May 16, 2014 UBJ by Community Journals

MAY 16, 2014

As more golfers tee off in the Upstate, local businesspeople are hoping for the green

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UPSTATE BUSINESS JOURNAL

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UBJ MANUFACTURING

Trelleborg to Invest $50M in Spartanburg County European tire maker will create approximately 150 jobs JOE TOPPE | STAFF

jtoppe@communityjournals.com Spartanburg County has been selected as the site of North America’s lone manufacturing representative for a leading global supplier of off-road tires. Trelleborg Wheel Systems will invest $50 million in a 430,000-squarefoot facility designed to produce radial tires for agricultural machinery. Located on the company’s existing Spartanburg property, which includes Trelleborg Coated Systems US Inc., the additional investment is expected to begin production in late 2015 and create approximately 150 jobs over the next four years. By introducing domestic manufacturing of the tire line, company officials believe the location of the new facility

will provide Trelleborg with advantages in supplying the North American market. The facility is believed to be strategically important to the company’s growth, while supporting global production of radial tires for both original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and tire dealers. “In coming to Spartanburg County, we’ll be located in a modern facility and a prime location, capitalizing on existing partnership agreements with major OEMs and distributors while facilitating the transfer of technology from one part of the world to another,” said Maurizio Vischi, president of the Trelleborg Wheel Systems Business Area. With existing sales in both the United States and Canada, local production will offer more favorable conditions and enhance the company’s competitiveness, he said.

The $50 million investment will also include the latest in new machinery, according to the company’s technology standards, and will be fully installed by 2018. The state-of-the-art equipment is expected to cater to market growth and ensure that OEMs, dealers and farmers benefit from Trelleborg’s proximity and product availability. With facilities all over the world, choosing to build in Spartanburg County says a lot about the state’s workforce and business environment, said Gov. Nikki Haley. The Palmetto State has a strong partnership with Trelleborg, and its decision to provide a manufacturing facility in South Carolina is testament to that partnership, she said. “We congratulate them on their decision to invest $50 million and create 150 new

jobs in Spartanburg County.” With global sales in excess of $3 billion annually, Trelleborg Wheel Systems Americas, a division of the Italy-based Trelleborg Wheel Systems Business Area and part of the Trelleborg Group, employs more than 15,000 in approximately 90 manufacturing plants in 40 countries worldwide. “We are pleased that Trelleborg will be repurposing their Spartanburg County facility for the Trelleborg Wheel Systems Group,” said David Britt, chairman of the Economic Recruitment Committee of Spartanburg County and member of the Economic Futures Group board. “We welcome this international operation supplying the agricultural industry, and greatly appreciate their investment and job opportunities,” he said.

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UPSTATE BUSINESS JOURNAL

Volume 3, Issue 20

May 16, 2014

Photo Provided

MONEY SHOT: The Cliffs at Keowee Falls. More on page 20.

WORTH REPEATING

TBA

“Be somebody’s hero. Help somebody else. Let somebody else’s dream come true.”

Hogan Construction has purchased a 6,539-square-foot office/warehouse building on Old Anderson Highway in Powdersville to use as its new Upstate location...

Lawyer and former Municipal Court Judge Merl Code, addressing the Greenville Chamber Friday Forum.

“It is a good problem to have.” Darin McDonald, executive director of the BMW Pro-Am, on the number of celebrities who want to return to the charity golf tournament from year to year.

“You can do whatever you want to as long as you’re willing to do it.” Adam Gautsch, coordinator of OpenWorks, a coworking space in downtown Greenville.

UPSTATE BUSINESS JOURNAL

Mist and Mirrors Underground has applied for a business license at 125 N. Main St. in downtown Greenville. Stay tuned for future plans…

May 16, 2014

VERBATIM

On Best States for Business… “South Carolina … [seems] to be very pro-business, a good environment to start or bring a business to.” Chief Executive magazine, listing South Carolina as the “5th Best State for Business 2014.” Texas, Florida, Tennessee and North Carolina rounded out the Top 5. Read more at chiefexecutive.net.

UBJ HOSPITALITY

Airplane Food, Reimagined Chef360 lets diners sample world cuisine at home

JOE TOPPE | STAFF

jtoppe@communityjournals.com Chef360 has expanded its catering services to include an “in-flight” experience for Upstate locals interested in sampling global cuisine without ever leaving home. The idea for In-Flight Dinners with Chef 360 Catering followed a previous event of the company involving tourists, said Executive Chef Peter Collins, owner of 360 Catering and Events. The full-service event will cater to groups ranging from 12 to as many as 200, he said. The clients can select countries they want to “fly” to while Chef360 creates a series of meals centered on those locales. The event is designed to provide an around-the-world experience without

ever leaving the ground, Collins said. The event kicks off as passengers (clients) start their trip as members of a boarding party at Chef360’s event space near the Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport in Greer, he said. The passengers then board the Chef360 “plane” – two rows of tables set up like an airplane aisle – as Chef Collins

directs the plane to various countries and stewardesses serve the food. Once Chef Collins turns off the “Fasten Seatbelt” sign and the flight ends, passengers will be allowed to move around the kitchen for dessert. Collins said based on the desires of the clients, the idea is to create an international feel for the food. Potential clients can either provide the event space themselves or utilize the Kitchen Studio 360 near the airport, he said. “We see this as a fun and unique twist on the traditional seated dinner that matches well with the flavor of the Upstate.” Chef360 has identified corporate events designed for team building as an ideal demographic for the event, Collins said. Bachelor and bachelorette parties

May 16, 2014

An article in the May 9 UBJ, “Erwin Penland Snags Major Microsoft Business,” included incorrect names. The president of Erwin Penland is Joe Erwin, and the chief creative officer is Con Williamson. We regret our error.

are also ideal for the event, but anyone interested in sampling cuisines from around the world can use this unique experience, he said.

UPSTATE BUSINESS JOURNAL

UBJ WORKPLACE

OpenWorks Grows Coworking Space JENNIFER OLADIPO SENIOR BUSINESS WRITER

joladipo@communityjournals.com A coworking space is slowly growing in the 30,000-square-foot space at 2 N. Main St. that was initially occupied by the Iron Yard. Dubbed OpenWorks, the space is intended for small startups, and they are expected to extend their do-it-yourself philosophy to the development of the space itself. About 15 companies have located in the space, said coordinator Adam Gautsch, president of OrangeCoat, a Web development company that moved to OpenWorks from Stone Avenue. They include Applied Vacuum Technology, Arena Consulting and Gamemaster, one of three Iron Yard accelerator alumni

Open Works features a very large open floor plan.

that stayed behind when the rest of the crew left. “We have a good mix,” Gautsch

Celebrate success on a higher level.

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UBJ WORKPLACE and more people are using the large common area for their events and meetings. Members are even volunteering to help each other orga-

People working for several different companies at work at Open Works.

nize events in the space. “Like-minded” groups are also welcome to rent the event space. Gautsch said about there are

currently about 30 individual members. About 50 “active happy members in there would be a good success,” Gautsch said.

work–read y

>> of three to four folks showing up.” Some of the companies have grown in the time the space has been open, just under a year. Remodeling of the space happens “as we can get to it,” and mostly involves cosmetic changes and furniture. Major renovations are avoided to keep costs down. The main area is nearly complete, and the space now has three conference rooms wired with Internet access for videoconferencing. Tenants, or members, are encouraged to engage in the planning and development of the space, and an increasing number are doing more than just clocking into their own businesses, Gautsch said. They are giving input on ideas for how the space can be used and what kinds of activities would best benefit members. Then, they’re putting in the sweat equity to realize plans. “You can do whatever you want to as long as you’re willing to do it. As soon as [new members] get comfortable with that, they do cool stuff,” he said. A weekly happy hour Friday afternoons fosters social connections,

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UPSTATE BUSINESS JOURNAL

UBJ WORKFORCE

Accelerating Students Toward Skilled Jobs SC ACCELERATE program helps meet state’s demand for manufacturing workers JOE TOPPE | STAFF

jtoppe@communityjournals.com The U.S. Department of Labor identified a nationwide deficiency in skilled manufacturing employment for adults 25 and older. As part of the 2010 Health Care and Reconciliation Act, the department of labor created a four-year program designed to provide adults with the credentials to enter the workforce. Spanning 800 colleges across the country and $2 billion in funds, the program also included six two-year schools in the Upstate and coastal regions of South Carolina. The colleges received $14.1 million of the federal disbursement to redesign manufacturing curriculums and replace outdated equipment. The SC ACCELERATE program is South Carolina’s portion of the Department of Labor’s effort to implement an adult post-secondary transition center (APTC) at all 800 colleges, said Mark Stewart, project director for SC ACCELERATE. The Upstate colleges involved include Greenville Technical College, Spartanburg Community College, Tri-County Technical College and York Technical College. Those eligible for the program include Trade Adjustment Assistant

Bonita Watters, manager of Greenville Technical College S.C. ACCELERATE.

Act workers, veterans, and adults 25 or older. Contrary to some federal reports, manufacturing jobs are increasing in the Palmetto State as the industry begins to return production stateside, Stewart said. Businesses and manufacturers in support of BMW and Michelin are also joining the region and increasing the demand for skilled hands. SC ACCELERATE – an acronym for Adult College Completion through E-Learning Resources and Academic Tracks to Employment – aims to provide support services to help people acquire the skills and credentials needed for higher-wage employment. The program is intended to expand the state’s technical colleges’ ability to deliver industry-recognized and career-focused training, while transitioning students into industrial, manufacturing, transportation and engineering workforce sectors. Retooling the skills of older industry workers not familiar with the automation of new technologies involved in current manufacturing is also a priority, Nelson said. “The idea is to bring those folks up to speed,” he said. Bonita Waters, program manager of SC ACCELERATE at Greenville Tech, said the curriculum is designed

Kimberly Martin, director of Greenville Technical College’s APTC.

UPSTATE BUSINESS JOURNAL

Mark Stewart, project director of Greenville Technical College S.C. ACCELERATE.

May 16, 2014

Photos by Greg Beckner

Student Ken Roddy at work in Greenville Technical College’s Adult Postsecondary Transition Center (APTC).

to adapt to adult students. The curriculum incorporates hybrid classes that provide lectures online and lab work on-site to be accessible to working adults who cannot make it into the classroom on a daily basis, she said. The revised curriculum offers opportunities for students to learn developmental skills as well, Waters said. “Some of the students have not been in a school setting for some time and will require extra help to improve their English and math skills.” Students are recruited into the program and advised while applying for financial aid and scholarships, said Kimberly Martin, director of the APTC at Greenville Tech. Should incoming students require assistance outside the college, a database of community recourses is provided for reference, she said. Roughly 125 students are currently involved in SC ACCELERATE with over 345 served during the first two

quarters. Most students are seeking associate degrees in industrial electrical maintenance and computer numerical controls, Martin said. The student body is mostly comprised of veterans who require special attention outside of the classroom, she said. “If they need appointments at the VA or are having trouble elsewhere, I will reach out and find them help.” Ken Roddy, a former production associate at BMW, said the program provides assistance in all aspects of career development. “As a 42-year-old student, I have the support to finish what I’ve started,” he said. The signature goal of the program nationwide is to create a sustainable workforce, Stewart said. Although the subject of the curriculums may change over time, the agenda will remain the same, he said. “The focus in the Upstate is manufacturing, but the labor department’s goal is to create an employed and skilled workforce.”

ADVERTORIAL

SPRING INTO ACTION

UBJ DEVELOPMENT

Improvements Continue at Arena

Bon Secours Wellness Arena considers on-site restaurant, moves ahead with renovations APRIL A. MORRIS | STAFF

amorris@communityjournals.com The Bon Secours Wellness Arena could be the next spot for a sit-down meal before catching a Road Warriors hockey game or concert. The Greenville County Arena District’s building and property committee discussed a potential on-site restaurant this week while reviewing the arena’s capital improvement projects list. Potentially located on the mezzanine level facing the arena parking lot, the restaurant could be open two hours before events and seat approximately 225 people, said Beth Paul, assistant general manager. A ticket would not be required to dine and the restaurant would have an exterior entrance, said Paul. The restaurant would have a sports bar feel and could include an exterior patio, retractable glass wall or retractable roof, said Ken Betsch, architect with Betsch Associates. Estimated cost of the restaurant project is approximately $1.9 million. Arena District Board members Buddy Dyer, Paul Kearns and Jeff Gilstrap debated the possibility of a food court versus restaurant and said that they preferred the restaurant concept. An on-site restaurant would be an excellent income generator for the arena, said Paul. It could also be rented for events, she said. Staff are also investigating a premium service priced between club seating and luxury seats that could feature small boxes of four to eight seats or individual seats, said president and general manager Roger Newton. Arena improvements are moving forward with bids for roof replace-

ment and a new sound system going out soon, according to Newton. Work on installing a new exterior marquee is also ready to begin, he said. At approximately $9.9 million, the draft project list exceeded the amount budgeted for capital improvements, and committee members discussed ways to cut approximately $1.5 million. Committee members prioritized patron-centered improvements as the first to move forward, including concourse renovations throughout the summer. To date, the arena has renovated suites, and installed a new scoreboard, digital ribbon message boards and digital displays at concessions and the concourse. Other anticipated improvements include renovated locker rooms, commissary and backstage catering, concourse restrooms, box office, team store, administration space and plaza improvements. The Greenville County Arena District restructured its debt in late 2012 and was able to obtain $13 million for a $14.5 million capital improvement program to make updates to the arena that was built in 1998.

Spring into Action

Prepare now for summer storm-related power outages Hurricanes, tornados and spring storms can be ferocious at this time of year and can cause power outages! Are you prepared?

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President Carolina Heating Service Serving Greenville since 1981

As the weather warms up, and memories of recent winter storms melt away, it’s tempting to forget that most of the Upstate dodged a bullet while in regions all around us hundreds of thousands suffered without power for days due to ice and wind. But the potential for storm-related power outages is a year-round sleeping tiger. Tame the dark with the security of an emergency generator. This keeps the power on, allowing you to maintain a mostly normal routine during extended outages caused by the severe thunderstorms spring and summer often bring. While losing power may be a mere nuisance for some – what with spoiled food, messy candles and blank computers – it can be a critical safety issue for others, especially the very young, the very old, and those in fragile health. Now is the ideal time to install a standby generator, before the warm-weather storm season gets fully under way. Because while you can’t tame disruptive weather, you CAN prepare for it. Power your peace of mind by installing an emergency generator today. Contact Carolina Generators at 864.232.5684 or 866.488.4688 or visit www.carolinagenerators.com.

➤ BY THE NUMBERS Bon Secours Wellness Arena renovation information:

225

approximate number of people potential new restaurant could seat

$1.9 million $9.9 million

Greenville: 864-232-5684 Seneca: 864-638-6635 Anderson: 864-281-1977

estimated cost of the restaurant project

approximate amount of the draft project list for capital improvements

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carolinagenerators.com May 16, 2014

UPSTATE BUSINESS JOURNAL

UBJ ENERGY & TECHNOLOGY

Study: Biofuels Bring Almost $1B to SC 2012, and was later expanded to require that 36 billion gallons of renewable fuel be blended into transportation fuel by 2022. Under the RFS, the EPA also had to apply standards to ensure that each category of renewable fuel emits fewer greenhouse gases than the petroleum fuel it replaces.

JENNIFER OLADIPO SENIOR BUSINESS WRITER

joladipo@communityjournals.com A recent report from alternative fuels advocate Fuels America says renewable fuels bring nearly $1 billion in economic impact to South Carolina. The national study, conducted by John Dunham & Associates of New York, estimates the economic impacts of renewable fuels in 2014 using standard econometric models developed by the U.S. Forest Service. Fuels include corn ethanol, cellulosic ethanol, biodiesel and advanced biofuels. The study found that biofuels drive $932.8 million of economic output in South Carolina. The industry is supporting 5,508 jobs and $199.2 million in wages. The figures include direct impacts in agriculture, manufacturing, wholesale and retail; and supplier and induced impacts in an additional eight categories. The industry also paid just over $40 million in taxes. In the Upstate, direct impacts included 148 jobs, $7.8 million in wages and $72.7 million in economic impact. The study was conducted to asses the economic impacts of of the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Renewable Fuels Standards (RFS), a program implemented in 2005, sparking the use of E15 gasoline made with 15 percent ethanol. It required 7.5 billion gallons of renewable fuel to be blended into gasoline by

JENNIFER OLADIPO SENIOR BUSINESS WRITER

joladipo@communityjournals.com ScanSource Inc. announced

DIRECT IMPACT

JOBS WAGES

OUTPUT

Agriculture

1,465

$4,229,100

$62,980,300

Manufacturing

$7,792,200 $119,636,100

Wholesale

$4,976,800 $13,952,700

Retail

259

$7,974,600 $16,953,700

Supplier Impact

1,679

$87,338,000

$424,215,500

Induced Impact

1,972

$86,903,500

$295,088,900

TOTAL

5,508

$199,214,200 $932,827,200

ScanSource Adds 3-D Printing Sales

UPSTATE BUSINESS JOURNAL

May 16, 2014

a new partnership with Rock Hill-based 3D Systems to sell 3-D printing products. ScanSource believes the reseller channel is ready to embrace 3-D solutions and bring them to a variety of vertical markets. The company is now offering 3-D printers, 3-D scanners and 3-D mice. 3D Systems has been a decades-long innovator and leader in 3-D printing for industrial prototyping with materials including metals, ceramics and edibles. ScanSource, a value-added distributor of specialty technology products, has created a new technologies team dedicated to the sale and support of 3-D printing solutions, the company said. When asked whether the new business would mean expanded staff or operations, Chief Technology Officer Greg Dixon said, “We have a strong team in place to support our partners in selling 3-D solutions, but will certainly build

our staff as needs arise.” “ScanSource has been evaluating the 3-D market for quite some time. As the technology and solutions become attractive to a broader end-user customer base and a reseller channel begins to develop, we found the timing to be right and the market to be ready for value-added distribution,” said Mike Baur, CEO of ScanSource Inc. 3D Systems’ products are targeted for the manufacturing, healthcare, aerospace and automotive markets. Dixon said manufacturing is a predominant market, and healthcare is also growing. “We are thrilled to partner with a distributor of the caliber, size and demonstrated performance of ScanSource,” said Avi Reichental, 3D Systems president and CEO. “ScanSource brings scalable field coverage together with a unique model of training expertise and experienced field resources that support its growing reseller network, substantially expanding our addressable markets and access to new use cases.”

UBJ QUARTERLIES KEMET

Span-America Medical Systems Medical device maker Span-America Medical Systems reported continued lower income in its most recent quarterly report. Net income was $891,000, or $0.30 per diluted share for the second quarter of 2014 ended March 29, down 28 percent from $1.2 million in the same period last year. The report shows 33 percent improvement for the quarter but continues the downward trend compared to last year. The Greenville-based company had reported a drop to $666,000 during the quarter that ended Dec. 28, 2013, from $1.4 million to the previous year. Net sales dipped slightly for the quarter to $14.7 million from $14.9 million. As in the previous quarter, the company attributed the drop in sales and earnings primarily to lower sales of consumer bedding products and M.C. Healthcare product lines.

“As we expected and previously announced, sales of consumer bedding products were down due to the loss of a large retail customer that selected a different supplier in a routine competitive bidding process for their everyday consumer bedding products. M.C. Healthcare’s sales to the provincial government in British Columbia were down $1.1 million compared with the same quarter last year due to changes in governmental budget allocations and restrained government spending,” said president and CEO Jim Ferguson in a statement. Sales of other medical lines were also down. Ferguson said higher sales were expected for the second half of 2014, but they would not entirely compensate for the aforementioned losses. Span-America manufactures and markets a comprehensive selection of pressure management products for the medical market.

Sales are up but income dropped significantly at KEMET, according to the company’s preliminary results for the fourth quarter and fiscal year ended March 31, 2014. Net income for the quarter was down 51.5 percent, dropping to $439,000 from $905,000 the previous quarter. Losses for the fiscal year totaled $18.8 million. Net sales of $215.8 million increase 4.1 percent for the quarter, and were up 8.2 percent compared to net sales of $199.5 for the same period a of the previous year. Sales for the entire fiscal year were up 1.2 percent, rising to $833.7 million from $823.9 million the previous year. “Revenue exceeded our expectations, cost reduction actions are seeing their way to the bottom line, and we are well positioned to continue improving our financial performance into our next fiscal

KEMET Corporation (NYSE: KEM)

Span-America Medical Systems Inc. (NASDAQ:SPAN) NET SALES Q2 2014 $14.7m Q2 2014 $890,681

NET SALES

Q1 2014 $14.9m NET INCOME

+/-0.68%

Q1 2014 $666,129 EARNINGS PER SHARE

+/33.7%

$0.30

+/36.4%

Regional Management Corp. Regional Management Corp. reported losses for the first quarter ended March 31, 2014, but some gains year-over-year. Total revenue was $49.6 million, a 2.8 percent increase for the quarter and 28.4 percent increase from $38.6 million for the same period a year earlier. Net income dropped 33.1 percent to $5.6 million from $8.4 million for the quarter, and was down 17.1 percent compared with the previous year. Provision for credit losses in the first quarter of 2014 was $16.9 million versus $8.1 million in the prior-year period, primarily due to increased net charge-offs combined

year,” said CEO Per Loof in the release. “While we have some more work to complete, we are pleased with the general improvement of our operating margins this past fiscal year and we plan to build upon our efforts this past year to improve them further.” The results were adjusted to reflect discontinued operations as the Film and Electrolytic Business group completed the sale of its machinery division on April 30, 2014, the company said. Based in Simpsonville, KEMET is a global supplier of electronics components. Last month the company announced that a subsidiary plans to sell its Italy-based machinery division to Manz AG, a German production lines supplier, for $11.1 million.

with elevated delinquency levels. Annualized net charge-offs as a percentage of average finance receivables for the first quarter of 2014 was 9.7 percent, an increase from 6.4 percent in the prior-year period. The company said the higher delinquency level and downstream net charge-offs are primarily the result of elevated accounts per employee through the last five months of 2013 and most of the first quarter, which caused challenges in properly servicing the growth in accounts. While Regional Management was able to reduce its accounts per employee by the end of the quarter, it expects higher net charge-off levels will continue for

Q4 2013 $215.8m Q4 2013 $439,000

Q3 2013 $207.3m NET INCOME

+/4.1%

Q3 2013 $905,000 EARNINGS PER SHARE

+/-51.5% +/-50.5%

$0.01

several months mostly due to the previously elevated accounts-per-employee level. Regional Management Corp, based in Greenville, is a provider of installment loans, auto loans, insurance

and other services. The company opened 17 new branches in the first quarter of 2014; as of March 31, 2014, Regional Management’s branch network consisted of 281 locations.

Regional Management Corp (NYSE: RM) TOTAL ASSETS Q1 2014 $488.6m Q1 2014 $5.6m

Q4 2013 $533.9m NET INCOME

+/-8.4%

Q4 2013 $8.4m DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE

+/-33.1%

Q1 2014 $0.43

May 16, 2014

+/-33.8%

UPSTATE BUSINESS JOURNAL

UBJ THE TAKEAWAY ethics, and set the example.” Following seven seasons in professional football, Code returned to his home state to attend the University of South Carolina School of Law, where he was elected the Student Bar Association president. How, you might ask? “By just having fun,” says Code. “They knew me, they knew I had the courage to deal with faculty.” It was about the respect his classmates had for him. That respect continued well past the legal realm as a business leader and board member of companies and nonprofits – and as interim president of S.C. State University for less than one week, for which he may hold the world record as shortest-tenured president. Many firsts have been experienced by Code throughout his life, as he became the first African-American chairman of the United Way, then the first African-American chairman of the Greenville Chamber of Commerce.

‘Open Some Doors’

ON RELATIONSHIPS

It’s not who you know, says Merl Code – it’s who knows you FOUNDATIONS Well before his esteemed legal career that led him to become the first African-American Municipal Court Judge in Greenville and first African-American president of the Student Bar Association at the University of South Carolina, Merl Code was an athlete. Not just any athlete – he played both baseball and football in high school, went on to play four years of college football at North Carolina A&T University, and turned pro in 1970, where in his rookie season his team (the Montreal Alouettes, part of the Canadian Football League) won the Grey Cup Championship, Canada’s equivalent to the Super Bowl. Code began learning about leadership from an early age in the footsteps of his father, a school principal in Oconee County. Growing up he was the captain of every team he was ever on, was the quarterback, and was the shortstop. He knew how to lead a team. Then upon becoming pro, the captain role was out of his reach. Code had to learn to lead from the middle of the pack. To, in his words, “support the captain.” Leadership to Code is not in title, but in how you act. “Leaders are chosen. They should inspire others … have courage,

“I know Tiger Woods, Beyonce, Bill Gates, and Michael Jordan,” said Code. “The problem is, they don’t know me. It’s not enough to know people – they have to know you.” Relationships have been the key to success for Code. Unlike the traditional wisdom of it being about who you know, he says, “It’s not who you know … it’s who knows you. Leadership builds bridges for today and tomorrow. Leadership builds bridges for those you know and those you don’t.”

ON BUSINESS AND COMMUNITY “A strong community supports business,” said Code. “A strong business community supports the community.” Leadership is the currency that drives business and community – and the two are interconnected. “Success can be defined as the ever-increasing opportunity to benefit your community. You make your home nice. Let’s clean it up to make our community our home.”

ON BECOMING A LEADER Code identifies leadership as inspirational, bold, and humble. Each is important. • INSPIRATIONAL – “Leadership is the capacity to translate vision into reality.” It was 1987. Max Heller thought bold, thought creative, and saw beyond his current eyesight. He thought as if money were no issue. Without that inspirational vision, “there would be no Peace Center, no ball park, no Falls Park, no Children’s Museum…” • BOLD – The right decisions have to be made

By Chris Manley, managing partnet at Engenius

EVENT: The Greenville Chamber’s Friday Forum Series WHEN: April 25, 2014 WHERE: Embassy Suites Golf Resort & Conference Center FEATURE PRESENTATION: “Leadership: the Currency of the Community & Business” with the Honorable Merl Code WHO WAS THERE: 200+ members of Greenville’s business community SPONSOR: GSA Business

for the right reasons. Case in point: Falls Park. “If leadership had been listening to the clamoring of people, we’d have no Falls Park,” said Code. “A man who wants to lead the orchestra must turn his back on the crowd.” • HUMBLE – Take time to boost the self esteem of others. Uplift other folks and open doors. “Be strong, not rude. Be kind, not weak. Be proud, not arrogant.” Code urges us to be a champion for someone. “Be somebody’s hero. Help somebody else. Let somebody else’s dream come true.”

ON INCLUSIVENESS The most important thing Greenville needs to focus on in the present, according to Code, is inclusiveness. He recalled a time that he was a member of 23 boards at the same time and the only African-American one. Nobody was opening doors to other African-American leaders. He challenged, “If we want to be a city of the future we must be inclusive. We cannot leave talent behind.” We must build trust and extend a hand. His last challenge was this: “If the goal is raising per capita income, it can’t just be the top. You’ve got to raise the bottom and middle. We must have a viable diverse community. A strong minority business community has strong families. Strong families build strong children. Open some doors!” Based on his challenge to our community and more, there is little doubt Merl Code practices what he preaches and has lived the life of a leader. MAY

GREENVILLE CHAMBER FRIDAY FORUM

Featuring Dick Wilkerson, president and chairman (retired) of Michelin North America Information: GreenvilleChamber.org

The Greenville Chamber’s Friday Forum Series, held the fourth Friday of each month, is designed to help business professionals connect, learn and grow with networking opportunities and educational presentations. 12

UPSTATE BUSINESS JOURNAL

May 16, 2014

UBJ COMMUNICATE

By KEVIN LANDMESSER

Location, Location, Location

The site selection community is one of Greenville’s greatest assets It is common knowledge that Fluor Corporation is one of Greenville’s leading corporate citizens. The largest construction and engineering company in the Fortune 500 established its foothold here in 1977 with the acquisition of Greenville’s own Daniel Construction. Today, Fluor generously supports Greenville in many ways. Yet often overlooked is how Fluor’s expertise in global engineering and construction has helped launch several of the world’s finest site selection consultancies – Global Location Strategies, McCallum Sweeney Consulting and InSite Consulting. All are based in Greenville but serve companies around the world, making site selection expertise another of Fluor’s gifts that keeps on giving. Site selection is the practice of locating a new facility while evaluating that project’s detailed needs against the merits and risks of potential locations. Formalized during the 1950s as the U.S. government sought to site projects including Los Alamos National Laboratory and the Air Force Academy, the practice has exploded today, becoming far more refined and standard protocol in the private sector. Today, large companies often use a formal site selection process to identify locations, whether for a new corporate campus or a manufacturing operation. The complex process of site selection typically includes selecting and evaluating communities, real estate

site analysis and acquisition, and may include negotiating tax incentives or infrastructure improvements. When BMW chose the Upstate to develop its new manufacturing facility in 1992, the company reportedly spent three years evaluating over 250 sites before selecting South Carolina. “Our goal is to help clients make the best, most informed location decisions possible about where to place operations,” says Didi Caldwell, formerly with Fluor and now a principal with Global Location Strategies. “The location of a new facility can significantly impact the cost and success of that operation, and the decision criteria to consider are multifaceted. We leverage advanced information technology, research tools and our team’s long experience in helping mitigate risk and make the best decision.” With over 15 years of consulting in the site selection arena, Caldwell has led consulting projects on four continents in industries including automotive, pulp and paper, chemicals, mining, logistics, consumer products, energy and biotech. She and her team have cumulatively assisted over 100 organizations with site selection, incentive negotiations and capital finance assignments with total investment exceeding $35 billion. While they work around the world, GLS has a major impact in the Upstate. The firm recently worked with Greenville Technical College and Clemson University to site the Center

“The location of a new facility can significantly impact the cost and success of that operation, and the decision criteria to consider are multifaceted. We leverage advanced information technology, research tools and our team’s long experience in helping mitigate risk and make the best decision.” Didi Caldwell

“InSite’s economic development consulting helps groups and communities develop a dynamic and proactive step-by-step plan to become more competitive.” Tonya Crist

for Manufacturing Innovation, to be located at the Millennium Campus adjacent to Clemson University’s International Center for Automotive Research (CU-ICAR). Not long ago, GLS executives helped to site First Quality Tissue’s 1,200-employee, billion-dollar manufacturing facility in Anderson County. Besides site selection expertise, McCallum Sweeney Consulting is one of the leading site certification firms in the country. Founded in 2000 by Ed McCallum and Mark Sweeney – who both previously worked in Fluor’s internal site selection group – McCallum Sweeney has become the go-to firm in South Carolina for site certification, in which a piece of property is assessed to enhance marketability for development. Numerous studies including utility assessments, topographical surveys, environmental and wetlands assessments, ownership and deed verification, and geotechnical investigations are conducted, enhancing speed to development and reducing risk for a buyer. In 2010, McCallum Sweeney became the designated site certification partner for sites within South Carolina. Greer-based InSite Consulting combines site selection expertise with an economic development consulting practice that assists communities, regions, states and countries in their economic development marketing

May 16, 2014

efforts. The firm provides strategic planning, target marketing, community assessment, product development and assessment, and training services to economic development groups. “InSite’s economic development consulting helps groups and communities develop a dynamic and proactive step-by-step plan to become more competitive,” said InSite principal and former Fluor consultant Tonya Crist. “By doing so, they enjoy greater success, have a clearer vision, and develop and implement strategic initiatives to create jobs and investment in their community.” Each company’s methodologies and service offerings vary. Yet all three are great ambassadors for South Carolina and Greenville County, supporting area economic development officials with ideas, insights and connections. “It’s incredibly beneficial to have three of the leading site selection firms in the country here, as it increases our visibility exponentially with their clients,” notes Greenville Area Development Corporation project manager Tavia Gaddy. “And it’s ironic that each organization traces its roots to Fluor in some way. What a blessing for Greenville County.” Kevin Landmesser is interim president and CEO of the Greenville Area Development Corporation. He can be reached at 864-235-2008, or via email at klandmesser@greenvillecounty.org.

UPSTATE BUSINESS JOURNAL

UBJ FORWARD

By LISA SCOTT HALLO

Working Towards a Smarter Transportation Future A solution is within reach, one penny at a time Smart Growth America recently ranked the Greenville County metropolitan area as the eighth most sprawling among 221 other metro areas evaluated nationally. Given this ranking, it is not surprising that our county now faces one of the most important challenges ever: how to cost-effectively create and maintain a first-class transportation system without which our economic prosperity and quality of life are gravely threatened. One potential solution is within grasp – a 1-cent transportation sales tax referendum to be considered by voters on the November 2014 ballot. If passed, the tax would be collected for eight years to the tune of $65 million in projected revenues – all to

be spent on transportation projects identified and publicized prior to voting. The transportation issues we face are a direct result of the auto-dependent development pattern of the last 50 years – a pattern in which our homes are separated from nearly all other destinations, and destinations are connected by roads solely This intersection in nearby Charlotte uses high-visibility supporting vehicular crosswalks and a pedestrian refuge island to improve travel. Such a pattern safety for all travelers. makes it nearly impossible at worst, and unsafe at best, for chil- operate efficiently. We have built dren to walk to school, employees to thousands of miles of disconnected commute by means other than a car, roadways, which we now must mainand public bus transportation to tain and retrofit at a hefty price to reduce congestion and make travel safe for all. The challenge is daunting, but some community leaders are actively working to address it. This past November, Greenville County Council created the Greenville Citizens Roads Advisory Commission. The commission’s task was to collect public input regarding our transportation infrastructure needs and deliver a report with a prioritized recommended project list to Council. Commission members should be applauded for their efforts and the

Resort-style living, everyday

results they produced. They hosted seven public input sessions and met on many other occasions to consider public feedback. They administered an online survey to identify citizens’ greatest transportation priorities. They studied existing transportation plans from municipalities, the county and the Department of Transportation. Hundreds of people participated in the meetings and nearly 900 surveys were completed. Valuable feedback was synthesized into discrete project lists focusing on a broad range of transportation improvements. Refreshingly, rather than relying solely on auto-centric transportation investments – road widening and new road construction – commission members took a more holistic approach. They recognized that we cannot simply pave our way out of congestion, that safety of all travelers – not just motorists – is paramount, and that connectivity must be central to our transportation philosophy. They utilized reasoned methodologies to produce and deliver a forward-thinking, defensible prioritized project list to Council. Some Council members have voiced concerns over the fiscal impact of a penny sales tax on Greenville >>

SPARTANBURG MAIN STREET CHALLENGE WINNERS will be announced May 22.The finalists are: Tirado’s Empanadas & More, a restaurant that currently operates out of the food court at WestGate Mall; Scoops and Ladles, a restaurant featuring ice cream, sweets and soups; Paisley Paw, a pet boutique; Project Hub, a “makerspace” concept; and the Health in Hand Juice Bar. CONSTRUCTION HAS BEGUN on Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar and Grill at Magnolia Park on Woodruff Road in Greenville. The company has also applied for a special exception permit with the city to stay open until 2 a.m.

Take advantage of no initiation for a limited time. 225 Green Valley Drive • Greenville, SC • 864.246.2141 • GreenValley.cc

UPSTATE BUSINESS JOURNAL

May 16, 2014

CONSTRUCTION ON THE NEW CVS on Augusta Street and Faris Road in Greenville is slated to begin in June.

UBJ FORWARD

➤ BY THE NUMBERS With a similar sales tax in Richland County:

42%

of generated revenues would be collected by citizens outside the county (estimated)

< $100

per year spent by average household to support increased sales tax

16,500+ $1 billion+ jobs created

in total economic activity resulting in the area Source: Miley & Associates report

Mastering the Interview This past week, I have interviewed many people for several different positions. Interviewing is difficult, but it is one of the most important jobs that a manager performs. Personally, I have made some wonderful hiring decisions and some that were not the right fit. If I had been more thorough in the initial interview process, I could have avoided the pain of some of the bad hires. Here are some tips to master the interview: • Know the position – Whether you have a formal job description or a rough draft, make sure you know the details of the job. Effectively communicate the position to the applicant. • Know the skill set required – What are the education requirements? What skills are LEE YARBOROUGH necessary for consideration? Once the skills have been established, the field of applicants is narrowed allowing the most qualified to stand out. • Create questions – Before the interview, take time to create questions that are appropriate to the job.

Students from Welcome Elementary School in Greenville County cross White Horse Road on their way home from school. High-visibility crosswalks and a pedestrian refuge island could improve student’s safety for little cost.

the ordinance required to advance the process in an 8-3 vote. The real test, however, will come at second and third readings in the coming weeks when amendments will be offered and pressure from the opposing side will grow stronger. The message from voters, however, remains clear – advance the project list as is to the November ballot. By so doing, they will be respecting the admirable effort of commission members and the countless hours staff spent supporting them. They will be providing voters an opportunity to directly address the transportation issues they deal with daily – every trip they make to work, every day their child walks to school on a route lacking sidewalks, every time they ride their bike along a road lacking safe facilities. Failing to advance the ballot measure simply takes that opportunity away. Lisa Scott Hallo is the director of sustainable communities and Greenville B-Cycle for Upstate Forever.

• Be consistent – When interviewing multiple people for the same job, you must be consistent. Asking everyone the same questions allows you to be objective. • Avoid personal conversation – Sometimes you will establish a good rapport with the interviewee which leads to a more casual interview. However, remain professional and do not ask personal questions. There are specific questions which cannot be asked during an interview; make sure you are aware of what you can and cannot ask. • Involve HR – If you have an HR department or use an outside HR firm, get them involved in the hiring process. They can guide you and keep you out of trouble. • Assessment tools – There are many assessment tools on the market which evaluate a candidate’s compatibility and judgment as well as their background. In my experience, these tools are well worth the cost. And finally, follow your instincts. If your gut is telling you that something is not right with a candidate when all other signs say yes; you need to listen. Some people interview very well, but are not the right fit for the company’s culture. Interviewing and hiring is both a science and an art. The right people are the key to your business’ success. It is time to master the interview!

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>> County residents. In fact, there is not much basis in that argument. A report prepared by Miley & Associates regarding the economic impacts of a similar sales tax in Richland County found that an estimated 42 percent of generated revenues would be collected from citizens living outside the county and that the average household would in fact spend less than $100 per year to support the increased sales tax (an amount likely offset by reduced vehicle operating costs due to improved infrastructure and shortened commuting times). Other report findings included more than 16,500 jobs created and more than a billion dollars in total economic activity resulting in the area. The Greenville County Roads Advisory Commission did their job and did it well, using a process void of political influences. Greenville County citizens and county staff did their jobs, too – citizens participated by the hundreds and county staff acted as integral resources for commission members. Now each Greenville County Council member must do his or her job – act without politics in mind and give Greenville County citizens the opportunity to vote on a one-cent sales tax referendum this November. On Tuesday May 6 Council passed

May 16, 2014

UPSTATE BUSINESS JOURNAL

UBJ INSIDE Internet Without Borders Sabai Technology gives people in 120 countries the Web they want

By Jennifer Oladipo | senior business writer joladipo@communityjournals.com

If you call Sabai Technology and are put on hold, you’ll hear a simple, pleasant, Hawaiian ukulele rendition of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.” It’s apt for a company whose name is a Thai word meaning “peace, tranquility and a sense of well-being.” Founded in 2010 by William Haynes, Sabai provides virtual private network, or VPN, routers with its proprietary software to more then 120 countries. There’s a lot going on. Anja Smith was promoted to CEO in late April, and Sabai is about to release version 5.5 of its software. She said last year the company did more than $1 million in sales, which it hopes to double this year. Smith and Haynes gave UBJ a look inside the fast-growing tech company. How did Sabai begin?

Photos by Greg Beckner

Sabai Technology owner and founder William Haynes and CEO Anja Smith in the company’s Simpsonville office.

WH: I had modified routers to do what I needed as a missionary in Thailand. Then I starting seeing on online message boards that there was this area of consumer VPN where people were trying to figure out how to get it properly working on a router. They were buying a service to help, but it would only work on one device. So that was really the driver. I am a geek, so I spent

about three days kind of muttering around the house in my bathrobe and trying to figure out how to get it to work.

What’s unique about your product? AS: It lets people abroad do things like watch shows and news from home without expensive satellite connections. We’ve embedded our software on the router instead of the computer, so other >>

Locally based, residential real estate investm distresed assets into growth opportunities

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>> wireless devices aren’t left out. For instance, Xbox can’t run VPN programs. Our software also encrypts traffic, and we’ve got the only VPN router that has a gateway that lets you also set a device to a local channel to, say, order pizza from down the street.

growing volume over product development. I’m much more interested in the business side, working with channel partners and rolling out a reseller program. We’re working on relationships with VPN providers that people don’t have to purchase hardware and service separately, not unlike a cell phone. We do have a long-term vision of getting beyond the VPN space, including programs that make more sense to run on a network level, like virus scanning and Net Nanny. William stepped down to get back to that kind of product development.

What is your target market? AS: Expats, military and U.S. State Department folks stationed overseas. These are people thrown into a culture that can be a little overwhelming but they’re enjoying the adventure. But then homesickness settles in, so people are trying to figure out how to connect better to home culture. We believe that when expats go home at the end of the day, they should be “home.” You’re still American wherever you are. We’re also trying to make advanced network technology accessible to average people instead of just super-geeks. Many of our customers could never do the traditional VPN router configuration. They’re just barely at the level of understanding our technology.

How did you break out of the techie bubble? WH: For the first six months it was all geeky guys. But then a mom from a U.S. military base said she’d heard that with our device her daughter could watch “Dora the Explorer.” When we had bridged the gap to the normal person, that was a big win – an exciting day when I look back on it now.

How did you get Sabai routers into U.S. embassies around the world? WH: It was kind of funny. I was worried that people wouldn’t like what

later that I saw how people had a burning need for freedom and power over their Internet connection that I really got the extent of it.

Anything else you want people to know? WH: I just want to express our gratitude for the wonderful entrepreneurial support system we have in Greenville. SCRA [South Carolina Research Authority] and NEXT have helped. One of our programmers came from the Iron Yard. And SCORE helped us a lot in the first year.

What’s your biggest challenge? Developers at work at Sabai Technology.

we were doing or might hassle us, then a month into the business somebody in security at one of the embassies called to ask me about what we were doing. Right after that conversation we started getting a lot of interest from State Department expat folks. You get one call from a person at a base in Germany, and then you suddenly get a bunch of orders from that base because somebody went over to their house and was able to watch the Super Bowl or something.

What are some common assumptions people make about your business? AS: They tend to think it’s too good to be true, the idea that you can get American Internet while living in Germany. They just don’t understand what’s happening in the background.

What’s next? AS: Right now we’re focusing on

AS: There’s so much effort to monitor Internet traffic and lock down content right now that companies like us that believe in freedom of information and the right to privacy are fighting an uphill battle. We’re constantly dodging the efforts of big industry and Internet that want access to your content. Hulu [subscription-based provider of TV content online] just decided they’re not going to allow people to access content over VPN. I’m sure there’s a business reason why they care, but the idea that we’re going to keep up the arbitrary lines of territory is just sort of an antiquated philosophy in my mind.

It sounds like you’re on a mission. AS: Yeah, as we’ve spent more time in this space, it seems like a little bit of an injustice.

Did Sabai start off that way? WH: It started off in needing a job during the recession and knowing I would have to create it. It wasn’t until

EMPLOYEES:

10 full-time, 4 part-time

EXPORTS:

To more than 120 countries

FACT:

The Vatican uses Sabai routers

ROUTERS SOLD:

Over 2000 (to date in 2014)

TOP DESTINATIONS: Canada Australia Mexico United Arab Emirates China Germany France

ment funds transforming for our investors.

30M + DOLLARS INVESTED

864.642.1647 | Greenville, SC 29607

WW.SERRUS.COM/INVESTNOW

LEIGHTON CUBBAGE Cofounder

EL E VATIN G

THE GAME

The trio behind Elevate Golf Partners aims for the “cool factor” with technology, marketing and branding

By Sherry Jackson | staff | sjackson@communityjournals.com

Ever since his dad put a sawed-

As we started doing more and more research, I knew we needed a website and to do marketing online. So I started interviewing people that could help with that. I probably interviewed six people before Nate (Phillips, chief technology officer for Elevate Golf) was referred to me from a previous classmate from the MBA e-program. I went to him and pitched my ideas and vision and he came on board.

off 3-wood in his hand at age 3, Brad Powell has been a passionate golfer. After graduating from Clemson with a master’s degree in entrepreneurship and innovation, Powell saw a business opportunity to help the golf industry, which he says is struggling with technology, marketing and branding. Now Powell is CEO of Elevate Golf Partners, a marketing solutions company solely dedicated to golf. Partners Angela Taylor, who serves as chief creative officer, and Nate Phillips, chief technology officer, are already making ground (pun intended) in the world of golf. UBJ recently sat down with the three company founders to gain more insight into their business, learn how they came up with the idea and find out where they are headed.

How is the company structured? Powell: It’s an LLC and Angela and Nate both have an equity stake in the company. Taylor: It’s really sweat equity [laughing]. We’re really all three entrepreneurs in our own fields as well. We’re three like-minded people and saw there was a niche market in the golf industry that needed all of our skills.

So how was the company founded? Powell: After pitching some ideas to Angela (Taylor, Elevate Golf Partner’s chief creative officer), who is also extended family, we sat down and sketched out some products and services. I didn’t even have a name for the company yet. But I told her I wanted to elevate golf, and that’s where the name came from, and she built this whole brand around this idea.

UPSTATE BUSINESS JOURNAL

How long did it take before you launched any products and services? Taylor: We really started in August 2013 putting the pieces together for what we needed and who we needed to bring together.

Members of the Elevate Golf team, from left: CCO Angela Taylor, CEO Brad Powell and CTO Nate Phillips.

May 16, 2014

Powell: Jan. 1, 2014, was when we launched and set up the LLC. I had been working out of my garage for the past nine months. We needed to get together >>

under one roof where we could collaborate. We’re now together working in the same space. Nate started in November and the whole goal of launching in January was so that we could go down to the golf show in Orlando, Fla. It’s the one trade show that you have to be at if you’re going to be in the industry. I went down by myself.

FIAMMA FELITCH, a professional golfer who is participating in Big Break Florida, a Golf Channel reality TV series, is also serving as Elevate Golf’s brand ambassador. Felitch says the Elevate Golf team is “very enthusiastic, have great energy and get things done.” She dons the company’s brand and logo on her clothing and golf bag.

Taylor: He took a box of business cards and some sales material. He was like a kid in a candy store. Phillips: It really all gelled in January and it all came together.

What was your first deal?

Phillips: It was an eBay-type website with people able to bid for the chance for one of four executives to be on their golf team. All proceeds went to charity. We built the site for them, launched it, monitored it throughout the contest and then sent data afterwards. It raised over $2,500 for them and now it’s something they plan to use year after year.

What is the niche that you’re trying to fill? Powell: There’s a lot of

THE BUZZ ON ELEVATE GOLF

Powell: It was with Fluor Corporation. They were looking for a company to build an auction website for their 23rd annual Golf for Greenville golf tournament at the Cliffs. We ended up winning that bid.

Photos by Greg Beckner

competition out there and they are giving stuff away for free, and you get what you pay for. Some courses will buy a POS or tee-booking software and that company throws in a free website. We bring more of a higher-end approach than anyone else. Phillips: The golf industry is about five years behind other industries when it comes to technology. Be it websites, social media, and integration with technology. The game itself is very old, so there is hesitancy to change and add new technology. But as the younger generation and millennials play more, we need tools to help understand and help connect with the game. Powell: As the b a b y boomer population ages, golf courses need to attract the young generation. That’s what we bring to the table. How do you attract millennials? How do you attract them to the course and your amenities and keep them engaged? You need to have that cool factor.

What is your target market? Powell: We really can help any golf

course – from daily-fee public courses to private ones. Some of our products work better for different courses. For example, our Cloud Caddie app has a 3-D flyover of each hole, so that app is very appealing to a public course because they have new people playing every day. A private course, where 90 percent of the rounds are played are by the same people, would have different needs. We’re also working with other startup companies that are catering to the golf industry. Whether it’s a craft beer company that wants to market to golfers or a subscription-based service where you get a monthly shipment of golf goodies, we see ways we can help all of them. Taylor: The golf industry isn’t just about putting the ball in the hole. There are so many different areas – it’s massive.

MIKE SMITH, a member of the South Carolina Golf Panel, which rates golf courses annually, a member of Chanticleer and the Greenville Country Club, and prior tournament director of the BMW Pro-Am, says that he is “most impressed with what I have seen from Elevate Golf and love the energy Brad and his team are bringing to the industry. They are right on target with proven ways to embrace and utilize social media within the golf industry, and ideas to help golf courses grow their rounds of golf and enhance the golf club members’ experience.”

the services because it is so different and unique.

What are your most popular products? Powell: Cloud Caddie, a custom mobile app; Text Caddie, which is a SMS/MMS marketing, tracking and notification service; and Branding Caddie, a corporate identity service, are the most popular. Everything is custom-tailored. We’re not a transaction company, we’re a partner. We go the extra step to really be a part of the management of the course or the company. Phillips: Cloud Caddie is the attention-getter, the show-stopper of

May 16, 2014

HARRY GIBBS owner of Classic Golf of South Carolina, an online retailer of golf gifts and hard-to-find items, says Elevate Golf has “great marketing instincts to help grow new and existing businesses.”

So what’s next? Powell: We’ve got a lot of stuff in the works. The goal is to sign four golf courses in the first year. We’re also working on a really cool golf-industry book with a foreword written by a very well-known golfer. The book has been written and we’re going to build them an app, build them a website and help with their branding. It’s incredible how many people I talk to and the great feedback I’m getting.

UPSTATE BUSINESS JOURNAL

COVER STORY

OVER PAR

The BMW Pro-Am brings millions of golf revenue into the Upstate – part of a $2.7 billion statewide industry By Joe Toppe | staff | jtoppe@communityjournals.com

THE RESERVE AT LAKE KEOWEE

As temperatures climb and the daylight hours lengthen, one thing is as sure as the changing of the seasons: Golf courses in the Upstate and across South Carolina are going to be busy. And with the BMW Charity Pro-Am teeing off this week, the eyes of golf fans nationwide will be sizing up the Upstate, while the locals wait to see the economic impact.

UPSTATE PROFITS FROM CHARITY TOURNAMENT Although golf in the Upstate accounts for a small percentage of the sport’s statewide appeal, the discussion of its economic impact in the region centers on the annual BMW Charity Pro-Am, presented by Synnex Corporation. Total direct spending for the 2014 BMW Charity Pro-Am is expected to reach nearly $5 million, support 137 regional jobs, and yield an Upstate total impact of more than $6.7 million, according to a study by Clemson University’s International

Photo courtesy of BMW Charity Pro-Am

Institute of Tourism Research and Development. The Clemson study was conducted following the 2013 BMW Pro-Am to determine the regional economic impact of the tournament and includes data estimates through 2017. The BMW Pro-Am is an annual $6 million industry and an important piece of the Upstate’s economy, said Bob Brookover, executive director of Clemson University’s Tourism and Recreation Research and Innovation Program. The publicity for the event provides an ideal lens into the region, he said. “The tournament is great for raising the Upstate’s tourism profile.” Of the five Upstate counties used in the study – Greenville, Spartanburg, Anderson, Pickens and Cherokee – Greenville County is estimated to maintain a substantial lead in tournament-related jobs, with an average of 108 each year of the study. The golf tournament’s direct spending is expected to remain the

UPSTATE BUSINESS JOURNAL

May 16, 2014

“Over the years, the tournament has become an event that celebrities invite their contemporaries to join in, although it can be difficult to get new celebrities because they all want to come back. It is a good problem to have.” Darin MacDonald, executive director of the BMW Pro-Am

same at just over $4.7 million, while the Upstate’s total output and impact is expected to increase each year from 2013’s total of $6,774,615 to 2017’s $6,799,262. Based on the study, every dollar spent locally by the tournament, visitors and charities benefited by the tournament will generate an additional 44 cents of output in the Upstate.

‘PEOPLE ARE STARTING TO PAY ATTENTION’

Golf courses and the off-course expenditures of visiting golfers had a statewide economic impact in 2011

of $2.7 billion in sales, 34,785 jobs, $872 million in personal income, and $312 million in federal, state and local taxes, according to research conducted by the South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism in April 2012. The state’s top three golfing destinations in the state were Myrtle Beach, Hilton Head Island and Charleston, the study said. Greenville and Spartanburg accounted for only 4 percent of the state’s visiting golfers. However, the Upstate’s success in hosting an international golf tournament will raise the region’s >>

>> profile, said Bob Mihalic, Greenville County governmental affairs coordinator. “We are starting to build a brand and an image, and people are starting to pay attention.” With data assembled by Smith Travel Research, VisitGreenvilleSC issued a report showing 14 percent of growth in hotel occupancy between 2011 and 2013 throughout Greenville County during the BMW Charity Pro-Am Tournament days, said Nancy Breede, research assistant at VisitGreenvilleSC. “These types of events have a significant financial influence on the region,” Breede said. Given the global reach of BMW’s tournament, the event will remain the focus of golf’s economic impact in the Upstate, Mihalic said. The international branding appeal associated with BMW serves as a lure for other international sporting events to come to the Upstate, he said. Hosting events such as the BMW golf tournament resonates with other corporate and sporting entities. Regional events are also measurable byproducts of BMW’s influence, he said. Youth soccer tournaments or youth swimming events associated with the Southeast are just as important as their international counterparts, he said. The increase of regional gatherings indicates a direct tie to the Upstate’s ability to successfully host a global function.

“We are starting to build a brand and an image, and people are starting to pay attention.” Bob Mihalic, Greenville County governmental affairs coordinator

➤ BY THE NUMBERS

$4.7 million

total direct spending for 2014 BMW Charity Pro-Am

137

local jobs supported

$6.7 million

total Upstate economic impact

44 cents

of output generated by every dollar spent locally by tournament, visitors and charities

STATEWIDE IMPACT In 2011, golf courses and the off-course expenditures of visiting golfers had a statewide economic impact of:

$2.7 billion in sales for the state

34,785

jobs in the golf industry

$872 million in personal income

$312 million

in federal, state, and local taxes Source: Clemson University International Institute of Tourism Research and Development study

Source: South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism

WORK YEAR-ROUND BEHIND THE SCENES Behind the scenes, the event requires employees on the South Carolina Charities’ payroll to work year-round, said Darin MacDonald, executive director of the tournament. “We have five full-time employees including a fulltime director of sales,” he said. From a volunteer and subcontractor’s perspective, the staff expands to a much larger team closer to the

Photo courtesy of BMW Charity Pro-Am

May 16, 2014

tournament, he said. The upcoming event will mark the 14th annual BMW Charity Pro-Am Golf Tournament. The tournament operates on roughly $3 million in revenue and more than $2 million in expenses, MacDonald said. “Each year, our annual giving to charities is between $500,000 to $800,000.” The 2014 Pro-Am tournament will feature 168 professionals and 168 amateurs in the field, and 26 celebrities including such names as Bill Engvall, Greg Kinnear and former NFL quarterback Jim McMahon. During the year, a communications person for the tournament coordinates with agents to familiarize celebrities with the tournament, MacDonald said. “Over the years, the tournament has become an event that celebrities invite their contemporaries to join in, although it can be difficult to get new celebrities because they all want to come back,” he said. “It is a good problem to have.” Of the 26 celebrities joining the 2014 tournament, more than 50 remain on a waiting list. The event will span May 15-18 and take place on three Upstate golf courses – the Thornblade Club, The Reserve at Lake Keowee and Green Valley Country Club. MacDonald said all of the teams will play each course one time Thursday, Friday and Saturday. “We will cut to the low 16 teams and the low 65 professionals at Thornblade on Sunday,” he said. “We have a $650,000 purse for the professionals, including $117,000 to first place, and nearly $400,000 in Golf Channel expenses.” The Golf Channel will televise the tournament worldwide with eight hours of coverage each day. The tournament will also include food and beverages, parties and live music from the Bacon Bros. performing at the Peace Center.

UPSTATE BUSINESS JOURNAL

3 4

Home Turf

LO C A L C O M PA N I E S I N T H E G O L F B I Z

1| Orange Whip Trainer orangewhiptrainer.com

The Orange Whip line of products, made in Easley, helps golfers learn a more effective swing. The simple device helps players better understand the feel of an effective swing or putt, which they then keep with them when using their regular clubs. The company began selling its original Orange Whip trainer in 2008.

Elevate Golf elevategolf.com

Elevate Golf is a marketing company and creator of the CloudCaddie, an iPhone app, which creates three-dimensional sky-view tours of golf courses. The company also offers

other traditional marketing services such as branding, communications management and Web development. (See our Jump Start story on page 18.)

Cradlz | 3

( formerly CamCaddy)

cradlz.com

Cradlz (formerly CamCaddy) created a device that makes it easier for golfers to use their smartphones to record themselves while they play. Introduced in 2012, it capitalized on the popularity of smartphone applications that let golfers compare their swings to other players, among other options. The product consists of a pole and harness that adjust to fit any phone. It’s been endorsed by golf pros including Bill Haas, Kevin Chappell and Jonathan Byrd.

UPSTATE BUSINESS JOURNAL

May 16, 2014

4| Eagle Zone

theeaglezone.com

Eagle Zone has provided outdoor golf training in the Upstate since 1986. The facility includes a full retail shop known for custom club fitting. Its 100 hitting stations are open to the public and memberships are also available. Membership currently stands at about 300. The owner also owns a golf course in Easley.

Kentwool kentwool.com

Kentwool has been a textile manufacturer since 1843. It remains family-owned and -operated, with head-

quarters in Greenville and manufacturing in Pickens. A maker of wool yarn, the company is also well known for its golf socks that have been endorsed by several PGA and LPGA players including Jenny Suh, Bubba Watson and Matt Kuchar.

Classic Golf of | 6 South Carolina classicgolfofsc.com

Classic Golf of South Carolina specializes in golf gifts and hard-to-find items ranging from money clips and hat clips to art prints at two locations and its online store. The company also offers engraved memorabilia and custom framing. “19th Hole” libation accessories are also available.

UBJ NEW TO THE STREET

1. Adjust to Life Chiropractic recently held a ribbon-cutting at 634-B Fairview Road, Suite 2, in Simpsonville. For more information, call 864-305-1009 or visit adjust2life.com.

Stay in the know Stay in the know on on Twitter. Twitter. Follow us today: today: Follow us

@UpstateBiz @UpstateBiz 2. North Hills Automotive re-opened at 1428 Augusta St. in Greenville. For more information, visit northhillsauto.com or call 864-233-9002.

Upstate Business Journal

Growth and improvement in every direction. A land-use program committed to the legacy of carefully considered, responsible, sustainable, and environmentally sensitive growth and development.

Learn more...www.GSP360BeyondtheRunway.com May 16, 2014

UPSTATE BUSINESS JOURNAL

UBJ THE FINE PRINT CertusBank Named 7(a) Small Business Lender of the Year CertusBank was recently named South Carolina’s 7(a) Small Business Lender of the Year for dollar volume by the Federal Small Business Association (SBA). CertusBank was recognized for originating $21.9 million in South Carolina and 78 small business loans nationwide for a total of more than $121.8 million

during the SBA’s fiscal year, which ended Sept. 30, 2013. In 2013, the bank saw an 11 percent increase in total number of loans and a 25 percent increase in dollar volume as compared to 2012. “Our true focus is on working together with small business owners to help them succeed,” said John Handmaker, CertusBank’s executive vice

Milliken Acquires Westex Milliken & Company recently announced the acquisition of Westex Inc., which specializes in flame-resistant (FR) fabrics for protective clothing. With companies moving toward improving workplace safety, indus-

trial employers and regulatory agencies are elevating the importance of workers remaining protected on the job. Milliken and Westex will create

with small business owners in South Carolina and across the country to help them achieve their goals.” CertusBank opened its first South Carolina loan production office in March 2013 and has additional offices in Texas, Georgia, Ohio, Kentucky, Arizona, Florida, Virginia, Tennessee, Indiana and Illinois.

president of small business finance, in a news release. “Receiving this award means we’re doing just that. We are striving to build lasting relationships fabrics for global industrial workers who need protection from arc flash, flash fire and other thermal hazards. “All of us at Westex look forward to joining a strong, values-based company with a long heritage of innovation,” said Mike Enright, vice president of sales and marketing for Westex, in a news release. “Westex has a proven track record

of developing FR technology, products and strong end-user relationships that help customers develop successful programs. By combining our collective R&D talent, deep customer knowledge and market access, we will strengthen our capabilities and offer workers the highest levels of FR protection and comfort.”

Sonoco Products Company Celebrates 115 Years Sonoco Products Company celebrated 115 years of business with its president and CEO, Jack Sanders, ringing the closing bell at the New York Stock Exchange this week. The company, headquartered in Hartsville, has annualized net sales of about $4.9 billion, and more than 19,900 employees working in 335 operations in 33 countries, serving

85 nations. It was originally founded as the Southern Novelty Company in 1899. Sonoco manufactures store displays; packaging materials; aluminum and steel ends on cans; peelable membranes on cans; round and rigid paper containers, such as coffee and infant powdered formula containers; and other products.

950 AM/1330 AM/ 97.1 FM/ WFBC-HD3

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UBJ THE FINE PRINT

Former SC Commerce Secretary Creates Private Equity Firm Former SC Secretary of Commerce Joe Taylor, businessman Donald R. Tomlin Jr., and attorney and investment banker Daniel D’Alberto recently announced the creation of Southland Capital Partners, a new merchant bank and advisory firm that will serve the state’s private equity market. It will be headquartered in West Columbia. “Currently, private equity activity in South Carolina is very limited,” said Taylor in a news release. “We want to look at the opportunities to acquire companies that we have right in front of us.” Southland Capital plans to acquire companies that have sales between $5 million and $50 million and show serious growth potential in South Carolina and neighboring states, not limiting investments to specific industrial sectors. It will also provide advisory services to companies in areas such as sales to other firms, enterprise valuations, and in some cases, the private placement of investments in startup companies. Southland is not currently seeking outside investors. Instead, the company plans to use its own capital for acqui-

sitions as well as leveraging relationships with its existing investors, primarily located in Boston and New York, to fund each individual deal. “We have seen time and again that investors outside this region have a strong desire to invest in the Southeast, but no real connection to this market,” said Taylor in the release. “Southland Capital will provide that connection. If you look at the companies we were able to recruit during my time at Commerce, including two national deals of the year, Boeing and First Quality Tissue, the business advantages that attracted those companies to South Carolina are the same ones that have helped so many of our homegrown companies do well. Those advantages are the reasons why many outside investors are eager to invest in South Carolina.” John Dolan, a Boston-based research analyst and portfolio manager, will lead capital raising and investor relations among Wall Street and Boston contacts.

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Clemson Professor Honored By White House Clemson University professor Dr. Rajendra Singh was recently honored by the White House as one of 10 “Champions of Change” for his four decades of work with solar energy. Since receiving the award, Singh has been approached by groups that support green technology and other aspects of his research. “It’s a great honor,” said Singh in a news release. “I have a challenge now. I want to use the awareness and opportunity to bring one of life’s very basic conveniences, electricity, to the remote corners of the world.” Singh said the technology is available to bring electricity to the entire world in as little as five years, while lowering utility bills in the United States, but public policy would have to allow for a business model that works and integrating electrical components. Singh focuses on solar power because fuel from the sun is free and hardware prices for solar power are falling faster than

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DR. RAJENDRA SINGH those for wind power. Solar panel costs fell by 62 percent from 2011 to 2013. Singh proposes the use of “microgrids” for rural areas disconnected from main grids. Additionally, solar panels generate direct current (DC) energy, which can be stored in batteries, capacitors and fuel cells, and run LED lights, televisions, battery-based hybrid and electric cars, and other consumer devices, said Singh in the release.

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UPSTATE BUSINESS JOURNAL

UBJ SQUARE FEET

By Sherry Jackson, staff sjackson@communityjournals.com

Rendering provided by McMillian Pazdan Smith

Offices, Retail Planned for Former Claussen Bakery The former Claussen Bakery property at 400 Augusta St. is getting a $6.3 million makeover into an adaptive reuse project that will house offices and retail space. Currently, the historic building is vacant and gutted on the interior with significant structural issues. The approximately 40,000-square-foot building will become a mixed-use redevelopment containing retail and services-related businesses on the ground level and Class A offices on the second floor. “Upstairs will be an open office concept – a very creative space with very few interior office walls,” said Steve Navarro, president of the Furman Co. and managing member of the partnership that purchased the building. Navarro said that the upstairs space is really “conducive for one large tenant.” McMillian Pazdan Smith came up with the design concept. “They are

PROJECT PARTNERS DEVELOPER: Furman Development GENERAL CONTRACTOR: Harper Construction ARCHITECT: McMillian Pazdan Smith MARKETED BY: CBRE

very creative,” said Navarro. Downstairs will have about 16,000 square feet of space that will open onto Augusta Street. The space could accommodate one destination retailer who wants all the square footage, or the space can be divided as small as 1,400 square feet, said Navarro. He envisions startup-type companies, eclectic businesses and retailers with maybe a “service goods component” to occupy the building. “Really it’s anyone that would like the downtown environment with walking distance to Main Street and the West End, but can’t afford the Main Street prices,” said Navarro. Rental rates downtown are averaging $25 triple net while rates for this property will be “in the $12 triple net range,” he said. Construction will require changes to non-historic structures while attempting to maintain the integrity of the original structure and its components. Plans call for a lot of natural light including a new two-story glass window that will have a view of nearby Fluor Field. The space will be illuminated at night and baseball game-goers will be able to see into the building. Bike racks – both indoor and outdoor – will be included along with shower facilities, common restrooms,

UPSTATE BUSINESS JOURNAL

May 16, 2014

Historic photo provided by Greenville Historic Society

plenty of parking and a dog run. “We want to be pet-friendly and to make the space as friendly and inviting as possible,” said Navarro. Construction is set to begin immediately with some sandblasting and roofing work that can be done before the plans go in front of the Design Review Board next month. The space is anticipated to be ready in January or February of 2015. Currently no tenants have signed leases, but Navarro says he feels there is “enough demand” to build out the project on spec. The Claussen Bakery was founded by Johann Claussen, an immigrant from Germany. Claussen had founded the original Claussen steam bakery

location in Charleston in 1841 and had expanded to Augusta, Ga., Columbia, S.C., Savannah, Ga., and Greenville by 1930. According to news reports, more than 20,000 people toured the facility prior to its opening in August 1930. Claussen remained open as a bakery until October 1973. Ownership of the property changed throughout the years – from Claussen to Daisy Foods to Southern Bakeries and finally to Brown Baking Company. At the time of its closing, the company employed more than 350 people, served more than two-thirds of South Carolina and had a payroll of $3 million.

UBJ SQUARE FEET

By Sherry Jackson, staff sjackson@communityjournals.com

North Hills Automotive Reopens on Augusta PDQ Expands to the Upstate AD PELHAM RO

DR. ON EAC E. B

A new fast-casual restaurant specializing in hand-battered chicken tenders, made-to-order sandwiches, daily cut fries, hand-spun milkshakes and fresh salads is expanding into the Upstate. PDQ, which stands for “People Dedicated to Quality,” was founded by former Outback Steakhouse cofounder Bob Basham and Nick Reader, CEO of MVP Holdings, a private investment firm. The partners spent more than two years developing the concept behind the brand and the quality of the food and establishments before opening the first PDQ restaurant in 2011 in Tampa, Florida. PDQ now has locations in Alabama, Florida, North Carolina, Texas and South Carolina. The Greenville location at 3906 Pelham Road will be the company’s second South Carolina location. The other is in Columbia. Everything is fresh, said Jeffrey Kamis, PDQ’s chief marketing and PR officer. There will be no freezers or microwaves; all the chicken will be hormone-free and never frozen, he said. Tenders are hand-breaded in the restaurant, dressings and sauces are made fresh daily, French fries and apples are fresh-cut each day, he said. “Because everything is made fresh when you order, we can usually accommodate any type of special requests for gluten-free or allergies,” Kamis said. The menu will a l s o feature freshsqueezed lemonade, Cheerwine b y

5 I-8

the bottle and made-to-order chicken and turkey sandwiches. The restaurant will be approximately 4,300 square feet and feature an open kitchen with high ceilings and a sunroom. “Everything is there for you to see,” said Kamis. A hand-washing station with a foot pedal will be located in the dining room for kids to use. Rather than a “squawk box,” the drive-thru will feature a hospitality hut where a team member will take your order in person. “We like to incorporate many face-toface touch points,” said Kamis. PDQ also plans to get involved with the local community by hosting fundraising nights and reaching out to local schools and sports teams. “In all of our restaurants we are very community-driven, and that’s really important for our brand,” said Kamis. “The Greenville area is a great area not just for businesses with BMW and Michelin located close by, but also for families, and that’s what made it the right location for us.” Construction has already begun and the restaurant is planning a September 2014 opening. Kevin Lyall will be the operating director.

North Hills Automotive, a full-service auto repair chain, is holding a grand re-opening celebration this week for its new building on Augusta Street in downtown Greenville, after a year of construction. Located at 1428 Augusta St., reconstruction began in May 2013. North Hills had occupied the former Gulf Oil station for 20 years, which was well past its prime, and a new building was needed. “Cars are larger than they were in the 1930s when the original building was built,” said Jacob Gamble, who owns the company along with his father, Ken. “The space simply couldn’t handle the technology required.” The new building was created to blend with the existing Augusta Street architecture and includes brick that was reclaimed from the 1871-built warehouse that stood at the corner of Augusta and Main streets. It also includes cedar shake siding, plus trim and moldings you see in older homes in the area. “It has an old Greenville feel with a modern touch,” said

Jacob Gamble. “This building looks like a home and brings a family-friendly atmosphere to our customers. We’ve even added features like a finished ceiling in the shop to reduce noise for nearby residents,” said Ken Gamble. The facility has a waiting area designed like a “cozy living room,” complete with a fireplace, flat screen TV, coffee service and toys for the kids. North Hills has three locations in Greenville: Augusta Street at Grove Road, Pelham Road at East North Street and East Butler Road at Woodruff Road. The Gambles said they hope that the new look and feel on Augusta Street will set the standard for existing and future locations.

PROJECT PARTNERS GENERAL CONTRACTOR: D&C Builders ARCHITECT: Emil Henning Architect FINANCED BY: BNC Bank

CONSTRUCTION IS SLATED TO BEGIN this summer on a Wal-Mart neighborhood market at Southport and Cedar Springs roads in Spartanburg County. 7-ELEVEN IS CONTINUING THEIR CONVERSION of the 23 Hickory Point gas stations the company purchased. According to a 7-Eleven spokesperson, 18 locations have been remodeled and are operating as 7-Eleven stores, and the company is still determining the development for the five remaining locations.

May 16, 2014

UPSTATE BUSINESS JOURNAL

New hires, promotions & award winners can be featured in On The Move. Send information & photos to onthemove@upstatebusinessjournal.com.

UBJ ON THE MOVE APPOINTED

APPOINTED

ELECTED

HONORED

Laurens C. Nicholson

Lou Merkt

Thomas R. (Tom) Dobbins Louis Smith

Kacie Jackson

Named SIOR Carolina’s chapter president. Nicholson is currently employed with Lee & Associates-Greenville and has been in the field since 1993. He also serves on the faculty of the CCIM Institute, where he is a senior instructor.

Named president of the Southern Association of College and University Business Officers (SACUBO). Merkt is the vice president of finance administration at Furman University and also serves with the National Association of College and University Business Officers (NACUBO).

Named director of Clemson University’s Cooperative Extension Service. Dobbins currently serves as professor and coordinator for the undergraduate and graduate programs, as well as chairman of the agriculture division in Clemson’s School of Agricultural, Forest and Environmental Sciences.

Recognized as the “Young Careerist of the State of South Carolina” by the Business and Professional Women’s Foundation of South Carolina. Jackson is an industrial real estate broker for Cushman & Wakefield | Thalhimer.

Elected as president of the American Gem Society and will also serve as a member of the executive board of the American Gem Society’s laboratory. Smith is jeweler at Smithworks Fine Jewelry.

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT:

EDUCATION:

MEDICAL:

The Greenville Chamber of Commerce and the Riley Institute at Furman, in partnership with the Anderson, Greer, and Spartanburg Chambers of Commerce, recently hosted the Upstate Diversity Leadership Awards Dinner. The honorees were: Brittany Gilliland of Brashier Middle College Charter High School, who received the Outstanding High School Student Award; Darien Smith of Clemson University, who received the Outstanding College Student Award; Janet Krupka, director of recruiting at Michelin North America, who received the Outstanding Contribution to International Diversity Award; Kinneil Coltman, chief diversity officer for the Greenville Health System, who received the Calder D. Ehrmann Outstanding Individual Award; and David Taylor of Momentum Bike Clubs, who received an honorable mention in the Outstanding Individual category.

Upstate AHEC recently announced that Pam Bartley has been named the 2014 SC AHEC Outstanding Educator. Bartley has served as a professional trainer for Upstate AHEC for more than five years.

The Greenwood Genetic Center’s Cytogenics Laboratory recently announced that Barbara DuPont, Ph.D., senior director, has been elected to the board of directors of the American Cytogenetics Conference (ACC). The ACC is an educational organization composed of over 300 cytogeneticists from the U.S., Canada and Europe.

CONSTRUCTION/ ENGINEERING: ECS Carolinas LLP recently announced that Brittany Barnes has been hired as an environmental professional in the Greenville office.

FINANCIAL SERVICES: BNC Bank announced that Ryan A. Earwaker has joined as senior vice president and commercial relationship manager. Earwaker has more than 17 years of banking experience in the Greenville market and is a graduate of The Citadel. Most recently, he served in a senior relationship manager position for CertusBank and previously held positions at Carolina First Bank and First South.

HOSPITALITY: Rhino Concessions announced that Danny Watson has been promoted to regional operations manager. Watson has been a part of Rhino Concessions since the company began in 1994 and has since been responsible for expanding the company’s concessions services to recreational baseball locations, including the Conestee, Lakeside and Heritage Park baseball complexes.

UPSTATE BUSINESS JOURNAL

May 16, 2014

MOTORSPORTS: Jackson Motorsports Group (JMG) promoted Frank DeAngelo to executive director of motorsports, Matt Caldwell to executive director of motorsports sales and operations, and Todd Steen to director of business development. DeAngelo began his career in motorsports more than 35 years ago as a truck driver providing on-site tire service to race teams. He also managed his own motorsports firm, the DeAngelo Group. Caldwell joined JMG in 2004 as motorsports activation specialist and most recently served as account director. Steen is keeping his title of director of business development but is taking on new responsibilities. In addition to motorsports and marketing business development, he will

lead all the product sales teams and training programs for automotive clients.

STAFFING: HTI Employment Solutions has hired April Bridges as the branch coordinator and Keenya Glover as industrial recruiter for the Spartanburg branch, Jessica Weaver as a recruiter to support Greenville’s Professional Division, and Haley Gaston as account coordinator for BorgWarner out of the Seneca office. Bridges is a graduate of Fayetteville State University where she received a bachelor’s degree in communication with a concentration in mass communication. Glover brings with her five years of recruiting experience. She is a graduate of Spartanburg Community College and has a degree in business management. Weaver brings with her several years of recruiting experience. Gaston is a graduate of Clemson University where she received a degree in business management.

GOT A HOT DATE?

UBJ PLANNER FRIDAY MAY 16 HANDS-ON WITH THE FMLA Poinsett Club, 807 E. Washington St., Greenville; 8 a.m.-4 p.m. SPEAKERS: Chris Gantt-Sorenson, attorney with Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd P.A., and Carrie Scott, consultant with Find Great People International TOPIC: Compliance Strategies and Practical Tips COST: $195 per person, includes workshop materials, continental breakfast, and a Poinsett Club lunch CONTACT: 864-242-1050 REGISTER AT: greenvillechamber.org NORTH GREENVILLE ROTARY CLUB The Poinsett Club, 807 E. Washington St., Greenville; 12:30-1:30 p.m. COST: Free to attend, lunch $16 CONTACT: Shanda Jeffries at 864-968-2319 or sjeffries@flynnwealth.com

MONDAY MAY 19 GCS ROUNDTABLE The Office Center at the

Point, 33 Market Point Drive, Greenville; 8:30-9:30 a.m. SPEAKER: Patrick Michaelwith, Goodwill Call Golden Career Strategies at 864-527-0425 to request an invitation

TUESDAY MAY 20 HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS NETWORK Greenville Chamber of Commerce, Board Room, 24 Cleveland St., Greenville; 7:30-9 a.m. CONTACT: Julie Alexander at 864-239-3754 REGISTER AT: greenvillechamber.org TOASTMASTERS BILINGUE University Center, 225 S. Pleasantburg Drive, Auditorium Room 204, Greenville; noon-1 p.m. FOR INFORMATION: tmbilingue. toastmastersclubs.org CONTACT: Jeff Alfonso at jeff@ alfonsointerpreting.com TEN AT THE TOP: OUR UPSTATE VISION FORUM CU-ICAR,

Contribute to our Planner by submitting event information for consideration to events@upstatebusinessjournal.com 4 Research Drive, Greenville; 3-5 p.m. SPEAKER: Lynn Scott Safrit, president of Castle and Cooke North Carolina TOPIC: Cultivating a Knowledge-Based Culture in the Upstate FOR INFORMATION: tenatthetop.org CONTACT: Kirbie Crowe at 864-283-2313 MAULDIN CHAMBER BUSINESS AFTER HOURS The Palmetto Bank, 401 W. Butler Road, Mauldin; 5:30 p.m. CONTACT: info2@ mauldinchamber.org GREENVILLE CHAMBER BUSINESS AFTER HOURS Chuy’s, 1034-B Woodruff Rd., Greenville; 5:30-7:30 p.m. COST: Free to attend CONTACT: Lorraine Woodward at 864-239-3742 REGISTER AT: greenvillechamber.org GOLDEN STRIP TOASTMASTERS Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church, 739 N. Main St.,

Mauldin; 7-8 p.m. COST: Free for guests FOR INFORMATION: goldenstriptoastmasters. toastmastersclubs.org CONTACT: Prasad Patchipulusu at pprasa1@hotmail.com UPSTATE PC USERS GROUP Five Forks Baptist Church, 112 Batesville Road, Simpsonville; 7:30-9:30 p.m. FOR INFORMATION: ucpcug.org

WEDNESDAY MAY 21

clemson.edu/sbdc CONTACT: Beth Smith at es2@clemson.edu or 864-592-6318

or michelle.tyler@ jacksonlewis.com

SALES ROUNDTABLE Greenville Chamber of Commerce, 24 Cleveland St., Greenville; 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. SPEAKER: Bob Fiacco TOPIC: The Seven Lies of Success CONTACT: Tripp James at tjames@ greenvillechamber.org or 864-239-3728 REGISTER AT: greenvillechamber.org

The Palmetto Bank, 306 E. North St., Greenville; 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

TECH TOOLS YOU CAN USE SC Business Development Center, 1 N. Main St., Greenville; 9-11 a.m. COST: $39 per person CONTACT: Engenius at 864-977-1776 or contact@engeniusweb. com

TECH AFTER FIVE – GREENVILLE Carolina Ale House, 113 S. Main St., Greenville; 5:30-7:30 p.m. Free to GSA Technology Council members. REGISTER AT: techafterfive.com.

SBA SMALL BUSINESS ROUNDTABLE Spartanburg Library, 151 S. Church St., Spartanburg; 9:15 a.m.-noon TOPIC: Marketing Your E-Business COST: Free to attend REGISTER AT:

TABLE TALK Commerce Club, 55 Beattie Place, Greenville; 8-9:30 p.m. TOPIC: Common Workplace Law Challenges COST: Free to attend CONTACT: Michelle Tyler at 864-672-8035

THURSDAY MAY 22

INCREASE YOUR REVENUE SEMINAR

SPEAKERS: Kathy Shugart, account executive with Charter Business, and Tim Pecoraro and Sidney Cooke of The Idea Group COST: $25 per person REGISTER AT: scwbc.net SCORE SMALL BUSINESS START-UP WORKSHOPS Tri-County Technical College-Pendleton Campus, 7900 Hwy. 76, Pendleton; 5:30-9:30 p.m. COST: Free to attend REGISTER AT: piedmontscore.org MANUFACTURERS NIGHT OUT Fluor Field, 945 S. Main St., Greenville; 7:05-10 p.m. CONTACT: 864-239-3714 REGISTER AT: greenvillechamber.org

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May 16, 2014

2/23/2012 2:18:27 PM UPSTATE BUSINESS JOURNAL 29

UBJ SOCIAL SNAPSHOT FUNDER NETWORKING RECEPTION DNA Creative Communications hosted its first Funder Networking Reception last week to kick off the 2014 Shine the Light Nonprofit Forums. The reception was held at the Kilgore-Lewis House downtown and gave local nonprofit organizations a chance to talk with SC funders and grant makers. The Greenville County Youth Orchestra provided a string quartet for the reception.

A string quartet from the Greenville County Youth Orchestra performed at the reception for Shine the Light.

THE INBOX Stay in the know with UBJ’s free weekly email.

THE INBOX

Greenville nonprofit organization and grant makers network during the series kickoff.

Stay in the know with UBJ’s free weekly email.

Katie Ward, Janice Baddley, Tierney Gallagher, Debbie Nelson and Yolina Nenov of DNA Creative Communications.

UPSTATE BUSINESS JOURNAL

May 16, 2014

Janice Baddley, Katy Smith, Susan Small and Debbie Nelson network.

UBJ SNAPSHOT

Historic photograph available from the Greenville Historical Society. From “Remembering Greenville: Photographs from the Coxe Collection,” by Jeffrey R. Willis

CURRENT PHOTOS BY GREG BECKNER / STAFF

Today the buildings seen on College Street in the photograph from 1964 remain while the business in them have changed. The Daniel Building is no longer the tallest in the state of South Carolina, but is the tallest building between Atlanta and Charlotte. On June 29, 1964, Daniel Construction Company held the groundbreaking for a 25-story headquarters building on the northwest corner of North Main and College streets. The buildings shown in the background of this photograph were on the south side of the first block of College Street. The new building, the tallest in South Carolina at the time, was completed in 1967. Founder Charles E. Daniel died a few months after the groundbreaking in 1964.

MARKETING & EVENTS Kate Banner

DIGITAL STRATEGIST PRESIDENT/CEO Mark B. Johnston mjohnston@communityjournals.com

UBJ PUBLISHER

Emily Price

ART & PRODUCTION ART DIRECTOR Kristy M. Adair

Ryan L. Johnston rjohnston@communityjournals.com

OPERATIONS Holly Hardin

EXECUTIVE EDITOR

Michael Allen, Whitney Fincannon

Susan Clary Simmons ssimmons@communityjournals.com

MANAGING EDITOR Jerry Salley jsalley@communityjournals.com

SENIOR BUSINESS WRITER Jennifer Oladipo

STAFF WRITERS

Sherry Jackson, Cindy Landrum, April A. Morris, Joe Toppe

CONTRIBUTING WRITER Jeanne Putnam

PHOTOGRAPHER Greg Beckner MARKETING & ADVERTISING SALES REPRESENTATIVES Kristi Jennings, Donna Johnston, Annie Langston, Lindsay Oehman, Pam Putman

ADVERTISING DESIGN CLIENT SERVICES Anita Harley, Jane Rogers

HOW TO CONTRIBUTE STORY IDEAS: ideas@upstatebusinessjournal.com

EVENTS: events@upstatebusinessjournal.com

DIGITAL AND SOCIAL MEDIA TWITTER: Follow us @UpstateBiz

FACEBOOK: TheUpstateBusinessJournal

LINKED IN: Upstate Business Journal Copyright @2014 BY COMMUNITY JOURNALS LLC. All rights reserved. Upstate Business Journal is published weekly by Community Journals LLC. P.O. Box 2266, Greenville, South Carolina, 29602. Upstate Business Journal is a free publication. Annual subscriptions (52 issues) can be purchased for $50. Postmaster: Send address changes to Upstate Business, P.O. Box 2266, Greenville, SC 29602. Printed in the USA

IN THIS WEEK’S ISSUE OF UBJ? WANT A COPY FOR YOUR LOBBY? 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

UBJ milestone jackson Marketing Group’s 25 Years 1988 Jackson Dawson opens in Greenville at Downtown Airport

1988

Chairman larry Jackson, Jackson marketing Group. Photos by Greg Beckner / Staff

NEW HIRES, PROMOTIONS, AWARDS:

Jackson Marketing Group celebrates 25 years

onthemove@ upstatebusinessjournal.com

20 Upstate bUsiness joUrnal November 1, 2013

UBJ welcomes expert commentary from business leaders on timely news topics related to their specialties. Guest columns run 700-800 words. Contact Executive Editor Susan Clary Simmons at ssimmons@communityjournals.com to submit an article for consideration.

1997 Jackson Dawson launches motorsports Division 1993

1990 Jackson Dawson acquires therapon marketing Group and moves to Piedmont office Center on Villa.

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

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

2009 Jackson Dawson changes name to Jackson marketing Group when larry sells his partnership in Detroit and lA 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

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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