NOVEMBER 25, 2016 | VOL. 5 ISSUE 48
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GETTING SERVED S.C. laws may hamper distribution efforts
IN IT TOGETHER Collaboration is the rule for Upstate brewers
ROAD TRIPS
Beer tourism brings in profits from curious drinkers
APOCALYPSE SOON? Too many craft beers, too little shelf space
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TOP-OF-MIND AND IN THE MIX THIS WEEK
| THE RUNDOWN | 3
VOLUME 5, ISSUE 48 Featured this issue: Greenville Bojangles’ to raise curtain on Biscuit Theater...................................8 Planning Commission approves Woodside Mill project.........................................18 Job seekers: Conquer the fear of a better offer......................................................21
Brewing of Bumboo Bock is underway at Fireforge Crafted Beer in Greenville. The small-batch brewery plans to open its tasting room in spring 2017. Photo by Will Crooks
WORTH REPEATING “You can’t just brew beer in your kitchen … and then take it to a festival and have people consume it and expect no liability from it.” Page 12
“Everybody’s very willing to help each other out, even though we are competitors. We can all work together and there’s usually enough business to go around.” Page 15
“When you see that kind of growth in an industry, you have to know that it’s going to hit a plateau at some point.” Page 17
VERBATIM
On forecasting Black Friday “Black Friday will be the biggest ever, hitting $3 billion for the first time.” Adobe Critical Insights, which also predicts $91.6 billion in sales overall for the holiday season. Read the full report at slideshare.net/ adobe/2016-holiday-shopping-predictions.
4 | REDEVELOPMENT |
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Planned Judson Mill redevelopment to include office, retail and 400 apartments
Proposed mixed-use development for the 100-year-old mill includes office and warehouse space, 400 apartments and retail space. RUDOLPH BELL | CONTRIBUTOR
rbell@communityjournals.com
Durham, N.C.-based Belmont Syre plans a major redevelopment of the 36-acre Judson Mill property near downtown Greenville that would include office and warehouse space, up to 400 apartments and retail space along U.S. 123 that could house a grocery. The proposed mixed-use development at the 100-year-old textile-manufacturing complex at 701 Easley Bridge Road (U.S. 123) would also involve construction of a two-deck parking garage with 400 spaces, according to plans on file at County Square. Spartanburg’s Milliken & Co. was making textiles at the West Greenville site until last year when it closed the yarn plant. The closure affected 200 workers. Milliken then put the property up for sale. On Nov. 16, the Greenville County Planning Commission voted unanimously to approve a rezoning of the complex that was requested by the real estate development company Belmont Syre. Its plans for the property call for 190,000 square feet of office/ware-
house/light manufacturing space in three buildings, 402,800 square feet of residential space in three buildings and 60,000 square feet of retail space in two new buildings to be constructed along U.S. 123. A grocery or pharmacy might go in the new retail space, according to the plans submitted to Greenville County officials. The plans also call for demolition of unneeded additions to former mill buildings, new sidewalks on the property, 6.5 acres of open space, bicycle parking, fountains, dog parks and a grilling area. The proposal is one of two planned redevelopments of former textile mills that have surfaced recently in Greenville. In the other, an Atlanta developer plans a major remake of the former Woodside Cotton Mill, also in West Greenville near downtown. That project would include 300 apartments, a general store, offices, an event venue, a brewery or restaurant and possibly townhomes, according to an annexation petition filed with the city of Greenville by Woodside Mill Properties LLC. The plans for Judson Mill also
mention “proposed shared vehicle use” and rooftop solar energy panels. The property lies along a route of the Greenlink bus system that connects to downtown. Belmont Sayre intends to close a deal to buy Judson Mill in the first quarter of 2017, start construction in the third quarter of 2017 and finish construction in the third quarter of 2018, according to a development timetable included in its filing with the county. The company said it plans to open up windows in the main mill building that are now bricked up. Belmont Sayre also said it plans to provide “connectivity throughout the site for safe pedestrian access.” The rezoning applicant, Ken Reiter of Belmont Sayre, did not return a telephone call seeking comment and did not attend Wednesday’s Planning Commission meeting. According to the Belmont Sayre website and information submitted to Greenville County, the company has been part of the redevelopment of various historic and former industrial buildings in Durham, Raleigh, Winston-Salem and Asheville, taking advantage of federal and state tax
IN THE PLAN
190,000 square feet office/warehouse/light manufacturing space
402,800 square feet residential space
60,000 square feet retail space
credits granted for the restoration of historic properties or for putting new development in impoverished areas. One previous project, according to the company’s filing, was the second
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| REDEVELOPMENT | 5
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phase of the American Tobacco complex in Durham, which included more than 240,000 square feet of office, retail and residential space and more than $65 million in New Market Tax Credit allocations and $35 million in federal and state historic tax credits. Belmont Sayre specializes in “the development of mixed-use investments in downtowns and urban neighborhoods and is a leader in the adaptive reuse of historic, environmentally challenged buildings,” ac-
GREENVILLE SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL
cording to its filing with Greenville County. Reiter and Belmont Sayre have applied to have Judson Mill listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the first step in obtaining a federal tax credit for restoring historic properties, according to an application on file at the S.C. Department of Archives and History. Joe Pazdan of McMillian Pazdan Smith Architecture, who is working for Reiter, declined to comment at the Planning Commission meeting.
Belmont Sayre claims to be “a leader in the adaptive reuse of historic, environmentally challenged buildings” such as Judson Mill. Photo by Will Crooks Milliken’s real estate broker, Charlie Whitmire of Cushman & Wakefield | Thalhimer, said Judson Mill was under contract to be sold, but that he wasn’t at liberty to disclose the potential buyer or the sales price. In listing the property for sale,
Milliken had asked $8.5 million for it. CBRE is handling leasing for the Judson Mill remake.
It’s not what you make, it’s what you keep.
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paylesstaxes.com TRIPS is a cooperative of professionals who will work together and seek to identify those areas where it may be able to help you reduce your tax burdens. TRIPS is not a CPA Firm or a Law Firm. Some recommendations made may be accomplished through partners of TRIPS on an independent non-affiliated basis. Some recommendations for tax planning, tax reduction, estate or retirement planning may include the use of certain types of securities that may not be available or even suitable for all investors. No fees for legal services are charged by or shared with TRIPS, and any fees will be separately billed by any Law Firm providing those services. Securities are offered through SANDLAPPER Securities, LLC (Member FINRA/SIPC). Advisory services are offered through Sandlapper Wealth Management, LLC an SEC registered investment advisory firm. Members of TRIPS are/may be registered representatives of SANDLAPPER Securities, LLC and/or investment advisory representatives.
6 | ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT |
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CHOOSE A TOP DOCTOR BACKED BY EVEN MORE. CHOOSE A GHS DOCTOR.
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| AEROSPACE | 7
Beringer Aero relocates to Greenville's NEXT Manufacturing Center Corp. announced last Wednesday that France-based Beringer Aero has relocated its U.S. distribution and sales office from Chicago to the NEXT Manufacturing Center. Beringer produces wheels and braking systems for a wide range of aircraft. Many of its products are used in international air show competitions, such as Red Bull Air Races, Reno Air Races and the Valdez STOL competition, as well as special projects like the Solar Impulse II that flew around the world with only electric power. The company said the move will enable it to improve its customer service in North America. Beringer has leased light manufacturing and distribution space within NEXT at 400 Birnie Street Extension. “Beringer is excited about the opportunities the Greenville community
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AJ WHITTENBURG ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
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offers and is grateful of the support from the Greenville Area Development Corp., NEXT and the S.C. Department of Commerce,” said company spokeswoman Claire Beringer in a statement. “The Beringer team chose Greenville based upon the growth of its aerospace industry and pro-business environment.” She said the new operation got
underway in mid-July. The company was able to bring two jobs to Greenville and hopes to add more jobs in the near future. “Being in Greenville is allowing us to build a stable and long-term partnership with local companies that will help to grow our business,” Beringer said. The company did not disclose finan-
cial details of the project, but Beringer said the move was “very reasonable cost wise” because of the support of NEXT, the city of Greenville and Braasch Building. “NEXT attracts and grows high-impact, knowledge-based companies, and we are grateful to have Beringer Aero USA as part of this innovation ecosystem,” John Moore, president and CEO of NEXT, said in a statement. Greenville County Council Chairman Bob Taylor said in a statement the company’s decision to come to Greenville is a “strong affirmation of the talent and professionalism of the company’s educated, high-tech workforce and Greenville’s competitiveness.” “We are grateful for the company’s commitment to our community,” Taylor said. For more information, visit beringer-aero.com.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS! A very special thank you to everyone who attended our 2016 Governor’s Fall Ball in honor of the St. Francis foundation.
17th Floor One Liberty Square, 55 Beattie Place • commerce-club.com
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Developer wants to turn historic school into condos CINDY LANDRUM | STAFF
clandrum@communityjournals.com A Greenville developer wants to
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Bainbridge. It is named after P.T. Hayne, a longtime chairman of the school district’s board of trustees who started one of Greenville’s first lending libraries in downtown for young men. The school was built to serve the Boyce Lawn district, which was one of the city’s most elite residential areas in the 1890s, Bainbridge said. The school closed in 1970. Mittelstadt said the renovated school will have historic replica windows and will fit the character of the neighborhood.
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convert the historic Hayne School into condominiums. The plan calls for construction of 18 townhomes on the sides and rear of the property and a pocket park in the middle. Babcock Investment Company’s plan would convert the school on Toy Street into 14 condominiums, six that would have rooftop terraces that offer views of Paris Mountain, said Helen Mittelstadt, an architect with Johnston Design Group, who is working on the project. SC Telco Federal Credit Union owns the property and had its office there. The City of Greenville’s Design Review Board Neighborhood Panel will consider Babcock’s application for a certificate of appropriateness at its Dec. 1 meeting. An informal review of the project received positive comments from the panel last month. “We think the development will have a symbiotic relationship with the neighborhood,” Mittelstadt said. The property is in the Pettigru Historic District, the largest historic district in the city. The school, built in 1919, was one of the major building projects of J.L. Mann, superintendent of the Greenville County School District, said Greenville historian Judy
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Revamped Laurens Road Bojangles’ to feature a Biscuit Theater Scheduled to open early 2017, the Laurens Road Bojangles’ will be first of its kind. RUDOLPH BELL | CONTRIBUTOR
dbell@communityjournals.com
A little piece of chain restaurant history is getting ready to unfold on Laurens Road. The restaurant will be the home of the first Bojangles’ with a Biscuit Theater. The Biscuit Theater consists of a large window through which customers will be able to see the “master biscuit maker” at work as they order. The new Bojangles’, scheduled to
open early next year at the corner of Laurens and Woodruff roads in front of an Old Time Pottery store, will be the first to include all elements of the chain’s new store design, said Randy Icard, vice president of development and construction for the Charlotte-based franchise. Icard said the chicken-and-biscuits chain has always made its biscuits from scratch, and biscuits come with most items on the menu. With the new store design, “We’re
bringing the biscuit front and center,” he said. The new design also features Wi-Fi, high-top tables and a lot of places to charge up mobile devices. Icard said the Laurens Road location has always performed well, and the profits should only increase when the new store opens. He added that 21 of the 44 Bojangles’ restaurants in the Upstate — from Gaffney to Greenwood — have opened in the last five years. “We’ve been very blessed,” he said.
“Bojangles’ loves the Upstate, and obviously the Upstate loves Bojangles’." When Bojangles’ originally opened on Laurens Road in November 1981, Ronald Reagan had just moved into the White House and Clemson University was on the cusp of winning a national football championship. That restaurant is still in business, but it will close once Bojangles’ opens the new restaurant currently under construction just down the street.
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| MANUFACTURING | 9
Michelin ends experiment in mobile tire installation RUDOLPH BELL | CONTRIBUTOR
rbell@communityjournals.com
Greenville-based Michelin North America has ended an experiment in mobile tire installation, according to an engineer who helped lead the project. Under the pilot program, called Michelin OnSite, consumers could order tires online and have technicians driving specially equipped vans install the tires wherever the customer wanted, similar to what is done in the auto glass industry. Michelin tested the concept in the Raleigh/Durham market for about a year but stopped this fall because its team couldn’t validate a business model, said Wes Johnson, a Michelin engineer who came up with the idea and helped oversee its development.
“We were a little ahead of the curve.” Wes Johnson
Johnson, a 30-year-old who studied mechanical engineering at Clemson University, shared his experience launching the startup inside of a major corporation during a recent talk to the Carolinas chapter of the Product Development and Management Association. He spoke to about 15 people at Society Hall, a renovated building along Rhett Street in downtown Greenville that houses offices and event space. Johnson said he suggested the mobile tire installation service after Michelin asked its employees for new business ideas as part of a program to stimulate entrepreneurship within the corporation. He was eventually invited to pitch the idea before the Michelin brass at the company’s global headquarters in Clermont-Ferrand, France. After getting the green light to proceed, Johnson and other members of his team began working out of an office at Clemson University’s International Center for Automotive Research,
learning the ins and outs of mobile tire installation in the ICAR parking lot. Over time, they acquired custom-equipped Wes Johnson vans, created an e-commerce platform and developed a marketing program with social media and testimonial videos, Johnson recounted. They attended a weeklong “boot camp” with consultants at Furman University and also consulted the Disney Institute, an arm of the Walt Disney Co. that provides advice in the areas of leadership, culture, customer experience, brand loyalty, creativity and innovation. Sharing the lessons learned, Johnson said his team “found out pretty fast that you can’t run a tire store if you can only sell one brand. It’s sort of like going to Amazon.com and having one brand of razors or one brand of TV.” In the end, “We weren’t able to validate a business model,” he said. We weren’t able to say, ‘This is something that has legs.’" Still, Johnson said he thought that mobile tire installation would be a viable business for somebody in the future. “We were a little ahead of the curve,” he said. Johnson said he caught the “entrepreneurial itch” through the experience and is now founding another startup venture on the side. Called Parmetric, it’s an online service for manufacturing prototype parts. Customers can upload a prototype design to a website and get a price quote back immediately, Johnson said. He said Parmetric uses vendors to make the parts through CNC machining, sheet metal fabrication or 3-D printing. OnSite isn’t Michelin’s only venture into online sales. The tire maker announced this past summer that it would begin selling BFGoodrich and Michelin tires directly to consumers over the internet for the first time, drawing protests from some of its brick-and-mortar dealers around the country.
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Michelin, Clemson and University of South Carolina officials have announced a partnership to create a course on sustainability in the tire industry.
Michelin teams up with Clemson, USC to find sustainability solutions TREVOR ANDERSON | STAFF
tanderson@communityjournals.com Greenville-based Michelin North America has announced it has teamed up with Clemson University and the University of South Carolina to create a course that focuses on sustainability within the tire industry. The courses will launch in January, officially kicking off the “One SC to Sustain” initiative. Students will visit tire-manufacturing facilities, meet professionals in the industry and hear from guest speakers throughout the semester. Michelin announced the initiative on Friday, Nov. 18, during a ceremony at its North American headquarters. The company said the initiative would provide students with unique opportunities to work across disciplines and recommend improvements for the tire industry. “As the global demand for transportation rises, Michelin is committed to making mobility cleaner, safer and more affordable,” said Michael Fanning, director of sustainable development for Michelin North America, in a statement. “Sustainable mobility is not only our corporate mission, it is part of our everyday operations and culture. This collaboration with Clemson and USC is an extension of our efforts to produce
tires more sustainably.” Michelin said Gregory Mocko, assistant professor of mechanical engineering, will teach the first section of the class at Clemson, while Paul Ziehl, professor of civil and environmental engineering, will teach the class at USC. The inaugural class will include 31 students. “This is a great opportunity for students to get real-world experience in a highly relevant field,” Mocko said in a statement. “South Carolina is the No. 1 state for tire manufacturing. We see this as a fertile ground for innovation that could make the whole tire industry more sustainable. Michelin brought together the two universities to work on this issue, which speaks volumes about its potential and importance in the tire industry.” “This class will bring students from different majors together to more closely represent an actual working environment,” Ziehl said in a statement. “All students will benefit greatly from partnering with Michelin to address these important, real-life issues.” For more information, visit michelin-man.com.
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12 | NEWS IN BRIEF |
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OBSTRUCTING the FLOW
Prohibition-era distribution regulations are archaic, brewers claim, but the Legislature may soon tap into a solution WORDS BY DAVID DYKES
PHOTOS BY WILL CROOKS
nforcement of a state law prohibiting breweries from donating beer to nonprofits, festivals and special events has become an issue in South Carolina. “For nonprofits used to donations, this is a game-changer, and potentially a dire one,” said Brook Bristow, a South Carolina-based lawyer who primarily counsels companies in the alcohol industry on business and employment laws, as well as on compliance, licensing and intellectual property. Breweries have been donating beer directly to those groups and causes they believe in, not knowing it is illegal because it circumvents the wholesale layer in the state’s three-tier system, according to Brian Cendrowski, who writes the Untamed Beer blog.
Most states allow for some level of self-distribution or give breweries the ability to directly supply retailers with or without limitation, said Cendrowski. He is co-founder, along with his wife, Nicole, of Fireforge Crafted Beer, a small-batch brewery expected to open in Greenville by next spring. For South Carolina events, no more donations will be allowed, meaning all beer, wine and liquor will have to be bought from a wholesaler, who bought it from a producer — even for nonprofits, Bristow said. Producers now will only be able to talk to event attendees about the product and not pour it, he said. That means that only non-producer and non-wholesaler employees can do that. “This could prove problematic as many volunteers will not have appropriate training
for serving alcohol, i.e., they serve someone that has been over-served already,” Bristow said. That could create big liability for events and perhaps increased insurance rates. “Is it great to go to events and try something new from someone that does it from home as a hobby or is trying to develop it as an in-planning producer? Of course,” Bristow said. “But it is an unlicensed, unregulated and untaxed product. So it’s a no-go.” A spokesman for the S.C. Law Enforcement Division couldn’t be reached for comment, but SLED spokesman Thom Berry told The Post and Courier in Charleston earlier this year that there has been no change in the laws or enforcement strategy. The growth of SLED’s alcohol unit means “we are more visible to help ensure compliance” with state law, he told the newspaper.
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Fireforge Crafted Beer founder Brian Cendrowski
RESTRICTIONS ON GETTING PRODUCT TO MARKET South Carolina’s three-tier system includes the producer, the wholesaler and the retailer. The state has carried the system for some time, but the most recent incarnations of the laws that are on the books come from the 1990s, Bristow said. In practice, a producer makes alcohol and then sells it to a wholesaler, Bristow said. The wholesaler then picks up the alcohol, stores it at his or her facility and then sells it and delivers it to a retailer when an order is received. The retailer then sells it to consumers when they come to the store. In its purest form, producers can only sell to wholesalers, wholesalers can only sell to retailers and retailers can only sell to consumers, Bristow said. There are certain exceptions, but the system was adopted after Prohibition and created to control consumption. Russell Farr, president of Greenco Beverage Company in Greenville, said
his company has remedied the situation by offering smaller breweries a temporary distribution agreement through which products will be properly taxed and sent through a three-tier system so the breweries can provide samples of their products at festivals. That way, the breweries can determine “if they want to even go to the expense of renting a building, buying equipment or even having a product that the consumer will come back and buy before they go to the trouble and the expenditure of opening a brewery,” Farr said. “If you’re a production brewer, you have to go through a distributor for market. That’s the law,” said Farr, whose family-owned company is one of the area’s largest beverage distributors. “I’m all for getting product to market, and it shouldn’t be restricted.” There is an important safety issue for state officials to consider as well, Farr said. “In South Carolina, before a beer is introduced in the market, it must be
tested by the state to insure that the ABV [alcohol by volume] is correct, the contents are accurate and the label is not offensive along with other requirements,” he said. “You can’t just brew beer in your kitchen in anticipation of opening up a brewery and then take it to a festival and have people consume it and expect no liability from it, especially if it’s in violation of a state law that was enacted to ensure public safety."
SOLUTIONS FROM THE STATEHOUSE Among state lawmakers, many are familiar with the issue and are eager to lend support to find a legislative solution when the next session begins in January, Bristow said. “At this point, we're not certain who the main sponsors of the legislation will be,” he said, but he anticipates support from Democrats and Republicans. “Beer is one of those issues that crosses party lines.” “The specific special event law itself
is indeed archaic, but is part of a much larger regulatory scheme, which is beneficial,” Bristow said. “The goal is to protect the public and retailers from undue influence from any producer, big or small. One unfortunate and unforeseen consequence of that was that nonprofit events are now being treated the exact same way as a for-profit liquor store.” William Timmons, a Republican who defeated state Sen. Mike Fair in the GOP primary this year and is headed to the Legislature, said he doesn’t yet know how the issue should be addressed. He is pro-business and anti-government regulation, and “if a business wants to give something away, I do find it a bit unreasonable that government would tell them that they cannot do that,” Timmons said. Ideally, a proposed legislative remedy would allow suppliers of beer, wine and spirits to donate product to nonprofits without penalty, while also allowing them to go back to what they were
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accustomed to doing at special events, by providing equipment and having pouring privileges, Bristow said. Most likely, the donation portion will be limited to nonprofits, but the pouring privileges will be extended to all events. “Nothing has been hashed out on whether the donations will continue to flow through the distribution channels or whether donations can be made
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directly, and nothing has been determined on whether nonlicensed suppliers and home brewers and vintners will be able to pour product again,” he said. Blame for the new enforcement protocols shouldn’t be placed on producers, as they are just acting for worthy causes, Bristow said. “The blame shouldn’t be placed on SLED, as they are just doing their job,
BANKING on BREW
United Community Bank adds craft-beverage lending program DAVID DYKES | STAFF
ddykes@communityjournals.com United Community Bank has added a new specialized lending program to support the capital needs of the fast-growing craft beverage sector. The lending “vertical” will offer U.S. Small Business Administration and Department of Agriculture loans nationwide to craft brewers and allied enterprises. Under those programs, the group can fund working capital, real estate purchases, construction loans, inventory, site improvements, equipment and installation. Financial services veteran Ken Jernigan oversees the craft beverage vertical. “We see craft beer creating a completely new and different product category compared to industrial beer,” said Rich Bradshaw, president of
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specialized lending at Blairsville, Ga.based United Community Bank. Jernigan joined United with more than 25 years of experience in finance and marketing. He was a business development officer at Self Help Ventures Fund, where he developed SBA 504 loans in North Carolina. There, he concentrated on craft beverage finance, in addition to funding many large hospitality projects. “Craft beer has become an engine for local economic development, and we look forward to supporting this growth,” Jernigan said. “When states liberalize beer distribution laws, especially related to on-premise sales directly to the consumer and self-distribution to retail outlets, we see a tremendous rise in the formation and expansion of craft brewers.”
which is enforcing what the law says,” he said. “The blame shouldn’t be placed on wholesalers, as they want to donate, too, and the law is the law and they will have to abide by it — and now, do more work because of it. The blame shouldn’t be put on DOR [Department of Revenue], as their interpretation of the law isn’t completely without basis, and you’d do the same thing if you were in
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their position.” Bristow added, “The blame should be put on both years of inconsistent enforcement of alcohol laws and on laws that are in big need of modernization to accommodate an evolving Palmetto State — and certainly there are plenty of those laws in the South Carolina code in many industries that could use some help.”
TIERS IN MY BEER: S.C.’S THREE-TIER SYSTEM Tier 1: Brewery
Tier 2: Wholesaler
Tier 3: Retailer
Supplier manufactures the product. Tax dollars collected: Federal excise taxes
Distributor is usually a local business that complies with state and local laws.
Includes both on-premises (e.g., restaurants, bars, taverns) and offpremises (e.g., grocery, convenience, package goods stores) establishments where licensed alcohol beverages are purchased to be consumed by the public.
Tax dollars collected: Applicable state and local taxes, federal income tax, state and local income taxes, state and local license fees.
Jernigan is based in North Carolina but will operate nationwide. Bradshaw is based in Greenville. Previously, Jernigan served as CFO for a mid-sized aircraft manufacturing company and spent many years financing the North American aviation sector for a large international bank. He has additional experience as a private financial advisor, international banker and small-business owner.
Tax dollars collected: State sales tax, local sales taxes, state and local license fees.
Source: South Carolina Beer Wholesalers Association
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UNITED we BREW
Collaboration trumps competition in the craft beer world RUDOLPH BELL | CONTRIBUTOR
rbell@communityjournals.com
Craft beer maker Sierra Nevada has spent 36 years perfecting the brewing of hoppy beers. One might think it would carefully guard the knowledge it has gained so competitors wouldn’t get it. Yet earlier this month at its brewery near Asheville, Sierra Nevada openly shared its dry hopping techniques with members of the Master Brewers Association of the Americas, a national trade association. The anecdote illustrates a feature of the craft beer industry that participants say distinguishes it from other industries: While companies in many industries do whatever they can to gain advantage over rivals, firms in the craft beer industry are more likely to collaborate than compete. Area brewers say a sense of camaraderie still pervades the relatively young industry and that brewers share a common love for what they consider to be an art form. “We’re all kind of trying to do the same thing,” said Bill Manley, product manager for specialty brands at Sierra Nevada’s brewery in Mills River, N.C., about an hour’s drive from Greenville. “And that is to introduce people to new beers and new flavors and new ideas about what beer is and what it can be.” Sharing insight with other brewers — over a beer, often — is one of the best ways to learn, said Tom Davis, owner and brewery manager at Thomas Creek Brewery in Greenville. “Brewers should learn every day,” Davis said.
S.C. CRAFT BEER SALES 2015 36 craft breweries (ranks 31st)
$443 million economic impact in 2014 (ranks 29th) 80,155 barrels of craft beer produced per year (ranks 34th) 0.7 Gallons per 21+ Adult (ranks 41st)
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“There’s no brewer on the face of the planet that knows everything.” Ryan Kurlfink, director of craft brewing systems for SMT Brewery Solutions, a builder of craft brewery tanks, said craft beer makers have a self-interested reason to help one another. When more-established craft brewers share their knowledge with startups, it can help keep bad beer off the market, preserving the industry’s good name, said Kurlfink, who started in craft beer more than 20 years ago and brewed with Blue Ridge Brewing Co. in downtown Greenville for a decade. If a startup begins selling an inferior product, “then it puts a black eye not just on that brewery, but it tarnishes our segment of the market,” Kurlfink said. “It tarnishes our whole category.” The spirit of camaraderie among craft brewers is most evident when they collaborate to make unique beers, a common practice in the industry. The partners decide on a recipe and name for the beer before working together to brew and market it. Which brewery does what varies by project. Manley said Sierra Nevada has participated in such collaborations many times over the past eight years. For one project last year, he said, it worked with 30 other breweries to produce a 12-pack of different beers that was sold across the country. Sierra Nevada promoted the offering, called Beer Camp America, at six beer festivals from coast to coast. “It’s always great to sit down with another brewer and see how they look at the world and how we can work together,” Manley said. Davis said Thomas Creek’s second-best-selling beer, an India Pale Ale called Trifecta, was the result of a 2011 collaboration between Thomas Creek, the owners of Greenville’s Community Tap taproom and Don Richardson, co-founder of Quest Brewing, another craft brewery in Greenville. Today, Trifecta is distributed in seven states and is Thomas Creek’s best-selling beer, except for its red ale. It’s also one of the top-selling IPA beers in Greenville, according to Davis. Trifecta is not as popular outside of Greenville, “but we’re working on it,” he said. More recently, Thomas Creek has teamed with 13 Stripes, a new brewery in Taylors, to produce 10 barrels of a Bavarian-style steam lager in one of three collaboration beer projects it is currently working on, Davis said. Why? “It’s as simple as they called us and asked us to,” he said. “And it’s somebody we haven’t collaborated with before. I’m looking forward to it.” Davis founded Thomas Creek with his father, retired architect Bill Davis, in 1998. Today, the company turns out 15,000 barrels a year from its plant at the intersection of White Horse Road and Piedmont Highway. In addition to making its own beer, Thomas Creek makes beer on contract for eight other firms, mostly from Florida, but also from Atlanta and South Carolina, Davis said. His brewery served as a business incubator of sorts for another Greenville-based craft beer brand, Birds Fly South Ale Project, which contracted with Thomas
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Trifecta is distributed in seven states and is Thomas Creek’s best-selling beer, except for its red ale. It’s also one of the top-selling IPAs in Greenville, according to Davis. BEER ADVOCATE SCORE: 87 (VERY GOOD) STYLE: AMERICAN IPA ALCOHOL BY VOLUME (ABV): 6.90% "Pours a deep amber into a tulip. 1/3 finger of a white/yellowish head. Overwhelming aroma of pine and grapefruit. Perfect balance of citrus notes include mango, grapefruit and pine needles. Then finishes with nice dry biscuity malt backbone." BeerAdvocate user review
Creek to make its beer before launching its own brewery near downtown in September. Working with Thomas Creek “allowed us to distribute our beer before we opened our brewery, so it was very helpful to us,” said Lindsay Johnson, who founded Birds Fly South with her husband, Shawn Johnson. Now they make their beer about a block from the Swamp Rabbit Trail in a former cotton warehouse, where they have enough room to store barrels for Quest Brewing. “Everybody’s very willing to help each other out, even though we are competitors,” Lindsay Johnson said. “We can all work together and there’s usually enough business to go around.” Richardson, who founded Quest Brewing in 2013 with Andrew Watts, said craft beer has grown rapidly over the years but still accounts for just 15 percent of the beer sold in the United States each year. “As small brewers, we like to work together to gain more market share for all of us,” said Richardson, whose brewery near the Greenville Downtown Airport produced 3,000 barrels last year.
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ONE for the ROAD Upstate, western N.C. emerge as beer tourism destinations VINCENT HARRIS | CONTRIBUTOR
vharris@communityjournals.com The concept of “beer tourism” — the practice of visiting a certain brewery or beer region on vacation like one might visit a theme park or a beach resort — might sound like the latest hipster trend, or perhaps a response to the explosion of interest in craft beer. But the concept has existed in some form since breweries themselves began. Venerable mainstream brewers like Anheuser-Busch, Miller and Schlitz offered tours of their facilities at the turn of the 20th century, and despite some temporary setbacks like Prohibition, mainstream breweries have continued to offer consumers the chance to sample their wares to this day. In fact, before it was a family-friendly chain of amusement parks, Busch Gardens was an adult-beverage wonderland. But as the beer landscape began to expand to include both the big companies and more specialized, regional craft beers over the last two decades, devotees of high-end suds began seeking out breweries with a more personal touch than Miller or Budweiser. Places like Stone Brewing Co. in Escondido, Calif., or D. G. Yuengling and Son Inc. in Pottsville, Pa., have gone from places that treated tours as an afterthought to
vacation destinations, bringing a wave of prosperity for themselves and the food, lodging and retail businesses surrounding them. For example, in 2014, in a survey of 21 breweries in Vermont, it was estimated that of the 706,000 visitors that the breweries had that year, 510,000 were from out of state. That same year, the Oregon Brewers Festival brought an estimated $30 million into the state, with almost 57 percent of the attendees coming from out of town. So it makes sense that in the Carolinas, longstanding brewery institutions, like RJ Rockers and Thomas Creek in South Carolina and Highland Brewing Co. in North Carolina, have been happily reaping the benefits of booze-related travel just as much as younger companies like the Upstate’s Brewery 85 and Quest Brewing. Highland, which was first opened in Asheville in 1994, was around before the craft-beer explosion really hit the Southeast, and according to their community outreach manager, Drew Stevenson, it took some competition to make them realize that their signature Gaelic Ale and Oatmeal Porter beers weren’t going to be enough. “The tourism really started to hit five or six years ago,” Stevenson says, “and that’s when we really had to embrace it and
AMERICA'S CRAFT BEER CAPITALS
Brewery 85 head brewmaster Matthew Nesbit
approach what we were doing in a different way. Before we had places like Asheville Brewing Co. [opened in 1998] and Green Man [opened in 1997] — the need for innovation hadn’t been there before. They created the foundation of the North Carolina craft beer movement, and it was a wake-up call for us, in a good way.” In Highland’s case, innovation meant both product expansion and relocation. Today, they offer a wide selection of IPAs and a series of seasonal brews like Clawhammer Oktoberfest and Cold Mountain Winter Ale. They moved from downtown Asheville to a larger facility in 2006 capable of producing 50,000 Source: Smartasset barrels a year and bottling 800 cases an hour, shipping their products to nine different states. Shortly thereafter, Highland opened up one of the largest tasting rooms in the state and started running three tours of the brewery a day and offering free live music on Fridays and Saturdays. Just this year, they opened a 300-capacity rooftop bar on the brewery grounds that can be reserved for corporate and private events.
“When things started to grow, it was time to start adding to our portfolio, including adding different kinds of beers and changing our packaging” Stevenson says. “We had a great foundation of older drinkers, but the industry has begun to cater to younger drinkers, and for them it’s always about what’s the newest.” Asheville’s status as a tourist destination has helped nurture the industry, Stevenson says. “It started with the Biltmore House, but there are also the mountains and all of the outdoor recreation we offer,” he says. “And when Highland came around in 1994, it coincided with the revitalization of downtown Asheville. We started getting some great restaurants, and those things started piling on to one another and creating an attraction for people to visit. Locals started embracing it in terms of retail shopping near the brewery, especially downtown. They knew that people visiting the breweries were going to need places to stay and places to eat. That’s what started developing the beer tourism in Asheville.” On the flip side is Greenville’s Brewery 85, which has a variety of IPA options and was founded by avid homebrewers who built their professional resumes working at local breweries and the Greenville Beer Exchange. This nearly three-year-old company grew, at least partially, out of beer tourism. “I knew a bunch of people from working at a brewery and going to beer
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festivals,” says co-owner Will McCameron, who founded Brewery 85 with his wife, Meredith McCameron, and their friend Jeremy Caldwell. “Sometimes it was different beer tourism for me. It was me asking if they would mind if I came and took a look at their system, like business research. But I’m still a beer tourist. I love going up to Sierra Nevada, I love going up to Twin Leaf, and what makes it even cooler is that I’m going to see some of my buddies. I have a buddy who works for New Belgium, and when I’m coming to town I call him and we go to breweries together.” While Brewery 85 (located near 1-85 in Greenville, hence the name) doesn’t have the sprawling amount of space or jumbo-sized tasting room that Highland does, their approach does reveal an immense passion for what they do. “We’re understaffed, but we try to make the tours a special thing,” McCameron says. “We love educating people. Our taproom is wide-open. You can order a
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beer and look directly at the kettle where it was made. We wanted to make it very open and transparent. We’re making really good beer the right way, the hard way, and people can see that. People will come in as we’re filling cans and stacking them up and they want to buy fresh, right-off-the-line IPA.” That dedication has paid off. Brewery 85’s output has increased 200 percent per year since they opened in 2013, and they’ve received visitors from Charlotte, Atlanta and as far out west as California. “I think it’s been helped by the new wave of restaurants that have opened in the Upstate,” McCameron says. “Everything’s locally sourced, they put a lot of imagination into their food, and people are becoming more experienced with different flavors and tastes other than big brands. And once people find a good thing, they like to latch onto it.”
Brewery 85 owner Will McCameron
THE CRAFT BEER APOCALYPSE?
Despite tightening market share and shelf space, reports of the industry’s death have been greatly exaggerated, say Upstate experts TREVOR ANDERSON | STAFF
tanderson@communityjournals.com For a decade, craft beer has been a hot ticket. According to the Brewers Association, a trade group that advocates for the American craft beer industry, the number of craft breweries in the U.S. increased from 1,409 in 2006 to a record 4,269 at the end of 2015. In South Carolina, the number of craft breweries grew from 16 in 2011 to 36 in 2015. Some experts have voiced concerns that the industry is headed for a cooling period because it has become saturated with breweries, which has led to intense competition for new market share and shelf space. But craft beer authorities in the Upstate remained bullish on their future and agreed that there is still plenty of room for growth, particularly at the local level. “When we acquired RJ Rockers in 2007, craft beer comprised about 3 percent of the market,” said John Bauknight, owner of RJ Rockers Brewing Co., based in downtown Spartanburg. “Today, that number is
about 14 to 15 percent, and it’s expected to rise to 20 percent by 2020.” Bauknight was heavily involved in the passage of the state’s Stone Bill, which paved the way for breweries in South Carolina to sell food and brewpubs to increase their production and sell to distributors. He said he has noticed the market moving in a “microlocal” direction, meaning customers are gravitating away from national craft beer brands and toward regional and local brews. The state currently has 40 licensed breweries, and that number is expected to climb above 50 by 2017, he said. Bauknight said his brewery will soon amp up its beer-tasting experience and begin offering food after it completes the renovation of about 3,000 square feet near its current taproom. The space will be climate-controlled and should be completed before the new A.C. Hotel by Marriott opens across the street. “I don’t think the industry is slowing,” said Devin Cox, owner of the Greenville Beer Exchange, a craft beer retailer at 7 S. Laurens St. in Greenville. “I think it is normalizing. It isn’t dying or going away." He added, “When you see that kind
of growth in an industry, you have to know that it’s going to hit a plateau at some point.” Cox said the demand for local beer at his store is the highest it has ever been. He had to expand part of the store to be able to carry more stock from craft brewers in the Upstate. One of the first things Cox did when he took ownership of the store — it was started by the owners of the Charleston Beer Exchange and the restaurant Edmund’s Oast in Charleston — was to begin selling pints to customers. He said the move has helped the store generate more interest in local beers. “Brewery 85 can make something new and everyone wants to try it out,” he said. “Birds Fly South is on fire. Thomas Creek is a staple … We have 15 local brands on the shelf and they’re all selling.” And tap space for local brands appears to be on the rise as well. “We like to focus on local and regional, with about 60 to 80 percent of our taps dedicated to those brands, then we bring in some East Coast and West Coast brands that we like,” said Craig Kinley, owner of the Growler Haus, an Anderson-based tap house that will
soon open its fourth location in the Upstate. “It’s extremely important for us to form relationships with these [local] breweries as well as distributors so we can provide our customers with the best beer possible.” Local experts said the market could continue to tighten for national craft beer brands as local brands continue to become more popular. They said they wouldn’t be surprised to see larger companies buying smaller breweries as part of the trend. For now, at least, they are hopeful that the industry in the Upstate, state and beyond will continue to boom. “Craft beer continues to be a strong seller for us, and our stores have a wide selection of both national and local beers,” said Ron Freeman, CFO for Black Mountain, N.C.-based regional grocery chain Ingles Markets. “We work with our distributors and monitor our sales data to help determine what we carry and how to allocate our shelf space. There are many great products out there, with more coming all the time. It’s not easy for us to decide.”
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DAVID DYKES | STAFF
FRONT ROW
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REAL ESTATE DEALS AND DEVELOPMENTS ACROSS THE REGION
ddykes@communityjournals.com |
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@daviddykes
Greenville Planning Commission, November meeting
Plans to redevelop Woodside Cotton Mill on East Main Street into apartments and a brewery or restaurant and a proposed cottage subdivision on Ridgeway Avenue were main topics before the Greenville Planning Commission last week. WOODSIDE MILL REDEVELOPMENT The Planning Commission recommended that Greenville City Council approve annexation and zoning for Woodside Cotton Mill, where plans include 300 apartments, a brewery or restaurant, a general store and offices. The applicant, Woodside Mill Partners LLC, has requested that the city annex properties associated with the mill. Two of the properties are zoned I-1 in the county and contain the main mill building and associated out buildings. Three additional properties located across East Main Street from the mill are zoned R-10 in the county and developed as surface parking lots. The applicant is requesting a zoning designation of PD, or planned development. The Planning Commission makes recommendations to City Council on zoning and annexation issues. According to planning staff members, the applicant intends to work with the S.C. Department of Archives and History on a rehabilitation plan that would qualify for state and federal income tax credits. The 550,000-square-foot mill building will be converted into apartments and a brewery or restaurant. Another building, about 2,400 square feet, will be used as an event venue, staff members said. Yet another, about 25,000 square feet, will be used as retail or for commercial purposes or additional residential units. As the center of the community in the 20th century, the mill was, and still is, surrounded by residential uses. The PD zoning designation gives the city the ability to define the extent of the development and the permitted uses. The project’s residential component “is clearly appropriate” for the area, staff members said. Commercial uses will provide convenience to the project’s residences and its neighbors, they said. But staff members recommended, and planning commissioners agreed, that there be conditions relating to nonresidential uses to provide protection to the surrounding residential community. The conditions include a brewery at the site obtaining a conditional use permit from city planning staff. The city’s Design Review Board Neighborhood Panel recommended approval of the application. Woodside Mill was founded in 1902 and was once the largest cotton mill in the world. The 14-acre development is less than 1,000 feet from Long Branch Creek. The City of Greenville’s West Side Comprehensive Plan proposes a trail spur there that would connect with the Swamp Rabbit Trail and the proposed City Park.
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RIDGEWAY AVENUE COTTAGE SUBDIVISION The Planning Commission approved an application by developer Drew Parker, who proposed 14 residential lots for eight single-family detached houses and six townhouses on 1.8 acres on Ridgeway Avenue. The lots will front on a “village green” and other common open-space amenities, including a community garden and an amphitheater/stage overlooking a bog garden. A buffer is proposed along the eastern property line, where houses and townhouses will be close to existing single-family homes. Parker told commissioners he reduced the project’s proposed density to help alleviate area residents’ concerns about increased traffic in, and cutting through, the neighborhood. “Our impact on the neighborhood, I hope, is minimal,” Parker said, “and I hope we improve it.” The proposed amphitheater won’t host public concerts, but will be an amenity just for the subdivision, he said.
Residents near the proposed project told commissioners they still fear traffic problems unless the city takes steps to widen roads. Drainage issues also need to be addressed, they said. “You’re just asking for disaster in traffic coming through there without doing something to alleviate that traffic coming in and out,” said Hunter Morris, who lives at 25 Ridgeway Ave. City officials said the developer, as the project goes through the site-permitting process, will be required to meet standards for road width, curbing, sidewalks and storm drainage. Cottage subdivision standards include requirements for layout of the development, minimum common open space, access and design of the individual houses and lot layout, a planning staff analysis said. Staff members will verify compliance during the permitting process.
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DAVID DYKES | STAFF
REAL ESTATE DEALS AND DEVELOPMENTS ACROSS THE REGION
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ddykes@communityjournals.com |
@daviddykes
BlackStream LLC in Greenville has been chosen to join the invitation-only global network of Christie’s International Real Estate. Ford Elliott, Blackstream’s CEO, said a new office, with 7,000 square feet of Class A space, will open in February at East Stone Avenue and East North Street.
BlackStream joins global network for Christie's International Real Estate Christie’s International Real Estate is expanding into the Upstate through an affiliation with BlackStream LLC. A new office, with 7,000 square feet of Class A space, will open in February at East Stone Avenue and East North Street in Greenville, said Ford Elliott, BlackStream’s CEO. Elliott has a team of 30 people, including agents, support staff and management, and he plans to grow “quite a bit,” Elliott said. BlackStream also has a commercial division, SVN. Christie’s has chosen BlackStream to join the invitation-only global network. Elliott and Rick Moeser, executive director of Christie's International Real Estate, said Christie's
is focused on marketing residential property. As such, BlackStream is expanding to this market segment under the Christie's brand, they said. "After successfully serving Greenville's commercial real estate sector, Ford recently expanded BlackStream to accommodate his growing number of incoming inquiries for residential real estate support,” Moeser said. “Ford's commitment to exceptional client service is in keeping with these same core values that Christie's has prided itself on for 250 years. Ford is also forward-thinking and has proven to be an expert in the luxury sector. His new company will be a strong addition to our international network spanning approximately 135 global affiliates with 32,000 real estate professionals in 45 countries."
Christie’s, which offers homes and real estate services to buyers and sellers, had 2015 annual sales of $118 billion. “That kind of network, obviously, and all the tools and resources that come with it, speak for themselves,” Elliott said. “The attention to detail and the service that we deliver are really what we pride ourselves on.” Elliott said Christie’s would sell at Lakes Hartwell and Keowee and in Anderson, Pickens, Laurens, Spartanburg, Greenwood and Greenville counties. For more information, go to blackstreaminternational.com.
FAMILY BREAKS GROUND ON HARTNESS DEVELOPMENT The Hartness family last week hosted the groundbreaking for the new Hartness community on Greenville’s eastside. The new walkable village encompasses 400 acres, 180 of which will be permanently preserved green space, including 15 miles of trails connecting neighbors to woodlands, lakes, streams, wildlife and shared recreational areas. Also included will be a state-of-the-art clubhouse and wellness center, a resort-style swimming pool and a sports garden. Lew Oliver, world-renowned planner and designer, created the Hartness community plan. “We are excited to be unveiling Hartness to the Upstate,” said Sean Hartness, CEO of Hartness Real Estate. “From the vast recreational opportunities Hartness affords, the beautifully crafted variety of homes, to its intentional design that encourages chance social interaction, we believe that the Hartness community provides a unique residential experience to the Upstate.”
20 | DEALMAKERS | KDS COMMERCIAL PROPERTIES LLC ANNOUNCED:
Brad Doyle was the agent in the sale of 2.38 acres at 2510 Poinsett Highway in Greenville to Seasonal Cuisine LLC.
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COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS IN THE UPSTATE
Rick Hammett was agent in the sale of an approximately 55-acre parcel located at 910 Brockman McClimon Road and E. Howell Road in Greer to Le Jardin LLC.
Associates to DAKS Investments. Guy Harris was the agent in the sale of 40.07 acres land on Corn Mill Road, Cowpens, by James Duncan Jr. to Corn Mill Properties.
Guy Harris was` the agent in the sale of a 1,692 SF insurance office at 315 Spartanburg Highway, Lyman, by Springmaid Federal Credit Union to Molly Cheek Gordon Agency.
CUSHMAN & WAKEFIELD | THALHIMER ANNOUNCES:
Brian J. Young and Mackenzie Moser were the agents in the sublease of 50,000 SF of industrial space at 3001 N. Blackstock SPENCER/HINES Dale Seay was the PROPERTIES Road, Spartanburg, to Mark Ratchford and Andy Hayes and Ben agent in the lease of a ANNOUNCED: Piedmont Storage & Mark Masaschi were Hines were agents in 1,100 SF dog grooming Repack. the agents in the sale Guy Harris was the the sale of a 2,424 SF property at 1413 WO of 14,000 SF at 603 agent in the sale attorney’s office at 409 Ezell Blvd., Spartanburg, Brian J. Young and E. Stone Ave. by Davis of 1.108 acres of S. Pine St., Spartanburg, by Super Dogs Groomer Mackenzie Moser were Enterprises Inc. to land, Tract B-2, at for $190,000 by Todd to Janet Malone and the agents in the lease be redeveloped as a Winchester Place, Linda Quinn. of an additional 27,000 neighborhood retail site. Spartanburg, by Arthur A. Picon to Specialty Properties. SF at 2819 Wade State Bank to Atlas Andy Hayes, Ben Hampton Blvd., Taylors, Bobby Miller was the Development LLC. Lynn Spencer and Bobby Hines and Craig Jacobs by US Waffle Company. agent in the sale of Hines were agents in were the agents in the a 1.4-acre retail site Andy Hayes and Ben the sale of 1.22 acres lease of a 1,200 SF Brian J. Young and Lyn on Highway 76 to an Hines were agents in at 1512 Boiling Springs barbershop at 118 Norton were the agents undisclosed buyer by the sale of 3.60 acres Road, Boiling Springs, Cedar Springs Road, in the lease renewal of Cornerstone National of investment/retail for $125,000 by Spinks Spartanburg, by OP Real 24,300 SF of industrial Bank. property at 310 Sloan Investments to Tico Estate LLC to Barry space at 1473 Walhalla Road, Woodruff, by Partners. Dendy. Highway A., Pickens, by LANGSTON-BLACK Odem Oil to Compass JR Automation Tech. REAL ESTATE Investment Group. Craig Jacobs was the Guy Harris was the ANNOUNCED: agent in the sale of a agent in the lease of Charles G. Whitmire Robbie Romeiser was 1,600 SF insurance Tim Allender was 2,760 SF at 3786 and Jr. was the agent in the agent in the sale of office at 520 E. Main agent in the sale of a 3788 Stone Station the lease of 4,200 SF a 9,180 SF investment/ St., Spartanburg, 100,000 SF building Road, Roebuck, by of office space at 300 retail property at 2024 by Chavon Casey/ located at 17 Haywood Steven and Rosemary S. Church St. Extension, Vance Allen-Wallace to Calicutt to Herndon Inc. University Ridge by Don Road to Professional Pilzer P.C. Spartanburg, by Kimper Wendell Jones. Party Rentals. Andy Hayes and Ben COLDWELL BANKER Hines were the agents COMMERCIAL CAINE in the lease of a 500 GREENVILLE AND SF office at 378 S. SPARTANBURG Pine St., Spartanburg, Find out if you qualify for a set of FREE hearing aids. ANNOUNCED: by Severn’s Way LLC to 864-509-1152 Pete Brett, David Integrys. Sigmon and Matt Marcy W. Stowell Vanvick were the agents Andy Hayes, Ben Alisa S. McMahon MA, FAAA in the sale of a +2,728 MA, FAAA Hines and Craig Jacobs Licensed Audiologist Licensed Audiologist SF office building on were the agents in +0.127 acre at 19 the lease renewal of a W. Stone Ave. by Cliff 14,400 SF industrial Hawk Properties LLC to property at 2994 Fairchild Properties LLC. Fairforest Clevedale Road, Spartanburg, by Fairforest Southern LLC Pete Brett, David to Chadwell & Imperial Sigmon and Matt Vanvick were the Paints. agents in the sale of +13.5 acres at SC Guy Harris was the Highway 417 and agent in the lease Brookwood Point Place, of 1,120 SF at Simpsonville, by Florida 404 Fairview Road, LA-Co Inc. to TCC Simpsonville, by Venture LLC. Let us help you LISTEN to LIFE! Brixman Fairview Corners to Carolina Pete Brett was the agent Smoothie Group. in the sale of +0.574 Like us on acre at 401 Rhett St., Guy Harris was the 722 & 724 S. Main St., agent in the lease of by Wells Fargo Bank a 2,300 SF dance as Trustee for The First studio at 318 Union We offer financing thru Healthiplan and are accepting TruHearing clients. Lt. Peter F. Cureton Jr. St., Spartanburg, by Foundation to Helbilly 12 Waite Street, Suite B-2, Greenville, SC 29607 • Phone 864-509-1152 Elizabeth Champion, Reserves LLC and trustee, to AVK Dance Ironhorse Estates LLC. Studio. 864.509.1152 hearingsolutionsbymarcy.com
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Graham Howle and Lakin Parr were agents in the sale of +8.07 acres at W. Georgia Road & Big Survey Road, Piedmont, by Donna W. Dent and Donald Davidson Waldrop Jr. to RA Land Development LLC. Graham Howle and Lakin Parr were the agents in sale of a +1,265 SF office condominium at 200 N. Main St., Unit 203, by Davis Family Properties LP to SoSH LLC. Tim Satterfield was the agent in the sale of a +3,120 SF retail building on +0.5 acre at 5275 S. Main St., Cowpens, by Walter Ratliff to Allied Mortgage LLC. Pete Brett and David Sigmon were the agents in the lease of a +2,538 SF office space at Lewis Plaza, 1724 Augusta St., by Lewis Plaza Partners LLC to Bon Secours Ambulatory Services St. Francis LLC. Matt Vanvick was the agent in the lease of small office suites at 217 E. Stone Ave. by Stone Avenue Partners LLC to Real Estate Closing Source LLC and Sailwind Inc. Tim Satterfield was the agent in the lease of a +2,300 SF retail building at 318 Union St., Spartanburg, by Elizabeth Champion, Trustee, to AVK Dance Studio LLC. Angela Halstead and Tim Satterfield were the agents in the lease of a +4,181 SF retail space at Drayton Mills Retail Complex, 1802 Drayton Road, Ste. 130, Spartanburg, by Drayton Mills Retail LLC to Melotte Enterprises.
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STRATEGIES FOR HONING YOUR PROFESSIONAL SKILLS
| PROFESSIONAL | 21
A job seeker’s guide to avoiding FOBO By HANNAH BARFIELD SPELLMEYER Godshall Professional Recruiting and Staffing
It’s Friday night and you agreed to watch a movie with a friend you haven’t seen in a while. As you’re opening your bag of Orville Redenbacher, your phone pings. Your lively group of friends has made a last-minute decision to reserve a table at the new rooftop bar and you are decidedly unavailable. What do you do? For many young folks, this scenario is a nightmare. It ruins the moment they’re in and amplifies the moments they aren’t. The young person’s Fear of Missing Out (FOMO) has hastily evolved into the Fear of a Better Offer (FOBO). In the age of Tinder and Amazon, we're accustomed to reviewing an inordinate amount of options. This especially rings true in a job market where employers are fighting tooth and nail for the best candidates. It’s a great time to be a job seeker, though this scenario won’t last forever. For the time being, it’s essential to know how to navigate job offers when there very well could be a better one around the corner. There are two questions to ask yourself when evaluating an offer, and they’re quite simple:
1. Do you need money now? 2. Does this role advance your career? Whether you happily accept your first offer or roll the dice on your next interview depends wholly on your tolerance for having zero income. If you already have a job or family support and can afford to be selective, by all means, make your prospective employers sweat a little bit. But if you’re currently unemployed, take a moment and reflect on Grandpa’s favorite saying: “A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush,” and take the job in front of you. If it turns out that the work isn’t ideal, suffer through it for a year or two and then move on. Whatever the situation is, you’ll acquire and enhance some marketable skills and avoid a widening job gap on your resume. For those who have a little wiggle room, it’s best to evaluate each offer objectively on how it advances your career. To paraphrase recruiting expert Lou Adler, your ideal job move is going to represent a 30 percent nonmonetary increase. (Incredulous reader: Did she just say “nonmonetary?” Yes, I did.) The best job move will include not only an increase in salary, but an increase in responsibility, budget, direct reports, client base, geographic reach, product line, etc. If you can find an increase there, the money will follow.
You won’t know if you’re making the right decision until you’re six months into the job you’ve chosen and your coworkers’ obligatory politeness has worn off. Make the best decision you can with the information you have and trust your gut. You may be thinking, “But how will I know I’m making the right decision? How can I be sure that the first offer is the best offer?” (Clasps hands and takes deep breath.) You won’t know if you’re making the right decision until you’re six months into the job you’ve chosen and your coworkers’ obligatory politeness has worn off. Make the best decision you can with the information you have and trust your gut. The absolute worst way to satiate that FOBO itch is to accept a counteroffer from your current employer. I don’t say this only because I’m a recruiter and it benefits me. There are countless pitfalls that come along with counteroffers. Right off the bat, your boss now knows you were looking for another job and doesn’t trust you. You’ll be standing first in line for the next round of unexpected layoffs. You should also be wondering why it required the threat of leaving to get a raise or a promotion. Short answer: It’s ultimately less expensive for them to keep you for now than hiring and on-boarding someone new. Finally, even with a competitive counter-offer, the nonmonetary reasons that caused you to look for another role will still be there, which is why the vast majority of people who accept a counteroffer will leave in the next year anyway. FOMO and FOBO aren’t that different in the end. The FOMO-riddled millennial isn’t having fun with their friends at a bar and as a result doesn’t have any fun in the moment they’re in either. Likewise, if you spend too much attention in your job hunt focusing on the offer that isn’t in front of you, you’ll be the one missing out.
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22 | INNOVATE |
MOVERS, SHAKERS AND DISRUP TORS SHAPING OUR FUTURE
UBJ
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11.25.2016
When our team gives the players the right equipment, we all succeed By JULIAN NIXON AAMLI faculty advisor, Greenville Technical College
What would you say if I told you that economic projections point to the need for approximately 1 million more STEM professionals than the U.S. will be able to produce at the current rate over the next decade? What would you say if I told you that last year, 54 percent of unfilled jobs in South Carolina required more than a high school degree and less than a four-year degree, but less than 28 percent of South Carolina residents meet those qualifications? This means that we as a collective team must do what we can to prepare our team members for success if we want our team to be successful. A team consists of multiple members from different backgrounds who carry out a multitude of functions to accomplish a singular goal. When we as a
team (the state of South Carolina) equip our players (South Carolina residents) with the necessary equipment to meet their goals and fulfill the demands ahead of us, we all succeed together. This is the background behind initiatives that seek to increase the persistence and success of minority males attending technical colleges, specifically African-American males. Data shows that nearly 71 percent of African-American males who enroll in a public institution of higher education begin their path in a two-year college. However, only 5 percent of these students obtain a degree, diploma or certificate within two to three years of their attendance. In cases like these, strategic retention strategies are needed for both the student and the institution. Two strategies that have proven quite effective in turning the tide are the unique combination of exposure and a fraternal experience. Technical colleges
Planned Giving for Future Endeavors Gil Gilfillin’s generous unrestricted bequest to the Community Foundation made possible gifts to local nonprofit organizations that will enhance the quality of life in Greenville County.
864-233-5925 • www.cfgreenville.org
Those men — regardless of color — who discover this vital resource find the strength to overcome the burden of transitioning from boys to men, overcoming the feeling of being an outsider and gaining access to resources, all while experiencing their own culture.
provide numerous opportunities for men to gain hands-on access to growing STEM-related career fields such as mechatronics, construction-engineering technology, graphic design, automotive and numerous health science options that can quickly expose them to the realities of the job market and academic requirements. Progressive programs that reach minority males not only expose students to the inhouse options but also they build direct relationships with community and industry partners. A successful fraternal experience focuses on creating a brotherhood or “fellowship of the ring,” so to speak. Those men — regardless of color — who discover this vital resource find the strength to overcome the burden of transitioning from boys to men, overcoming the feeling of being an outsider and gaining access to resources, all while experiencing their own culture. The outcome of the effective combination of exposure and the fraternal experience creates significant gains in professional, academic and life skills that develop powerful members of our future state team. At Greenville Technical College, our African-American Male Leadership Institute (AAMLI) was established to combat the barriers that can significantly hinder academic progress. These include a criminal record, poverty and being a first-generation student. AAMLI serves as a mentorship incubator that provides resources, relationships and experiences to empower and launch men into accelerated roles in college, the community and society.
Benefits include college tours, community service, conferences and academic resources. The initiative is seeing results. During the 2015-16 academic year, there were 10 active members of the organization. The persistence rate for this group from fall semester to spring semester was 80 percent, and the retention rate from one academic year to the next was 90 percent. During the three previous academic years, the retention rate for active members was 100 percent. How do we achieve those results? Our students have plenty of reasons to consider dropping out. We work to give them reasons to stay by engaging with them on a regular basis. One weekend, for example, our students completed an assessment of their personal strengths and then hiked at Paris Mountain as they discussed the results. These students, many of whom are working as they attend college classes, have also volunteered as part of the college’s Habitat build, traveled to Atlanta and other cities to see black historical sites and participated in movie, games and men’s night-out activities. Through these efforts, we are building South Carolina’s STEM team as we give our students tools for success on campus, in their careers and in their lives. Our hope is to perfect this model and then replicate it across the state. If you are interested in learning more about AAMLI, serving as a mentor or supporting the initiative through a donation, please contact me at Julian. Nixon@gvltec.edu.
11.25.2016
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upstatebusinessjournal.com
HIRED
PLAY-BY-PLAY OF UPSTATE CAREERS
HIRED
HIRED
TAYLOR CRAIG
MEL MIDDLETON
MIKE GIORDANO
Named a marketing specialist at Engenius. Craig earned her bachelor’s degree in public relations from the University of South Carolina in 2015.
Joined Tindall Architecture Workshop. A licensed architect, Middleton brings more than 19 years of experience owning her own architecture company in Virginia as well as managing a large portfolio of commercial and worship-based clients at another firm. She is a member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and serves on the executive board of the Greenville AIA chapter.
Named a financial advisor with Williams Wealth Management, a boutique financial services firm. Giordano previously worked at Morgan Stanley. He arrived in Greenville in 2005 as a sports anchor for WYFF News 4. Giordano is also a co-founder of the Reedy Reels Film Festival and chairs the Upstate board of the Jefferson Awards Foundation.
HIRED
BEVERLY RICE MCADAMS, PH.D. Named to the new position of vice president for diversity and inclusion at Anderson University. In her new role, McAdams will provide leadership to the ongoing institutional focus on enhancing diversity within the staff, faculty and student body at AU, and broadening the racial and ethnic makeup of the campus community.
| ON THE MOVE | 23
HIRED
JEFF C. MARSHALL Named chair of the Clemson University College of Education department of teaching and learning. Marshall previously served as a professor of science education and assistant chair in the department and is the current director of Clemson’s Inquiry in Motion Institute.
ALUMNI AWARDS
EDUCATION
My Carolina Alumni Association honored two local residents and University of South Carolina alumni with 2016 distinguished alumni awards during the university’s homecoming. Anne S. Ellefson was awarded the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award. Ellefson earned her bachelor’s degree in English in 1976 and her juris doctor degree in 1979 from USC. Prior to serving as deputy general counsel for academics and community affairs for the Greenville Heath System, she practiced commercial real estate law with Haynesworth Sinkler Boyd. She is immediate past president of the S.C. Bar and president of SCETV’s endowment. She has served on the boards of Southern First bank, the Greenville Local Development Corp., SC Technology and Aviation Center, Hollingsworth Funds and Verdae Development Inc. She was chairman of the board of the Greenville Chamber of Commerce and was campaign chairman of the United Way of Greenville County. David T. Seaton was awarded the Distinguished Alumni Award. Seaton earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration in 1984 and an honorary doctoral degree in 2014 from the university as well as advanced degrees from the Wharton School of Business and Thunderbird University. He was named CEO and joined Fluor’s board of directors in February 2011 and was elected chairman a year later. His leadership in the community includes serving on the boards of the World Economic Forum’s Partnering Against Corruption Initiative and the Boys & Girls Club of America. He is a recipient of the S.C. Guard’s Lifetime Achievement Award. Committed to his alma mater, Seaton served as chairman of Carolina’s Promise, the university’s successful $1 billion capital campaign. My Carolina has named Seaton as recipient of the Distinguished Alumni Award for his contributions to the university and his leadership and service within his field.
The South Carolina Governor’s School for Science & Mathematics (GSSM) Foundation announced the following new board members for the 2016-2019 Board of Directors term: Melissa K. Andrews, manager, public relations, ScanSource Inc., Greenville; Rodger D. Fuller, group vice president, Industrial Americas, Sonoco, Hartsville; R. Craig McCoy, CEO, Bon Secours St. Francis Health System, Greenville; William R. McCoy, vice president, human resources, Giti Tires, Richburg; Daniel P. Mooney, vice president, Engineering Design Center, The Boeing Company, North Charleston; Matthew Roth, senior vice president, BB&T, Mt. Pleasant; James E. Shively, operations manager, BP, Charleston; and Angie Webb, director, strategic sourcing, SCANA Corporation, Cayce. The GSSM Foundation also recently appointed the following board officers for the 2016-2017 term: chairman, James K. Lehman, managing partner, Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP, Columbia; vice chair, Steve Matthews, shareholder, Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd, Columbia; secretary, Bob Brown, owner, Integrated Systems Inc., Darlington; treasurer, C. W. Garnett, Synovus Regional CEO and president and CEO, NBSC, a Division of Synovus Bank, Columbia; ex-officio, Kurt Kraft, director of engineering, The Boeing Company, Charleston.
CONTRIBUTE: New hires, promotions & award winners may be featured in On the Move. Send information and photos to onthemove@upstatebusinessjournal.com.
24 | THE FINE PRINT |
UBJ
BUSINESS BRIEFS YOU CAN’ T MISS
|
11.25.2016
Fluor Corporation power station receives awards
Join VentureSouth, a leading early-stage venture firm, in downtown Greenville on November 30 for a comprehensive workshop titled
“Executing Exits” This comprehensive workshop, created by the Angel Resource Institute provides the knowledge and resources to maximize the probability of completing a successful exit, ensuring the price is fair, the terms are reasonable and the outcome is optimum for the team and the business. The price is $125 and you can sign up online at venturesouthsummit.eventbrite.com.
BILL PAYNE Bill Payne is a nationally renowned angel investor and advisor to entrepreneurs. He assisted in founding four angel groups: the Frontier Angel Fund, Vegas Valley Angels, Tech Coast Angels, and Aztec Venture Network, and has successfully founded or invested in over 60 start-up companies.
www.venturesouth.vc
Fluor Corporation announced that the Brunswick County Power Station has been named Best Project in the energy/ industrial category as well as Excellence in Safety Best Project by Engineering News-Record (ENR) Mid-Atlantic. Fluor designed, constructed and commissioned the 1,358-megawatt natural gas combined-cycle facility for Dominion Virginia Power. The ENR Mid-Atlantic awards program features 18 categories honoring the best construction projects and the companies that designed and built them. Projects were evaluated on the ability of the project team to overcome challenges, contribution to the industry and community, safety and construction and design quality.
WYNIT Distribution partners with Gosh! USA
Greenville-based WYNIT Distribution announced its partnership with Gosh! USA to bring the Costa Mesa, Calif.,-based company’s smart devices to consumer electronics and retail channels. WYNIT will offer the Dripo portable slow-drip cold-brew coffee maker, the easyFeed cloud-connected smart pet feeder, JouleCell microUSB rechargable batteries, LynkDisk iOS Sync and Storage and LynkCam smartphone selfie cradle to the channels. The DRIPO’s proprietary slow-drip cold-brew method uses the latest innovation in coffee to create an old-world, nonbitter, luxurious taste. The easyFeed smart feeder is a complete end-to-end pet feeding solution, with automatic food and water dispensers that can be programmed to release just the right amount of food at specific times during the day. Internet-connected, the feeder can be controlled through an easy-to-use and full-featured smartphone app. Additional features include a webcam and microphone so you can see and talk to your pet no matter where you are. The feeder can optionally be set to automatically reorder pet supplies from Amazon. The JouleCell MicroUSB rechargeable AA and AAA-size batteries charge via a slim microUSB cable that will plug into any USB port. The LynkDisc IOS Sync and Storage device is a flash drive that connects to the iPad or iPhone through the proprietary Lightning port. For Android users, there are microUSB and USB 3.0 connectors as well. A 16 GB SD card is included with the device, but is swappable and will support cards up to 512 GB. The LyncCam, coupled with the free Easy Shot app, makes selfie-taking easier.
Infinity Marketing launches new website for Fatz Café
Infinity Marketing recently unveiled a redesigned website for Fatz Café (Fatz. com). The site’s new look and content showcase the restaurant’s Southern comfort food and provides information on promotions and locations as well as gift card purchases. “At Fatz, we pride ourselves on serving guests with genuine Southern hospitality — whether in our restaurants or online — and the new Fatz.com offers a more user-friendly, mobile-first experience, making it easier to find a restaurant or a new favorite dish,” said Zac Painter, vice president of marketing at Fatz Café.
11.25.2016
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upstatebusinessjournal.com
THE FRESHEST FACES ON THE BUSINESS LANDSCAPE
| NEW TO THE STREET | 25
Open for Business 1
Presented by
1
Conversations with Upstate Professionals
Embassy Suites 250 Riverplace, Greenville, SC
Wednesday, Nov. 30 1. Wells Fargo team members cut the ribbon to officially celebrate the opening of the Lewis Plaza branch at 1714 Augusta St. Photo provided
from 5:30pm to 7:00pm
Network,
RSVP
Network,
2
to nvite.com/ businessontap
Network
Drop in and network‌
ďŹ rst drink is on us. 2. WorkSmart Staffing recently held a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The staffing agency is located at 1318 Haywood Road, Building A. Learn more at worksmartstaffing.com. Photo provided
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26 | #TRENDING |
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INFORMATION YOU WANT TO KNOW
OVERHEARD @ THE WATERCOOLER > Clemson University MBA Programs “Recommended reading: The Leadership Issue, Upstate Business Journal, November 18. Greenville Health System’s Sharon Wilson and others talk about the invaluable need to continue your education, plus Q&As with Upstate CEOs.”
RE: MAGNA SEATING WILL OPEN NEW PLANT IN SPARTANBURG COUNTY, CREATE 250 JOBS > Catrina N Jeter “Wonder how much they will be paying?” > Bill Kane “Even more jobs for Spartanburg!”
RE: REDEVELOPMENT PLANNED FOR GREENVILLE’S JUDSON MILL > @rusty_rides “Amazingly close to #SwampRabbitTrail and #PickensDoodleTrail. Would like to link two as the mill area is redeveloped.”
RE: REVAMPED LAURENS ROAD BOJANGLES’ TO FEATURE A BISCUIT THEATER > @beaconplenty “Biscuit theater! Where Bojangles’ will demonstrate how they destroy Chick-fil-A’s attempt at biscuits.”
>> CONNECT WITH US We’re great at networking. LINKEDIN.COM/COMPANY/ UPSTATE-BUSINESS-JOURNAL FACEBOOK.COM/ THEUPSTATEBUSINESSJOURNAL
NOVEMBER 11, 2016
Village Life The
The Hartness family’s to create ambitious effort a suburban hamlet
SPARTANBURG THE PATH TO REDEVELOPMENT REBORN WOODSIDE MILL PARKER: THOMAS FLEMING PATHFINDER
11.25.2016
BIZ BUZZ
Distilled commentary from UBJ readers
RE: THE LEADERSHIP ISSUE
|
| VOL. 5 ISSUE 46
DIGITAL FLIPBOOK ARCHIVE >> The layout of print meets the convenience of the Web. Flip through the digital editions of any of our print issues, and see them all in one place. >> upstatebusinessjournal. com/past-issues
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> @itsbotimesc “We are very excited! #ItsBotime” ”
RE: Q&A: MIKE BAUR, THE SCANSOURCE CEO REFLECTS ON FINDING GREAT PEOPLE, KEEPING AN OPEN DOOR AND NOT OVERTHINKING > ScanSource “Great Q&A in Upstate Business Journal with our CEO Mike Baur!” > @nextupstatesc “Great advice for entrepreneurs.”
The Top 5 stories from the past week ranked by shareability score
>> 757 1. Magna Seating will open new plant in Spartanburg County, create 250 jobs
>> 341 2. Q&A: Mike Baur, The ScanSource CEO reflects on finding great people, keeping an open door and not overthinking
>> 199 3. New clinic ‘prescribes’ swimming, weights and healthy meals – all on-site
>> 111 4. From online classes to two-day sessions, good leaders never stop learning
>> 95 5. A new development project wants to nurture millennial leaders
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11.25.2016
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upstatebusinessjournal.com
DATE
EVENTS YOU SHOULD HAVE ON YOUR CALENDAR
| PLANNER | 27
EVENT INFO
WHERE DO I GO?
HOW DO I GO?
Pulse Diversity & Inclusion: Poverty Simulation
United Housing Connections 135 Edinburgh Court, #100B 5:30–7 p.m.
Cost: Free for members For more information: bit.ly/2fYbmET
11/30
Upstate Business Journal Business On Tap
Up On The Roof, Embassy Suites by Hilton Greenville Downtown Riverplace 250 Riverplace 5:30–7 p.m.
Cost: Free For more information: nvite.com/BusinessOnTap/a4fd
Wednesday
Shaping Our Future Scenario Planning & Growth Alternatives Analysis: Technical Advisory Committee
Ten at the Top Fifth Floor Conference Room Cost: Free 124 Verdae Blvd. For more information: 1–3 p.m. conta.cc/2fUtnnr
Upstate S.C. Alliance luncheon with Australia’s Trade & Investment Commission
Upstate S.C. Alliance Fifth Floor Conference Room 124 Verdae Blvd., Suite 503 11:30 a.m.-12:45 p.m.
Cost: Free For more information: RSVP by Dec. 1 at bit.ly/2fYboMJ
Business Planning for the Small-Business Owner
NEXT Innovation Center 411 University Ridge 6–8 p.m.
Cost: $19 For more information: piedmontscore.org/workshops/ register/274/
Tuesday
11/29 Wednesday
11/30 Tuesday
12/6 Tuesday
12/6
CONTRIBUTE: Got a hot date? Submit event information for consideration to events@upstatebusinessjournal.com. DIRECTOR OF EVENTS & ACCOUNT STRATEGY Kate Madden
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Mark B. Johnston mjohnston@communityjournals.com
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Bo Leslie | Tammy Smith
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Chris Haire chaire@communityjournals.com
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Jerry Salley jsalley@communityjournals.com
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OPERATIONS Holly Hardin
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MARKETING & ADVERTISING SALES REPRESENTATIVES Nicole Greer, Donna Johnston, Annie Langston, Lindsay Oehmen, Emily Yepes
jackson Marketing Group’s 25 Years 1988 Jackson Dawson opens in Greenville at Downtown Airport
1997 Jackson Dawson launches motorsports Division 1993
1990 Jackson Dawson
acquires therapon marketing Group and moves to Piedmont office Center on Villa.
>>
with a majority of them utilizing the general aviation airport as a “corporate gateway to the city.” In 1997, Jackson and his son, Darrell, launched Jackson Motorsports Group. The new division was designed to sell race tires and go to racetracks to sell and mount the tires. Darrell Jackson now serves as president of the motorsports group and Larry Jackson has two other children and a son-in-law who work there. Jackson said all his children started at the bottom and “earned their way up.” Jackson kept the Jackson-Dawson branches in Detroit and others in Los Angeles and New York until he sold his portion of that partnership in 2009 as part of his estate planning. The company now operates a small office in Charlotte, but its main headquarters are in Greenville in a large office space off Woodruff Road, complete with a vision gallery that displays local artwork and an auditorium Jackson makes available for non-profit use. The Motorsports Group is housed in an additional 26,000 square feet building just down the street, and the agency is currently looking for another 20,000 square feet. Jackson said JMG has expanded into other verticals such as financial, healthcare, manufacturing and pro-bono work, but still has a strong focus on the auto industry and transportation. It’s
Chairman larry Jackson, Jackson marketing Group. Photos by Greg Beckner / Staff
Jackson Marketing Group celebrates 25 years By sherry Jackson | staff | sjackson@communityjournals.com
Solve. Serve. Grow. Those three words summarize Jackson Marketing Group’s guiding principles, and according to owner Larry Jackson, form the motivation that has kept the firm thriving for the past 25 years.
Jackson graduated from Bob Jones University with a degree in video and film production and started his 41-year career in the communications industry with the U.S. Army’s Public Information Office. He served during
Vietnam, where he said he was “luckily” stationed in the middle of Texas at Fort Hood. He left the service and went to work in public affairs and motorsports at Ford Motor Company in Detroit. After a stint at Bell and Howell, where he was responsible for managing Ford’s dealer marketing and training, the entrepreneurial bug hit and he co-founded Jackson-Dawson Marketing Communications, a company specializing in dealer training and product launches for the auto industry in 1980. In 1987, Jackson wanted to move back south and thought Greenville would be a good fit. An avid pilot, he
learned of an opportunity to purchase Cornerstone Aviation, a fixed base operation (FBO) that served as a service station for the Greenville Downtown Airport, providing fuel, maintenance and storage. In fact, when he started the Greenville office of what is now Jackson Marketing Group (JMG) in 1988, the offices were housed on the second floor in an airport hangar. “Clients would get distracted by the airplanes in the hangars and we’d have to corral them to get back upstairs to the meeting,” Jackson said. Jackson sold the FBO in 1993, but says it was a great way to get to know Greenville’s fathers and leaders
>>
2003 motorsports Division acquires an additional 26,000 sq. ft. of warehouse space
1998 1998 Jackson Dawson moves to task industrial Court
also one of the few marketing companies in South Carolina to handle all aspects of a project in-house, with four suites handling video production, copywriting, media and research and web design. Clients include heavyweights such as BMW, Bob Jones University, the Peace Center, Michelin and Sage Automotive. Recent projects have included an interactive mobile application for Milliken’s arboretum and 600-acre Spartanburg campus and a marketing campaign for the 2013 Big League World Series. “In my opinion, our greatest single achievement is the longevity of our client relationships,” said Darrell Jackson. “Our first client from back in 1988 is still a client today. I can count on one hand the number of clients who have gone elsewhere in the past decade.” Larry Jackson says his Christian faith and belief in service to others, coupled with business values rooted in solving clients’ problems, have kept
2009 Jackson Dawson changes name to Jackson marketing Group when larry sells his partnership in Detroit and lA 2003
2009-2012 Jackson marketing Group named a top BtoB agency by BtoB magazine 4 years running
him going and growing his business over the years. He is passionate about giving back and outreach to non-prof non-profits. The company was recently awarded the Community Foundation Spirit Award. The company reaffirmed its commitment to serving the community last week by celebrating its 25th anniversary with a birthday party and a 25-hour Serve-A-Thon partnership with Hands on Greenville and Habitat for Humanity. JMG’s 103 full-time employees worked in shifts around the clock on October 22 and 23 to help construct a house for a deserving family. As Jackson inches towards retirement, he says he hasn’t quite figured out his succession plan yet, but sees the companies staying under the same umbrella. He wants to continue to strategically grow the business. “From the beginning, my father has taught me that this business is all about our people – both our clients and our associates,” said his son, Darrell. “We have created a focus and a culture that strives to solve problems, serve people and grow careers.” Darrell Jackson said he wants to “continue helping lead a culture where we solve, serve and grow. If we are successful, we will continue to grow towards our ultimate goal of becoming the leading integrated marketing communications brand in the Southeast.”
2011 Jackson marketing Group/Jackson motorsports Group employee base reaches 100 people
2008 2012 Jackson marketing Group recognized by Community Foundation with Creative spirit Award
pro-bono/non-proFit / Clients lients American Red Cross of Western Carolinas Metropolitan Arts Council Artisphere Big League World Series The Wilds Advance SC South Carolina Charities, Inc. Aloft Hidden Treasure Christian School
CoMMUnitY nit inVolVeMent nitY in olV inV olVe VeMent & boarD positions
JANUARY 13 THE MARKETING ISSUE Getting the word out in Greenville, Spartanburg and beyond.
lArry JACkson (ChAirmAn): Bob Jones University Board chairman, The Wilds Christian Camp and Conference Center board member, Gospel Fellowship Association board member, Past Greenville Area Development Corporation board member, Past Chamber of Commerce Headquarters Recruiting Committee member, Past Greenville Tech Foundation board member David Jones (Vice President Client services, Chief marketing officer): Hands on Greenville board chairman mike Zeller (Vice President, Brand marketing): Artisphere Board,
Metropolitan Arts Council Board, American Red Cross Board, Greenville Tech Foundation Board, South Carolina Chamber Board
eric Jackson (Jackson motorsports Group sales specialist): Salvation Army Boys & Girls Club Advisory Board
November 1, 2013 Upstate bUsiness joUrnal 21
20 Upstate bUsiness joUrnal November 1, 2013
AS SEEN IN
NOVEMBER 1, 2013
Kristy Adair | Michael Allen
events@upstatebusinessjournal.com
Danielle Car
UBJ milestone
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UP NEXT DECEMBER 16 THE BUSINESS OF DOGS The care, training and feeding of our best friends.
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