AXIS PACKAGING • LESSONS FROM AMAZON HQ BID • GREENVILLE CHAMBER AWARDS
FEBRUARY 2, 2018 | VOL. 7 ISSUE 5
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F E M A LE - L E D BUS I N E S S E S I N D E P E N DE NT S UCCE S S E S
THE RUNDOWN |
TOP-OF-MIND AND IN THE MIX THIS WEEK
VOLUME 7, ISSUE 5 Featured this issue: Jump Start: Axis Packaging...........................................................................................4 The emphasis on regionalism in USC Upstate’s mission..................................16 Examining trademark litigation trends in South Carolina..............................17
Studies on the impact of local food systems generally show positive effects for local economies: Rather than money leaving the area and going to support nonlocal farmers, brokers, wholesalers, and corporate shareholders in an increasingly centralized and consolidated system, the dollars are kept circulating in the local economy. Read more about the local food movement in this week’s Greenville Journal. Photo by Will Crooks
WORTH REPEATING “When you own your own business, your work is reflected in it. I think that’s attractive for women.” Rebecca Feldman, Page 10
“We had a Black Friday you wouldn’t believe.” Gene Berger, Page 14
“The Amazon Request for Proposals allowed us to ask ourselves some critical questions that can guide our future work.” John Lummus, Page 18 2
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VERBATIM
On “jackpotting” “The targeted stand-alone ATMs are routinely located in pharmacies, big-box retailers, and drive-thru ATMs.” The Secret Service, in a release shared with CNN Tech, on a new scheme in which hackers use malware and other tools to get ATMs to rapidly dispense cash.
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P R O G R A M
The Pickens County legislative delegation presents the Order of the Palmetto to Blue Ridge Electric President and CEO Charles Dalton for his extraordinary lifetime service to South Carolina. Photo provided
Dalton Honored for Service President and CEO of Blue Ridge Electric Cooperative honored with Order of the Palmetto ROBERT HULL | EDITORIAL INTERN
rhull@communityjournals.com
Charles Dalton, president and CEO of Blue Ridge Electric Cooperative, was presented with the Order of the Palmetto on Jan. 11 during his retirement reception at the Poinsett Club. The Order of the Palmetto is awarded to South Carolina citizens for extraordinary lifetime service and achievements of national or statewide significance. It is South Carolina’s highest civilian honor. Dalton said he is honored to be given such an award. “I have always believed that we have an obligation to do all we can to improve things when we have the opportunity,” Dalton said. He assumed the role of president and CEO of Blue Ridge in 1982, when the cooperative was supplying electricity to 29,000 members. Under his
leadership, that number grew to 66,000, providing power to the state’s most challenging terrain. He served 35 years with the cooperative. “I look forward to many more years of community service in this great state I call home,” Dalton said. Dalton was also responsible for the cooperative’s annual charitable fundraiser, Blue Ridge Fest, which has netted nearly $2.5 million since 1998. The funds have been divided among numerous local charities during that 20-year period. He also served on many boards and commissions. He spent two terms on the South Carolina Highway Commission; he was chairman of the Better Business Bureau of Upstate South Carolina and Upstate SC Alliance; and he had memberships on numerous other economic-development agencies’ boards. 2.2.2018 | upstatebusinessjournal.com
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JUMPSTART |
COMPANIES BLAZING A TRAIL IN ENTREPRENEURSHIP
PACK IT UP Company name: Axis Packaging Name/title of owner/founder: Geordy Davidson, president Year founded: 2017 Number of employees: 11 (five in Greenville, one in Chicago, and five in Jacksonville) Location of business: Downtown Greenville
LOGISTICS
Big Things Greenville-based Axis Packaging breaks out of the box with digital marketing MIKE MCMILLAN | CONTRIBUTOR
In the old paradigm, products were sold off-the-shelf whether they fit the customer’s needs or not. Axis Packaging has built its strategy around tossing that out. Axis President Geordy Davidson said the company distances itself from being a commodity-based business; rather, Axis focuses on how it can solve packaging problems and save companies dollars, not just nickels and dimes. The product can be as unique as the company itself, as the company offers an assessment to develop packaging materials — crates, pallets, stretch wrap, and strapping — that are tailored to the company’s needs. Axis has been in business for a little more than a month, but the collective experience of the staff, according to Davidson, exceeds 50 years. With the recent acquisition of Jacksonville, Fla.-based Strapping Products, he believes the company could have well more than 100 years of combined experience. 4
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Much of Axis’ strategy involves investing in packaging engineers and software to develop products to meet businesses’ needs at a cost that could be a bit more on the front end but saves a lot more over the long term. In addition to its main site, Axispack. com, the company has launched a pair of microsites dedicated to specific elements of packaging materials. StretchSource.com and ClearChoicePoly.com market specifically to businesses looking for stretch wrap and poly bags, respectively. They have plans to launch a third website that focuses on strapping material. Moreover, the company is one of the most active packaging companies on social media, according to Davidson. The company also maintains fresh content on the website’s blog, a source of education for Axis’ customers. Still, the company’s biggest asset, Davidson said, is the staff. “We have a great place to work,” he said. “I want people to be excited to come to work.”
REAL ESTATE DEALS AND DEVELOPMENTS ACROSS THE REGION
TREVOR ANDERSON | STAFF tanderson@communityjournals.com |
@AndersonTrev
Colliers International announces new downtown Spartanburg office, hires Montgomery A top-flight commercial real estate firm will bolster its presence in Spartanburg. Colliers International’s South Carolina brokerage has leased 2,000 square feet at 145 W. Main St. in downtown Spartanburg, on the top floor of the three-story former Carolina Gallery building now home to Bond Street Wines. The space overlooking Morgan Square will serve as the company’s new Spartanburg office that will be manned by brokers Garrett Scott and Brockton Hall. In conjunction with the new office, Colliers announced Monday, Jan. 22, it has hired Spartanburg developer John Montgomery as vice president. Montgomery will also work out of the Spartanburg office. “The breadth of his experience significantly enhances our firm’s ability to serve our clients not only in the Upstate, but across South Carolina and in the Southeast as well,” said John W. Folsom, president and CEO of Colliers | South Carolina, in a statement. Montgomery left Upstate-based Pacolet Milliken Enterprises Inc. in 2015 to form his own development company. He helped orchestrate the redevelopment of Spartanburg’s historic Drayton Mill, and has worked with Scott and Hall on several large economic development projects in the county and beyond, such as Toray, Ritrama, and Magna Seating. Montgomery, originally of Spartanburg, is a graduate of the Liberty Fellowship and the National Outdoor Leadership School. He has served on boards for Converse College, Glenn Springs Academy, Boys and Girls Clubs of the Upstate, SAFE Homes Rape Crisis Coalition, Spartanburg Com-
munity College Foundation, and the University of South Carolina Upstate Foundation. Montgomery also serves as chairman of the City of Spartanburg’s Commission of Public Works. “I am thrilled to be joining Garrett Scott and the Colliers team to open a Spartanburg location,” Montgomery said in a statement. “With Garret’s vast experience in the industrial development industry, as well as all of the economic activity that Spartanburg is experiencing, I think this is a perfect time for a top-ranked national firm such as Colliers to expand their presence in the market.” “Colliers prides itself on combining the best of local, boots-on-theground market expertise with a global, cutting-edge platform,” said David Feild, market president of Colliers’ Spartanburg and Greenville locations. “Adding a physical presence in Spartanburg is the next logical step for us.” Colliers said the Spartanburg office will offer expertise “for all product types and services” in its platform by leveraging its expertise in the Upstate and across South Carolina. “This is the model that has led Colliers to success in South Carolina and around the world, by promoting specialization among its brokerage professionals, who focus on office, retail, industrial, and investment properties, and collaborate with other specialists, such as those in property management, development services, and corporate solutions. Colliers also provides customized solutions to meet the needs of the client rather than applying a one-size-fits-all approach to commercial real estate,” the company said in a statement. 2.2.2018 | upstatebusinessjournal.com
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NEWS |
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TECHNOLOGY
RESOURCES
ScanSource named to Fortune magazine’s list of Most Admired
Fluor Daniel bags Shell contract in North Sea
ScanSource Inc., a global provider of technology products and solutions, has been named to Fortune magazine’s 2018 list of World’s Most Admired Companies. The annual survey is given to top executives, directors, and financial analysts from more than 600 global companies, to identify organizations with the strongest reputations within their industries and across industries, according to a news release. “This honor reinforces the hard work of our employees across the globe, as it speaks volumes about our commitment to our valued partners, as well as our dedication to providing the services and solutions they need to be successful,” said Mike Baur, CEO of ScanSource, which is headquartered in Greenville.
Texas-based Fluor Corp., which has three offices in Greenville, has been awarded a contract by Shell for the engineering, procurement, and fabrication of a new floating oil production, storage, and offloading vessel (FPSO) in the North Sea. “We are pleased to partner with Shell in the U.K. as they make this significant investment in their North Sea operations,” said Jim Brittain, president of Fluor’s energy and chemicals business. “We leveraged Fluor’s full range of integrated solutions to drive down the project’s costs and our fabrication capabilities were a clear differentiator.” Brittain added that Fluor’s office in the Philippines will oversee the project.
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Fortune magazine’s list of World’s Most Admired Companies, which is now in its 35th year, is generated in partnership with Korn Ferry, an executive search and recruiting firm headquartered in Los Angeles. Companies are evaluated based on nine attributes: their ability to attract and retain talent, quality of management, social responsibility to the community and the environment, innovation, quality of products or services, wise use of corporate assets, financial soundness, long-term investment value, and effectiveness in global business. BMW, Lockheed Martin, Fluor Corp., Adidas, Michelin, Sealed Air, and Siemens were just a few of the other companies with a presence in the Upstate named to the list. – Andrew Moore
The new FPSO, which is Shell’s first manned installation in the North Sea in almost 30 years, will have a peak production of about 45,000 barrels of oil equivalent a day and store up to 400,000 barrels, according to a news release. It will be designed to operate continuously for 20 years without dry docking and will help extend the life of the Penguins oil and gas field, which was discovered in 1974 and first developed in 2002. Shell said oil from the redeveloped Penguins field would have a breakeven price below $40 per barrel. Brent crude, the international benchmark for oil prices, is currently trading around three-year highs close to $70 a barrel. –Andrew Moore
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WORKFORCE
Greenville Area Development Corp.’s new site aims to be resource for talent acquisition The Greenville Area Development Corp. (GADC) has announced the launch of a website aimed at helping new or expanding companies fill their talent needs. GADC said the website, www.jobsingreenvillesc. com, is designed to “quickly and efficiently” connect prospective employees with companies it has worked with in economic development. The organization said the site is not intended to aggregate and post the actual jobs, but to serve as a convenient clearinghouse referring job seekers directly to the career pages and portals of the companies in need. Mark Farris, GADC’s CEO, said the site will save applicants from having to research which companies in Greenville County are hiring. “Labor availability continues to be the single biggest concern of both new and expanding industry, and we typically deal with several dozen relocating or expanding organizations adding
hundreds — even thousands — of jobs annually,” Farris said in a statement. “We wanted to create a simple way for website visitors and county residents to quickly see all of the companies we’ve worked with that are seeking local talent, what types of positions they are offering, and how to go about getting full details — even applying in just one or two clicks,” he added. GADC said the site also has information that connects visitors to leading staffing and recruiting
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firms the organization works with on a regular basis. And the site “cross links” to the main GADC website, which has information on target industries, demographics, education, business climate, market conditions, workforce, and cost of living, as well as a resources section. It will gradually be expanded, GADC said. Those plans include encouraging the more than 100 organizations that support GADC to link to their own sites when they are hiring. “We also know that we reside in one of the best places to work and live in the Southeast, so a large emphasis of the site deals with our quality of life here in Greenville County,” Farris said. “By attracting new, highly educated, and skilled people to our area, we immediately become more attractive to industries that require a talented workforce.” –Trevor Anderson
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Southern First reports 2017 results Greenville-based Southern First Bank’s earnings decreased more than 36 percent during the fourth quarter, but remained level with its earnings in 2016. Southern First Bancshares, the bank’s holding company, reported Jan. 23 that Southern First Bank’s net income was $2.1 million during the quarter, compared with $3.3 million during the same quarter of the previous year. For the year, the bank’s net income remained at $13 million. “I am proud of our Southern First team and our accomplishments in 2017 as we report record growth in both loans and deposits for the year,” said Art Seaver, founder and CEO of Southern First. “We have made tremendous progress in building client relationships and telling our story through our expansion to the Atlanta region and
relocation of our Raleigh [N.C.] office to its permanent location. We are heading into the new year with significant momentum throughout our company.” Southern First reported its total loans increased 19 percent to $1.39 billion during the fourth quarter, compared with $1.16 billion during the same period of 2016. Total deposits increased 27 percent to $1.38 billion during the quarter, compared with $1.09 billion during the fourth quarter of the prior year. Southern First said that as of Dec. 31, its nonperforming assets were $7.5 million, compared with $6.1 million on Dec. 31, 2016. The bank said it continues to exceed the regulatory requirements for a “well capitalized” institution. –Trevor Anderson
NETWORKING
Ten at the Top to host third annual PIQUE Summit Ten at the Top will host the third annual PIQUE: Young Professionals Elevating the Upstate Summit on March 22. PIQUE focuses on connecting young professionals ages 21-39 in the 10 counties comprising the Upstate. Ten at the Top, an organization that encourages regional collaboration, wanted to create an event for young professionals to network and gain valuable development opportunities as they work to become regional leaders. Dean Hybl, Ten at the Top’s executive director, said the organization is happy to host another PIQUE. “The Upstate region has grown to support an extensive young professional community,” Hybl
said, “and we are pleased to be able to annually convene an event that connects young professionals from across the region with each other as well as with more experienced Upstate leaders.” PIQUE ’18 will feature four workshops, a panel on globalism in the Upstate, an executive roundtable, and a networking reception with opportunities to connect with Upstate business and community leaders. About 200-300 young leaders are expected to attend. Ten at the Top board members and executives representing Upstate businesses, local governments, and community organizations will also be present. – Robert Hull 2.2.2018 | upstatebusinessjournal.com
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FRANCHISES & WOMEN
An Equation for Success
Words by trevor anderson Photos by will crooks
The number of women-owned businesses has more than doubled in the last decade. Meet three Upstate women who are part of the trend.
Rebecca Feldman switched careers from nonprofit fundraising to co-owning a Two Men and a Truck franchise. Working with her husband, the business has grown to eight locations and 250 employees during the past 15 years.
cross the nation, entrepreneurship is on the rise. But growth among female business owners, particularly in South Carolina, is far outpacing growth among males and closing the gap between the two sexes. Credit card giant American Express said in its annual State of Women-Owned Businesses Report that, as of January 2017, there were an estimated 11.6 million businesses owned by women in the U.S. From 1997 to 2017, the number of women-owned businesses increased 114 percent, compared to an average national growth rate of 44 percent for all businesses, according to the report. The U.S. Census Bureau’s 2012 Survey of
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Business owners showed there were about 9.9 million firms owned by females in the country, a nearly 27 percent increase compared with 7.8 million in the previous survey done in 2007. Meanwhile, the number of businesses owned by men increased only 6.8 percent to more than 14.8 million in 2012, compared with about 13.9 million five years earlier, according to the survey. Citing U.S. Census data, the National Women’s Business Council said that of the country’s nonfarm and privately held businesses, 36.3 percent were owned by women in 2012, compared with 28.8 percent in 2007. In the Palmetto State, female entrepreneurship jumped 32.6 percent in 2012 to 131,856 firms, compared with 99,445 in 2007, U.S. Census data showed.
Male ownership in South Carolina grew by less than 2 percent from 198,870 in 2007 to 202,446 in 2012. FranNet, a franchise consulting firm, said that between 2011 and 2016, it has seen a 71 percent increase in female franchise ownership, compared with 26 percent in male ownership. “The most obvious reason is that women who are employed as executives get laid off just as men do,” said Mike Hall, president and owner of FranNet Carolina, a franchise sales and consulting firm with offices in Charleston and Charlotte and Raleigh, N.C. “The more women that get into middle-management roles, the more that are going to get laid off.” “In my experience, I have found that women, who have made good money and are highly educated, are reaching a place where they’d
FRANCHISES & WOMEN
Karen Rampey returned to her roots as the daughter of restaurant owners by founding Pi-Squared in Hendersonville, N.C. The pizza eatery became a legal franchise last year.
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rather take control of their own destiny rather than letting someone else be in charge of it,” Hall added. “For me, I’ve seen about a 25 to 30 percent increase in women owners during the past few years. I would expect that to go up in the future.” Despite some of the perceptions about men having the edge when it comes to the entrepreneurial spirit, Hall said women have many strengths their male counterparts don’t have that make them successful small-business leaders. “[Women] tend to be better collaborators,” he said. “They are better at getting things done in teams. Those are two things you need to be in order to be successful as a small business. You’re not going to grow a business unless you create an environment where people feel valued.” “In general, women listen better, reason better, and they understand what’s needed to build a good team,” Hall said. “They’re just as good as men at solving problems.” Women are also proving their mettle in sectors traditionally thought of as dominated by men, he said. Hall referenced one former client who was a franchise owner for Cottman Transmission, a transmission and auto repair shop, and established herself as one of the company’s top leaders. “If there was ever an industry dominated by men, that would’ve been it,” he said. “But she was one of their best owners. The men very much enjoyed working for her. … It’s all businesses. Franchises are just another way for women to own businesses. I don’t see that demarcation, where women should own a business for women.” Hall explained that since the Great Recession, men and women have gravitated to entrepreneurship rather than to “corporate America.” He said that people, especially parents, are seeking things that go beyond merely being in control of their destiny, such as a different pace of life, flexibility in their schedule, less travel, and more time with their families. “I think it’s a natural evolution based on the economy in general,” Hall said. He said with economic and population growth in the Upstate happening now and projected into the future, the
2.2.2018 | upstatebusinessjournal.com
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FRANCHISES & WOMEN
Rita Blackwell turned her love of the outdoors into a robust pest control franchise, which allowed her to leave a corporate job with a tax service group.
region is poised to see an explosion of small businesses, particularly in the service sector and companies that appeal to millennials. “The Rust Belt is the Rust Belt for a reason,” Hall said. “Tires and cars are being produced in Mexico and Japan. … This is considered a really good place to live. The Greenville-Spartanburg area feels large, but when you compare it to Charlotte, it feels small. Charlotte has grown really large, but when you compare it to Atlanta, it seems small. Whether it’s Atlanta, Charlotte, or Greenville-Spartanburg, people are moving here. We have a favorable tax climate and an environment that is business-friendly.” With the growth rate of female-owned businesses in South Carolina on the upswing, the Upstate Business Journal has identified three local women out of many who are successfully growing their ventures.
REBECCA FELDMAN, CO-OWNER OF TWO MEN AND A TRUCK OF GREENVILLE
In 2001, Rebecca Feldman and her husband, Bryan, were newly married and living in Atlanta.
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Rebecca came from a background in fundraising for nonprofits. Bryan has worked for the moving franchise Two Men and a Truck in Columbia. The couple were presented with the opportunity to purchase the Greenville Two Men and a Truck franchise. In 2002, they capitalized on the opportunity, picked up stakes, and moved to Greenville. During the past 15 years, the Feldmans have grown their company to eight locations and just under 250 employees in Florida, South Carolina, and Virginia, all while raising their two children. “For women, it’s so hard to strike a balance,” Rebecca Feldman said. “You are trying to get the children where they need to be, run the carpools, have dinner prepared, get everyone fed. … When you own your own business, you have many tasks and expectations that need to get done within the day. But at times you have more flexibility. You’re able to carve out bits of time with your family. It’s much easier than if you are at a job where there are hours you have to be there, set amounts of vacation days, and are working within someone else’s structure.
“For me, the flexibility has been amazing over the years,” Feldman added. “Bryan and I, we’ve always been able to find a balance. If we have a sick day, a snow day, a field trip, we’ve always been able to share the load.” She said she never thought “in a million years” that she’d be an entrepreneur. “There’s a sense of accomplishment when it’s yours,” Feldman said. “You take every single thing to heart. There’s such a sense of pride. In the corporate world, you may not get as much recognition, or praise for a job well done. When you own your own business, your work is reflected in it. I think that’s attractive for women. They can truly see progress, positive outcomes, and know it’s theirs. You also have the opportunity to improve the lives of your employees and your community.”
RITA BLACKWELL, CO-OWNER OF MOSQUITO JOE
(UPSTATE SC AND WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA) Rita Blackwell grew up in Spartanburg County, but graduated from Wade Hampton High School in Greenville County. She spent 14 years in England, where she
FRANCHISES & WOMEN
graduated from Chester University and worked as a registered nurse. Blackwell returned to the states and worked for Liberty Tax Service’s corporate office in Virginia Beach, Va. She later became an area developer for the company, where she said she “learned a lot about the franchise model.” Eric, her husband, had spent the past two decades working for his family’s tool and stamping business after graduating from Chapman High School in Spartanburg County. In 2017, the couple, who love being outdoors and being active with their children, decided to get into pest control. “I instantly became a fan,” Rita Blackwell said. “I tried it and I knew if this stuff works for me, it will work for anyone. … This is the easiest job I’ve ever had because I’m passionate about it.” Blackwell said the couple were drawn to the franchise model because it offers corporate backing and support from a network of other franchisees. They also enjoy the freedom and flexibility that come with owning their own business. “The best thing about it is you’re in business for yourself, but not by yourself,” she said. “I like the fact that I don’t have to reinvent the wheel. If I do my best, I’m going to be successful. When I run into bumps in the road, I don’t have to spend my money to figure it out. I can ask corporate or other franchisees for advice based on their experiences.” Blackwell said she knows home services businesses aren’t traditionally thought of as being attractive for women, but she said there are plenty of opportunities for women to get into the field and succeed. “If there is anything I would say to any women looking at something like this, don’t be scared,” she said. “In the corporate environment, it’s almost impossible for a woman to attain financial security and flexibility at the same time.”
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KAREN RAMPEY, OWNER OF PI-SQUARED PIZZA
When Karen Rampey was in high school, her family moved from Trenton, N.J., to Greer. Her parents bought a restaurant, where she worked while earning her degree at Clemson University and then continued until she turned 26. After she left the restaurant, Rampey had her first child and eventually found her way into a career as a director of human resources for a large long-term care company. While she disliked the travel that was part of the job, Rampey did have the opportunity to visit friends in Detroit. And it was in the Motor City where she was familiarized with a new style of pizza that she decided to bring back to the Upstate. On Feb. 1, 2016, Rampey opened her flagship Pi-Squared location in Hendersonville, N.C., which isn’t too far from her home in Mill Spring. In summer 2017, she launched two other stores in Spartanburg County — a corporate store in Boiling Springs and another one she owns at Drayton Mills Marketplace. Rampey said Pi-Squared recently became a legal franchise. She hopes to open at least one more store featuring the brand’s signature pizzas, Motown music, and a Detroit theme. “[Entrepreneurship] is great because you make your own hours,” Rampey said. “You only answer to yourself. Your success or failure is on you. … It’s a wonderful feeling to offer job opportunities to people and to help them advance their careers. And, since we are now franchising, we’ll be giving others the opportunities to follow their dreams.” 4 | NGU.EDU 2.2.2018 | upstatebusinessjournal.com
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COVER |
INDEPENDENT SUCCESSES
Survival of the Smallest In an age of internet shopping and major retail chains closing scores of locations across the country, independent Upstate businesses continue to draw customers
Words by Mike McMillan Photos by will crooks
Horizon Records has capitalized on the resurgence of vinyl records.
If there’s one constant across retail, it’s that the internet has taken a sizeable chunk out of brick-and-mortar stores’ bottom lines. In 2017, discount stores Sears and Kmart closed 116 and 283 stores across the country, respectively. Payless Shoe Source filed for bankruptcy, leading to 808 closings. Radio Shack led the way with 1,430 stores shuttered. So in an era where even billion-dollar companies can’t get traffic in the doors, how can small businesses in the Upstate have a prayer? It turns out they’re weathering the storm better than many retailers with far more experience and — until recently — money. Anderson’s Planet Comics, for a small, nondescript location, has managed to increase sales each year since it started 30 years ago. Owner Michael Thompson embraced online sales, rather than spurned them, for nearly 20 years. “We do all the marketplaces,” Thompson said. “The success is being able to adapt to what the market is.” In addition to the usual outlets — eBay and Amazon — the store has also sold through its 14
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own website, www.planetcomics.net. But what makes the store truly special, beyond the merchandise, is the experience.
“ We were worried about e-books for a while, but it seems to have flattened out.” Jill Hendrix, owner, Fiction Addiction
Whereas most floor space in a typical big-box store is limited to product displays, Planet Comics opened plenty of space for game tournaments, allowing it to develop a loyal base of customers right in Anderson. In addition, it has a huge demo library, allowing gamers to try before they buy.
But Thompson sees a lot more potential for growth, as comic-book films have become huge hits at the box office. “There are a lot more people interested in Batman,” he said, “that we can tap into.” Across the street in Anderson, Rainbow Records has been a local fixture since MTV first hit the airwaves. Owner Mark Hembree’s store has outlasted scores of chain record stores, including Tower Records and Sam Goody, but he’s the first to admit it’s been a roller-coaster ride. Hembree, with the help of his wife, Lou Anne, worked tirelessly over the years keeping the store going, at one point managing two locations before the market for music collapsed in the early 2000s. “I was really surprised I survived,” he said. Hembree’s store is mostly about CDs and vinyl, the latter of which has helped make up for flagging CD sales. But Rainbow is well-known for its selection of used CDs. Rainbow Records hasn’t survived quite as much on internet sales, which Hembree uses if he’s having trouble moving a rare item. They’re
IINDEPENDENT SUCCESSES
When Jill Hendrix opened Fiction Addiction in 2001, the store sold mostly used books. The effects of the Great Recession made her shift to selling new books. Today, the store offers publishing services and regularly hosts author talks and book signings.
not afraid to tap into social media, however, when it drives customers back to the store. Growth might not be the big focus for Hembree as he’s approaching retirement age in a flagging industry, but he said he wouldn’t write off an online store if he didn’t have his physical location. Gene Berger’s Horizon Records has been around for even longer, and has the benefit of a revitalized downtown Greenville nearby to draw in shoppers. Horizon is family run, like Rainbow
Records, and has been in operation for 40 years. “We’ve seen a lot,” Berger said. “We’re passionate about music.” Much like Rainbow, Horizon doesn’t use ebay or Amazon much, except for the occasional collectible. He said they want folks to find a reason to come see them. Vinyl has been a huge part of Horizon’s endurance, as the crunch hitting music retailers has taken its toll on the store, as well. However, the store’s focus on music has earned it a spot
| COVER
on Southern Living’s top five record stores in the South. And as vinyl has grown in popularity, it’s paid dividends for Horizon. “We had a Black Friday you wouldn’t believe,” Berger said. Fiction Addiction, also in Greenville, looks to offer customers an experience other than simply price. Owner Jill Hendrix has kept the store evolving and growing since 2001, during times that have claimed many book retailers — including several chains. She opened the store primarily selling used books, but the Great Recession shifted the store from used to new, and now she offers publishing services. At the time of the recession, she said, customers looking for used books were more affected — ironically — than those looking for new ones. Fiction Addiction, however, hasn’t been any less immune to online shopping. “We were worried about e-books for a while, but it seems to have flattened out,” Hendrix said. She also said online retailers for traditional books were eating into sales. But as Greenville has grown, so have opportunities for the store to grow and seek partnerships. “We’re happy to work with any organization looking to bring a speaker to Greenville,” she said. The store frequently has authors come to speak and do book signings. An online presence has been a great boon to women’s clothing retailer Blake and Brady Boutique. A relatively new Anderson retailer, Blake and Brady opened 10 years ago and has weathered the retail storm with surprising success. Owner Chris Sullivan caught the social media marketing wave before anyone. At one point, the store had 300,000 followers at a time when those numbers were unheard of. However, he said staying on top of social media trends has been difficult. Email lists that were so valuable just a few years ago, he said, are the last thing they care about. He said they’re constantly finding ways to reach younger shoppers — many of whom hate emails. Sullivan’s boutique has been such a success that he and his wife were honored at a University of Georgia alumni event that recognized graduates that had the best business growth. Blake and Brady was a top-10 business. In addition, they tend to hire folks that know fashion and can help shoppers find the right outfit. Moreover, Sullivan said that coming to the store lets customers try on outfits and allows for a personal attachment people don’t get from ordering online. “We’re trying to instill in folks to buy local,” he said. 2.2.2018 | upstatebusinessjournal.com
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WHAT ’S NEXT FOR THE UPSTATE, AND HOW WE’LL GET THERE
A Regional Partner New report on USC System reveals USC Upstate a key contributor to region and state’s economic health The mission of a state comprehenBy DR. BRENDAN B. KELLY, sive university, chancellor, USC Upstate such as the University of South Carolina Upstate, is to serve as a major regional partner. As a state comprehensive university, we need to be committed to the unique possibilities that accompany regionalism. Opportunities to serve as an economic engine, talent developer, and innovator for the Upstate fall squarely into that mission. Most importantly, a state comprehensive university should enhance the quality of life for the communities we serve and be a source of opportunity for industry, individuals, and families. Regional comprehensive universities are designed to serve their regions and communities first. USC Upstate is focused on fulfilling that promise. For instance, the sometimes quiet, but fundamental impact of USC Upstate is identified in the fabric of our regional economic landscape. In late 2017, the University of South Carolina System released an economic impact report that outlined the significant contributions the USC System makes to the economic health of South Carolina. The report detailed the economic impact of USC Upstate at a level exceeding $500 million annually. This finding serves as a reminder that USC Upstate is a regional partner for the entire Upstate.
IT’S PLANE SIMPLE
MORE NONSTOPS • CONVENIENT PARKING LESS HASSLE • LOW FARES
100 OVER
TOTAL D NONST AILY OPS
7%
CH THAN CEAPER HA ON AVE RLOTTE RAG E*
www.gspairport.com *Average one way fare plus Passenger Facility Charge in each of GSP’s top 50 markets per USDOT for 12 months ending June 30, 2017.
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Upward mobility for the students we serve is a key performance indicator. The data overwhelmingly indicate that access to a four-year degree is critical to producing that outcome. In 2017, we awarded more than 1,300 degrees that will strengthen the region with talent and enrich students’ lives with the tools for a successful life.
The report concluded that the economic benefits of higher education are far reaching for both individuals and for the state as a whole. College graduates earn higher wages and have better job opportunities, while the local economy benefits from the economic spillover effects that result in wage increases for all workers. USC Upstate maintains the primary goal of providing higher education to the citizens of this state. We attract students from every county in South Carolina, 27 states, and 14 nations, although the vast majority of our students come from within South Carolina. This “new talent” converges in Spartanburg and Greenville each year to begin building their lives through the entryway and promise of higher education at USC Upstate. Supporting, nurturing, and enhancing the strength and prosperity of this region through talent development and opportunity building is central to the mission of USC Upstate. As one of the top 15 fastest-growing baccalaureate-granting institutions in the United States, the No. 2 public regional college in the South, home to 6,000 students, and with nearly 40 undergraduate and multiple graduate programs, 17 NCAA Division I sports, about 30,000 alumni, and an economic impact on this region and state that exceeds half a billion dollars each year, we are well positioned to continue to serve as a foundational, regional partner. Upward mobility for the students we serve is a key performance indicator. The data overwhelmingly indicate that access to a four-year degree is critical to producing that outcome. In 2017, we awarded more than 1,300 degrees that will strengthen the region with talent and enrich students’ lives with the tools for a successful life. Our institution boasts the highest percentage of graduates that continue to live and work in South Carolina among peer institutions in the state, and the vast majority of those alumni reside in the Upstate. Moving forward, our continued focus will be on serving this region to ensure that we are a source of opportunity for economic mobility, a partner to industry, and a quality-of-life enhancer for the Upstate. Regionalism is key to our mission.
WHAT ’S NEXT FOR THE UPSTATE, AND HOW WE’LL GET THERE
| FORWARD
When Losing Means Winning Amazon proposal still has great benefits to the Upstate By JOHN LUMMUS, president and CEO, Upstate SC Alliance
If you’re beginning to think that “Amazon” and “disruption” are synonyms, you’re not alone. The e-commerce giant has revolutionized the way we acquire products, the way we watch “TV,” and, thanks to Echo, even the way we organize our lives. In an unexpected move for many, the Jeff Bezos-led giant also turned the economic development process on its head in September, when it announced a public quest for its second headquarters. In communities across the Upstate, an immediate roar for the project rang out — from public and private leaders — calling to throw our hats into the ring. The result was a monthslong, all-hands collaboration to collect available site information from across the 10-county Upstate, compile data, and partner across industry and county lines to ensure we put our region’s best foot forward. We positioned the Upstate as “The Center of Charlanta,” located within a mega-region of 22 million people, along Interstate 85 nearly halfway between Atlanta and Charlotte, N.C. Recently, 20 finalist communities were named, including nearby Atlanta and Raleigh, N.C. We’ve read media coverage and spoken with some reporters who are curious about the region’s “loss” of the project. I’d like to address the idea of losing head-on: This news was no surprise to us. Both cities have greater population density, more public transportation, and more mature technology presences. When the Upstate’s economic developers collaborated to submit our region’s proposal, all hands
were on deck to participate — and that exercise of working together to position ourselves for future projects of this nature remains one of the greatest benefits of our participation. We worked together as a team to share the “Tale of Two MSAs” with three intricately connected “micropolitan” areas (for your mental picture: Greenville-Anderson-Mauldin MSA, home to 824,112; the Spartanburg MSA, home to 313,268; and Gaffney, Greenwood, and Seneca). That picture converts our business case from a smaller community to one with a population of 1.4 million; home to nearly 500 international companies from 34 countries; a growing commercial and cargo aviation center with Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport; a deep pool of higher education (strengthened by Clemson University’s public-private research partnerships); and a robust technical college environment. The regional strengths don’t stop there – think of the role that health care, K-12 education, roads, and rail also play in a business location decision. As an exercise, the Amazon Request for Proposals (RFP) allowed us to ask ourselves some critical questions that can guide our future work. It helped us sharpen our business pitch and helped to identify some key infrastructure requirements needed to sustain a project of its size. Another factor the project highlighted: South Carolina’s incentive system is friendly to companies that invest heavily in new construction, machinery, and equipment to knit them into our region — but it needs to be strengthened if we’re to be competitive within more office- and technology-oriented recruitment.
As an exercise, the Amazon Request for Proposals (RFP) allowed us to ask ourselves some critical questions that can guide our future work. It helped us sharpen our business pitch and helped to identify some key infrastructure requirements needed to sustain a project of its size.
There’s a measure before the General Assembly that relates directly to this: S. 404, passed by the Senate in 2017. I urge the House to pass companion legislation this year. Previous thought has been that lightweight, office-type operations succeeding with leases and portable equipment are a risk for public investment, lest they leave for greener pastures when their leases end. Today, however, the nature of many market segments has changed; more efficient technology now enables greater impact with lower costs. Companies can have a sizable effect on our economy even if they don’t take up much physical room in our area. (Remember all those other disruptive attributes of Amazon?) While we are rightfully proud of
our thriving manufacturing and automotive production sectors, South Carolina could greatly increase its competitiveness for businesses and corporate headquarters outside of those industries. Amazon helped us pair a name with this idea. But for every site selection effort as high-profile as Amazon’s has been, there are thousands that are not public. They vary in size and scope, and communities from Greenville and Spartanburg to Columbia and Charleston stand to see tremendous benefits if we sharpen our competitive edge. While there is always a sting with elimination, the Amazon project provided the Upstate the opportunity to come together as one team within one region — a big win for us all. 2.2.2018 | upstatebusinessjournal.com
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WHAT ’S NEXT FOR THE UPSTATE, AND HOW WE’LL GET THERE
Going to Court 2017 shows South Carolina businesses experience upward trend in trademark litigation
By DOUGLAS W. KIM, McNair Law Firm, P.A.
South Carolina federal trademark litigation filed in 2017 continued its 10-year upward trend, while trademark litigation nationally has generally declined. As reported in its 2017 Trademark Litigation Report, Lex Machina national trademark case filings have generally declined between 2009 and 2016. Conversely, South Carolina trademark litigation cases have had an average increase of 22 percent year-over-year from 2008 to 2017. In fact, South Carolina trademark litigation has declined only twice, year-overyear, in the past 10. Additionally, the length of time that these cases are pending is rising, meaning that the parties are in court longer. From 2008 to 2017, the average pendency has increased 31 percent year-over-year. This means the parties to South Carolina trademark litigation are in court more often and staying in court longer; in fact, the number of cases in South Carolina filed in 2017 is at a 10-year high. Since this is contrary to the national trends, we looked at the 2017 cases to determine why South Carolina trademark infringement is trending upward and discovered a few practices that may be to blame. First, it seems that businesses are not effectively using trademark searches to avoid trademark infringement. A federal search discovers pending applications or existing registrations and helps you determine whether any are “confusingly similar” to your trademark. This type of search is by far the most important for startups, new ventures, and middle-market companies. In looking to the cases of 2017, we see that many of the defendants, had they performed a proper federal search, should have discovered the conflicting federal applications or registrations of the plaintiffs and, presumably, would have selected a different name. Second, about 10 percent of the 2017 cases overlap with commercial issues that include disputes about business ownership, distribution agreements, franchise agreements, and false advertising. Because the trademark issues stem from the underlying commercial issues, business disputes that involve company names or trademarks have a high risk when it comes to litigation. 18
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In these cases, it is more important to properly negotiate and sign agreements, as what would normally be a contract dispute becomes a federal lawsuit over trademark, as well. Third, trademark rights involve geographic issues that are not necessarily clearly understood by businesses. Without a federal registration, trademark rights are only in the market area where you can show that you are using the mark. This means that other companies outside your market area can also use your mark on the same or similar goods, even when you adopted the mark first in your area. The problem arises when one of you crosses into the other market, or worse, you both enter into a market or adjacent markets at about the same time. In this case, it takes a court to determine who has rights. However, if you secure a federal registration having a filing date prior to the other company, your rights should be superior. Failing to understand the benefits of a federal registration have caused some companies to find themselves in litigation to determine who has superior rights when the companies are expanding their markets. Fourth, it seems that companies could have a better understanding of what makes a strong mark, as these are the most protectable. From strongest to weakest, mark categories are fanciful, arbitrary, suggestive, and descriptive. Fanciful marks are created with the exclusive purpose of being a trademark and have no other meaning (“Xerox”). Arbitrary marks have a generally understood meaning, but that
REDUCING LITIGATION RISKS • Perform a federal trademark search. • Understand the relationship with trademarks and your business relationship. • Understand the geographic issue with trademark rights. • Select a strong mark. • Consult with a knowledgeable and trustworthy trademark attorney. meaning is unrelated to the associated goods or services (“Apple” for computers). Suggestive marks “suggest” a quality or characteristic of the goods and services (“Microsoft” suggests software for microcomputers). Descriptive marks merely “describe” the services, goods, or component (“Cold and Creamy” for ice cream). Selecting fanciful or arbitrary marks can provide many benefits, including an easier ability to enforce your rights, decreased likelihood that someone will “accidentally” use your name, and increased value of your trademark asset. Working with a marketing agency to develop fanciful or arbitrary marks is recommended to reduce the risks that can accompany attempting to enforce a “weak” mark. A knowledgeable and trustworthy trademark attorney can provide you with a legal opinion that can outline the risks associated with using and registering your trademark. With this information, you can assess risks and make decisions that will keep you from being in the 2018 trademark litigation statistics.
INSIDE THE UPSTATE’S NETWORKING AND SOCIAL SCENE
| SOCIAL SNAPSHOT
BUSINESS ON TAP Members of the local business community recently gathered at Stewart Penick’s Terrace Greenville for Upstate Business Journal’s Business on Tap networking event. Photos by Jack Robert Photography
Emma Francis, Tom Carr, Ashley Brickner, Dave Kelley, Marie Mansheim
Mike Scully, Jennifer Kouyoumjian, Della Scott
Chris Miele, Shelly Wetherell, Madeline Smith
Callie Michalak, Jessica Rhoton
Crystal Dickerson, Sharon Lamotte, Shontel Babb
LIFESAVERS ARE MORE THAN JUST ROLL CANDY. 1 donation has the potential to save as many as 3 lives. 3 teaspoons of blood can save a baby’s life. If 50 people donate, they could provide enough blood to take care of victims of a major car accident. If 20 people donate, they could help 1 burn victim. Donors are the only source for this life saving gift. #idonateblood #isavelives #givelife
Sharing Life, Saving Lives
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TheBloodConnection.org 2.2.2018 | upstatebusinessjournal.com
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ON THE MOVE |
PLAY-BY-PLAY OF UPSTATE CAREERS
Chamber enters 130th year, honors visionaries Business, community leaders recognized at Greenville Chamber’s annual meeting The Greenville Chamber’s 129th Annual Meeting, presented by TD Bank, was held Thursday, Feb. 1, 2018, at TD Convention Center, where chamber officials shared 2017 successes and looked ahead to 2018, while honoring those leaders who have made some of the greatest strides toward moving the Upstate forward. The Honorable Merl Code emceed the event, and attendees heard remarks from Chamber President/CEO Carlos Phillips, as well as the 2017 board of directors Chair Brenda Thames and 2018 Chair Keith Miller. The Greenville Chamber, now in its 130th year of operation, is the largest business organization in Upstate South Carolina with over 2,100 investors supporting the vision of a globally competitive Upstate economy where businesses succeed and people prosper. The following awards were presented during the organization’s meeting: The ATHENA Leadership Award® honors individuals who assist women in reaching their full leadership potential; demonstrate excellence, creativity, and initiative in their business or profession; and provide valuable service by devoting time Velda Hughes and energy to improve the quality of life for others in the community. The 2017 ATHENA Leadership Award® was presented to Velda Hughes, founder of Hughes Agency, for serving as a leader for women and our community as a whole throughout her career. The Buck Mickel Leadership Award, sponsored by Duke Energy, honors those who have had a dramatic impact on the community by playing a leadership role in solving critical community issues, strengthening the community, or providing visionary Henry Horowitz leadership to a major community development project. The 2017 Buck Mickel Leadership Award was awarded to Henry Horowitz for his passionate leadership, vision, and dedication to the arts in South Carolina. The Max Heller Neighborhood Improvement Award is given annually to an organization that 20
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has shown exemplary efforts toward neighborhood improvement and empowerment. The award is named in honor of former Greenville Mayor Max Heller, who spearheaded numerous efforts over the years to improve the quality of life for all citizens of Greenville County. The 2017 award, sponsored by BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina, was presented to Nicholtown Child and Family Collaborative, noting especially their multigenerational approach to improving community outcomes through education, employment, and health. The Minority Business of the Year Award, sponsored by Bank of America, is presented to a local, independently, and minority-owned company that has been in business for a minimum of three years. The 2017 award was presented to Upstate Home Care Solutions. Founder James Bennett Jr. brings a rare combination of a business mind and a caregiver’s heart to assist clients with nonmedical home care. In just six years, he has grown the company to two Upstate locations with two registered nurses and nearly 100 caregivers. The 2017 Small Business of the Year Award, sponsored by Dixon Hughes Goodman LLP, was presented to Swamp Rabbit Cafe and Grocery. Swamp Rabbit Cafe and Grocery invests in the success of local farmers and artisans, empowers their staff to educate the community on the benefit of buying local, and provides a vibrant gathering space. This is the 41st year in which the Chamber has recognized the spirit of entrepreneurship by presenting the Small Business of the Year Award. Owners Jac Oliver and Mary Walsh accepted the award. The 2017 Chairman’s Award, sponsored by Ogletree Deakins Nash Smoak & Stewart, was presented to Steven Buckingham, a trial lawyer and mediator in Greenville. His dedication Steven Buckingham and service to the Chamber
has been critical to the revisions of the Chamber’s governance bylaws as well as the Chamber’s Leadership Development programs. The Leadership Greenville Distinguished Alumni Award recognizes a Leadership Greenville alum who has made outstanding civic and community contributions. The 2017 award, sponsored by Hughes Agency, was presented to Rev. Deb Richardson-Moore, a graduate of Leadership Greenville Class Rev. Deb Richardson-Moore 34. Richardson-Moore has served as pastor and director of Triune Mercy Center for 12 years, where she welcomes a diverse population from homeless to wealthy parishioners. In this role, she strives to give a voice to all members of our community. The Young Professional of the Year Award, sponsored by Michelin, is designed to recognize an individual between the ages of 22 and 39 for his or her involvement in the community. The 2017 award was presented to Ryan Johnston, executive vice president of Ryan Johnston Community Journals, publisher of the Upstate Business Journal, and managing director of 6AM City LLC, publishers of GVLToday, for his leadership in the creation of several Upstate publications as well as his dedication to the revitalization of the Village of West Greenville. The 2017 F. Ben Haskew Collaboration Award, sponsored by Furman University, first presented to former Chamber CEO Ben Haskew in 2016, recognizes Upstate leaders who display progressive visions and a partnership approach to Nancy Whitworth responsible growth in the Upstate. The 2017 award was presented to Nancy Whitworth, deputy city manager and director of economic development for the City of Greenville. In this role, Nancy has had a great impact on our community and was recognized for her collaborative vision at the helm of Greenville’s continual transformation. – STAFF REPORT
PLAY-BY-PLAY OF UPSTATE CAREERS
HIRED
HIRED
HIRED
PROMOTED
| ON THE MOVE
PROMOTED
TOM UVA
FRED DOTSON
CHAD STELLY
VIVIAN LOVELESS
LINDSEY HAYES
Has joined Elliott Davis as director for the expanding management consulting services practice. Uva has more than 25 years of operational experience in a variety of industries, including aerospace, defense, distribution, financial services, and public utilities. Uva currently serves as an adjunct faculty member for graduate programs at Clemson University and Syracuse University.
Has joined Worthwhile, a technology and augmentation firm, as the director of sales. Dotson brings more than 20 years of experience, with executive and leadership roles with Seagull Scientific, ScanSource, and Gates/ Arrow Distributing.
Has joined RealOp Investments as a property accountant. Stelly has a bachelor’s degree in finance from the University of Louisiana - Lafayette and a bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of New Orleans. Stelly has more 17 years of accounting experience.
Has been promoted to director of account service at FUEL. Loveless has been in the marketing industry for many years, and has served in senior positions for much of her career. She will continue to manage accounts as well as oversee the account services team.
Has been promoted to multimedia director at Redhype, a full-service marketing agency. Hayes will oversee Redhype’s media concepts, digital, video, and 3-D animation projects. Hayes joined Redhype in 2011 as a 3-D design intern.
VIP
Furman University President Elizabeth Davis was elected to the Council of Independent Colleges (CIC) board of directors. Davis will serve a one-year term from January 2018. Davis began as Furman’s 12th president in 2014. The Better Business Bureau of the Upstate SC (BBB) has announced the appointment of Richard Bernath (Southern Traditions Window Fashions) as the chairman of the board of directors. Bernath previously served as the vice chairman of the board.
BILL MUNLEY Bill Munley has been named the new administrator for Shriners Hospitals for Children. Munley brings over three decades of local health care experience to Shriners. “The mission of Greenville Shriners Hospital is beyond comparison, and I am honored to serve as the next administrator,” Munley said. “For the past 30 years, I’ve worked in a local hospital system, which has allowed me to form relationships both within the immediate health care community as well as Greenville, in general. My goal is to use this experience and familiarization to further the hospital’s mission.” Munley will provide direction, advice, and oversight to department leadership. Munley will also lead the hospital’s collaborative executive leadership team. Munley will serve as the hospital’s eighth administrator in 90 years.
Liquid Catering was named as a 2018 Couple’s Choice Award Winner for Catering in South Carolina by WeddingWire for the sixth year in a row. The winners are based solely on reviews from newlyweds and their personal experience.
CONTRIBUTE: New hires, promotions, & award winners may be featured in On the Move. Send information and photos to onthemove@upstatebusinessjournal.com.
2.2.2018 | upstatebusinessjournal.com
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#TRENDING / NEW TO THE STREET |
INFORMATION YOU WANT TO KNOW / NEW FACES OF BUSINESS
THE WATERCOOLER 1. Colliers International announces new downtown Spartanburg office, hires Montgomery
THE KE SPEAK | NG GEEKTRANSLATI INSIDE //
E4
JANUARY
26, 2018
ISSU | VOL. 7
2. The Greenville ONE Center officially launches as downtown’s conference center
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E OFN A KIND O The Greenvilrle
nte hes ONE Ce y launc officiallwntown’s as do ce center en confer
3. GSP Airport sets passenger traffic record
CONNECT
s/ Journal Will Crook Business Upstate
4. Greenville startup develops drug-carrying nanoparticles to enhance medical treatments
We’re great at networking. LINKEDIN.COM/COMPANY/ UPSTATE-BUSINESS-JOURNAL
DIGITAL FLIPBOOK ARCHIVE 5. E mployee loyalty isn’t an employee issue; it’s a reflection of employer leadership *The Top 5 stories from last week ranked by Facebook reach
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Open for business 1
1. Paw Paws USA recently celebrated the grand opening of its new location at 651 S. Main St., Suite B. For more information, visit pawpawsusa.com. Behind The Counter has been the most popular business publication in the Upstate for the past 15 years. Featuring large, full bleed photos and interesting insights, the 2018 Behind The Counter promises to be a great read on great local businesses. Don’t miss the opportunity to feature your business in the upcoming edition – publishing on April 13.
For more information, call Community Journals at 864.679.1205
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CONTRIBUTE: Know of a business opening soon? Email information to aturner@communityjournals.com.
EVENTS YOU SHOULD HAVE ON YOUR CALENDAR
DATE
EVENT INFO
WHERE DO I GO?
HOW DO I GO?
Thursday
Urban League of the Upstate’s Annual Equal Opportunity Dinner Awards Gala
TD Convention Center 1 Exposition Drive 6 p.m.
Cost: $75 for individuals For more info: www.2018wmyeod.eventbrite.com
Thursday
Darla Moore School of Business informa- Univ. of South Carolina Upstate tion session for George Dean Johnson Jr. 160 E. St. John St., Spartanburg College of Business and Economics 5:30 p.m.
02/08 PRESIDENT/CEO
Mark B. Johnston mjohnston@communityjournals.com
UBJ PUBLISHER
Ryan L. Johnston rjohnston@communityjournals.com
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT Susan Schwartzkopf susans@communityjournals.com
ASSOCIATE EDITOR
Emily Pietras epietras@communityjournals.com
ADMINISTRATIVE EDITOR
Heidi Coryell Williams hwilliams@communityjournals.com
COPY EDITOR Rebecca Strelow
STAFF WRITERS
Trevor Anderson, Cindy Landrum, Andrew Moore, Sara Pearce, Ariel Turner
MARKETING & ADVERTISING SALES MANAGER Emily Yepes
MARKETING REPRESENTATIVES John Clark, Donna Johnston, Jonathan Maney, Heather Propp, Meredith Rice, Caroline Spivey, Liz Tew
CLIENT SERVICES
Anita Harley | Rosie Peck | Jane Rogers
ART & PRODUCTION VISUAL DIRECTOR Will Crooks
02/08 02/08
TD Convention Center 506 S. Pleasantburg Drive 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Cost: $35 for HBA of Greenville members, $45 nonmembers. Registration required.For more info: www.bit.ly/2ElDxY4; 864-254-0133
Monday
Greenville Chamber of Commerce’s Gubernatorial Series Lunch feat. James Smith (D)
Greenville Mariott 1 Parkway E noon–1 p.m.
Cost: $25 investors, $50 general admissions For more info: kbusbee@greenvillechamber.org; www.bit.ly/2DntIaM; 864-239-3748
Wednesday
02/14
Greenville Technical College’s Minority Business Expo
Greenville Tech Barton Campus 506 S. Pleasantburg Drive 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Cost: Free For more info: www.bit.ly/2DwcdoM; lillie.ruegg@gvltec.edu
Tuesday
Wyche Law Firm’s #YouToo: Legal Ethics Studio 220 at NOMA & Responding to Sexual Harassment 220 N. Main St. Reports in the Weinstein Era 4–6 p.m.
Tuesday
BBB’s Power Series Breakfast: Award-Winning Business of Integrity Winners Take the Stage
Greenville Water “Community Room” Cost: $20 1 Exposition Drive For more info: www.go.bbb.org/2GkI5hL; 8:30 a.m.–1 p.m. hope@upstatesc.bbb.org
Thursday
03/15
Greenville Chamber of Commerce’s Netnight
Peace Center Huguenot Loft 300 S. Main St. 5:30–7:30 p.m.
Cost: $25 investors, $50 general admission For more info: www.bit.ly/2BwUTy1; 864-6316596; nikawhiteconsulting@greenvillechamber.org
Monday
Greenville Chamber of Commerce’s Gubernatorial Series Lunch feat. Catherine Templeton (R)
Greenville Mariott 1 Parkway E 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m.
Cost: $40 for investors, $80 general admissions For more info: kbusbee@greenvillechamber.org; www.bit.ly/2EabPxs
Thursday
Ten at the Top’s PIQUE Young Professionals Summit
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1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011
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UBJ milestone jackson Marketing Group’s 25 Years 1988 Jackson Dawson opens in Greenville at Downtown Airport
1988
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1997 Jackson Dawson launches motorsports Division 1993
1990 Jackson Dawson acquires therapon marketing Group and moves to Piedmont office Center on Villa.
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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
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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
2003 motorsports Division acquires an additional 26,000 sq. ft. of warehouse space
1998
2009 Jackson Dawson changes name to Jackson marketing Group when larry sells his partnership in Detroit and lA 2003
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
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
pro-bono/non-proFit Clients 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 Upstate bUsiness joUrnal 21
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NOVEMBER 1, 2013
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