiness.com

August 8-September 4, 2022

BRIAN STEARNS

SH’KUR FRANCIS

UPSTATE

MIDLANDS

City of birth: Concord, N.C. Education: Appalachian State University; MBA, Clemson University Current Job: CEO/Founder of RingoFire Career Overview: Prior to launching RingoFire, I spent 10 years in the home improvement industry working for RYOBI power tools as the director of marketing. Community Involvement: My team and I are currently working to revitalize the historic West Village area of Greenville, specifically the old Southern Weaving location, where our campus is currently located. I’m also on the board for the Clemson University MBA program and actively supporting their program and speaking on campus each semester. What has meant the most to me in my career: Building a team of amazing people and getting to work with them each day. If I could go back and change one thing in my career it would be: I would not change anything. All my experiences have led to where I am today, so I appreciate that journey and all that I have done in the past. Here is something most people don’t know about me: I met Johnny Cash and Ronald Reagan in the same day, when I was 7 years old. A recent book or podcast I recommend: “Entrepreneurs on Fire,” by John Lee Dumas Favorite quote: “Don’t sweat the small stuff.”

City of birth: Charleston Education: B.A., Political Science and History, Winthrop University; M.A., Divinity, Emory University; DEI from Riley Institute at Furman University; Certificate in Nonprofit Management, Louisiana State University Current Job: Senior Pastor, Main Street United Methodist Church of Columbia; Public Information Officer for Bamberg County Government Best thing about my job: Bridging relationships with diverse groups of people; connecting churches and communities; coalition building that transforms people and communities. Community Involvement: I serve on several boards including the Wings for Kids Foundation, the South Carolina UMC Advocate, Tri-County Technical College Board of Visitors, and the Charleston Arts and Culture Commission. Also a member of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. and serve as the chaplain of the 1st Battalion of the South Carolina State Guard. What did someone do to encourage your career success? Sam and Inez Tenenbaum mentored and invested in my upbringing, education, graduate studies, and professional career. They poured into me, so that I may pour into others. An innovation I’ve made that could help others in business: I have spent my professional life organizing programs, community events, and worship services centered around racial reconciliation and coalition building. When we intentionally invest in building relationships, we can transform businesses and communities. Favorite quote: “If you don’t know where you’re going, you should know where you come from.” — Gullah Proverb

AYANNA WHITE

KATIE BLOMQUIST

MIDLANDS

COASTAL

City of birth: Charleston Education: B.A., Business Current Job: Executive Director, Power in Changing — The Diaper Bank of the Midlands Best thing about my job: Helping mothers and caregivers navigate hardships, with resources to ensure babies/toddlers are always happy, healthy and dry. Community Involvement: In addition to being executive director of Power In Changing Diaper Bank, I am a member of the Junior League of Columbia and a member of the United Methodist Women, Francis Burns United Methodist Church.

City of birth: Los Angeles Education: B.A., Sociology, M.A., Elementary Education Current Job: Founder and Executive Director, Going Places; owner, The Social Collective; co-owner, The Nonprofit Entrepreneur Academy; Adjunct Professor, Social Media Communications, College of Charleston Best thing about my job: My main job is running my nonprofit, Going Places, and the best thing about it is that I get to spread joy for a living! Every meeting, every day’s work is planning for that one day where we change hundreds of lives at once. Community Involvement: I personally donate to my nonrofit. I volunteer and donate to other nonprofits regularly like Pattison’s Academy and The Charleston Leaders. I was the director of and helped create and launch the Charleston Business Group. I also host a Rockstar Connect Networking event once a month. What did someone do to encourage your career success? When I made the difficult and risky decision to leave my stable teaching job to run Going Places full time, so many people encouraged me that I could do it. An innovation I’ve made that could help others in business: My Nonprofit Entrepreneur Academy is an online, membership-based academy that teaches people how to start and grow a successful nonprofit. Something most people don’t know about me: I’ve been a guest on the Steve Harvey Show. My nonprofit stemmed from a GoFundMe that I did when I was a teacher at a lowincome elementary school in North Charleston to get all 650 kids a new, custom bike, and it went viral! I raised over $80,000 in three months! Steve Harvey donated $20,000.

What did someone do to encourage your career success? I learned to keep a positive mindset even during difficult times, and celebrate your wins! Something most people don’t know about me: I love to collect vintage bakeware like Pyrex and Corning Ware. A recent book or podcast I recommend: “Broke In America: Seeing, Understanding, and Ending U.S. Poverty,” by Joanne Samuel Goldblum and Colleen Shaddox Favorite quote: “What is the essence of life? To serve others and to do good.” – Aristotle

er 4, 2022 August 8-September 4, 2022

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TREVOR KNOX

NANCY LEE

MIDLANDS

City of birth: Columbia Education: B. S., University of South Carolina; MBA, Moore School, University of South Carolina Current Job: Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Terminix Service Inc. Best thing about my job: The people! Community Involvement: Shandon United Methodist Church, United Way of the Midlands, Palmetto Place Children’s Shelter

City of birth: Orlando, Fla. Education: B.A., Furman University Current Job: Executive Director, Habitat for Humanity South Carolina Best thing about my job: Giving a voice to individuals and communities who have been historically overlooked. Community Involvement: Coalition for Home Repair Advocacy Task Force, SC Home Attainability Forum, Together SC Advocacy Allies Leadership Team, SC VOAD, SCEMD Recovery Task Force (RSF-Housing). What did someone do to encourage your career success? A high school coach gave me the same pep talk before every track event, “If it is to be, it’s up to me” (William Johnsen). Over 20 years later, those same words inspire me in my quest to make a difference. An innovation I’ve made that could help others in business: Nonprofits thrive when they recognize the value in partnerships. Housing, child care, transportation, health care – it’s all intertwined. When NPOs collaborate vs. compete, transformational change within sectors and communities occurs. Something most people don’t know about me: I hate playing board games, but love getting lost in old documentaries. A recent book or podcast I recommend: “Parting the Waters,” by Taylor Branch Favorite quote: “I am of the opinion that my life belongs to the community, and as long as I live, it is my privilege to do for it whatever I can. I want to be thoroughly used up when I die, for the harder I work, the more I live. Life is no ‘brief candle’ to me. It is a sort of splendid torch which I have got hold of for a moment, and I want to make it burn as brightly as possible before handing it on to the future generations.” — George Bernard Shaw

What did someone do to encourage your career success? My dad gave me someone to emulate. An innovation I’ve made that could help others in business: In a people business, communication is important. We encourage following up with, “Follow Up Friday!” Something most people don’t know about me: I have been swimming with sharks and skydiving. A recent book or podcast I recommend: “12 Rules for Life,” by Jordan Peterson. Favorite quote: “Control your emotions, or they will control you.” — Lex Knox, my dad

KATHERINE MYERS

KIARA STREATER

MIDLANDS

City of birth: Columbia Education: J.D., University of South Carolina School of Law Current Job: Associate, Burnette Shutt and McDaniel Law Firm Best thing about my job: I get to use my gifts and talents to make people’s lives better. Community Involvement: I speak to and mentor young people who want to be lawyers or open their own law firm. I have served officially with the Young Lawyers Division of the S.C. Bar in organizing events around the state to expose young people to the legal profession. Additionally, I am active in my sorority, AKA, and its community outreach, and I founded and operated a nonprofit organization that provided programming for young people. What did someone do to encourage your career success? I was recruited by my current law firm and they gave me the resources and support I needed while also allowing me to follow my passions. I have never had that in a job and I’ve worked in the profession for the last 16 years. An innovation I’ve made that could help others in business: I learned that being a good lawyer is not enough to be happy. You have to have a good life, good health and a good business acumen. Something most people don’t know about me: In middle school, my Double Dutch team competed in the World Competition and won third place. I still consider it one of my greatest accomplishments. A recent book or podcast I recommend: “The Purpose of Power” by Alicia Garza Favorite quote: “I am no longer accepting the things I cannot change. I am changing the things I cannot accept.” — Dr. Angela Davis

City of birth: Batesburg Education: Wharton School of Business Leadership; Yale School of Management — Women’s Leadership Current Job: CEO at Extraordinary Headhunters LLC and Extraordinary Healing Wellness LLC Best thing about my job: I am able to consistently impact change and change lives in a positive way. Community Involvement: During the COVID- 19 pandemic, I was able to bring/create over 10,000 job opportunities to the state of South Carolina, with my business and life partner Julius Streater (my husband) and the leadership team at Extraordinary Headhunters LLC. Also: Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce (Board of Trustee); Advisory Board/Council for Benedict College Women’s College; S.C. Chamber of Commerce Business and Diversity Council; Columbia Chamber of Commerce Business Council; Forbes Business Council Advisor; Senior Business Advisor – Guidepoint; EdVenture Children’s Museum – Discovery Board Council. I founded a nonprofit, Women Inspiring Girls. What did someone do to encourage your career success? Many have played a major role in encouraging my career success. The biggest blessing and encouragement that was a life saver for me, they prayed and allowed me to earn an opportunity, by proving myself through hard work and dedication. An innovation I’ve made that could help others in business: My staffing and business development app. You can watch live interviews, and it offers resume preparation, interview tips, and even tips on how to start and run a successful business. Favorite quote: “When God is with you, it doesn’t matter who stands against you — He will make a way! – Aunt Lisa and Uncle Albert Harris Jr.

www.gsabusiness.com

August 8-September 4, 2022

EDWARD COPES

KARRIEMA CALHOUN

COASTAL

City of birth: New York City Education: B.S., Computer Engineering Current Job: Contracted by Atlas Technologies Inc. as a team lead and Technical Point of Contact (TPOC) on a software development team supporting the Navy. Best thing about my job: Atlas Technologies Inc. generously gives back to the community and promotes volunteerism; also knowing that I have a direct impact with protecting our nation’s Navy from cyber security threats. Community Involvement: I’m the co-chair on the Atlas Positive Impact Team (A+IT). We assist charitable events that generate thousands of dollars in donations and sponsorship funds for nonprofit organizations in the Lowcountry. Secondly, I am programs chair for the National Society of Black Engineers Charleston Professionals. I’ve held this position for almost four years, two of which I was selected as NSBE Professional Member of the Year. I am responsible for K-12 and collegiate initiatives, along with coordinating our annual scholarships, STEM event (STEMAPALOOZA), and college and career fair. Finally, I am a member of Park Circle Cares. We host free farmers market-style food distributions with a purpose of ending food insecurities in low-income communities. Also, I was selected by the mayor of Charleston to speak during a press conference for 2022 Digital Equity and Inclusion Week and selected to join Charleston County School District’s Citizens Oversight Steering Committee. An innovation I’ve made that could help others in business: Be innovative with your time, give back , pay it forward, volunteer with nonprofit organizations and support small business. Something most people don’t know about me: I am an anime and comic book junkie.

City of birth: Greenwood Education: B.A., Journalism and Mass Communications, University of South Carolina; MBA, Charleston Southern University; M.S., Information Systems Technology Management, Capella University Current Job: Manager, Indirect Supply Chain, at The Boeing Co. Best thing about my job: The versatility — every day is different. I love the mix of leading and motivating people, relationship building, creative problem solving, process improvement, and so much more. And I love the days where I can add in some volunteering and community service too! Community Involvement: Board member of Twenty Pearls Foundation of Charleston Inc., National Society of Black Engineers, and Cane Bay YMCA. STEM Advocate and volunteer for Boeing DreamLearners Program. Chair of Boeing Black Employees Association, South Carolina Chapter. What did someone do to encourage your career success? One of my mentors told me to start using my voice, and she put me in positions to do just that. I began using my voice to be intentional about my career goals, and now, I coach others on how to do the same, how to advocate for themselves for career growth. Something most people don’t know about me: I skipped third and eighth grades and graduated high school at age 16. A recent book or podcast I recommend: “Set Boundaries, Find Peace: A Guide to Reclaiming Yourself,” by Nedra Glover Tawwab Favorite quote: “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”— Maya Angelou

JANA RILEY

WES WILSON COASTAL

COASTAL

Education: Bachelor’s degree, Clemson University Current Job: Project Manager for U.S. Army Corps of Engineers — Charleston District Best thing about my job: I’m truly grateful to have such a great group of people that I work with at the Army Corps of Engineers. They make such a difference within the community and I’m happy to spend the majority of my day working with them solving some of our nation’s most complicated issues. Community Involvement: Working in a STEM industry gives a unique opportunity to motivate the younger generation to follow in your footsteps. In addition, as a youth sports coach, I have an opportunity to see children’s confidence grow through sports. What did someone do to encourage your career success? The best advice was from a former manager. She told me to choose a job in a location where you would be happiest living and you will never have to work a day in your life. An innovation I’ve made that could help others in business: Don’t get stale in relationships — meet customers for coffee, lunch, or happy hour at different places. Try different meeting rooms at work with co-workers. Let someone else lead a reoccurring meeting. Something most people don’t know about me: I’m 10 minutes early to everything! A recent book or podcast I recommend: Ted Talk: “Speak Powerfully — The 7 Deadly Sins of Speaking” Favorite quote: “It’s only unthinkable if you don’t think it.” — Dabo Swinney

City of birth: Augusta, Ga. Education: B.A., Communications, Gardner-Webb University Current Job: Executive Director, Public Works Art Center, Summerville Best thing about my job: I have the opportunity to help amplify voices through art. I get excited about “passing the microphone” to voices of all kinds, but especially those historically quieted or silenced. Community Involvement: Through Public Works Art Center, I work with Beyond Basic Life (a fabulous organization that works with adults with disabilities), Dorchester Paws animal shelter, Dorchester County Library, Palmetto Luna, and other nonprofit organizations. What did someone do to encourage your career success? Two strong women who I deeply respect encouraged me to take a big step in my career and lead our organization. They identified leadership skills within me and lifted me up every chance they got; and continue to do so. I would not be where I am today — and would not be going where I’m going — without Nancyjean Nettles and Diane Frankenberger. An innovation I’ve made that could help others in business: It’s a simple thing, but I am very intentional about truly listening and making space for people to communicate and share their thoughts and feelings, whether it be a visitor, staff member, artist, partner, or any other person I interact with personally or professionally. Something most people don’t know about me: I have almost completed a goal I set when I was around 9 years old: to visit all 50 states. I’ve slept in 49 states, with just Alaska to go! A recent book or podcast I recommend: “Modern Love”

In Focus

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ARCHITECTURE, ENGINEERING & CONSTRUCTION LISTS: Architecture Firms, Page 33

NEXT ISSUE’S FOCUS: Made in SC

The Cliffs begins building new neighborhood of high-end homes Staff Report

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he Cliffs at Keowee Springs is starting construction and development of a new neighborhood, Waterscape, designed by the award-winning firm Lake Flato Architects, which The Cliffs says will introduce a distinctly original aesthetic to the community. From Cliffs Builders, The Cliffs’ construction program marries the gratification that comes from custom build with built-for-sale simplicity, according to a news release. Each of three available residential models introduces a new silhouette to The Cliffs. In partnering with architects, craftsmen and their own in-house design team, Cliffs Builders offers a streamlined construction process which hastens the time between choos-

ing a floor plan and stepping through the front door, the news release said. Named one of the Ten Most Innovative Firms in the World by Fast Company, Lake Flato’s built-for-sale offerings accompany 19 wooded homesites, each near the Lake Club. The multi-purpose complex has swimming pools, racquet courts and a fitness center, at the heart of The Landing, an exclusive enclave offering panoramic views of Lake Keowee with the Blue Ridge Mountains as a backdrop. The company wants each Waterscape residence designed to serve as a home base for families intent on enjoying sporting, social and shoreline living, the news release said. Cliffs Builders has partnered with legendary French cookware brand Le Creuset to create curated kitchen collections. Buyers will have the

opportunity to choose from a selection of the enameled cast iron in an assortment of colors in a range of finishes and materials. “Waterscape is an incredibly rare offering which embodies the most coveted aspects of The Cliffs at Keowee Springs — wide-ranging views of unrivaled landscapes, best in class amenities and endless social and recreational opportunities amidst exceptional natural spaces,” Rob Duckett said in the release. Duckett is president of operations for South Street Partners, owner of The Cliffs. “This neighborhood is the latest substantial investment in new real estate development and homebuilding programs under the leadership of South Street Partners.” The Lake Club Village claims terrain in two distinct sections of the development – nine homes in The Treetops and

FIND. FINANCE. INSURE. CLOSE.

10 at The Cove homesites with mountain views and an option to lease a boat slip. Waterscape offers three home models with size starting at 2,387 square feet: The Wake at The Cove, with prices starting at $1.79 million; The Cascade at The Treehouse, with pricing starting at $1.84 million; and The Crest at The Cove and The Treehouse, prices starting at $1.91 million. Cliffs Realty, the official brokerage of The Cliffs, has announced robust real estate sales through the second quarter of 2022, totaling $129,758,578 in 149 transactions, which represents a 24% increase in volume from the same period last year, according to the release. The company reported strong sales throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, citing remote working opportunities as a driver.

We Make it Easy.

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August 8-September 4, 2022

RESTORING A STAR

Owners aim to bring mid-century motel back to life By Jenny Peterson

Contributing Writer

pale pink mid-century modern motel on Rivers Avenue in North Charleston built in 1961, which enjoyed its heyday through the 1970s, is set to come back online this fall after new owners complete a full historic renovation. Owners say the Starlight Motor Inn at 3245 Rivers Ave. — formerly Star of America — will include 51 rooms, a restaurant, a cocktail lounge, a pool (to be open in spring 2023) and a poolside bar at an affordable price point. The new owners plan to keep the motel’s pink color, neoclassical facade and decorative lattice exterior beams, and will lean into the mid-century theme with its decor. Longtime friends and partners on the project are Ham Morrison and Walker Lamond. Morrison has renovated several properties he owns in the Charleston area, including historic renovations of a 32,000-square-foot building that houses the Redux Contemporary Arts Center on King Street. The Rivers Avenue inn first piqued Morrison’s interest thanks to its curb appeal, despite being shuttered to the public since the 1990s and a portion being used as a residence. “With the pink and white, it looked like it was right out of South Florida,” Morrison said. After learning that owner Jay Patel was open to selling, Morrison asked Lamond to come on board and lead the creative and branding side. “We talked to the original owner who said that back in the ‘60s and ‘70s, the bar was packed with Navy sailors and contractors and families by the pool. It really came from an era when (nearby) Reynolds Avenue was truly the Main Street of North Charleston,” Lamond said. The duo ramped up renovation plans after learning the motel, which had fallen into disrepair, was slated for demolition. According to Charleston County land records, Star Motel LLC purchased the property for $800,000 in March 2020. Morrison said the property sits on about an acre of land. The first order of business was to get the hotel onto the National Register of Historic Places and use historic tax credits to help fund the full renovation. “Historic tax credits can be the difference in a project working out or not,” Morrison said. Morrison said he worked with historian and consultant Brittany Lavelle Tulla, whom he worked with during the Redux Contemporary Arts Center renovation. Tulla discovered that the America Motor Inn was likely the first prefabricated motel

The Starlight Motor Inn is undergoing renovations that will preserve design details while modernizing. (Photo/National Register of Historic Places application)

The owners envision a new motel that pays tribute to the heyday of the roadside motel while bringing modern amenities to the old site. (Rendering/Provided)

in the country, a note that went into its National Register of Historic Places application. “They constructed this steel structure and like an erector set, brought in these rooms that were made in a factory in Georgia and shipped by railroad, and like drawers, slid them into the rectangular structure,” Morrison said. That unique history “added to the allure of the property — it felt important to save,” Lamond said. Getting the property off the list of condemned places was a longer process, according to Morrison. The owners needed to hire a forensic engineer to prove to the city that the building could indeed be saved. “We had to prove it wasn't just a pipe dream; we had to present findings to a committee. Learning the building could be put on the National Historic Registry was

a big part of convincing them to take it off the condemned list,” Morrison said. Major renovations over the past two years on the one-acre site included adding a new roof, new electrical work, plumbing, heating and air and renovating the pool and pool house bar, which was constructed with historic bricks. The owners plan to revive the full-service restaurant on the ground floor of the inn and keep the original bar’s name, Burgundy Lounge. Jay Patel’s son, who grew up in the motel and is now in his late 20s, is working closely with the duo on the project, Lamond said. In addition to the motel, the owners plan to eventually open the Starlight Village, a collection of restored two-bedroom cottages immediately next door. Managed by StayDuvet, all of the rooms will have high-end touches at an affordable price point, owners said. “There are plenty of motels being

rehabbed throughout the country with $350 price tags per room, and that’s not our move,” Lamond said. “Ham (Morrison) said from beginning that in keeping with the spirit of this property and this neighborhood, we should price these as Days Inn rates, to keep it affordable for families and people traveling to Charleston by car, families in North Charleston having family reunions, people coming to work in town — that’s what will set us apart. We hope we can fill that gap and appeal to folks on a budget.” An interior designer whom Morrison has worked with on furnishing short-tern rentals has been tasked with outfitting the inn with a mid-century modern vibe. “We’re leaning into mid-century vintage, but also want to capture what’s quintessentially South Carolina and Southern about these spaces and also reflect the community in North Charleston,” Lamond said. “There will be texture and wood and cane and lots of vegetation. It will have a nice southern patina to it all. We want it to feel vintage, lived in, comfortable and accessible. … It will be very ‘Instagrammable’ for sure.” Morrison said he hopes the reopening of the Starlight Motor Inn will spur other development in the corridor. “We feel we can bring life back to the corner of Rivers and Reynolds Avenue,” Lamond said. “We’re on a mission to activate this entire neighborhood because we love it so much and it has so much of the old Charleston spirit in it and it’s brimming with potential. If we can polish up the landmark on the corner, we hope it has an effect of getting more storefronts happening.”

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www.gsabusiness.com 25

Rebuild Upstate chooses its first full-time CEO Staff Report

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he board of Rebuild Upstate has chosen Jake Beaty as its new fulltime CEO to lead the nonprofit in serving low-income homeowners with repairs and accessibility improvements to create safe, livable housing in existing homes and neighborhoods in Greenville, Anderson, Pickens and Oconee counties. Beaty brings more than 20 years of experience in helping lead and grow a multi-city church. After graduating from Anderson University in 2000, Beaty quickly got involved with NewSpring church as the associate student pastor. Within the church, he spent five years as an associate care Pastor, four years as the central care and outreach director and nine years as the staff health and outreach director. “I have had the privilege of helping to build a large non-profit ministry in the Upstate of South Carolina,” Beaty said in a news release. “In the time I was there, I led and trained staff members and volunteers,

I helped to provide financial assistance to members of the community, and I worked on several disaster relief projects throughout the Southeast. I also vetted and partnered with many local and foreign nonprofits, and was blessed to travel and lead trips to 11 different countries to help with humanitarian aid.” After serving the church for two decades, Beaty said is confident he will be adequately prepared to lead Rebuild Upstate through its continued growth. In 2021 alone, Rebuild Upstate repaired 145 homes and completed 556 projects. That includes 825 volunteers who logged a total of 7,906 hours. Since it started its mission of repairing homes for low-income families in the Upstate, the organization has been led by Chris Manley in the role of CEO and board member. Rebuild Upstate has grown into an organization with 15 employees completing more than 3,300 home repair projects in more than 1,300 homes over 15 years, and has done so with Manley working as a part-time CEO.

“We are incredibly fortunate to have a leader with Jake’s experience, leadership, and passion for people,” Manley said in the release. “I am excited to get to work alongside Jake and the team to continue advancing the mission of Rebuild Upstate as we repair more homes for individuals and families.” Manley will continue to work with the organization in a limited capacity as founder and executive advisor. Rebuild Upstate home repairs can range from small plumbing fixes to roof and floor replacements, the release said. Accessibility improvements range from installing grab bars and railings for vulnerable populations to building wheelchair ramps for those with disabilities. “For almost 16 years, Rebuild Upstate has grown under the passionate leadership of Chris Manley,” Megan Finnern, chair of the Rebuild Upstate Board of Directors, said in the release. “While we will always be grateful for Chris’s vision and dedication over the years, we are excited to welcome Jake Beaty as our new, full-time CEO. Jake’s passion for helping others and building

community is clear, and we look forward to this next chapter for Rebuild Upstate and the individuals and families we serve.” The agency has been honored numerous times in the home repair industry and in the local community. Honors include the Guidestar Platinum Seal of Transparency, GuideStar.org, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022; Best Practice in Stewardship of Volunteers Award, Coalition for Home Repair, 2018 and 2020; the Dan Rawls Community Service Award, Home Builders Association of Greenville in 2019; and the Max Heller Neighborhood Improvement Award, Greenville Chamber of Commerce, 2019. “It is such an honor to have this new opportunity to work and serve with Rebuild Upstate,” Beaty said in the releae. “I look forward to working with our staff, volunteers and partners as we continue to advance the vision of having an Upstate where everyone has the opportunity to live a life of dignity in a safe home environment in order to maintain and foster strong, sustainable communities.

Prisma Health receives new gear from thankful employer By Molly Hulsey

gsanews@scbiznews.com

hen a 32-year-old Ryobi Tools employee suffered a hemorrhagic stroke last August at his home, he was sent to the Prisma Health Roger C. Peace Rehabilitation Hospital to begin his road to rehabilitation. Nico DiNunzio spent time at the hospital’s inpatient and outpatient programs at the West End Co-op located within the Roger C. Peace Outpatient Brain Injury and Young Stroke Program clinic. The treatment saved his life and allowed him to regain his motor skills and other general life skills, according to a news release. But that wasn’t the end of the story for Anderson’s Ryobi Tools team or DiNunzio’s career at the plant. DiNunzio continued to have permanent vision loss in his right eye and motor weakness in one leg, but in March he was able to step back into his role as the company’s full-time outdoor products merchandising coordinator, the news release said. “The support that I received from not only my team, but the entire company throughout my recovery was extremely uplifting,” DiNunzio said in the release. “My team of therapists and doctors at Prisma Health helped me regain skills to move forward with my life at home as well as the skills to get back to work.” Part of the therapy program offered to DiNunzio at Prisma Health’s West End Co-op centered around regaining ability to wield power tools. Once DiNunzio returned to work, Ryobi

Ryobi Tool’s Nico DiNunzio (in center) is surrounded by Prisma Health’s Roger C. Peace rehabilitation Hospital staff as they receive $4,000 worth of Ryobi tools. (Photo/Provided)

Tools, a division of TTI Power Equipment, gave more than $4,000 worth of their products, including tools used for woodworking, jewelry-making, gardening and landscaping, to the program that aided DiNunzio. “At the time of his stroke, Nico’s health was the only priority,” Jess Wright, vice president of brand marketing for Ryobi, said in the release. “Supporting him through his recovery and knowing he was getting the best care possible at Prisma Health was reassuring for our entire team. Having him back in the office is a testament to the care he received, and he is an inspiration to our entire business. Being able to give back to those who poured so much into helping Nico is an honor.”

The Roger C. Peace Rehabilitation Hospital and West End Co-op sells some items made by patients, including jewelry, cookies and screen-printed art at http://prismahealth.org/rcp. “In some cases, it’s a matter of patients practicing with the equipment; in others, it’s learning a whole new way to handle the equipment or actually adapting it to make it more user friendly,” Kimbo Bridges, program supervisor at the West End Co-op, said in the release. “Other patients may use these type tools in their actual jobs and so this helps them return to work faster and gives that patient a huge motivational boost in knowing his or her rehab has purpose and value.”

The donation is not the first contribution TTI Power Equipment has made to Prisma Health. In 2022, the company raised $20,728 for the health care network’s annual Dragon Boat Upstate Festival as a sponsor and race participant. Over the past three years, the company has donated $40,000 to the Prisma Health Cancer Institute through its participation in the Dragon Boat Race. “We’re incredibly grateful to Nico and Ryobi for paying it forward and helping us do even more to fulfill our incredible mission at the West End Co-op and through all Roger C. Peace Rehabilitation Hospital’s inpatient and outpatient services,” Elizabeth DuBose, the hospital’s associate administrator, said in the release.

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IN FOCUS: ARCHITECTURE, ENGINEERING & CONSTRUCTION

August 8-September 4, 2022

Construction underway on 80 new Durham Homes houses Staff Report

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ighty homes are under construction or nearly so across four developments under Durham Homes USA operating partner of Broadstreet Inc. The developments are expected to yield hundreds of homes when all phases are complete, according to a news release. South Carolina consistently ranks as one of the top states for people to move to, and Greenville continues to be one of the most active real estate markets in the state, which is why Durham Homes and Broadstreet hope to supply high-quality housing in growing communities in the Greenville area. “It’s no longer a secret that Greenville is a great place to live and work,” Broadstreet Inc. CEO David Feingold said in a news release. “People want to invest in this community, and we are excited to bring quality housing opportunities to help meet that market demand.” The four developments currently in progress across the Upstate include: Garden Gate in Travelers Rest, Squires Pointe in Duncan, Weatherstone in Simpsonville and The Cottages at Turtle Creek in Boiling Springs. “Our unique home designs and different communities appeal to the wide variety of potential homebuyers that are flocking to the Upstate region,” Joseph Baldassarra, president of Broadstreet, said in the release. “Durham Homes is building timeless, quality homes in the Upstate that families can enjoy for generations to come.” Durham Homes intends to have between 400 and 600 homes in the development process this year, the company state in the news release. With population growth is expected to surge for the next three years, Durham Homes aims to produce over 300 homes in the Upstate per year, all of which have opportunities for high-quality, luxury upgrades. The company is led residential real estate veterans, Martin Childress and Rob Childress. Martin Childress has more than 30 years of industry experience, including previous roles with Dan Ryan builders and Schumacher Homes

The Yukon is one of the models under construction in Travelers Rest community Garden Gate. (Image/Provided)

Future residents of Weatherstone in Simpsonville can chooses from models such as The Maverick. (Image/Provided)

in the Greenville market. Rob Childress previously held roles at Heritage Custom Homes and Southern Legacy Luxury Homes, where he focused on homebuilding in high-end communities like the

Cliffs, the Reserve and in Highlands. “Each of these four communities represents opportunities for families to make their home in this wonderful region,” Martin Childress said in the release. “As

a native of the Upstate, I’ve seen how it has transformed over the years and know how special it is here. We’re thrilled to now be able to create communities and homes that can be a part of a family’s next chapter.” Previous completed developments from Durham Homes include Tindal Park, located off South Church Street in downtown Greenville, and Braxton Ridge in Simpsonville. Both developments were sold out prior to completion. Broadstreet is a private equity firm based in Greenville that works to identify promising growth sectors for capital investments. The company has achieved approximately $3 billion in transactions and more than 600 people are employed in the businesses in which Broadstreet is the lead equity provider, the release said. Broadstreet is also the equity provider for the largest land infrastructure developer in the Carolinas with more than 40 projects that cover approximately 30,000 home sites.

Developers plan 1M-square-foot industrial project Ashlie Puma

gsanews@scbiznews.com

unCap Property Group and Goldman Sachs Asset Management real estate division have announced a speculative industrial project on 140 acres in Greenville. A joint venture between the two groups was formed to develop Enterprise 85, located off of Augusta Road/

U.S. Highway 25 near Interstate 185. “We are proud to announce the start of our eighth project in the S.C. Upstate and the largest speculative building ever constructed in Greenville County,” Derek Mathis, senior vice president with SunCap, said in a news release. “Strategically located within a one-day drive of 100 million consumers, Enterprise 85 is ideally positioned to capitalize on the continued population growth in the

Southeast.” Phase I will feature a 1,006,000-square-foot cross-dock which will be expandable to 1.5 million square feet, while Phase II is currently planned as a 570,000-square-foot cross-dock building for a total combined square footage of 1,573,880 square feet. Ware Malcomb is the architect for the project and Vannoy has been selected as the general contractor.

Colliers International will handle leasing for the project. “With its location just south one of the nation’s fastest growing cities and the ability to quickly get to the region’s most active inland port in Greer, S.C., Enterprise 85 provides a much needed option for the industrial users we are seeing in the market,” John Montgomery, managing director of the Colliers Spartanburg office, said in the release.

er 4, 2022 August 8-September 4, 2022

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www.gsabusiness.com 27

Ground broken on Charleston apartment hotel By Ross Norton

rnorton@scbiznews.com

apital Square and Method Co. observed the beginning of construction on Roost Apartment Hotel at 529 King St. in Charleston on July 21. Capital Square is a sponsor of tax-advantaged real estate investments and a developer of multifamily communities. Method Co. is a real estate management, development and design company rooted in hospitality. Their groundbreaking ceremony today ceremoniously marks construction of the 50-unit development that a news release says bridges the boutique hotel experience with apartment-style living. The $61 million project designed by Morris Adjmi Architects will feature 52,700 square feet of space comprising a mix of studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom apartment hotel units, a rooftop lounge, and 27,700 square feet of rentable space, the news release said. Method Co. will operate the property’s rooftop lounge, which will be open to guests and locals. The hotel is slated for completion in early 2024. “Capital Square is an active developer

Ground has been broken on Roost Apartment Hotel at 529 King St. in downtown Charleston. Developers say the $61 million, 50-unit project will combine the boutique hotel experience with apartment living. (Rendering/ Morris Adjmi Architects)

of luxury properties in growing markets within the Southeast and we couldn’t be more pleased to begin construction on our inaugural project in Charleston,” Whitson Huffman, chief strategy and investment officer for the company, said in the news release. “Charleston is a premier market,

home to a growing community of high-income families and one of the nation’s most popular tourist destinations. 529 King St. will contribute to this legacy and become a premier destination for local residents and tourists alike.” The developers say the property will be

the city’s first high-design, extended-stay hotel concept blending the comfort and practicality of an apartment with the amenities and design of a boutique hotel, creating a temporary living environment for a long-term stay. “We are thrilled to break ground on our first Roost Apartment Hotel in South Carolina and our second project in the city of Charleston,” David Grasso, president and co-founder of Method Co., said in the release. “Roost will offer guests in Charleston a comfortable stay in a beautifully designed apartment that feels like a home and the flexibility to stay a few nights or a few months. The building’s design by Morris Adjmi Architects is outstanding; it will be a fitting complement to the classic architectural charm of Charleston.” Roost has three locations in Philadelphia, one in Cleveland and one in Tampa, Fla., with another opening soon in Detroit. The Upper King Street neighborhood was attractive for the next Roost because of its status as a tourist destination, but also because the neighborhood supports a burgeoning tech and start-up scene, a generator for higher-end residential and hotel development, the news release said. Reach Ross Norton at 864-720-1222.

Multifamily property planned for Bluffton By Ross Norton

rnorton@scbiznews.com

cre has broken ground on Pepper Hall Multifamily, a 331-unit multifamily property in the Bluffton-Hilton Head area. The project is being developed in partnership with Charleston-based Southeast Partners. Pepper Hall is scheduled to officially open in spring 2024. Located 11 miles west of Hilton Head Island within a newly developed, mixeduse master-planned community, Pepper Hall will feature a mix of one- and two-bedroom residences, with an average size of 938 square feet. Unit interiors will feature smarthome technology. Residents of Pepper Hall will have access to a full suite of amenities including a clubhouse, resort-style pool, fitness center, yoga studio with Fitness-on-Demand, and pocket parks adjacent to each handlebuilding. “Acre remains focused on identifying h one ofunique multifamily and single-family develities andopment opportunities in high-growth coaste region’sal markets in the Southeast,” Bret Hewett, eer, S.C.,vice president of acquisitions for Acre, said h neededin the release. “We’re very excited to parts we arener with an accomplished firm in Southeast ontgom-Partners to bring our vision for this develColliersopment to life, and we’re thrilled to expand elease. our footprint to an under-supplied South-

Pepper Hall Multifamily, set to open in spring 2024, will add 331 units to the Bluffton-Hilton Head area. Amenities will include a clubhouse, pool, fitness center and yoga studio. (Rendering/Provided)

east submarket situated in a region that continues to see healthy economic growth and exceptionally strong demand for affordable high-quality apartments.” Pepper Hall is located less than 20 miles northeast of Savannah in one of the Southeast’s fast-growing regions. Since 2000, the market has seen its population increase by approximately 55%, the release said. Through a series of equity and debt

funds, Acre manages more than $3.2 billion in assets across private real estate investments and loans, the release said. Frampton wraps vet hospital work Frampton Construction Co. LLC, has finished design-build work on a veterinary hospital facility for New River Veterinary Specialists. Located on a 5.2-acre site in Hardeeville, the emergency and specialty hospital provides 24/7 advanced animal

care to Jasper and Beaufort counties and surrounding areas. The 15,000-square-foot building houses multiple surgery and exam areas, CT and X-ray services and several veterinarian offices. The facility opened in late June with the help of construction partners Novus Architects, Hoyt & Berenyi, Fortress Engineers, and Charleston Engineering. Reach Ross Norton at 864-720-1222.

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UPSTATE UNDER CONSTRUCTION

August 8-September 4, 2022

UPSTATE UNDER CONSTRUCTION Construction projects submitted by the people who design, engineer and build them.

19 Blair Street 19 Blair Street Greenville Developer/owner: Pintail, Elmore Goldsmith Kelley & deHoll P.A., and Strategic Development Group Architects: Stonecraft Studio 3 General contractor: Mavin Construction Estimated completion date: November The upfit of this 7,173-square-foot space includes exterior site improvements as well as a new exterior façade to modernize the building’s appearance. Two tenants will occupy the finished space — Elmore Goldsmith Kelley & deHoll P.A. and Strategic Development Group. There will be a shared common space between the office areas. Pintail and the two tenants have partnered to develop this project.

Upstate Vet-Greenville 25 Airpark Court Greenville Developer owner: NVA Compassion First, Upstate Vet Architects: Luminaut, Cincinnati, Ohio General contractor: Mavin Construction Completion date: November Description: Renovation and expansion of an existing building to accommodate additional exam rooms and services.

Prisma Health-Fountain Inn Rural Health 200 North Nelson Drive Fountain Inn Owner: Prisma Health Architects: LS3P Architects General contractor: Mavin Construction Completion date: February 2023

AnMed Me and Emerg 800 N. Fan Anderson Description: The scope consists of the construction of an approximately 15,000-square-foot MOB.Developer The facility will be home to up to 10 adult and pediatric primary care providers and will feature 24Architects exam rooms, radiology services, and an on-site laboratory. ture, Charl Project m General co Engineers Completio Estimated Descriptio vation is a renovating heavy med

Clemson University Soccer Champions Plaza 220 East Beach Drive Clemson Owner: Clemson University Architects: Garvin Design Group General contractor: Mavin Construction, Greenville Completion date: August Description: The plaza will feature fire pits, outdoor grills and plenty of space for seating and outdoorLexus of G games. It will also include dedicated space honoring members of the Clemson University Men’s and2836 Laure Women’s Soccer Hall of Fame, as well as celebrations of other championship seasons. Greenville Developer Architects General co Completio Descriptio ing carwas

Clemson University Poe Indoor Practice Facility Renovation Perimeter Road Clemson Developer/owner: Clemson University Architects: Goodwyn Mills Cawood Memorial General contractor: Mavin Construction, Greenville 1 Avenue o Completion date: November Clemson Description: The west end of the facility will soon be home to Clemson’s new Student-Athlete Brand-Developer ing Institute, multi-purpose media spaces, a relocated applied science lab, and an NFL locker roomArchitects for recruiting. The upgrade also will include new storage, equipment and hydration areas on theProject m facility’s east side. General co

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UPSTATE UNDER CONSTRUCTION

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Engineers: Land Planning Associates (civil), Jonathan CECI (landscape architecture), AECOM (structural) and RMF (mechanical, electrical and fire protection) Completion date: August Estimated total cost of project: $32,272,812 Description: The Memorial Stadium Renovation at Clemson University is a 41,000-square-foot renovation of the existing football stadium on Clemson’s main campus. It includes an addition of premium seating and club spaces, fan experience upgrades, a new videoboard, renovation to the home team locker room, ADA accessibility and seating and a new parking lot.

AnMed Medical Center Inpatient Consolidation and Emergency Department Renovation 800 N. Fant St. Anderson Developer/owner: AnMed Health Architects: McMillian Pazdan Smith Architecture, Greenville/ e4h Environments for Health Architecture, Charlotte Project manager: Brasfield & Gorrie, Greenville General contractor: Brasfield & Gorrie, Greenville Engineers: Land Planning Associates (civil) Completion date: April 2023 Estimated total cost of the project: $60 million Description: The AnMed Medical Center Inpatient Consolidation and Emergency Department Renovation is a 105,393-square-foot renovation of four levels of the existing facility. The project includes renovating the emergency department, obstetrics, operating rooms and surgery support spaces, heavy medical gas work, and upgrades to the mechanical systems and electrical infrastructure.

Shamrock Commerce Park, Building A 3547 Five Chop Road Orangeburg Developer/owner: Appian Investments Architects: Nelson Worldwide, Alpharetta Project manager: Harper General Contractors, Greenville General contractor: Harper General Contractors, Greenville Engineers: Walker & Whiteside, Greenville (electrical); LJB Inc., Charlotte (structural); Bluewater Civil Design LLC, Greenville (civil); and Leblanc-Welch Inc., Greenville Completion date: October Estimated total cost of project: $21.9 million Description: This project includes new speculative construction of a 535,000-square-foot industrial building and site work. The building is constructed using concrete tilt-up and features a cross-dock facility, 36-foot clear height, ramp doors, ESFR sprinkler system, LED and soffit lighting, and trailer and car parking.

Lexus of Greenville 2836 Laurens Road Greenville Developer/owner: Hudson Automotive Group, Charleston Architects: Michael Rouse Architect PA, Asheville General contractor: Choate Construction Company, Charlotte Completion date: Fall Description: Hudson Automotive Group adds a 46,000-square-foot Lexus dealership with free-standing carwash in Greenville.

Memorial Stadium Renovations at Clemson University 1 Avenue of Champions Clemson Developer/owner: Clemson University Architects: LS3P Associates, Charlotte Project manager: Brasfield & Gorrie, Greenville General contractor: Brasfield & Gorrie, Greenville

West Alexander & Wilson Creek WWTP 225 Joe Bernat Drive Greenwood Developer/owner: Greenwood Metropolitan District, Greenwood Project manager: Harper General Contractors, Greenville General contractor: Harper General Contractors, Greenville Engineers: Goodwyn Mills Cawood, Greenville Completion date: February 2023 Estimated total cost of project: $6.4 million Description: West Alexander WWTP: The construction of a new headworks (course screen, fine screen, vortex grit removal, parshall flume) and replacement/upgrade of quadruplex suction lift intermediate pump station and yard piping. Wilson Creek WWTP: The scope includes replacement and upgrade of tri-plex screw lift station.

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UPSTATE UNDER CONSTRUCTION

Month August 08-September 04, 2022

Completion date: End of 2022 Estimated total cost of project: $51 million Description: New middle school up to 140,000 square feet designed for 900 people, (700 students) with construction starting November 2021.

United Community Bank Headquarters 200 East Camperdown Way Greenville Owner: United Community Bank, Greenville Developer: The Furman Co., Greenville Architects: McMillan Pazdan Smith, Greenville Project manager: Harper General Contractors, Greenville General contractor: Harper General Contractors, Greenville Engineers: RMF Engineering, Charleston (mechanical, electrical and plumbing); Britt Peters & Associates (civil and structural) Completion date: December 2023 Estimated total cost of project: $48 million Description: This project involves the new construction of UCB headquarters, along with three stories of parking structure and four stories of office space. This structure will be cast-in-place concrete with skin consisting of curtainwall/storefront/ACM/terracotta rain screen with a TPO roof, which will include a patio consisting of pavers. Project Walker Anderson

Indian Land Recreation Center Lancaster Architects: Craig Gaulden Davis Architects Engineers: Burdette Engineering Inc., (electrical), ADC Engineering (civil and structural), Stephens Engineering and Consulting (mechanical) Completion date: fourth quarter 2022 Estimated total cost of project: $7 million Description: Renovation and expansion of the Indian Land Recreation Center, to include demolition of the existing building, electrical renovations to the existing center, expansion for gyms, restrooms, lobby meeting room with expanded upgraded parking lot lighting.

Architects: McMillian Pazdan Smith Architecture, Greenville General contractor: Brasfield & Gorrie, Greenville Engineers: Cox and Dinkins (civil), Arrowood & Arrowood (structural), Peritus Engineers & Associates Inc. (mechanical), and Carolina Engineering Solutions LLC (electrical) Completion date: January 2023 Description: Project Walker is a 1 million-square-foot industrial manufacturing and warehouse facility that includes 210,000 square feet of Class A office space. This project sits on a 109-acre greenfield site with mass grading, mass fill, rock blasting, and an associated 1,200 space four-level precast parking deck.

Abner Creek Middle School Spartanburg School District 5 Spartanburg Developer/owner: Spartanburg School District 5 Architects: LS3P Associates Ltd. Engineers: Burdette Engineering Inc. (electrical), Seamon Whiteside (civil), Miles Engineering (fire protection) Crow Bulman Engineering (mechanical) and Arrowood & Arrowood (structural)

CCIT Generator Installation Poole Agricultural Building Clemson Owner: Clemson University Engineering: Burdette Engineering Inc., (electrical), Peritus Engineers & Associates Inc. (mechanical) Estimated completion date: 2022 Estimated total cost of project: $900,000 Description: Electrical design and specifications to install a new generator per the previous study at the Poole Agricultural Building (P&A) located at Clemson University.

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under construction. New tenant projects underway include JudHub, a shared office space oriented toward nonprofits, social entrepreneurs, and other mission driven companies; Stumphy’s Hatchet House, an axe throwing venue; Magnetic South Brewery’s second Upstate location; and offices and event space for High Spirits Hospitality. Two new building shells are also being completed for future tenants.

Fire Alarm Replacements – Multiple Buildings Rock Hill Owner: Winthrop University Engineers: Burdette Engineering Inc. Completion date: 2022 Estimated total cost of project: $2.1 million Description: Currently performing the electrical design for the replacement of existing fire alarm systems with current, code compliant, voice evacuation systems for the following buildings: Johnson, Bancroft, Thurmond, McBryde, Dinkins and Dacus halls with total collective square footage of approximately 366,665 square feet.

Greer High School HVAC Renovation Greer Owner: Greenville County Schools Engineers: Burdette Engineering Inc. (electrical), Peritus Engineers & Associates Inc. (mechanical) Estimated completion date: 2022 Description: Project involved electrical design and specifications for replacement of approximately 32 HVAC units with new at Greer High School. Project also involved providing the performance specification and design for modifications required to repair existing lightning protection system at units.

Judson Mill 703 Easley Bridge Road, Greenville Developer/owner: Judson Mill Ventures, Greenville Architects: McMillan Pazdan Smith, Greenville General contractor: Triangle Construction, Greenville Estimated completion date: Various completion dates by phase Judson Mill continues to grow with several new tenant upfits and building shell projects currently

Carolina Ballroom Dance Studio 134 Halton Rd, Greenville Owner/developer: Carolina Ballroom Co., Greenville Architects: DP3, Greenville General contractor: Caldwell Constructors, Greenville Engineers: Davis & Floyd, Greenville (civil); Palmetto Structural Engineering LLC, Taylors (structural), Carolina Engineering Solutions LLC, Greenville (electrical), ME&P Inc. Engineering, Campobello (mechanical and plumbing). Estimated completion date: fall Estimated total cost of project: $2.2 million Description: New construction of a 9,000-square-foot dance studio and indoor entertainment facility on a 1.16-acre site on Halton Road.

Polywood Expansion 3100 Jim Thorpe Hwy., Roxboro, N.C. Developer/owner: Weston, Cleveland Architects: LS3P, Charlotte Project Manager: THS Constructors, Greenville General contractor: THS Constructors, Greenville Engineers: Environmental Air Systems, Raleigh (mechanical, plumbing); Bryant-Durham, Durham, N.C. (electrical); Thomas & Hutton, Charlotte (civil); LS3P, Greenville (structural) Estimated completion date: October 2023 The 500,000-square-foot Polywood Expansion will sit directly behind Polywood’s current facility. The expansion facility will be used for manufacturing, warehousing and distribution. Construction will include structural steel with tilt-up concrete perimeter walls.

Publix and Shops 4400 S.C. Highway 9, Boiling Springs Developer/owner: Carolina Holdings, Greenville Architects: Hiscutt & Associates, Alpharetta General contractor: McCrory Construction Engineers: Am Cerra Mechanical Engineering, Atlanta (mechanical, plumbing); Savant Engineers, Sandy Springs, Ga. (electrical); Atwell, Lawrenceville, Ga. (civil); Lowndes Engineering, Grayson, Ga. (structural) Estimated completion date: First quarter 2023 McCrory was selected to construct this Publix-anchored shopping center, which is part of a 17-acre development that features the 47,240-square-foot Publix and two 6,450-square-foot retail buildings along with site work.

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UPSTATE UNDER CONSTRUCTION

August 8-September 4, 2022

Red Bullet Spec Building 200 Masters Blvd., Anderson Developer/owner: Red Bullet, Anderson Architects: Architectural Design Center–ADC, Easley General contractor: McCrory Construction Engineers: Piedmont Mechanical, Spartanburg (mechanical); Walker & Whiteside, Greenville (electrical); Cam-Ful, Charlotte (plumbing); Site Design, Greenville (civil); Fuller Group, Greenville (structural) Estimated completion date: Fourth quarter 2022 This is an expansion to an existing facility for which McCrory recently completed a large renovation and expansion. The new project adds 150,000 square feet of warehouse and machine/maintenance shop with an area three-hour CMU separation wall. Site work includes an additional seven loading docks and truck apron, 16-foot-high segmented block retaining wall, and extension of the underground fire loop.

St. Paul’s Church 304 E. Camperdown Way, Greenville Architects: McMillan Pazdan Smith, Greenville General contractor: Mavin Construction, Greenville Estimated completion date: June 2022 This project comprises ground-up construction of a 26,500-square-foot two-story church building. Included are 1.2 acres of site work for parking, connection to existing parking, and work associated with renovating the existing church entries as required to accommodate the new grading. Broad River Electric Cooperative 1036 Webber Road, Cowpens Developer/owner: MBM Consulting, Greenville (owner’s rep) Architects: SGA Architecture, Greenville General contractor: McCrory Construction Engineers: Live Oak Consultants, North Charleston (mechanical, electrical, plumbing, civil structural) Estimated completion date: Third quarter 2022 This 62,900-square-foot project consists of a 27,600-squarefoot, two-story office building, a 12,800-square-foot truck shed, and a 22,500-square-foot warehouse. The site includes a laydown yard, pole yard, transformer yard, damaged-line-equipment shed and fueling station.

Anderson University Football Operations Building Anderson University, 317 Boulevard, Anderson Developer/owner: Anderson University Architects: McMillan Pazdan Smith, Spartanburg General contractor: Hogan Construction Group, Easley Estimated completion date: Spring 2023 A groundbreaking was held in May for Anderson University’s new Football Operations Building. Anderson University aims to field their inaugural Division II football team during the 2024 college football season. This building will serve as the home for the football program, featuring locker rooms, team meeting rooms, coaches’ offices, strength and conditioning spaces, and sports medicine. While primarily for the football program, the building will also provide spaces for other student athletes.

IN FOCUS: ARCHITECTURE, ENGINEERING & CONSTRUCTION

er 4, 2022 August 8-September 4, 2022

www.gsabusiness.com 33

Architecture Firms

Ranked by No. of Licensed Architects in the Greenville Area Company

Phone / Website / Email

Top Local Official(s) / Year Founded

Architects / Total Employees

McMillan Pazdan Smith Architecture 400 Augusta St., Suite 200 Greenville, SC 29601

864-242-2033 www.mcmillanpazdansmith.com kcalhoun@mcmillanpazdansmith.com

Ron G. Smith, Joseph M. Pazdan, Brad B. Smith 1955

56 181

Studio-based architecture and interior design firm with offices in Greenville and Spartanburg; clients include K-12, higher education, healthcare, corporate, industrial, sports and recreation, retail, hospitality, community and civic design

LS3P Associates Ltd. 2 W. Washington St., Suite 600 Greenville, SC 29601

864-235-0405 www.ls3p.com johnedwards@ls3p.com

John Edwards 1963

19 54

An architecture, interiors and planning firm providing services nationwide from our offices in North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia

DP3 Architects Ltd. 15 S. Main St., Suite 400 Greenville, SC 29601

864-232-8200 www.dp3architects.com people@dp3architects.com

Brian Thomas, Ben Urueta, Meg Terry 1984

12 30

Architecture, interior design, space planning and master planning for hospitality, higher education, community, office upfits, student centers, fire stations, public works and recreation facilities

Craig Gaulden Davis Inc. 19 Washington Park Greenville, SC 29601

864-242-0761 www.cgdarch.com design@cgdarch.com

David L. Dixon, Scott E. Powell, Edward T. Zeigler 1957

10 23

Architecture, planning and interior design firm

MCA Architecture Inc. 28 Agora Place Greenville, SC 29615

864-232-8204 www.designmca.com sberry@designmca.com

Keith M. Clarke, Thomas S. Berry 1976

7 24

Industrial, commercial, corporate office, retail, medical office

Batson Associates Inc. 415 W. Washington St. Greenville, SC 29601

864-233-2232 www.batsonassociates.com jrfogle@bainc.com

Julie Weber, Geordan Terry, Jeff Fogle 1981

6 12

Located in Greenville since 1981; healthcare, education and faith-based communities

Design Strategies LLC Architects / Engineers 130 S. Main St. Greenville, SC 29601

864-527-6500 www.designstrategies.net mnalley@designstrategies.net

Benjamin T. Rook 2002

5 20

Health care, research, corporate, commercial, institutional hospitality

Johnston Design Group LLC 411 University Ridge, Suite D Greenville, SC 29601

864-250-0701 www.johnstondesigngroup.us kim@johnstondesigngroup.us

Scott Johnston, David Anderssen, Kevin Davis 2001

5 19

Restorative architectural design

SHLTR Architects LLC 108 Mohawk Drive, Suite B Greenville, SC 29609

864-603-1717 www.shltrarch.com info@shltrarch.com

Tara B. Hile, Chesley White, Kevin Hyslop 2016

5 7

Architecture firm

Context Design Group PLLC 4 Washington Park Greenville, SC 29601

864-233-3230 www.contextdg.net davidlewis@contextdg.net

Michael Scott Lewis, Jerry Carter Page, David William Lewis 2002

3 7

Commercial architecture and planning services

Earth Design Inc. 1309 Grove Road Greenville, SC 29605

864-603-1231 www.earthdesignsc.com contact@earthdesignsc.com

Cheryl Brown, Rick Huffman, Holley Owings 1996

3 12

Landscape architecture, master planning, commercial, municipal and residential landscape design, ecological inventories and assessments, environmental design, habitat restoration

Ard Wood Holcombe & Slate Architects & Planners 620 N. Main Street, Suite 104 Greenville, SC 29601

864-242-5450 www.awhsarchitects.com gmholcombe@awhsarchitects.com

George M. Holcombe 1976

2 7

Commercial, health care, education, industrial, renovation and restoration, facility analysis, master planning

Goodwyn Mills Cawood 117 Welborn St. Greenville, SC 29601

864-527-0460 www.gmcnetwork.com info@gmcnetwork.com

Tyler Morgan, Kevin Laird 1947

2 40

Architecture, interior design, civil engineering, environmental services, landscape architecture, planning, transportation engineering, geotechnical engineering, electrical engineering, land surveying and disaster recovery

PDI Architecture LLC 1020 Breazeale Road Pendleton, SC 29670

864-224-5800 www.pdiarch.com pdia@pdiarch.com

Patrick D. Iannelli 2004

2 10

Multifamily and commercial architecture, landscape architecture, planning, construction administration

Radium Architecture 420 E. Park Ave., Suite 307 Greenville, SC 29601

864-242-9027 www.radiumarchitecture.com contact@radiumarchitecture.com

Brad Benjamin, Scott Kilgore 2011

2 5

Architecture, planning, interiors

C. Wayne Crocker & Associates P.C. 101 N. Pine St., Suite 302 Saprtanburg, SC 29302

864-583-5296 wayne@cwaynecrocker.com

C. Wayne Crocker 1980

1 2

Single-family; small commercial and institutional; new and renovations

Chapman Design Group Inc. 3215 S.C. Highway 24 Anderson, SC 29626

864-224-7563 www.chapmandesign.com donald@chapmandesign.com

Donald G. Chapman 1994

1 5

Established in 1994; specialize in commercial and residential projects with new construction, additions, renovations and adaptive reuse; S.C. Certified Master Builder

Childs Architecture LLC 610 N. Main St., Suite 101 Greenville, SC 29601

864-242-6977 www.childsarchitecture.com srchilds@childsarchitecture.com

Suzanne R. Childs 2001

1 1

OSMBA certified woman-owned firm; Ms. Childs is a registered architect in the Carolinas and Georgia; efforts include design, planning, renovation and expansion projects for homes, schools, churches, offices, retail, health care and industrial

Clerestory Projects Group Inc. 100 Dunbar St. Spartanburg, SC 29306

864-594-5984

Joseph Lauer 2007

1 2

Owner's representation and construction project management consulting

Construction Science & Engineering Inc. 218 E. Main St. Westminster, SC 29693

864-647-1065 www.reiengineers.com

Barry L. Sallas, Josh Lusk, Derek A. Hodgin 1997

1 8

An REI Engineers Inc. company; forensic engineering and architecture, roof consultants, exterior wall consultants, waterproofing consultants, structural engineers, expert witness services, design and consulting services, construction administration

Because of space constraints, sometimes only the top-ranked companies are published in the print edition. For a full list of participating organizations, visit scbiznews.com/buy-business-lists. Although every effort is made to ensure accuracy, errors sometimes occur. Email additions or corrections to research@scbiznews.com.

Description

Researched by Business Report staff

IN FOCUS: ARCHITECTURE, ENGINEERING & CONSTRUCTION

www.gsabusiness.com

August 8-September 4, 2022

Architecture Firms

Ranked by No. of Licensed Architects in the Greenville Area Company

Phone / Website / Email

Top Local Official(s) / Year Founded

Architects / Total Employees

Douglas R. Hurlbert AIA Architect LLC 161 Carbandy Drive Inman, SC 29349

864-415-1778 unitas@windstream.net

Douglas R. Hurlbert 1990

1 1

Practice limited to the design of veterinary clinics in G.A., S.C., N.C. and V.A.

Gil L. Stewart Architect LLC 212 Fairway Drive Pickens, SC 29671

864-507-3020 www.glsarchitects.com gil@glsarchitects.com

Gil Stewart 2009

1 1

Commercial, religious, early childhood, educational, governmental, residential

Good City P.O. Box 27234 Greenville, SC 29616

864-360-9292 www.goodcityarch.com rgeyer@goodcityarch.com

Ronald Geyer 2012

1 2

Mission articulation, needs assessment, strategic planning, architectural design, and construction phase guidance for Christian ministries

Hargrove & Associates Inc. 100 Executive Center Drive, Suite 100 Greenville, SC 29615

864-980-5464 www.hargrove-epc.com zstern@hargrove-epc.com

Courtney Furman 1995

1 70

Full-service EPC project execution firm with expertise ranging from conceptual engineering through commissioning; project management, front end planning, multi-discipline engineering, procure

Jolly & Associates 293 S. Pine St. Spartanburg, SC 29302

864-582-1510 jollyaia@bellsouth.net

Albert B. Jolly 1974

1 2

Small design firm, specializing in light commercial, restaurants and fine homes

Langley & Associates Architects LLC 109 S. Main St. Greer, SC 29650

864-968-0224 www.la-architects.com dlangley@la-architects.com

David E. Langley, Ann Moran 1995

1 7

General practice architecture and interior design firm; design projects include renovation and adaptive reuse, restaurant, health care, senior living, retail, office, industrial and religious

Miller Architecture LLC 8 E. Hillcrest Drive Greenville, SC 29609

864-420-4085 jmiller@millerarchitecture.net

James D. Miller 2014

1 1

Apartments, assisted living, multi-family developments, commercial, industrial, planning

PSi Design 7090 Howard St. Spartanburg, SC 29303

864-585-4014 www.psi-designbuild.com info@precision-services.com

Bo Garland 2013

1 3

Commercial architecture and design; professional medical and dental, restaurant and event venue, office, retail, health and fitness, industrial and franchise

RMS Architecture LLC 105 Windsor Court Central, SC 29630

864-320-8441 www.rmsarch.com rmseel@bellsouth.net

Robert M. M. Seel 2005

1 1

Design solutions for business, school, church and home

Robert C. Cashion Architect Inc. 2933 Geer Highway Marietta, SC 29661

864-836-7080 www.rccarchitect.com bcashion@rccarchitect.com

Robert C. Cashion 1981

1 1

Churches and other Christian ministry facilities, university campus buildings, apartments and condominiums, financial institutions, custom homes, adaptive uses

Specwright Strategies 222 E. Cranberry Lane Greenville, SC 29615

864-234-3630 galen_plourde@charter.net

Galen G. Plourde 2000

1 1

Specifications, building envelope consulting, commissioning commercial projects, including educational, medical facilities, multi-family residential, offices, institutional, courthouses, military

Furman Architects Inc. 129 Oregon Ave., Suite 100 Greenwood, SC 29646

864-388-0905 www.furmanarchitects.com courtney@furmanarchitects.com

Courtney T.R. Furman 1998

Governmental, ecclesiastical, healthcare, ambulatory surgical centers, medical offices, educational, residential, commercial and industrial projects

Description

Researched by Business Report staff

AUGUST 18, 2022 6 pm - 9 pm Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center

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Executives from more than 100 companies will gather to celebrate being named one of the Best Places to Work in South Carolina, and no event this year will provide better networking opportunities! Join all the fun at this celebratory event featuring cocktails, dinner and an introduction of this year’s winners.

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