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In Focus Flurry of fleet EV investment hits Southeast By Molly Hulsey

Outsourcing talent

With a thin layer of available labor, employers look abroad. Page 25

INSIDE

mhulsey@scbiznews.com

uto companies unable to adjust to the coming tide of change — electrification, autonomy and connectivity — will likely not survive the next decade. That was the smoke signal Andraes Bareid, electric vehicle account manager for the ERP software company Qad, picked up from the auto industry in 2019. Bareid saw the prediction only amplify this year’s struggles in the automotive sector as ships, heavy with cargo containers, stalled outside ports, and glistening lines of undriven cars awaited computer chips. The industry as a whole contracted by 16%

BMW showcases company’s latest XM model, to be made only as a plug-in hybrid next year, at the BMW Zentrum this month. See Page 10.

An electric Volvo cab charges up before transporting beer in Manhattan. (Photo/Provided)

in 2020, while the electric car market expanded by 41% year-over-year, according to the International Energy Agency’s 2021 outlook

report. “Little did we know how the pandemic would act as a catalyst to this change,” he said. “It’s not only regulatory change, consumer behavior, supply chain shortages, but it’s also how we are choosing things differently.” Lightweight consumer vehicles tend to take the drivers’ seat when it comes to electric See VEHICLES, Page 5

Millennials drive unprecedented demand for tree growers

Supply chain hits crunch

Delays cause complications on land and sea. Page 6

Watching paint supplies dry up

By Molly Hulsey

Pandemic penchant for pigments takes toll on supply of paint. Page 9

mhulsey@scbiznews.com

hristmas tree cultivation is akin to watching a train roll across the prairie and into your town. You might be able to see what’s coming from a long way off, but there’s not much you can do to stop it, said North Carolina State University’s Christmas tree specialist Jeff Owens. The time in between planting and harvest is a decadelong guessing game. The life cycle of the average holiday evergreen from seed to saw lasts about eight to 10 years. If a farmer underestimates future demand, harvests too many too soon or falls prey to pests, the ripple effect can last for years. But if a farmer plants too many evergreens, as many did in the years leading up to the Great Recession, it leaves no option but to grind acres of sculpted trees — and long-term investment — into mulch. In North Carolina, a state that plants roughly 4 million trees annually, See CHRISTMAS TREES, Page 8

Saving farmlands Greenville County votes for preservation tool. Page 7

INSIDE

Leading Off........................... 2 SC Biz News Briefs................. 3 C-Suite................................. 4 In Focus: Professional Staff Solutions............................25 LIST: Professional Staffing Firms..................................26 At Work...............................22 Viewpoint............................23

Women of Influence

GSA Business Report salutes women making a difference at work and in the community. Page 11

Leading Off

BRIEFS | FACTS | STATEWIDE NEWS | C-SUITE

Yes, South Carolina does grow its own Christmas trees

he state known more for palmetto trees than live Christmas trees, actually grows a fair number of firs, white pines and other needle-bearing evergreens that are commonly decorated for the holidays. But of the more than 15 million trees that were cut as Christmas trees in 2017, the latest data available, only 0.18% come from the Palmetto State, data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture reports. North Carolina and Oregon produce the most cut Christmas trees in America, accounting for more than half of all trees produced each year in the U.S. However, a lot of farms contribute to the Christmas tree industry in South Carolina.

President Michael Mikota of Spartanburg

Christmas trees in the Southeast

expanded apprenticeship programs.

D.C., with Swiss President Guy Parmelin and the Swiss ambassador to the United States to discuss the potential for

Number of farms

Number of cut trees

North Carolina

653

4,031,864

Virginia

343

474,902

Tennessee

54,005

Georgia

106

32,161

South Carolina

27,578

Alabama

17,038

Florida

13,968

by Greenville

Mississippi

12,889

resident Herb Dew IV. The company also

Louisiana

11,545

relaunched its website in November to

Arkansas

7,938

help construction companies find work-

15,094,678

RoadDogJobs, a specialty job board for traveling construction workers and companies, was acquired

ers in an increasingly small labor pool.

Number of cut Christmas trees produced in the U.S.

Christmas tree farms located in South Carolina.

10,095

1,697

Christmas tree farms in the U.S.

RECORD

Community College met in Washington,

State

Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Census of Agriculture

ON THE

A LA CARTE

Acres of Christmas trees in South Carolina.

The auto body repair program at Greenville Tech has up-to-date paint booths

“Greenville’s still going to grow, and it’s going to grow because we’re willing to support that growth.”

after gifts by John I. Smith Charities, Fairway Automotive Group, The Smith In-

— Willis Meadows, Greenville County Council

surance Agency and Jackson Marketing Motorsports Events replaced two aging and obsolete booths with industry-current, state-of-the-art equipment.

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December 13 - December 26, 2021

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SC Biz News Briefs CHARLESTON

Teri Errico Griffis, Charleston Regional Business Journal

Tech company and its CEO plead guilty mid-trial to 20 counts of wire fraud A Charleston technology company and its CEO have both pleaded guilty to 20 counts of wire fraud. The pleas from Micfo LLC, a Charleston tech company, and its CEO, Amir Golestan, came midway through a federal trial after prosecutors presented evidence that Golestan took in millions by creating fictitious personas and companies and selling internet address rights he fraudulently obtained, the U.S. Attorney’s office for the District of South Carolina said in a news release. Through his scheme, Golestan pocketed roughly $3.5 million, with another $6.2 million waiting for him in escrow had he not been caught, the U.S. attorney said. Under each count, Golestan faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison, a $250,000 fine, and three years supervision following imprisonment and restitution. Micfo faces a maximum fine of $500,000 under each count. Golestan founded Micfo in Charleston in 1999, saying it provided web hosting and other internet services. Between February 2014 and May 2019, when Golestan and Micfo were indicted, Golestan created 10 different, fabricated companies referred to as “Channel Partners.” Through the companies, Golestan obtained address rights to Internet Protocol version 4 addresses from the American Registry for Internet Numbers, the news release said. Like a street address, IPv4 addresses are numerical labels used to identify network computers.

COLUMBIA

Avison Young - South Carolina, Inc.

A global commercial real estate partner, powered by people, that puts you first. Get in touch 864 334 4145 avisonyoung.com

Melinda Waldrop, Columbia Regional Business Report

Richland County schools plant trees with soil and conservation grants Three Richland County schools celebrated South Carolina’s observation of Arbor Day on Dec. 3 by planting trees. Celebrated nationally in April, Arbor Day is observed in December in the Palmetto State, as that month’s climate is more conducive to tree planting, according to a news release from Richland County. Students at Blythewood High School, Heathwood Hall Episcopal School and Spring Valley High School planted trees through efforts funded by conservation education mini-grants from the Richland Soil and Water Conservation District. The mini-grants, in amounts of up to $1,000, are offered to county K-12 educational institutions twice a year.

IT’S TIME TO BINGE BUSINESS With nearly 150 videos (and counting), our YouTube channel features a wide variety of business-related content. Our playlists have something for everyone. What’s New and What’s Hot!

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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.

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The Boyd Foundation Horticultural Center at the Hampton-Preston Mansion and Gardens includes a greenhouse as part the facility. (Photo/Melinda Waldrop)

VOLUME 27 NUMBER 25 ■ CHARLESTONBUSINESS.COM

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GROWTH

Health Care Heroes Honoring those who take care of our community every day. Page 15

S.C. is one of the largest poultry producers in U.S. Page 4

Part of the

SUPPORTING Companies

accelerating in heavy EV By Molly Hulsey

Great outdoors

Millions pour in to develop parks and other greenspace projects in development. Page 27

Head above water New strategy helps buoy South Carolina Aquarium. Page 6

Major engineering

High-flying future

Clemson joins program to grow aerospace workforce. Page 8

TAKING ROOT Hampton-Preston greenhouse project to provide glimpse of history

Code changes

Richland County adds district to land-use plan. Page 18

INSIDE

Upfront ................................ 2 SC Biz News Briefs ................ 3 In Focus: Architecture, Engineering and Construction .......................................... 13 List: Engineering Firms ...... 14 At Work .............................. 21 Viewpoint ...........................23

By Melinda Waldrop

mwaldrop@scbiznews.com

ne of Historic Columbia’s missions is to provide a thoughtful interpretation of area history, and its latest project is designed to get to the root of things. At the northwest corner of the Hampton-Preston Mansion and Gardens on Pickens and Laurel streets, the Boyd Foundation Horticultural Center is taking shape. Designed by Lambert Architecture + Construction Services with Cohn Construction Services serving as general contractor, the project will feature a state-of-the-art greenhouse where plants as historically accurate as possible to

the mansion, built in 1818, will be propagated. The center will also feature interpretative programming and serve as a base for horticultural research. “It’s really going to enhance the grounds department here as far as capabilities on the production end of things, but also on the interpretative end of things,” said Keith Mearns, director of grounds for Historic Columbia. “Previous to this project, the very back part of the Hampton-Preston property was really just vacant. There was nothing there and it was really just like a wasteland. And so aside from the building itself, the project is actually going to finish out the site.” The horticultural center will also tell visi-

tors its own story about the inhabitants of the mansion, which grew to be Columbia’s grandest residence under the affluent Hampton and Preston families, and the time periods preserved in the house and on its grounds. The Hampton-Preston mansion was home to several different owners following the Civil War before being extensively rehabilitated and opened as a historic site in 1970. “At the Hampton-Preston site, even though they cover a number of time periods inside, most of the discussion is centered around the Hamptons and the Prestons themselves, who lived in the house up to the Civil War,” Mearns See GREENHOUSE, Page 16

Columbia Under Construction

Catch up on the current projects shaping the Midlands. Page 19

ColumbiaBusinessReport.com

College of Charleston adds electrical engineering major to support area employers. Page 12

Call center HQ

Swedish call center company brings U.S. headquarters, 450 jobs to South Carolina. Page 3

INSIDE

Upfront ................................ 2 SC Biz News Briefs ................ 3 Small Business Spotlight ....... 4 In Focus: Architecture, Engineering and Construction ......................27 List: Commercial Property Management Companies .... 41 At Work ..............................43 Viewpoint .......................... 45 Day in the Life .....................47

Christmas trees at Delancey Street, a nonprofit that helps people struggling to reenter the workforce, save lives, brighten holidays. Page 11 (Photo/Teri Errico Griffis)

mhulsey@scbiznews.com

uto companies unable to adjust to the coming tide of change — electrification, autonomy and connectivity — will likely not survive the next decade. That was the perspective of Andraes Bareid, electric vehicle account manager for the ERP software company Qad, picked up from the auto industry in 2019. Bareid said the prediction was only amplified during this year’s struggles in the automotive sector as ships, heavy with cargo containers, stalled outside ports, and glistening lines of undriven cars awaited computer chips. The industry as a whole contracted by 16% in 2020, while the electric car market expanded by 41% year-over-year, according to the International Energy Agency’s 2021 outlook report. “Little did we know how the pandemic would act as a catalyst to this change,” he said. “It’s not only regulatory change, consumer behavior, supply chain shortages, but it’s also how we are choosing things differently.” Lightweight consumer vehicles tend to take the drivers’ seat when it comes to electric vehicles, but the past year has prompted a flush of investment in heavy-duty transit and commercial vehicle production. “The transformation is accelerating,” Brett Pope, electric vehicle director of Volvo Trucks North America, told the crowd at the 2021 S.C. Manufacturing Conference and Expo in November. “We clearly see that when we talk to our customers and talk to our customers’ customers.” Volvo Trucks North America, with headquarters in Greensboro, N.C., began manufacturing two electric tractors and a

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See ELECTRIC, Page 10

CHARLESTON UNDER CONSTRUCTION Who is building what in the Charleston area? Projects, companies, prices, projected timelines, photos and stories. Page 30

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December 13 - December 26, 2021

VEHICLES, from Page 1

vehicle development, but the past year has prompted a flush of investment in fleet and commercial vehicle production. “The transformation is accelerating,” Brett Pope, electric vehicle director of Volvo Trucks North America, told the crowd at the 2021 S.C. Manufacturing Conference and Expo in November. “We clearly see that when we talk to our customers and talk to our customers’ customers.” Volvo Trucks North America, with headquarters in Greensboro, N.C., began manufacturing two electric tractors and a straight truck at a plant in New River Valley, Va., this year through a $400 million investment. Customer demand and a spike in e-commerce prompted the company to fast track the production of the electric regional, or day-cab, vehicle, Pope said. A $45 million grant from the California Air Resources Board also enabled the company to launch Volvo Low Impact Green Heavy Transport Solutions, a three-year pilot project where the company uses battery-electric trucks and equipment to move freight between ports and warehouses in Southern California. “The diesel combustion engine is not going away,” Pope said. “It will be there, and it will continue in certain applica-

www.gsabusiness.com 5

tions in certain regions of the world, in certain heavy, heavy-duty applications where it makes sense.” Earlier this year, the Volvo Group announced plans to go fully electric by 2030. A few years ago, the only large commercial EVs on the market were transit buses, according to a 2021 market report from M.J. Bradley and Associates. In 2021, companies can select from 40 different bus varieties. Close to 50 medium-duty and 29 heavy-duty electric vehicles populate the market today. And that number is only growing, especially in the Southeast. U.K.-based Arrival announced its $49 million investment in a microfactory for electric delivery vans in Rock Hill last fall, set to launch production during the second quarter of 2022. A few months later, it also tacked on a $41.2 investment at a microfactory in Charlotte, which will be able to assemble 10,000 delivery vans each year, according to the company. On Dec. 6, the company announced plans to invest $11.5 million in a high-voltage battery module assembly plant in Charlotte, capable of producing tailored replacements for customers. “By bringing the assembly of our proprietary high voltage battery modules in house, we’re striving to be as

vertically integrated as possible,” Mike Ableson, CEO of Arrival Automotive, said in a statement. “This will enable us to have even greater control over the functionality and cost of our products and pass those cost savings on to the customer while also working toward our goal of zero waste production.” Mercedes-Benz invested $60 million in its North Charleston eSprinter van plant this year as well, while Oshkosh Defense announced its next-generation postal service vehicle production factory in Spartanburg in June. The $482 million U.S. Postal Service contract includes between 50,000 to 165,000 battery-electric and low-emission internal combustion engine vehicles. “It’s simply amazing how fast that particular industry has transitioned to zero emissions with vehicles like ours,” said Mike Finnern, vice president of fleet customer success and EV product management at electric bus manufacturer Proterra Inc. Finnern had just returned to the company’s Greenville manufacturing center after visiting the American Transportation Association Conference and Expo in Orlando, Fla., where his team joked among themselves that “it was really hard to find a diesel engine in the entire 350,000-squarefoot convention.” While bus electrification may lag behind consumer lightweight vehi-

cles, he added that it ties in well with the sector’s needs with its stop-and-go usage, fixed routes, depot-based operations and high mileage. Proterra went public on the New York Stock Exchange this year, garnered a contract with Miami-Dade County, Fla., for 42 electric transit buses and 75 chargers in June and began to power electric forklifts and top handling machines used at ports in July. “Getting to this point, it was almost a decade of infrastructure building at Proterra,” Finnern said. Targeted government recovery initiatives will play a major role in spurring on an expected 148.5% and 44.9% compound annual growth rate from 2020 to 2026 respectively for electric trucks and electric buses, according to Research and Market’s U.S. electric commercial vehicle market forecast. Federal infrastructure bill aside, Pope said most government investment in Volvo Trucks has come at the state level. “They’re not at a federal level at this point, but clearly we see certain states that are very active in this region doing incentives through carbon credit programs that help pave the way for the early adopters to prove that the solutions will work,” he said. Reach Molly Hulsey at 864-720-1222 or @ mollyhulsey_gsa on Twitter.

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December 13 - December 26, 2021

Delays and backlogs causing complications both at sea and on land By Christina Lee Knauss

Contributing Writer

mages of packed container ships waiting for weeks to get into ports on the west coast have been in the news for the past few months, highlighting an issue that is reaching into nearly every industry and home in the U.S.: a massive supply chain crunch as the Christmas holiday nears. A multitude of factors is causing the supply chain issues. U.S. consumers are buying goods at record levels, many of them produced overseas. The continuing pandemic has resulted in employee shortages and slowdowns at many overseas factories, creating longer wait times for shipments of everything from consumer goods to products needed by manufacturers, high tech industries and other sectors. Finally, when the goods do get here, ports on the West Coast are backed up because of a shortage of longshoremen to unload the ships and an even more drastic shortage of available trucks and drivers to transport the shipments. The East Coast, South Carolina included, isn’t seeing the kind of backups being experienced at ports in Los Angeles and Long Beach, Calif., but the effects are being felt here as well, according to those involved with shipping and transportation in the state. Imports to the Port of Charleston were up 12% year-over-year in October as the port continues to take in more retail goods than ever before, according to Liz Crumley, manager of corporate communications for the South Carolina Ports Authority. Recent reports show that furniture imports into Charleston are up 55% year over year, and SC Ports has handled record cargo volumes – both imports and exports combined – for the past eight months. Crumley said the dramatic increase in workload at the port hasn’t caused any severe backups, largely because of a $2 billion investment in infrastructure in recent years that increased capacity. Some examples include modernization efforts to enable the Wando Welch Terminal to handle more cargo and bigger ships and the expansion of Inland Port Greer, which is served by rail. Charleston also has the advantage of being the only port in the U.S. with new terminal capacity, added with the opening of phase one of the Leatherman Terminal in 2021. The expansion added more than 700,000 TEUs of capacity — a measure of volume in units of 20-foot-long shipping containers — as well as an additional berth that can accommodate mega container ships.

Photo/File

With forecasts showing that consumer demand is likely to remain strong for months, the Charleston port is likely to continue to see record volumes, especially retail. That amount will increase even more when Walmart opens a nearly 3-million-square-foot import distribution center in Ridgeville in early 2022, a project expected to create 1,000 jobs and boost import volumes at the port by 5%. While things at the port are moving smoothly for the most part, another industry that works hand-in-hand with the import industry is facing the brunt of the supply chain crunch.

potential employees away, industry leaders say. “Every sector of the economy is different, but the constant is the truck and the driver,” said J. Richards Todd, president and CEO of the South Carolina Trucking Association. “When we are short drivers, plus technicians and component parts to keep them running, that equates to a shortage of trucking capacity. Our economy is absolutely truck-dependent, and that will not change.” Leaders at Forward Air, one of the largest trucking companies transporting freight from the Charleston

“We’re doing everything we can to be more creative and safely onboard more employees, but I’m afraid the war for talent is going to be a long war, and it’s not going to get easier any time soon.” Thomas Schmitt CEO, Forward Air

Trucking – the industry responsible for getting two-thirds of the country’s freight to where it needs to go – is facing the worst driver shortage on record, according to statistics released by the American Trucking Association. The country currently has a shortage of about 80,000 truck drivers, a figure that has increased about 30% from before the pandemic. The shortage is caused by an increase in the number of trucker retirements as well as a significant number of drivers who have left the nationwide fleet for other careers. Safety and salary concerns and the long stretches away from home that come with a lot of commercial trucking jobs are keeping many

port, would like to grow its presence in the Charleston area because of the smooth operations at the port, but the driver shortage is preventing desired expansion, according to CEO Thomas Schmitt. As a result, the company is doing everything possible to attract new drivers and keep its current ones, including forming a 12-member Drivers’ Board which meets quarterly to address the concerns of the company’s drivers. “We’re doing everything we can to be more creative and safely onboard more employees, but I’m afraid the war for talent is going to be a long war, and it’s not going to get easier any time

soon,” Schmitt said. Trucking, like other industries, is finding that a hands-on approach can work to attract employees. The industry in South Carolina, through the Associated Industries of South Carolina Foundation, has formed a workforce development program called “Be Pro Be Proud” to draw high school students and other job seekers to trucking and other skilled professions. The SCTA has provided a tractor and custom-built trailer fitted with virtual reality stations and simulators representing the different skilled trades involved in the trucking industry. The mobile workshop travels to high schools, tech schools and other job development facilities around the state to promote the careers, and is often booked more than a year out. Todd said the SCTA is also working to help build a high school curriculum that could be called CDL Prep, with coursework that would help prepare students for the trucking industry before they turn 18. “If this is a career they want to pursue, we want them to get a head start,” he said. Getting young people excited about the trucking industry is one of the primary goals of Tra Williams, CEO of Fleetforce Trucking Schools, which currently operate in Florida. Williams said he also hopes to open Fleetforce’s first school in South Carolina in the Charleston area by 2022. “The main challenge for the industry is to remove the stigma that being a professional driver is a low-skill, low-education and low-wage opportunity,” Williams said. “Nothing could be further from the truth. The demand for experienced professional drives cannot be overstated.”

December 13 - December 26, 2021

www.gsabusiness.com 7

County adds agricultural zoning option for landowners By Molly Hulsey

mhulsey@scbiznews.com

andowners in Greenville County now have a farmland preservation tool in addition to the Greenville County Historic and Natural Resources Trust reported in October by GSA Business Report. Voted in unanimously by Greenville County Council on Nov. 16, the Agricultural Preservation District Zoning classification limits development in prime agricultural area and can be installed only at the request of a landowner in previously unzoned areas of the county. The amendment allows for farming, forestry, veterinary and agritourism uses, as well as single-family residences, bed and breakfasts, group homes and special event facilities under certain conditions. Athletic facilities, cemeteries, communication towers, government facilities, religious institutions and runways are special exemptions to the rule, according to council documents.

“I think it’s a great thing,” Councilmember Joe Dill said during the meeting. “A lot of unzoned areas have been embogged in the development of this ordinance, and a lot of those [impacted] are here in the audience.” Rows of rural residents stood at Dill’s prompting in support of the amendment during the Nov. 16 meeting. Dill put the amendment forward to the county planning and development committee after his proposed moratorium on all county development floundered earlier this fall. “That was dead on arrival,” Chairman Willis Meadow said about Dill’s original moratorium. “We’re not going to do that. Greenville’s still going to grow, and it’s going to grow because we’re willing to support that growth.” Reach Molly Hulsey at 864-720-1222 or @mollyhulsey_gsa on Twitter. Landowners in unzoned areas can request to zone their property to limit future residential and commercial growth. (Photo/Molly Hulsey)

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December 13 - December 26, 2021

CHRISTMAS TREES, from Page 1

that meant the loss of 1.8 million trees, according to Owens. Since then, a number of farmers threw in the towel. Now, as in 2020, tree sellers in the Carolinas are closing up shop days after the season began, with some major players not even opening this year at all. Prices for the so-called Cadillac of evergreens, the North Carolina-grown Fraser fir, have skyrocketed as tree heights have shrunk. But whether the market is fielding a true shortage or a spike in demand is a matter of debate among industry players.

Picking up the needles

On a Thursday morning, Stephen Steed, owner of Central’s Merry Christmas Tree Farm, steered yet another couple toward his pick-and-cut fields when he got a call on his Bluetooth: someone wanted to know if he had any 10-foot Frasers left. He didn’t. Eight-footers were the tallest he had by Dec. 2, and they were going fast. “I get 15 to 20 phone calls a day just like that,” he said. Steed’s choose-and-cut business, which makes up 70% of his sales, flourished this season and sold out on Dec. 4. Much cheaper than the average Fraser, an eightfoot pine, cedar or cypress costs a maximum $56 for the buyer. Steed had heard that Phytophthora, a

Ken Johnson cuts one of Merry Christmas Tree Farm’s remaining trees on Dec. 2. (Photo/Molly Hulsey)

type of root rot, has impacted some North Carolina farmers, but he knows for sure that when he ordered 30 nine-to-10-foot trees from his supplier, he received only 10. “I think they oversold them the last couple years, in my opinion,” he said. “But I know a lot of older guys that got out of the business.” Steed was still able to source from North Carolina. Some competitors weren’t so lucky.

Fir from the North Country

Hilltop Christmas Tree Farm, also in

Central, had to go much farther north to find its firs — to Quebec, Canada, according to salesman Taylor Vicker. The Canadian imports were 100% more expensive for the farm than Carolina Frasers. Even the smaller firs went for retail prices in the one-hundred range. Tom Sawyer of Tom Sawyer Tree Farm in Glenville, N.C., would be one of those suppliers if he wasn’t taking something of a hiatus after a run on the farm last year. Saywer is letting his 30,000 trees grow. He kept his choose-and-cut business closed and supplied only one retail lot

while relying on income from his farm’s event venue to bridge the gap. “I hope maybe next year we’ll open up the farm again, but with COVID, last year, come Christmas, everyone wanted to get out of the house, get out of town, take the family, go on a road trip, and they all came out to our farm to get a Christmas tree,” he said with a laugh. Sawyer hasn’t been impacted by root rot, but he knows it can push farmers out of the business. The soil is unusable for years unless it’s fumigated, which several farmers said is not economically feasible. Root rot and wooly adelgids, an invasive insect that has almost annihilated the wild Hemlock population in the Southeast, create a perfect storm with another factor at play. “There’s been a shortage of trees ever since the Great Recession,” Sawyer said. “If you talk to anybody else, you probably know the story: a lot of growers back then were growing bigger trees, much bigger trees, because that’s where the market was. But after the recession, no one could afford a big tree.” Those trees ranged from 10 to 15 feet he said. “So, some of the growers got out of the business,” Sawyer said. “Seedlings were hard to find to start growing new plants. You hardly couldn’t find any of them, so there was just a lot less trees planted three or four years after the recession. And you figure it takes eight to 10 years to grow an

December 13 - December 26, 2021

eight, seven, six-foot tree, and then with COVID, everybody wanted to come out to the farm into the mountains — a whole lot more than there ever were.”

Planting new seeds

Fewer farms, pests and post-recession wariness may have something to do with what some may call a shortage, but Owens hesitates to call it that. “In many cases, growers are producing the same number of trees or even more trees, but they still don’t have enough,” he said. Prices began to climb after 2015, but with inflation, farmers are actually making less than their grandfathers did. In 1987, the wholesale price for a Fraser fir was $20. Given inflation, an equivalent price would be in the range of $42 today, but wholesale prices still haven’t allowed

www.gsabusiness.com 9

the farmers to break even with what the past generation made. Retail prices likely reflect higher shipping and labor costs, he said. “Growers did raise prices, but a lot of growers have really held back in terms of what they could have asked,” said Owens. Part of the demand boils down to an advertising campaign that was almost too successful with one demographic: millennials. Authentic. Sustainable. Experiential. Check any guide on marketing and these descriptors will likely be at the top of the list of Generation Y values. As more millennials become parents, the live tree market fits these demands better than a plastic evergreen in a folding stand. Demand exceeded even what “optimistic and hopeful producers could imagine 10 years ago,” Owens said.

Last year, data from the National Christmas Tree Association, a professional association for the live tree industry, shows that buyers were younger, more urban and more likely to order online with an average age of 38. Owens also suspects the American Christmas Tree Association, a trade organization that claims to support both the live and artificial tree industries, stoked shortage fears in September — the same time that retailers begin to order artificial evergreens. “In 2021, we’re seeing a variety of trends influencing artificial and live Christmas tree supply across the country, and we are encouraging consumers to find their tree early this year to avoid shortage impacts,” the association’s executive director, Jami Warner, said in a September news release. The National Christmas Tree Associa-

tion did not push any shortage caveats on its website this year. Industry rivalry or no, farmers are experimenting with ways to be more responsive to market by growing in containers and greenhouses to scratch three years off the typical cycle. “It’s kind of like a musician playing an accordion and you pull it out and you push it in depending on what you need, and you make adjustments all the way through,” said Owens. “And that probably comes into thought for a Christmas tree grower in almost every practice that they make in terms of fertilizing trees, in terms of pruning trees. Farmers are very adaptable. They’re very good at addressing problems.” Reach Molly Hulsey at 864-720-1222 or @ mollyhulsey_gsa on Twitter.

Paint supply drying up under pandemic push By Alexandria Ng

ang@scbiznews.com

hen the pandemic quarantine period kept millions of people looking at the interior of their homes, renovations around the house that would normally be placed on the back burner finally had their moment in the sun. More than a year later, renovations remain strong as lingering effects of the pandemic have popularized the workfrom-home model, in addition to other reasons as to why Americans may find themselves with more time and funds to allocate to home-office upgrades. Across the country, paint suppliers are struggling to keep up with increased demand as products fly off the shelves with more customers taking on residential and commercial projects, and South Carolina is not the exception. Jimmy Brooks is the owner of the 360 Painting Columbia franchise, part of a national brand with 133 locations across 40 states and D.C. For Brooks, a customer placing an order could mean a slew of follow-up phone calls to other stores to see if they have the specific paint in inventory. “I can call my rep and say we need 30-40 gallons of paint, so she’ll get on the phone, and we’ll start looking around, but now I’ve got to drive from Columbia to Aiken or Rock Hill or Camden, or just go to four different stores just to round it up,” Brooks said. “Generally speaking, we can find the paint, it’s just a lot of time in order to get there.” Brooks said prices have increased too. Since Sherwin Williams, partner of 360 Painting, has been charging a 15-20% uptick for materials, that same price raise

As customers find more time and resources for home renovations, the demand for paint has increased, sparking a shortage for materials nationwide. (Photo/Teri Errico Griffis)

had to be passed on to the customer, Brooks said. Brooks said that hasn’t deterred patronage, though. “The products have been harder to get recently, but since the pandemic, we’ve seen good business during that period of time,” he said. Dave Rychley, president of 360 Painting, agrees that lead times in obtaining products have gone up. Whereas customers could’ve picked up product orders or had them delivered with a 24-hour turnaround in the past, it can now take up to two weeks as providers must more frequently contact other vendors to confirm stock when they have run out, he said.

“It’s never been more critical in my time in paint, and what I mean by that is there’s a lot of problem-solving that our local sales reps are doing all over the country, and certainly in South Carolina to help ensure that our franchisees and our customers have all the product that they need,” Rychley said. Rychley said the company is up 40% on client inquiry leads and paint estimates. This parallels national numbers as international industry market research company The Freedonia Group reports a 39% national spike in home renovation activity in 2020. Consumers surveyed credited these home improvement projects with changes associated with the

pandemic. Despite increased efforts to refill rapidly emptying store shelves, Rychley said 360 Painting is already fortunate to have a partnership and relationship with national brand Sherwin Williams. For smaller companies who don’t have this kind of support, it can be even more difficult to find the necessary products that customers are asking for or to even stock up for a little more than immediate demand. For Waylon Cain, owner of West Ashley True Value in Charleston, his crew of eight employees are working hard to meet orders, for paint and for other hardware requests that come into the store as well. “I spent four nights past midnight here (at the store),” Cain said, adding that as a small business “I can’t compete with the big buys with employees. I don’t have the night crew to do it for me.” Because West Ashley True Value functions as an independent store, Cain said he buys from multiple vendors. While costs have gone up, he’s tried to keep prices low for his customers.“We’re trying our best for finding smart ways to purchase,” Cain said. “Our goal is to keep the community. This is my neighborhood; I take care of it.” Cain said he spends about $300-$500 a week at Lowe’s or Home Depot, which he said generates him little profit at the price that he charges, but at least he has that inventory on hand when it’s needed. “Things are going up so much in cost that my previous retail price is below the actual cost of my product, and unfortunately, I’m finding out the hard way, but I’m trying my best,” Cain said. “Hopefully things will bounce back after people come back to work and we start putting value back in the dollar again.”

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December 13 - December 26, 2021

Next production car at BMW is electrified motorsport By Ross Norton

rnorton@scbiznews.com

ar enthusiasts had a chance earlier this month to get a sneak preview of the next new thing to come out of BMW Manufacturing. The concept car for the BMW XM, slated to go into production late in 2022, was announed to the world on Nov. 29 at an art event in Miami, then displayed at the Zentrum from Dec. 6-13. The BMW XM will be the most powerful BMW M car ever to go into series production, according to a news release. The United States will be the most important sales market for the high-performance vehicle, according to the company. The BMW XM will be the first standalone BMW M vehicle since the BMW M1, which was produced, according to Car and Driver magazine, from 1975 to 1980 and included only 430 vehicles. The BMW XM will be available only as a plug-in hybrid and exclusively as an

The BMW XM will be the first stand-alone “M” or motorsport model produced since 1980. (Photo/Provided)

M model — “M” for motorsport. “We are very excited to be building the first electrified high-performance model in the BMW M portfolio,” Robert Engelhorn, president and CEO of Spartanburg’s BMW Manufacturing, said in the release. “Adding the all-new

BMW XM will enhance Plant Spartanburg’s electrified models that include the BMW X3 xDrive30e and the BMW X5 xDrive45e.” The newly developed M Hybrid drive system in the BMW Concept XM brings together a V8 engine and

a high-performance electric motor to develop a maximum output of 740 horsepower and peak torque of 738 pound feet, said the news release, which also stated: “The bold exterior styling of the BMW Concept XM reflects the vehicle’s exceptional performance attributes: power, agility and precision. … The first electrified vehicle from BMW M GmbH in the high-performance segment is emphatically pointing the way forward for the future of the brand.” BMW Manufacturing Co. is a subsidiary of BMW AG in Munich, Germany, and is the global producer of the BMW X3, X3 M, X5, X5 M and X7 Sports Activity Vehicles and BMW X4, X4 M, X6 and X6 M Sports Activity Coupes. In addition to the South Carolina manufacturing facility, BMW Group North American subsidiaries include sales, marketing and financial services operations in the United States, Canada and throughout Latin America; a manufacturing plant in San Luis Potosi, Mexico; and a design firm and technology office in California.

Mercedes-Benz Vans on road to more growth in S.C. after 15 years By Barry Waldman

Contributing Writer

n the blink of an eye, Mercedes-Benz Vans in the Lowcountry has weathered a Great Recession, a pandemic, a booming Charleston region and a march of industry – including its own suppliers – into the area over the last 15 years. The company’s half-billion-dollar investment in the Ladson facility for Sprinter and Metric vans produced 1,600 jobs and 200,000 vans. In fact, Daimler AG, the German-based parent company, traces its Lowcountry history to 1999. For six years prior to the company manufacturing its own commercial vans here, American LaFrance used the facility to upfit Sprinter vans into ambulances. Daimler announced in 2015 the decision to expand the existing re-assembly operation into a full-scale production plant with a new body shop, paint shop and extended assembly building. It launched the new Sprinter model here in 2018. Charleston serves as an important production point for Mercedes-Benz Vans, for whom the U.S. market is its second largest, after Germany’s. Port and rail provide efficient access to the U.S. and Canadian markets. Global commercial van sales are expected to grow 15% over the next five years, according to TechSciResearch, a global research and consulting firm. Powering the robust market for vans is

growth in the logistics sector and deliveries for e-retail, which primarily employ economical light, commercial vans. Commercial vans are optimized for home deliveries because they maximize space and route flexibility for transporting cargo and people, said Daron Gifford, automotive leader at Plante Moran accounting and consulting in Detroit. In the compact commercial van segment, Mercedes-Benz is a smaller player, with just 1.7% market share. To position itself for future growth, Mercedes-Benz Vans has announced plans to invest $60 million in the local plant to produce electric, no-emission vehicles starting in 2023. The company has pledged to achieve CO2-neutral production by 2022, in part by powering the plant with 100% green energy. “The requirements were defined in close cooperation with customers during the development process: with three battery and numerous body variants from the panel van to the chassis for box bodies,” the company said, in a written response to questions. That positions Mercedes-Benz well in the electric vehicle and green energy space. Commercial vans are perfectly positioned to go electric, Gifford said, because they run scheduled routes and can return to charging stations at the end of their run. But in a nation where 59% of electricity is produced by natural gas and coal, switching to electric vehicles simply shifts the location of emissions.

Baker Motor Company’s Summerville dealership has sold to buyers around the country who are eager for a MercedesBenz Van. (Photo/Teri Errico Griffis)

Even U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, who identifies electric vehicles as part of the global climate change solution, acknowledges that they won’t immediately make much impact on emissions. “First, you have to produce enough clean energy, then you can power the public charging infrastructure, and then everyone can hop in their new electric cars,” he said. Retrofitting the plant in Ladson’s Palmetto Commerce Park to produce the eSprinter alongside the gas-powered model will cost $60 million. The company has committed to continuing updating the gas-powered Sprinter, “keeping it up to date in terms of safety, connectivity, infotainment, and comfort etc.,” according to the company. Mercedes-Benz vans command a

premium price in the market and not because they provide greater luxury than competitors, Gifford said. “It has a lot of German engineering, so it is considered high end – sturdy, heavy and durable. It will run for a half million miles, so it has a good reputation.” Gifford says the automotive industry is taking notice of South Carolina, which now serves as home for Volvo Cars, BMW and Michelin in addition to Mercedes-Benz. Business-friendly government, access to transportation for imports and exports, and an existing automotive industry structure are attractive to other companies. “The ongoing challenge is going to be workers. There is a high level of automation, but you need more skilled people,” he said.

December 13 - December 26, 2021

www.gsabusiness.com 11

MEET THE CLASS OF 2021 We’re excited to honor the 2021 Women of Influence! GSA selected 25 outstanding women from a range of professions for the 2021 Women of Influence. These women make the Upstate a better place to work and live, bringing passion to their professional positions and commitment to their community causes. We honored these women Dec. 9 during a luncheon at The Commerce Club in Greenville. Nominated by our readers and selected by a panel of judges, the nominees come from diverse backgrounds and are dedicated to a wide range of careers, but they all share a drive to excel in their individual pursuits while finding ways to lift others as they climb.

#gsawoi Presented by:

Sponsored by:

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December 13 - December 26, 2021

WOMEN OF INFLUENCE

EULETA F.H. ALSTON Position/Title: President

JAMIE ARNOLD Position/Title: Vice President, Supply Chain Management

Organization or Business: US&S Inc. Organization or Business: Dodge Industrial Education/Degrees: Master’s, Clemson University; B.S. Business Administration (with honors), specialization in human resource management and marketing, University of South Carolina. Something I wish I’d known earlier in my life: Life is precious, making every moment count is critical, and being present and allowing yourself to be immersed in life’s special moments is priceless. It’s so easy to get caught in the daily grind and miss out on the little things; if you find yourself caught, allow yourself both flexibility and grace. A woman (in addition to my mother) who has had a major influence on my life: Ms. Hawkman, my 6th grade teacher was fierce, loved the outdoors and had a passion for science. Even at such a young age, she left a mark on my life lasting decades later.

Education/Degrees: BSME, MBA The best thing about my job: I work with a great group of people. I love the variety in the work that I do. Something I wish I’d known earlier in my life: Find opportunities for your own development. Don’t compromise yourself and don’t wait for an opportunity to come to you. Something people may not know about me: I love to read and read typically 75-100 books per year of many different genres. Favorite quote: “Leadership is about making others better as a result of your presence and making sure that impact lasts in your absence.” — Sheryl Sandberg

Something people may not know about me: I really enjoy playing golf. I was co-captain of my high school girls golf team.

Congratulations Jamie Arnold!

Congratulations

Euleta Alston!

Your inspiring dedication to making a difference in the community, through your professionalism and leadership, truly makes you a Woman of Influence. We are so proud to share in celebrating this honor with you.

Thank you for your commitment to the community and for representing Dodge with such honor and integrity. dodgeindustrial.com

December 13 - December 26, 2021

WOMEN OF INFLUENCE

www.gsabusiness.com 13

Inclusion Drives Innovation

Building a diverse workforce and creating an equitable and inclusive culture have been long-standing principles for Michelin North America, Inc. and are central to our vision to give people everywhere a better way forward. Each and every day, Michelin strives to create an environment where employees feel accepted, valued and respected. By building and retaining a workforce that reflects the world around us, Michelin creates a culture where new and different ideas flourish and innovation thrives. Michelin North America, Inc. is honored to be selected by Forbes magazine as one of its "Most Diverse Places to Work" in 2021 and ranked as the top tire manufacturer for the second consecutive year by FORTUNE magazine among the "World's Most Admired Companies" for 2021. Source: Forbes magazine, April 20, 2021 listings; FORTUNE magazine, January 2021 listings; Woman Engineer and STEM Workforce Diversity magazines, Readers' Choice (2021), "Top 50 Employers"; Minority Engineer Magazine, Readers’ Choice (2021), “Top 50 Employers”. Copyright ©2022 Michelin North America, Inc. All rights reserved. The Michelin Man is a registered trademark owned by Michelin.

Learn about Career Opportunities jobs.michelinman.com

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December 13 - December 26, 2021

WOMEN OF INFLUENCE

KIMBERLY BAILEY

BROOKE BARLOW

Position/Title: Senior Project Manager

Position/Title: Co-Owner/Marketing Strategist/ Designer

Organization or Business: Brasfield & Gorrie Organization or Business: X-Agency + Sáväge Education/Degrees: Bachelor of Science in Building Construction

Education/Degrees: Bachelor of Business Administration

The best thing about my job: Being a project manager in construction isn’t just about building buildings. There are a lots of details to work through on a project -- I like details! And the great thing about being a builder is you get to see your hard work come to life and change the skyline of the area. Something I wish I’d known earlier in my life: I wish I had been more confident when I was younger. It wasn’t until college that I came out of my shell, gained confidence, and found where my talents lie. A woman (in addition to my mother) who has had a major influence on my life: My grandmother. She passed when I was three years old, so I do not remember her. However, my father kept her memory alive with stories -- which influenced me even after her passing.

The best thing about my job: Each day is beautifully and uniquely different. And each day is a new opportunity to make a difference in the lives of my team, my clients and the brands that we create and nurture. Something I wish I’d known earlier in my life: “You are the only person that can define your metric of success.” A woman (in addition to my mother) who has had a major influence on my life: My very dear friend and artist, Meredith Skinner, continues to inspire me every day. Something people may not know about me: I’m launching a new company in January 2022. Alongside my business partners, we have created a commercial interiors company that includes a retail furniture and wallpaper line.

Favorite quote: “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.” — Philippians 4:6

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With events like Women of Inﬂuence in the Upstate, Icons and Phenoms in the Midlands and Health Care Heroes in the Lowcountry, SC Biz News honors the movers and shakers across the state.

With nearly 150 videos (and counting), our YouTube channel features a wide variety of businessrelated content. Our playlists have something for everyone.

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Coping with COVID

Explore the impact the coronavirus is having on our daily lives, both at home and at the oﬃce.

Subscribe to SCBIZtv and stay in tune with what’s happening across South Carolina. https://www.youtube.com/scbiztv

December 13 - December 26, 2021

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WOMEN OF INFLUENCE

JENNIFER BELSHE

HEATHER COLLINS

Position/Title: Co-Founder and Principal

Position/Title: Business Owner, Entrepreneur, Diagnostic Ambassador

Organization or Business: Novus Advisors Organization or Business: Abbott Diagnostics and Famoda Farm

Education/Degrees: B.A. Business and Economics, Wheaton College

Education/Degrees: Master of Science The best thing about my job: Working with individuals and businesses to achieve their financial goals.

The best thing about my job: The relationships and the strong ties I have made throughout my community and across the state.

Something I wish I’d known earlier in my life: Be innovative, be willing to adapt, do not be afraid to take risks, and always believe in yourself.

Something I wish I’d known earlier in my life: You really don’t have to go far to find what you are looking for.

Something people may not know about me: You will often find me cheering for my son on the athletic fields/courts, visiting art studios and galleries, traveling and finding the best vegan restaurants in town.

A woman (in addition to my mother) who has had a major influence on my life: My Aunt Shirley Brown has been the biggest influence in my life. She is the hardest working woman I have ever met.

Favorite quote: “What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.” — Jane Goodall

Something people may not know about me: What I was running from as an 18-year-old kid is exactly what I ran toward at 30. Life has come full circle with me back on the farm. Favorite quote: “The two things in life you are in total control over are your attitude and your effort” — Billy Cox

Is Your Company a GREAT Place to Work? You want to find out for absolutely sure? Then join companies from across the state and let’s all find out together.

Registration Now Open!

All you have to do to take part in the fun is register to participate in the annual Best Places to Work in South Carolina Event. If you truly are a great place to work, you’ll join other companies from across the Palmetto State designated as such to celebrate your accomplishment together. You’ll find out how you stack up against friends, colleagues and competitors.

Use the QR Code below for participation and registration information

PLUS, it will all happen at a party unlike any other. There will be a red carpet welcome, surprise speakers, cocktails, dinner, music, TV cameras, media coverage, and LOTS of glitz and glam. Presented by

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December 13 - December 26, 2021

WOMEN OF INFLUENCE

KAREN CALHOUN Position/Title: Principal, Director of Business Development Organization or Business: McMillan Pazdan Smith Architecture Education/Degrees: B.S., Clemson University; BFA, Converse College The best thing about my job: Working with very talented and committed people, both inside and outside my organization. Something I wish I’d known earlier in my life: In my younger years, I thought leaders were other people. I didn’t realize that leadership is a collective of experiences and training, there is no age requirement, and the opportunities are endless. A woman (in addition to my mother) who has had a major influence on my life: I have learned a great deal from Katherine O’Neill, current chief economic development officer at OneSpartanburg and former county manager.

McMillan Pazdan Smith congratulates

Karen Calhoun for winning the 2021 GSA Business Report WOMEN OF INFLUENCE AWARD!

LOUISE CONNELL

WE EACH MAKE A DIFFERENCE, BUT TOGETHER WE DRIVE CHANGE FORWARD.

Position/Title: Supplier Diversity Manager Organization or Business: BMW Manufacturing Education/Degrees: B.S., Business Administration, with concentration in marketing The best thing about my job: What I get to do with minority, women and veteran-owned companies. There is nothing more exciting than to get a call from an entrepreneur that they just signed a national or global contract with BMW or one of our suppliers. Something I wish I’d known earlier in my life: Just because everyone else thinks something will not work doesn’t make it true. If you believe in something, you need to forge through with your crazy and creative ideas. A woman (in addition to my mother) who has had a major influence on my life: My daughter, Courtney Landsverk. Something people may not know about me: I was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

BMW Plant Spartanburg is proud to support diversity and congratulates all honorees of the Women of Influence.

December 13 - December 26, 2021

www.gsabusiness.com 17

WOMEN OF INFLUENCE

MELINDA DAVIS LUX

SUZANNE DICKERSON

Position/Title: Executive Vice President and General Counsel

Position/Title: Director, S.C. Fraunhofer USA Alliance

Organization or Business: United Community Bank

Organization or Business: SC Competes

Education/Degrees: J.D., Yale Law School; Master of Laws in Taxation, NYU School of Law; MBA, Clemson University; B.A., Wellesley College The best thing about my job: Working with incredible people. Something I wish I’d known earlier in my life: The power of investing in relationships can never be overstated. A woman (in addition to my mother) who has had a major influence on my life: Madeline Albright Something people may not know about me: I love hot weather, Sandra Bullock movies, ‘80s music, tropical drinks by a pool, good huggers, laughing so hard you cry, running in the rain, waking up to see a sunrise, and breakfast for dinner. Favorite quote: “Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go.” — T.S. Eliot

JOAN HERLONG Position/Title: Owner/ CEO Organization or Business: Joan Herlong & Associates Sotheby’s International Realty Education/Degrees: B.A., English Literature, University of Virginia The best thing about my job: I truly like everyone I work with. Something I wish I’d known earlier in my life: We’re all in sales, period. A woman (in addition to my mother) who has had a major influence on my life: My oldest sister, Marcy. Something people may not know about me: In college, I co-taught disco dancing. Is there anything else you would like to tell us? I’d like to thank the GSA Business Report for this wonderful honor — especially for NOT asking their 2021 Women of Influence any questions about “balancing work and family.” That’s not a women’s issue, that’s a life issue. I appreciate the balance that GSA Business Report brings to the table.

Education/Degrees: B.S. International Business, M.A. International Studies The best thing about my job: Every day is unique! Something I wish I’d known earlier in my life: People will respect you for being completely honest. It has taken some time to realize this. A woman (in addition to my mother) who has had a major influence on my life: My 112- year-old living grandmother! Favorite quote: If you’re tired, learn to rest — not quit.

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December 13 - December 26, 2021

WOMEN OF INFLUENCE

SARAH HILL

SALLIE HOLDER

Position/Title: Realtor/Owner

Position/Title: Founder and CEO

Organization or Business: 864 Realty LLC

Organization or Business: The BRIMM — The Beyond Rock Middle Movement

Education/Degrees: associate degree in business management The best thing about my job: I am so humbled to guide people on accomplishing their dreams and goals with home ownership. Something I wish I’d known earlier in my life: I wish I had known just how many women out there feel they can’t do or are not worthy of doing something — just like me — and that I could speak to them now and say, “You got this, girl — you can do anything your heart, body and mind desires!” Something people may not know about me: I had my first child when I was 17. As a single mother, I was barely making it. Our house was in a bad area, but it was home. I put myself through college and raised two children while working two jobs. My life experiences have molded me into the person I am today, and I try to give back as much as I can.

Education/Degrees: B.A. in Human and Organizational Development from Vanderbilt University; J.D. from University of South Carolina The best thing about my job: Helping female entrepreneurs make more money. Something I wish I’d known earlier in my life: Create your own definition of success. Never let anyone else define success for you. Failing is absolutely part of the journey. There’s no avoiding it, so embrace it. It’s the fastest and best way to learn. A woman (in addition to my mother) who has had a major influence on my life: My twin sister, Stacy Smallwood. She’s creating a $15 million fashion company out of nothing. She’s daring. She’s a constant risk taker. She never gives up and never takes “no” for an answer.

ANN JASKWHICH Position/Title: Retail Sales Director/Senior Vice President Organization or Business: CCNB, Coastal Carolina National Bank Education/Degrees: B.S. Business Administration The best thing about my job: Helping people reach their goals. Something I wish I’d known earlier in my life: One thing that I would love to go back and tell my twenty-something self is, “Do a better job of creating a worklife balance.” Setting boundaries with work and home are so important to prevent burnout and to keep you happy and engaged at work.

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Sallie Holder

A woman (in addition to my mother) who has had a major influence on my life: My grandmother. Something people may not know about me: When I was 10 years old, I got my first job delivering the afternoon newspaper.

B O O K

Y O U R

S E S S I O N

F R E E

W I T H

S T R A T E G Y

S A L L I E

A T

H E L L O @ G R O W W I T H T H E B R I M M . C O M

December 13 - December 26, 2021

www.gsabusiness.com 19

WOMEN OF INFLUENCE

STEPHANIE KNOBEL

TRACY E. LEENMAN

Position/Title: Executive Director

Position/Title: Owner

Organization or Business: YMCA Judson Community Center

Organization or Business: Musical Innovations

Education/Degrees: Clemson University, B.A., Early Childhood Education; MEd, Counseling and Guidance. The best thing about my job: The relationships I have made, and continue to make, with community members, Y staff, the youth that we serve and their families. It is incredibly rewarding to be a part of the kids’ lives and to watch them grow to become successful young adults. Something I wish I’d known earlier in my life: Don’t overthink things. Go with what your intuition tells you. Something people may not know about me: I absolutely love soccer. I played varsity soccer all four years of high school. I was captain my junior and senior year. In my senior year we made it to the state finals. Favorite quote: “Treat people as if they are what they ought to be, and you help them to become what they are capable of being.” — Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

ERIKA MCJIMPSEY Position/Title: Chief Municipal Judge Organization or Business: City of Spartanburg Education/Degrees: B.S. Mass Communications, Middle Tennessee State University; J.D., North Carolina Central School of Law The best thing about my job: Daily, I have the opportunity to continue to fulfill the dream and goal that I had at 7 years old — to one day become a judge. Something I wish I’d known earlier in my life: I wish I had known that it is OK to fail. A woman (in addition to my mother) who has had a major influence on my life: My mother-in-law. Something people may not know about me: I was a Girl Scout from age 5 until my senior year in high school. Is there anything else you would like to tell us? I had the opportunity to institute a court dedicated to addressing the intersection of homelessness and the criminal justice system. This was the first Homeless Court established in the Upstate of South Carolina

Education/Degrees: B.M., M.M. in Music Education, Syracuse University. Doctoral work in Music Education from Eastman School of Music. The best thing about my job: Sharing my passion for making music with others. Something I wish I’d known earlier in my life: I worked for 15 years in a company where certain job positions were not available to me because I was a woman. I wish I had the courage to leave there, and find (or found) a company where I would be evaluated on my ability, not my gender. Once I was fired from that company (for turning in the CFO who was embezzling), and had to start my own company, I realized I should have done it a decade earlier. A woman (in addition to my mother) who has had a major influence on my life: My grandmother, Stella Pennamacoor.

www.gsabusiness.com

December 13 - December 26, 2021

WOMEN OF INFLUENCE

PAT POMEROY Position/Title: President/CEO Organization or Business: Greater Mauldin Chamber of Commerce Education/Degrees: Attended NC Wesleyan College The best thing about my job: Working with our businesses and the city of Mauldin. Something I wish I’d known earlier in my life: Everything in life doesn’t always go the way you plan. Sometimes saying ‘No” is OK. You cannot make everyone happy all the time no matter how hard you try — although that is my goal. A woman (in addition to my mother) who has had a major influence on my life: My daughter Kelley and my daughter-in-law, Becca. Strong women can do anything. Something people may not know about me: I teach a cooking class for my special needs niece, “Cooking with Pam” and her friends on Zoom. Favorite quote: “If you judge people, you have no time to love them!” — Mother Teresa

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December 13 - December 26, 2021

www.gsabusiness.com 21

WOMEN OF INFLUENCE

CHRISTI POWELL Position/Title: WBE (Women’s Business Enterprise) Market Manager

JAMIE PRINCE Position/Title: Founder Organization or Business: flourish

Organization or Business: 84 Lumber Company Education/Degrees: Frontier Community College, Vincennes University & Texas A&M, accounting, business law and fire/rescue certification. I love to learn everything! The best thing about my job: Helping people. Something I wish I’d known earlier in my life: I wish I had known that a single person can make a BIG difference by attitude and generosity. I wish I had known Jesus before the age of 33. A woman (in addition to my mother) who has had a major influence on my life: My great-grandmother. Something people may not know about me: I like to jump out of airplanes, I love love love to hunt, and I was a firefighter and rescue member at a refinery in Southern Illinois.

Education/Degrees: B.A., S.C. Honors College, University of South Carolina The best thing about my job: Helping people in ways that are valuable to them. Something I wish I’d known earlier in my life: Each of us is capable of much, much more than we think. Failure is merely a means to an end. A woman (in addition to my mother) who has had a major influence on my life: Judith MacNutt, co-founder of Christian Healing Something people may not know about me: I’m an Enneagram 9, with a 1 wing. Favorite quote: Ephesians 5:1-2

Hill Electric celebrates

CHRISTI POWELL

and all the 2021 SC Biz Women of Influence honorees

hillelectric.net

www.gsabusiness.com

December 13 - December 26, 2021

WOMEN OF INFLUENCE

See who the movers and shakers of the Upstate are and what they are up to.

ANNETTE YOUNG SANDERS Position/Title: Chief Financial Officer/ Property Manager in Charge /HR Organization or Business: Gateway House Inc.

MORNING BLEND

Education/Degrees: Studied business administration, licensed property manager, certified occupancy specialist, certified fair housing specialist, human resource specialist. The best thing about my job: At Gateway, we see lives changed every day. Watching the transformation of someone living in the shadows to once again have a life of purpose, make friends, have opportunities to go back to work, have their own place to live, live a life with dignity, and knowing I had a part in that change is rewarding.

Get your message in front of the top decision-makers in the Upstate as they start their morning with the top business announcements in the Upstate!

Something I wish I’d known earlier in my life: The way you live your life — the example of your behavior — can impact someone else. Make that count and remind yourself daily.

For advertising information, contact Robert Reilly at (843) 849-3107 or rreilly@scbiznews.com

A woman (in addition to my mother) who has had a major influence on my life: The person who has had a major influence on my life the past 30 years is Nancy Emory. Nancy and Phil Emory are the founders of Gateway. Something people may not know about me: I enjoy snow skiing.

Clemson University congratulates

Alesia Smith for being a 2021 Women of Influence honoree.

ALESIA SMITH Position/Title: Executive Director for Equity Compliance/Title IX Coordinator Organization or Business: Clemson University Education/Degrees: B.S. Communication, Illinois State University; M.S. Political Science/Public Administration, Illinois State University The best thing about my job: The relationships and connections I have the opportunity to build each day. Something I wish I’d known earlier in my life: I wish I had known the importance of following your dreams even when they seem impossible, and that it’s never too late — which is why I am working on my Ph.D and serving on City Council. A woman (in addition to my mother) who has had a major influence on my life: My grandmother. Something people may not know about me: My creative side. I like to draw and was really good at it in my younger years. I am well-versed with charcoal, oil and acrylic drawings and paintings.

December 13 - December 26, 2021

www.gsabusiness.com 23

WOMEN OF INFLUENCE

MEG TERRY

15 South Main Street Suite 400 Greenville, SC 29601 www.DP3architects.com

Position/Title: Principal/Chief Marketing Officer Organization or Business: DP3 Architects Education/Degrees: Bachelor of Architecture, University of Tennessee The best thing about my job: It is always the people. Getting to know our team members and our clients is the best part of my job. Something people may not know about me: I grew up on a horse farm in the Sandhills of North Carolina. During my childhood, my mom and I traveled up and down the east coast in an old motor home with a tag-along horse trailer showing quarter horses.

DP3 Architects congratulates Meg Terry on being named one of the

Favorite quote: “Fear is a reaction. Courage is a decision.” — Sir Winston Churchill

GSA Business Report’s 2021 Women of Influence Your leadership inspires passion and pride in our team members.

PEOPLE

Meg Terry

PLACES

PURPOSE

FAST. UNFILTERED. FRESH.

AIA, IIDA, LEED AP DP3 Architects, Principal

“A Woman of Influence”

GSABizWire.com

Dedicated to serving up business announcements fast & unfiltered.

Get your message in front of the top decision-makers in the Upstate as they stay up-to-date on the people and businesses making moves in the Upstate. For advertising information, contact Robert Reilly at (843) 849-3107 or rreilly@scbiznews.com

CONGRATULATIONS From Family and Friends

www.gsabusiness.com

December 13 - December 26, 2021

WOMEN OF INFLUENCE

KIMBERLY WITHERSPOON

SHERRIE TURNER Organization or Business: PNC Bank

Position/Title: Attorney

Best thing about my job: My Commercial Banking clients — and their success — mean so much to me.

Organization or Business: Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd, P.A. The best thing about my job: I view each bond transaction as an opportunity to build a stronger community – through high quality health care, educational and senior living facilities. Each bond issue is a key building block in the success of our clients’ efforts to enhance the quality of life in South Carolina.

Something I wish I’d known earlier in my life: Experiences lead to memories and material things don’t last. Accumulating memories is so much more important than buying the latest fashion or technology; we can’t go back in time to create memories. Something people may not know about me: Most know I’m a fitness enthusiast and an avid obstacle course race competitor. Few, realize I also have a musical side. I began studying the violin in fifth grade and participated in string ensembles throughout my youth. I also learned to play viola, cello and double bass. While my performing days came to an end, those experiences helped me develop discipline and a deep appreciation of music. I now enjoy attending concerts and visiting the Brevard Music Center each summer.

Something I wish I’d known earlier in my life: I wish I had learned to trust my training and instincts sooner. A woman (in addition to my mother) who has had a major influence on my life: Dorothea Ford. She was an educator, civil rights leader and one of my earliest cheerleaders and advocates. Something people may not know about me: I grew up in a rural part of Clarendon County on farmland once owned by my maternal great grandmother. I was surrounded by family that provided a firm foundation of work ethic.

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In Focus

PROFESSIONAL STAFF SOLUTIONS LISTS: Professional Staffing Firms, Page 26

NEXT ISSUE’S FOCUS: 2022: The Year Ahead

Recruiters fill labor void with international talent By Molly Hulsey

mhulsey@scbiznews.com

hen SC Biz News called Walter Sabrin, he was in Colombia training recruiters for Quality Business Solutions partner VensureHR. That’s right: Colombia, not Columbia. “One thing that COVID did do, is it kind of educated America’s CEOs that people can work remotely and be effective also,” said Sabrin, senior vice president of recruitment at QBS. That realization dove-tailed with the growth of Colombia’s bilingual, college-educated and much cheaper remote workforce. “Over the past 18 to 24 months, we’ve exploded,” he said about VensureHR’s Colombia operation. “We now have about 17,000 employees working for American companies.” Many live in Medellín, Colombia, but on this trip, he was in Barranquilla — a two-and-a-half-hour flight away from his office in Miami. Other popular fields for remote work in Colombia include customer service, benefits implementation, executive administration and sales. “They can now do everything because of the technology out there,” he said. “When you think about everything from billing to accounts receivable to helping out with QuickBooks, for calendar-holding, meeting and appointment setting, everything can be done on a remote basis.” And on top of that, remote employees in Columbia are 60% to 70% cheaper on his clients’ pocket than domestic talent — a move that Sabrin said frees up companies to leverage the benefits

Remote workers discuss a project in Bogotá, Colombia. (Photo/File)

and bonuses needed to hire some team members closer to home. It’s no secret that employers are turning to extreme measures to fill their talent needs during what Sabin calls the “year of the resignation,” as employers are finding it more difficult than usual to keep people on the payroll. “The lack of retention certainly has put a lot of pressure” on those people charged with keeping jobs filled, he said. Some are offering sign-on bonuses or payment just to interview. Others pitch a week’s stay at a vacation home, a yearlong employment contract or enhanced equity or investment plans. In South Carolina, the average annual salary of new hires has increased from $32,193 in November 2018 to $33,053 in November 2020 to $38,108 last month.

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Still, more than 5,352 South Carolinians received unemployment checks in the last week of November, according to S.C. Department of Labor and Workforce data, and October’s unemployment rate hovers around 3.9%. From November 2018 to November 2021, the number of vacant positions in the state shot up by almost 40%. “The job hopping is at an epic rate,” he said. “And we all understand that most CEOs and hiring managers, they don’t like job hoppers. I am noticing a little more flexibility for people who have changed their jobs: people who left, people who resigned and even people who were laid off due to COVID.” As far as resignations related to COVID-19 vaccination mandates go, Sabrin has seen some employees leave

because companies didn’t put a mandate into place and others leave because they did. Still, at least where he stands, he hasn’t seen too much attrition due to mandates or lack thereof — especially among companies that have kept ears open to employees’ opinions on the matter. “I’m hearing a lot of anger on both sides. Sometimes a recruiter is like a priest or a clergyman. People just confide and sometimes they just want to vent,” he said. “But at the end of the day, what I see is a great opportunity for companies to communicate with their staff, with their employees. And a lot of companies are taking advantage of this: they’re talking, they’re learning, they’re taking surveys, they are listening to their employees — sometimes for the first time ever. I think those are the companies that are going to come out of this.” It’s difficult to ascertain where the administrative workforce has disappeared to — whether it’s into new sectors, new education opportunities, startup companies, retirement or childcare — but one thing is for sure, he said, the country is going to need to scale up its recruiting horsepower. Sabrin’s visit to Barranquilla involved training recruiters in LinkedIn, cultural differences, the psychology of looking for work and interviewing to do just that. “There was a lot of work a few years back in India and the Philippines, and it continues to be there,” he said. “But there are some locations that are not as far.” Reach Molly Hulsey at 864-720-1222 or @mollyhulsey_gsa on Twitter.

IN FOCUS: PROFESSIONAL STAFF SOLUTIONS

www.gsabusiness.com

December 13 - December 26, 2021

Professional Staffing Agencies Ranked by In-House Staff Members in the Greenville Area Professional Staffing Agencies

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Defender Services Inc. 864-229-2109 Phone / Top Local Official(s) / John N. McCarter 314 Pearman Dairy Road www.defenderservices.com Company Website / Email Year Founded 1958 Anderson, SC 29625 cole.mccarter@defenderservices.com Defender Services Inc. 864-229-2109 John N. McCarter 314 Pearman Dairy Road www.defenderservices.com 400 Secondary Solutions Inc. 864-574-6550 1958 Tina Stevens, Mindy Tobin Anderson, SC 29625 cole.mccarter@defenderservices.com 101 Northeast Drive www.getproblemsolved.com 108 1997 Spartanburg, SC 29301 info@getproblemsolved.com Secondary Solutions Inc. 864-574-6550 Tina Stevens, Mindy Tobin 101 www.getproblemsolved.com 108 HTI Northeast Drive 864-467-0330 John Knight, David Sewell, Herbert 1997 Spartanburg, info@getproblemsolved.com 105 N. SpringSC St.,29301 Suite 200 www.htijobs.com W. Dew 91 Greenville, SC 29601 sales@htijobs.com 1999 HTI 864-467-0330 John Knight, David Sewell, Herbert 105 Spring St., Suite www.htijobs.com W. Dew 91 FindN. Great People LLC 200 864-297-0000 Vicki Peek, John Uprichard, Betsy Greenville, 29601 sales@htijobs.com 1999 15 BrendanSC Way, Suite 140 www.fgp.com Anthony 63 Greenville, SC 29615 marketing@fgp.com 1982 Find Great People LLC 864-297-0000 Vicki Peek, John Uprichard, Betsy 15 Brendan Way, Suite www.fgp.com Anthony 63 Precept Staffing Inc. 140 864-984-1908 Brenda J. Ligon Greenville, SCDrive, 29615Suite 5 marketing@fgp.com 1982 328 Hillcrest www.preceptstaffing.com 55 1999 Laurens, SC 29360 bligon@preceptstaffing.com Precept Staffing Inc. 864-984-1908 Brenda J. Ligon 328 Hillcrest Drive, Suite 5 www.preceptstaffing.com 55 Phillips Staffing 864-242-4144 Jonathan Rhodes, Donna Gaddis, Ed 1999 Laurens, SC 29360 Way bligon@preceptstaffing.com 55 E. Camperdown www.phillipsstaffing.com Parris, Blanton Phillips 48 Greenville, SC 29601 contactus@phillipsstaffing.com 1968 Phillips Staffing 864-242-4144 Jonathan Rhodes, Donna Gaddis, Ed 55 E. Camperdown www.phillipsstaffing.com Parris, Blanton Phillips 48 Intellectual CapitolWay Inc. 864-275-8218 Barry Newkirk, Traci Newkirk Greenville, 29601 contactus@phillipsstaffing.com 1968 3 ResearchSC Drive www.icapsolutions.net 40 2003 Greenville, SC 29607 bnewkirk@icapsolutions.net Intellectual Capitol Inc. 864-275-8218 Barry Newkirk, Traci Newkirk 3 ResearchStaffing Drive www.icapsolutions.net 40 OpSource 866-870-8133 2003 Bruce Alexander Greenville, 29607Sr. Blvd., Suite 1007 bnewkirk@icapsolutions.net 1600 John SC B. White www.opsourcestaffing.com 38 2007 Spartanburg, SC 29301 bruce.alexander@opsourcestaffing.com OpSource Staffing 866-870-8133 Bruce Alexander 1600 John B. White Sr. Blvd., Suite 1007 www.opsourcestaffing.com 38 Hire Dynamics - Upstate 864-757-1538 2007 Laura Moody, Kim Wallace Spartanburg, SC 29301 bruce.alexander@opsourcestaffing.com 101 Verdae Blvd., Suite 550 www.hiredynamics.com 29 2001 Greenville, SC 29607 laura.moody@hiredynamics.com Hire Dynamics - Upstate 864-757-1538 Laura Moody, Kim Wallace 101 Verdae www.hiredynamics.com 29 Aerotek Inc.Blvd., Suite 550 864-607-9100 2001 Jill Tompkins Greenville, SC 29607 laura.moody@hiredynamics.com 201 Brookfield Parkway, Suite 100 www.aerotek.com 25 1983 Greenville, SC 29607 jtompkin@aerotek.com Aerotek Inc. 864-607-9100 Jill Tompkins 201 Brookfield Parkway,Solutions Suite 100 www.aerotek.com 25 Contingent Resource 864-336-2405 1983 F. Gentry, Chad M. Elliott Debbie Greenville, SCSt. 29607 jtompkin@aerotek.com 1704 E. Main www.nescoresource.com 22 2012 Duncan, SC 29334 contactus@crshireright.com Contingent Resource Solutions 864-336-2405 Debbie F. Gentry, Chad M. Elliott 1704 E. Main St. www.nescoresource.com 22 Southeast Technical Personnel Consultants Inc. 864-250-0855 2012 Louie D. Smith Duncan, SC 29334 contactus@crshireright.com 118 Seminole Drive www.southeast-technical.com 22 1997 Greenville, SC 29605 louie@southeast-technical.com Southeast Technical Personnel Consultants Inc. 864-250-0855 Louie D. Smith 118 Seminole Drive www.southeast-technical.com 22 Godshall Recruiting 864-242-3491 1997 Julie G. Brown Greenville, SC 29605 louie@southeast-technical.com 310 University Ridge www.godshall.com 21 1968 Greenville, SC 29601 drew.brown@godshall.com Godshall Recruiting 864-242-3491 Julie G. Brown 310 University www.godshall.com 21 Action StaffingRidge Services LLC 864-292-7450 1968 Henry Harrison, Jim Ward Greenville, SC 29601 drew.brown@godshall.com 1300 Rutherford Road www.trustactionstaffing.com 20 1975 Greenville, SC 29609 info@amsvcs.com Action Staffing Services LLC 864-292-7450 Henry Harrison, Jim Ward 1300 Rutherford Road www.trustactionstaffing.com 20 Recruiting Solutions 864-234-0072 1975 Cam Varner, Debbie Varner Greenville, 29609 info@amsvcs.com 124 VerdaeSC Blvd., Suite 103 www.recruitingsolutionsonline.com 19 1992 Greenville, SC 29607 frontdesk@recruitingsolutionsonline.com Recruiting Solutions 864-234-0072 Cam Varner, Debbie Varner 124 VerdaeAssociates Blvd., Suite Inc. 103 dba First Staffing www.recruitingsolutionsonline.com 19 Personnel 864-489-9809 1992 Teri C. Blanton, Kevin J. Coyle Greenville, SC 29607 frontdesk@recruitingsolutionsonline.com 423 N. Granard St. www.1firststaffing.com 17 1983 Gaffney, SC 29341 gaffneyjobs@1firststaffing.com Personnel Associates Inc. dba First Staffing 864-489-9809 Teri C. Blanton, Kevin J. Coyle 423 Granard St. www.1firststaffing.com 17 LoopN.Recruiting 864-542-7936 Jason Kennedy, Charlie Wall, Jamie 1983 Gaffney, SC 29341 gaffneyjobs@1firststaffing.com 100 Dunbar St., Suite 112 www.looprecruiting.com Fulmer 15 Spartanburg, SC 29306 jfulmer@looprecruiting.com 2015 Loop Recruiting 864-542-7936 Jason Kennedy, Charlie Wall, Jamie 100 Dunbar St., Suite 112 www.looprecruiting.com Fulmer 15 TEKSystems 864-315-3700 Amanda Box Spartanburg, 29306 jfulmer@looprecruiting.com 2015 10 Patewood SC Drive, Suite 400 www.teksystems.com 15 1996 Greenville, SC 29615 TEKSystems 864-315-3700 Amanda Box 10 Patewood Suite www.teksystems.com 15 Kester SearchDrive, Group LLC400 864-243-1673 1996 Lee A. Kester Greenville, 25 E. CourtSC St.,29615 Suite 301 www.kestersearch.com 14 2013 Greenville, SC 29601 candidate@kestersearch.com Kester Search Group LLC 864-243-1673 Lee A. Kester 25 Court St., Suite 301 www.kestersearch.com 14 TheE.Newell Group 864-288-0011 2013 Dannie A. Newell Greenville, SC 29601 candidate@kestersearch.com 2082 Woodruff Road, Suite B www.thenewellgroup.com 14 2001 Greenville, SC 29607 info@thenewellgroup.com The Newell Group 864-288-0011 Dannie A. Newell 2082 Woodruff Road, Suite B www.thenewellgroup.com 14 DHG Search 864-297-0990 Suzanne Malo, Mark DeVerges, Brad 2001 Greenville, 29607 info@thenewellgroup.com 11 BrendanSC Way, Suite 200 www.dhgsearch.com Ledford 13 Greenville, SC 29615 info@dhgsearch.com 2001 DHG Search 864-297-0990 Suzanne Malo, Mark DeVerges, Brad 11 Brendan Way, www.dhgsearch.com Ledford 13 Condustrial Inc. Suite 200 864-235-3619 Harry Batson Greenville, SC Way 29615 info@dhgsearch.com 2001 51 Concourse www.condustrial.com 10 2002 Greer, SC 29650 info@condustrial.com Condustrial Inc. 864-235-3619 Harry Batson 51 www.condustrial.com 10 JobConcourse Impulse Way 864-509-6920 2002 Kyle Bevel Greer, 29650 info@condustrial.com 1010 E.SCNorth St., Suite C2 www.job-impulse.us 10 2013 Greenville, SC 29601 info@job-impulse.us.com Job Impulse 864-509-6920 Kyle Bevel 1010 North St., Suite C2 www.job-impulse.us 10 LaborE.Finders 864-235-0188 2013 Lynn Ray Greenville, SC Highway 29601 info@job-impulse.us.com 1003 Poinsett www.laborfinders.com 10 1975 Greenville, SC 29609 lynn.ray@laborfinders.com Labor Finders 864-235-0188 Lynn Ray 1 Highway 1003 Poinsett www.laborfinders.com 10 888-794-7798 Medustrial 1975 Stiltner Greg Greenville, SC Way 29609 lynn.ray@laborfinders.com 51 Concourse www.medustrial.com 10 2002 Greer, SC 29650 info@medustrial.com 888-794-7798 Medustrial 1 Greg Stiltner 51 Concourse www.medustrial.com 10 Chase StaffingWay 864-421-0410 2002 Melissa Duffie Greer, 29650 info@medustrial.com 517 S. SC Pleasantburg Drive, Suite D www.chaseprofessionals.com 9 2000 Greenville, SC 29607 sc02@chaseprofessionals.com Chase Staffing 864-421-0410 Melissa Duffie 517 S. Pleasantburg Drive, Suite D www.chaseprofessionals.com 9 AppleOne Employment Services 864-627-9829 2000 E. Borreson Leigh Greenville, SCDrive, 29607Suite 130 sc02@chaseprofessionals.com 30 Patewood www.appleone.com 8 1964 Greenville, SC 29615 lborreson@appleone.com AppleOne Employment Services 864-627-9829 Because of space companies are published in the print edition.Leigh For aE.fullBorreson list of participating organizations, 8visit 30 Patewood Drive,constraints, Suite 130 sometimes only the top-ranked www.appleone.com 1964Email additions or corrections to scbiznews.com/buy-business-lists. Although every effort is made to ensure accuracy, errors sometimes occur. Greenville, SC 29615 lborreson@appleone.com research@scbiznews.com. Because of space constraints, 1 A service of Condustrial Inc.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. 1 A service of Condustrial Inc.

Avg. Workers per Week Avg. Workers per100 Week

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100 82

82 3,000

34%

3,000 170

2% 20%

3% 45%

1% 25%

34% 7%

170 -

20% 1%

45% 15%

25% -

3% 2%

7% 2%

850

1% 5%

15% 15%

2% -

850 2

5% -

15% -

5% 100%

2 985

100% 2%

985 1,850

1% 5%

4% 20%

2% -

3% 5%

1,850 1,000

5% 5%

20% 25%

5% 10%

1,000 425

5% 5%

25% 10%

5% -

10% 5%

425 2

5% 5%

10% 5%

5% 20%

5% 15%

2 240

5% 20%

5% 25%

20% 10%

5% 15%

15% 15%

240 1,000

20% 1%

25% 5%

10% 1%

15% 3%

15% 1%

1,000 1,300

1% 9%

5% 20%

1% 9%

3% 10%

1% 2%

1,300 150

9% 2%

20% 15%

9% -

10% -

2% 2%

150 10

2% 25%

15% 25%

25%

2% 25%

10 20

25% -

25% 100%

25% -

20 2

100% 5%

70%

25%

2 2

10%

20%

5% 10%

70% 30%

25% 30%

2 13

10% 40%

20% -

10% 10%

30% 10%

30% 40%

13 125

40% -

10% 99%

10% -

40% -

125 500

1% 10%

99% 5%

15%

500 250

5% 8%

10% 10%

5% -

15% -

5% 10%

250 160

8% -

10% 10%

90%

10% -

160 75

25%

10% 41%

90% 5%

75 -

25% 30%

41% 50%

2% 5%

5% 10%

2% 5%

30%

50%

10%

Researched 5% by Paige Wills Researched by Paige Wills

December 13 - December 26, 2021

IN FOCUS: PROFESSIONAL STAFF SOLUTIONS

www.gsabusiness.com 27

Professional Staffing Agencies Ranked by In-House Staff Members in the Greenville Area Professional Staffing Agencies

GSA Daily provides the inside scoop on the Upstate business community!

GSA DAILY

Get your message in front of the Upstates’s top CEOs, executives, business owners and decision-makers every afternoon. For advertising information, contact Robert Reilly at (843) 849-3107 or rreilly@scbiznews.com

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2% 10%

6% 20%

10%

5% 5%

235 18

10% 50%

20% 20%

5% -

10% -

5% 30%

18 50

50% 25%

20% 25%

30% 20%

50 30

25% -

5% 90%

20% 10%

30 10

90% -

10% 2%

10 500

3% 10%

2% 3%

500 850

5% 10%

10% 25%

3% 5%

850 5

10% 10%

25% 15%

5% 10%

5% 45%

5 2

10% 10%

15% -

10% 5%

10% -

45% 85%

2 2

10% 10%

10%

5% 10%

85% 70%

2 -

10% -

70% 100%

/T ec IT

Ad Ad m m in in ./ ./ Cl Cl er er ica i ca l l

Avg. Workers per Week Avg. Workers per100 Week

Phone / Top Local Official(s) / In-House Company Website / Email Year Founded Staff MedFirst Staffing LLC 864-421-0394 Phone / Top Local Official(s)Julie / Eagan In-House Capers A. Easterby, 226 Wall St. www.medfirststaffing.com 8 Company Website / Email Year Founded Staff 2003 Piedmont, SC 29673 mfs@medfirststaffing.com MedFirst Staffing LLC 864-421-0394 Capers A. Easterby, Julie Eagan PrideStaff 864-987-9006 226 Wall St. www.medfirststaffing.com 8 Gary 2003M. Brons 609 Haywood Road www.pridestaff.com 8 Piedmont, SC 29673 mfs@medfirststaffing.com 1978 Greenville, SC 29607 greenville@pridestaff.com PrideStaff 864-987-9006 Gary M. Brons Spherion Staffing 864-676-9160 Craig P. Roberson, Diane H. 609 Haywood Road& Recruiting www.pridestaff.com 8 1978 1200 Woodruff Road, Suite C15 www.spherion.com/greenville Roberson 8 Greenville, SC 29607 greenville@pridestaff.com Greenville, SC 29607 craigroberson@spherion.com 1988 Spherion Staffing & Recruiting 864-676-9160 Craig P. Roberson, Diane H. ExecuSource 864-201-3569 1200 Woodruff Road, Suite C15 www.spherion.com/greenville Roberson 8 Mike Wofford 1Greenville, N. Main St., fourth floor www.execusource.com 7 SC 29607 craigroberson@spherion.com 1988 2016 Greenville, SC 29601 m.wofford@execusource.com ExecuSource 864-201-3569 Mike Wofford I.K. USA floor 864-527-0480 1 N.Hofmann Main St., fourth www.execusource.com 7 Amy 2016Alexander 955 W. Wade Hampton Blvd., Suite 11A www.hofmannusa.com 6 Greenville, SC 29601 m.wofford@execusource.com 1985 Greer, SC 29650 ikhusainfo@hofmannusa.com I.K. Hofmann USA 864-527-0480 Amy Alexander Perceptive LLC Suite 11A 864-908-0105 955 W. WadeRecruiting Hampton Blvd., www.hofmannusa.com 6 Jill Rose 1985 5Greer, Creekside Park Court, Suite G www.perceptiverecruiting.com 6 SC 29650 ikhusainfo@hofmannusa.com 2014 Greenville, SC 29615 info@perceptiverecruiting.com Perceptive Recruiting LLC 864-908-0105 Jill Rose Sawyer Staffing Inc. Suite G 864-233-8439 5 Creekside Park Court, www.perceptiverecruiting.com 6 Rachel 2014 Touchet, Randy Sawyer 307 W. Antrim Drive www.sawyerstaffing.com 6 Greenville, SC 29615 info@perceptiverecruiting.com 1991 Greenville, SC 29607 inquire@sawyerstaffing.com Sawyer Staffing Inc. 864-233-8439 Rachel Touchet, Randy Sawyer Express Employment 864-234-9945 307 W. Antrim Drive Professionals www.sawyerstaffing.com 6 Beverley 1991 Smith 1659 Woodruff Road, Suite E www.expresspros.com/greenvillesc 5 Greenville, SC 29607 inquire@sawyerstaffing.com 1995 Greenville, SC 29607 jobs.greenvillesc@expresspros.com Express Employment Professionals 864-234-9945 Beverley Smith Manpower Inc.Road, Suite E 864-297-5304 1659 Woodruff www.expresspros.com/greenvillesc 5 Wendy 1995 G. Brooks 545 Haywood www.us.manpower.com 5 Greenville, SC Road 29607 jobs.greenvillesc@expresspros.com 1969 Greenville, SC 29607 greenville.sc@manpower.com Manpower Inc. 864-297-5304 Wendy G. Brooks Carolina LegalRoad Staffing 704-343-4822 545 Haywood www.us.manpower.com 5 John 1969 Lassiter 330 E. Coffee St. www.carolinalegal.com 2 Greenville, SC 29607 greenville.sc@manpower.com 1997 Greenville, SC 29601 info@carolinalegal.com Carolina Legal Staffing 704-343-4822 John Lassiter The Kidder 864-414-6744 330 E. CoffeeGroup St. Inc. www.carolinalegal.com 2 Gary 1997Tompkins 25 Woods Lake Road, Suite 105 www.thekiddergroup.com 2 Greenville, SC 29601 info@carolinalegal.com 1998 Greenville, SC 29607 gary@thekiddergroup.com The Kidder Group Inc. 864-414-6744 Gary Tompkins SmartWork Network Inc. 105 864-233-3007 25 Woods Lake Road, Suite www.thekiddergroup.com 2 Jane 1998 Allen, Doug Garner 135 S. Main St., Suite 401 www.smartworknetwork.com 2 Greenville, SC 29607 gary@thekiddergroup.com 1999 Greenville, SC 29601 doug@smartworknetwork.com SmartWork Network Inc. 864-233-3007 Jane Allen, Doug Garner Rowe & Associates Inc. 864-338-8196 135 S.Henderson Main St., Suite 401 www.smartworknetwork.com 2 Rowe 1999 Henderson 420 Pershing Ave. www.rowehenderson.com 1 Greenville, SC 29601 doug@smartworknetwork.com 2001 Clemson, SC 29631 info@rowehenderson.com Rowe Henderson & Associates Inc. 864-338-8196 Because of space companies are published in the print edition.Rowe For aHenderson full list of participating organizations, 420 Pershing Ave. constraints, sometimes only the top-ranked www.rowehenderson.com 1 visit 2001Email additions or corrections to scbiznews.com/buy-business-lists. Although every effort is made to ensure accuracy, errors sometimes occur. Clemson, SC 29631 info@rowehenderson.com research@scbiznews.com. 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.

Ac cn cn tg tg ./ ./ Fin Fi n . .

Ranked by In-House Staff Members in the Greenville Area

Researched 100%by Paige Wills Researched by Paige Wills

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Upgrades are underway at Transcom’s offices at 650 Executive Center Drive in Greenville. (Molly Hulsey/Photo)

ReadySC recruits for Swedish company By Molly Hulsey

mhulsey@scbiznews.com

o other state scouted by the Transcom reconnaissance team touted a recruitment and training platform like ReadySC, according to company executives. Even if the state hasn’t yet yielded any economic development incentives, the platform was enough of a stream in today’s labor desert to draw in the Swedish-based call center. “Really one of the main factors in us making this quick decision there was not only the assistance —which we find in some states — but that they are willing to grant some training funds,” said Don Berryman, vice president and chief commercial officer of Transcom’s North American operations. “ReadySC actually brings training talent and brings people in, helps recruit them and train them specifically on our programs, which is really unique. I haven’t seen that anywhere.” The program, a division of the S.C. Technical College System, offers new industries staffing and training services including a full-time human resource project manager, assistance with advertising campaigns and job fairs and a training site. The program also covers expenses for training instructors, according to the program’s website. With its investment in its new U.S. headquarters at 650 Executive Center Drive, the telecommunications company is already scouting out an operations manager, team leader, training manager and trainer to launch operations in January. A newly hired human resources manager has hit the ground running in partnership with ReadySC, according to Kyla Starks, senior vice president of Transcom

North America. “We were very interested in ReadySC’s programs and some of the additional assistance that the community has for putting people to work,” Starks said. “It’s just very aligned with where we are culturally, and that is to help people grow and move forward within their careers.” Over the next two to three years, they plan to hire 450. And beyond that? The company made a priority to find 33,000 square feet able to house 1,000 employees if demand allows. “We’re going through some of our current training programs, educating the ReadySC team on how we equip our people — really just starting the preliminary stages,” she said. “Everyone’s been super helpful, really engaged and really responsive.” Until now, the Stockholm-based company operated U.S. headquarters out of Denver, but very few employees worked at the office. Most operations were outsourced abroad. Then one of the company’s new U.S. clients wanted an in-house workforce able to manage the acrobatics of complex customer service questions, said Berryman. The company fields queries in 33 different languages worldwide, but the company saw more potential in meeting the demand of its largest market — the United States — with American English-speakers. Transcom executives hope Greenville’s climate, a yet-to-be-determined competitive base wage and a hybrid work model, where 20% of the team will work from home and 80% in the office, will help sweeten the pot for employees in a tight labor market. “We want to be a career destination for people within the Greenville County region,” said Starks.

At Work Cierra Fowler, director of resident services and community engagement, and Shaunté Evans, COO, receive the 2021 NAHRO Award of Merit.

Spartanburg Housing earns award The National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Organization presented a 2021 Award of Merit in the resident and client services category to The Prince Hall Homework Club started by Spartanburg Housing. The club was started in 2020 to assist children who live in the Prince Hall Apartments during the COVID-19 pandemic. For the club, Spartanburg Housing created a space in the Prince Hall community room to provide homework assistance twice a week.

The 2021 Charity Ball Board of Greenville

Charity Ball raises $410,000

The Charity Ball Board of Greenville said it raised $410,000 for the 2021 Rose Ball beneficiaries. Half of the proceeds benefit Bon Secours St. Francis Health System. This year, Bon Secours St. Francis will direct more than $200,000 toward Project Search, an international school-towork program that provides internships to high school students with disabilities. Remaining proceeds of the 2021 Rose Ball were divided among several charities, including Carolina Dance Collaborative, Foothills Family Resources, Fostering Great Ideas, Greenville Center for Creative Arts, Greenville Free Medical Clinic, Jasmine Road, OnTrack Greenville, Phillis Wheatley Community Center, Safe Harbor, Soteria Community Development Corp. and United Ministries.

Famoda Farm opens general store

Famoda Farm of Tigerville opened a 2,000-square-foot general store called Grazers: Famoda’s Farm to Table. The

BUSINESS DIGEST | PEOPLE IN THE NEWS

store will feature Famoda Farm’s grass-fed certified angus beef and Berkshire pork. Neighboring farms will source free-range, non-GMO chicken and farm-fresh eggs. Grazers also will offer the Milky Way Dairy Collection of milk and cream. All fruits, vegetables, jams and sweet treats will be sourced from local farms in the Upstate, the farm said. Regular hours will be Wednesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Grant of nearly $1.4 million to operate the federally funded Talent Search Program project at the SCC Cherokee County Campus. The program will facilitate outreach to middle school, high school and alternative school students in Cherokee County to help them plan for higher education. The Talent Search Program was established to offer aid to disadvantaged individuals.

Bank donates to United Way

United Way of the Piedmont announced that Bank of America provided funding to support its Homeless Prevention Fund, which works to improve economic mobility for residents within Spartanburg, Cherokee and Union counties. The fund aims to help families avoid financial crises that lead to homelessness. Bank of America’s support will help expand the assistance offered through United Way interventions, such as transitional housing, community resource coordinators and transportation to work.

Tool calculates Help Me Grow savings

A new tool developed to calculate the cost savings of Help Me Grow affiliates nationwide determined that Help Me Grow South Carolina generates an average of $3 in quantifiable savings for every dollar invested. These savings apply to areas like child welfare, criminal justice, early intervention, health care, special education and public assistance. Help Me Grow SC promotes the healthy development of children through age 5 in South Carolina by building on existing resources available to children and families. The service in South Carolina has been fully operational since 2012 and has connected almost 9,000 children and their families to community-based programs and services in that time.

SLG acquires stake in Foothills Food

Greenville-based investor and management company SLG Investment Holdings LLC said it acquired a majority stake in Foothills Food Group LLC, the manufacturer and distributor of Avalanche Bars nut‐free protein bars. Terms of the acquisition were not released. A Greenville original, Avalanche Bars were created nearly 15 years ago in one mother’s kitchen when she needed a 100% nut‐free source of protein for her son, a competitive snowboarder.

Grant to support higher education

Spartanburg Community College said it has been awarded a TRiO Talent Search

New firm conduit for Recovery Act

John Boyanoski of Complete PR, Chip Felkel of The Felkel Group/RAP Index and Rosylin Weston of RA Weston Communications have partnered to form The Solutions Group. The Solutions Group has been created to serve as conduit for local and state agencies that are being tasked with properly implementing the $2.5 billion in federal money coming into the state as part of the American Recovery Act. The trio will continue to operate their separate companies. More information is available at www.thesolutionsgroupsc.com.

Foundation provides grant to SCC

From left, Allen Gillespie of FinTrust, Chip Hardy of FinTrust, Dixon Woodward of United Community Bank and Bob Quinn of SCRA.

SCRA receives $160,000 donation

United Community Bank announced a gift of $160,000 to the South Carolina Research Authority Industry Partnership Fund (IPF). The South Carolina Research Authority provides grants and investments to companies and projects funded, in large part, through contributions to the Industry Partnership Fund. United’s newest subsidiary, FinTrust Capital Advisors, has had a nearly decade-long working relationship with SCRA, the company said.

Barbara Stone announces grants

The Barbara Stone Foundation, a non-profit organization that supports initiatives for individuals with disabilities, said it provides four grants totaling $31,580 to Upstate non-profits. Grant recipients included the Applied Theatre Center’s Spectrum Program, the Mary Sunshine House, Greenville Area Parkinson Society and Lions Vision Services.

Defense company eyes Greenville

Sword International Inc., a manufacturer of small arms and defense equipment, is relocating and establishing its manufacturing operations in Greenville County, according to a news release. The $9.5 million investment is expected to create 55 jobs. Founded in 2010 by U.S. military special operations veterans and manufacturing experts, Sword produces specialty firearms, airdrop solutions, robotics and accessories primarily for the U.S. military and law enforcement organizations. The new location at 231 Beverly Road in Greenville is expected to open in January.

Spartanburg Community College said the college’s Early Childhood Education program received a $15,898 grant from the Mary Black Foundation to help the program train students to enter the workforce as day care teachers, teacher’s assistants and directors of childcare programs. Funding will help establish an Early Care Education Simulation Lab at SCC’s Downtown Campus to provide students the opportunity to practice what they are learning in the classroom.

Your Own FM announces agreement

Your Own FM announced a distribution agreement with Team Riley Radio, including weekly airing of “Catching A Wave” hosted by James Riley. The nationally syndicated radio show airs on more than 40 radio stations each week. Riley has spent the past 30 years in the music industry working with a variety of artists, including Dion, Dale Watson, John Schneider, Billy Burnette, Micky Dolenz and others.

Rebuild Upstate adds Vet Support Team

Rebuild Upstate said it created a volunteer Veterans Support Team as it celebrates the completion of home repairs for more than 100 Upstate South Carolina veterans. Rebuild Upstate serves 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. Nearly 10% of homes repaired by the organization throughout its history are owned by a veteran. The Rebuild Upstate Volunteer Veteran Support Team is a new team that works to identify veterans in need of home repairs throughout the Rebuild Upstate service area.

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People in the News ACCOUNTING Stokes & Co. CPA’s announced promotions and new hires. Rex A. Hamlett joined the firm as accounting and tax manager with 16 years of experience Hamlett in both private sector and public accounting. Kyle C. Morris joined the Stokes team as a senior accountant. Stephanie Sonne and Sandy Lamb joined as accountants. Stokes also promoted Amy Dowden and Julie Freeman to senior accountants.

ADVERTISING, MARKETING & PR

Villalobos

Sievers

Infinity Marketing promoted Darian Villalobos to senior media strategist and hired Caroline Sievers as senior media strategist. Villalobos graduated from Duquesne University with a degree in integrated marketing communications. Sievers comes to Infinity with media buying expertise in a variety of industries, most recently at The Brandon Agency and Chernoff Newman.

Henry

Engenius hired Arianna Henry as digital ads specialist and project coordinator. Prior to joining Engenius, she was marketing copywriter and project coordinator at BJU Press.

The membership organization Women Entrepreneurs Inc. added Meredith Rigdon of Narrative Strategic Communications as a market director in Greenville.

Roberts

Infinity Marketing hired Andrew Roberts as senior graphic designer. He most recently worked as graphic designer and photographer at Presbyterian College.

Crawford hired McKoy Crawford as an account coordinator. Prior to joining Crawford, she gained experience at PR and marketing strategy agencies representCrawford ing lifestyle, travel and tourism and real estate brands in both Charlotte and Washington, D.C.

BANKING & FINANCE

Payne

Aquesta Bank.

Countybank hired Jordan Payne as vice president and SBA business development officer in Simpsonville. Payne most recently served as vice president and commercial relationship banker with Greenwood Capital promoted John E. Beale Jr. to compliance manager. Beal is a 2015 graduate of Lander University.

Beale

Infinity Marketing promoted Mikaela Duchnak to media buyer and announced the transition of Haley Bennett from integrated marketing supervisor Bennett to web project lead. Duchnak joined Infinity in 2020 as media coordinator. Bennett joined Infinity in 2019 as an integrated marketing coordinator.

CONSTRUCTION

Smith

Hass

site administration.

Jackie Hass joined McCrory Construction as assistant superintendent in the company’s Greenville office. Hass brings more than 15 years of experience in on-site supervision, field engineering and job-

Hill Electric promoted Trey Thomas to president and COO. He succeeds Mike Davis, who is now CEO. Thomas joined Hill Electric in 2010 as an estimator and Thomas project manager. In 2014, he was promoted to vice president.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT The board of directors of SCBIO named James Chappell, an executive with Louisiana Economic Development, as the organization’s new president and CEO. Chappell Chappell, whose career also includes time with Chartic Management Consulting in Boston, joined Louisiana Economic Development in 2013 and was named executive director of competitiveness and entrepreneurship for the organization in 2021.

HEALTH CARE Greenville chiropractor Dr. Luke Henry of Henry Chiropractic Clinic LLC was recognized for five years of service on the Health Network Solutions Inc. (HNS) Professional Affairs Advisory Board. HNS is a clinically integrated chiropractic physician network that provides managed care solutions to Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina, Cigna and other insurance companies.

HOSPITALITY The Poinsett Bride announced that Paige Gillespie purchased the business in October. Gillespie previously worked in public accounting. Gillespie

High Spirits Hospitality hired Pamela Rich as a sales representative at Liquid Catering. Rich previously worked as manager at the Sea Captain’s House, as an event Rich and wedding coordinator at Heidi’s Food Group and as a corporate event coordinator at Brittain Resorts and Hotels.

HUMAN RESOURCES The Newell Group hired Jarrod Dyar as director of recruiting, accounting and finance.

Dyar

LAW

EDUCATION Reeves Young hired Larry Eberhart as regional director of business development located in the firm’s Greenville office.

Eberhart

David Smith has been named director of the waterproofing division of Palmetto State Exteriors LLC.

Martin S. Price joined North Greenville University’s Tim Brashier Campus in Greer as a professor in the physician’s assistant medicine program. Price is Price a 2019 graduate of NGU’s Master of Medical Science program.

Busbee

Sykes

Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd announced that Katherine V. “Katie” Busbee and Sara A. Sykes joined the firm’s Greenville office. Busbee focuses her practice on economic development and employment law matters. Sykes works with the firm’s

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Viewpoint

VIEWS, PERSPECTIVES AND READERS’ LETTERS

Educate your employees on easy ways to avoid hackers and scammers T

he day started out just like any other workday for Thomas. He drove in to work, flashed his badge to the security guard at the front desk, said hello to his desk neighbor and settled in at his workstation to address a backlog of emails in his inbox. That’s when things went sideways. A message from a vendor. A companywide announcement. Yet another “reply all” to an ongoing email thread. This morning’s emails were nothing out of the usual. Then a strange email caught Thomas’ eye: a request from corporate IT, asking him to update his company proJACK file, including his STERLING date of birth, social security number, employee ID and account password. With a pile of work to do, an all-hands meeting coming up in a few minutes and a million other things on his mind, Thomas clicked the link in the email and complied with request from IT. Having completed the task, he moved on with his busy day without a second thought. Little did he know, Thomas had just joined countless other victims of the most widespread form of cyberattack: the phishing email. According to Verizon’s 2021 Data Breach Investigation Report, 85% of cyberattacks last year included a human element. It is typically easier to trick a person than it is to bypass, break or hack a computer system. When cyber-criminals are planning their attack, the path of least resistance often leads them to target human weakness. Thomas is not a bad employee. He has never clicked a phishing email before and is a stellar performer. He has attended company-mandated cybersecurity training twice per year. But his failure to spot a phishing email allowed an attacker to harvest his personal and company data, leaving him and the company more vulnerable to future attacks. Further, by clicking their link, Thomas has potentially allowed the attackers to access his company’s network. This is how ransomware, malware and other crippling incidents happen. What can be done? GI Joe says know-

ing is half the battle; the other half is training. While many companies mandate employees take time out of their schedules to attend PowerPoint-based presentations on the scary nature of the threat, rarely do businesses (outside of the Fortune 100) conduct real, meaningful training on this front. Having attended numerous slideshow presentations, I can confidently say that rarely do they “move the needle” in terms of our behavior outside of the classroom. Here are a few features of a successful cybersecurity training and awareness program: Managed by third party professionals. When an internal IT team decides to conduct their own security training and risk assessment, they inherently have a blind spot. It’s like asking a student to create their own report card: will they ever give themselves an F? The Seal Teams moved away from in-house training and assessment for this exact reason. Fun, fun, fun! If you’ve ever sat through a slideshow, you know the urge to nod off can be strong. To truly engage the target audience (your people), the

training should be entertaining, not dry and antiseptic. This topic is too important to be taken seriously. Not punitive. Our instinct as managers might be to make an example out of employees like Thomas, so that others know what not to do. This is wrong. If we squash Thomas for making a mistake, neither he nor any other members of your team will never report possible breaches for fear of facing your wrath. We want people reporting phishing attempts and other potential sources of breach. Automated. Too often, I hear about businesses who say they have a phishing awareness and training program, only to find out that nobody actually “owns” the program. This means it’s an afterthought that usually gets cut when other tasks get prioritized. You need a program that runs every month without requiring a time commitment from your time-strapped IT staff. Custom. A one-size-fits-all approach is suboptimal when it comes to measuring your company’s risk profile. Sure, people can normally spot a generic phishing attempt (like a Starbucks gift card made out

to “valued employee”), but can your CFO spot a spear phishing attempt that uses his actual personal information gathered on social media? Most of us are vulnerable in one way or another, so it is imperative that our security training program reflects our unique set of vulnerabilities. The steady drumbeat of news stories covering the latest breaches, often of giant companies and government agencies, can leave us feeling like the fight is futile. The only way to change this narrative is to train regularly and foster a culture of “healthy paranoia” both within ourselves and our companies. If we’re going to overcome the scourge of cyber-attacks, this is the only way. Nobody is coming to save us. Jack Sterling is the co-founder of CloudHound, based in Greenville.

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The definitive resource guide for business professionals in the Upstate. The Book of Lists is an indispensable, comprehensive guide that includes information on more than 1,200 companies doing business in the Upstate. Businesses are ranked according to number of employees, revenue, square footage and other criteria, giving you a ready reference on prospective clients.

MARCH 29,

The Book of Lists has a 12-month readership life and appears in print and electronic format. It is distributed to area chambers of commerce, economic development offices and every subscriber and advertiser of the Business Report. SPONSO

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PUBLICATION DATE: March 28, 2022 ADVERTISING DEADLINE: February 14, 2022 For advertising information, contact Rick Jenkins at (864) 720-1224 or rjenkins@scbiznews.com

UME 24, NO. 2021 | VOL