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Will the sun keep shining on South Carolina’s solar industry? PAGE 6 JANUARY 17, 2020 | VOL. 10 | ISSUE 2
January 17, 2020 | upstatebusinessjournal.com
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THE OPENING BELL
6
Upstate businesses & organizations take
advantage of solar energy. But how will new tax policies affect the growth of this industry? Solar panel photos taken at solar farm at Furman University
8
Jasmine Kitchen
is a restaurant with a mission to provide on-the-job training and employement for residents of its nonprofit residential program.
QUOTED
4
“You have to know exactly where you’re going and what you’re looking for.” -Mike Holcomb, director of information security, Fluor
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“But it’s frankly been a tremendous year for Greenville County by virtually any metric we monitor.” -Mark Farris, president & CEO, GADC
THE BIG NUMBERS
$19 MILLION
expansion project underway at the Woodlands at Furman. Read more about the development. Page 5
7,548
square feet of space occupied by new “barcade,” Pinky’s Revenge. Page 14
gardner-webb.edu/mba10
January 17, 2020 | upstatebusinessjournal.com 10MBA-Ad1-Print--AfricanAmericanMale-UBJ-v3-2.indd 1
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9/20/19 9:16 AM
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TECHNOLOGY
Navigating the deep, dark web Deep web. Dark web. They’re different, and the terms can be confusing. “Everybody uses the deep web, even Facebook is considered the deep web,” says Mike Holcomb, director of information security at Fluor. When you log in to, say, Facebook or your Instagram account, you’re actually going behind the scenes into the “deep web,” which browsers such as Google, Safari, Edge and Firefox don’t index, so we can’t see any of it, he explains. That “surface net” constitutes only 4% of the entire World Wide Web, and it’s 500 times smaller than the deep web, according to Holcomb and several online sources.
SURFACE WEB:
web based content that can be found in search engines
DEEP WEB:
web based content that cannot be found in search engines
DARK WEB:
content not found in search engines that can only be accessed anonymously using special anonymyzing software networks Source: cambiaresearch.com
Of the remaining 96% percent, 1% lurks even deeper. That’s the dark web, or so-called darknet, where e-nefariousness grabs so much attention as a marketplace for arms, drug and human trafficking, child pornography, contract killers, fake passports and more. It turns out the dark web can also be used for good, says Richard
4 UBJ | January 17, 2020
R. Brooks, a computer engineering professor at Clemson University who helps organizations operate in conflict zones, where working without a trace is paramount. The two experts explain: That darknet cavern is accessible through what’s known as the Tor browser, short for The Onion Router, a layered network of encrypted services. Brooks uses Tor. He’s also chief technology officer for danaides.org, a French nongovernmental organization that goes to the darknet to facilitate humanitarian aid in such hot spots as Syria, Libya and Sudan. He explains that The Tor Project Inc., the nonprofit company that operates its browser just as, say, Alphabet operates Google, routes internet traffic through multiple servers and encrypts it all along the way, guaranteeing privacy. “We’re going to be using Tor because we don’t want people to know who’s using our system and where our aid is going,” Brooks says. “Most people in conflict zones are in bad shape.” Danaides extensively vets potential participants, he notes, adding: “If we could identify people who could be reliable, who would be good at coordinating activities, we create an unidentifiable audit trail.” He’s also involved in dark-web applications in Africa to protect communications among journalists, dissidents and activists. Notably, The New York Times, BBC, ProPublica and other media outlets use the dark web for their reporters in censored or dangerous locales. The common thread between “good” dark web and “bad” dark web, Brooks and Holcomb say, is that you have to know how to navigate .onion layers. “Unless you specifically know where to go,” Holcomb says, “it’s like showing up in Greenville, and if you don’t have their address, their exact street number, you’re never going to find them. You have to know exactly where you’re going and what you’re looking for.”
n story by JOHN JETER
Acting U.S. Attorney Lance Crick says authorities found where to look in 2017 after an 18-year-old Portland, Oregon, girl overdosed. Homeland Security, Drug Enforcement Administration, FBI and U.S. Postal Service agents tracked the source of the fatal U-47700, or “Pink,” synthetic opioid to downtown Greenville. SWAT teams converged on Theodore Khleborod, a 28-year-old native of Moldova, and Ana Barrero, 24, at the South Ridge apartments. The two were charged with using VeriQuick pregnancy test kits, purchased at a dollar store, to discreetly mail the narcotics. Investigators allege Khleborod, using the handle, PetertheGreat, ran some 9,500 transactions through the dark web’s AlphaBay.
You have to know exactly where you’re going and what you’re looking for.” -Mike Holcomb, director of information security, Fluor Now with the boom in cryptocurrency, such as Bitcoin, dark web usage is growing in South Carolina, too, including the prison system, Crick says. “We’ve been monitoring it and seeing it in the last five years. We’ve had cases in the last two to three years that have directly involved a conspiracy,” the Greenville-based attorney says, including prosecutions for attempted murder and fentanyl overdoses — “all through the dark web.” We don’t recommend browsing around the deep/dark web, but visit UpstateBusinessJournal.com for a site that offers “Little Known Corners of the Deep Web You Might Actually Like” after you download the Tor browser.
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SQUARE FEET
Multi-million expansion project underway at the Woodlands at Furman n story by SHERRY JACKSON | rendering provided by THREE ARCHITECTURE
Greenville senior living community Woodlands at Furman this year will receive a $19 million expansion with new living units and new amenities. Dallas-based Three Architecture has designed a 13,000-square-foot community building that will feature a fitness center, a swimming pool, showers and locker room, a salon, and a community/multi-purpose room. The firm will also renovate and expand the dining facilities and add an “action station” as a supplement to the buffet offerings and tableside service. The action station will include
brick-oven cuisine, a Mongolian grill and other to-order options. In addition, 40 independent living units will be constructed. Current residents will remain in place. Three architects have been planning with the owner-operators and staff — and meeting regularly with residents — to ensure construction will not negatively impact their enjoyment and experience. “After multiple meetings with residents and staff throughout this process, organized by Woodlands at Furman CEO Mary Lou Merkt and
Everyone has been very helpful and understanding, even though the project will cause some temporary inconveniences.” -Rocky Berg, principal, Three Architecture
her team, we now feel like we are a part of this wonderful community,” Rocky Berg, principal with Three Architecture said. “Everyone has been very helpful and understanding, even though the project will cause some temporary inconveniences. With their input, we’ve been able to ensure our project team meets everyone’s needs and circumvents major disruptions for those living and working onsite during construction. This is especially challenging for dining services, since we need to double the overall capacity to meet the demand created by the new residences. We have a plan that will work for everyone, and we will
continue to meet throughout 2020 and even after work is finished.” In addition to senior-living communities, Three Architecture has designed such notable projects as The Peninsula in Beverly Hills, California, Rosewood Mayakoba in the Riviera Maya and the Hotel Emma in San Antonio, Texas. Construction is expected to begin January 2020. The project is expected to be ready for residents to move in by third quarter 2021.
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January 17, 2020 | upstatebusinessjournal.com
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SAVING
SUNSHINE Will the sun keep shining on South Carolina’s solar industry?
I
ke Maddox prefers sunny days. He’s hardly alone in that opinion, for who wouldn’t choose a bright day of sunshine over a gloomy day of rain clouds? But Maddox, who owns Ike’s Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning on Poinsett Highway in Greenville, has an added layer of incentive when it comes to the weather. Namely, his electric bill. “As long as the sun comes out 20 days or so a month, I’m home free,” Maddox said. “So to be honest, I don’t even worry about my electric bill anymore. I’m already saving a bunch of money.” A little more than a year ago, Maddox had a solar panel system installed on the roof of his business. He needed a new roof anyway, and with Duke Energy offering rebates for those looking to install solar, he decided to opt in. “It’s a lot of money up front to pay for it,” Maddox said, “but you start realizing immediate savings.”
In Maddox’s case, his power bill went down from an average of about $600 a month before he had solar installed, to around $50 dollars now. With the rebate he got from Duke in addition to tax incentives, the overall cost of his system will be paid for after six years. Things have changed, however, in the short time since Maddox had his solar system installed. For one, Duke Energy has ended its rebate program. The program was specifically aimed at jumpstarting the solar industry in South Carolina, according to Jason Martin, Duke’s distributed energy technology director. After three years and more than $60 million in rebates handed out, the number of solar customers connected to Duke’s power grid has gone up from about 100 individuals and businesses in 2014 to more than 7,600 today. Laurens Electric Cooperative has also seen significant growth in solar customers. But industry analysts say that
IN 2014 DUKE ENERGY HAD 100 SOLAR CUSTOMERS
TODAY THEY HAVE OVER 7,600 SOLAR CUSTOMERS 6 UBJ | January 17, 2020
quick growth may soon slow down. The combined impact of the trade war with China and a recent decision not to extend a federal tax credit for solar-energy projects has had a chilling effect, says Steffanie Dohn, director of government relations with Southern Current, a major developer of large-scale solar farms. “It’s disappointing, and it’s definitely going to hinder the solar industry,” Dohn said, referring to the decision not to extend the federal solar-investment tax credit. That tax credit, established in 2006, offers individuals or businesses money back on the overall cost. The tax credit was 30% as of 2019, meaning if you had installed an $18,000 solar panel system on your home — the average price for a residential system — you would save about $5,400. But that tax credit dropped to 26% as of Jan. 1. It will drop again next year to 22%. After 2021, it will drop down to zero for individuals, while commercial installations can still receive a 10% tax credit. Dohn called the decision not to extent the tax credit a “head scratcher,” especially given the federal subsidies given to fossil fuel sources. Since 1950, oil and gas have received almost 60% of federal spending to support energy, or about $490 billion, while just 11% of federal spending, or $90 billion, has gone to support wind, solar and geothermal energy combined, according to a report from the Nuclear Energy Institute.
n story by EVAN PETER SMITH | photo by IRINA RICE
If your solar system itself is going to pay for itself in a short period of time anyway, and they’re going to pay you some money to do it, why not? Otherwise you’re just throwing money away.” -Ike Maddox, owner, Ike’s Carpet, solar energy customer
Dohn said the solar tax credit specifically has been a major boon economically. “It’s probably the most successful policy for growth for renewable energy ever,” she said. Since the tax credit was enacted in 2006, the industry as a whole has grown by more than 10,000%, according to a report from the Solar Energy Industries Association. The tax credit has directly helped create more than 200,000 jobs, the report notes, and has generated more than $140 billion in private investment. Had the tax credit been extended through 2030, the report estimates the U.S. solar industry would have added an additional 113,000 jobs
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UPSTATE BUSINESSES & ORGANIZATIONS TAKING ADVANTAGE OF SOLAR ENERGY: Source: Bruce Wood, owner, Sunstore Solar This is not a comprehensive list.
and an additional $87 billion in investment. The industry will still continue to grow without the tax credit’s extension, but that growth will be at a much slower pace, with the number of solar jobs expected to reach about 440,000 by 2030, compared with an estimated 553,000 jobs had the tax credit been allowed to continue. But as Dohn and other industry leaders are quick to point out, the consequences of the tax credit not being extended will be felt unequally across the country. “When it comes down to it,” Dohn said, “this is going to hurt red states like South Carolina a lot more.” That’s because in recent years, blue states like California, Colorado, Maine, Nevada, New Mexico, New York and Washington have passed aggressive climate bills aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions, the result being an increased investment in renewable energy infrastructure — with solar at the forefront. But red states, which have historically resisted new climate policies, are only just now beginning to see the economic advantages of solar investment. “I do think South Carolina was sort of late to the party,” said Tyson Grinstead, director of public policy for Sunrun, a residential solar panel installer that operates in dozens of states, including South Carolina and the Upstate specifically. Grinstead said that South Carolina, like other red states, is still in the relatively early stages of establishing widespread solar infrastructure. This means that on top of trying to
catch up to blue states, which opted in earlier, South Carolina will also be paying higher costs in the coming years, given that blue states were able to build the majority of their solar infrastructure with the tax credit cushioning their overall costs.
440,000 SOLAR JOBS
the state to more solar power by increasing competition. The bill also got rid of the net metering cap on solar power, meaning those with solar panel systems can sell any unused energy collected back to the grid at market price without limits.
553,000 SOLAR JOBS
expected to be created vs would have been by 2030 without the tax created by 2030 WITH credit extension the tax credit extension
The trade war added “further uncertainty,” Grinstead said, after the Trump administration tacked a 30% tariff on Chinese-made solar panels, which account for more than 80 percent of solar panels used in the United States. Chinese panels also amount to the only practical option for large-scale solar farms to purchase in the amount South Carolina needs to build up its infrastructure. The trade war led to a quiet rift between the Trump administration and that of Gov. Henry McMaster, who made multiple trips to Washington, D.C., in a failed attempt to convince the administration not to impose the tariffs. McMaster’s trips to Washington came just before he signed the unanimously passed South Carolina Energy Freedom Act, a bill that opened up
Still, that may not be enough to offset the impact of decisions made at the federal level. “We’re going to see a dip,” Grinstead said of the state’s solar industry. “It’s not anything related to state lawmakers — in fact, it’s the opposite. But the federal side is worsening things.” For now, with the tax credit still at 26%, solar providers have at the very least the benefit of being able to sell customers on that deadline. It’s a sales pitch Ike Maddox has been making since he had his own panels installed. “If your solar system itself is going to pay for itself in a short period of time anyway, and they’re going to pay you some money to do it, why not?” Maddox said. “Otherwise you’re-just throwing money away.”
Roper Mountain Science Center Target | Woodruff Rd. Kohls | Woodruff Rd. O’Riley’s Auto Parts | Poinsett Hwy Johnston Design Group Ike’s Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning Furman University Solar Farm ReWa Span America Fisher’s Garage Wurster Engineers & Construction Pendleton Place Especially Honda Services Harper General Contractors Miracle Hill Rescue Mission Meyer Tool The Kitchen Sync Jasmine Kitchen Jeff Lynch Appliances St. Anthony’s Church
HOW MUCH WOULD YOUR BUSINESS SAVE WITH SOLAR ENERGY?
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Jasmine Kitchen, a restaurant with a mission
We are pleased to announce We are are pleased pleased to announce announce We to e are pleased to announce William A. Murphy
William A. MurphyA. Murphy William William A.aaMurphy is now now Managing Director Director –– Investments Investments is Managing stments isDirector now a– Investments Managing Director – Investments now a Managing WilliamA.A.Murphy Murphy William Senior Financial Advisor--Wealth WealthManagement Management Senior Financial Advisor
n story by SHERRY JACKSON
photo by SHEA SAUDER
are pleased to announce 92979-v2 A1547
92979-v2 A1547
illiam A. Murphy
92979-v2 92979-v2 A1547 A1547
William A. Murphy William A. Murphy Amidst the array of new restauSenior Financial Advisor 15 -15Wealth MainManagement SSMain StStFlFl22 rant openings, Jasmine Kitchen Greenville,SCSC29601 29601 Greenville, Senior Financial Advisor - Wealth Management stands out from the rest. 15 S Main St Fl 2 Direct:(864) (864)467-2580 467-2580 Direct: But it’s not its fresh-as-sunshine Greenville, SC 29601 will.a.murphy@wellsfargo.com will.a.murphy@wellsfargo.com yellow building on Augusta Street executive director for Jasmine Being able to create a susDirect: (864) 467-2580 https://home.wellsfargoadvisors.com/will.a.murphy https://home.wellsfargoadvisors.com/will.a.murphy 15 S Main St Fl 2 in downtown Greenville. It’s also Road. tainable source of income for the will.a.murphy@wellsfargo.com not the menu — although the soups, Greenville, SC 29601 sandwiches and salads the restau- women using this business model https://home.wellsfargoadvisors.com/will.a.murphy rant plans to serve will be scratch- that gives back to the nonprofit is Direct: (864) 467-2580 a huge part of what we are doing.” made with local ingredients. Currently, there are five women at Investmentand andInsurance InsuranceProducts: Products: uuNOT NOTFDIC FDICInsured Insured uuNO NOBank BankGuarantee Guarantee uuMAY MAYLose LoseValue Value Instead, it’s Jasmine Kitchen’s Investment will.a.murphy@wellsfargo.com a time — the number of beds availmission that sets it apart — to WellsFargo FargoAdvisors Advisorsisisaatrade tradename nameused usedbybyWells WellsFargo FargoClearing ClearingServices, Services,LLC, LLC,Member MemberSIPC, SIPC,aaregistered registeredbroker-dealer broker-dealerand andnon-bank non-bankaffiliate affiliateofofWells WellsFargo Fargo&& Wells https://home.wellsfargoadvisors.com/will.a.murphy Company.© 2009, 2013, 2016 Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC.All Allrights rights reserved. Company. Fargo Clearing Services, LLC. provide on-the-job training and able — in the Jasmine Road pront and Insurance Products: u© 2009, 2013, 2016 Wells NOT FDIC Insured u NO Bank Guarantee u MAY Lose Valuereserved. gram. After six months, the women for residents of its 0718-01805 Advisors is a trade name used by Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC, Member SIPC, a registered broker-dealer and non-bank affiliate of Wells Fargo employment & 0718-01805 © 2009, 2013, 2016 Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC. All rights reserved. nonprofit residential program, can start working part-time at JasJasmine Road, that offers a safe mine Kitchen. Once they graduate 0718-01805 er and non-bank affiliate of Wells Fargo & haven for survivors of sexual ex- from the program, they can opt to continue to work at the restaurant ploitation and addiction. “The concept is the first of its kind or leave and find other jobs. 0718-01805 Jasmine Kitchen is in a in Greenville,” says Kathryn NorInvestment and Insurance Products: u NOT FDIC Insured u NO Bank Guarantee u MAY Lose Value 100-year-old renovated house on wood, board chair for Jasmine Road. William A. Murphy Augusta Road. Messick says that’s Wells Fargo Advisors is a trade name used by Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC, Member SIPC, a registered broker-dealer affiliate of Wells Farg Senior Financial Advisor - Wealth Management intentional.and “Wenon-bank want these womfood we’re Company. © 2009, 2013, 2016 Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC. All rights The reserved. en right smack in the community. This is their community too and going to serve is very 15 S Main St Fl 2 we want them to enjoy it.” healthy, with fresh Women from the program will Greenville, SC 29601 be by volunteers to serve a ingredients made in an dailyjoined Direct: (864) 467-2580 lunch with a menu of sandold-fashioned way.” wiches, salads, soups and desserts. will.a.murphy@wellsfargo.com In addition to a large commu-Kathryn Norwood, https://home.wellsfargoadvisors.com/will.a.murphy nity table, diners will be served board chair, Jasmine Road is now a Managing Director – Investments in one of four dining rooms or, William A. Murphy Jasmine Road’s first safe house in weather permitting, on the large, Senior Financial Advisor - Wealth Management Greenville opened May 2018. The outdoor patio. A merchandise We are pleased to announce nonprofit, two-year residential pro- area will offer handmade candles, 15 S Main St Fl 2 gram has a mission “to heal, power bracelets and other items availGreenville, SC 29601 William A. Murphy and employ” by providing a place able for purchase made by womDirect: (864) 467-2580 is now a Managing – Investments nd Insurance Products: u NOT FDIC Insured u NO Director Bank Guarantee u MAY Lose Value will.a.murphy@wellsfargo.com to live, resources and job training en in the program. All proceeds William A. Murphy from the restaurant will go back visors is a trade name used by Wellshttps://home.wellsfargoadvisors.com/will.a.murphy Fargo Clearing Services, LLC, Member SIPC, a registered broker-dealer andfor non-bank affiliate Wells Fargo & Senior Financial Advisor - Wealth Management women whoofenter its program. 009, 2013, 2016 Wells Fargo Clearing Services,15 SLLC. rights reserved. Main St FlAll 2 Most of the women in the program into funding for the Jasmine Road Greenville, SC 29601 nonprofit. are local to Greenville. Direct: (864) 467-2580 will.a.murphy@wellsfargo.com Jasmine Kitchen is set to open 0718-01805 “The women that we’re serving https://home.wellsfargoadvisors.com/will.a.murphy Investment and Insurance Products: u NOT FDIC Insured u NO Bank Guarantee u MAY Lose Value to the public on Monday, Feb. 10. have criminal backgrounds and Wells Fargo Advisors is a trade name used by Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC, Member SIPC, a registered broker-dealer and non-bank affiliate of Wells Fargo & Company. © 2009, 2013, 2016 Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC. All rights reserved. have a really difficult time get- Hours will be Mon.-Sat., 11 a.m. Investment and Insurance Products: u NOT FDIC Insured u NO Bank Guarantee u MAY Lose Value ting jobs0718-01805 and the ones they can until 2 p.m. -dealer and non-bank affiliateWells ofFargoWells Fargo &Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC, Member SIPC, a registered broker-dealer and non-bank affiliate of Wells Fargo & Advisors is a trade name used by Company. © 2009, 2013, 2016 Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC. All rights reserved. Jasmine Kitchen is located at get aren’t always in the safest en0718-01805 vironment,” says Beth Messick, 503 Augusta St., Greenville.
ow a Managing Director – Investments
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8 UBJ | January 17, 2020
0718-01805
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92979-v2 A1547
92979-v2 A1547
William A. Murphy
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New Year, New We: how Upstate businesses practice corporate wellness n story by GEORGIA GAY & JESSICA MULLEN
According to a recent study from SmartAsset, Greenville County workers have access to some of the best workplace benefits in South Carolina. Many businesses incorporate corporate wellness programs into the company’s overall benefit program, offering a wide array of activities such as onsite gyms, healthy eating programs and on-site yoga sessions. Corporate wellness programs provide a way for employees to stay in shape, reduce stress and more. UBJ looked at both organizations and wellness program providers that have made efforts to prioritize local employees’ health.
GREENVILLE YOGA
Liz Delaney, owner of Greenville Yoga, partners with Upstate businesses to provide on-site yoga. Participating businesses include law offices, high schools, doctor’s offices, nonprofits and others. “We send a teacher to lead classes on-site once per week paid for by the companies. In some places, we move conference tables out of the way or work in hallways or break rooms,” says Delaney.
Pictured: St. Francis East Side | photo PROVIDED
10 UBJ | January 17, 2020
PRISMA HEALTH
Prisma Health partners with businesses across the state to provide a variety of health care services, including wellness programs. Employers are able to take a customized, flexible approach with what they want to include in their benefits programs. Onsite business health programming allows companies to leverage resources to provide care at a lower cost in a more convenient location, says Ashley Creech, business relations manager. The businesses partner directly with Prisma Health so there is no cost to the employee. Some companies have an assigned onsite health and well-being consultant. “It is a great recruitment tool and incentive for employees and helps to reduce time away from work,” Creech says.
MILLIKEN
Milliken focuses on family wellness by supporting associates who travel for the company in a program called Milk Stork, which helps associates continue to breastfeed while traveling by providing them with everything needed to ship their breast milk home quickly and safely. Milliken also offers a program called Health Advocate that “combines innovative coaching and engagement practices with advanced health-data analysis to educate, motivate and empower associates and their families to make lasting healthy changes. These services include wellness coaching, health-risk assessments and more,” according to a Milliken spokesperson.
“Milliken associates around the world are the reason we are able to create cutting-edge innovations, and we see the tremendous impact within our company when our associates feel cared for and appreciated,” says Craig Haydamack, chief human resources officer at Milliken. “We believe it is simply the right thing for us to do to provide wide-ranging benefits that support and prioritize our associates and their families in their health journey.”
SPARTANBURG REGIONAL HOSPITAL
Spartanburg Regional Hospital offers labs, biometrics, health risk assessments and preventative visits in its wellness program. Mindfulness classes and yoga are also offered to provide variety in the program’s offerings.
We care about our employees and want them to be healthy because if they aren’t, they can’t take care of people coming into the hospital.” -Misty Sloan, employee health program coordinator, Spartanburg Regional Hospital “Once these are completed, if on the health plan with the hospital, the employee does receive company funding in the form of a health savings account or health reimbursement account,” says Misty Sloan, employee health program coordinator. If an employee doesn’t have insurance through the hospital, a point system is used. Wellness points can be saved for prizes
selected out of a catalog that includes items such as kitchenware or outdoor furniture. “We care about our employees and want them to be healthy because if they aren’t, they can’t take care of people coming into the hospital,” Sloan says.
MICHELIN
Michelin’s wellness initiatives are designed to ensure employees have the opportunity to achieve total well-being in their professional and personal lives, says Terec Nedwards, health and wellness program manager. Michelin’s “Choose Well, Live Well” program includes a wide range of programs and benefits that promote a healthy, engaged workforce. Michelin’s Employee Assistance Program provides counseling services and support for employees and family members. An on-site EAP counselor is available within each Family Health Center.
DENNY’S
At its headquarters in Spartanburg, Denny’s promotes healthy eating in its cafeteria and offers outdoor recreation at its on-site landscaped park. Off-site, the company offers its employees free annual memberships to the local YMCA. A representative for the company reports that over 200 of its employees currently utilize the membership. “At Denny’s, our team members are family,” says Jill Van Pelt, Denny’s senior vice president and chief people officer. “We offer a variety of benefits such as free mobile mammograms, YMCA memberships and
Pictured: Employees at Denny’s headquarters in Spartanburg enjoy community-building activities in the company’s on-site park photo provided by KB MEDIA/DENNY’S
volu n teer hours to keep them engaged, healthy and happy. Denny’s is America’s diner and we strive to foster a work environment that feels like a home away from home.”
GE GAS TURBINE
Greenville’s GE Gas Turbine’s wellness programs focus on providing the best work environment for its employees. Programs range from maternity care to employee running groups. In Greenville, the company provides an onsite gym, the Power Station, managed by Health Fitness Corporation. Power Station is an 8,000-square-foot fully outfitted fitness facility that offers fitness assessments, including movement-efficiency screenings, individualized fitness programs, incentive challenges and daily group exercise classes. GE Gas Turbine also offers a global wellbeing program, HealthAhead, which aims to inspire employees to achieve their best health possible. “In Greenville, an employee-run group holds bi-annual family 5k runs, annual health fairs, monthly bike rides and more all at no cost to employees,” says Madison Wilson, spokeswoman for GE.
LOCKHEED MARTIN
At Lockheed Martin’s Greenville location, an on-site wellness center acts as a resource and treatment facility for employees, who can get prescriptions, undergo physical exam-
inations and seek treatment for a normal range of health conditions. “Along with the wellness center, we also have regular team challenges,” says Leslie Farmer, communications lead for Lockheed Martin in Greenville. “These can be anything from healthy-eating challenges to weight-loss challenges to activity challenges. You might find our employees doing yoga together or participating in weight-training exercise. We’re focused on finding a variety of ways to make sure employees stay well.”
We’re focused on finding a variety of ways to make sure employees stay well.” -Leslie Farmer, communications lead, Lockheed Martin, Greenville
DUKE ENERGY
Duke Energy’s wellness program addresses more than being physically fit. It also addresses employees’ and covered spouses’ and domestic partners’ emotional, social and financial health. “Employees and eligible spouses/domestic partners can earn rewards for completing certain activities such as biometric screenings, health challenges and lifestyle coaching,” says Ryan Mosier, company spokesman. “Health challenges include physical and nutrition challenges.” The program also provides personalized telephone health coaching to help with weight management, sleep, stress management, healthy eating, exercise and more.
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BUSINESS
An office-culture reset can build a stronger organization n guest contributor TAMMY JOHNSON
Culture. If you haven’t picked up on this business buzzword yet you might be living under a rock. Long before pingpong tables in the break room became a selling point, a company’s culture was, of course, important to its employees. But over the last few years as millennials have entered the workplace, culture has become a main recruiting tool and employee retention factor. There is evidence of it in job postings and on company websites, and the position of culture manager is becoming more standard. The truth is, though, culture is so much more than having a keg of the local brewery’s IPA in the common area. In order for a company to retain employees, which will, in turn, translate to customer satisfaction and profit, the culture has to be thoughtful, and expressed strategically through internal and external channels. Culture must be aspirational — full of vision and inspiration — but it must also be implemented practically. If your employees aren’t living and breathing your culture, you may want to think about making a “culture reset” your project for the new year. Here are a few ideas to make that happen: • Survey your employees: Ask them what is important to them in a business environment. • Respect them enough to think beyond free coffee and raises: consider if transparency and development opportunities are evident and what else is important to their satisfaction. • Get buy-in: Developing culture isn’t just one person’s job. It’s the responsibility of the entire team. If you can create a culture committee, seek out and empower key individuals at every level of the company who would invest as stakeholders in developing your culture. • Brainstorm ideas: Maybe you’ll offer a town hall breakfast with the CEO once a month or start an employee referral program. Get as many ideas together as you can, assess the feasibility and create an implementation calendar. Keep in mind, though, that culture is your driving word — not profit. Good culture will lead to profits organically. • Tell stories: Having a good internal culture is one step, but it’s important to express your
12 UBJ | January 17, 2020
culture externally as well. We’ve all seen the warmhearted social media posts about culture champions such as Southwest Airlines, Zappos and Chick-fil-A. Showcase employees’ good deeds, celebrate big wins and even let your vulnerability show. Internally, craft an employee newsletter that shares those stories in order to inspire more individual involvement. • Create career roadmaps: Do your employees know what the next steps in their careers are? If not, they are bound to find that step with another employer. Keep in mind employees ages 21-25 on average stay at a job for 1.2 years because they often don’t know what their future holds at an organization, and they want to get promoted quickly. Provide employees with development stages they need to complete before a promotion is considered. During this stage you may also recognize that some people aren’t a fit for your organization, and it may be time to counsel them out. • Review your hiring process: Great culture starts with the hiring process. Evaluate your interview process and candidate profiles. Make sure you are asking culture-driven behavioral questions during the interview process. Have at least one committee interview, and if one person doesn’t think the applicant will stand up to the culture, don’t hire them. Taking on a culture reset is not an easy project, but it’s one that will have incredible rewards if done right. But follow-through is the key; your employees will have a hard time envisioning their futures with your company if you don’t. Give yourself realistic goals and keep the team abreast of the status. Your organization will be in a stronger place before you know it. Tammy Johnson is the CEO and president of High Spirits Hospitality. Learn more at www.highspiritshospitality.com.
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Celebrate Heart Month with a cardiovascular screening February is associated with love, but look beyond candlelit dinners and heart-shaped candy. As the American Heart Association’s Heart Month, It’s also a great time to consider the health of the heart - both for your loved ones and for yourself. A recent study published by the American Heart Association reports that 48% of American adults have some form of heart disease. Because serious heart conditions can be present without symptoms, a significant number of the population could be completely unaware of poor cardiovascular health or their risk of developing life-threatening disease. Often, the best way to find out about current health and potential risk is through advanced cardiovascular screening.
Cardiovascular Screening Could Save Your Life “Cardiovascular health is important because cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States,” says Dr. Jack Durham of PartnerMD. It’s also the No. 1 killer of men and women globally. Since 2016, the number of deaths attributed to this disease is on the rise in the United States. Cardiovascular screening can help predict the likelihood of heart attack, stroke and major cardiovascular events before there are symptoms, so you and your doctor can take action to prevent cardiovascular disease and related complications, including death.
Screening vs Diagnostics
When we talk about cardiovascular screening, it’s important to first clarify the difference between diagnostic tests and screening. A screening is more of a broad overview. Imagine a sailor scanning the horizon – that’s a screening. If the sailor notices something that looks out of the ordinary, it’s time for a diagnostic test. Was that an island in the distance or a ship? Was that glint of light a wave or a lighthouse? Imagine the diagnostic test as the spyglass that helps the sailor take a closer look and determine exactly what it was that seemed out of place. If you’re Keeping your already having symptomsyour of heart improve cardiovascular health while Keeping leadership disease, you and your doctor have lowering the likelihood of heart attack leadership already noticed that seems or stroke in the future. at something the leading out of the ordinary. Diagnostic tests edge help the physician to ruleof outhealth. some Does Everyone Need Advanced possible causes and dial in on the root Cardiovascular Screening? causes, determine how far the disease Advanced screening, which typihas progressed, and recommend a cally includes EKG, advanced cardio treatment plan that is likely to deliver profile and cholesterol/lipids, CT a positive outcome. heart scan, ApoE genetic marker Screening takes place when no evievaluation and vascular view tests is dence or symptoms of disease are present, but there are enough risk not always necessary. You know healthy leadership is essential to business success.isSo we. “My recommendation todotarget factors to make the tests a good idea. We’re PartnerMD, Greenville’s leading concierge care practice specializing those at the highest risk the people know healthy leadership is essential to business success. So do we. When You interpreted by a trained physiinPartnerMD, executive physicals andleading primary care to equip who have family historyspecializing ofbusinesses premature We’re concierge care progressive practice cian and applied to eachGreenville’s patient within like yours with the latest advancements in medicine and holistic wellness heart disease and people with multiple the context of their physiology and care to equip progressive businesses in executive physicals and primary for you and your leadership. We tailor our programs to your exacting risk factors of cardiovascular disease, lifestyle, result is a likethe yours with of thescreening latest advancements in medicine and holistic wellness needs, providing customized control that that’s enables executives to perform whether diabetes, hypertension, customforprevention plan. A prevention you and your leadership. We tailor our programs to your exacting at the of health excel every day through care so personal, obesity, a sedentary lifestyle, plan focuses on peak overall healthand and needs, providing customized controlsmoking, that enables executives to perform it’s like having a doctor in the family. wellness and is designed to stabilize or etc.,” Durham says. Your personal at the peak of health and excel every day through care so personal,risk
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factors will help your doctor determine which advanced cardiovascular screenings make the most sense for you. This February, when you’re thinking about scheduling a romantic dinner date, also make a quick call to schedule a checkup for your loved ones and yourself. At PartnerMD, the most advanced physicals, remarkable access to physicians, and support from a health coach create a powerful combination to preventing cardiovascular disease.
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January 17, 2020 | upstatebusinessjournal.com
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BUSINESS
ECONOMICS
Pinky’s Revenge arcade bar to open in Taylors Mill
n story by EVAN PETER SMITH | photo PROVIDED
n story by ARIEL TURNER | photo PROVIDED
Owner Jeremy Barnes loved his 80’s childhood so much he’s bringing it back to life at a new arcade bar slated to open May 1 in Taylors Mill, 250 Mill St., Taylors. Barnes has named his new venture Pinky’s Revenge Arcade and Game Lounge after the pink ghost from Pac-Man and as a nod to planned charitable giving to breast cancer awareness organizations. Over the next few months, the 7,548-squarefoot space next to The Blue Ox Hatchet House and across from 13 Stripes Brewery will be transformed from vacant mill space to arcade bar. Barnes, an electrical contractor who recently saw several friends undergo treatment for breast cancer prompting his desire to support research efforts, has begun work already that will result in a multi-section, retro-themed, pink-hued rec-
14 UBJ | January 17, 2020
Greenville County saw one of its ‘best years ever’ for economic development
reational destination with a full bar and kitchen. Barnes says the U-shaped bar, each side measuring 18 feet, will sit prominently at the center. The front section of the space will feature all of the retro games that used to cost a quarter -- and they still will at Pinky’s. The back of the space will be designated for more current gaming options and be outfitted for live gaming tournaments with large-screen TVs. The snack bar, that is getting culinary direction from chef Michael Marut of The Farehouse across the parking lot, will be modeled after menus from retro movie theaters and roller-skating rinks and will also include a healthy smoothie bar.
Thirty companies are setting up shop or expanding operations in Greenville. The companies hail from all around the world — from China to Scotland, the Netherlands to Japan — as well as across the United States, but now share the distinction of calling Greenville County home. The Greenville Area Development Corporation announced 2019 as “one of Greenville County’s strongest and most rewarding years ever in terms of economic development,” according to GADC president and CEO Mark Farris. Farris said the predictions for economic development leading into 2018 were muted, with expectations of a slowdown. “But it’s frankly been a tremendous year for Greenville County by virtually any metric we monitor,” Farris said. To break down the numbers, in
2019 Greenville County saw $401.8 million in capital investment announced, with 2,178 new jobs with average salaries of just above $48,000. The companies are diverse in nature: 17 are based in core-manufacturing industries, while 13 are based in IT, office, headquarters, sales or logistics. Ten of the companies are new to Greenville entirely, while 20 are expansions of existing businesses. The total announcements mark 2019 as the second best year in terms of announced economic development in Greenville County history, falling just behind the 31 new or expanding businesses that were announced in 2016.
BUSINESS ON TAP presented by
THE UPSTATE BUSINESS JOURNAL’S MONTHLY NETWORKING EVENT IN A RELAXED ATMOSPHERE.
No pressure. No presentations.
FIRST DRINK IS ON US. NETWORKING IS ON YOU. WHERE:
Genevieve’s 300 S Main Street Greenville, SC At the Peace Center
WHEN:
Wednesday, January 22 5:30 - 7:00 PM
UpstateBusinessJournal.com
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BUSINESS
TATT names new director of Upstate Mobility Alliance n story by JESSICA MULLEN | photo PROVIDED
Connecting Our Future was a two-year effort coordinated by Ten at the Top which brought together transportation providers, business leaders, and nonprofit representatives around the issue of mobility in the Upstate. Formation of the Upstate Mobility Alliance was a key recommendation provided during the process, and recently, Ten at the Top named Michael Hildebrand as the Alliance’s new director. “We are excited to have Michael Hildebrand join our Upstate Mobility Alliance team,” said Keith Scott, director of Anderson’s Electric City Transit and co-chair of the Upstate Mobility Alliance’s leadership committee. “He will be a prominent voice illustrating the valuable role mobility plays in the overall success of the Upstate, while also promoting collaboration and community investment around mobility initiatives.” Though not a native of South Carolina, Hildebrand has spent his entire adult life in the region. He began a career in law enforcement with the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office, working as a beat cop and later Lieutenant of Public Affairs. After fifteen years of service, Michael transitioned into the healthcare field, working as
the Chief of Staff and Communications Director for the Greenville Health System, now Prisma Health. Additionally, Michael served as the President of the Greenville Health Authority and is on the board of Greenville’s International Ballet. The vision of the Upstate Mobility Alliance is that the Upstate will be a vibrant and connected region, where transportation policy and investments promote innovation, sustainable development, and economic prosperity for all residents and businesses. The ultimate success for the Alliance will be an Upstate region with greater access to transportation choices for all residents and easy movement of people and goods across the region. Membership in the Upstate Mobility Alliance is open to any individual or organization in Upstate SC that shares the vision of creating a more vibrant and connected region. For more information please visit www. UpstateMobilityAlliance.org.
New to the Street
Recently opened businesses in the Upstate
Greenville Chamber of Commerce recently
relocated. The chamber’s mission is to lead, convene and mobilize the business community to drive regional economic growth. Where: 550 S. Main St., Suite 550, Greenville Hours: 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m., Mondays-Fridays For more information: Visit greenvillechamber.org or call 864-242-1050
16 UBJ | January 17, 2020
On the Move Some of the Upstate’s most recent hires, promotions, awards and appointments HIRED: Jennifer Davis recently joined the Wellspring
Counseling team as a licensed professional counselor associate. Davis previously worked with trauma-affected children, teens and families. She is also a member of the American Association for Christian Counselors.
HIRED: Anthony Colancecco recently joined Ballentine
Capital Advisors (BCA) as chief operating officer. Colancecco is a certified financial planner and chartered retirement planning counselor. He comes to BCA with 10 years of industry experience. He is a graduate of Pennsylvania State University.
HIRED: Bart Coleman recently joined Flagship Properties.
Coleman previously served as senior director of real estate for Tops Markets, LLC/The Penn Traffic Company. He also has held positions with Earth Fair, BI-LO/Ahold, Fleming Foods, and The Kroger Company.
HIRED: Brian S. Thomas has been named president and chief operations officer of DP3 Architects, Ltd. Thomas has been with the firm since 1993 and is the restaurant studio leader for the firm. He was named a principal of the firm in 2011.
HIRED: Brittany Embert recently joined NAI Earle Furman as a broker. Embert has a background in real estate and business development. She was previously a senior property manager with Reedy Property Group.
HIRED: Tori Sanders recently joined Infinity Marketing as a
media coordinator. Sanders comes to Infinity with professional experience in public relations and social media, most recently with Jeff Dezen Public Relations. Sanders is a graduate of Bob Jones University.
NEED TO KNOW
| NEWS
BUSINESS
On the Move HIRED:
NAMED:
Suzanne Turner recently joined Crawford Strategy
Dr. Rajesh Davda was recently named as the market
as office administrator. Turner comes to Crawford Strategy with more than fifteen years of experience in management, event planning, program development and volunteer leadership.
medical executive for Cigna’s Carolinas Market. Davda was previously national medical director for network performance at Cigna, focusing on improving networks, quality, transparency, health informatics and analytics.
HIRED:
NAMED:
Jessica Bagwell recently joined Carolina Alliance
Courtland Williams has been named regional
NAMED:
NAMED:
Paulette Dunn was recently named as chief executive
Cindy Crick was recently named to the Greenville
Bank’s mortgage division as assistant vice president, mortgage lender. Bagwell has more than 28 years of experience in real estate, primarily in the Greenville/ Upstate market. She has also worked as a real estate paralegal.
director of Raymond James & Associates, Inc.’s Southern Division. Williams is also the complex manager of the firm’s Greenville and Spartanburg offices. He began his financial services career in 2003 with Morgan Keegan.
officer of Project Host. Dunn will oversee the strategic vision of the organization. Dunn previously served as executive director at Loaves and Fishes food rescue and the Muscular Dystrophy Association.
Katherine Ericson Marketing, Analyst and Information Technology Recruiter
Humane Society’s board of directors. Crick is a member of the white collar defense and government investigations team for Nelson Mullins. She previously served as both deputy chief and chief of staff to Trey Gowdy.
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January 17, 2020 | upstatebusinessjournal.com
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Networking + Business Events Planner JAN
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Sales Training Boot Camp 8 a.m.-4 p.m. | SCORE at My Greenville Office This one-day sales training boot camp is for the sales-oriented business owners ready to experience excellent business growth by learning important sales skills. SCORE Mentors, Piedmont SCORE Chapter 0232 at 864-271-3638 or info@piedmontscore.org.
JAN
JAN
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Five Forks Chapter — Monthly Meeting Noon-1 p.m. | Lowes Foods Five Forks Community Table Meeting to discuss issues of importance, events and projects, and common challenges and opportunities. Simpsonville chamber staff at 864-9633781 or info@simpsonvillechamber.com.
Caffeinated Conversations 8:30-9:30 a.m. | Coldwell Banker Caine This meeting will feature city planner Jeff Speck; the topic will be downtown walkability. Free to chamber members. $10 per non-member; Jonna Turner at jturner@ spartanburgchamber.com.
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Coffee & Connections 8:30-9:30 a.m. | Peace Center | Genevieve’s Theater Lounge | 300 S. Main St., Greenville
JAN
Handshakes and Hashbrowns 8-9 a.m. | Partners in Primary Care A morning networking event hosted by the Greer chamber. Free for Greer chamber members and guests; Josh Shaffer at josh@greerchamber.com.
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2020 Conference Series
Meet fellow investors and learn how to maximize your face-to-face opportunities with this structured networking event.
8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. | Furman University This conference series is for women who aspire to become better and stronger leaders in the workplace and their community.
Andrew Van at 864-242-1050 or avan@greenvillechamber.org.
$1,695 per person; register at: www.furman. edu/wli; Sam Tisdale at Sam.Tisdale@ furman.edu.
JAN
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Business After Hours
Woman at Work
5-7 p.m. | Pearl Dental Studio This is a networking event hosted by the Simpsonville chamber. This event is also a grand-opening event for Pearl Dental Studio.
8:30-9:30 a.m. | Steam Coffee & Cream This monthly networking meeting is hosted by the Fountain Inn chamber. This event features Erika Taylor, a local self-care advocate and personal trainer.
Free to attend; info@simpsonvillechamber. com or 864-963-3781.
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JAN
JAN
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JAN
Free to attend; www.fountaininnchamber. carrd.co.
JAN
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Upstate Business Journal Business on Tap 5:30-7:30 p.m. | Genevieve’s at Peace Center | 300 S Main St, Greenville Find out others’ secrets to networking well and share yours at the Upstate Business Journal‘s first casual business networking experience of 2020! Presenting Sponsor: Intelli-NET of SC | Venue Sponsor: Peace Center
18 UBJ | January 17, 2020
2 • 0 • 2 • 0
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Mark B. Johnston mjohnston@communityjournals.com
LET US KNOW AT
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT
sherry@communityjournals.com.
Susan Schwartzkopf
EDITOR Claire Billingsley
ASSOCIATE BUSINESS EDITOR Sherry Jackson
STAFF WRITERS
IN THIS WEEK’S ISSUE OF UBJ? WANT A COPY FOR YOUR LOBBY?
Georgia Gay, Anna Lee, Evan Peter Smith 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011
UBJ milestone
MARKETING & ADVERTISING MANAGER OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT Donna Johnston
UBJ milestone jackson Marketing Group’s 25 Years 1988 Jackson Dawson opens in Greenville at Downtown Airport
1988
1997 Jackson Dawson launches motorsports Division 1993
1990 Jackson Dawson acquires therapon marketing Group and moves to Piedmont office Center on Villa.
>>
Chairman larry Jackson, Jackson marketing Group. Photos by Greg Beckner / Staff
Jackson Marketing Group celebrates 25 years By sherry Jackson | staff | sjackson@communityjournals.com
Solve. Serve. Grow. Those three words summarize Jackson Marketing Group’s guiding principles, and according to owner Larry Jackson, form the motivation that has kept the firm thriving for the past 25 years.
Jackson graduated from Bob Jones University with a degree in video and film production and started his 41-year career in the communications industry with the U.S. Army’s Public Information Office. He served during
Vietnam, where he said he was “luckily” stationed in the middle of Texas at Fort Hood. He left the service and went to work in public affairs and motorsports at Ford Motor Company in Detroit. After a stint at Bell and Howell, where he was responsible for managing Ford’s dealer marketing and training, the entrepreneurial bug hit and he co-founded Jackson-Dawson Marketing Communications, a company specializing in dealer training and product launches for the auto industry in 1980. In 1987, Jackson wanted to move back south and thought Greenville would be a good fit. An avid pilot, he
learned of an opportunity to purchase Cornerstone Aviation, a fixed base operation (FBO) that served as a service station for the Greenville Downtown Airport, providing fuel, maintenance and storage. In fact, when he started the Greenville office of what is now Jackson Marketing Group (JMG) in 1988, the offices were housed on the second floor in an airport hangar. “Clients would get distracted by the airplanes in the hangars and we’d have to corral them to get back upstairs to the meeting,” Jackson said. Jackson sold the FBO in 1993, but says it was a great way to get to know Greenville’s fathers and leaders
>>
with a majority of them utilizing the general aviation airport as a “corporate gateway to the city.” In 1997, Jackson and his son, Darrell, launched Jackson Motorsports Group. The new division was designed to sell race tires and go to racetracks to sell and mount the tires. Darrell Jackson now serves as president of the motorsports group and Larry Jackson has two other children and a son-in-law who work there. Jackson said all his children started at the bottom and “earned their way up.” Jackson kept the Jackson-Dawson branches in Detroit and others in Los Angeles and New York until he sold his portion of that partnership in 2009 as part of his estate planning. The company now operates a small office in Charlotte, but its main headquarters are in Greenville in a large office space off Woodruff Road, complete with a vision gallery that displays local artwork and an auditorium Jackson makes available for non-profit use. The Motorsports Group is housed in an additional 26,000 square feet building just down the street, and the agency is currently looking for another 20,000 square feet. Jackson said JMG has expanded into other verticals such as financial, healthcare, manufacturing and pro-bono work, but still has a strong focus on the auto industry and transportation. It’s
2009 Jackson Dawson changes name to Jackson marketing Group when larry sells his partnership in Detroit and lA
2003 motorsports Division acquires an additional 26,000 sq. ft. of warehouse space
1998 1998 Jackson Dawson moves to task industrial Court
also one of the few marketing companies in South Carolina to handle all aspects of a project in-house, with four suites handling video production, copywriting, media and research and web design. Clients include heavyweights such as BMW, Bob Jones University, the Peace Center, Michelin and Sage Automotive. Recent projects have included an interactive mobile application for Milliken’s arboretum and 600-acre Spartanburg campus and a marketing campaign for the 2013 Big League World Series. “In my opinion, our greatest single achievement is the longevity of our client relationships,” said Darrell Jackson. “Our first client from back in 1988 is still a client today. I can count on one hand the number of clients who have gone elsewhere in the past decade.” Larry Jackson says his Christian faith and belief in service to others, coupled with business values rooted in solving clients’ problems, have kept
2003 2009-2012 Jackson marketing Group named a top BtoB agency by BtoB magazine 4 years running
him going and growing his business over the years. He is passionate about giving back and outreach to non-profits. The company was recently awarded the Community Foundation Spirit Award. The company reaffirmed its commitment to serving the community last week by celebrating its 25th anniversary with a birthday party and a 25-hour Serve-A-Thon partnership with Hands on Greenville and Habitat for Humanity. JMG’s 103 full-time employees worked in shifts around the clock on October 22 and 23 to help construct a house for a deserving family. As Jackson inches towards retirement, he says he hasn’t quite figured out his succession plan yet, but sees the companies staying under the same umbrella. He wants to continue to strategically grow the business. “From the beginning, my father has taught me that this business is all about our people – both our clients and our associates,” said his son, Darrell. “We have created a focus and a culture that strives to solve problems, serve people and grow careers.” Darrell Jackson said he wants to “continue helping lead a culture where we solve, serve and grow. If we are successful, we will continue to grow towards our ultimate goal of becoming the leading integrated marketing communications brand in the Southeast.”
2011 Jackson marketing Group/Jackson motorsports Group employee base reaches 100 people
2008 2012 Jackson marketing Group recognized by Community Foundation with Creative spirit Award
AS SEEN IN
American Red Cross of Western Carolinas Metropolitan Arts Council Artisphere Big League World Series The Wilds Advance SC South Carolina Charities, Inc. Aloft Hidden Treasure Christian School
CoMMUnitY inVolVeMent & boarD positions lArry JACkson (ChAirmAn): Bob Jones University Board chairman, The Wilds Christian Camp and Conference Center board member, Gospel Fellowship Association board member, Past Greenville Area Development Corporation board member, Past Chamber of Commerce Headquarters Recruiting Committee member, Past Greenville Tech Foundation board member David Jones (Vice President Client services, Chief marketing officer): Hands on Greenville board chairman mike Zeller (Vice President, Brand marketing): Artisphere Board, Metropolitan Arts Council Board, American Red Cross Board, Greenville Tech Foundation Board, South Carolina Chamber Board eric Jackson (Jackson motorsports Group sales specialist): Salvation Army Boys & Girls Club Advisory Board
NOVEMBER 1, 2013
MARKETING REPRESENTATIVES Heather Propp | Jessica Schwartz Abby Guin
ADVERTISING OPERATIONS MANAGER
Order a reprint today, PDFs available for $25. For more information, contact Anita Harley 864.679.1205 or aharley@ communityjournals.com
Meredith Rice Callie Michalak
CLIENT SERVICES DIGITAL CONTENT MANAGER John Olson
ART & PRODUCTION GRAPHIC DESIGN
UBJ welcomes expert commentary from business leaders on timely news topics related to their specialties. Guest columns run 500 words. Contact the editor at editor@communityjournals.com to submit an article for consideration.
Laura Allshouse, Kimberly Collier
ADVERTISING DESIGN
PHOTO CONTEST The Greenville Journal invites you to
share your best photos of what the Upstate has to offer.
Each month one Editor’s Choice winner will win a $50 gift card to an Upstate business. Three honorable mention photos will also receive a $25 gift card to an Upstate business.
ACCOUNT MANAGER
Anita Harley | Lizzie Campbell
LENS
pro-bono/non-proFit Clients
November 1, 2013 Upstate bUsiness joUrnal 21
20 Upstate bUsiness joUrnal November 1, 2013
READER’S
Winning entries will be published in the Greenville Journal.
JANUARY 2020 THEME:
ALL THINGS NEW
Circulation Audit by
Michael Allen
VICE PRESIDENT OF OPERATIONS Holly Hardin
EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT Kristi Fortner
HOW TO CONTRIBUTE Have a recently opened business in the Upstate? Submit photo and details to newtothestreet@communityjournals.com
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publishers of GREENVILLE JOURNAL 581 Perry Avenue, Greenville, SC 29611 864-679-1200 | communityjournals.com For subscriptions, call 864-679-1240 or visit UpstateBusinessJournal.com Copyright ©2020 BY COMMUNITY JOURNALS LLC. All rights reserved. Upstate Business Journal is published biweekly by Community Journals LLC. 581 Perry Ave., Greenville, South Carolina, 29611. Upstate Business Journal is a free publication. Annual subscriptions (26 issues) can be purchased for $50. Postmaster: Send address changes to Upstate Business, 581 Perry Ave., Greenville, South Carolina, 29611. Printed in the USA.
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