JULY 1, 2016 | VOL. 5 ISSUE 27
COMING HOME After returning to Spartanburg last year, Geordy Johnson is committed to growing his family legacy – and his hometown
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TOP-OF-MIND AND IN THE MIX THIS WEEK
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VOLUME 5, ISSUE 27 Featured this issue: Major changes ahead for Clemson business school. . ........... 8 Basil restaurant to bring Thai cuisine to ONE Plaza............. 10 New tenants pull in to Hampton Station................................ 18
A mural by Upstate artist Aimee Maris Wise will greet customers entering the new Biscuit Head restaurant in Greenville. The owners are waiting for final approval forms before opening, but say they’re ready for customers. Read more on page 4. Photo by Will Crooks
WORTH REPEATING “Everything is sort of still up in the air. The signs make me a little nervous.” Page 12
“It’s a great concept. I actually got the idea from BuzzFeed. But I’m not going to offer anything too weird or gross.” Page 13
“Yes, we need white-collar jobs. But we also need the housing to support that and the amenities to support those who choose to live in downtown.” Page 14
VERBATIM
TBA Look for a new crepe restaurant to locate in the former Moe Joe's Coffee and Music space at 20 S. Main St. in downtown Greenville.
Chasing Rabbits Tea Company to open in early July in the former Tealoha location at 131 E. McBee Ave. in downtown Greenville.
On the Brexit “The United Kingdom: A place whose very name, after this week’s events, is starting to sound a bit sarcastic.” John Oliver, host of HBO’s “Last Week Tonight.” For local reactions to the U.K.’s vote to split from the EU, see our story on page 12. Courtesy of Wikimedia
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upstatebusinessjournal.com
Anderson University names Steve Nail dean of its College of Business STAFF REPORT
Anderson University announced Monday it has hired Steve Nail to serve as dean of its College of Business. Nail, who previously served as vice president of human resources at Greenville-based Hubbell Lighting Inc. prior to his appointment, will assume his new role July 1. “We’re thrilled to welcome Steve Nail to the Anderson University family,” said Evans Whitaker, president of Anderson University, in a statement. “Not only will he be an excellent leader as we further expand our College of Business to place highly trained Anderson students in key corporate positions in South Carolina and beyond, but he will be a valuable resource as we continue to identify emerging job markets and develop new programs to meet those needs.” Nail earned his undergraduate degree in business with a double major in finance and economics. He also has a law degree from the University of Baltimore School of Law. He began his career with the National Labor Relations Board where he was a field examiner and trial attorney. Prior to joining Hubbell, Nail served as the vice president of labor and employee relations and assistant general counsel for Greenville-based Michelin North America. In 2012, he was named the S.C. Human Resource Professional of the Year by the state Chamber of Commerce and the S.C. Society for Human Resource Professionals.
Gov. Nikki Haley last year appointed Nail to serve a multiyear term as a member of the state Health Planning Committee. He is the chairman of the state chamber’s human resource committee and an advisory board member of Vantage Point, a nationally recognized marketing company. This year, he received the lifetime achievement award from the Greenville Society for Human Resource Professionals. Nail is a registered corporate coach. His first book, “Path to Fulfillment,” was published earlier this year. He is married and has two children and three grandchildren.
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Customers at the new Biscuit Head restaurant in Greenville will line up at a counter next to a hand-painted mural by local artist Aimee Maris Wise.
First look: Biscuit Head CAROLINE HAFER | STAFF
chafer@communityjournals.com
are you ready to take your brunch game to the next level? Asheville, N.C., natives Jason and Carolyn Roy are opening the Greenville location of Biscuit Head on Friday, July 1. The space is at the intersection of University Ridge and South Church Street, below the South Ridge Apartments. This is the third location the pair has opened since their first location opened in 2013. When you first walk in, you feed into a line to order your food. To your left is a large mural drawn by local artist Aimee Maris Wise that lists must-tries and featured menu items. Their most popular menu item is cathead biscuits, named for their large size that is comparable to a cat’s head. After you order
your food, there is a complimentary jam bar that features dozens of locally made fresh jams. There is also a self-serving coffee bar where you are able to choose from different specialty coffees. Upstairs you’ll find a large open area with barstyle seating lining the walls; refurbished wood tables, locally made by Frank Hidrogo, filling the open space; and a large mural by Gus Cutty on the featured wall. There is also a lofted upstairs with extra seating. From the décor to the stairs, everything has been locally sourced and made from Greenville or Asheville. Jason and Carolyn met in the restaurant industry and intend to keep being part of it. With the three locations, they’re still heavily involved in all of their restaurants. When asked if they planned on expanding
from here, they responded with a laugh. “My favorite thing is when the kitchen manager calls and says someone didn’t show up in the kitchen, we can jump in,” says Carolyn. With a fourth location, the couple wouldn’t be able to do that. They are still planning to hire front-of-house positions, but the restaurant is ready for customers. “I’m excited to finally get it opened and have people in the door,” says Carolyn.
Jason and Carolyn are also publishing a cookbook, Biscuit Head New Southern Biscuits, Breakfasts and Brunch, which goes on sale Nov. 1. You can preorder the cookbook now on Amazon.
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07.01.2016
Ports Authority allocates $2.2M for Inland Port expansion in Greer ANDREW MOORE | STAFF
amoore@communityjournals.com
The South Carolina Ports Authority (SCPA) adopted a $248 million capital plan on June 13 that includes the allocation of $2.2 million for the expansion of Greer’s inland port. The authority has allocated $1.6 million for the 2017 fiscal year and $600,000 for 2018. The SCPA hired Hamburg Port Consultants in the spring to study the port’s output and potential growth. The expansion’s design is uncertain until its completion in late 2016. “It’s important that we study the process to maximize the efficiency of that operation,” said Jack Ellenburg, senior vice president of strategic projects. “It helps us choose the best route for accommodating growing cargo volumes. It could be a physical expansion or just an adjustment to the equipment used at the port. It all depends on the study.” Despite the uncertainty, the authority has identified the Inland Port’s western side near Moore Street as an area for potential expansion. The port currently operates on about 40 acres. An expansion would increase operations to 70 acres. There are 100 total acres. Greer’s Inland Port — located at 100 International Commerce Blvd. — opened in 2013 and is serviced by Norfolk Southern’s main rail line that runs along Interstate 85 between Charlotte and Atlanta. The port has 520 container slots and three gantry cranes. Its customer base includes BMW, Michelin, Eastman Chemical, Adidas, Dollar Tree and more. The port generated a $26.8 billion economic impact in 2014, according to a study published by the University of South Carolina’s Darla Moore School of Business. The port handled 58,407 rail moves in FY2015. That number has continued to increase. Projected rail moves for FY2016, ending June 30, are 89,177. The Greer port is projected to handle about 110,000 rail movements in FY2017. Greer’s success fueled the authority’s decision to allocate $5.1 million from its capital plan to the development of a second inland port in Dillon, S.C. The SCPA announced intentions for that port in the spring. “While our discussions are preliminary, the success of Inland Port Greer demonstrates the market demand for additional intermodal hubs to support growing volumes of cargo moving to and from Charleston by rail,” said Jim Newsome, president of the SCPA.
The SCPA reported 260,000 international intermodal rail lifts through Charleston last year. Intermodal volume has increased 166 percent since 2011. The port would offer access to the CSX main rail line, which could open access to intermodal markets in the Southeast and Midwest. It would also be near Interstate 95, which could open the port to significant cargo opportunities, according to Ellenburg.
that of Greer’s port. But I don’t think we’ll see as much initial volume as we did in Greer.” The SCPA plans to use its own capital investment as well as pursue federal infrastructure funding assistance through the Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) program to pay for the project. “We believe that building intermodal infrastructure in our state goes hand-in-hand with the sig-
“A second inland port in South Carolina would expand transportation options in the state, lowering shipping costs for South Carolina businesses and improving competitiveness,” said Dean Piacente, vice president of intermodal with CSX. Piacente also said it would “generate substantial public benefits by creating jobs, spurring economic development and reducing traffic congestion on I-26 and I-95.” Hamburg Port Consultants is studying the design, costs, footprint and construction timeline for the potential port in Dillon. It could be similar to Greer’s port. “We’re using Greer as a model. We anticipate running the Dillon port very similarly if it’s built,” Ellenburg said. “I think its growth could mirror
nificant investments we are making to our port facilities in Charleston,” said Jim Newsome, president and CEO of the SCPA. The $248 million capital plan is the highest in the authority’s history. It also calls for multiple multimillion-dollar investments in its Charleston-based ports. The SCPA plans to invest $93.7 million in site development and related construction expenses for the Hugh K. Leatherman Terminal that is expected to open in late 2019. The plan also calls for $78.9 million upgrades to Wando Welch Terminal in Mount Pleasant and $16 million surface improvements to the Columbus Street Terminal. For more information, visit scspa.com.
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| MANUFACTURING / LENDING | 7
Borgeson adding 36 jobs in Travelers Rest ANDREW MOORE | STAFF
amoore@communityjournals.com
Borgeson
Universal
Co.
announced Tuesday that it is adding 36 new jobs with a $4.5 million investment in Travelers Rest. The announcement comes a year after company president Gerry Zordan told media outlets he was relocating the Connecticut-based company to South Carolina. He cited lower taxes and less restrictive gun laws as reasons for the relocation. Borgeson relocated to an existing 101,500-square-foot building at 9 Krieger Drive in Travelers Rest earlier this year. The facility – which houses the production of steering universal joints and components for the aerospace, industrial, military and automotive markets – has been open for several
months. But the announcement was delayed. “When searching for a new home for our business, we found that South Carolina and the Travelers Rest community best fit our need,” said company vice president Alan Zordan. “We look forward to a successful future in Greenville County.” The relocation of Borgeson hints at continued expansion for Travelers Rest, which was once a business desert. From 2008 to 2014, there were no announcements for the area. Borgeson’s relocation to Travelers Rest is the third announcement for the area in the past 12 months, according to Greenville Area Development Corporation CEO Mark Farris. In September, Chinese global textiles
manufacture Suzhou Glacier Import & Export Co. Ltd. announced that it was establishing Cold Mountain Ma-
terial Corporation in Travelers Rest. The operation, which produces fabric for automobile interiors, is set to be located in a 170,000-square-foot building at 19 Page Court. It will create 109 jobs. In December, Earth’s Creation USA announced that it was opening a $2.8 million manufacturing facility in Travelers Rest that will create 44 jobs. It is set to be located in a 99,000-square-
foot facility at 18 Page Court. The facility will house the production of nutritional supplements and will have access to Greer’s Inland Port. The S.C. Coordinating Council for Economic Development approved incentives for Borgeson’s operations facility in Travelers Rest. “South Carolina continues to lead the pack in manufacturing, and today’s announcement by Borgeson Universal Company is yet another testament to that,” said Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt. “This $4.5 million investment only reinforces the pro-business reputation South Carolina has cultivated.” For more information, visit borgeson.com.
Peter R. Knitzer named CEO of Regional Management Corp. DAVID DYKES | STAFF
ddykes@communityjournals.com
Regional Management Corp., a Greenville consumer finance company, has named financial services veteran Peter R. Knitzer as chief executive officer, effective Aug. 1. The move is part of Regional’s executive succession plan, also effective Aug. 1, when current CEO Michael R. Dunn will become executive chairman of the company’s board of directors and current chairman Alvaro G. de Molina will become lead independent director. Dunn will work with Knitzer to ensure an orderly transition, company officials said. Knitzer will be paid an annual base salary of $530,000 as CEO, according to a company filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Dunn will receive $100,000 a month as executive chairman. He will remain with Regional as its executive chairman on a full-time basis through the end of 2016, after which de Molina will return to the role of
chairman while Dunn remains on the board of directors. “Since taking over the CEO role in October 2014, I am proud of the many accomplishments our team has achieved,” Dunn said. “With the company firmly on the right track, I look forward to beginning the next chapter of my life and spending more time with my family. At the same time, while I will no longer be leading Regional’s day-to-day operations, I am excited to remain involved in advising and determining Regional’s long-term strategic direction.” “We are greatly appreciative of Mike stepping in and leading Regional over the past couple of years, growing the company’s portfolio and credit functions, and helping build the foundation toward a significantly brighter long-term future,” de Molina said. “After a comprehensive search process, we determined that Peter was the optimal choice to take over the role of CEO given his considerable depth of consumer financial services experience, knowledge and leadership.”
Knitzer has more than 28 years of experience in consumer financial services and has been a Regional director since July 2015. Previously, Knitzer was executive vice president and head of the Payments group at CIBC and president and director at E*TRADE Bank. Prior to joining E*TRADE, Knitzer spent 14 years at Citigroup in various senior roles, including chairman and CEO of Citibank North America and managing director of Citi Cards, Citigroup’s global credit card business. Knitzer also has held senior marketing positions at Chase Manhattan Bank, American Express and Nabisco Brands. He received his MBA in marketing and finance from Columbia University Graduate School of Business and his bachelor’s degree in political science from Brown University. “I am very excited to become CEO of Regional, and I want to thank the board for the incredible opportunity to lead this company and our talented team into a new era of growth,”
Knitzer said. “I also want to thank Mike for the excellent job he’s done laying the groundwork over the last couple of years for Regional to succeed in the long term. While continuing on the path on which Mike and the Regional team have placed the company, we plan to enhance our growth through the expanded use of technology and additional diversification of our origination channels, while maintaining the focus on our core product strategy.” Regional Management (NYSE: RM) provides an array of loan products, primarily to customers with limited access to consumer credit from banks, thrifts, credit card companies and other traditional lenders. Regional began operating in 1987 with four branches in South Carolina and has since expanded its branch network across South Carolina, Texas, North Carolina, Tennessee, Alabama, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Georgia and Virginia.
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Tropical Grille bringing Cuban dishes to Mauldin ANDREW MOORE | STAFF
amoore@communityjournals.com
Tropical Grille has become a hub for mouth-watering Cuban cuisines with its four Upstate locations. Now, the Greenville-based restaurant is opening its first freestanding space in Mauldin. The 3,000-square-foot restaurant, located at 108 North Main St., will be the largest Tropical Grille to date and will feature outdoor patio seating and a drive-thru. “The lines can get long at the other restaurants and customers have always asked for a drive-thru,” said co-owner Lazaro Montoto. “We’re just giving the people what they want, and I think they’ll love it.” However, the most interesting aspect about the new restaurant is that it will be housed inside in what was the city’s first general store, according to Ford Elliot, managing director of Greenville’s SVN BlackStream Commercial Real Estate. Montoto plans to remodel the historical building’s interior, adding a kitchen and seating areas. But he has other plans for the exterior. “The building has a great brick foundation that has the urban look from downtown we wanted. So we’re going to keep it,” said Montoto. “We pride ourselves on being a community restaurant, and I think owning a piece of local history shows that.” The new location is projected to open sometime in November and is part of a larger expansion plan for Tropical Grille. Montoto has identified several locations in downtown Greenville and on Augusta Road for additional restaurants. Final locations for the restaurants haven’t been chosen and any expansions will have to wait until
Financing: Bank of Travelers Rest Leasing: SVN BlackStream Commercial LLC
the Mauldin location is established, according to Montoto. “Greenville is home for Tropical Grille. It’s where it all started, and our customers have made us what we are. So we’re going to take care of them before exploring other markets,” Montoto said. Tropical Chicken Grille opened in 2010 on Pelham Road. In 2011, the restaurant changed its named to Tropical Grille and opened locations on Highway 14 and Woodruff Road. A new restaurant also opened seven months ago in Easley. It grew from humble beginnings. In 1996, Montoto began as a dishwasher at a hotel restaurant in Miami, when he turned 14 years old. The restaurant’s five-star chef decided to mentor Montoto in the culinary arts. That chef left the restaurant in 1999, and Montoto became the restaurant’s head chef. He married his wife and business
partner Shadid in 2003. In 2005, he left the hotel for a management position at a nearby steakhouse. Montoto and his wife moved to Greenville in 2007. In 2009, Montoto and his wife began planning a Cuban restaurant alongside Jimmy and Susie Zabala, his mother and stepfather. That plan became Tropical Grille – a restaurant offering made-from-scratch Cuban foods. The restaurant uses all-natural, hormone-free meats and offers gluten-free and vegetarian meals. It also buys locally. “Too many people have to eat fast foods because of busy schedules. We don’t have time to cook. So we wanted something affordable, fast and healthy,” said Montoto. For more information, visit tropicalgrille.net
Business education at Clemson now in a school of its own its second year, considers criteria such as selectivity, advancement, resources, cost and diversity, along with the latest college rankings by Forbes, As of Friday, Clemson University’s College Kiplinger’s and U.S. News & World Report. of Business will stand on its own, a move that Dean The new College of Business is part of the uniBobby McCormick said will enhance the school’s versity’s realignment of its academic programs into national reputation. seven colleges. The restructuring is a key part of Clemson is already ranked 31st nationally in the Clemson Forward, the university’s long-range 2016 Business First ranking. The ranking, now in strategic plan. “Clemson means business more than ever,” McCormick said in a release. “The restructuring is a clear message of commitment to business education being critical to the university’s future by senior leadership and our trustees.” Up until Friday, the College of Business included behavioral sciences. Psychology, sociology, anthropology and political science will now be under Clemson University's new College of Business building is planned the College of Behavioral, Social and for completion in the 2019-2020 school year. Health Sciences. CINDY LANDRUM | STAFF
clandrum@communityjournals.com
The five other colleges are the College of Agriculture, Forestry and Life Sciences; the College of Architecture, Arts and Humanities; the College of Education; the College of Engineering, Computing and Applied Sciences; and the College of Science. In addition to the restructuring, plans include a new building for business education in the center of Clemson’s campus. The building, which will create what college leaders call a “flexible think tank,” will have 160,000 square feet of space to accommodate growth, according to preliminary plans. The building, which is twice the size of Sirrine Hall, would foster partnership between academics and industry and provide opportunities for cutting-edge and applied research. The tentative completion is during the 2019– 2020 school year. State appropriations, private gifts and institutional bonds would fund the construction.
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| REAL ESTATE | 9
Gary Player not pursuing Beattie House SHERRY JACKSON | STAFF
sjackson@communityjournals.com
Black Knight International, the umbrella corporation for golf legend Gary Player’s organization, will no longer be moving its corporate headquarters to Greenville and has dropped plans to purchase the former Fountain Fox Beattie House on Bennett Street in Greenville. The group had been in negotiations with the city for more than a year to convert the circa-1834 house into an office for its business and to convert some of the existing parking space into a garden on the 2.3-acre property. After “an extensive due diligence undertaking, the company has decided not to proceed with closing on the proposed purchase and restoration of the historic Fountain Fox Beattie House,” the company said in a statement. "We are disappointed not to continue with this project, but business conditions have changed significantly over the last few years, and our
headquarters will be moving from Greenville to London," said Marc Player, CEO of Black Knight International, in a statement. “Therefore, the need for this type of facility, unfortunately, no longer exists. Although this is disappointing, we want to thank the City of Greenville for their full support during the process.” Gary Player Design, the company’s golf course design business, will keep its downtown Greenville office. The former tenants of the home, the Greenville Woman’s Club, disbanded in 2014 after 66 years and turned the historic home back over to the City of Greenville Parks and Recreation Department. City officials said they will look for a new buyer for the property. Greenville city officials are now looking for a new buyer for the historic Fountain Fox Beattie House after Gary Player’s umbrella corporation dropped its plans to relocate there. Photo: Bill Fitzpatrick
agility experience. You need
a nd
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Thai restaurant Basil coming to Greenville's ONE Plaza SHERRY JACKSON | STAFF
sjackson@communityjournals.com
Greenville’s food scene will soon have another claim to fame as the highly popular Basil Thai restaurant is making its way to ONE City Plaza. This will be Basil’s sixth location and the first in the Upstate. The new restaurant will occupy 3,254 square feet of space adjacent to the Aloft Greenville Downtown Hotel. The first Basil location in Charleston opened in 2002. Other locations include Columbia and Mount Pleasant in South Carolina and Charlotte and Ballantyne in North Carolina. Owner Chai Eang told UBJ the Greenville restaurant was at least “two years in the making” as he looked for the right space, the right timing and opportunity. “I’d been visiting Greenville and saw the beauty and growth. It’s an exciting place to be,” he said. “Greenville’s got a little bit of Charlotte and a little bit of Charleston mixed together.” Basil Greenville will have a lot of the same characteristics of Basil’s other locations. The restaurant will feature an open kitchen, eight-stool bar and a chef’s counter. There will be one main dining room with two smaller dining sections to “encourage flow,” said Eang. Eang said he’ll stick to the same menu formula that consistently wins awards at his other locations. Crispy red curry duck is a specialty, and Basil’s pad thai and basil dishes (of course) get rave reviews. A recent trip to Bangkok inspired Eang to create curry dishes that have also become popular. So far, Basil has been a hit in every city, consistently winning “best of” awards including “Best Thai Restaurant in Charleston in 2012” and a “Top 20 Restaurants Greater Charleston” award. Eang says he doesn’t like to play up the awards too much: “We let our food do the talking.” The restaurants are a lifelong dream for Eang, who along with his brother and business partner Henry immigrated to the United States in the 1970s from Cambodia. Both brothers did not speak any English and only had the clothes on their backs. Eang says it was a lot of “sacrifice, hard work and perseverance” to
An overhead rendering of Greenville’s ONE Plaza by Hughes Development Corporation shows the planned location for Basil, next to the Aloft Greenville Downtown Hotel. Site plan provided by Hughes Development Corporation
get them to where they are today. The Greenville design will be the model going forward, said Eang, who hopes to franchise the concept in the near future to allow him and his brother more time to travel and semi-retire. Build-out is expected to
begin in the next two months, and Eang says he hopes to open by the end of this year. Also at ONE, gourmet market and café Caviar and Bananas announced last week it plans to open August 5. There are two additional retail sites
Dining room of Basil's Charleston, S.C., restaurant.
still available. “Basil brings a unique concept to Greenville that has been wildly successful in other markets and will serve as a great anchor for ONE City Plaza,” said Robert Hughes with Hughes Development Corporation. “As
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| SERVICES | 11
Majik Touch Cleaners expanding to Verdae SHERRY JACKSON | STAFF
sjackson@communityjournals.com
Local dry cleaning company
Exterior of Basil's Charlotte, N.C., restaurant.
«
downtown continues to grow and expand off Main Street, Laurens Street is becoming a district of its own as Greenville’s first pedestrian-only street. Basil fits perfectly with our leasing strategy of mixing national, regional and local tenants together to create a truly one-of-a-kind destination.” For more information, visit eatatbasil.com.
Majik Touch Cleaners will be expanding to Verdae with a new Majik Touch Lockers location at Legacy Square scheduled to open in August. Majik Touch Lockers will be a 24/7 drop off and pick up location that allows busy customers to set their own hours for laundry stops. This will be Majik Touch’s fourth location in the Upstate, with current locations at Hudson Corner in Greer, the Publix shopping center in Thornblade, Woodruff Road at Hobby Lobby and downtown at McBee Station next to Publix. The company was founded in 1995 by husband and wife Naresh and Dee Parbhoo. “Our customers deserve the best in quality and customer service,” said Naresh Parbhoo. “Now, they’ll also have complete control of when they connect with us, making our service fresh, convenient and unique.” In addition to wash-fold and dry
cleaning services, Majik Touch Lockers will also manage alteration needs and provide cleaning services for household fabric items, leather, suede and other specialty fabrics. A two-business-day turnaround will be typical, and expedited service may be requested. The process is easy for locker service. First-time users register on site and place laundry in a secure locker. After a quick text to place the order with Majik Touch, laundry is retrieved, cleaned and returned. Customers receive locker and pickup code information via text, and they can arrive any time to grab and go. The transaction is completed with an emailed receipt. “This on-demand laundry concept is a perfect fit for Legacy Square,” said Rick Sumerel, president and COO for Verdae Development. “Central to the 300-acre Hollingsworth Park residential community and a convenient stop for busy professionals in the area, we’re excited to see this new business launch in Greenville.”
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Anarchy in the UK? Upstate business leaders predict uncertainty and opportunity after last week’s Brexit vote Last year, U.S. exports to the U.K. totaled $56.3 billion, and South Carolina ranked fifth among states “We’ve become so much more with $2.8 billion, CanagaRetna said. The stunning decision by British voters to interconnected. It’s this South Carolina is eighth among states exporting leave the European Union is reverberating around to the 28 EU countries, he said. intricate web that has been the world, affecting globalization and businesses big Globally, “we’ve become so much more interconwoven, connecting the and small, and experts say the uncertainty of what’s nected,” CanagaRetna said. “It’s this intricate web ahead is creeping into the Upstate. smallest little towns in South that has been woven, connecting the smallest little Wall Street and financial markets were still reeling towns in South Carolina, for instance, to places far Carolina to places far afield.” this week as investors reacted to the surprise vote. afield that people wouldn’t even imagine exports In addition, BMW and General Electric, two Sujit CanagaRetna, senior fiscal analyst, going. That obviously has its good and bad, because companies with a large presence in the Upstate, are The Council of State Governments when incidents like this happen, you’re much more still determining how to navigate the impact of the likely to face negative repercussions.” vote. South Carolina’s exports include automobiles, Charlotte, said in a special commentary last week that “Although GE supported the U.K. remaining in chemicals, machinery, paper and computer and in theory, Brexit should have few direct effects on the the EU, we respect the decision of the British people electronic products, CanagaRetna said. global economy because the U.K. economy accounts and remain firmly committed to the U.K. and Europe,” He expects a softening in those export markets in for only 4 percent of global GDP. Jeff Immelt, GE’s chairman and CEO, said in a the short- to medium-term as consumer demand “However, there are also the indirect effects to statement. declines. consider,” he said. GE has 22,000 employees in the U.K. and 100,000 If domestic U.S. “The tightening in employees in Europe who will continue to focus “on demand picks up, it could financial markets delivering great outcomes for our customers,” Immelt offset the slowdown in S.C. EXPORTS IN 2015 that has occurred said. exports, CanagaRetna today, if maintained, China – $4.4 billion “We believe in the potential to build a competitive said. could exert a slowing Europe and U.K. through digital transformation and Germany – $3.9 billion “No reason to panic” effect on economic manufacturing.” Canada – $3.7 billion Bob Nachman, managactivity in many GE said its Greenville Service Center is the largest U.K. – $2.8 billion ing partner and founder economies.” gas turbine manufacturing facility in the world. Mexico – $2.4 billion of Nachman, Norwood & An eventual unBMW plans renegotiations in Europe Parrott, a Greenville Source: U.S. Department of Commerce, raveling of the EuroBMW sells cars in the U.K. and, in a statement, the wealth management firm, International Trade Administration pean Union, alMunich-based company said, “BMW Group respects agreed that the Brexit though not likely in the British electorate’s decision to leave the EU. While vote is generating widethe near term, it is clear there will now be a period of uncertainty, spread uncertainty. “cannot be comthere will be no immediate change to our operations “I don’t see how anybody could know for certain pletely discounted in a medium- to long-term in the U.K.” how this plays out, because it is unprecedented,” he framework,” Bryson said. “Today, we know that many of the relevant condisaid. CanagaRetna said uncertainty and volatility resulttions for supplying the European market will have to The U.K.’s vote punished financial markets and ing from the U.K. vote come at a time when the world be renegotiated,” the statement continued. “We will pushed stocks lower, with the Dow Jones Industrial economy already is fragile. not speculate about the outcome of these negotiations Average falling 610 points, or 3.4 percent, last Friday “Our economy is sort of limping along, but globalnor about any possible effects that might have on our after the vote. The losses continued this week. ly there are some real problems out there, whether production operations in the U.K.” For context, Nachman remembers Black Monday it’s Europe in general even before this,” he said. “China Sky Foster, a spokesperson for BMW Manufacturon Oct. 19, 1987, when the Dow fell 508 points, losing is definitely in a sort of shaky situation, and then ing Co. in Greer, declined further comment. nearly 23 percent of its value. obviously you’ve got what’s going on in places like BMW Manufacturing Co. is the sole global proHe said U.S. investors could find enticing values Brazil and other places that could potentially be ducer of the X3, X5, X5 M and X6 M sports activity on Wall Street in the wake of the latest hard fall. drivers of global economic growth.” vehicles and the X4 and X6 sports activity coupes. “If you have a properly diversified portfolio, there’s Following the British vote to leave the EU, the key The vehicles are exported to more than 140 counno reason to panic,” Nachman said. “There could be will be an orderly exit, CanagaRetna said. tries. investment opportunities that present themselves The U.K. enjoys free movement of goods and serUnknown impact for S.C. exports because of this. That’s not just stocks. That could be vices with the other 27 member counties of the EU, Sujit CanagaRetna, senior fiscal analyst at The bonds or other type investments.” according to Wells Fargo economists. Council of State Governments in Atlanta, called the Jay Bryson, a Wells Fargo global economist in The U.K. will need to renegotiU.K. vote “completely unexpected” ate terms under which trade with after following British press reports the EU-27 will be conducted and voter polls. “If you have a properly diversified portfolio, there’s no going forward, the economists Now, the impact, while largely reason to panic. There could be investment opportunities said in an analysis. unknown, will filter down to South “The direct effects of Brexit on Carolina’s economy, he said. that present themselves because of this.” the rest of the world should be “Everything is sort of still up in Bob Nachman, managing partner and founder, Nachman, Norwood & Parrott manageable,” the economists the air,” CanagaRetna said. “The said. signs make me a little nervous.” DAVID DYKES | STAFF
ddykes@communityjournals.com
07.01.2016
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INFORMATION YOU WANT TO KNOW
| RESTAURANTS | 13
After working in wood and iron design and at BMW, Andrew Carter, 21, is planning Barista Alley, a coffee shop and smoothie bar in downtown Greer.
Barista Alley bringing ‘something different’ to downtown Greer ANDREW MOORE | STAFF
amoore@communityjournals.com
Greer resident Andrew Carter is a self-described caffeine addict obsessed with crafting the perfect cup of coffee. So it wasn’t a big surprise to friends and family when he quit his job at BMW to open a coffee shop and smoothie bar. Carter, 21, has bounced around from job to job since graduating high school in 2012. He began crafting custom wood and iron designs at The Heirloom Company in 2013. Then he became a product specialist at Greenville’s BMW in 2015. But coffee was his passion. “I had thought about opening a restaurant for the longest time, but it just didn’t happen,” said Carter. “But then I thought about coffee, and about how it’s always been a big thing in my family. So I just decided to go for it.” In December, Carter quit his job and decided to pursue his plan. He settled on the name Barista Alley and started searching for a location.
Carter scouted multiple spaces in downtown Greenville, Travelers Rest and Greer. And after months of searching, he found a 1,750-squarefoot space at 125 E. Poinsett St. in downtown Greer. In May, Carter signed the lease and solidified his efforts. “There are just so many coffee shops already established in Greenville. And Travelers Rest has sort of reached its peak. But Greer has so much potential for more growth. There are businesses opening on a regular basis, and the timing was just right,” Carter said. Carter submitted the proposed floor plan for his shop in June. Before opening, he plans to completely renovate the building’s interior. It will feature a rustic-industrial theme that includes concrete floors, leather lounge chairs, round tables made of wood and cast iron and a coffee bar. The inside can seat about 45 people. In addition, Carter is going to use the building’s 60-foot alleyway for 12 outdoor tables and a bar that attaches
to an interior window-space. It will also feature an area for live music performances. The shop is expected to open in September. Carter doesn’t yet have a complete menu as he’s still searching for suppliers. But so far, he has tried to purchase Southern-made products. Carter has purchased coffee beans from Charleston’s King Bean Coffee Roasters and 1000 Faces Coffee in Athens, Ga. The menu will feature caffeinated beverages ranging from lattes to iced coffee. It will also feature pastries made by Shannon Mercado of Greenville’s Circa Doughnut and smoothies that use fruit and vegetables from Greenville’s Marvin’s Produce. There will also be special menu items such as a latte in a waffle cone and ice cream in a shot glass that features whipped cream and espresso. There will also be a monthly special that features a coffee-based beverage from a different country. “The idea is to offer something different,” said Carter. “It’s a great
concept. I actually got the idea from BuzzFeed. But I’m not going to offer anything too weird or gross.” The menu will feature Germany’s Eiskaffee, Vietnam’s Ca Phe Sua Da, France’s Café Au Lait, Hong Kong’s Yuanyang and Ireland’s Irish coffee. Carter is preparing for the store’s future as he plans on hiring a full-time and part-time employee sometime in October. Carter also plans on holding community activities. “This isn’t just a coffee shop. It’s also a health bar. So I want to do things that are good for the community,” said Carter. “I’m looking at a lot of different options.” Carter plans on clearing the shop’s interior once a week for a free yoga class taught by a local instructor. The classes are expected to start shortly after the store’s opening. Carter also wants to hold a race for a local charity sometime in 2017. However, a date isn’t set. For more information, visit baristaalley.com.
14 | COVER |
UBJ
PROFILE
|
07.01.2016
All in the family
Geordy Johnson came home to become CEO of his family business, and continue his parents’ passion for improving quality of life in Spartanburg
TREVOR ANDERSON | STAFF
tanderson@communityjournals.com
With his side-swept blond hair, polished suit and genuine smile, George Dean “Geordy” Johnson III is a symbol of the new Spartanburg. As he walks down the hallway of Johnson Development’s headquarters in downtown, the 33-year-old CEO sees prominent paintings from his family’s collection on one side and the offices for his employees on the other. The blend of commerce and culture embodies the revitalization of the community and its path forward.
“That’s the amazing thing about Spartanburg,” Johnson said. “At any age you can play a dynamic civic role, and we’re starting to see that more and more. Our citizens, whether they’re from here or transplants from other communities, are stepping up and doing the things that they’re passionate about.” Johnson is the son of local businessman George Dean Johnson Jr. — namesake of USC Upstate’s George Dean Johnson Jr. School of Business, aka “The George” — and philanthropist Susan “Susu” Phifer Johnson. At 6 feet 3 inches tall, he has his father’s height and business acumen, as well as the sense of social
responsibility and love of Spartanburg shared by both his parents. “To have a meaningful life, whatever you do, your focus has to be more on helping people,” Johnson said.
ON AND OFF THE ROAD
Johnson graduated from Spartanburg High School in 2001. After graduating, he left the city to pursue his bachelor’s degree at Washington and Lee University. While he was an undergraduate, he interned at Allen & Co., a New York City private investment bank.
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PROFILE
| COVER | 15
“To have a meaningful life, whatever you do, your focus has to be more on helping people.” George Dean “Geordy” Johnson III
trepreneurship from the University of North Carolina’s Kenan-Flagler Business School. That summer, he worked for BlackRock, an asset management firm in Charlotte, N.C. He went to work in 2013 for AvalonBay Communities in Washington, D.C. In 2014, he and his wife, Carter, who is from Charleston, were engaged. The couple decided to begin seeking a place to plant their roots, and Spartanburg topped the list.
GROWING THE FAMILY BUSINESS
Johnson went to work for Wachovia Capital Markets, which is now Wells Fargo Securities, in 2005 as an analyst for the company’s defense and aerospace corporate finance group. In 2007, he joined the commercial real estate firm Black Creek Group as an associate. The job allowed him to live in Denver and Mexico City. A year later, Johnson returned to Spartanburg to work as an associate at Johnson Management, the parent company of Johnson Development, OTO Development, American Credit Acceptance, JDA West, WJ Partners and The Haven Apartment Communities. He left Spartanburg again in 2011 to earn his MBA with a concentration in real estate and en-
Johnson became the chief executive of Johnson Development in March 2015. He also serves as president of Johnson Management. Under his leadership, the company has begun marketing Flatwood Industrial Park, a business park on more than 1,400 acres of farmland north of Business 85 between Parris Bridge Road and Highway 221. The company said the site has the potential to support about 9 million square feet of speculative and build-to-suit facilities, plus thousands of jobs. Pennsylvania-based drugstore chain Rite Aid recently opened its $90 million, 900,000-squarefoot distribution center that employs 600 at the park. Johnson said his company is building a nearly 363,000-square-foot spec building next to Rite Aid. Johnson Management’s affiliated companies employ thousands in Spartanburg. Hundreds more work for the companies his father brought to Spartanburg, including Pure Barre and Advance America. OTO Development is building the $20 million, 10-story AC Hotel by Marriott at the corner of West Main Street and Daniel Morgan Avenue. The anticipated completion of that project is 2018.
POISED FOR SUCCESS
Johnson said several other developments across the county have the potential to reshape the community in the coming years. His shortlist includes the Hub City Co-op, the state’s first cooperatively owned grocery store that opened in April in downtown. “Yes, we need white-collar jobs,” he said. “But we
also need the housing to support that and the amenities to support those who choose to live in downtown.” Johnson said he is excited about the proposed renovation of the historic Montgomery Building at the corner of St. John and Church streets. The completion of several residential projects, as well as the opening and announcement of new retail and dining options, are signs of progress, he said. Beyond downtown, Johnson said he has been encouraged by the referendum in Spartanburg School District 7 that will allow for construction of a new Spartanburg High School and an elementary school in the Drayton community. The county’s decision to share tax revenue generated from economic development between the seven school districts is also a positive. He believes Spartanburg is poised for success in the manufacturing and distribution sectors. “I think we’re going to be very competitive. We have a great workforce and excellent leadership. We have access to two major interstates and great proximity to the airport and inland port. We’re close to Atlanta and Charlotte … It’s an exciting time to be in Spartanburg.” But Johnson said the county must still focus on attracting “knowledge-based” white-collar jobs. He said growth in Spartanburg’s cultural and artistic communities has been nothing short of remarkable. “[Living abroad] gives you a huge appreciation for some of the things that are often taken for granted in Spartanburg,” Johnson said. “We have a great quality of life, great schools and great people.” Local leaders have expressed their admiration for Johnson and excitement for his decision to remain in Spartanburg. “I’ve known Geordy since I coached him in teeball,” said County Councilman David Britt. “I’ve seen him grow far beyond his age; the maturation of someone who is going to be a leader cut from the same cloth as his parents, who are all about improving the quality of life of the community. He is emblematic of what the new Spartanburg is all about: giving back and making this a better place to live, work and play.”
16 | DISTRIBUTION |
UBJ
INFORMATION YOU WANT TO KNOW
|
07.01.2016
Coca-Cola opens $13.5M distribution center in Anderson County ANDREW MOORE | STAFF
amoore@communityjournals.com
Coca-Cola
Bottling
Co.
Consolidated held a ribbon-cutting ceremony last week to celebrate its $13.5 million regional sales and distribution center in Piedmont. “We are very pleased and proud to be here in Anderson,” said Alison Patient, senior director of corporate affairs for Coca-Cola Bottling Co. Consolidated. The opening comes a year after the Charlotte-based company announced its plans to relocate from its distribution center at 1068 Holland Road in Simpsonville.
In 2013, Coca-Cola entered negotiations with Anderson County to select a site for relocation. The county offered at least 30 years of tax breaks, and the company purchased a 36-acre site just off S.C. Highway 86. It relocated in the spring. The 150,000-square-foot distribution center — located at 125 Old Williamston Road — features a 105,000-square-foot warehouse for distribution, storage and equipment repairs. It features 22 stations for distribution and incoming products. The building has much more space than its 74,450-square-foot predecessor. That could increase distribution. The company distributed 8.5 million cases last year. It is expected to dis-
tribute about 9 million cases this year, said logistics manager Brent Bates. The company distributes more than 60 beverage varieties to 14 South Carolina counties, including Anderson and Greenville, and some northern Georgia counties. The increased distribution created 147 jobs. Most are filled, but the company is still searching for warehouse associates. The facility currently houses 230 employees. “We couldn’t be happier. After all, one of Coca-Cola’s popular slogans is ‘Choose Coke,’ and now we have bragging rights — Coke chose Anderson County,” said Anderson County Councilman Kenneth Waters. It also includes a 45,000-square-
Guests hoist some cold ones as they prepare to cut the ribbon at the new Coca-Cola distribution center in Anderson County.
foot regional sales office and 60-person training room that is equipped with a projector. The opening of the distribution and sales center is expected to generate an estimated $12.7 million economic impact in its first year, according to county officials. That could become more substantial in the future as production increases. “I’m not sure when it’s going to happen, but another 100,000 square feet is planned for the warehouse,” said manager Rodney Blassingame. “We’ll be distributing much more.” For more information, visit cokeconsolidated.com.
07.01.2016
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upstatebusinessjournal.com
INFORMATION YOU WANT TO KNOW
| DISTRIBUTION | 17
South Carolina
is a great place to
start your own
franchise.
And franchising with 7-Eleven® just might be the smartest business move you’ve ever made. • You control your future – build a business that fits your life • Your earning potential is as big as you make it • Work with a top-five franchisor that’s known and loved worldwide
The new 150,000-square-foot Coca-Cola distribution center in Anderson County features 22 stations for distribution and incoming products.
• Gross profit split – we only succeed when you do • 7-Eleven provides the store, land and equipment, plus top-notch training • Start-up is fast, and we’re with you every step of the way
To learn more, contact Brian Mulcahy at 864.300.4889 or
Brian.Mulcahy@7-11.com
© 2016 7-Eleven Inc. All rights reserved. This is not an offer to sell a franchise. An offer can only be made in applicable states with authorized documentation. 7-Eleven Inc., P.O. Box 711, Dallas, TX 75221-0711
18 | SQUARE FEET |
UBJ
REAL ESTATE DEALS AND DEVELOPMENTS ACROSS THE REGION
SHERRY JACKSON | STAFF
sjackson@communityjournals.com |
|
07.01.2016
@SJackson_CJ
Tenants lining up for Hampton Station Avison Young, LiveWell Greenville prepare to move to Greenville’s Water Tower District SHERRY JACKSON | STAFF
sjackson@communityjournals.com
Work is ongoing in Greenville’s west side Water Tower District as tenants continue to line up for a place at Hampton Station. The 100,000-square-foot former cotton warehouse on Hampton Avenue, down the street from Swamp Rabbit Café and Grocery, is already home to Lions Roar CrossFit and Invert Skate Shop. New tenants for the multiuse space include commercial real estate firm Avison Young, which will occupy 2,500 square feet. The firm is managing and leading the transformation of the property. LiveWell Greenville will also move its offices, taking 2,500 square feet. Both plan to move in the fall. Also planning to open in the fall is the Noble Dog Pet Hotel, a luxury dog-boarding facility with amenities including different suite options, a fitness center and lounge, spa treatments and more, which will occupy 10,000 square feet. New renderings have also been released to UBJ showing a front area that will be converted to a community green space featuring games, a
An artist’s rendering of the planned Hampton Station development in Greenville shows a front area converted to community green space.
stage, outdoor seating and a great lawn for outdoor movies. “Exciting food concepts” are also in the works but not yet ready to be announced, said Rob Howell, principal with Avison Young. Announced earlier this year, Birds Fly South Ale Project will be an anchor tenant, setting up their brewery in approximately 9,000 square feet of space. The brewery will have a tasting room with roll-up doors, a stage for
live music and brewery space, brewer about 1,700 square feet to 5,000 square feet and gave the company “a fresh start and owner Shawn Johnson told UBJ. The brewery is expected to be open for a new creative environment.” late summer/early fall. For more information, Dapper Ink, a custom printer and visit hamptonstation.com. outfitter with offices on Wade Hampton Boulevard, also relocated to Hampton HAMPTON STATION’S Station. Matt Moreau, who co-owns the company with ANNOUNCED TENANTS his wife, Jen, told UBJ the move took them from
AVISON YOUNG
Commercial real estate – 2,500 SF
LIVEWELL GREENVILLE
Community health organization – 2,500 SF
NOBLE DOG PET HOTEL Dog hotel – 10,000 SF
BIRDS FLY SOUTH Brewery – 9,000 SF
DAPPER INK
Custom printing – 5,000 SF
LIONS ROAR CROSS FIT Fitness – 5,000 SF
An artist’s rendering shows the plans for Birds Fly South, an anchor tenant in the new Hampton Station development in Greenville.
INVERT SKATE SHOP Fitness – 5,000 SF
07.01.2016
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upstatebusinessjournal.com
REAL ESTATE DEALS AND DEVELOPMENTS ACROSS THE REGION
| SQUARE FEET | 19
LISTED: South Church Commons 860 S. Church St. Spaces ranging from 1,000 to 2,300 square feet Lease price: Low $20s per square foot, NNN, with a budget for tenant improvements Information: John Parker, Broadstreet Partners, john@broadstreetsoutheast.com, 864-266-3309
The shopping center at South Church Street in Greenville, formerly housing the Bell Tower Laundromat, will be undergoing renovations and has lease opportunities available. The new owner, Atlanta-based Tamarack Investments, plans a complete renovation of the center for retail, office or medical users. Improvements will include new ornamented fencing and fresh landscaping, a restored parking area, completely renovated façade, new aluminum and glass storefronts, exposed
high-bay ceilings, polished concrete floors, plain shell (“vanilla box”) interiors and newly fixtured facilities. “We are incredibly excited to be in Greenville and to have our first project be South Church Commons,” said Clark Copelin, managing partner for Tamarack. “We believe strongly in the future of Greenville and are excited to be a part of the developments in this neighborhood that were begun by NEXT and SouthRidge.”
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Individual units range from 1,000 to 2,300 square feet and can be combined. Improvements are planned for completion in early fall 2016, with Boardman Group serving as general contractor. Broadstreet Partners handled the sale and will handle leasing.
20 | PROFESSIONAL |
UBJ
STRATEGIES FOR HONING YOUR PROFESSIONAL SKILLS
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07.01.2016
The best-kept secret in the Upstate Haven’t heard of the SBDC? If you’re an entrepreneur, you should get to know them single person entities as well By RANCE BRYAN as companies Business Consultant, Greenville that have over Small Business Development Center 100 employees. We work with small-business “Why haven’t I heard of you owners in a number of different ways. before?” We hear that quite often, and Financing, marketing and human it usually comes after our first meeting resources are always hot topics, but with new clients. The “you” in question we also assist businesses with strategic is the Small Business Development planning and exit strategies. We have Center. We’re all over the Upstate, but in-house resources available, but if a sometimes we may not be the easiest need requires more technical expertise to find. There’s a reason for that, and than we can provide, we will reach out I’ll tell you why a little later. into the community for support and The Small Business Development guidance. We also track outcomes and Center (SBDC) is a federally and results. We capture metrics such as state-supported organization. We like jobs created, businesses started and to think of ourselves as the “boots on local investment from our clients to the ground” team for the U.S. Small help demonstrate the impact that our Business Administration. They are our clients have on the community. federal partner. The government The SBDC has offices all over South provides us with funding to help Carolina, but in the Upstate we are achieve our mission, which is to help located in Spartanburg, Greenville, entrepreneurs develop and grow Clemson and Greenwood. All of our successful businesses. For over 35 offices meet with business owners years, the SBDC has worked with
individually, and we also host eight to 12 different workshops and special events throughout the year. The topics we’ve covered in our workshops range from developing a marketing plan to how to do business with the government. We hope that you’ve seen some of our “Takeaway” articles that have been in the Upstate Business Journal over the last several months. The Upstate offices of the SBDC consult with more than 500 clients per year. We meet with some of these businesses regularly, and others require only a single visit. There is a great deal of entrepreneurial activity taking place in the Upstate, and we try to provide as much support as possible. Here’s one example: A local business owner has operated an Upstate restaurant for more than 15 years. The restaurant owner was informed that the rent on the building was going to increase significantly, and that would have a dramatic effect on their operations. When we reviewed their exist-
ing financials, we couldn’t find a way to offset this increase, and thereby the cost/benefit analysis of remaining in that location did not make sense. They were going to have to move — which is terrifying for any business owner, but even more so for a restaurateur. Instead of obsessing over the negative implications of this predicament, this proprietor only focused on the opportunities that this situation presented. This business owner had three locations in mind, and we began analyzing each one. With the help of a commercial realtor, we looked at the potential cost of each site, demographic information of the surrounding area and current traffic counts to help prioritize the locations. Once a location was determined, we helped this business owner create projections for the restaurant’s new venue and develop a budget that would expand business opportunities but also provide the necessary cash flow for daily operations. In essence, we helped provide peace of mind so that the business owner was free to do what he or she does best: run the business. So back to our original question of “Why haven’t I heard of you before?” Well, we’ve never had a space to tell our story. Now we do. Thanks to an exciting new partnership with UBJ, the leading business publication in the Upstate, we hope to bring you stories and information that are timely, relevant and interesting to small business owners. We work with these businesses every day, so we thought it would be a good idea to start sharing some of the best practices we’ve discovered. In the meantime, if you’d like to find out more about the SBDC, there are two places to look. Our statewide website is scbdc.com, and our Upstate website is clemson.edu/centers-institutes/ sbdc. We’re excited about this opportunity and hope that we can share ideas and insights that will be helpful to your business. For more information, visit clemson.edu/centers-institutes/ sbdc.
07.01.2016
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upstatebusinessjournal.com
THE TECHNICAL SIDE OF BUSINESS
| DIGITAL MAVEN | 21
Brexit winners? Hackers. Plus: Say hello to the payment ring, but goodbye to the headphone jack By LAURA HAIGHT President, Portfoliosc.com
Brexit may have snuck in under our radar last week, what with all the political drama from presidential hopefuls and gun control sit-ins by members of Congress. But we were sure paying attention Friday as we watched stock markets tank right along with the British pound sterling. But one economic sector had to be quite pleased with how things were playing out: hackers. The cryptocurrency Bitcoin rose in value to $686 from $550 just a day prior to the Brexit vote. As readers of this column know, ransomware is the fastest-growing cybercrime in the world. More than 93 percent of malware embedded in phishing emails will trigger software that encrypts your data and holds it for ransom. And new features in the ransomware universe include the ability to migrate across the network to infect attached or connected devices, like external hard drives, USB keys and servers. Ransomware is a business model most of us would envy. It's growing exponentially and continually improving in delivery, impact and net results. That all adds up to bad news for our businesses. Learn more at bit.ly/DM-ransomware. If you do get “datanapped,” you will pay for your freedom in the coin of the cybercriminals’ realm: bitcoin. It’s a bit complicated to figure out how to convert your hard-earned dollars into bitcoin, but ever-helpful hackers provide you with links in the splash screen that will be stuck on your computers until you pay up. Just like any nation’s currency or the tumbling value of the pound, you can check the bitcoin exchange rate online at bit.ly/ bitcoin-rate. Here are a couple of other interesting news items from the week.
Are you ready for wireless headphones? Oh sure, you probably already have a pair. But we’re talking about only being able to use wireless headphones. The tech press that spends an inordinate amount of time trying to figure out the specs of upcoming Apple devices is continuing to feed rumors that Apple is eliminating the headphone jack in the next generation of iPhones. There are several problems with a wireless-only world. First, there’s battery life. Your wireless headset is powered by a battery that is no match for the battery life of your smartphone. Listen to an album or two
on a flight, watch a few episodes of “Mr. Robot,” and you’ll run your headphone battery dry. Now it’s midflight or mid-workday and you have to a) have your charger cable with you and b) have a power source to plug into. That’s a problem on a plane, and most definitely while biking the Swamp Rabbit Trail. And consider how many pairs of relatively inexpensive wired headphones you have stashed away, so you’ve always got a pair handy. Apple-heads will point out that the company plans to deliver high-quality audio through the lightning port. So there! Well great, but that does mean buying a brand new pair of headphones (what do you want to bet they say “Beats” on them?) — or multiple pairs. Which, if Apple pricing holds up, will no doubt be significantly more than most 3.5 mm pairs cost now. More importantly, why would Apple do this? To create a unique and proprietary business opportunity for its newly acquired Beats brand? To make room on the iPhone7 for a wraparound screen? To deliver a stupendous increase in quality video and audio that will make the next iPhone a must-buy? Or, my personal pick, just because they can? Read more at bit.ly/apple-headphones.
Your ring is your credit card Visa is everywhere you want to be, and this summer, that’s at the Rio Olympics. Threats of the Zika virus, warnings of poor security and polluted water features aside, there is one really cool thing going on: Visa is testing its new “payment ring.” Designed based on input from Olympic athletes, the ring appears to be a picture of simplicity. Powered by a tiny chip, it draws just enough power from proximity to a payment terminal to complete a transaction. So no batteries to make it heavy or require recharging. The data on the chip
is tokenized, replacing sensitive payment information, such as the 16-digit account number, with a unique digital identifier that can be used to process payments without exposing actual account details. No fancy designs here yet; the ring is fairly Spartan. But it is also waterproof to 50 meters. And it can be deactivated with a smartphone app if it is lost or stolen. The Olympics will be a proving ground for the newest in wearable and secure contactless payments. So lessons learned in Rio will go to make the next iteration ready for prime time. Of course, with the slow adaptation of merchants to new technology, such as accepting the much more secure chip-enabled cards, it may be some time before you can actually buy something with a wave of your hand. Learn more at bit.ly/payment-ring.
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22 | INNOVATE |
MOVERS, SHAKERS AND DISRUP TORS SHAPING OUR FUTURE
UBJ
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07.01.2016
America’s game: apple pie, baseball…and angel investing By MATT DUNBAR Managing Director, Upstate Carolina Angel Network
On Father’s Day weekend, I indulged a bit in watching the last round of the U.S. Open golf tournament and the last game of the NBA Finals. My lovely wife, who doesn’t exactly share my interest in sports (other than college football), opined that she found the sports to be boring — except right at the end when you find out who’s going to win. She went on to remind me that the most egregious offender in the sports world for her is baseball, recalling the games I recently watched during the NCAA Tournament. For her, it seems to be a very long game with perhaps a few brief moments of excitement, until finally, there’s a winner. As we discussed it further, she insightfully compared baseball to my work in angel investing. Not that it’s boring — but it is a long game punctuated with intense
episodes before determining the end result. Since we are entering the most American of holiday weekends, and since America’s game — baseball — is the last remaining active major sport in the U.S. for the summer (at least until the Olympics), I thought it was a fitting time to extend her analogy. While you’re celebrating our freedoms and enjoying your apple pie and baseball this Fourth of July weekend, you might consider how America’s pastime on the field is much like that other important American institution of angel investing.
Swinging for the fences Perhaps the most obvious comparison starts with at-bats. Much like batters, angel investors are taking swings with each new startup investment, hoping to hit a “home run” that generates a return of several times their investment. Given the risky nature of startups, a strikeout (complete loss of investment) or out (partial loss) is the most likely outcome, but with enough
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Anticipate curveballs and errors Continuing the at-bat analogy with a slightly different twist, investors (and entrepreneurs) have to anticipate curveballs. When it comes to launching and growing a young company, the market rarely throws fastballs right down the middle. Instead, startups and their investors have to keep their figurative eye on the ball, clearly focused on discerning when and where to use their limited resources (swings) and not chasing wild pitches (seemingly shiny new opportunities that can quickly drop out of the strike zone). In the field, when things don’t go as planned and inevitable errors are committed, they must quickly regroup from the mistakes and focus on closing the next sale (getting the next out).
Play the long game The nine innings of a baseball game — and the 162 games in a season — require a long-term strategy for success. If a team burns up a pitcher’s arm in the early innings or early in a season, the short-term benefit can be disastrous for long-term wins. Similarly, investors must approach their angel portfolio with the long view in mind, as most investments take several years to reach the ninth inning. If the investor deploys available capital too quickly on too few pitches, the
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at-bats and discipline at the plate, angels can accumulate enough extra base hits and home runs to generate very attractive returns — and a batting average that bests the .350 mark of the best hitters in the Major Leagues.
chances of long-term success are drastically diminished. With the right discipline, process and mindset, winners in both baseball and angel investing can amass big wins and give us legendary tales of victory. Similarly, losers can be quickly forgotten — but they can also learn valuable lessons from the losses that translate to better outcomes for the next game. I will refrain from further belaboring the analogy here, but suffice it to say there are countless other ways we could compare baseball and angel investing. And of course, every analogy eventually breaks down if carried too far. Sometimes a startup doesn’t get to play the full nine (or extra) innings, as failures or early exits could occur in any inning along the way. The maximum value of a home run can’t exceed four runs, but there’s no theoretical limit to the size of the returns on an investor’s at-bat. When the startup is the pitcher trying to land an investment, straight fastballs are the order of the day instead of the curveballs to be anticipated from the market. This list goes on. Despite the obvious limitations, the comparison of baseball and angel investing is an instructive one for investors to consider — and despite my wife’s view of the game, a fun one to think about during the dog days of summer. As you enjoy your apple pie and other Americana this weekend, perhaps you’ll think of additional parallels and be inspired to play ball yourself. If you’d like to join up with our angel investor team, we’d be happy to provide you with coaching and plenty of at-bats. Check out our lineup at upstateangels.com.
America’s pastime on the field is much like that other important American institution of angel investing.
07.01.2016
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PLAY-BY-PLAY OF UPSTATE CAREERS
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HIRED
HIRED
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| ON THE MOVE | 23
HIRED
SUZANNE BEAM
RUSTY N. GARRETT
ERIKA BYRD
CHARLES VERDIN
CARTER LITTLE MEADORS
Named as membership development specialist with the Spartanburg Area Chamber of Commerce. Beam has experience in sales, client relations and account management. She previously served as a community service representative for Home Instead Senior Care in Gastonia, N.C., and as manager of member sales for the Gaston Regional Chamber.
Named as broker-in-charge at the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices C. Dan Joyner, Realtors Easley/Powdersville office. Garrett has nearly 30 years of real estate experience and most recently served as vice president of real estate sales for a real estate firm in Myrtle Beach. In his new role, Garrett will oversee operations of the Easley/Powdersville location.
Joined the Parker Poe tax practice group as special counsel at the Greenville office. Byrd practices in the areas of mergers and acquisitions, corporate finance and general corporate law, among others. Her experience includes managing issues concerning the business and operational sides of health care.
Joined the McNair Law Firm’s Greenville office as a shareholder. Verdin is a tax attorney and certified specialist in taxation law and estate planning, as well as probate law. He currently serves as vice chair of the South Carolina Bar’s Probate, Estate Planning and Trust Section Council.
Joined the Cancer Survivors Park Alliance as development and resource coordinator. Meadors has over 15 years of experience in professional nonprofit industry working with the Greenville Symphony Orchestra and Greenville Women Giving. She previously worked as an independent grant writer for CLM Consulting LLC and as development coordinator for Campbell Young Leaders.
COMMUNITY Noah Hannon joined the Greater Greer Chamber of Commerce as a business development summer intern. Hannon is a rising senior at Greer High School, a Junior Leadership Greer graduate and recipient of the Junior Leadership Award.
DEVELOPMENT AJH Renovations LLC hired Lyle McCracken as a project superintendent. McCracken is a recent architecture graduate of Clemson University. In his new role, he will be responsible for field design consultation and client-company interface, among others.
Edward Wingate and Chris Harrison joined the NAI Earle Furman brokerage team. Wingate previously worked as a global outsource broker for U.S. Bank’s retail portfolio. Harrison previously worked as a commercial real estate appraiser and as a county planner for Greenville County.
Financial Group, received the EY Entrepreneur of the Year 2016 Award. The award recognizes outstanding entrepreneurs who demonstrate excellence and extraordinary success in areas such as innovation, financial performance and personal commitment to their businesses and communities.
O’Neal Inc. hired Cynthia Long as billing manager. Long has over 25 years of experience in accounting. She previously worked for Accounting Connection and Dominion Exploration and Production.
SERVICES
office. Barry previously served as the dean and founder of Shred School, a sales training program, and as president, as well as secretary and director, for the National Association of Information Destruction.
Ray Barry was named as managing partner for Stevens & Stevens Business Records Management Greenville
FINANCE Kyle McDonald, CEO of Argent
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THE FRESHEST FACES ON THE BUSINESS LANDSCAPE
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07.01.2016
Open for business 1. Marathon Staffing recently opened at 400 SE Main St., Unit B, Simpsonville. For more information, visit marathonstaffing.com.
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• 209 Sweetbriar Road - $439,900 – Lake Forest
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• 26 High Hill Street - $260,275 – Augusta Road
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• 111 W. Hillcrest Drive - $322,000 – North Main
• 4 Terra Woods Lane - $383,000 – Terra Woods • 36 Verona Circle - $359,000 – Simpsonville
• 301 Melville Avenue - $275,000 – Augusta Road • 502 Brown Avenue - $623,000 – Belton • 2 Mallard Court - $435,000 – Travelers Rest • 106 Oregon Street - $296,500 – Augusta Road
• 216 Tuscany Falls Drive - $305,000 - Simpsonville
BUYSELLGVL.COM THOMAS CHEVES 864.201.0006 tcheves@cbcaine.com STEVE MUSSMAN 864.316.6569 smussman@cbcaine.com
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07.01.2016
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Schwalm Robotic partners with Shwalm USA To address the growing U.S. demand for trenchless robotic systems, Germany-based Schwalm Robotic recently partnered with Schwalm USA, which is headquartered in Greenville. The partnership makes Schwalm USA the exclusive provider of Schwalm advanced robotic systems for trenchless sewer maintenance and rehabilitation contractors, according to a release. Schwalm USA carries a full line of robots and components, packers and repair materials. The company is set up for quick delivery and equipment training. Schwalm Robotic is best known for its durable cutter and camera technology that can withstand harsh sewer environments. Schwalm Robotic also manufactures lateral connection bladders and accessories. “Response to the new company has been very positive,” said Mike Vellano, CEO of Schwalm USA. “Our current strategy is to set up both direct sales and distribution channels to accelerate our goal of quickly achieving nationwide coverage.”
Fluor completes work with Stora Enso consumer board project
Texas-based Fluor Corporation, which has three offices in Greenville, completed its work with Stora Enso’s consumer board machine in Beihai, Guangxi, China. Fluor provided procurement and construction management services for the innovative board machine and associated infrastructure, including power, water and effluent treatment facilities. The facility is integrated with a sustainable eucalyptus plantation. Fluor managed more than 5,500 craft workers at peak on the fast-paced project, which achieved production of the first consumer board on reel just 18 months after the start of construction. At full production, the consumer board machine will produce 450,000 tons per year of liquid packaging board and other high-grade paperboard products to meet the demand in China. “Fluor leveraged our nearly 40 years of experience in China to deliver this consumer board machine for Stora Enso and the Beihai community safely and on an unprecedented timeline,” said Ken Choudhary, president of Fluor’s Asia Pacific business.
PA Solutions partners with ECPI University ECPI University’s Greenville campus recently formed a partnership with Germany-based PA Solutions, aimed at helping the Upstate community acquire skills to work with robotic and automated manufacturing systems. PA Solutions is an independent supplier of automation solutions for the chemical and automotive markets, providing electrical, instrumentation and control engineering for the process industry. Through ECPI University’s new partnership with PA Solutions, the company has acquired a new KUKA industrial robot for the university’s use on and off campus. PA Solutions employees will serve as adjunct professors, working with ECPI University students and the community at large.
THE FRESHEST FACES ON THE BUSINESS LANDSCAPE
| FINE PRINT | 25
“We envision taking this equipment to area high schools and training students who may want to pursue a manufacturing career right after graduation,” said Karen Burgess, ECPI University Greenville campus president. “Many of our local manufacturers — including BMW — use KUKA robotics. Upon completion of their training, students can be prepared to become fully certified on this equipment and eligible to compete for some very desirable jobs.”
Southern First Bancshares Inc. added to Russell 2000 Index Southern First Bancshares Inc., a registered holding company for Southern First Bank headquartered in Greenville, was recently added to the U.S. small-cap Russell 2000 Index, effective after the U.S. market opened on June 27, as part of the 2016 Russell Index’s reconstitution. Membership in the Russell 2000, which remains in place for one year, is based on membership in the broad-market Russell 3000 Index. The stock was automatically added to the appropriate growth and value indexes. Russell Indexes are used by investment managers and institutional investors for index funds and are also used as benchmarks for active investment strategies. Russell Indexes are part of FTSE Russell, a global index provider. “We are pleased to be added to the Russell 2000,” said Art Seaver, Southern First CEO. “This is an indication of our company’s sustained growth and will enhance our visibility within the investment community.”
DOWNTOWN GREENVILLE Main Street at Broad Street
PEPSI STAGE Saline Fiddlers Philharmonic 5:15 pm Clay Page 6:45 pm Mama Dear 8:15 pm
PEACE CENTER AMPITHEATRE 246 Army Band 6:30 pm
FIREWORKS 9:45 pm - 10:00 pm
PRESENTED BY
Monday
JULY 4th PM -
PM
FREE admission No coolers allowed at event. Event managed by the City of Greenville
events.greenvillesc.gov
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INFORMATION YOU WANT TO KNOW
OVERHEARD @ THE WATERCOOLER RE: CAVIAR & BANANAS SETS AUG. 5 OPENING
JUNE 24, 2016
| VOL. 5 ISSUE 26
> Jenny Perone “Can’t wait!!!" S, TINY LOANND S BIG DIVIDE ISSUE THE FINANCE
ityWorks have ns Lending and Commun Groups like Nasha realize huge dreams with microloa like James Bennett PLUS How local banks out are reaching to millennials
> Angela Williams “Excellent! Let’s plan to visit once it’s officially open."
RE: COMMUNITYWORKS MICROLOAN HELPS PROPEL HOME CARE COMPANY TO STAFF OF 85 > Nika White “Very proud of one of my MBEs in the Greenville Chamber’s Minority Business Accelerator program, James Bennett, for being features in the latest issue of Upstate Business Journal." > Henrietta Sullivan “This is phenomenal James Bennett! Big thumbs up." > Tammica Pixley Dowd “Yes!!! Go Jamie and Matrissa Bennett! I’m so proud of this accomplishment and know you will continue to be successful!"
RE: 25-HOME SUBDIVISION PLANNED FOR GREENVILLE’S OVERBROOK NEIGHBORHOOD > Stephanie Kult Watkins “He does great work! I’m sure these houses will be beautiful."
>> CONNECT WITH US We’re great at networking.
Greenville Heritage Union Federal Credit milestone celebrates 75-year
helped entrepre
neurs
Getting started in angel investing
DIGITAL FLIPBOOK ARCHIVE >> The layout of print meets the convenience of the Web. Flip through the digital editions of any of our print issues, and see them all in one place. >> upstatebusinessjournal. com/past-issues
>> WEIGH IN @ THE UBJ EXCHANGE Got something to offer? Get it off your chest. We’re looking for expert guest bloggers from all industries to contribute to the UBJ Exchange. Send posts or blog ideas to dcar@communityjournals.com.
> Chris Graves . “They just got approval, so it will be a while before there is anything to see."
> Irene Morrah “The city does indeed have a tree ordinance which is rarely enforced and on this project plans call for clearing land and new smaller trees for landscaping… take a look at the drawings above. The adjacent neighbors were not pleased and with good reason… in our city, the developers receive a green light on most projects regardless of the neighborhood’s concern."
RE: COCA-COLA OPENS $13.5M DISTRIBUTION CENTER IN ANDERSON COUNTY
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The top 5 stories from the past week ranked by shareability score
>> 948 1. Lululemon, Happy + Hale plan Main Street store in Greenville
>> 624 2. Caviar & Bananas sets Aug. 5 opening
>> 349 3. 25-home subdivision planned for Greenville’s Overbrook neighborhood
>> 110 4. For 75 years, Greenville Heritage Federal Credit Union has grown along with Greenville
>> 92 5. Sandlapper Securities launches new venture
> James Townsend “Have not seen the plan, but assume it meets City Zoning!"
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07.01.2016
BIZ BUZZ
Distilled commentary from UBJ readers
> Sarah Elizabeth “Greenville is putting in work."
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> Jehan Wallace “Oh my gosh, we so underestimated this county!" > River Run Apartment Homes “The Upstate is getting bigger and bigger by the day!"
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EVENTS YOU SHOULD HAVE ON YOUR CALENDAR
| PLANNER | 27
DATE
EVENT INFO
WHERE DO I GO?
HOW DO I GO?
Friday
HTI Organizational Solutions Friday Morning Coffee: Legalization of Marijuana and its Effect in the Workplace
Human Technologies Inc. 105 N. Spring St., Suite 200, Greenville 8:30–9:30 a.m.
Cost: Free Register: bit.ly/hticoffee-july2016
7/6
Clemson University MBA Info Session
Clemson One Building 1 N. Main St., Greenville 5:30–7 p.m.
Cost: Free Register: bit.ly/mba-july2016
Tuesday
Spartanburg Chamber Doing Business Better: What the New Overtime Rules Mean for You workshop
Spartanburg Area Chamber of Commerce 105 N. Pine St., Spartanburg 8:30–10:30 a.m.
Cost: $10 Chamber members $20 nonmembers Register: bit.ly/dbb-july2016
Tech After Five Networking event for tech entrepreneurs and professionals
Pour Lounge 221 N. Main St., Greenville 5:30–7:30 p.m.
Cost: Free Register: bit.ly/taf-july2016
GSHRM Annual Human Resource Management Conference Evolve, Engage, Empower: Developing Authentic Leaders for the Future
Hyatt Regency Greenville 220 N. Main St., Greenville 7:30 a.m.–5 p.m.
More info: bit.ly/hr-aug2016
7/1 Wednesday
7/12 Wednesday
7/20 Thursday
8/18
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JULY 15 THE HEALTH CARE ISSUE The business of cancer and other medical matters.
Will Crooks 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011
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UBJ milestone
UBJ milestone jackson Marketing Group’s 25 Years 1988 Jackson Dawson opens in Greenville at Downtown Airport
Bo Leslie | Tammy Smith
1988
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
OPERATIONS Holly Hardin
ADVERTISING DESIGN Kristy Adair | Michael Allen
1997 Jackson Dawson launches motorsports Division 1993
1990 Jackson Dawson
acquires therapon marketing Group and moves to Piedmont office Center on Villa.
>>
Chairman larry Jackson, Jackson marketing Group. Photos by Greg Beckner / Staff
Jackson Marketing Group celebrates 25 years By sherry Jackson | staff | sjackson@communityjournals.com
Solve. Serve. Grow. Those three words summarize Jackson Marketing Group’s guiding principles, and according to owner Larry Jackson, form the motivation that has kept the firm thriving for the past 25 years.
Jackson graduated from Bob Jones University with a degree in video and film production and started his 41-year career in the communications industry with the U.S. Army’s Public Information Office. He served during
Vietnam, where he said he was “luckily” stationed in the middle of Texas at Fort Hood. He left the service and went to work in public affairs and motorsports at Ford Motor Company in Detroit. After a stint at Bell and Howell, where he was responsible for managing Ford’s dealer marketing and training, the entrepreneurial bug hit and he co-founded Jackson-Dawson Marketing Communications, a company specializing in dealer training and product launches for the auto industry in 1980. In 1987, Jackson wanted to move back south and thought Greenville would be a good fit. An avid pilot, he
learned of an opportunity to purchase Cornerstone Aviation, a fixed base operation (FBO) that served as a service station for the Greenville Downtown Airport, providing fuel, maintenance and storage. In fact, when he started the Greenville office of what is now Jackson Marketing Group (JMG) in 1988, the offices were housed on the second floor in an airport hangar. “Clients would get distracted by the airplanes in the hangars and we’d have to corral them to get back upstairs to the meeting,” Jackson said. Jackson sold the FBO in 1993, but says it was a great way to get to know Greenville’s fathers and leaders
>>
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-prof 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 lients 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 nit inVolVeMent nitY in olV inV olVe VeMent & 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
JULY 29 QUARTERLY CRE ISSUE The state of commercial real estate in the Upstate.
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
20 Upstate bUsiness joUrnal November 1, 2013
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