JUNE 14, 2013
Growing
PAINS
Construction puts a damper on downtown foot traffic, but business owners hope for a bright future after the dust clears
Gearing Up for Service Executive chef, general manager join Domestique team PAGE 6
High-Speed Rail
New line could link Upstate to Atlanta and Charlotte PAGE 8
UBJ Table of Contents PRESIDENT/PUBLISHER Mark B. Johnston mjohnston@communityjournals.com SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT Alan P. Martin amartin@communityjournals.com UBJ ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Ryan L. Johnston rjohnston@communityjournals.com EXECUTIVE EDITOR Susan Clary Simmons ssimmons@communityjournals.com MANAGING EDITOR Jerry Salley jsalley@communityjournals.com STAFF WRITERS Sherry Jackson, Cindy Landrum, April A. Morris SENIOR BUSINESS WRITER Jennifer Oladipo
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Photo by Greg Beckner
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Dick Hughes, Jenny Munro, Jeanne Putnam, Leigh Savage EDITORIAL INTERNS Cynthia Partridge, Keith Sechrist ART & PRODUCTION ART DIRECTOR Richie Swann PHOTOGRAPHER Greg Beckner
F E AT U R E S
COLU M NS
DE PA RT M E N T S
Entreprenuer 14 Making Mud Beautiful by Leigh Savage
Create. Innovate. Celebrate. 10 UCAN: 5 Years, and Plenty to Grow On by Mary Ann Pires
3 4 4 20 21 22 24 25 26 27
Cover Story 16 Downtown Growth Pains Some by Jennifer Oladipo Profile 18 Small by Design by Sherry Jackson
Verbatim Worth Repeating TBA The Takeaway The Fine Print Square Feet On the Move Planner New to the Street Snapshot
PRODUCTION Holly Hardin MARKETING & ADVERTISING MARKETING REPRESENTATIVES Lori Burney, Mary Beth Culbertson, Kristi Jennings, Donna Johnston, Pam Putman MARKETING Katherine Elrod MARKETING & EVENTS Kate Banner BRAND STRATEGIST Austin Hafer BILLING Shannon Rochester CLIENT SERVICES MANAGERS Anita Harley, Jane Rogers ADVERTISING DESIGN Kristy Adair, Michael Allen, Whitney Fincannon, Caroline Reinhardt IDEAS, FEEDBACK, OPINIONS opinions@upstatebusinessjournal.com HOW TO REACH US 148 River Street., Suite 120 Greenville, SC 29601 864-679-1200
ABOVE: Artist and designer Lily Wikoff ON THE COVER: According to General Manager Bill Mallette, Wild Wing Cafe has seen a 15 percent drop in business since the beginning of construction of the ONE project. Photo by Greg Beckner
2 UPSTATE BUSINESS JOURNAL June 14, 2013
Copyright @2013 BY COMMUNITY JOURNALS LLC. All rights reserved. Upstate Business Journal (Vol. 2, No. 23) is published weekly by Community Journals LLC. 148 River Street, Suite 120, Greenville, South Carolina, 29601. Upstate Business Journal is a free publication. Annual subscriptions (52 issues) can be purchased for $65. Postmaster: Send address changes to Upstate Business, 148 River St., Ste 120, Greenville, SC 29601. Printed in the USA.
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On “escaping” to Greenville… “This small city with big-city amenities is attracting people from all across the country. They moved here to embrace business opportunities and the low cost of living – and enthusiastically share their new hometown with visitors.” TravelGirl magazine, in an article describing Greenville as a “great escape.” Read it at travelgirlinc.com.
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Law Firm Sets Up Shop Downtown law firm collins & lacy recently moved their Greenville office of five years from 37 Villa Road in to 110 West North St., Suite 100, downtown. “Greenville is moving forward, and so are we,” said Mike Pitts, managing partner at Collins & Lacy, in a statement. “Collins & Lacy’s move to downtown places us in the center of the action. It
strategically positions us to meet the needs of our current clients while enabling us to help new businesses in the area navigate the legal side of running a company.” The move brings their 10 employees, four of whom are attorneys, into the new office. Collins & Lacy also has offices in Columbia, Charleston and Myrtle Beach.
June 14, 2013 Upstate bUsiness joUrnal 3
TA I L O R E D
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Teach Your Children Well
“This is two years now in the making. I think once the building’s done it’ll be fine; it’s just that surviving it is the key.”
With Father’s Day coming up, it leads me to think of the special relationship between fathers and sons. Fathers not only teach their sons how to do things, like changing the oil in the car or how to shave. They also try to teach their sons right from wrong, honesty and integrity, and how to become good citizens. Fathers also try to teach their sons about manners, courtesy and gentility. I was inspired by a book that I recently read about manners and civility, entitled, Bill of Rites for the American Man, written by K. Cooper Ray, the founder of Socialprimer.com. It’s full of codes of social conduct for all young men. I would like to highlight a few of the rules of conduct mentioned and explained in this entertaining and educational little book. A man stands to shake hands. Never shake hands sitting down. A man stands when someone his age or older enters a room or when a women approaches his table or excuses herself from his table. A man never reaches to shake a woman’s hand unless she offers her hand first. A man holds the door for a lady and allows her to walk through before he does. A man walks on the curb side of a woman when walking down a sidewalk. When meeting someone, one should always say his name, first and last. Do this from the onset. When introducing someone to another, always present the younger or less distinguished person to the older or more distinguished. Always present a man to a woman. Example…”Mrs. Smith, may I introduce Jonathan Jones?” A man knows cell phone etiquette. End your cellphone call in the car or on the sidewalk before entering a home or business. Only answer a call if it is a real emergency and excuse yourself from the group. Don’t talk on the phone in public if the sound of your voice will disturb others. The things a father teaches his son are many and very important in molding him into becoming a gentleman. Most importantly, Fathers teach by example.
Jose Ortiz, general manager and co-owner of Rosa Gelato Café, on losing foot traffic in the shadow of ongoing construction at the ONE project on Greenville’s Main Street
“We want people to come for an afternoon drink, a bite to eat and to enjoy the mountains.” Richard Jardin, newly appointed general manager of Hotel Domestique, the former La Bastide, in northern Greenville County
“I didn’t think I would stay here, but it’s been so good. Greenville is so supportive of the arts and so good for grass-roots businesses.” Jewelry designer Lily Wikoff, who came to Greenville to study art at Bob Jones University and stayed to start her own business in the West End
“You shouldn’t be in business in a community if you’re not willing to give back to that community.” Larry Webb, co-owner of KDS Commercial Properties
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UBJ News
Contact Sherry Jackson at sjackson@communityjournals.com.
Ray Lattimore
Dick Wilkerson
Scott Case
Bob Howard
previously served as vice chairman of the GADC Board of Directors. Wilkerson served as chairman and president of Michelin North America from 2008 to 2011, prior to which he held numerous other leadership positions during his 31 years with Michelin in the United States, France and Scotland. He is active in the Greenville community, having served as 2012 Chairman of the United Way of Greenville County board and currently serving on the board of directors for the Community Foundation of Greenville, the Greenville Health System and the Institute for Child Success. Lattimore is president and CEO of Marketplace Staffing, a Liberty Fellow and graduate of both Leadership South Carolina and Leader-
ship Greenville. He holds the Senior Professional of Human Resources (SPHR) credential, and is a director of numerous boards and organizations, including the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce, the United Way of Greenville County, and the Greenville Technical College Area Commission. Case is a certified public accountant with more than 25 years of professional experience in the areas of tax and finance. Case was instrumental in the creation of the GADC. Currently, Case serves as the elected auditor of Greenville County and, in addition to his community involvement, is a member of both the South Carolina and American Institute of CPAs and the Government Finance Officers Association.
4 Named to GADC Board community and have been active contributors to economic development activities here for years,” said Kevin Landmesser, interim GADC president and CEO. “Their acceptance of these important positions adds critical experience, stability and insight to the efforts of this organization.” Howard is currently president of the Greenville Tech Foundation after a 30-year career with Bank of America and its predecessor banks. He is a former executive director of the Greenville Symphony Orchestra and has served on the boards of numerous civic organizations. He
raymond-weil.com | freelancer collection
the greenville area development Corporation (GADC), a nonprofit organization to promote the economic growth and development of Greenville County, has announced the appointment of four Upstate leaders to its board of directors for 2013-2014. Upstate business leader Robert “Bob” Howard will succeed Regions Bank executive Chris Riley as GADC’s new chairman. Howard is joined by Richard (Dick) Wilkerson as vice chair, Scott Case as treasurer, and Ray Lattimore as secretary. “All four of these leaders are immersed in the Greenville business
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UBJ News
Hotel Domestique Gears Up for Service
DID THAT POPSICLE DO MORE THAN COOL HER OFF?
New general manager and executive chef come on board
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renovations are moving forward at Hotel Domestique, the former La Bastide, in northern Greenville County and owners and brothers Rich and George Hincapie recently announced the addition of a general manager and executive chef to the team. Richard Jardin will be general manager of the 13-room hotel and event venue. Jardin comes most recently from the Peninsula Grill in Charleston and Feteau Hospitality, a boutique hospitality consulting firm. His niche is opening boutique hotels, said Jardin, and he is passionate about creating the “greatest service across the board.” In addition to a destination for travelers, Jardin said he wants Hotel Domestique to be a local getaway. “We want it to be comfortable, but like a retreat or getaway just for a meal, too,” he said. “We want people to come for an afternoon drink, a bite
6 Upstate bUsiness joUrnal June 14, 2013
to eat and to enjoy the mountains.” In addition to the restaurant, there will be light food service throughout the day so customers are not tied to specific hours, he said. The atmosphere should evoke the European travels of the Hincapies, but also an Upcountry feel, said Jardin. He is interested in creating an experience “that pulls from the local area, but also gives something that is so different and so wonderful.” Starting at The Inn at Little Washington in Washington, Va., as a server, Jardin worked his way up through multiple hospitality jobs, which lent him valuable experience at every level, he said. Cultivating a relationship with the customer is key, said Jardin, and he wants to learn their individual needs and wants, which will encourage them to return multiple times – a favorite part of his job. “I really enjoy seeing returning faces,” he said.
Adam Cooke, the hotel’s new executive chef, comes to the Upstate most recently from Montana where he worked at various luxury hotels. He and his family moved to the area to be closer to family and Cooke said he said he is excited to begin what is his fourth kitchen build. The bones are there, he said; “now we just have to figure out how to ‘dust it off.’” Cooke was honored as one of 40 Chefs Under 40 by Mother Nature Network in 2009 while chef at the Barn at Blackberry Farm in Tennessee. The restaurant used locally sourced ingredients and Cooke said he is looking forward to incorporating the same practice into the fare at Restaurant 17. He’s been making connections with local growers and is discovering an abundance. “One [grower] leads to another one, but in this case, it leads to five,” said Cooke. In the restaurant, there will be an emphasis on baking and pastry along with a butchering program. Cooke is anticipating a fall opening for the restaurant in time for upcoming events. Like Jardin, Cooke said he was drawn to the beauty of the area, “I fell in love with the property,” he said, “and I’m excited to see it grow.”
Fast Facts Richard Jardin calls himself a “bowtie guy” and is usually clad in a jacket and colorful shirts, but never a dark suit. He is passionate about connecting with guests and the more formal look can sometimes discourage them from approaching with questions or comments, he said. For Adam Cooke, his favorite part of the job is working with the staff, teaching them and holding them to a higher standard. And his favorite day-to-day activity is surveying the available ingredients and getting the inspiration for writing menus.
Contact April A. Morris at amorris@communityjournals.com.
Photo by Greg Beckner
Hotel Domestique Executive Chef Adam Cooke, left, and General Manger Richard Jardin.
UBJ News
Photo by Sara Hanna Photography
Chicken Salad Chick Lands on Augusta chicken salad chick, a fastcasual restaurant, will be opening its first Greenville location this summer at the Augusta Commons Shopping Center, 2222 Augusta St. The Auburn, Ala.-based restaurant features a “custom-fit” chicken salad experience, with 15 original flavors to choose from, as well as gourmet soups, flavorful side salads and freshly baked desserts. Chicken Salad Chick has been rapidly expanding throughout the Southeast, and franchisees Michelle Singleton and Julie Beville of Sing Bev Hospitality LLC have purchased the rights to the Greenville location along with 28 other locations throughout the Carolinas and North Georgia. “We are so excited about the concept and current locations of
Chicken Salad Chick and decided to bring it to areas that we know and love,” said Singleton and Beville. “Our families are very excited to be a part of this wonderful concept and get started immediately.” According to Kevin Brown, president of Chicken Salad Chick, “We have been enormously blessed with franchisees who share our passion for the Chicken Salad Chick concept and want to find a home for it in their communities. The chosen location at Augusta Street is perfect for us to showcase our brand to both our loyal customers who have been waiting for us to come to town and those who have yet to enjoy the Chicken Salad Chick experience.”
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UBJ News
High-Speed Rail Study Underway
the georgia department of Transportation held a meeting last week in Greer to discuss a possible high-speed rail line from Atlanta to Charlotte. Six potential routes are being considered, and three would go through the Anderson-Greenville-Spartanburg area. Two would go through Columbia, and another through Greenwood (see map). Half of them would be shared-use on existing CSX or Norfolk Southern lines.
By June 15, one preferred alternative will be identified. The line would be for business and commercial use. The project aims to improve connectivity capacity on the regional infrastructure, increase energy efficiency and travel alternatives, reduce travel times between urban centers, and promote economic development along the corridor. The proposed section would be an extension of the Southeast HighSpeed Rail Corridor that is already
under development from Charlotte to Washington, D.C. The routes have yet to be determined, but connections to Charlotte and Atlanta airports, as well as the proposed Georgia Multi Modal Passenger Terminal, are important parts of the considerations. Some of the routes were identified in a 2008 feasibility study. “As a part of the study, [the Federal Railroad Administration] will analyze corridor alternatives,
station locations, and service technologies including diesel and electrified operations, service frequency and hours of service,” said the project’s informational website. A two-year environmental impact study is underway, as is required by the National Environmental Policy Act. An economic analysis report is expected in the fourth quarter of this year. A final environmental impact statement is expected at the end of next year.
PLANNED GIVING FOR PAYING IT FORWARD From the Kroc Center to Greenville Forward, Jean Harris Knight’s legacy gift to the Community Foundation helped establish programs dedicated to improving Greenville’s future. We make it easy to give back to the place we all love to call home.
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UBJ News Chuy’s Looking for 165 Employees austin-based tex-mex restaurant Chuy’s has officially begun hiring for their first-ever South Carolina location, set to open July 16 at 1034B Woodruff Road in Greenville. The restaurant plans to hire upward of 165 employees. “At Chuy’s, we make our food from scratch every day using the freshest ingredients, which is no easy task,” said Bill Decker, local owner and operator of Chuy’s Greenville. “We hope to build a crew of dedicated and energetic employees committed to serving the freshest Tex-Mex while having a good time.” Chuy’s Greenville is looking for experienced kitchen staff and is
currently accepting applications for part- and full-time positions, including: servers, bartenders, hosts and bus employees. The chain was founded in 1982 in Austin, and now has 42 full-service restaurants across nine states. The Greenville restaurant, across Woodruff Road from the new Magnolia Park development, will be 7,200 square feet and include an outdoor patio. Applications are being taken in person at the Chuy’s hiring trailer from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Applications can be printed online at Chuys.com.
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UBJ Create. Innovate. Celebrate.
By MARY ANN PIRES
UCAN: 5 Years, and Plenty to Grow On no special party room. no favors, balloons or cupcakes. But a fifth birthday celebration, just the same. And similar to the one you may remember from your childhood, it’s a special occasion – a real milestone. A rite of passage. The Upstate Carolina Angel Network (UCAN) is observing just such a birthday, as it embarks on its sixth year of investing in early-stage companies. Fifty members strong, with a total of $7 million invested in 26 companies, UCAN is justifiably proud of its first five years. “We’re a startup, too,” observed co-founder Tim Reed, managing partner of Margin Holdings, who along with J.B. Holeman, founder and president of Holeman Investments and CEO of Oversight Inc., launched the organization in 2008 with support from the Greater Greenville Chamber of Commerce. “Five years is a big hurdle, and we’re very pleased to have attracted new investors, retained many who started with us, kept our outstand-
ing managing director, and helped some talented entrepreneurs.” And don’t think those entrepreneurs aren’t grateful. “What UCAN has done is wonderful,” says New York Butcher Shoppe CEO Jim Tindal. “UCAN is filling an important economic development niche and deserves a big ‘thank you’ from everyone in the Upstate.” UCAN galloped to the capital rescue of New York Butcher Shoppe when the recession slowed its early growth. Now, the nine-store chain, located in North and South Carolina, Georgia and Alabama, is on track with lots of expansion opportunities, according to Tindal. Similar appreciation comes from RidePost co-founder and CEO Marty Bauer, whose company offers an online marketplace, connecting drivers and passengers for safe social ride-sharing. “UCAN’s contribution is sometimes overlooked,” Bauer observes. “But not by companies like ours. UCAN is made up of successful people and I’m blown away by
“Every meeting excites me. I go with no intention of investing. Yet I sign on, every time.” UCAN co-founder Tim Reed
Jim Tindal, New York Butcher Shoppe
their generosity in sharing their business expertise and remaining accessible to us. Their executive director, Matt Dunbar, has been as committed a mentor to me and the company as anyone could hope for. He’s really gone beyond the obligations of his job.” No surprise: UCAN’s own members are similarly enthusiastic about the organization. “I find it energizing and educational to be around entrepreneurs and other UCAN members,” notes new board member Michael Cinquemani, president and CEO of Master Power Transmissions. “Being in the company of such ingenious people and hearing their plans to go to market stimulates my own ideas.” “I’ve been able to learn more
about making these types of investments from my involvement in UCAN, and I benefit from the collective wisdom of the group,” says Christopher Brotherton, corporate vice president of Ortec Inc. Sydney Taylor, a senior executive of Canal Insurance Co., was present at the group’s creation because she was interested in the concept and wanted to see what it would be like as an alternative investment vehicle. “I really didn’t know what to expect,” she says. “But UCAN has exceeded all of the expectations I didn’t have!” An investor in the group’s singular exit to date, Sabal Medical, Taylor and her fellow investors made a handsome profit. UCAN is careful, however, to manage expectations when it comes to the odds for such a reward, as roughly half of angel investments lose money – but across a well-diversified portfolio, expected angel returns can be north of 20 percent over five to seven years. “Every meeting excites me,” says Reed. “I go with no intention of investing. Yet I sign on, every time.”
Mary Ann Pires is a career public relations professional, whose 27-year-old Greenville-based national firm, The Pires Group Inc., specializes in PR marketing, strategic philanthropy and emergency communication planning. It has served close to 100 clients, a number of them in the Upstate.
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The other thing members invariably agree on is that managing director Matt Dunbar is the organization’s fulcrum. They can’t say enough good things about him. UCAN lives up to its slogan: “Make some money. Do some good. Have some fun.” Startups seek it out, economic development entities respect it, and the referrals keep coming. Its format is simple: screen prospects; allow a select number to present at the monthly meetings; vote as a group on those meriting duediligence; carry out that diligence using the expertise of members and the director; present the findings; and allow members to invest or not, as they choose. There’s no pressure. This coming year could prove to be a big one for UCAN. It got the frosting on its birthday cake just recently with the South Carolina Legislature’s enactment of HB
3505, the High Growth Small Business Access to Capital Act, which provides a 35 percent state tax credit for angel investors. The organization is also hoping to exit a couple of its investments this year. Apparently, there’s plenty of room for investing with UCAN. It’s estimated that there are some 115,000-120,000 accredited South Carolina households that meet the SEC’s standards of high net worth for the purpose of such investing. On the horizon, then: a larger, matured UCAN with a continued dynamic impact on the state’s economy and a bunch of “happy camper” entrepreneurs like Tindal and Bauer – any one of whose companies may become a household name, based in Greenville, S.C. If you’d like to be a part of UCAN’s next five years, just contact Matt Dunbar at matt@upstateangels. org or 864-751-4805.
Haley Signs Pint Bill By Jennifer Oladipo | staff
among the bills ratified by Gov. Nikki Haley last week was the much-watched “Pint Bill” that allows beer breweries to increase the amount of alcohol they serve on their premises. The bill allows brewers to sell 48 ounces per customer within a 24-hour period. Previously, the law had allowed a maximum of 16 ounces offered only as 4-ounce samples. Brewers had claimed the increase was necessary to capitalize on increased beer-related tourism and business in the region. Major craft beer companies recently expanded and moved to Asheville from California, shifting the geography of beer tourism.
Closer to home, recent years have brought several new breweries and beer stores to the Upstate. Thursday night, Barley’s Tap Room celebrated its designation as America’s “Most Arrogant Bar” by Oakland, Calif.-based Stone Brewing Company for the second year in a row. Management touted how Greenville served more Stone’s beer than 360 competitors did, including those in California. The new law also says breweries must sell beer at prices comparable to retail prices elsewhere in the county, and that intoxicated persons be denied service. Brewers must also carry $1 million liability insurance.
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UBJ Small Business Week
Value in Transparency
Lee Yarborough
Chamber Offers Free Mentoring to Community
As small business owners, we struggle sometimes with what and how much to share with employees. Do they need to know the good, bad and ugly of the finances? If so, how much? Sometimes we are open to our employees and other times we are more closed. We are not necessarily being secretive, we are just busy and don’t take the time to explain the details to everyone
all businesses and professionals are invited to sign up for an 11-minute mentoring session Tuesday, June 18, at the Greenville Chamber of Commerce. The one-on-one “Mentor Matchmaking” session is part of a day of events celebrating National Small Business Week and will allow people to get their business and career questions answered by seasoned community professionals. Executives from Palmetto Bank, Mersu Refreshment Services, Rescom Construction, SK Strategies, Margin Holdings, BB&T,
Business owners must take the time to share with their team, or else the team as a whole can’t be expected to perform to their potential. As companies grow, job descriptions often become more narrow and focused. This can lead to the right arm not knowing what the left arm is doing. As the jobs get more specific, make sure that everyone understands the full vision of the company. Every sales person must know the cost and value of our service so that he/she can sell it effectively. They must understand how operations work and learn the service model from top down. The operations staff must understand the value of their time and expenses as it relates to the company as a whole. They must work with the sales team to understand the needs of each client in order to service correctly. Employees need to see the financial big picture and understand how they can bring value each day. Revenue is gained either by increasing sales or decreasing expenses. Every member of your team should bring value each day which ultimately increases that bottom line. Value may be measured by customer service which increases client retention. Or value may be measured through procedures which increases productivity. But, at the end of each day, every employee should leave work knowing that they provided value to the company. In the end, that value will translate to increased profits.
SCWBC Helps Entrepreneurs Prepare the south carolina women’s Business Center invites potential and current business owners to learn about the common traits of successful entrepreneurs. Participants will be able to evaluate their own skills that day and schedule a follow-up with a business counselor. The event will take place Thursday, July 18 at G. F. League Manufacturing. More information at scwbc.com.
New Law Courts Angel Investors
When was the last time you truly sat down with your executive team, your managers, your sales force or operations staff to understand where your company is winning and where it is losing? Exploring these areas on a regular basis will eventually lead to great rewards. All of management and staff need to embrace the company vision, use their knowledge, and financial information to grow the company and increase profitability.
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minds and thoughts of entrepreneurs, and it helps our business as well just to know what’s going on in the community.” Later in the day, a City/County Update Luncheon will take place at the Hilton Greenville. Business After Hours will be located at Midtown Artery art gallery. Registration and information at green villechamber.org.
Acumen IT and Gallivan, White & Boyd, P.A., will participate. Natalie Ruggiero, market president at BB&T, will be acting as one of the mentors. She said it is the business community’s responsibility to assist those who may need advice, or just somebody to hear them out. She said she most often answers questions about a career path. More seasoned businesspeople ask her about managing people and finances. She also learns valuable information from mentees. “I always enjoy just hearing the
A new law may be the missing link between startups and established, homegrown companies in South Carolina. Last week the state legislature passed the High Growth Small Business Access To Capital Act to encourage “angel investors” to fund startups with a potential for highgrowth enterprises. The new law aims to “encourage individual angel investors to invest in early stage, highgrowth, job-creating businesses.” Up to $5 million per year in the state budget could be claimed as tax credits by accredited investors, who may claim up to $100,000 each. South Carolina already has more than 115,000 such people. The credits are available to inves-
tors from South Carolina or other states. Venture capital and hedge funds do not qualify. Half of the credit could be applied to the tax year the investment was made, and the other half could be applied sometime over the next 10 years. What’s more, investors can claim credits for investments they have already made in the first six months of 2013. Eligible businesses must be “primarily engaged in manufacturing, processing, warehousing, wholesaling, software development, information technology services, research and development,” the law says. They must employ fewer than 26 people, and must be less than five years old. Their revenues cannot exceed $2 million. The bill addresses a level of funding that is repeatedly cited by South Carolina’s technology, bioscience and entrepreneur interest groups as a gap that keeps companies from growing here. Access to capital at the $1-2.5 million levels helps move companies out of the startup phase, but it is hard to find. The “valley of death,” as it is often called, is usually broached with help from angel investment, an area in which South Carolina lags behind other states. Upstate Carolina Angel Network, Upstate Chamber Coalition and SCBO were instrumental in keeping the bill alive. They say the potential impact could be huge. For example, half of the 103 companies that are part of the Greenville Chamber’s NEXT initiative are in the phase where they need funding in that $1-2.5 million range. That number is growing at about 20 percent each year, said John Moore, executive vice president at the Chamber and head of NEXT. The credits should also have a big impact on the bioscience sector, which has higher startup costs because of necessities like expensive clinical trials. Wayne Roper, president of SCBIO, said he hopes
the incentives will spur several people previously involved in life sciences to invest. “We’re excited about the opportunities because of retired life science executives living in the Upstate and coastal areas,” Roper said. “They’re familiar with the technology, they’re comfortable with the process, and they’re more likely to invest where they’ve made their money before.” The law also aims to support those who would attempt to commercialize technologies that are based on research at the state universities. A nearly identical bill was introduced as the Bill Wylie Entrepreneurship Act three years ago, but was stalled by Wylie’s untimely death. It passed three times in the House, but died in the Senate on the last day of last year’s session. The bill’s sponsors included Bruce Bannister, Gary Smith, Phyllis Henderson and Dan Hamilton of Greenville County and J. Derham Cole, Mike Forrester and Eddie Tallon of Spartanburg County.
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June 14, 2013 UPSTATE BUSINESS JOURNAL 13
Artist and designer Lily Wikoff.
Making Mud By leigh savage contributor
Beautiful
Wikoff creates unique clay jewelry in her West greenville studio 14 Upstate bUsiness joUrnal June 14, 2013
Lily Wikoff expected to be a potter in New York City, but a series of random events led her to become a Greenville-based jewelry designer with pieces in 62 stores across the United States. She also has a studio and shop in West Greenville, and at 29 has found a growing clientele for her earthy pieces made of hand-stamped and fired clay. A crafting magazine recently referred to her necklaces, bracelets and rings as “jewelry for tomboys,” a designation she enjoyed. “It’s not glitzy or glam, but it’s pretty,” Wikoff said. “It’s cool that we’re literally taking mud and making it beautiful.”
You started out focusing on pottery. How did the switch to jewelry come about?
family is still there. I came to Greenville to study art at Bob Jones University. I didn’t think I would stay here, but it’s been so good. Greenville is so supportive of the arts and so good for grassroots businesses.
You sell your jewelry in your store, but you also sell wholesale to retailers. What’s the benefit of going that route? We do the international shows in New York and Atlanta, and we’re hoping to do Los Angeles Rings by Lily Wikoff.
I didn’t think I would be making jewelry. I was a potter and taught pottery at the Greenville Museum of Art. But then I made jewelry for my mom and sister, and someone saw it on Facebook and asked me to make it for her bridesmaids. I made them and they loved it, so I did a couple of home shows with just necklaces and sold out. So I thought, “Wow, I might have something here.”
Photos by Greg Beckner
Where are you from and what brought you to Greenville? I grew up in Cincinnati, Ohio, and most of my
How has your location in West Greenville changed since you moved in? I absolutely love it. It is a cool, trendy part of Greenville that is gaining some serious steam. There are more than 40 artists and creative businesses here now. It’s a little under the radar, but I could have never supported retail hours five years ago and now I can. It’s just a minute and a half from (Fluor Field), but people always walk in and say, “I never knew this was down here.”
You have had several mentors as you have developed your business. Has that inspired you to mentor young artists? I have had some amazing mentors in this area that saw me as this young, hungry soul who wanted to learn. One is Michael Watts, my landlord and my friend. We always talk about business and West Greenville. I now have two girls on staff and six interns, and they just come to us. When I started, I had no idea what I was doing as far as business goes. I had a degree in art but I had to learn from the school of hard knocks. So I love helping them, so they can get a feel for what it’s like to own and operate a creative business.
How long has lily pottery been operating, and where do you sell your products? It will be six years this fall. We sell to a lot of independent boutiques, organic spas, yoga studios and resorts. I also have a studio and storefront in West Greenville, in what’s called The Village on Pendleton Street. We’ve recently started having regular retail hours Thursday through Saturday, so we’re not just a working studio, we’re also a store. People can also shop online anytime (at lillywikoff.com).
and Paris next year. Stores order in bulk but at half the price, so I had to figure out how to make my price point so that I could still make a profit. But they sell in bulk and they also do the marketing and have a clientele. It’s a market I otherwise can’t reach, to expand beyond Greenville, because we don’t want to saturate the market here and I can’t constantly come up with new things. Mast General Store was our first wholesale account. I wanted to sell there because 70 percent of their customers are from out of town. I had to go pitch to their accessory buyer for all seven stores, and they really helped me understand how wholesale works.
What’s next for lily pottery?
“i absolutely love West Greenville. it is a cool, trendy part of Greenville that is gaining some serious steam.” JeWeLrY deSIGNer lilY Wikoff
Contact Leigh Savage a lsavage@communityjournals.com.
I am working on a line of men’s jewelry, not under the name Lily Pottery, because that’s geared toward women. I’m working on it now - rings, necklaces, and I’m also getting into leather goods: wallets, belts, and a few other cool things for guys. I feel like there is a market for guys’ jewelry. I make cufflinks now and they are a big hit. So we’ll keep this storefront for Lily Pottery, and have another location geared toward men, and then I don’t want to give too much away yet but we have a couple of other things up our sleeve.
June 14, 2013 Upstate bUsiness joUrnal 15
16 • June 14, 2013
cover story
n w O t n h w dO Ow tme
O r s Gains p
Business owners on Main Street have seen a dip in business during construction, but hope for a boost after ONE is done By Jennifer OladipO senior business writer
the almost gravitational pUll of downtown development is good for area businesses by almost any measure, but the process can be painful for some. as the one development has risen and attracted business from throughout the community and beyond south carolina, some neighbors have lost significant revenues as a result of the construction.
Photo by Greg Beckner
Literally in the shadow of the ONE project are businesses such as Luna Rosa Gelato and Wild Wing Café, who say they have experienced major losses as a result of the absence of foot traffic that comes from a short but important stretch of inaccessible sidewalks and narrowed street. Elements from ambience to loading ability have been affected for about two years. Sales are down about 15 percent at Wild Wing Café, clearly a result of the construction, said Bill Mallette, general manager. “They see the construction and just walk away. You can see them. They’re not wanting to sit outside,” Mallette said. He said with 110 restaurants within a mile of his, people have plenty of options if they don’t want to deal with a hassle. He said even some regulars have disappeared. There is some foot traffic from the free parking area about 100 feet away, but it hasn’t made up for the loss. Wild Wing has 33 locations, 11 of which are in the Upstate. Still, the store has had to cut back on staff. “I feel really bad for these small mom-and-pop places,” he said, noting that his company’s rent is $23,000 per month.
business, said the noise has been his small restaurant’s biggest bane. Four to six of Luna Rosa’s dozen tables are located outside. “From a business standpoint, the noise is really the biggest thing. I think that people want to see [the activity]; they also don’t want to sit outside where jackhammers are going off,” he said. “That’s 20 seats unavailable just from noise, and that’s not really fair.” He said there have been other small annoyances, such as occasional road closings during peak hours, or directional signs pointing the wrong way that Luna Rosa staff took it upon themselves to walk out and correct. Such signs can be important in an area where the navigable path can change from one week to the next. “This is two years now in the
making. I think once the building’s done it’ll be fine; it’s just that surviving it is the key,” Ortiz said. The city tries to mitigate the damage construction can do surrounding business by communicating well and being creative, said Nancy Whitworth, deputy city manager and director of economic development. She said when demolition for the project was set to coincide with the holiday shopping season, the city came up with an idea to turn the detours into a Candy Land-like game. Similar efforts were made when the bridge at Falls Park caused major pedestrian and vehicular disruptions.
a minor irritation for some
It’s a better story at the Wish clothing store located just on the other side of the construction, a few doors down from the corner of Main and Coffee streets. Manager Suzy Wells said the construction has been a minor irritation for her, but no customers have complained about it. Wish has escaped the negative effects. “It really hasn’t dampened anything. If anything, we’ve had more foot traffic from people coming down wanting to see what’s going on,” Wells said. “Now Monday, I might be singing a different song,” she said, noting that the path of obstruction was set to shift closer to her store over the weekend. To make up for their losses, businesses have tried harder to reach out
jackhammering the ambience
One such small business is Luna Rosa Gelato Café, just a couple of doors down. Jose Ortiz, general manager and co-owner in the family Contact Jennifer Oladipo at joladipo@communityjournals.com.
Signs posted around the ONE project remind people businesses located nearby are open for business.
“they see the construction and just walk away. You can see them. they’re not wanting to sit outside.” BILL MALETTE, general manager of Wild Wing Café to customers beyond downtown. Mallette said Wild Wing has tried several specials to lure customers, none of which have worked. Now the management is trying to “get outside these four walls” with specials like a planned ‘ladies night’ that he hopes will boost nighttime business. Luna Rosa has put more effort into catering business. It was already a goal, said Ortiz, but the construction pushed them to move faster. A mobile app has also been used to try and lure customers at the slowest times.
almost finished
Robert Hughes of Hughes Development Corporation said construction is about 98 percent complete, though it is up to the city and contractors to decide when it is safe enough to open walkways. “We’ve tried to move quickly,” he said. Construction is expected to last at least into next month, eating into the restaurants’ prime season. The city said June was the anticipated finish, but an unseasonably rainy spring has caused delays. When the day finally comes, Mallette said Wild Wing will immediately begin working on renovations that will integrate inside and outside seating, and allow space for live music. He hopes those efforts will help business spring back. He expects the business to get back to normal levels, though it will take a few months of work to win back customers who’ve spent more than a year going someplace else. Nobody disagrees that a finished ONE will benefit everyone, making business better than ever for some. In the meantime, however, those hardest hit are doing their best to hang on until then.
June 14, 2013 Upstate bUsiness joUrnal 17
UBJ PROFILE Small By Design Native Greenvillians, avid cyclists and business partners Larry Webb and Mike Kiriakides are taking a no-nonsense business approach to commercial real estate
Mike Kiriakides, left and Larry Webb with KDS Commercial Properties on the site of one of their next projects next to the Verdae Development office and the YMCA at Verdae.
18 UPSTATE BUSINESS JOURNAL June 14, 2013
Photo by Greg Beckner
By SHERRY JACKSON | Staff
KDS Commercial Properties is handling the sale/lease of the new 13-acre office and retail space in the center of Hollingsworth Park at Verdae.
after a 17-year developMent planning and consUlting
career in st. louis, Mo., dr. terry farris decided to switch to academia, got his ph.d. at Michigan state University and landed a position in 1994 at clemson University. farris was eventually tasked with putting together a graduate real estate development program for clemson that would become a two-year, interdisciplinary program. the program has had 129 graduates since its inception in 2004 and alumni hold prominent real estate positions not only in the greenville area but all across the country.
L
arry Webb and Mike kiriakides
are the owners of kds Commercial Properties, a real estate firm focusing on commercial real estate, brokerage and development services in the Upstate. in business since 2008, these business partners bring a unique mixture of experience and focus on providing their clients with personalized service.
How did you decide to become business partners, and what is your background?
Rendering provided
lW: i have a 25-year healthcare background and really wanted to do something different in the last phase of my professional career. i wanted to have better control over my personal schedule, and so i transitioned into commercial real estate. in 2008 Mike and i were riding [bicycles] together one day and we decided to start kds Commercial Properties. We started right when the economy was going to take a big hit but we decided to go ahead, hunker down, and our strategy was to take selective projects and weather the storm. MK: i grew up in the food-service business and worked in all facets including operations, retail, leasing, restaurants and land development, and it instilled in me a strong work ethic. i graduated from Clemson in 1988 and spent some time in the family business but knew it wasn’t the right fit. i had some dealings with commercial real estate through my family’s business and so i ventured out into commercial real estate, first with a firm here in Greenville and then on my own. Larry and i knew each other through cycling and other personal interests and we both believed that our diverse backgrounds complemented each other and started kds.
you’re both very involved in Meals on Wheels. can you elaborate?
What are some of your past projects that you are most proud of?
lW: We both believe that you shouldn’t be in business in a community if you’re not willing to give back to that community. We both enjoy cycling as a good form of exercise, so we started a company team, recruited some of our friends and we do fundraising that way for Meals on Wheels. Over the past six years, we’ve raised over $50,000 doing something we enjoy.
lW: not every transaction is the same and it’s not the size of the project, it’s the ones that have a long-term lasting impact that we are most proud of. We’re very proud to have brought CVs to downtown Greenville. This was something that had been on the city’s master plan and the site had sat there, unimproved, for over a decade. We went out, recruited CVs (along with other tenants) and secured the appropriate financing to bring them to downtown Greenville.
you call your company a boutique firm; what does that mean? MK: it means we specialize in giving personal attention to our clients. We aren’t too big, even though we have local, national and international clients. Our strategy is rather than to be everything to everybody, we fill a niche, primarily in healthcare and retail, and really focus on our clients. We don’t take on a project and pass it on to someone else; we give it our personal attention.
What services do you provide that set you apart from other firms? MK: We do a lot of fee-based development that is unique. Traditionally developers only work on their own projects, where they own the land. We work with clients to develop property that they may already own or are interested in buying, but they don’t have the expertise, contacts and resources. We take on their development for them, pull all the pieces together – i.e., planning, construction, leasing, etc. – and then turn it back over to them when the project is done. We also serve as advisors to our clients providing due diligence and advise them if a project is a good fit for them.
Contact Sherry Jackson at sjackson@communityjournals.com.
MK: We also just finished a project for Chuy’s restaurant, located on Woodruff road which is their first location in south Carolina. Hotel domestique is another project where we found the property, took it to George Hincapie knowing that he was retiring and looking for opportunities, and that hotel and restaurant will be opening in august. Flowers bakery was another project that we just finished up. The property was coming off of a 30-year lease and the building was in disrepair. We not only secured a new long-term lease but handled the construction process for a complete redevelopment of the building.
What about future projects? lW: Verdae development has hired us as the marketing and development consultants for their new office and retail facility at Legacy square. We are also very proud to have completed the lease negotiations for a new billing center and administrative offices for bon secours Health system at brookfield Parkway in Greenville. This is a 35,750-square-foot facility that will bring a minimum of 85 new jobs to the area.
June 14, 2013 Upstate bUsiness joUrnal 19
UBJ The Takeaway
By Allison McGarity, Simpsonville Area Chamber of Commerce
A Voice for Women in Technology
EVEnT: Women’s Business Network Who Was ThErE: Simpsonville Chamber members sPEaKEr: Adrienne Franklin, voice technology consultant with TSA Choice ToPiC: Women in Technology: Breaking Down the Barriers
about the barriers for women and girls who want to enter the STEM fields, and gave the group some ideas for overcoming them. WhaT is sTEM? STEM is an acronym referring to the fields of study in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. The acronym has gained momentum and recognition in recent years, as the education field has started to focus on these fields as a way to best prepare students for their post-graduate activities. Our nation is relying on technology more than ever, and it is the STEM fields that will support its continued development. Girls in sTEM – ThE ChallEnGE Females have long been a minority in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. As we grow up and progress through our education, girls are siphoned out of STEM-centered after-school programs, elective courses, and eventually career opportunities. Studies have examined this trend, and found that there is a range of reasons for this occurrence. Reasons provided ranged from fear or intimidation, a lack of interest, or a perceived lack of engaging opportunities. To put it simply, from our early years, females often recognize themselves as a minority in STEM and easily feel out of place. As a result, we opt for other subjects: English, the arts, social studies, etc. Franklin was no exception to this rule. She shared with the group her experiences from childhood. She was interested in science, specifically space. She told us about a birthday when all she begged for
20 Upstate bUsiness joUrnal June 14, 2013
adrienne Franklin
was a telescope. As she got older, however, she began to become distant from STEM subjects, and chose to major in English communications in college. In the early years of her career, she jumped from job to job, not understanding why she could not find a passion to drive her each day. A good friend had an honest conversation with her one day which opened her eyes to her true interests and skill set. It was after that conversation that Franklin became aware of TSA Choice. In her current position, she is able to blend her passion for communication and relationship-building with technology and science. Girls in sTEM – a JournEy Through this journey, Franklin has found her way back to STEM. She talked about the journey, and the importance of being aware of our own true passions and interests. In everything we do, Franklin urged us to self-analyze, be true to ourselves, and know our interests. Pay attention to the tasks that we enjoy doing each day, as well as those that we dislike. Constantly seek opportunities where we get to do those
nurTurinG an inTErEsT in sTEM Franklin shared with our group some ideas for fostering an interest in STEM within younger females in our lives. • start early. If your daughter expresses interest in STEM, encourage her. Let her know that she can pursue that interest and provide her with resources to help her. If she asks for a telescope for her birthday, then by all means, get her a telescope! • seek out local groups to get involved in. There are interest groups and clubs that meet regularly and serve all age groups. If no such group exists, be the first to start one. • research and attend conferences. There are larger regional meetings that celebrate STEM and cater to women in those fields. • register for an elective. Our community has a wonderful school system, and most schools offer introductory courses in all STEM fields. Take a course as an elective, in addition to the required courses. Doing so might just be enough to cause a change in major or eventual job choice.
allison McGarity is the development coordinator of the simpsonville area Chamber of Commerce.
The next meeting of the Women’s Business Network will be on Thursday, July 11, in Simpsonville. Additional information on this group and their meetings may be found on the Chamber’s website (simpsonvillechamber. com) or by contacting Allison McGarity at the Chamber office.
Photo Provided
the simpsonville area chamber of Commerce hosts a networking group for women called the Women’s Business Network. This group meets monthly for networking, socializing, and learning about important topics that affect women in business. At past events, the group has learned about self-defense, organization practices, and most recently about women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. At the June WBN, the group met at the Quality Inn in Simpsonville, and was joined by Adrienne Franklin, a voice technology consultant with TSA Choice. She is a speaker with the organization’s Tech Talkers program, and visited the ladies of the Simpsonville Chamber for a presentation called “Women in Technology: Breaking Down the Barriers.” Franklin talked about her own life experiences – from choosing her major in college to searching for the job that fit her personality and interests. As one guest referred to her, Franklin is a “firecracker” and entertained the women’s group with her discussion. She talked
things that we enjoy. We can ask for assignments that let us explore these interests. We shouldn’t be afraid if this leads to a job or industry change. The right opportunities for each of us are out there; opportunities where we can excel at what we do and actually look forward to working each day.
UBJ The Fine Print Sekido Technology Expands in Anderson sekido technology corp. announced that it will expand its Anderson County operation, making a $3.7 million investment that would create six new jobs. The company makes metal components for the automotive and tool industries using cold forming technology. “Sekido Technologies Corporation’s $3.7 million expansion and addition of new jobs are a wel-
comed boost to our local economy,” said Anderson County Council Vice Chairwoman M. Cindy Wilson in a statement issued by the governor’s office. “Sekido’s success coupled with recent announcements from complimentary industries are evidence that Anderson County is rapidly positioning to become a global automotive supply hub in South Carolina.”
GHS Among Best for Diverse, Women Managers diversity mba magazine named Greenville Health System one of the 50 Best Places for Diverse and Women Managers to Work. This is the second year in a row GHS has been named one of the “50 Out Front” companies. GHS ranked No. 48, up from No. 49, while New York-based Verizon Communications topped the list. This year the magazine said it expanded criteria to include companies that encourage women and people of diverse backgrounds to move into leadership through intentional strat-
egies based on accountability, succession planning, representation, workplace inclusion, recruitment and board diversity. “Our lens has expanded beyond best practices to leading practices. We expect organizations to have systems and processes in place that support best practices; measures to support metrics and results that drive impact,” said Pam McElvane, CEO and publisher of the magazine.
Nominations Open for Business Integrity Award the better business bureau of the Upstate is accepting nominations for the 2013 Business of Integrity Award. The award recognizes outstanding businesses for their commitment to marketplace standards that benefit consumers, employees, suppliers, industry peers and the communities in which they do business. Nominations are open to all Upstate area forprofit businesses. Categories are marketplace ethics, customer service and community service. Among last year’s seven winners, the Steve W. Sumner law firm won the customer service award in the one-10 em-
Dillard Jones Opens Asheville Office dillard jones builders has opened a new office in downtown Asheville. The company also moved its Greenville office to Brown Street in downtown Greenville. The company specializes in high-performance, luxury custom homes ranging from the $500,000’s to more than $2 million. The company now is building the 2013 Southern Living Inspired Home at Curare Club on
Green Cloud Technologies Expands greenville’s green cloud Technologies has opened offices in Atlanta, Charlotte and Raleigh, N.C., New Orleans and Miami. The company provides cloudbased IT solutions to small- and
medium-sized businesses. Last year the company raised $2.75 million for market expansion. The new locations add to existing offices in Greenville, Charleston, Nashville, Tenn., and Tampa, Fla.,
ployee category. The bureau noted that staff is available on evenings and weekends, and the owner contacts dissatisfied clients personally. Rush Wilson also won the marketplace integrity award in the same category for a business model based on high moral and ethical standards. Nominations are due August 28, applications September 25. Awards will be announced November 7. The process also includes an in-person interview session. Materials and information are at upstatesc.bbb.org, or contact Tammy Dankovich at tammy@upstatesc.bbb.org.
for the company, which was founded in 2011. A spate of new hiring has also accompanied the expansion, and the company has brought in five national channel members who previously worked at companies including EarthLink, Verizon
Lake Hartwell, which will be open in the fall. It is also one of the preferred builders for the Cliffs Communities. Dillard Jones is licensed to build in South Carolina, North Carolina and Georgia.
Wireless, Windstream and Cohesion Corporation. Green Cloud also relocated its offices to the Next Innovation Center in March, and announced at that time that it planned to hire 25 new employees over the next 12 months.
June 14, 2013 UPSTATE BUSINESS JOURNAL 21
UBJ Square Feet Textile Manufacturer Consolidating Operations in Spartanburg divatex home fashions, a designer and manufacturer of comforters, bedding, towels and curtains is consolidating it operations in Piedmont, S.C., Roxboro, N.C., and Atlanta into a new 266,000 SF facility on Blackstock Road in Spartanburg. Divatex is a wholly owned subsidiary of Himatsingka Group, an India-based luxury home textile brands company. The Spartanburg facility will be primarily a distribution center with some office functions. According to Alan Forman, chief financial officer, Divatex “will have
bob jones university’s dixonMcKenzie Dining Common is undergoing a multiyear, multimillion-dollar renovation, which is in its final year. The demolition work for the dining hall began on May 6 and the dining hall is currently completely gutted. Once completed, the Dining Common will accommodate
2,500 people at a sitting. The facility will be one of the ten largest dining facilities in the country with its dining room nearly the size of a football field. It will also contain three smaller rooms for special functions and catering. The project is anticipated to be completed in mid to late August.
California Company Acquires Millennium Apartments The 305-unit Millennium Apartment Homes complex on Fairforest Road was acquired by California-based KBS Legacy Partners Apartment REIT. According to a news release from KBS, Millennium was 93 percent occupied at the time of the acquisition. The 33-acre complex built in 2009 includes a clubhouse and 76 garages. It covers 303,131 rentable square-feet. KBS currently owns 2,599
apartments units in Maryland, Minnesota, Texas, North and South Carolina and Illinois. “We believe this investment represents a strong, Class-A asset combined with favorable market dynamics triggered by positive job growth and solid overall apartment fundamentals,” said Tim O’Brien, KBS senior managing director. He cited Greenville’s location between Atlanta and Charlotte as valuable factors.
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BJU Reno Underway
about 75 positions in Spartanburg.” Forman stated that the new distribution center is slated to open in July. The company primarily imports textiles from China and India. Tratt Properties LLC, a national industrial development and investment firm, arranged the 10-year lease to Divatex. Tratt acquired the 563,210 SF facility in 2007, which was fully occupied by Adidas at the time. The remaining 297,210 SF will be one of the largest potential vacancies in the Greenville/Spartanburg submarket beginning in 2014.
DealMaKers Spectrum commercial propertieS announced: rob Brissie recently represented the landlord, Star Acquisitions Inc., in the lease of 2,400 SF located at 407 N. Main St., Honea Path, to Wings R Us Grill. Jack Snedigar has provided representation to Kent Worldwide Development in the leasing of an entire floor in the Historic Chamber of Commerce Building to SC Charities to use for the offices of the BMW Charity Pro-Am and Web.com Tour Tournament. rob Brissie recently represented the landlord, Riddle Properties LLC, in the lease of two executive office suites at 302 A Trade St., Greer, to Pressure Parts LLC. nai earle Furman announced: mike Greer and John Baldwin represented Atlantic Partner LLC in leasing a 19,000 SF industrial space at 4133 S. Church St. Ext., Roebuck. Ken anderson, Grice Hunt and Ford Borders represented the landlord in the transaction. peter couchell represented the landlord of Sunset Plaza at 1815 E. Greenville St., Anderson, in leasing a 1,752 SF retail space in Unit E to Marco’s Pizza. dan dunn represented the landlord of the Corporate Center in leasing a 26,000 SF industrial space to
NicVape Inc. at 107 Corporate Drive, Spartanburg, and an 11,300 SF industrial space to Linderoerfer + Steiner Corporation at 111 Corporate Drive, Suites A-C, Spartanburg. rob Schmidt, Bill Sims and Jake Van Gieson represented the landlord of 453 E. Henry St., Spartanburg, in leasing a 1,709 SF retail space. david Feild represented the landlord of 1 Calendon Court, Greenville, in leasing a 3,250 SF office space to Hospice Care of South Carolina in Suite A.
office property at 123 W. Antrim Drive, Greenville. earle Furman, Jon Good and alexi papapieris represented the seller of 327 W. Main St., Taylors, in selling a 7,200 SF office investment property. peter couchell represented the seller of 2441 Country Club Road, Spartanburg, in selling the 9,100 SF retail investment property. earle Furman, Jon Good and alexi papapieris represented the buyer in the transaction.
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— Charlton Armstrong III, Financial Consultant
I'm I'm her h e I'm here to help you y nav n youou navigate this this com c this complex financia finan financial world.
Whether your investment goals include increasing your net worth, With for so many optionsor creating a comprehensive financial saving retirement available, it's difficult planning strategy thatto includes insurance and estate planning lanGSton-BlacK decide which way to go. techniques, Charlton Armstrong can assist you in your journey. You real eState inc. That's where I can help. announced: can count on him to to your financial goals and objectives and Call me for advice to listen set then turn them into actionable strategies. your financial plan on the tony Bonitati, Kay Hill Brad toy and Bobby and Gwinna cahal Hines recently right course. “Arm”, as he is known to his friends and colleagues, completed represented Oak Island represented Hofden LLC his undergraduate work at Duke University and received his MD LP in purchasing in the sale of their With With With so many so options m s degree from the Medical University of South Carolina. He also Residences at Chadwick 20,000 SF warehouse Charlton Armstrong III, Square, a 67-unit available, available, it'surology difficult it located at 828-A St. Financial Consultant completed specialty work inavailab general surgery and at theto multifamily property in Mark Road, Taylors. 630 East Washington Street | Suiteresulting A University of Cincinnati, in Urology board certification. decide decide decide which way whi to go. Hendersonville, N.C. Greenville SC, 29601 matt carter of Prudential Under the supervision 864-467-0007 | 877-467-0007 of his father, Arm began his parallel interest Commercial Real That's where can help. CArmstrong@ hilliard.com tony Bonitati and Kay in finance and investing byThat's tradingThat's stocks and bondsI whe while still Estate/C. Dan Joyner www.hilliard.com Hill represented the Co. represented in high school. He took courses atCall Duke with for the thought ofto setm Call Call me me advice fo seller of Hunters Glen the purchaser. Securities offered through J.J.B.school, Hilliard, and while in medical school completed attending business Apartments at 3128 W.L. Lyons, LLC Member NYSE, your your yourfinanc financial plan on thefi & SIPC 2007 course with Dun and Bradstreet. After completing anFINRA investment Utah Place, Greensboro, Brad toy recently right right right cours c N.C., in selling the represented the lessor, his training, Arm then served in the US Aircourse. Force as Major, Chief 260-unit multifamily Wade Hampton East of Urology, S.W. March AFB in Riverside, California. Arm returned property. John Gray Partnership, in the home to Greenville, South Carolina where he became a partner represented the buyer. recent lease renewal of Allstate Insurance. with Greenville Urology. He also had staff appointments with and C ha C r lt ha Charlton Armstrong on r lt III, A o alexi papapieris, Jon The office of Allstate served as Chairman of the Department of Urology at Greenville Good and earle Furman is located at 14328 Financial inancial Financial Consultant Cons Hospital System andF Saint Francis Community Hospital. He retired represented Countybank E. Wade Hampton 630 East 630 630 of East Washington East W |ash Suite A W in August 2008 after three decades service. While it Street is evident in selling a 3,000 SF Blvd., Greer. Greenville Greenville Greenville SC, that Arm put much thought, dedication and SC, care 29601 into his medical 864-467-0007 864-467864-467-0007 | 877-467-0007 practice, he also became a student of the financial markets. And Deal of the WeeK C CArmstrong@ hilliard.com so, inArmstrong@ September of C 2008, ArmArmstro joined Hilliard Lyons to fulfill his KdS commercial propertieS www .hilli furloughed career aswww a.hilliard.co financial www.hilliard.com professional. announced: larry Webb, principal with Call Charlton Armstrong today and see what he can do for you. KDS Commercial Properties, represented Bon
Securities Securities Securities offered offered through J.J.B. Hilliard, o Secours Health System and Bon Secours SECURITIES OFFERED THROUGH J. Lyons, J. B. HILLIARD,.L. W. L. LYONS, LLCLLC MEMBER NYSE, FINRA & SIPC 2007 W .L. W W.L. Lyons, Member Lyon NYSE, L LC Medical Group in the lease negotiations of 35,750 SF at 1200 Brookfield Parkway in FINRA FINRA FINRA & & SIPC 2007SIPC & Greenville. This facility will be the location of a 201 West McBee Avenue | Suite 401 | Greenville SC, 29601 new Bon Secours Health System Billing Center Phone: 864-467-0007 | Fax: 864-467-9113 along with the administrative offices for the local Bon Secours Medical Group. CArmstrong@hilliard.com | www.hilliard.com
June 14, 2013 Upstate bUsiness joUrnal 23
UBJ On the Move ELECTED
HIRED
HIRED
HIRED
HONORED
DR. JOHN PEARSON
Hunter S. Freeman
Pat Marshall
Nonnie Write
Zara Bibb
Elected as a shareholder at McNair Law Firm, P.A. Freeman works in McNair’s intellectual property and litigation practice groups. His practice includes patents, trademarks, copyright, intellectual property, cyber-law and trade secrets. He received his J.D. from the University of South Carolina in 2003 and his B.S. from Rhodes College in 2000.
Joined South Risk Management as a commercial account executive. Previously, Marshall was with Brown & Brown in Spartanburg. He has seven years of experience working as a broker in the commercial property and casualty insurance industry, and is a graduate of Furman University.
Named by ProSource of Greenville, Anderson, Spartanburg and Hendersonville as showroom manager in Anderson to consult with builders, designers, architects and homeowners on selections for plumbing, lighting, and cabinet and door hardware. She is a Certified Green Professional and a University of South Carolina graduate.
Joined Lee & Associates – Greenville as an administrative assistant. Bibb had previously served as a marketing research intern for a commercial real estate brokerage in Columbia. She has also gained real estate experience through a similar position with a development company in the Midlands area.
MEAN WHAT YOU SAY. SAY WHAT YOU MEAN.
Greenville Health System pharmacy manager; recently received Presbyterian College School of Pharmacy’s Preceptor of the Year Award. He has been with GHS for eight years and has more than 20 years of experience in clinical and academic positions. He earned his B.S. in Pharmacy and PharmD from the University of South Carolina and an MBA from Clemson.
For your company’s branding advertising and web design needs, visit BenCoxDesigns.com
(there are better ways to call attention to your business)
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UBJ Planner BANKING/FINANCE: First Citizens recently announced that Timothy Winstead has joined the company as relationship manager. Winstead will be based at the company’s Cherrydale office, located at 10 State Park Road. Previously, he served as a financial representative at Northwestern Mutual Financial Network. He graduated from North Greenville University with a degree in accounting.
account coordinator at Dealer Online Marketing. She is a graduate of the University of South Carolina College of Journalism and Mass Communications. Ben Granger is interning at Cargo with an emphasis on supporting account teams with digital strategy solutions. He is a 2012 graduate of Furman University where he was a Shucker Leadership Institute Award nominee and a kicker for the football team.
FRIDAY, JUNE 14
HOSPITALITY: Liquid Catering, an event-bar management company, has hired Lauren Wendel and Sarah de Jong as interns for the summer months. Wendel is a senior graphic communications major at Clemson University. She brings more than six years of experience in the hospitality industry. De Jong is studying public relations and event planning at The University of Alabama and will graduate in December.
Jackson Marketing Group (JMG), an integrated marketing communications agency, recently welcomed four new hires. Video editor/producer Patrick Hindman is a musician, an audio engineer and an experienced videographer. Prior to joining JMG, he was a video editor at a local recording studio creating high-definition multimedia projects. Interactive designer Cristian Valdez, a multi-disciplined artist and graphic designer, joins JMG with four years of design experience. In 2012, he earned his first Silver Addy Award. An experienced Web developer, interactive developer Leslie Wood comes to JMG after working for a Web design firm where she programmed, maintained and updated back-end web applications. She specializes in the development, testing and support of dynamic, CMS-based and ecommerce websites. Kelsey Clark, a former intern for JMG, now joins the team as the office coordinator and receptionist.
GCS ROUNDTABLE The Office Center at the Point, 33 Market Point Drive, Greenville; 8:30-9:30 a.m. Speaker: Myles Golden Topic: The Art of Confronting Call Golden Career Strategies at 864-527-0425 to request an invitation
Erwin Penland, one of the nation’s leading advertising and marketing firms, announced that Bo Leslie has been promoted to associate art director; JennyLee Maxwell has been elevated to account supervisor; Aliza Darnell has advanced to public relations account executive; Raleigh Buckner was promoted to .NET supervisor; Megan Barnes has been named experiential account executive; and Matt Bainton has the new title senior UX developer.
UPSTATE BUSINESS EXCHANGE Java Jolt, 1099 East Butler Road, Mauldin; 8:30-9:30 a.m. Contact: Deb Abshire, The Investment Center at 297-1190 or 275-0496 or deb.abshire@ticsc.com
INTERIOR DESIGN: ID Studio Interior recently hired Emma Evans as an interior designer. Evans graduated from Western Carolina University with a degree in interior design. Moving from Asheville to Greenville in August 2012, she has continued to build her portfolio in residential and commercial design. MEDICAL: Greenville Health System announced that Dr. Jack W. Bonner III, Emeritus Clinical Professor of Neuropsychiatry and Behavioral Science at the University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville, recently received the Senior Psychiatrists’ 2013 Berson Award at the 166th annual meeting of the American Psychiatric Association (APA). The Harold E. Berson Award is presented annually to a psychiatrist who has made a significant contribution to psychiatry. PUBLIC RELATIONS/MARKETING: Marketing agency Cargo recently announced new hires. Sarah Allen is a recent graduate of the University of Texas at Austin’s Master’s program in advertising. She was on the marketing and communications team responsible for the recent rebranding of the Austin Children’s Museum. Lindsey Dilleshaw is a designer who focuses much of her work on digital design solutions for Cargo clients. Prior to joining Cargo she served for one year as Student Ministry Assistant and Designer for Taylors First Baptist Church. She has a bachelor’s degree in graphic design from Anderson University. Casey Grant joins Cargo as a project manager. Prior to joining Cargo, she was an
REAL ESTATE: Blu-Sky Group recently welcomed Lauren Guthrie to its sales team as a Realtor in the firm’s Greenville office. Guthrie is a 2010 graduate of Anderson University with a B.A. degree in art and interior design. She previously worked as a design consultant with Bogari European Contemporary Design, and as a sales and show coordinator for Vass Markets Inc. Joyner Commercial recently welcomed Patrick Szmurlo. Szmurlo has experience in commercial real estate dating back to 1994. He also has prior career experience in the auto industry, during which he received many national auto sales awards.
BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY SUMMIT-BLACK EXPO The Commerce Club, 55 Beattie Place, Greenville; 7:30-9 a.m. Cost: Free Register at: eventbrite.com and search for Black Expo MONDAY, JUNE 17
TUESDAY, JUNE 18 HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS NETWORK Greenville Chamber of Commerce, Board Room, 24 Cleveland St., Greenville; 7:30-9 a.m. Must be a leader in a Healthcare Provider setting and a Greenville Chamber member to attend. Contact: Julie Alexander at 864-239-3754
BUSINESS AFTER HOURS Midtown Artery, 1241 Pendleton St., Greenville; 5:30-7:30 p.m. Contact: Lorraine Woodward at 864-239-3742 UPSTATE PC USERS GROUP Five Forks Baptist Church, 112 Batesville Road, Simpsonville; 7:30-9:30 p.m. Description: A small informal PC users group aimed at helping cut through the confusion of
today’s computers and software with real-world information and answers. WEDNESDAY, JUNE 19 HANDSHAKES AND HASHBROWNS New Day Physical Therapy, 300 N. Main St., Greer; 8-9 a.m. Cost: Free to Greer Chamber members. Register at: greerchamber.com. AM THINK TANK Chamber Office, 211 N Main St., Simpsonville; 8:30-9:30 a.m. Event Description: The purpose of this group is to discuss business ideas and challenges with other members who might have faced the same circumstances and how they got through it. Bring a beverage and a snack. Cost: Free to attend as part of Chamber membership. Contact: Becky at 963-3781 to RSVP. SALES U (FORMERLY SALES ROUNDTABLE) Greenville Chamber of Commerce, 24 Cleveland St., Greenville; 11:30 a.m.-1:15 p.m. Attendees may bring their own lunch or purchase a boxed lunch from Jason’s Deli at $7.50. Beverages will be provided. Contact: Claudia Wise at 864-239-3728 RESOURCE RECESS Walgreens Pharmacy, 618 Fairview Road, Simpsonville; noon-1 p.m. Cost: Free to Simpsonville Chamber members, $5 for future Chamber members. Contact: Allison McGarity at amcgarity@simpsonville chamber.com. TECH AFTER FIVE – GREENVILLE Carolina Ale House, 113 South Main Street, Greenville; 5:30-7:30 p.m. Free to GSA Technology Council members. Register at techafterfive.com.
GOT A HOT DATE? Contribute to our Planner by submitting event information for consideration to EVENTS@UPSTATEBUSINESSJOURNAL.COM
THURSDAY, JUNE 20 GREATER GREER COMMUNITY FORUM Greater Greer Chamber of Commerce, 111 Trade St., Greenville; 11:45 a.m.-1 p.m. Speaker: Martin Miller, The Imager Forge Topic: Social media as it pertains to business Cost: Free to attend with lunch provided. RSVP to: Dana Wood at 864-562-4244 (TTY: 711) or dwood@upstatewib.org by June 14 MICHELIN DEVELOPMENT EDUCATIONAL SESSION Spartanburg Area Chamber of Commerce, 105 North Pine St., Spartanburg; noon-1 p.m. Cost: Free Lunch will be provided by Michelin Development client Dawg House Grill. Contact: Meric Gambel at 864-594-5030 or mgambel@spartanburg chamber.com Register at: spartanburgchamber.com. NEW MEMBER ORIENTATION AND SOCIAL Spartanburg Area Chamber of Commerce, 105 North Pine St., Spartanburg; 4-6:30 p.m. There is no cost to attend and no reservations are needed. Contact: Meric Gambel at 864-594-5030 or mgambel@spartanburg chamber.com SMALL BUSINESS START-UP Tri-County Technical College – Pendleton Campus, 7900 Highway 76, Pendleton; 5:30-8:30 p.m. Cost: No fee Register: piedmontscore. org/workshops/register/100 SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR CELEBRATION Cannon Centre, Greer City Park, 301 East Poinsett St., Greer; 6 p.m. Cost: $50 for one ticket, $90 for two tickets For more information: visit greerchamber.com
June 14, 2013 UPSTATE BUSINESS JOURNAL 25
UBJ New to the Street
ABOVE (FROM LEFT TO RIGhT): City Councilmman David Sudduth, Executive Director Meg hawes, and Dr. Larry Puls, a gynecologic oncologist with Greenville health System. Standing behind them are ovarian cancer survivors. RIGhT (FROM LEFT TO RIGhT): Ben haskew, Jim Deyling, Bob Lichetly, Merl Code, Rep. Mike Burns, Rep. Eric Bedingfield, Sen. Karl Allen
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shopping center in Greenville. Adults can get policy information, purchase insurance and sign up for community health and wellness classes to be conducted in the store. No appointments are needed and regular store hours are 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturdays. 3. The Gun Shop and Indoor Range recently opened at 622 NE Main St. in
26 Upstate bUsiness joUrnal June 14, 2013
Simpsonville. They carry rifles and shotguns for hunting, and an inventory of handguns for home protection as well as concealed carry. The indoor range is expected to open in early August, with memberships available now. Once opened, they will offer several classes with NRA-certified instructors, including safety, kids’ safety, and the concealed weapons permit course.
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2. BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina recently opened South Carolina BLUE, their first retail store in the Upstate. The store is at 1025 Woodruff Road, Suite A105, in the Magnolia Park
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1. The South Carolina Ovarian Cancer Foundation recently cut the ribbon at its new location at 110-B Edinburgh Court in Greenville. For more information about SCOCF, visit scovariancancer.org.
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UBJ Snapshot
Historic photograph available from the Greenville Historical Society
Photos by Greg Beckner
Photo Provided
1. The Coca-Cola Bottling Company in Greenville was established by Charles W. Ellis. Following her husband’s death in 1918, Stella Ellis capably assumed direction of the company. In 1930, a new bottling plant was built on four acres of wooded land on Buncombe Street. Although the brick building resembled
Coca-Cola plants in other towns, the Greenville building was distinctive. Defining the roofline was a heavy cornice supported by decorative brackets. In addition to being utilitarian, the ornamental downspouts and lampposts served a decorative purpose as well. The large plate-glass windows on the front allowed persons
Catherine Culler Legal Recruiter 9 years experience
passing by to observe the bottling process, which included the use of water from Paris Mountain.
From “Remembering Greenville: Photographs from the Coxe Collection,” by Jeffrey R. Willis
2. In 2002, the old bottling company site became the location of the new home of the Greenville County Public Library and of the Upcountry History Museum. The front section of the Coca-Cola building, the only part of the former plant that remains, became home to Bob Jones University’s Museum & Gallery at Heritage Green.
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