December 6, 2019 Upstate Business Journal by Community Journals

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PRIMED FOR SUCCESS DECEMBER 6, 2019 | VOL. 9 | ISSUE 23

Meet four women shaping the ďŹ nance industry in Greenville

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December 6, 2019 | upstatebusinessjournal.com

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South State Wealth represents the collective wealth management departments and subsidiaries of South State Bank (Member FDIC). Investment products offered by South State Wealth are not FDIC insured, may lose value and are not guaranteed by a bank or other financial institution.

THE OPENING BELL

QUOTED

98 Ventures moves to Poe West in the Village of West Greenville, creating new jobs and new opportunities

“If you learn business, you can create anything you want. I’ve always had a creative mindset growing up. What I didn’t realize is that entrepreneurship is one of the most creative things you can enter in life.” -Jennifer Belshe, Co-founder, Novus Advisors

“One commitment that I can make, however, is that we will always hire the best talent.” -Tony Travis, CEO, Windstream

25 Southern Way Catering brings new ﬂavors to Greenville’s growing food scene

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December 6, 2019 | upstatebusinessjournal.com

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ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

98 Ventures moves to Poe West in the Village of West Greenville n story by STEPHANIE TROTTER | rendering provided by JOHNSTON DESIGN GROUP

The blueprints and office designs sit within arm’s length at his desk. Scott Moore references them multiple times a day as president of 98 Ventures, a Greenville-based executive management services company that oversees affiliate organizations UST, UST Select and Equip Fulfillment.

We’re eager to see this company continue to grow in Greenville County.” -Bobby Hitt, Secretary of Commerce After 21 years at various locations, the company will move in January into an 11,000-square-foot space at Poe West in the Village of West Greenville.

“We looked at 30 properties in all areas of the Upstate,” Moore says. “When you go outside the city, property gets easier to acquire and it’s cheaper. There are a lot of options out there, but culture is everything with our company. We’re youthful and energetic. We don’t like everything to be vanilla. We like things a little different. We really felt to maintain that culture, we needed to be downtown.” Employees are currently split between two locations on Main Street, one inside the Bank of America building and one above Cantina 76 restaurant. The Poe West space is not that much bigger than the total space the company currently occupies, but the new site will be designed for specific needs, making it more efficient. A single location will also reunite the team and provide room for additional staff.

www.CarltonMB.com (864) 213-8000 4 UBJ | December 6, 2019

98 Ventures supports companies across various industries including logistics, fulfillment For construction photos of 98 Venture’s services and technology. UST serves in the space visit UpstateBusinessJournal.com “last mile” logistics industry, delivering large over a year. It’s been tough. It’s been items from home improvement stores stressful. But we have such a strong to homes across 23 states. UST Select team. It’s been a fluid process because does much the same for one of the our growth has occurred simultanelargest e-commerce platforms on the ously to looking at properties.” planet, while Equip Fulfillment proThe South Carolina Coordinating vides supplies to 450 trucking teams Council for Economic Development in the industry. Business is booming, has approved more than $600,000 in Moore says. job development credits related to the “It’s been an incredible year,” he project. Secretary of Commerce Bobsays. “I don’t even know how to deby Hitt calls the news a “terrific win.” scribe it. Right now, we’re trending “It’s always a great day in South at 77% growth over last year, and we Carolina when an existing compaplan to hire 150 new employees. We’ve ny has great success in our state and been working on this move for just chooses to expand,” Hitt says. “We’re

2446 Laurens Roa Greenville, SC 2960

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eager to see this company continue to grow in Greenville County.”

THE SPACE

98 Ventures has secured a seven-year lease at Poe West, with an option to extend. The company is investing seven figures into the expansion, including more than $600,000 in renovations. “It’s an historical building, so we do have certain restrictions,” Moore says. “The space is an old hardware distribution site; that type of industrial feel is perfect for what we do. But we also

wanted to bring in a bit of modernization. We want our people to enjoy being there, and feel like it was an extension of their family and an extension of their home, not just being at work.” Polished concrete floors create the foundation for an open space, encouraging collaboration. Johnson Design Group, Fusion Audio + Video, Acumen IT, PMC and Rescom Construction are just a few of the companies working on the upfit and interior. “We’re making it fit our personality,” Moore says. “Gone are the days of typical cubicles and typical conference rooms. We’ll have all-glass offices with drop-pendant lighting; the furniture will be crisp white and piano black finishes. The conference room will have touch-screen TVs, sofas and soft seating. The break room — what we’re calling Café Oasis — will have repurposed wood ceilings, a galley kitchen and a big deck over-

looking the back of the property.” While extremely focused on operations inside the building, Moore is also looking outside, toward 98 Ventures’ impact on the entire Village of West Greenville.

COMMUNITY CHAMPION

In moving to Poe West, 98 Ventures will become the largest employer in the Village of West Greenville. Moore and his team recognize the opportunities that presents across several fronts. “Bringing almost 100 full-time employees to the Village, Monday through Friday, and partially on weekends? The impact it’s going to have on the Village will be quite significant,” Moore says. “We have young, vibrant folks who are really going to enjoy the things the Village has to offer, and the economic impact is going to be huge.” Yet he wants 98 Ventures’ role in the neighborhood to extend far beyond dollar bills. “It brings a lot of pride — and responsibility,” he says. “We want to be an engaged corporate citizen. Anything less would be a disgrace. We’ve already begun meeting with some organizations, including Mill Village

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98 Ventures and its afﬁliate companies plans to hire

150 ADDITIONAL EMPLOYEES Interested in Joining the team? Visit 98ventures.bamboohr.com/jobs/ Farms. Our ability to have 100 or so volunteers go hands-on with projects and initiatives should prove helpful.” The city’s highest leaders are applauding the plan. “We couldn’t be more proud of their growth, success and commitment to making Greenville a better place to live and work,” Mayor Knox White says. As the move nears, Moore is already looking toward future growth. 98 Ventures is in discussions about a second building at Poe West that can provide more space when needed. “We want to stay in the city we love, operate in the city we love and do our part to keep it a city we love,” he says. “We are very excited about being a part of the Village and Poe West. We feel like we can really be a part of the community over there.”

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PRIMED FOR SUCCESS Four women deﬁning the future of banking and ﬁnance in Greenville n story by EVAN PETER SMITH | photos PROVIDED

The world of finance has undergone a major transformation in recent years. In banking and financial advising alike, the old-school notion of finances being nothing but a steady stream of cold figures and indifferent statistics has been evolving into a more holistic perspective, one that puts relationships at the forefront. To get a look at where things stand today, we sought out the perspectives — the advice, the driving philosophies and the defining moments — of four women, each of whom is setting the tone for the future of Greenville’s financial environment in the coming decade.

JENNIFER BELSHE Co-founder, Novus Advisors

n the span of one year, Jennifer Belshe had a baby, got divorced and started a new job that was based 100% on commission. “It was crazy,” she says now, seated in the downtown offices of Novus Advisors, the registered investment advisor firm she co-founded. “Everything relied on what I was able to bring in. You just had to go out and do it.” In Belshe’s view, some people are more suited for taking risks, and she’s always had an entrepreneurial spirit. It’s the same spirit that drove her, just two years after that pivotal moment in her career, to co-found Novus. “You get some butterflies along the way, no doubt,” she says. “But I had created some contacts, specifically in the retirement planning space. I knew that if I formed this RIA I would have success right away because of these opportunities. So that takes a little of the edge off, but still, you don’t really understand all that’s required in running a business until you’re in it. In her words, she “jumped in with two feet” and, despite the risk, believed in herself and knew that if she worked hard, she could be successful. For anyone considering a similar entrepreneurial leap, her advice is succinct: “Do it.” In hindsight, the birth of her son and the beginning of her career without a safety net happened to coincide: a combination that could’ve proved disastrous. Yet Belshe now calls both life-changing events as the best things that have ever happened to her. These days, she doesn’t have to worry about getting approval to work a flexible schedule in order to, for instance, go to her son’s soccer games or school functions. She just asks the boss if it’s OK, which is rendered far easier by the fact that she herself is the boss. “Being your own boss has a lot of responsibility, but at the same time, it has a lot of freedom,” Belshe says. “I really enjoy that, but I also enjoy employing other people and seeing how a structure that I have developed has given opportunities for people to take care of their families and build their businesses.” Belshe says the current financial and entrepreneurial climate is prime for young women, especially here in Greenville. “Right now, only about 20 percent of financial advisors are female,” she says. “And I think there’s a great need, as there’s an ongoing wealth transfer that’s happening, with women on trend to accumulate more wealth than ever before. Everyone has different skill sets, and while I don’t think it’s necessarily related to gender, I do know that women have strengths, and now is the time where they can really differentiate themselves.”

6 UBJ | December 6, 2019

ALMA MATER:

Wheaton College STARTED CAREER AS:

HR intern for Motorola BEST ADVICE:

Traveling and attending art events

MAURA COPSEY

Partner, Nachman Norwood & Parrott

aura Copsey, partner at the Nachman Norwood & Parrott wealth management consultancy, once had to sit down with a client and walk through with her, in a detailed fashion, the plan for dealing with her husband’s death. “I say that in our jobs, we really should have counseling degrees as well,” Copsey says. “That sounds like a joke or that I’m being dismissive, but I mean it sincerely.” Money is tethered to all aspects of life, from the joyous to the tragic, she says. That client, for example — with whom Copsey had been working for many years — had just learned about her husband’s terminal pancreatic cancer. The two of them sat together and worked through the financial arrangements for when he would be gone. And after his death, Copsey helped this client get through her long mourning period. Then, years later, Copsey was still there when this client fell in love again and was getting married. Whether it’s planning for a funeral or planning for a wedding, she says finances are always in play. “There is so much anxiety in the world,” Copsey says. “If we can alleviate that, then that’s a good day for us.” Copsey herself had her share of anxiety along the way. After all, major life events, she says, rarely work out exactly as planned. Back in the late ’90s, when she was pregnant with her second child, Copsey was laid off from her stable position at First Union Bank after 10 years on the job. After a period of uncertainty, she managed to find a position working alongside Bob Nachman and Ben Norwood, who founded Nachman Nor-

wood & Parrott with now-retired John Parrott. But with two young children to care for, Copsey knew in a few years that she would want a more-flexible schedule to spend time with them. Before joining the team, she made sure to be upfront about that. “Back then, that was unusual, but I think now times have changed and there’s much more of a focus on work-life balance,” Copsey says. “Companies understand that people don’t exist solely to work.” Whether caring for young children or aging parents, employees who get a chance to finesse their schedules to meet their needs are more loyal and determined, Copsey says, and that’s much more beneficial for companies in the long run. “I feel like the culture now is such that you can be flexible and still succeed at whatever level you’re striving for,” she says. “Have the conversation.” From her perspective, the key driver of that change is not so much cultural as it is technological. With the advent of the digital age, employees are no longer tethered to their desks. They can perform their duties outside of the office, on varying schedules. On the same note, clients who once relied on advisers like Copsey can now find a range of advisement with a few keystrokes or taps on their smartphones. Therefore, what separates successful companies, she says, are the interpersonal relationships that are nourished along the way and the amount of investment made in the individual. “More than anything, that’s what our job is all about,” Copsey says.

ALMA MATER:

Vanderbilt University STARTED CAREER AS:

Trainee at First Union Bank BEST ADVICE:

“It never feels easy. There will be tough challenges and crazy times along the way. Set priorities and learn to balance things as they come.” SPENDS FREE TIME:

Exercising, nature hikes and spending time with family

December 6, 2019 | upstatebusinessjournal.com

MICHELLE SEAVER

President, United Community Bank

ALMA MATER:

University of South Carolina STARTED CAREER AS:

Summertime bank teller at Carolina First Bank BEST ADVICE:

“Work really hard and do your very best at the job that you have right now. Don’t focus so hard on what your next step is, but really do your current job well and be the best that you can be at it.” SPENDS FREE TIME:

Exercising and going to football games

8 UBJ | December 6, 2019

ichelle Seaver, president of United Community Bank, likes to stress the importance of getting enough sleep — if only because she can remember the days when she didn’t get nearly enough of it herself. “I went back to work with a 3-month-old,” Seaver says of her early days as a working mother. “Got about four hours of sleep a night, so that wasn’t so great.” Looking back, now that she’s spent the past six years as a bank president with a spacious office in the downtown location of United Community Bank, Seaver isn’t sure what her younger, sleep-deprived self would say if she could see her now. “Maybe just, ‘Wow,’” Seaver says. The journey has been a long one, but patience paid off in the end. Seaver got her first summer job as a bank teller at Carolina First Bank. Working at the bottom rung of the organization, she never could’ve imagined she’d one day be a bank president. “We all go through different phases,” she says. “Everybody has their own path. No one path is right or wrong. The important thing is to work as hard as you can along the way and to stay patient.” She began working her way up through the bank, taking management training in college, then setting roots in Greenville as a branch manager for Carolina First’s Cleveland Street office. Seaver had plenty of doubt along the way too. “I think everybody has to deal with that, if they’re being real with themselves,” she says. Even as all her friends with whom she’d gone to high school in Greenville were now rushing off to big cities like Atlanta or Charlotte, North Carolina, Seaver was determined to invest herself in Greenville and to do what she could to make it a better place. “I was brought up in the banking world of you being a part of your community,” Seaver says. “I’ve been living here now for over 30 years. Where I live is important to me. It’s my personal foundation.” Change is inevitable, of course, even for those who stay in the same community, Seaver says. But when mentoring her younger employees — the tellers, for instance, with whom she can relate, given her own start as a teller — she tells them to be open-minded to change. “Try to see the good in it,” she says, “because if you focus your energy solely on the difficulties of change, you might very well miss out on how much good can come of it.” Seaver says the biggest change in her life — bigger even than becoming bank president — was becoming a mother, which brought its own set of doubts. “I wanted to make sure that my children never felt shafted because I worked,” she says. “But when you’re in those years where you’re just trying to survive, you can get caught up in wanting to be everything to everyone, and you can fail to take care of yourself. I’ve learned most of all that if I want to succeed, I take some time for myself.” In other words, she says, make sure to prioritize some time for exercise, for moments of solitude, for relaxation. And be sure to get some sleep.

LINDA MCGUIGAN

Retail market president, TD Bank

or Linda McGuigan, retail market president for TD Bank, there are certain moments throughout her career that stand out. There were the early days, of course, working the night shift as a part-time teller at the bank’s drive through window. Although that first job was “a very long time ago,” McGuigan still remembers how much she enjoyed that work, because it was there in that drive-through window when she realized that people skills are really the foundation of banking. Those same skills would move her from part-time teller to head teller, before she progressed to assistant branch manager, senior store manager, retail market manager vice president and all the way up to retail market president, where she now oversees banks in five states in the metro and mid-South markets. She is, in other words, at the top of her field. But it turns out, one of the most shining moments in her career didn’t take place in a bank at all. “It was at the Peace Center — the opening night of the Holiday Nutcracker ballet several years ago,” McGuigan says. It was McGuigan’s first large event in partnership with the Make-A-Wish Foundation, and on the stage walked out a very young man named Peter. Born in the Upstate, all his life Peter had dealt with a number of physical and mental challenges, as well as health problems. But by some twist of fate, Peter was also able to play classical music on the piano with an amazing level of skill, despite having never taken a single lesson. “Peter’s greatest dream in life was to play a baby grand piano,” McGuigan says. “We were able to find a piano for him, and when he came out onstage, we made it so the piano rose out of the floor.” Peter had thought he was just there to play the piano, but at the end of his rendition, it was revealed that the piano was his to keep. “In the entire packed house, there was not a dry eye,” McGuigan says. “Peter passed away a few years ago, but I still have a picture of him playing that night. It was such a magical moment. I think about Peter all the time.” To encompass a decades-long career in banking with a story of a boy playing a piano would seem an odd choice for McGuigan, but time and time again, when asked about the high points of her career, she always refers back to the people she’s been able to help along the way. “That’s where I’ve felt like I’ve contributed value,” she says. “It’s not about sitting at a desk reading spreadsheets, although that’s certainly a part of the job. But communicating what that spreadsheet means, spending time with people, driving hours to help one of your employees with career counseling — just paying it forward and supporting people in any way you can. Things have changed dramatically since I started my career, but that part never has. And I think it never will.”

ALMA MATER:

Rutgers University STARTED CAREER AS:

Nighttime bank teller BEST ADVICE:

“Don’t ever forget where you came from. And don’t be afraid to raise your hand. Ask questions. Seek out a mentor.” SPENDS FREE TIME:

Making memories with her two nephews and four grandchildren

December 6, 2019 | upstatebusinessjournal.com

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BUSINESS

The 411 on finance: helping you decode budgets, investing and debt

n story by GEORGIA GAY | photos PROVIDED

Money is tricky. People love to spend it but hate to see it go. In 2016 only 32% of Americans kept a household budget, according to Debt.com. While financial literacy may not be everyone’s forte, there are businesses and people in Greenville that are here to help. We checked in with a few local resources who can help decode the scary finance world and have recommended podcasts that are available on iTunes.

BEGINNERS IN THE FINANCIAL REALM: Peyton Hoppes with Parallel Finance Hoppes, a financial advisor and a 2016 graduate from Clemson University, finds that always having a budget, no matter the income, is crucial to becoming successful with money. Budgeting at a young age builds good habits. “It is even important when you’re older and hopefully making more money,” he said. Budgeting also helps consumers meet goals such as paying off student loans and keeping up with credit card bills. “At some point, everyone will face some sort of debt,” Hoppes said. With a budget, people are able to better understand what they have money-wise and what they can do with it. “One means of properly financing is having a savings account,” he said. Money can be invested and saved through a number of means, such as a 401(k). “That can’t be bought later in life,” Hoppes said. For more information about finance for beginners, listen to: “So Money” with Farnoosh Torabi.

GETTING OUT OF DEBT: Erik Mizell with Foster Victor Wealth Advisors According to Mizell, there are

different types of debt and people of various age groups have different debts they are focused on. When taking debt into account, he said it is important to find a way to minimize the interest impact, especially for a debt that has to be strung out for a while, like student loans. “To minimize debt, you have to minimize the interest rate as much as you can,” Mizell said. “Whether it be through some refinance situation, if that is available, or looking at strategically how to pay down additional payments to knock some of the interest back.” There are many ways to create momentum in terms of how to pay down debt, but the worst idea is to overpay on everything being paid off at once. “You are just spreading excess wealth across four to five different debt obligations instead of just honing in on one of them,” Mizell said. Mizell advises people to control their spending urges until debts are paid off. “People need to reign in their spending enough to where it allows them to have excess cash to pay off their debt.” For more information about getting out of debt, listen to: “The Dave Ramsey Show” with Dave Ramsey.

STUDENTS AND NEW GRADUATES: Crystal Pitrois and Amber Morgan with Greenville Technical College

Today, roughly 70% of American students end up taking out loans to go to college, according to marketplace. org. Once they have left, typically they are leaving with, on average, $30,000 in debt. It can be hard for college students and recent graduates to maneuver the financial realm, but Greenville Technical College’s Financial Education Center provides programs and events to help educate students on topics like budgeting and credit. One event the

center holds twice a year is Budget Con, made possible by charitable donations from TD Bank. Students do research on their desired career field and bring that information to Budget Con. “Students will then visit tables where they make hypothetical life choices about topics like housing, buying a car, taxes, insurance and medical expenses,” Morgan said. After the event is over, participants are required to write down how much they plan to borrow in order to pay for school. “They then see their student loan payment juxtaposed against their rent expenses, desired salary and more,” Pitrois said. Pitrois went on to say that they have conversations about how to make the educational experience for the students more affordable once expenses have been evaluated. “Student loans are just like any other investment, so you have to make sure it is being used wisely,” Morgan said. For more information about finances for college students and recent graduates, listen to: “The College Investor Audio Show” with Robert Farrington.

WOMEN IN FINANCE: Veronica Mackey with Parallel Finance According to a study by UC Davis, women account for only 18% of people who have finance jobs. That is also how Mackey views it. “There just aren’t a lot of women in the finance industry,” she said. Mackey said she believes the finance industry would do well with more women, who, she said, would find it to be a rewarding career. “I think it is an issue of just not knowing where to start, since finance covers a wide spectrum of careers,” Mackey said. Despite gender, it is important to Mackey that people know how to take responsibility for their money. “No one is going to write you a check. At the end of the day, you have to take responsi-

bility for the money you make,” Mackey said. With the money being made, Mackey hopes that the older people become, the less strict their income is. “Don’t go into credit debt to pay for things, have money set aside that goes into savings accounts and don’t live beyond your means,” Mackey said. For more information about women in finance, listen to: “The Fairer Cents” with Tanja Hester and Kara Perez.

SEASONED INVESTOR: Hans Blake with Intelligent Investing For those who have been earning money for awhile, it is important to know how to properly invest it, Blake said. There are various books, blogs and podcasts that can act as guidance, but having a coach or mentor really helps with accountability. Blake, a chartered financial analyst charterholder and an investor since he was a teenager, said he feels passionate about minimizing financial stress in order to maximize his client’s lives. “The number one stress in America is finance,” Blake said. He feels that the worry with money will never go away and finds that the more there is the more stress there will be. “That is why we are here, to help people invest in their retirement and get involved with their money,” Blake said. Blake works with people on their tax and estate plans as well, being able to create personal files in-house for his clients. “We don’t sell products to our clients, we are a fee-only fiduciary,” Blake said. The profile-creating process is thorough, evaluating risk factors and how willing clients are to invest their money. “We start by asking what their goals are, what are their wants, needs, and wishes, what is their time horizon and so much more,” Blake said. For more information about seasoned investors, listen to: “The Disciplined Investor” with Andrew Horowitz.

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The quotable PartnerMD team wishes you a happy, healthy new year As another year comes to a close, many people reflect on the months behind them and consider what they’d like to change as they move into the year ahead. In that spirit, we decided to take a look back at the advice given in these pages over the past year. The PartnerMD team has discussed a variety of issues, from sugar and gluten to stress relief and warding off colds. PartnerMD doctors are known for their medical expertise, their sensible approach and the time they spend with clients, and, based on their best advice throughout the year, they are also ready with memorable, motivating words of wisdom. Take their advice to heart, and raise a (moderate) glass to a healthy and happy 2020.

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December 6, 2019 | upstatebusinessjournal.com

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People, not paperwork: Propel HR focuses on connecting to its clients and their employees n story by SHERRY JACKSON | photo PROVIDED

When Lee Yarborough and her father, Braxton Cutchin, founded a human resources company in Greenville in 1996, little did they know that 23 years later the company would still be going strong. As a professional employer organization, Propel HR provides human resources services including payroll processing, regulatory and tax compliance, benefits administration, and workers’ compensation expertise to about 400 small and medium-sized businesses across 43 states with 10 to several thousand employees. “We’re really a one-stop shop,” says Yarborough, who serves as the company’s president. “We take on all the back-office type support for our customers. I think we do a good job of treating each client as special and form a unique partnership with each one.” Yarborough handles the day-to-day operations and Paul Garrigan, the company’s executive vice president and partner, focuses primarily sales. Even at age 78, Cutchin, who is executive vice president, comes into the office daily and works with sales and special projects. Initially named Personnel Resources, the family-owned company started out focusing mostly on high-risk workers compensation. A rebranding in 2007 had the company name changed to Propel HR and added on payroll-only clients and a la carte options for its customers. Currently, Propel has about 40 employees. “We’ve kind of evolved as the government has evolved and with so many more regulations and compliance-type issues, we’ve situated ourselves to have a strong HR team where we’re able to help our clients grow and focus on growing their business,” Yarborough says. Clients come from every type of industry. Some have HR staff, some don’t. Propel can handle pretty much everything except staffing, Yarborough says. The company provides services such as training supervisors on how to hire, finding the right way to attract and hire employees, assisting with insurance for businesses, and coordinating special projects that clients may not have the time to do on their own. “HR is best when we’re able to have an ongoing relationship, but we realize that not everybody needs that,” she says. “We’re a great outsource solution for those that have special projects or need additional assistance and more strategic HR.” Propel HR earned the designation of Certified

12 UBJ | December 6, 2019

Lee Yarborough, Braxton Cutchin, Hubert Yarborough and Paul Garrigan Professional Employer Organization in 2017. CPEO is a designation by the Internal Revenue Service which is awarded to less than 10 percent of professional employer organization companies in the country. Those companies that have the CPEO designation take on paying federal payroll taxes for its clients and provides and allows for more transparency on federal tax credits due. “As a Certified PEO, Propel HR offers clients an extra level of protection,” Yarborough says. “Our company has been vetted by the IRS and our clients have a partner they can trust.” Changes come quickly in the HR industry and keeping up with new regulations is paramount. A new Fair Labor Standard Act that goes into effect Jan. 1, 2020, has Propel HR auditing its client’s employment records to ensure they are compliant with the new federal law. The biggest challenge for small to medium businesses is keeping up with what is required for businesses, she says. “Whether it’s payroll tax rules or minimum wage changes or the classification of employees — even things like the recent #MeToo movement — we had customers who wanted us to provide additional training to their company and we were able to be a resource,” Yarborough says. Add in Affordable Care Act regulations, I-9

verification and E-Verify rules and it’s a lot to keep up with, she says. “From a risk-management standpoint, there are so many penalties that may come from not doing something,” Yarborough says. A lot of clients don’t necessarily have the resources or expertise to keep up with all that. That’s where we come in.” At the core, it all comes down to the employees of its clients — and connecting with people. “We work for our clients, but we advocate for the employees,” Yarborough says. “We really believe and understand the importance of what we do. There’s a person behind the 401k account. There’s a person behind that paycheck. There’s a child behind the benefits. We don’t ever want to lose sight of what we do. We do some of the most important work and it can be monotonous and time consuming, but it’s all connected to people.”

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The state’s first applied bachelor’s program at a two-year institution began this fall at Greenville Technical College. The Bachelor in Applied Science in Advanced Manufacturing Technology will prepare graduates to assume technical and managerial positions in the growing global manufacturing sector, which drives South Carolina’s economic strength. Technicians with plans to advance into higher-level technical and management positions can build on their associate degree, adding two more years of education at Greenville Tech’s very affordable rates. Learning will be active, engaging and hands-on. Keep up to date on the first-ever program in South Carolina. Visit www.gvltec.edu/advanced-manufacturing/.

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A Greenville-based software com- marily out of Minneapolis and pany that provides tools and technol- Boulder with investments in ogy for executive assistants has just more than 100 SaaS businesses, announced the completion of a $2.6 spearheaded the funding round, along with participation from million seed funding round. Base, a software as a service (SaaS) Revolution’s Rise of the Rest platform built specifically for execu- Seed Fund, High Alpha Capital tive assistants, will use the funds to and Slack Fund. Matchstick Ventures Founder grow its platform and add hires in and Partner Ryan Broshar said in sales, services and engineering. “Through years of working with a statement the investment was EAs (executive assistants), I’ve seen spurred primarily by Base’s singular positioning in the pain points supthe marketplace. port professionals “This is an entire face in their daily We’re thrilled profession that has work – inadequate never been suptechnology, manual to be a part of the ported with modprocesses, commu- movement that is ern technology, unnication inefficientil today,” Broshar cies and more,” Base creating an entirely said. “We’re thrilled Founder and CEO new category of to be a part of the Paige McPheely software.” movement that is said in a statement. The Base plat-Ryan Broshar, founder and creating an entirely new category of form aims to adpartner, Matchstick Ventures software.” dress those “pain Following the points” by providing a central and secure location for announcement, McPheely said in managing executive communica- a separate post that she credits her tions, overseeing daily operations, own executive assistant, Natalie, as reporting and storing personal in- a major factor behind the successful funding round. formation. “In fact, I don’t know how we “This funding round will help us continue to build a platform that is would have survived our recent fundtailored to the unique responsibilities raising efforts without Natalie there of assistants,” McPheely said, “while as my ally, gatekeeper and second simultaneously elevating EAs and brain,” McPheely said. “Knowing what I know now, I want to bring this their profession along the way.” Matchstick Ventures, a ven- experience to as many high performture capital firm based pri- ers as possible.”

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The Capital Corporation has built its success on a foundation of service to clients, community says. “The word ‘empowering’ is just trying to get our people to go the extra mile — for our clients, for the community,” Adams explains. “We do a lot of things that we give back on, both monetarily and through our time.” In addition to its support of education, The Capital Corporation generously loans employees to a number of local charitable organizations and nonprofits. The Capital Corporation executives have served on numerous boards, including for Artisphere; the Rose Ball, Greenville’s longest-running charitable event; the Greenville Symphony Orchestra; and the Greenville County Museum of Art. In addition, The Capital Corporation also sponsors the Community Foundation of Greenville’s annual Education Spirit Award. The Capital Corporation also gives to a variety of local agencies working to help the needy in the Upstate. Understanding that charity begins at home, Adams says that a team within the company works to help any employee who has a crisis or unexpected need. “We believe that paying attention to our employees is important, and as a result of that, our average tenure for an employee is 10 years or more,” he says. Adams credits his company’s 29-year success story to building on a foundational “attitude and spirit” of caring. “Obviously, we’re in business to make money and for our clients, and I think the longevity of our people, the care of our people, is seen through their expertise,” Adams says. “In 29 years, we’ve certainly been able to break through the clouds, if you will, to serve some very valuable organizations throughout this country.”

“We do a lot of things that we give back on, both monetarily and through our time.” Dan Adams, Founder The Capital Corporation

84 Villa Road, Greenville | Call 864-672-8400 | www.thecapitalcorp.com Satellite offices: Charlotte, NC; Spartanburg, SC & Boca Raton, FL December 6, 2019 | upstatebusinessjournal.com

n photo by GREENVILLE HEADSHOTS

When you talk with Dan Adams about his approach to both his business and to life, be prepared to hear a lot about empowering others, about giving back, about going the extra mile in every way, and about faith. In the almost three decades since he founded The Capital Corporation, Adams, the investment bank’s President and CEO, says he has labored to build a successful business that serves both its clients and its community, out of a sense of responsibility and dedication to both. “I feel very honored and blessed to have lived in the Upstate and to have prospered here over more than 29 years,” says Adams, who was in banking in the Upstate prior to founding The Capital Corporation. “Essentially, I’m a faith-based person, and the mission statement of our company is to honor God in all that we do by consistently empowering people to go the extra mile for our clients, employees, partners, community and the firm.” The success of The Capital Corporation is an obvious source of gratification for Adams; after all, he’s built a company with a list of clients that goes far beyond the geographic boundaries of the Upstate and includes members of the elite Fortune 50. And as a specialist in mergers and acquisitions, he’s built a career working with business owners to ensure that their lifetimes of hard work and dedication are properly rewarded. But it doesn’t take long to understand the depth of Adams’ commitment to giving back to the community. Part of it, he says, is because of his family’s connection to education. Adams’ mother was an educator and one of his two daughters currently teaches. Adams says he values education as a tool for empowerment, and The Capital Corporation has worked with Greenville County Schools through the Public Education Partners’ Make Summer Count program to help ensure that area children maintain their reading levels over summer breaks. For the program, The Capital Corporation sponsors a reading night during the summers, at which Adams and others with the company happily exchange their banker’s suits for children’s books. “Each summer, we do a reading night at Taylors Elementary School and give away books to young children, grades K thru five, to try to help them maintain their reading levels during summer break,” Adams says. “We feel very obligated to education and to giving back to be able to help young people to read. So, we’ve given money, and we’ve given of our time and talent.” For the company’s efforts in the Make Summer Count program as well as other programs under the umbrella of Public Education Partners, The Capital Corporation recently was honored at Public Education Partner’s 10th annual Partner of the Year Luncheon. In many ways, The Capital Corporation’s philanthropy is driven by Adams’ sense of the importance of empowerment. “We honor God in all that we do by empowering our people,” Adams

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BarberWind Turbines makes wind technology soar n story by JOHN JETER | rendering PROVIDED

Winds of change are blowing through the energy market, where one Greenville company is about to harness the economic gust in a wind-turbine market expected to grow nearly 40% in the next half-dozen years. “The BarberWind turbine actually is the most optimal solution in energy that I’ve seen, particularly for the Caribbean,” says James Whittaker, founder and CEO of GreenTech Solar in the Cayman Islands. Whittaker says his company plans to buy as many as six from BarberWind Turbines LLC after Greenville inventor Jerry Barber’s newly certified brainchild debuts in mid-2020.

Jerry Barber, who holds more than 60 patents, says he started working on redesigning turbines about nine years ago because their car-sized gearboxes break. His version doesn’t have a gearbox. That means his device, which is also roughly a third smaller than its three-bladed commercial cousin, is more economical, he says.

We are the only large turbine that can hook up to distribution lines. Where you plant it, you use it.” -Tammy Barber, owner and chief operating ofﬁcer, BarberWind Turbines

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Happy Holidays! www.achildshaven.org 16 UBJ | December 6, 2019

His wife, Tammy Barber, who is BarberWind Turbines LLC’s owner and chief operating officer, says the $1.6 million BWT800kW turbine generates electricity costing 2.3 cents per kilowatt-hour. Offshore wind can run as high as 8.9 cents per kWh, according to Lazard, a global financial advisory and asset-management company. Jerry Barber’s invention looks like a Ferris wheel — no accident,

64 spokes 200 feet in diameter 20 5-footlong blades 230 feet tall since he has designed, developed and manufactured numerous amusement-park rides over the last half-century. BarberWind’s turbine, at 200 feet in diameter and rising 230 feet — about the length of a 747’s wingspan — has 64 spokes with 20 5-foot-long blades. While wind farms transmit electricity to far-ﬂung cities, a single BarberWinds turbine is plugged into a station onsite, distributing directly to the 300 homes it can power. “We’re farm-to-table wind,” Tammy Barber says. “We are the only large turbine that can hook up to distribution lines. Where you plant it, you use it.” Whittaker also cited the ease of transporting and installing the BarberWind device. The turbine can be fully dismantled and shipped in seven or eight 40-foot containers. Commercial blades, which span the height of the Statue of Liberty, come in one piece, making them especially diﬃcult to move in such constricted spaces as a Caribbean island, Whittaker says. Grand Cayman’s average width is 4 miles. A crane isn’t required to erect the turbine, which also folds to the ground. Upright, it can withstand a Category 4 hurricane, according to the company. “Barber is the first product that I’ve seen that can be mass adopted across the Caribbean because of its logistical attributes,” Whittaker says.

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New owners turn old fish camp into event venue n story by ARIEL TURNER | photo PROVIDED

When Marcia Thomas began planning her oldest daughter’s wedding in 2015, she had no idea four years later she’d open her own event venue. Through the lengthy planning process, the former jewelry store owner struggled just enough with the available wedding venues and accompanying vendor options to motivate her to begin thinking about opening her own space that would provide everything she had wanted for her daughter’s wedding. Fast forward to 2019: Thomas and her husband, Tim, opened Lakeside Venue at Pioneer in September, tak-

ing an old fish camp in Spartanburg County and turning it into an event venue surrounded by mature trees on the banks of a small lake. The transformation process from 6,500-square-foot abandoned building with extensive mold throughout, to a memorable destination required almost a year of construction, Thomas says. “It needed to be rescued, and it needed another life,” she says. “It could be so much more than they left it as.” The Thomases found the property at 150 Pioneer Fish Camp Road after months of searching for land on which to build. It needed to be rescued, “Not a lot of venues have the view, and a lake, and and it needed another life.” water wheel and get to be -Marcia Thomas, owner, Lakeside Venue at Pioneer surrounded by trees and still

have heat and air conditioning,” Marcia Thomas says. The former fish camp had been in operation for more than 30 years before the most recent occupants — the Loyal Order of Moose — took it over. The building had fallen into disrepair, the water wheel was nonfunctional and two rooms at the back were rotting away. But the setting, with an onsite koi pond, 2-acre private lake and wooded surroundings, was enough to make the impending construction worth it to the Thomases. “You don’t see anything else other than nature,” she says. The water damage in the building came as no surprise after the Thomases learned from a former bus boy at the fish camp — who worked as a carpenter on the rehab project —

that every time a thunderstorm hit, water would pour down the property into the building. Staff would be called in two hours before their shifts to help mop up the flood. A French drain has been installed around the building to ensure that won’t happen again, Marcia Thomas says. The water wheel has been restored and will be solar powered. The koi pond has been cleaned up, the rotting rooms were torn down and a large deck was built. The interior has been completely gutted and redesigned with multiple separate spaces, including a chapel, main hall, bridal and groom’s suite and catering prep kitchen. “We had a vision from the beginning,” she says. Find out more: lakesidevenueatpioneer.com.

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Putting businesses on the highway—and the road to success For more than a decade, The Diamond Group has put businesses in the Southeast on the highway, and they’ve put business owners on the road to success. Headquartered in Greenville, the group provides top-notch semi-trailers to businesses across the region. They boast a national footprint and a local reputation for quality in selling, leasing, financing and repairing semi-trailers for Private Fleets and For-Hire Fleets. The Diamond Group, owner of Diamond MotorZ Trailer Sales, Vanguard Trailer Southeast and CIMC Chassis Southeast specializes in dry van trailers, refrigerated trailers, intermodal chassis and flatbed trailers. They can meet the needs of medium to large businesses that span the region or country, but they can also meet the needs of small, owner-operated busi-

nesses. Their semi-trailers are also available to private owners or “for-hire” operators. Jay and Claudia Malave began The Diamond Group in 2004, choosing Greenville because of the financial and business revolution taking place in the growing community. They have become integral in the community, supporting local schools and businesses. Now, they are emerging as the first option when it comes to semi-trailers in the Southeast with locations in South Carolina, North Carolina, Florida and soon to be in Georgia. Even with a growing business, The Diamond Group maintains a close connection to the Upstate community because of its commitment to customer service. “The reason we stand out is because of our commitment to quality of service to our community, our customers and friends,” Jay says.

“We provide them excellent customer service, and we will do our best to meet our customers’ needs.” He points to the company’s mission that they will never knowingly disappoint their customers. Besides quality service, The Diamond Group offers the highest quality semi-trailers available. As one of the largest Vanguard Trailer dealers in the country, the group offers hundreds of trailers on-site and offers customization for the needs of any business. “Many of our customers’ businesses demand specific configurations on their trailer. Whether it is over-head doors, liftgates or side doors, whether they are hauling automotive parts, furniture or groceries, we pride

“

ourselves in providing them the best experience during the process of designing and

The reason we stand out is because of our commitment to quality of service to our community, our customers and friends.” Jay Malave, Owner

building their semi-trailer,” Jay says. Jay points to Vanguard’s experience in the maritime world, building containers to weather the conditions of overseas travel. “It’s important to our customers that our equipment will last and provide them longevity in the investment they have made.” The Diamond Group has an obsession for brilliant engineering in highway transportation products. Jay compares his company to the BMW of semi-trailer sales. “We know our customers have options, and we are honored when we can give them the best quality equipment for their business and the best customer service to ensure their needs are met.” Whether businesses are looking to move products across the country or across the state, The Diamond Group makes sure their prod-

ucts are in good hands while on the road. More than that, they’ll make sure they do everything they can to help that road lead to your business’s success.

438 Mayfield Road | Duncan, SC 888-244-3153 | DiamondMotorz.com

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More opportunities and pitfalls face employers providing benefits in 2020 As 2019 draws to a close and we gear up for another year, it is a nice opportunity to reflect on what changes have taken place in employarticle by Sue Odom ee benefits. We have seen a Principal, Greenville number of developments that could affect your bottom line. After all, that is what an employee benefit is – a “perk” that is above and beyond what employers are required to do – except that is not really the case anymore.

1. ACA Penalty Notices Galore!

President Obama’s signature legislation of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act has changed the employee benefits framework. Large employers no longer have the flexibility to decide whether or not their margins enable them to offer coverage to their full-time employees, as a decision may result in a substantial Employer Shared Responsibility Payment (ESRP).

When President Trump’s efforts to have the ACA repealed were met with resistance at every turn, the administration resolved to go ahead and collect the penalties. During 2019, we have seen countless proposed ESRP notices describing amounts due ranging from a few thousand to hundreds of thousands of dollars. Employers scramble to cobble together a response to prove that they did what they were supposed to do, spending professional fees and time away from business objectives. The good news is there often is an easy explanation to the IRS to justify the removal of the penalty.

2. Innovative New Premium Payment Plans – An Employer-Sponsored Alternative to Group Health Coverage. Since the “pay or play” concept of the ACA was first introduced, many employers – especially those in the 50 to 200 employee range – have been yearning for a way to simply provide employees with cash with which they can buy their own health insurance. Now, employers can do just that. Effective January 1, 2020, employers now can offer what is called an “individual coverage health reimbursement account.” In simple terms, this account holds money that employees can apply toward the cost of their individual health insurance premiums. The employer does not offer a group health plan at all with this arrangement. There are rules that employers have to follow in terms of the amount they must contribute to the plan to meet the “affordability” requirements under the ACA, as well as a number of eligibility and notice requirements. However, a premium payment plan is now a viable option.

20 UBJ | December 6, 2019

3. Bipartisan Retirement Plan Legislation May Not Survive the Distracted Congress. The Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement Act of 2019 (“SECURE Act”) passed the House by a vote of 417 to 3 on May 23, 2019. Yet, in spite of this substantial bipartisan support, it has been stalled in the Senate for months. The chances of it becoming law in 2019 grows slimmer by the day. But, it does illustrate important policy points that will be the focus of any new retirement plan legislation. These include: • Encouraging additional 401(k) plan savings with automatic enrollment and safe harbor contribution formulas; • Broadening participation to include part-time employees; and • Providing distribution planning mechanisms for employees to spread their account balances over their lifetimes.

4. Other Changes Afoot. When Congress doesn’t act, the states do. We have seen a number of changes being implemented in other states that may make their way to South Carolina, all of which are taking the term “optional” out of an employer’s vocabulary. These include: • Mandatory paid sick leave – a concept that largely supplants shortterm disability benefit programs; • Mandatory paid parental leave; and • Even portable benefits programs for independent contractors.

15 S. Main St., Suite 700, Greenville, SC 29601 864-232-7000 | www.jacksonlewis.com

PROFILE

Douglas Development tackles challenges surrounding affordable housing

n story by GEORGIA GAY | photo PROVIDED

South Carolina-based Douglas Development is focusing its efforts in a hot-topic area of redevelopmentaffordable housing. After her graduate years at Clemson University, Holly Schaumber worked for a developer in Washington, D.C. There, she met her future husband, Drew, who owns Schaumber Development, and the two decided they wanted to focus on affordable housing — which they say is currently a captive market. In late 2011, the Schaumbers moved to South Carolina to work with Holly’s father, David DuVall Douglas, president of Douglas Development, which develops sin-

gle-family homes, plus multi-family and independent senior apartment communities. Douglas Development is based in Aynor but tackles projects across the state. The Schaumbers recently completed a renovation of 60 units in the Nicholtown community. “We worked on this project with The Greenville Housing Authority, which was neat because we worked on duplex housing which residents were really interested in,” Drew Schaumber says. Affordable Housing, as defined by the City of Greenville, generally targets moderate income households that earn between 30 and 60% of

We primarily work under Douglas Development, but Schaumber Development still operates as if it were a stand-alone.” -Holly Schaumber,

area median income, for a range of $17,500 and $35,000 for a four-person household in Greenville. But that number can vary by city, making the precise figure a moving target. “We want to educate the population on what exactly affordable housing is, because there is often confusion between affordable, workforce and subsidized housing,” says Holly Schaumber. “At the end of the day, the definition varies depending on who you’re talking to.” Even with a moving definition, the Schaumbers are up to the task and proud of the work they are doing. “It’s complicated work, but it’s very rewarding,” said Holly Schaumber. “The type of housing Holly and Drew develop is so important,” said Ginny Stroud, community development manager for the City of Greenville. “There is a deficit of that type of housing in Greenville.”

Holly and Drew Schaumber feel the same way, saying there is such a need for affordable housing development. “You walk into these communities and see the people living there-families with children, seniors- that were often living in substandard housing beforehand, and it hits home how important this work is,” Holly Schaumber said. In addition to the project in Nicholtown, the Schaumber’s have worked with TGHA on renovations at the Gallery at West Greenville, where 57 units were renovated, and Harbor at West Greenville, which included the work of different partners coming together for the project.

BUILDING EXCELLENCE FOR OVER 70 YEARS Our main goal is simple: Deliver first-class services to ensure our customers will rave about Sherman Construction. Sherman Construction has been providing unparalleled construction services since its founding in 1949. Today, Sherman Construction has evolved into a dynamic organization exceeding client expectations by delivering quality services.

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www.ShermanConstruction.com | 864-277-0060 | 1330 Piedmont Hwy., Piedmont, SC 29673 December 6, 2019 | upstatebusinessjournal.com

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Building a Life on Purpose ROB DEHOLLANDER

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22 UBJ | December 6, 2019

Ask yourself “Why?” As 2019 winds to a close, many of us are writing business goals for the new year. Have you ever noticed that most business plans focus on the questions of “what” and “how?” Whether it’s driving more revenue, growing our team or a new marketing initiative, the questions are often: • What do I want to accomplish next year? • How will I do it? • What do I need to improve upon? These are great questions and it’s essential to have clearly defined goals. However, rather thanb starting with “what” and “how,” I believe a better question to start with is “why.” When you ask yourself “why,” it changes your view. This often realigns your compass to target what is most important for success and fulfillment. There’s a famous quote credited to Steven Covey: “It’s incredibly easy to get caught up in an activity trap, in the busy-ness of life, to work harder and harder at climbing the ladder of success only to discover it’s leaning against the wrong wall.” Let me share a recent example. I met with a client last month to help write her business plan for 2020. She said her goal for the coming year was to grow her business to $2.5 million. I paused and asked, “Why?” She thought for a moment and smiled and said “Because $2.5 million is more than $2 million.” I responded, “OK, so let me make sure I understand you. Your driving purpose — the motivation that gets you out of bed each morning, is to make your business bigger.” She paused and said, “Well, yes — more successful, really.” I then asked, “OK, will it bring you closer to your personal goals and make you happier?” This began an hour-long journey of discovery as we continued to probe using that simple little word — ”why.”

The questions ranged from professional (why this business, why these clients, why doing business in the Upstate, etc.) to personal (why her family was so important to her, why she wanted to retire at the coast, and why she worried about her children). As she spoke her goals aloud, serious disconnects in how she was spending her time and energy became evident. Her personal goals were being affected by the business decisions she was making. There were numerous times where her business goals did not align with her personal goals. We then began to adjust her professional goals to better reflect her priorities, talents and passions. Do you feel in control of your life? Most of us are motivated by the need for security, a sense of belonging and personal recognition, all of which are important. But in my experience, the most fulfilled people are different. They’re aware of the trap of career, a nicer paycheck or a bigger business. Instead, they are looking for meaning and impact on those they love. Really good business planning should involve a much deeper and more personal level of questioning, reflection, and introspection. I suggest using the question of “why” to determine if you’re using your time, energy and God-given talents in the way that aligns with your life’s purpose. Purpose is the combination of an inspiring vision and company mission. Once your purpose is clear, it becomes the filter through which your most important decisions are made. Dream big this year and ask yourself “why.” Best wishes to you and your family for a healthy, happy 2020!

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December 6, 2019 | upstatebusinessjournal.com

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Windstream CEO still ‘bullish’ on Greenville n story by EVAN PETER SMITH | photo PROVIDED

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Windstream has long been a major presence in Greenville’s downtown city skyline. The company, which provides a bevy of communications services for residential and business customers, currently employs about 650 people locally, occupying 143,000 square feet in the tallest building in the city, the Landmark building. Ask around, though, and you’ll find many who now simply refer to the structure itself as “the Windstream building.” Companywide, Windstream employs about 12,000 employees across 18 states, with headquarters in Little Rock, Arkansas. Despite pending litigation with a partner company and an ongoing bankruptcy reorganization, Windstream CEO Tony Travis said the company “remains bullish on Greenville.” “Greenville has been at the center of our technological transformation,” Travis said. “And I think that’s something Greenville should be proud of. And rest assured, given the success we’ve had in Greenville, Windstream is committed.” In response to fears of layoffs, spurred in part by online message boards, Travis said the company is still “in it for the long run” in Greenville, even as Windstream enters a transitional phase. “All you have to do is walk inside the building,” Travis said. “You’ll see hundreds of people going to work every day, taking care of current customers and developing new ones. Windstream as a company is emerging from the restructuring as a growth business.” But Travis said he cannot promise that the workforce number in the company’s Greenville location won’t see reductions. “That’s not a commitment we can make,” Travis said. “One commitment that I can make, however, is that we will always hire the best talent. Historically, we’ve found that talent inside of Greenville.” Travis said the company’s “ongoing transformation” may result in a “redistribution of where talent goes,”

including the automation of certain tasks and investment in other areas.

LEGAL TROUBLES

In February, Windstream Holdings and its 205 subsidiaries filed for voluntary Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, citing the move as a necessary step to address the financial impact of a Feb. 15 court ruling.

One commitment that I can make, however, is that we will always hire the best talent.” -Tony Travis, CEO, Windstream Telecom That court ruling centered around Windstream’s 2015 spinoff of some of its fiber optic network assets into a tax immune real estate investment trust called Uniti. Uniti then leased the assets back to Windstream under an agreement that Windstream pay Uniti monthly rent and that Windstream be held responsible for the network’s upkeep. But bondholders, including Aurelius Capital Management and U.S. Bank National Association, argued in court that the move violated bond indentures and was in fact disguised financing, which allowed Windstream to grow while still providing shareholders with a yearly dividend. Southern District of New York Judge Jesse Furman ruled against Windstream, which resulted in the company filing for Chapter 11 just days later. In the aftermath of the ruling, Windstream and Uniti now face a new court battle amongst themselves, slated for March 2020, after mediation over a lease agreement fell through. Regardless of pending litigation, Travis said he is confident that Greenville will remain key to Windstream’s long-term strategy to leverage its core network capabilities as it transitions into a cloud-centric company.

BUSINESS

Southern Way Catering expands to Greenville n story by GEORGIA GAY | photo by FORREST CLONTS

Southern Way Catering started with humble beginnings. Jimmy Stevenson, founder, would fry catfish off the back of a pickup truck and had floor mixers on the floor of his living room.

What we felt like was missing in this industry is the level of service we bring.” -Mark McCalmont, general manager Now, Southern Way Catering is celebrating over 30 years of catering events. Started in 1982 in Columbia, Stevenson wanted to stick to his deep Southern roots to start his family business.

In 2018, the team felt like they had done a good job in Columbia and decided it was time to open a second location. Jesse Bullard, vice president of Southern Way Catering, partnered with Mark McCalmont, general manager, in Greenville where things are just now getting started. Bullard says that Greenville was an option they considered for awhile. “We noticed that Main Street was really starting to develop as other industries moved to town,” Bullard said. The dominant economy in Greenville was also an enticing option. “It is an attractive place to do business in general, paired with its growing food scene,” Bullard said. McCalmont can recall when the food scene in Greenville was first starting to grow. “It was interesting to watch Greenville go from the Clock to

what Main Street is now,” he said. While there are many restaurants and hospitality professionals in Greenville, Bullard and McCalmont felt that the catering business was an underserved area. “We do catering, and that is all we do,” Bullard said. Instead of focusing on different aspects that go into planning an event, McCalmont said what makes Southern Way stand out is that the business has honed in on full-service catering. “What we felt like was missing in this industry is the level of service we bring,” McCalmont said. The style Southern Way Catering exudes is bringing the kitchen to the client. The food is prepared on site and not made beforehand.

McCalmont points out that in the catering industry, the food and service may not always match the setting. “Our goal for our clients is not only to exceed expectations, but to sit down with them in beginning stages and figure out exactly what they want,” Bullard said. “We do a lot of listening and look at the event not just from a food standpoint, but the holistic experience.” “We are committed to the overall success of the event and are looking forward to opportunities and getting busy,” Bullard said.

Southern Way Catering: 301 Haywood Road, Greenville, SC 29607

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Greenville’s Stark RFID is revolutionizing sports and entertainment events n story by STEPHANIE TROTTER | photo PROVIDED

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This is not a rags to riches story, but bricks to big business. North Augusta native Lance Burnett grew up in the brick industry, meticulously layering knowledge about inventory and operations. But it was during a job with Rockwell Automation that he created a concept as intricate as a tri-tone herringbone. “I’m an idea guy,” says Burnett, a graduate of Clemson University’s ceramic engineering program. “I saw RFID technology used in a couple of installations and thought that could be cool for the brick industry.” RFID stands for radio-frequency identification. If you think that’s something you’ll never use, think again. Odds are pretty high you’ve held RFID in your hands, if you’ve attended a professional game, concert or event the past couple of years.

RFID stands for Radio-Frequency Identiﬁcation After Burnett’s aha moment, he spent a year developing high-tech tickets and software to interface with RFID readers, to capture real-time data and tailored intelligence while tracking cubes of bricks. “I call RFID a souped-up bar code,” the 48-year-old says. “A bar code has to have line-of-sight to be read, and that’s challenging with construction materials that get covered in dust. RFID doesn’t need line-of-sight, and it can read multiple items. If I had a reader in here, it can read everything in this room.”

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BEYOND BRICKS

From 2004 to 2008, Burnett’s first RFID business, Stark Solutions, operated in the construction

26 UBJ | December 6, 2019 10MBA-Ad1-Print--AfricanAmericanMale-UBJ-v3-2.indd 1

9/20/19 9:16 AM

industry. But when the economy turned and brick sales slowed, he needed new applications. “We kept getting asked about tracking people at events,” he says. “I was like, ‘We can do that. We’ve got the hardware.’ The first one we did was for a PGA Tour event at East Lake.” By using tickets loaded with a microchip and antenna, organizers were able to monitor fan movements down to the second. They discovered the VIP tent was only 20% full at any given time, which meant they could sell a lot more $600 VIP tickets. “I looked at it and thought it was pretty cool, but I thought it was just a fad,” Burnett says. “What do they say? It’s better to be lucky than good? That’s all we do now.” Burnett waved goodbye to bricks, and rebranded the company Stark RFID. The company now serves more than 100 sports- and entertainment-focused clients seeking faster gate entry, with tighter control on access, security, fraud prevention and patron identification. The Atlanta Falcons, Green Bay Packers and Buffalo Bills are just a few NFL teams relying on Stark RFID’s badges, credentials and tags. Two years ago, Clemson University started using the company’s wrist bands for student tickets to deliver real-time attendance numbers in specific sections at Death Valley. To read more of this story, please go to GreenvilleJournal.com.

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PHOTOGRAPHY BY BONFIRE VISUALS

THE CAPITAL CORPORATION Devin Green is a man with a very particular set of skills. Skills he has acquired over a synergistic career path. Skills that made him perfect

different perspectives,” Green says. The Capital Corporation is an investment banking firm focusing on

for a company like The Capital Corporation.

mergers and acquisitions of lower middle market companies

After graduating magna cum laude from Vanderbilt University, Green began as an investment banker with Bank of America, learning how to finance M&A transactions. He later wanted to learn how to value and grow companies, ultimately transitioning to

– those with EBITDA between $3 and $12 million – across a

“I’m able to look through several different lenses and see things from different perspectives.”

private equity. After learning how to finance, value, and grow businesses, he realized he wanted to develop an operating skill set, so he started his own wireless technology company. “I knew I wanted to learn business coming out of school, so I identified a matrix of skills that I wanted to design into, including how to finance, value, grow, operate, sell, buy, and advise companies,” Green says. “Ultimately, my goal was to develop a combination of linear

broad range of industries. The firm has closed more than half a billion dollars in transactions over the last several years and is generating a 90%+ close rate, which Green says is top decile in the industry. When Green needs to blow off steam, you might find him knocking out WODs in his local Crossfit gym, hitting

the slopes with his wife, or navigating the wilderness with his 24-hour adventure racing comrades. “I try to get out there and push the envelope a little bit,” he says. Green has a wife and three children, ages 7, 5 and 2, whose exploits also help keep his heart rate at a respectable level.

thinking, strategic thinking, and leadership skills, all of which I am still working at.” Dan Adams, president, CEO and founder of The Capital Corporation, was one of the angel investors in Green’s tech firm. When Adams found himself in need of a new COO, Green’s diverse experience fit the profile to run the investment bank. “I like to joke that I’m a master of nothing, but through my career path I’m able to look through several different lenses and see things from

84 Villa Rd., Greenville thecapitalcorp.com | 864.672.8400

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iOnGreenville: Greenville’s go-to event-info app n story by VINCENT HARRIS | photo PROVIDED

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Chris Bizzell has lived in Greenville all his life; he remembers looking around town for things to do and not finding too much. He, like many of us who spent the ‘80s and ‘90s watching the city change, has been pleasantly surprised by Greenville’s growth. “As a teenager, there would maybe be 20 or 30 things happening in town a month,” Bizzell says. “Now on any given day you’ve got hundreds of events.” Bizzell loved the increase in things to do around town, from book clubs to museum exhibits to plays to wine tastings. He was particularly happy with the plethora of live-music options since he’s a lifelong music fan. But he also didn’t really see any one spot where people could visit to get as full a picture as possible of their entertainment options. So around four years ago, Bizzell put his decade-plus of professional experience with website and app creation and database management to create a new app, iOnGreenville. The app and website collect and format event information from all over the Upstate, from children’s events, concerts and scheduled food-truck locations to theater productions and local sporting events into easily accessible calendars. “Our tagline is ‘The best of Greenville on your phone,’” Bizzell says. “I wanted to give people a space where

they could find these events and enjoy them.” Bizzell spends several hours every day looking at event schedules for venues, museums, theaters and more, and hand-curates a list that typically numbers over 100 events per day. In the case of the concerts, an iOn user has the option of hearing the music of the bands listed, which Bizzell says is crucial for smaller shows. “If the group doesn’t have name recognition, the ability to hear them is a huge thing,” he says. “We don’t charge the bands to put anything on the app, we just want people to know what they’re doing.”

I want to continue to add content that has value to our sponsors and especially to everyone using the app.” -Chris Bizzell, creator, iOnGreenville And after four years, the app is boasting some pretty impressive numbers. “The app is used per month about 90,000 times,” he says. “The web-

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site’s up to 40,000, and with our social media pages, we’re at about a half-million impressions a month. It took off pretty quickly.” And local businesses have noticed. The iOn platforms currently have sponsorship from an array of familiar area names, including the Bon Secours Wellness Arena, Corley Plumbing, Priority One Security, the Greenville Swamp Rabbits, the Children’s Museum and many more. “Our partners pay to be on the app,” Bizzell says, “In return, we created a branded mini-app for each business on our app. These mini-apps contain complete information for each client and are an excellent marketing platform for these businesses. ” In the last six months, Bizzell says, the numbers have exploded, partially from word of mouth from people happy with the app. “The web traffic is up 50% since January,” he says,” still sounding a little surprised. “We’re experiencing huge growth.” With huge growth, though, comes the need for more content. “I want to continue to add content that has value,” he says, “to our sponsors and especially to everyone using the app.” To that end, Bizzell brought on local music journalist Brett Barest (who’s worked with USA Today and the online Upstate arts magazine Fete Greenville) to write preview pieces about upcoming concerts. He’s also added a monthly “Upstate Dining” feature by noted author and chef John Malik. “Brett Barest is just as committed as we are to these artists,” Bizzell says. “He brings a nice voice to what we do; he writes about shows you might not have heard of or shows by artists he loves. We’ve given him a lot of freedom to write what he wants, and I felt like it was a good way to go having someone come in to give background to who’s playing. I felt like it was the next logical step for iOnGreenville to take.” The dining features by Chef Malik are designed to give people an inside look at the Upstate dining scene. In his first piece, for example, Malik profiled the culinary creativity on display at Greenville’s new Oak Hill Café. “John’s extensive knowledge of cooking and the restaurant business in general should provide a very unique perspective for our readers,” Bizzell says.

| NEWS

And there’s more original content to come on the iOnGreenville app. “I can judge what’s most popular on the app,” Bizzell says, “and the food trucks are immensely popular. So I wouldn’t mind having more content about them in the future.” Bizzell has also been expanding iOn’s brand beyond the app recently by sponsoring local concerts. He’s been involved with the Albino Skunk Music Festival (a bi-annual music festival in Greer) for years, serving as a sponsor for their Skunk Patrick’s Day music festival. And he’s teamed with the Radio Room in Greenville to bring a New Jersey indie-rock band called The Happy Fits to the Greenville venue in April.

Historical photo courtesy of Greenville County Historical Society & Photographs from the Coxe Collection.

Historical photo courtesy of Greenville County Historical Society & Photographs from the Coxe Collection. Historical photo courtesy of Greenville County Historical Society & Photographs from the Coxe Collection.

iOnGreenville’s app is used about

90,000 TIMES PER MONTH Their website receives

40,000 VISITORS PER MONTH “We almost fell into it accidentally,” Bizzell says of the concert sponsorship. “We’ve been working with Albino Skunk Fest for awhile, and it started because I enjoy going to the festival so much. And I was a fan of The Happy Fits because I saw them at a small house show. When I saw that they were coming to Charlotte, I reached out to (Radio Room co-owner and booker) Wes Gilliam about bringing them here. I think it’s a natural outgrowth of what we’re about.” As iOnGreenville expands and more people begin using the app, Bizzell says the challenge becomes keeping up with his own creation. “It’s really exploded over the last six months, and I’m happy to say that,” he says, “but that also means that the onus is on us now to keep everything current. I have people I contract with, but it’s mostly me. So it’s a big job. The endgame is just to continue to build the product into the best it can be and make iOnGreenville the go to location for the best of Greenville.”

The importance of having a importance plan could of nothaving be The The of more clear. Theaimportance importance of having having plan could not be The aimportance of having plan could not be a plan could not be more clear. Weaoffer ourmore clients concierge quality advisory plan could not be clear. more clear. and planning services customized for their individual We offer our clients concierge quality advisory more clear. needs and goals. Our approach is to centralize offer our clientscustomized concierge quality advisory andWe planning services for their individual

our clients’ diverse financial strategies life-plans We offer our clients concierge qualityand advisory andneeds planning customized their individual and services goals. Our approach for is to centralize and planning services customized foreffective theiradvisory individual to provide a coordinated, efficient and roadmap Weclients’ offer our clients concierge quality and goals. Our approach is toand centralize ourneeds diverse financial strategies life-plans needs and goals. Our approach is to centralize for financial security. and services customized for their individual ourplanning clients’ diverse financial strategies and life-plans to provide a coordinated, efficient and effective roadmap our clients’ diverse financial strategies and life-plans needs and goals. Ourefficient approach to centralize to provide a coordinated, andiseffective roadmap for financial security. to provide a coordinated, efficient and effective roadmap forfinancial financial strategies security. and life-plans our clients’ diverse for financial security.

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GET THE APP The iOnGreenville app is available for iPhone through the app store & for Android through GooglePlay

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10 South Academy Street, Suite 250, Greenville, SC 29601

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New to the Street Recently opened businesses in the Upstate

YouthBASE recently opened its second Greenville location. YouthBASE aims to equip children in K5-2nd grades and their families to build the child’s behavioral, academic, social and emotional competencies so they may succeed at school, home, and in the community. This facility offers family-engagement programs to support parents, after-school programs to help children reach academic and behavioral goals and a six-week summer program to help children retain what they learned over the school year.

CPM Federal Credit Union recently held a ribbon

cutting. This financial institution offers safe-deposit boxes, night drop, notary services, gift cards, cashier checks, Visa cash advances (for CPM members only), onsite deposit ATM, personal loans, auto loans, mortgages, checking, savings, home equity loans, student loans and more. Where: 1111 N. Augusta St., Greenville Hours: obby: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Fridays, and 9 a.m.-noon Saturdays. Drive-thru: 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. MondaysThursdays, 8:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Fridays, and 9 a.m.-noon Saturdays For more information: Visit www.cpmfed.com, email dbooker@cpmfed. com or call 800-255-1513

Jean M. Smith Branch Library recently reopened after closing to be remodeled. Where: 505 Pennsylvania Ave., Greer Hours: 9 a.m.-9 p.m. MondaysThursdays and 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays

Where: 103 S. Texas Ave., Greenville Hours: YouthBASE is open 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays-Fridays For more information: Visit www.youthbase.org, call 864-520-1301 or email info@youthbase.org

For more information: Call 864-8778722 or visit www.greenvillelibrary.org/locations/greer

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Technology fuels holiday scammers LAURA HAIGHT

president, portfolios.com

The holiday season brings out the best in most of us: gifts for family, friends and co-workers; donations to needy community or national charities. For a small but productive group, however, the holiday season is a scammer’s mid-winter dream. To a degree that has always been true; however, technology and social media make it so much easier to pick your digital pocket. The US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) is warning consumers to be more vigilant than usual on everything from emailed holiday cards to charitable solicitations. Here are some scams to keep an eye out for:

ORDER CONFIRMATIONS

The average person is expected to spend $1,048 on gifts this season, ac-

cording to the National Retail Association; about 54% will be purchased online, reports Price Waterhouse Coopers. Phishing scams will take advantage of this flurry of online shopping by sending fake confirmation emails. Those emails will include a link where you can see the bogus purchase and reach customer service to dispute the order. That’s the hook. You may get a page that looks like the retailer’s site asking you for information to find your order. That’s the get. Of course, you or someone else in your household may have legitimately placed the order. But the way to confirm it is to go to separately to the retailer site and check your order history, or call the company customer service number as it appears on their legit website. There are other email scams designed to get you to give up personal information. Keep in mind scammers may already have information about you. Particularly in identity-theft scams, cyber criminals will build profiles, and any piece of in-

formation they can add to yours can bring them one step closer. Experts say hackers are more organized than most of us think: they share information among themselves; patiently build databases; collect anything they can; and figure out how to use it later. That’s why, by all objective criteria, they are winning.

CHARITABLE GIVING

This past week, we celebrated the eighth year of Giving Tuesday. Last year, this global movement raised $380 million in the U.S. alone. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. We are confronted with a constant flow of emails, letters, social media memes and Go Fund Me pleas. Check out charities’ validity on Charity Navigator, CharityWatch and GuideStar. As always, don’t click on the links in emails, especially for donations. Find the charity’s website, type the link into your browser, and make your donation. Pay by credit card,

not debit card. It’s easier to dispute if you find you’ve been scammed. Be alert to scammer behavior: They may ask you to buy gift cards that they’ll distribute to needy people. Don’t. They may try to rush you with artificial deadlines. Don’t. They may promise tax deductions. Check the IRS tax-exempt organizations search to confirm. For more helpful tips visit UpstateBusinessJournal.com.

December 6, 2019 | upstatebusinessjournal.com

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On the Move

HIRED: Jill Waters recently joined GrandSouth Bank as a senior

vice president of commercial banking. Waters comes to GrandSouth Bank with over 30 years of experience in commercial lending. She most recently worked as a business services officer with BB&T.

Some of the Upstate’s most recent hires, promotions, awards and appointments APPOINTED:

HIRED:

Matthew Fleahman was recently appointed public

Jeremy Bauknight recently joined NAI Earle Furman

CERTIFIED:

NAMED:

Marc Metcalf, senior business recruitment officer

Luke Burke was recently named partner at Bannister,

works director for the city of Mauldin. Fleahman previously worked as a project engineer with Arcadis public works director for the town of Pendleton, SC. He most recently served as the design and inspector manager for Greenville Water’s Engineering Division.

as a broker. Bauknight started his career in the landscape supply industry with a territory covering the Upstate of SC. He transitioned to real estate in 2013 working both the Anderson and Greenville residential markets.

at Upstate SC Alliance, recently received the SC Certified Economic Developer Designation. Metcalf is a graduate of the University of South Carolina and North Greenville University.

Katherine Ericson Cathy Boggs Marketing, Analyst and Information

Finance Recruiter Technology Recruiter

Wyatt & Stalvey. Burke has practiced at Bannister, Wyatt & Stalvey for seven years. He is an honors graduate of the University of South Carolina School of Law.

Hiring Perfected

14 years experience

Godshall Recruiting doesn’t place just for the sake of anyone’s bottom line – we place for growth. We know the companies we’re recruiting for just as well as we know the candidates looking to fill their open roles. We put in the time it takes to play corporate matchmaker and have the success stories to show for it. We’ve earned the right to present ourselves as a confident group who’s going to get the job done through proven concepts like hard work and exceptional connections. Godshall specializes in executive recruiting, job placement and staffing.

Professional • Finance • Technical • Healthcare • Information Technology

godshall.com Since 1968

32 UBJ | December 6, 2019

864-242-3491

50 5

Celebrating Celebrating Staffing Consulting

NEED TO KNOW

| NEWS

Networking + Business Events Planner DEC

DEC

Middle Tyger Area Council Annual Banquet

2019 MBA Cohort Graduation

6-8pm | Tavern 290 This annual banquet will feature speaker Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette. $50-$1,000; Hope Howard at hhoward@ spartanburgchamber.com.

5:30-7:30pm | BMW Zentrum This event is the Minority Business Accelerator graduation. Nika White at 864-239-3727 or nikawhiteconsulting@greenvillechamber.org.

DEC

You found the perfect tree... Now find the perfect gifts to put under it. Alligator belts with engravable buckles

DEC

eye-bobs® Reading Glasses

Continuous Improvement 102 – TOOLS 9am-4pm | Spartanburg Community College This course is appropriate for teachers and staff of local nonproﬁts and community agencies. Free to Spartanburg County residents/educators; Mendy Mossbrook: mmossbrook@learnwithsam.org.

Economic Forecast Lunch 11:30am-1:00pm | Thornblade Club This non-compete leads group offers business networking and referral marketing. $25/member, $35/non-member Nikki Crabtree Huber at nikki@greerchamber. com.

Barbour for all!

DEC

The Art of Shaving

Caffeinated Conversations

8:30-9:30am | Coldwell Banker Caine | 151 S. Daniel Morgan Ave., Spartanburg A monthly gathering during which local experts lead a group discussion centered around community projects and best practices for businesses. This meeting will feature Spartanburg County administrator Cole Alverson on area performance planning — what it is and what it means to businesses. Free to Spartanburg chamber members, $10 per non-member; Jonna Turner at jturner@spartanburgchamber.com.

23 West North Street, Greenville, SC 29601 | 864.232.2761 | www.rushwilson.com Open Mon.–Sat. 9:30am–5:30pm

December 6, 2019 | upstatebusinessjournal.com

NEWS |

save the date

NEED TO KNOW

Networking + Business / Events Planner DEC

Chamber Connects Referral Group 1

JOIN US AS WE CELEBRATE 10 YEARS OF COMMITMENT TO THE COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE INDUSTRY AND THE 2020 CREW UPSTATE AWARD WINNERS

8:30-9:30am|GreenHouse Business Incubator Each group is industry-speciﬁc with one seat reserved for each profession. Free to Simpsonville chamber members. Aaron Rupe at Aaron.Rupe@dexyp.com.

DEC

Business Advocacy Update 8:30-9:30am | Greenville chamber Open to any Greenville chamber member interested in the legislative process. Jason Zacher at 864-239-3718 or jzacher@ greenvillechamber.org.

DEC

03 19 2 0 2 0

GREENVILLE ONE CENTER 2 WEST WASHINGTON STREET, SUITE 200

CALL FOR NOMINATIONS Nominations are now open to recognize star individuals and projects in the Upstate. Go to

crewupstate.org/2020-crew-awards-form to submit your nominations before December 20.

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT RISING STAR

SYP ‘n Santa 2019 5:30-7:30am | Spartanburg Marriott | 299 N. Church St., Spartanburg Mix and mingle with fellow young professionals while you enjoy appetizers and drinks. Festive attire and Santa hats are encouraged. SYP is again partnering with Children’s Cancer Partners of the Carolinas. Play Santa and bring an item to donate. Suggested items include: small notepad or journal, pen, pencil, black Sharpie marker, small pack of tissues, bar of soap, toothbrush, and more. Free for SYP members, $10 per guest

DEC

DISTINGUISHED LEADER CAREER ADVANCEMENT FOR WOMEN DEVELOPMENT IMPACT

Christmas After Hours 5-7:00pm | The Springs at Simpsonville Take a break from the holiday rush to enjoy some food, beverages and networking with friends. Free for Simpsonville chamber members and guests. info@simpsonvillechamber.com or 864-9633781.

34 UBJ | December 6, 2019

REW_UBJ_Half PageCREWAnniversarySaveTheDate_2019.indd 1

11/27/2019 2:49:04 PM

Five Forks Chapter — Monthly Meeting Noon-1:00pm | Lowes Foods Five Forks Community Table Meeting to discuss issues of importance, events/projects, and common challenges. Simpsonville chamber at 864-963-3781 or info@simpsonvillechamber.com.

THE 2019

UP NEXT GOT ANY THOUGHTS? PUBLISHER Mark B. Johnston mjohnston@communityjournals.com

EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT

CARE TO CONTRIBUTE? LET US KNOW AT

upstatebusinessjournal. com/submit.

Susan Schwartzkopf

EDITOR Claire Billingsley

ASSOCIATE BUSINESS EDITOR Sherry Jackson

STAFF WRITERS Georgia Gay, Jessica Mullen, Evan Peter Smith

EVENTS: Submit event information for consideration to events@ upstatebusinessjournal.com

READER’S

LENS PHOTO C ONTEST

MARKETING & ADVERTISING DIRECTOR OF SALES Emily Yepes

MANAGER OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

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

Donna Johnston

MARKETING REPRESENTATIVES

1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011

UBJ milestone

Heather Propp | Jessica Schwartz Abby Guin

RELATIONSHIP MANAGER Meredith Rice

Jackson Marketing Group celebrates 25 years By sherry Jackson | staff

Solve. Serve. Grow. words summarize Jackson Marketing Group’s guiding principles, and ac cording to owner Larry Jackson, form the motivation that has kept the firm thriving for the past 25 years.

sports 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

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.”

Anita Harley | Lizzie Campbell

DIGITAL CONTENT MANAGER

offer. Each month one lucky winner will win a

officer): Hands on Greenville board chairman

Dining Group restaurant. Three honorable

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 jo

NOVEMBER 1, 2013

CLIENT SERVICES

your best photos of what the Upstate has to $250 gift card to be used at any Rick Erwin’s

ACCOUNT MANAGER Callie Michalak

The Greenville Journal invites you to share

mention photos will also receive a $25 gift card to an Upstate business. Winning entries

Order a reprint today, PDFs available for $25. For more information, contact Anita Harley 864.679.1205 or aharley@ communityjournals.com

John Olson

will be published in the Greenville Journal.

DECEMBER THEME: GENERATIONS

ART & PRODUCTION GRAPHIC DESIGNER Laura Allshouse, Kimberly Collier

ADVERTISING DESIGN Michael Allen

VICE PRESIDENT OF OPERATIONS Holly Hardin

EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT Kristi Fortner

HOW TO CONTRIBUTE EVENTS: events@upstatebusinessjournal.com

NEW HIRES, PROMOTIONS, AND AWARDS: onthemove@upstatebusinessjournal.com UBJ welcomes expert commentary from business leaders on timely news topics related to their specialties. Guest columns run 500 words. Contact the editor at editor@communityjournals.com to submit an article for consideration. Circulation Audit by

publishers of GREENVILLE JOURNAL 581 Perry Avenue, Greenville, SC 29611 864-679-1200 | communityjournals.com For subscriptions, call 864-679-1240 or visit UpstateBusinessJournal.com Copyright ©2019 BY COMMUNITY JOURNALS LLC. All rights reserved. Upstate Business Journal is published biweekly by Community Journals LLC. 581 Perry Ave., Greenville, South Carolina, 29611. Upstate Business Journal is a free publication. Annual subscriptions (26 issues) can be purchased for $50. Postmaster: Send address changes to Upstate Business, P581 Perry Ave., Greenville, South Carolina, 29611. Printed in the USA.

It’s hard to believe that 2020 is right around the corner. As another year comes to a close, show us how you and your loved ones made the most of your family time throughout the holidays. Upload some of the important moments that made 2019 the best year for you and your family.

For details on each month’s contest and to submit your photo, visit

GreenvilleJournal.com/ReadersLens December 6, 2019 | upstatebusinessjournal.com

This could be your most important business meeting all year.

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