DECEMBER 23, 2016 | VOL. 5 ISSUE 52
THERE'S NO BUSINESS LIKE
DOG BUSINESS How local entrepreneurs are carving their niche in this $63 billion industry
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TOP-OF-MIND AND IN THE MIX THIS WEEK
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VOLUME 5, ISSUE 52 Featured this issue: Cliffs revives plans for Mountain Park village...........................................................4 Spartanburg County greenhouse’s poinsettia business is blooming.................10 Spend less than you earn, and other money management tips..............................21
Students at the Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities in Greenville are facing a challenge: using only dry erase markers, create 4-by-8 foot drawings for the walls of the NEXT Innovation Center. The students will work on their ideas over the holiday break and complete them in early January. Photo by Jack Lukow.
WORTH REPEATING “No one knows how far or how fast rates are going to go up.” Page 7 “People are not looking for hunting dogs or utility dogs, like a farm animal, as much. People have become more urbanized and they’ve realized that a dog is a tremendous companion.” Page 18
“Very often a lack of jobs and money is not the cause of poverty, but the symptom.” Page 22
VERBATIM
On the State Pension Problem “This increase is not going to fix the problem. At this rate, the pension issue is going to continue to grow, until it’s too big to fix. Pension increases should not be measured in money, but by how many teachers, policemen, firefighters and other public employees are taken off the streets.” S.C. Treasurer Curtis Loftis, quoted in Palmetto Business Daily. The S.C. State Fiscal Accountability Authority voted last week to raise employee and employer retirement contribution rates to the South Carolina public pension fund by 0.5 percent each, effective July 1, 2017, an attempt to address the pension fund’s debt.
4 | DEVELOPMENT |
INFORMATION YOU WANT TO KNOW
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THE VILLAGE AT MOUNTAIN PARK
10 years later, plans rekindled for Cliffs at Mountain Park RUDOLPH BELL | CONTRIBUTOR
rbelll@communityjournals.com
The Cliffs at Mountain Park was first announced a decade ago. Now a local builder and his partners plan to finish the village-esque Greenville County Highway 11 project. It will also get a new name: The Village at Mountain Park. Steve Hamblen, president of Fairview Builders in Travelers Rest, said he and three partners recently bought 18.1 acres at the site and intend to build 10 luxury homes, a 30- to 40-unit senior living facility, an undetermined amount of office and retail space and a bed and breakfast with associated bungalows. Plans for a village on the property go back to 2006, when Jim Anthony, founder of the seven Cliffs luxury real estate communities in the Upstate and western North Carolina, announced the Mountain Park development. Anthony later lost control of key properties during the Great Recession, including the village
site. A bank and then an individual investor owned the 18.1 acres before Hamblen and partners bought it recently for a sum he declined to disclose. “We’re essentially building out the original plan,” Hamblen said. His company has designed and built custom homes at Cliffs communities for more than a decade. Already in operation at the village site are a dentist office, family medical practice, condo complex, Cliffs sales office and the headquarters of Gabriel Builders, which also builds custom homes in Cliffs communities. The Cliffs plans to open a “wellness center” in January in the same building where its sales office is located. The Gary Player Group, which designed the Mountain Park golf course, operated an office at the village site for years before relocating it to downtown Greenville. The Cliffs corporate headquarters is directly across Highway 11 from the village site.
18.1 acres 10 luxury homes 30+ unit senior living facility 1 bed and breakfast Retail and office space Hamblen said the 10 patio homes would be constructed along a lake and offer panoramic views of the Mountain Park golf course. They’ll vary in size from 1,800 square feet to 3,000 square feet and cost in the range of $550,000 to $850,000, he said. Buyers will be eligible for a Mountain Park club membership and, through that, have access to amenities at all seven Cliffs communities. Hamblen said he’ll begin building the houses in January and that he wouldn’t be surprised to see them all sold by summer. The new subdivision will be located a mile from U.S. 25, which leads directly to downtown Greenville, he noted. “Our goal with The Village at Mountain Park is to offer a smart, convenient, suburban lifestyle
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INFORMATION YOU WANT TO KNOW
In addition to a dentist office, family medical practice, Cliffs sales office and headquarters for Gabriel Builders already in operation at Mountain Park, the village may also include a boutique grocery, veterinary office and physical therapy office. Renderings by Freeman Major Architects. Photo by The Cliffs Communities/Steven McBride.
destination within a short distance to downtown Greenville,” Hamblen said. He said he’s talking to potential commercial tenants who might open a boutique grocery, veterinary office and physical therapy office in a part of the village called Market Square. “And we haven’t reached out to anybody,” Hamblen said. “These are just people who called up.” The plans to finish the village come as property sales at Cliffs communities continue to recover from the effects of the Great Recession. Kent Smith, chief executive of Cliffs Land Partners, said his team generated more than $100 million in sales this year. That’s a post-recession peak, up from last year’s $68 million last year, he said.
Smith said 845 homes have been completed at the three Cliffs communities along Highway 11 — Cliffs at Mountain Park, Cliffs at Glassy and Cliffs Valley — and 150 homes are under construction across all seven Cliffs communities. The plan to build out the village is good news for Mountain Park property owners, Smith said. Hamblen and partners are “moving forward with what a lot of people anticipated having at their disposal when they acquired property here,” he said.
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6 | Q&A |
INFORMATION YOU WANT TO KNOW
‘THE RIGHT MARKET AT THE RIGHT TIME’ With Southern First expanding into North Carolina, CEO Art Seaver talks about where the banking industry is going next DAVID DYKES | STAFF
ddykes@communityjournals.com PHOTO BY WILL CROOKS
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INFORMATION YOU WANT TO KNOW
R. Arthur “Art” Seaver Jr. has been Southern First Bank’s chief executive officer since 1999. From 1986 until 1992, he held various positions with The Citizens & Southern National Bank of South Carolina. From 1992 until February 1999, he was with Greenville National Bank, which was acquired by Regions Bank in 1998. He was the senior vice president in lending and also responsible for managing Greenville National Bank’s deposit strategies before leaving to form Greenville First Bank. Seaver is a 1986 graduate of Clemson University with a bachelor’s degree in financial management and a 1999 graduate of the BAI Graduate School of Community Bank Management. Recently, he sat down with UBJ to discuss his bank’s expansion into North Carolina, the Federal Reserve’s raising short-term interest rates and the impact on depositors.
You recently announced the opening of your first North Carolina location — in the Wade Park development near the PNC Arena and Carter Finley Stadium in Raleigh. Why the expansion north? Our expansion philosophy has always been the right market at the right time — but only with the right banker. I can’t be a successful banker in Columbia, in Charleston or in Raleigh. But Justin Strickland and his team can be great bankers because they have always been bankers in Columbia. Len Howell and his team have always been bankers in Charleston. That’s why we went to Charleston. One of my roles is to share our story, and I’m always recruiting. That means bankers who are in our markets and maybe even bankers who are outside our market.
Southern First Bancshares Q3 2016 Highlights
other factor is Raleigh’s a $22 billion deposit market. So it’s twice the size of any of our Greenville markets. Greenville, Columbia and Charleston — they’re all roughly $10 billion markets. Raleigh is a $22 billion market, so it’s huge. And we only need a small amount to be successful.
“No one knows how far or how fast rates are going to go up. But rates are still at levels that are unbelievable and monetary policy is very accommodative to generating economic activity.”
Do you have a broader expansion strategy?
I found Jonathan Taylor [executive vice president and Triangle Market executive] … called him up, told him I was going to be in the neighborhood and would love to take him to lunch. You just start to build a relationship. And he’s like, “Why in the world did you want to have lunch with me?” I said, “Well, let me share with you the story of what Southern First is all about, and what we’ve created now over 16 1/2 years and a bank that’s headquartered in Greenville, S.C., that started with $11.5 million in capital from just great people in Greenville, now has become the third-largest bank headquartered in the state of South Carolina. We’ve grown one client at a time, never through acquisition, and we would be interested in going to another market if we could build a great relationship with a banker who was talented, deep market roots, but probably most importantly had a culture that fit under who we are. Our company is 180 people now. And there’s a very unique, caring family culture to our company, and so we’re incredibly protective of that. I don’t want a banker who just thinks they’re a great banker or used to run this bank or anything else. I need a banker who loves having client relationships but understands the culture of caring and serving.”
Net income to common shareholders increased 26% to $3.4M ($2.7M at Q3 2015) Gross loans increased 12% to $1.11B ($993.2M at Q3 2015) Total deposits increased 11% to $1.05B ($943.9M at Q3 2015) Total revenue increased 16% to $13.9M ($12.0M for Q3 2015) Return on average assets increased to 1.08% (0.95% for Q3 2015)
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What makes it the right time? That’s a good question. We as a company have built an infrastructure to be able to support expansion to another market. That’s part of the right time. The other part of the right time is the upheaval of the banking market in North Carolina. There’s a great deal of M&A [mergers and acquisitions] activity in that market. And the
We would do other markets at the right time, but only with the right banker. I have analysts who call me all the time, once we announced [the Raleigh expansion], asking, “How many markets are you going to be in in five years?” I say, “I know exactly. I’m going to be in Greenville, Columbia, Charleston and Raleigh. I know I’m going to be in those five years from now.” And I may only be in those five years from now. And if I am, awesome. Because I only have a 6 percent market share in Greenville, 1 percent in Columbia, 1 percent in Charleston. And I just started [in Raleigh]. I’ve got a runway of opportunity forever even in those four markets. But would we go to another market? Sure. But we’re 17 years old, and we’ve only done this three other times.
The Federal Reserve has raised short-term interest rates. Is it likely or unlikely to reward your depositors? That question makes the presumption that I haven’t been rewarding them. I don’t look at it that way. I feel like I have always been incredibly competitive at rewarding my depositors. We just are in — and have been for eight years — unprecedented times in terms of interest rates. Now, for the first time in really 10 years, we’re in a new environment, a rising rate environment. No one knows how far or how fast rates are going to go up. But rates are still at levels that are unbelievable and monetary policy is very accommodative to generating economic activity. Mortgage rates now … are above 4 percent and approaching 4.5 percent. That has a natural element to not being able to buy as big a house or questions about affordability. But we’ll see what the long end of the curve is in terms of mortgage rates, in terms of where they end up. A lot of people speculate on what the activity’s going to be. But I’m always reminded we haven’t seen a rising rate environment in a long time.
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8 | RANKINGS |
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INFORMATION YOU WANT TO KNOW
27 Upstate companies named to South Carolina 100 STAFF REPORT
Milliken & Company of Spartanburg tops Grant Thorton’s latest South Carolina 100, its ranking of the Top 100 private companies in the state. Twenty-six other Upstate companies also made the list. Grant Thornton, an independent audit, tax and advisory firm, ranks the companies based on their net revenues for their most recently completed fiscal year. To qualify, companies must be privately held, headquartered in the state and not a subsidiary of another company. Three Upstate companies appeared
in the Top 10 with the same ranks they held in 2015 and 2014: Milliken & Company of Spartanburg (1), J.M. Smith Corporation of Spartanburg (3) and Quality Business Solutions of Travelers Rest (6). Several Greenville companies rose significantly in rank since last year. Parkplace Corporation jumped 21 spots in rank to 64; McMillan Pazdan Smith rose 21 places to 73. Commercial FoodService Repair Inc. and Yeargin Potter Smith Construction both climbed 13 places to 51 and 56, respectively, and Human Technologies Inc. rose 12 places to 34.
100
Planned Giving for Future Endeavors
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UPSTATE COMPANIES ON THE SC 100 $1 BILLION OR MORE 1. Milliken & Company, Spartanburg 3. J.M. Smith Corporation, Spartanburg 6. Quality Business Solutions, Travelers Rest
$100-$999 MILLION 8. Lincoln Oil Co., Greenville 10. Mount Vernon Mills Inc., Mauldin 12. Dearybury Oil & Gas Inc., Spartanburg 18. Southeastern Paper Group Inc., Spartanburg 20. Spartanburg Forest Products Inc., Greer 22. Metromont Corporation, Greenville 25. JHM Enterprises Inc., Greenville 34. Human Technologies Inc., Greenville 37. O’Neal Inc., Greenville
$50-$99 MILLION 43. Industrial Packaging Supplies Inc., Fountain Inn 47. CoLinx LLC, Greenville 48. Eldeco Inc., Greenville 51. Commercial FoodService Repair Inc., Greenville 53. Trehel Corporation, Greenville 56. Yeargin Potter Smith Construction, Greenville 57. Infinity Marketing Solutions, Greenville
$50 MILLION OR LESS 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.
64. Parkplace Corporation, Greenville 65. Greenville Meats Inc., Greenville 72. Southern Weaving Company, Greenville 73. McMillan Pazdan Smith LLC, Greenville 74. Waldrop Inc., Spartanburg 75. New South Construction Supply LLC, Greenville 81. International Plastics Inc., Greenville 82. Find Great People LLC, Greenville For the complete list, visit bit.ly/South-Carolina-100 Based on net revenue for the companies' most recently completed fiscal year
864-233-5925 • www.cfgreenville.org
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TechTronic moving HQ, adding jobs in Anderson County RUDOLPH BELL | CONTRIBUTOR
rbell@communityjournals.com
Power toolmaker TechTronic Industries said it would add 250 jobs to its existing workforce of about 1,000 in Anderson County. The Hong Kong-based company also said it would move the headquarters of its power equipment division from its current site in a former factory building on Pearman Dairy Road in Anderson into a new 300,000-square-foot building that it will construct in Anderson County. The new $75 million building will house offices and labs and be located on the same property along Interstate 85 where TechTronic opened an $85 million, 1.3-million-square-foot distribution center and assembly operation earlier this year. The campus near Highway 81 will be known as the TTI Power Center and will be highly visible along I-85, said company spokesman Jason Swanson. He said the new jobs, to be added over the next several years, will be mostly white-collar headquarters positions in such areas as engineering, product development or finance, though some will be blue-collar jobs in assembly and warehousing. Swanson said TechTronic is hiring because its business is doing well and because of the addition of new products.
Rendering provided by TTI Power Equipment TechTronic makes various power tools and equipment such as chainsaws, leaf blowers, drills and vacuum cleaners, mostly at factories in China. It sells the products under a variety of brand names, including Ryobi, Homelite, Milwaukee, Dirt Devil and Hoover. Sixty-five percent of the company’s sales are in North America, and its biggest customer is the Atlanta-based Home Depot chain.
Hilb Group acquires Greenville-based Endeavor Insurance Services DAVID DYKES | STAFF
ddykes@communityjournals.com The Hilb Group LLC said it has acquired Greenville-based Endeavor Insurance Services Inc. Terms weren’t disclosed. Endeavor specializes in group health and employee benefits. With the acquisition, Richmond, Va.-based Hilb expands its footprint into South Carolina with Endeavor's three offices located throughout the state. All of Endeavor's employees, including President John Adair and Chief Financial Officer Rod Fountain, are joining Hilb and will continue to operate under the existing name. "As we continue to grow, we are seeking partners who will advance our scope of services as a leading national insurance broker," said Robert J. Hilb, Hilb founder and CEO. "Endeavor will
further strengthen our benefits capabilities and increase our client base. We are excited to welcome the Endeavor team to the Hilb Group family." "Joining THG provides us with an opportunity to benefit from the financial strength and resources of a national broker and to considerably enhance the services and programs that we offer to our clients and our employees," Adair said. "This is the beginning of an exciting new chapter for Endeavor, our team and our clients." Hilb is a middle-market insurance agency and a portfolio company of Boston-based private equity firm ABRY Partners.
POWER PLAYER: TECHTRONIC’S NEW HQ Name: TTI Power Center Size: 300,000 square feet Cost: $75 million New Jobs Created: 250
Happy Holidays to Family and Friends
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10 | Q&A AGRICULTURE | INFORMATION | INFORMATION YOU WANTYOU TO KNOW WANT TO KNOW
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OS MO MOSAM QUATEMPOS DEMODI
Roebuck Greenhouses harvests merry profits from poinsettias Tim Holliday, master gardener, and Alvin McAbee, founder of Roebuck Greenhouses, survey this year’s poinsettias. TREVOR ANDERSON | STAFF
tanderson@communityjournals.com Alvin McAbee wades in a sea of seasonal colors. His course hands glide over the soft leaves of the poinsettia crop that has filled the greenhouse at his Spartanburg County nursery with vibrant reds, whites, pinks and greens. After nearly six months of diligent care, McAbee and his staff will soon ship the last of this year’s plants to homes, business, churches, hospitals and other places where they will spread holiday cheer. “We had a very good crop this year,” said McAbee, 85, who founded Roebuck Greenhouses in 1962 after he returned from the Korean War. “We enjoy it. It always feels good to help people get into the Christmas spirit.” For decades, McAbee has grown poinsettias at his nursery, which sits on about 12 acres at 3339 Carolina Country Club Road, 2 miles from Dorman High School. His plants have been displayed in the White House and other political destinations around Washington, D.C. The late U.S. Sen. Strom Thurmond, R-S.C., used to purchase them as gifts for his fellow legislators.
The company used to grow up to 75,000 plants. Economic downturn forced customers to cut back, but McAbee said his business has started to pick back up during the past two years. Tim Holliday, master gardener for Roebuck Greenhouses, who started working for McAbee in college during the late 1980s, said this year’s crop produced about 40,000 plants, enough to fill 26 greenhouses. Most of the plants have already been sent to customers and the rest will be shipped during the next few days. “I think it has been a great year, but we have to finish strong. This is the final push,” Holliday said. “Overall, the business climate has been good. I think sales are probably as good as last year, if not a little better.” McAbee’s customers are primarily within about a 200-mile radius. The company has moved away from selling to chain stores and primarily serves wholesale gardens, churches, fundraisers and other organizations. Roebuck Greenhouses carries a variety of poinsettias. Growing begins in May when the plants arrive as mere sprouts. While temperatures outside contin-
This year’s crop produced about 40,000 plants, enough to fill 26 greenhouses. ue to cool, McAbee’s greenhouses remain warm and the plants are able to soak up plenty of natural light and water. Holliday said the operation was not affected by this year’s drought because all of the growing is done indoors. His daughter, Vicky Noe, operates a retail garden center that sits beside Roebuck Greenhouses’ main office. His son, Ricky McAbee, operates a separate business, Roebuck Wholesale Nursery, just down the road. Holliday said one of the most difficult aspects of growing poinsettias is predicting what color will be the most popular. This year, the favorite color was
white. The pink-and-white marble poinsettias were also popular. “A few years ago, pink was the color,” Holliday said. “This year, we couldn’t keep enough white. I wish I knew how to predict it. You just have to do the best you can.” When the last of the poinsettias are shipped, McAbee will begin growing spring flowers. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, poinsettias are the country’s top-selling potted plant, with nearly 80 million sold for more than $250 million annually. The market lasts only about six weeks each year. Joel Roberts Poinsett, a South Carolinian who was the first American ambassador to Mexico, introduced the poinsettia to the U.S. in the late 1820s. Poinsett, a physician and botanist, owned property in Greenville and is the namesake of the Westin Poinsett hotel in downtown Greenville and Poinsett Bridge and surrounding heritage preserve in Travelers Rest. Poinsettias are native to southern Mexico, where they grow to heights of 8 feet or taller in their natural habitat, according to the USDA. They became a holiday staple during the 1900s.
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12 | SQUARE FEET |
UBJ
REAL ESTATE DEALS AND DEVELOPMENTS ACROSS THE REGION
DAVID DYKES | STAFF
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ddykes@communityjournals.com
QT planned for Laurens Road near I-85 QuikTrip Corp. plans a gas station and convenience store at Fairforest Way and Laurens Road and will demolish the MacShore manufacturing structure at the site to make way for the development. The Tulsa, Okla.-based, privately held company is seeking annexation to the city of Greenville. The development application was scheduled to be reviewed Dec. 15 by the city’s Planning Commission, but the review has been postponed until Jan. 19 at the request of the applicant, city documents show. The city’s planning staff recommends approval with some engineering, environmental and stormwater management conditions. Mike Thornbrugh, QT’s manager of public and government affairs, said he expects those conditions to be met. A schedule for construction and the store opening haven’t been determined. The convenience store will be roughly 5,800 square feet, and most QT stores have eight to 12 gas pumps, Thornbrugh said, adding that QT will lease the land but own the building. The property is located outside the city limits near Interstate 85. City planners said it has been recombined and subdivided to create a nearly 3-acre parcel to be annexed and zoned from the larger property owned by JRB Partners LLC. Surrounding properties within the city are zoned R-6 (J.L. Mann High School) and S-1 (an existing gas station and Clemson University-ICAR properties), according to city planners.
I-85
LAURENS ROAD
CU-ICAR
CARMAX MILLENNIUM BOULEVARD
PLANNED QT J.L. MANN
FAIRFOREST WAY
The S-1 zoning district continues south down Laurens Road to the city limits and north of Laurens Road where the C-3 district also exists. J.L. Mann High, although not immediately adjacent to the proposed QT site, carries a parks, open space and schools designation. Development of the QT must comply with nonresidential design standards, landscaping and other applicable city codes. The annexation process requires the property be assigned a city zoning designation, and planners concluded a C-3, or regional commercial district, designation is the most appropriate for the proposed development. C-3 districts establish and preserve distinct areas
Acadia announces new neighborhoods The Acadia community in Greenville County is expanding, with Phase 3 plans calling for 106 new home sites to attract everyone from empty nesters to young families. “Acadia is growing, thanks to a convergence of several wonderful dynamics,” said John Freeman, developer of the Acadia community. “The Greenville economy is very strong, and mortgage rates remain a bargain. As Greenville grows, so does Acadia.” Since 2006, Acadia has grown and is now home to 130 families. Acadia has preserved 120 of its 360 acres for
parks, trails, green spaces and common areas. It offers several outdoor amenities, including the paddle house, where kayaks launch onto the Saluda River, and the junior Olympic swimming pool. Festivals, 5K charity runs and bike rides, parades, weddings and cookouts are held at Acadia’s Pavilion on the Village Green. Custom home sites in The Sanctuary are available from $80,000 for wooded lots and up to $249,000 for estates with river and mountain views. Several home styles and custom finishes are also
available in Somes Village: townhomes from $315,000; twin houses from $375,000; gatehouses from $429,000; pocket-park cottages from $330,000; and single-family custom homes from $435,000 on cottage lots, from $475,00 on manor lots and from $550,000 and up on estate and super-estate lots. The Acadia Sales Centre, 1 Village Mews Road, at the corner of Acadia Avenue, is open 10 a.m.–5 p.m. weekdays, 10–4 p.m. on Saturday, 2–4 p.m. Sunday and anytime by appointment. Call 864-269-1011, or go to AcadiaSC.com.
for regional retail shopping centers. The district typically is located along major arterials. But due to requirements of the city’s nonresidential design standards, planners don’t anticipate the zoning would result in a so-called “strip” commercial development. Nearby properties in the city are zoned commercial or industrial, but the proposed designation won’t create an isolated, or “spot,” zoning, planners said. Founded in 1958, QuikTrip has grown to a more than $11 billion company with more than 700 stores in 11 states, including South and North Carolina. QuikTrip also gives back to the communities it serves, donating 5 percent of net profits to charitable organizations
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NAI EARLE FURMAN ANNOUNCES THE FOLLOWING TRANSACTIONS:
to Gerhard Faulstitch II.
Tony Bonitati, Kay Hill and Bern DuPree were the agents in the sale of Hunter Garrett and John Timberland Apartments, a Staunton were the agents 92-unit apartment complex in the lease of a 31,500in Spartanburg, by West Club SF industrial building at Capital to Cedar Grove SC II 501 Bettis Academy Road, Graniteville, by WSM Holdings LLC. LLC to Wilson Mold & Tony Bonitati, Kay Hill and Machine Corp. Bern DuPree were the agents in the sale of Georgetown Towers Rice was the agent Village Apartments, a 74in the lease of a 10,000-SF unit apartment complex in industrial building at 106 Prosperity Blvd., Piedmont, by Spartanburg, by West Club KAWAC LLC to R3 Motorcars Capital to Cedar Grove Capital. LLC. Andrew Babb was the agent Hunter Garrett, John Staunton in the sale of a 4,792-SF retail property at 844 S. Pine and Parks McLeod Jr. were St., Spartanburg, by Venkata the agents in the lease of & Pauline Iyer to The Buddy a 10,500-SF industrial building at 1635 Poplar Drive Group LLC. Extension, Greer, by Darien Properties I LLC to World Wide John Gray, Drew Stamm and Keith Jones were agents in Fittings Inc. the sale of a 4,600-SF office property at 710 Lowndes Hill Dan Dunn was the agent in Road by J. L. Rogers to Blue the sale of 30.34 acres of Water Civil Design PLLC. vacant land on South Old Laurens Road, Gray Court, Stuart Smith and Walker by Wallace Cabler, Jr. and Kennedy were the agents Thomas Cabler to Jesse and in the sale a 5,300-SF Shea Dreaden. industrial building at 976 Gaston Albergotti and Graham S. Pine St., Spartanburg, by Mullikin were the agents in the Miller-Ridgeway LLC to Total sale of Gregory Center, a 37.7 Ministries of Spartanburg County. acre mixed-use property on White Horse Road, by Gregory Hunter Garrett and John Center LLC to 103 McCall Staunton were agents in the LLC. sale of a 2,865-SF retail condo at 200 N. Main St. by Bernie Bastian was the TNB Financial Services. agent in the sale of 27.68 acres of land on Loblolly Circle Extension, Mauldin, by Towers Rice was the agent Moderate LLC to Crown Real in the sale of a 60,000-SF industrial building at 5115 Old Estate Management LLC. Greenville Highway, Liberty, Ted Lyerly and Jimmy Wright by Greek + The Sheik LLC to Distributed Energy Design were the agents in the sale LLC. of Sweetbriar Commons, a 15,527-SF retail center on Gaston Albergotti was the North Pleasantburg Drive by Pleasantburg Real Properties agent in the sale of Winfield Acres, a 40-unit multifamily LLC to Sun Management property in Spartanburg, by Corp. Winfield Investors LLC to Sllim LLC. Bernie Bastian was the agent in the sale of 18.29 Alex Campbell was the agent acres of land on Loblolly in the sale of a 16,250-SF Circle, Mauldin, by Triangle industrial building located Construction Company at 590 Robin Lake Road, to Crown Real Estate Duncan, by Benchmark Management LLC. Investors LLC to Robin Lake Andrew Babb was the agent in LLC. the sale of an 8,800-SF office Rusty Hamrick was the agent property at 1451 E. Main St., Spartanburg, by Murphy in the sale of 206.51 acres of Realty and Leasing Corporation land on Old Dairy Road, Gray
DEALMAKERS
Court, by Richard Watson to William Marion Jr.
Reinhardt were the agents in the sale of 1.03 acres of land at 1930 Poinsett Highway Earle Furman and Keith Jones by Good Properties Poinsett were the agents in the sale of LLC to Pavilion Development a 32,000-SF office building Company. at 254 S. Pleasantburg Drive by Appian-Pleasantburg LLC Scott Burgess was the agent to Marketplace Development in the lease of 1,770 SF of LLC. retail space at Pelham at 85 to Painting with a Twist. Towers Rice was the agent in the sale a 10,000-SF Scott Burgess was the agent industrial building at 138 in the lease of 2,000 SF Commerce Center by Olson of retail space in Anderson 3 LLC to Five K Investments by Anderson Central to The LLC. Jewelry Outlet. COLLIERS INTERNATIONAL ANNOUNCES THE FOLLOWING TRANSACTIONS:
Richard Barrett and Brannan Hudson were the agents in the lease of 10,000 SF of flex space at 1095 Thousand Oaks Blvd. by Golden Oaks Industrial Park LLC to Jacobs Engineering Group. Richard Barrett and Brannan Hudson were the agents in the lease of 10,500 SF of flex space at 1629 Poplar Drive by Darien Properties LLC to TWC Services Inc.
Scott Burgess was the agent in the lease of 1,400 SF of retail space in Simpsonville by Fairview Market to Simpsonville Family Chiropractic. Scott Burgess was the agent in the lease of 1,700 SF of retail space in Simpsonville by Five Forks Plaza to Asian Cafe. Scott Burgess was the agent in the lease of 1,600 SF of retail space in Simpsonville by Five Forks Plaza to The Golden Llama.
Scott Burgess was the agent in the lease of 1,518 SF of retail Richard Barrett and Brannan space at 1143 Woodruff Road Hudson were the agents in by Garlington Station to Castle the lease of 10,500 SF of flex Nails. space at 1635 Poplar Drive by Darien Properties LLC to World Scott Burgess was the agent Wide Fittings LLC. in the lease of 3,500 SF of restaurant space at 1143 Richard Barrett and Brannan Woodruff Road by Garlington Hudson were the agents in Station to Orangetheory the lease of 6,200 SF of flex Fitness. space at 4 McDougall Court in Mauldin by R&J Investments Givens Stewart, Garrett Scott, Inc. to Build your Closet Brockton Hall, Richard Barrett Company and Brannan Hudson were agents in the lease of 60,000 Frank Hammond and Nick SF of industrial space at 1335 Reinhardt were the agents in Hayne St. in Spartanburg the sale of 2,000 SF of office by Atkins Machinery LLC to space at 1309 Grove Road to William Barnet & Son LLC. Earth Design Inc. Richard Jackson was the Frank Hammond and Nick agent in the lease of 16,500 Reinhardt were the agents in SF of industrial space at 315 the sale of 5,064 SF of office Pendleton St. by Fagus LLC to space at 2041 Medical Park Mercy Recycling LLC. Drive in Newberry by Cooper River Funding LLC to LRG Brantley Anderson and Taylor Partners LLC. Allen were agents in the lease of 2,218 SF of medical space Frank Hammond and Nick at 10 Enterprise Blvd. by US Reinhardt were the agents in Flagship MOB-Enterprise LLC the sale of 38.79 acres of land to Greenville Men’s Health on Brockman McClimon Road Group LLC. in Greer by Dailey Properties LLC to JoCo Holdings LLC. Brantley Anderson and Taylor Allen were agents in the lease Frank Hammond and Nick
of 3,311 SF of medical space at 10 Enterprise Blvd. by US Flagship MOB-Enterprise LLC to Palladium Hospice and Palliative Care LLC.
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COLDWELL BANKER COMMERCIAL CAINE ANNOUNCES THE FOLLOWING TRANSACTIONS:
Rick Cauthen was the agent in the sale of a +5,007SF Applebee’s investment property on +1.197 acres at 1512 W. Floyd Baker Blvd., Gaffney, by Peter W. Kwan and Jacqueline N. Kwan to Brantley Anderson and Taylor Metropolitan Rental Corp. Allen were agents in the lease of 1,500 SF of office space Rick Cauthen was the agent in at 5 Century Drive by 1068 the sale of a +1,200-SF office/ Partners LLC to Aiut Inc. retail building on +0.8 acre at 101 Evening Way, Mauldin, by Brantley Anderson, Taylor Henderson Enterprises Inc. to Allen, Frank Hammond and Weaver Holdings LLC. Nick Reinhardt were agents in the sale of 12,000 SF Sammy DuBose was the agent of office building at 880 S. in the sale of +35.83 acres at Pleasantburg Drive by TD I-385 and South Nelson Drive, Bank N.A. to Remoca Corp. Fountain Inn, ExxonMobil Foundation to A & A Real Givens Stewart, Garrett Scott Estate LLC. and Brockton Hall were agents in the lease of 65,645 SF of Tim Satterfield was the agent industrial space at 40 Tyger in the sale of a +3,720-SF River Drive, Duncan, by Exeter retail building on 1.3 acres at Property Group to Dare Foods 2170 & 2180 Country Club Inc. Road, Spartanburg, by 2170 Country Club Road LLC MRG Brantley Anderson and Taylor Holdings LLC. Allen were agents in the lease of 1,500 SF of office space at Tim Satterfield was the agent 1011 Grove Road by Sheree in the sale of +12 acres at LLC to Edward D. Jones & E. Union Street, Chesnee, by Co. LP. Spartanburg Leased Housing Corporation to Spartanburg Richard Jackson was the County. agent in the lease of 7,500 SF of office space at 105 Fortis Charles Humphreys and Rick Drive, Duncan, by Dainthus, Cauthen were the agents LLC. in the lease of a +1,250SF retail space at Woodruff Richard Jackson was the Gallery Shopping Center, 1178 agent in the lease of 16,488 Woodruff Road, Suite 11, by SF of industrial space at 415 Callista LLC to Allan Shane Industrial Court, Greer, by Chastain. Wazaflex Company LLC to Sunrun Inc. Tim Satterfield were the agents in the lease of a +7,200-SF Givens Stewart, Garrett Scott retail space at 442 S. Church and Brockton Hall were agents St., Spartanburg, by JKP in the sale of 19.7 acres of Properties LLC to Project HUB industrial land at Tyger River Spartanburg. Industrial Park – North, Moore, by Pacolet Milliken Enterprises Tim Satterfield and Angela to Anderson Mill Road Halstead were the agents in Spartanburg LLC. the lease of a +17,500-SF industrial building at 4220 S. Givens Stewart, Garrett Church St. Ext., Roebuck, by Scott and Brockton Hall Victor LeBron to Lydia Demski represented an automotive d/b/a Scope Services. supplier in a 230,000-SF build-to-suit at Tyger River Tim Satterfield and Angela Industrial Park – North, Halstead were the agents in Moore, with SunCap the lease of a +1,000-SF Property Group as the industrial space at 4220 S. developer. Church St. Ext., Roebuck, by Victor LeBron to Facility Solutions. Brantley Anderson and Taylor Allen were agents in the sale of 1,265 SF of office space at 200 N. Main St. to Davis Family Properties LP.
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THE BUSINESS OF DOGS
THE BUSINESS O F
DOGS
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THE BUSINESS OF DOGS
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PAWSITIVELY PAMPERED Local pet boutiques cater to dog owners — and their four-legged friends EMILY PIETRAS | ASSOCIATE EDITOR
epietras@communityjournals.com
With the rise of terms like “fur babies” and “fur children,” it doesn’t come as a surprise that according to an October 2016 report from sales and marketing agency Acosta, 94 percent of pet owners view their pets as members of the family, and 80 percent treat their pets like children. This increased humanization of our pets — particularly our dogs — has led to new consumer trends and business opportunities within the pet industry. Namely, there is growing demand for more specialized, higher-end products and services for dogs. Frugality has been replaced with dog owners seeking out the best products for their four-legged friends, whether that applies to food, toys, treats, accessories or grooming regiments. Specialty pet boutiques, including those in the Upstate, have provided a new niche for business owners and consumers. The pet industry’s growth has been boosted by the spending habits of baby boomers, specifically those ages 55–64, reports petbusiness.com. Susan Fredricksen, a sales associate at Paw Paws USA on West McBee Avenue, notes that women ages 50–60 that “want to spoil their pets” are a large portion of the shop’s clientele. At the same time, millennials — those born between 1985 and 2010 — have now “surpassed baby boomers as the largest generation of pet owners” and have also readily embraced the “pets as children” phenomenon. This development should be welcome news for business owners, as Acosta reports that millennials are more likely to view extras for their pet, such as toys, accessories and treats, as necessities compared to the baby-boomer generation. In fact, according to Acosta, 60 percent of millennials purchase such items for their pets once a week. The increasing average age for both
marriage and entry into parenthood could be impacting this trend. “We see a lot of young couples come in who have just got their first dog, and they’re treating it like their first baby,” says Meghan Whisnant, managing partner at Barkery Bistro on Augusta Street.
YOU ARE WHAT YOU EAT Whisnant and her mother, Diane Ludwig, opened Barkery Bistro in 2008. The pair originally started making homemade treats for their golden retrievers that had severe food allergies. From there, they became interested in the “health side of pet care,” Whisnant explains. “We were trying to find alternative ways to help dogs and their allergies, so it kind of grew from there,” she says. Since originally opening as a dog bakery, Barkery Bistro has expanded into a dog boutique, with a grooming service and retail offerings. Providing pets with better food is a growing consumer trend within the industry, and Urban Yap Pet Spa & Boutique, located on The Parkway in Greer, has responded to this demand by selling a variety of holistic pet foods, in addition to toys and treats and offering grooming. Purchasing food with premium ingredients is a way for owners to improve and maintain the wellbeing of their pet, and it’s also the result of people’s increased humanization of their pets. “Health and wellness trends for pets mirror what’s happening in the human world. The reasoning is what’s good for us must also be good for Fido,” reads the Acosta report. More specialized and holistic pet food comes with a higher price tag, but the perception is that the wellness benefits outweigh the costs. “We are finding that many dogs have severe skin issues, food intolerances and food or environmental allergies. Many of these problems can be reduced or even eliminated by changing your pet’s diet,” says Lee Anne Townes, owner of Urban Yap.
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“Holistic pet diets can also help you reduce the number of visits your pet makes to the veterinary office. We see a lot of dog owners who are realizing the value in better foods and treats,” adds Townes. “Fewer vet bills will more than make up for the price difference.” Urban Yap has also expanded to sell supplements that, until recently, one wouldn’t expect to find in a dog’s diet, including probiotics, pre-biotics, essential vitamins, enzymes and antioxidants.
WHO WANTS A TREAT? Change in the type of food that consumers want for their dogs has also extended to treats. Petbusiness. com reports that treats are the “fastest-growing pet retail category,” and that in 2015, 40 percent of the 3,300 new products on the market were treats. According to APPA’s 2015–16 National Pet Owners Survey, dog owners spend an average of $61 on treats annually. “All of that birthday gourmet treat stuff is the biggest trend we’ve noticed,” says Whisnant. People often come to Barkery Bistro specifically for the store’s birthday “pupcakes,” and Urban Yap also sells deco-
rative cookies and cakes for birthdays and other special occasions. That purchasing homemade, specialty birthday treats for dogs is a growing hit isn’t a surprise when looking at consumer trends. According to the Acosta report, 60 percent of pet owners celebrate their pet’s birthday, which has opened opportunities to introduce new products to the market. “When we ask [customers] what they’re looking for, their dog is turning a year old or their senior dog is turning 13,” says Whisnant. “It’s like their baby and a member of their family. It’s the same thing even with people who come in with kids. They’ll come in … and help pick out the treats. It’s a thing for the whole family and just a fun memory.”
SO FRESH, SO CLEAN Another trend that is emerging is that grooming is not always referred to as “grooming” now. Instead it’s a “spa day,” which, for the owner, connotes that they are pampering their dog. In addition to their basic grooming packages, Urban Yap and Barkery Bistro offer fancy add-ons for pur-
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chase. For example, Urban Yap has specialty treatments that can supplement a dog’s regular grooming regiment, including de-shedding treatments; paw, nose or skin moisture treatments; blueberry facials; “pawdicures”; and teeth brushing, among others. In keeping with the idea that a pet is a family member or child, these extra treatments make owners feel that they are helping maintain their dog’s wellbeing. One grooming offering that has recently become popular on spa days is the blueberry facial. It consists of a “a concentrated blueberry-scented shampoo placed on your dog’s face and ears, which sits for 10 minutes complete with a warm towel wrap, then rinsed thoroughly,” explains Townes. “It’s relaxing for them, too,” says Whisnant. “They get a little face massage, just like if a person got a facial.” Barkery Bistro includes a blueberry facial with many of their grooms, which is a big selling point for customers, she adds.
SOMETHING EXTRA Paw Paws USA has filled another niche in the market for dog owners who want to buy high-quality, distinct accessories for their pups. The store special-
PAMPER YOUR PUP BARKERY BISTRO 2123 AUGUSTA ST. 864-236-1503 thebarkerybistro.com
PAW PAWS USA 6 W. MCBEE AVE. 864-236-7483 pawpawsusa.com
URBAN YAP 405 THE PARKWAY #200, GREER 864-655-7117 urbanyappetspa.com
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izes in collars, leashes and harnesses. Today, many dog owners intentionally seek out these personalized and customized accessories, because “they want to humanize their dogs,” explains Fredricksen. “Today's pet owner likes to extend their individuality to their pets.” The specialty store has capitalized on this growing trend. Founder and owner Anne Nutter has created almost all of the 65 unique ribbon patterns used in the store’s products. She opened her business in 2006 and has a workshop above the store’s current location. After doing wholesale, Nutter transitioned to retail and opened the brick-and-mortar store downtown in 2013. With a more visible presence near Main Street, Paw Paws USA has experienced a 40 percent increase in business since 2015. “You can’t find Anne’s products just anywhere,” Fredicksen says. “The design and printing of our own ribbon and exclusive patterns is one of our many competitive advantages.” “Everything is not only exclusive to the store but also it is customizable and able to be monogrammed. You can pick the colors and patterns within the limits of what the design studio can do,” she adds. For example, one of the store’s recently fulfilled special orders was for a leash, collar and bowtie that all matched each other. “We have a lot of flexibility, and we can help bring that customized product to the marketplace and service the customer that way,” says Fredricksen.
THE BUSINESS OF DOGS
(Opposite) A large portion of Paw Paws' clientele are women 50-60 who want to spoil their fur babies. (Above) Food allergies led the founders of Barkery Bistro to begin making dog treats. (Below) Urban Yap specializes in holistic dog diets.
Projected U.S. Pet Industry Spending, 2016 Food: $24.01 billion Supplies/OTC Medicine*: $14.98 billion Vet Care: $15.92 billion Live Animal Purchases: $2.11 billion Other Services**: $5.73 billion Total: $62.75 billion * Includes beds, collars, leashes, toys, litter, bedding, food and water bowls, clothing and other accessories **Includes grooming, boarding, training, pet sitting, pet exercise and miscellaneous Source: American Pet Products Association
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What We're Buying 43% of pet owners buy toys and apparel on impulse. 66% of pet owners purchase treats. 50% of pet owners purchase toys. 60% of pet owners celebrate pet birthdays. 46% o f pet owners buy items that contain “wellness benefits.” 14,000 pet product stores are projected to be open by 2018 in the U.S. Source: ACOSTA, “Pet Parenting Boom,” October 2016
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SWEET DREAMS Snoozer Pet Products puts pups in the lap of luxury EMILY PIETRAS | ASSOCIATE EDITOR
epietras@communityjournals.com
When Gary O’Donnell was in high school, his father, Norman, had a side business outside of his job at Michelin making heaters for dog beds. At the time, they were a practical necessity; most dogs spent their days and nights outside, not in the home. O’Donnell would help work on the heaters after school by cutting metal and wires. That heater side business ultimately evolved into Snoozer Pet Products, a Greenville-based dog bed manufacturing company. In 1985, Norman quit his job and, instead of heaters, began making and selling dog beds to retail stores. “It wasn’t a fancy dog bed, but it was positioned as highly durable and of value quality. We’d blow cedar into the fillings so that it smelled nice and controlled odors, but it was a purely functional dog bed,” says O’Donnell, who has served as Snoozer’s chief marketing officer for three years. His brother, Brian, the vice president of operations, has been with the company for nearly a decade. Since the company’s founding, there have been cultural shifts in both the view of a dog’s place in the home and the family. “People are not looking for hunting dogs or utility dogs, like a farm animal, as much [today],” O’Donnell says. “People have become more urbanized and they’ve realized that a dog is a tremendous companion.” These changing attitudes consequently affected the pet industry. Many consumers wanted to ditch utilitarian goods in favor of specialty pet products, and the market adapted. Snoozer shifted to manufacturing and selling higher-end, durable and expensive dog beds. Company growth steadily followed. In 2014, Snoozer moved to a 50,000-square-foot facility in Piedmont, S.C., and 43,000 square feet of that space is for manufacturing — double the size of the previous facility. Norman pioneered the design of two product
models that remain top sellers for Snoozer today: the Lookout Dog Car Seat and the Cozy Cave Dog Bed. The company has sold these for about 20 and 10 years, respectively. The Lookout is designed for small dogs (up to 25 pounds) that need extra height to easily see out the car window. The product provides both psychological and physical comfort during car rides. “If dogs can’t see out the window, they can get carsick or nervous,” explains O’Donnell. And the Cozy Cave, a circular-shaped bed with a Sherpa fabric-lined hood, is especially designed to accommodate dogs that like to burrow. While the popularity of some products has stayed constant, other market trends have led Snoozer to introduce new products and customizations over the years. For example, consumers these days frequently want dog beds that match or complement their personal home décor, so many of Snoozer’s products come in a range of neutral colors, such as shades of khaki, navy, olive, red, black and brown. “They have to fit with colors people are using [in their homes]. You can’t have an ugly bed in a beautiful room,” O’Donnell says. “People like colors that blend.” The increase in dogs’ lifespans has also led to the popularity of the company’s orthopedic product line, likely because owners want to provide their dogs with products that help maintain wellness and health, especially as they age. According to a 2013 report from Banfield Pet Hospital, “The average lifespan of a dog in 2012 was 11 years, up nearly half a year since 2002.” As more households have senior dogs, and for longer periods of time, the trend of wanting products that cater to their needs will likely continue.
Lookout I Dog Car Seat As an offshoot to the orthopedic bed, the company also sells a scalloped ramp for dogs that need extra assistance getting on furniture or into cars. The design, which has rounded steps instead of squared ones, is beneficial for older dogs “with bad hips or short legs,” O’Donnell notes. Snoozer still sells its products in stores and wholesale to retailers like Amazon, Petco, Petsmart and Amazon, but the scale has shifted since the company’s earlier days. “[Retail stores] are the smallest part of the business, but it was once the business,” O’Donnell says. He adds that the company anticipates that retail sales via their website will “become even a more important part of the business.” The company’s online presence and retail have helped it carve out a niche in the market among other larger conglomerates in the pet product industry. “We’ve seen the online space consolidate dramatically. We’re still a smaller player, but if we meet our base and following, then we can establish ourselves,” O’Donnell says. “People are following us [on social media] and like our products. We have a very loyal customer base and a lot of repeat buyers.”
SNOOZER PET PRODUCTS Cozy Cave Dog Bed: $69.95–$99.95 Lookout I Dog Car Seat: $69.95–$89.95 Orthopedic Cozy Cave Dog Bed: $79.95–$129.95 Orthopedic Pillow Top Dog Bed: $85.95–$149.95 Scalloped Dog Ramp: $99–159 For more information and products, visit snoozerpetproducts.com.
Cozy Cave Dog Bed
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DRESSING DOGGIES TO THE NINES Ally Jay Pet Designs has the accessories your pooch didn’t know he needed
VINCENT HARRIS | CONTRIBUTOR
vharris@communityjournals.com About three years ago, Allison Blasko & Janice Antley decided they wanted to start a business. The two longtime friends and Upstate natives had plenty of experience to draw on. Antley was a graphic designer, and Blasko had spent years in the corporate world before taking some time off to raise her children. So the two met to come up with an idea for a new business. They tried. And tried. And tried. “We met weekly for months to brainstorm on types of businesses we’d like to do, but we had brain fog,” Blasko says with a laugh. “We couldn’t come up with what we wanted to do.” The pair was at a loss until one day while Blasko was sitting in her den watching her nephew play with her recently adopted rescue dog. “It was the first one I’d had in a while, and I had pets on the brain,” she says. “And it just kind of hit me: What if we made monogrammed pet products? I don’t think there’s a lot of stuff like that out there.” From that simple idea, Ally Jay Pet Designs was born. Their first product was a leather patch that slides onto a dog collar with the dog’s first, middle (if needed) and last initials (typically, but not always, the owner’s last name) sewn into the leather. But that product didn’t come until months later, after Blasko and Antley had done some extensive research. “The first thing I did was look it up online, and there didn’t seem to be anyone doing that,” Antley says. “There were a lot of people putting pets’ names on things, but not true monograms for pets. We also learned that it was really hard to monogram a collar. So there was no product out there to print a monogram on. So we put our heads together on ideas for the collar and designed this leather piece that slides onto a dog collar. We found a manufacturer, found someone who would sew the monogram on, found some leather we loved and designed the slide. It took months to find a company that made good quality leather.” “Once we saw that there wasn’t a lot on the market that was fitting our style, we started working on our
Allison Blasko and Janice Antley spent months thinking of business ideas until they decided to venture into the blossoming pet accessories market. supply chain, finding manufacturers and vendors to help us make these products,” Blasko adds. The current product selection that Ally Jay offers is over a hundred strong, and includes monogrammed food bowls, beds, bandanas, bowties, carriers and their current best-seller, a dress-shirt collar, which comes in an Oxford style for the especially preppy pet, all designed by Antley and Blasko. And a portion of Ally Jay’s proceeds go to animal rescue organizations. “I’ve been inspired by Southern clothing companies like Southern Tide,” Antley says. “We’re trying to create a well-known brand for pets, one that’s high quality, that’s got all the details and thought that people put into people clothes.” Initially, the plan was for Ally Jay to be a web-only business, but the response to their product line was so strong that the duo soon had to seriously consider expanding into retail. “We had stores that began to call us about carrying our products,” Blasko says. “At first we weren’t able to accommodate that price point; the wholesale market is a whole different realm. But over time we’ve been able to work with the manufacturers to be able to deliver those products. Now, we’ve been able to become like a design shop selling to retail, but we still sell to the end user as well. We’re moving more in the retail direction now, because the market has called us.”
And Ally Jay has a lot more products in the pipeline, so many in fact that they’ve had to temporarily stop brainstorming new ones just to catch up. “We’ll have a lot of products in the next two years,” Antley says. “We’ve had to stop developing because it takes months to fully bring a product to fruition.” “We’re looking into collegiate licensing at some point in the future,” Blasko says. “We still have a long way to go, but it’s been a great adventure we didn’t expect. People really love our products. “ And Antley sums up just why those products have been so successful in one simple phrase: “Pets are family,” she says. “We believe they’re God’s gifts of unconditional love, and it’s through that love of pets that Allison and I decided to start Ally Jay.” “You give your pet your home, and give a pet your name,” Blasko adds. “It’s who you are and who you belong to. When you pick out a monogram and a fabric and a color that goes with that pet’s personality, that pet is going to be the only one with that collar, with that print, with that monogram.” For more information, visit allyjaypets.com
The style of Ally Jay Pet Designs’ monogrammed accessories is inspired by Southern clothing companies, such as Southern Tide.
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WALKING THE DOG Small businesses can make big money in pet services SCOTT PFEIFFER | CONTRIBUTOR
With more than 70 million pet dogs in the United States — on average, a dog for six of every 10 households — the pet ownership industry is a $60 billion market. Of that market, the pet services channel — pet sitting, walking, training and boarding — accounts for more than $6 billion in annual sales. Pet services like dog walking, though, are also small businesses. According to IBISWorld, an industry analyst, the 24,553 dog-walking businesses in the U.S. employ just 25,882 people, an average firm size of 1.01. This small-business trend is also the norm in Greenville, where dog-walking businesses average one to two people each. The reason for this is simple. According to Jason Welch and Steven Nelson of Dogs of Greenville, the pet services business requires a high degree of personal trust. “It is difficult for some people to leave their dogs,” Welch says. “People are hiring us to come into their houses, and to care for and love their pet.” “Trust is a must-have,” Nelson says. The two got into the business almost by accident. Friends from Mississippi, they started an online clothing and accessories business called The Good South. Having an online business turned them into work nomads, able to work from anywhere, and they decided to move to a cool Southern city. Then they visited Greenville. “In 90 minutes, we were sold,” Nelson says. “Moving to Greenville was the best decision we could have made.” The two dog lovers saw that Greenville’s downtown was extraordinarily dog friendly, and started the Instagram site @dogsofgville, which now has more than 7,000 followers. The discussions on Instagram led to people asking them to pet-sit, and what began as a side business has now grown to take up most of their time. “It allows us to get our dog fix,” Nelson says. “We’ve come to love so many dogs.” Jan Catlin became a dog walker after
she retired from teaching and found herself with time on her hands. People who knew she had always loved animals started asking her to pet-sit. “So many people were asking, I turned it into a business,” she says. According to Catlin, the hardest part of the business is remembering how each client wants their pet treated. “You have to be a good listener,” she says. “Every client has very specific ideas and needs.” People hire dog walkers and pet sitters for many reasons. Some are too busy in the middle of the day working to walk and feed their pets. Others need temporary help walking their dogs because of surgery or illness. Some need help during a long day trip. “I’m very busy during football season,” Catlin says. Her business has grown so much that her daughter, Brittany Catlin, has joined her full time. “You can make good money if you work hard,” Catlin says. Joanna Ramirez and her husband, Alfredo, moved to Greenville after he left the U.S. Navy. A former high school Spanish teacher, Joanna “just wanted to work with dogs all day, so I traded teenagers for dogs.” Ramirez is not only licensed, bonded and insured, she is a member of PetSitUSA and Pet Sitters International and is trained in pet CPR and first aid. “Paying a little more is worth peace of mind knowing you have hired a professional, reliable, trustworthy person to come into your home and care for your babies,” she says. The pet services industry, including pet sitting and dog walking, is a growing industry. The small size of most firms means that the entry barriers are low. You need a genuine love of animals, the willingness to work hard and work long hours and you need to form a real business — getting licensed, insured and bonded and receiving some training. But once you have done those things, there seems to be plenty of business to go around. “There are so many pets in Greenville, I don’t feel like I need to compete with other dog-walkers. I refer business to them and they refer business to me,”
Jason Welch and Steven Nelson of Dogs of Greenville, a dog-walking business
CANINE CASH • 70 million pet dogs in the U.S. • 1 dog for every six of 10 households • $6 billion in annual sales in pet services • 24,553 dog-walking businesses in the U.S., employing 25,882 Sources: American Veterinary Medicine Association, IBISWorld
Jan and Brittany Catlin with Jack, Trooper and Daisy Ramirez says. There is a downside, though: “I am always pet sitting on weekends and
holidays,” she says. “Sometimes it’s hard to take my own vacations.”
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NEWS AND TIPS FOR YOUR PERSONAL BOT TOM LINE
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Managing wealth takes more than a financial advisor You also should use legal, tax and insurance expertise — and some common sense
By BOB NACHMAN Managing Director, Nachman Norwood & Parrott
PERSPECTIVES This is the first column in a three-part series called “Perspectives.” In this series, the Nachman Norwood & Parrott team and other professionals will share insights — some perhaps unexpected — that can impact overall wealth management. Preserving and allocating your personal wealth is a complex undertaking that can be time-consuming and perplexing if you don’t have the right resources. The right resources may vary depending on your situation. A financial advisor can serve as your point person to pull in the right resources for your needs. However, according to a study conducted by research firm Spectrem Group, one-third of high-net-worth individuals in America don’t regularly consult with a financial advisor. To successfully manage and grow your wealth, you should start with a qualified financial advisor who understands your goals and assesses your needs. The next step is to integrate appropriate key professionals whose insights can help determine your overall wealth plan. Most often, we see the need for legal, tax and insurance expertise. Earlier this year, our team at Nachman Norwood & Parrott interviewed several of these professionals in our community and captured some of their most salient insights. Let’s start with the foundation. You have probably heard, “Wealth management requires a plan that takes into account expertise and guidance from a solid team of professionals.” So, to be adequately prepared, you need to be aware of the many variables that could affect a plan, and how one decision or event could impact your overall wealth. In our next column, my colleague, Russ Miller, will share how tax and legal perspectives impact wealth management. Protecting and growing your wealth doesn’t have to be time-consuming or perplexing. The key is to be proactive, work with a financial advisor and consider how advice from other professionals can help you make solid decisions. For more on “Perspectives,” visit nnpwealth.com.
FOUR TIPS FOR WEALTH MANAGEMENT
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SPEND LESS THAN YOU EARN
Generating positive investment results requires an unwavering commitment to long-term goals. My colleague Ben Norwood says, “High-net-worth individuals need to be sure they have a plan that can survive more difficult times.” We see too many high-net-worth individuals who do not live within their means and income, but instead depend on their portfolios and returns to support their lifestyle. Being responsible with your money is necessary to guarantee long-term financial health, no matter your level of wealth.
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PLAN FOR YOUR DREAMS
While you are making plans for your finances, don’t forget to give thought to your activities during retirement. Without a regular work schedule, you may have time to travel or pursue new endeavors that previously were out of the question. If you have spent time diligently preparing, you should be able to enjoy new and interesting pursuits.
3
LEVERAGE LEGAL RESOURCES
With a vision in place for your financial future, the next step is to integrate that plan with guidance from other professionals. For example, divorce is one of the single biggest life events that affect someone financially. Comprehensive wealth planning should also include legal considerations. Many people don’t consider just how big an impact a divorce can have on their financial plan. More than 40 percent of marriages end in divorce in America. Divorce tends to be very expensive and often comes as a surprise. While no one expects a marriage to end in divorce, it is important to be mindful of life’s potential legal issues when protecting your financial future.
4
WORK THE PLAN
Once you create your plan, that doesn’t mean you put it away and never think about it again. It is important that you and your financial advisor are in contact about how you are tracking toward your goals.
22 | INNOVATE |
UBJ
MOVERS, SHAKERS AND DISRUP TORS SHAPING OUR FUTURE
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12.23.2016
Fighting On Education programs are powerful weapons in the continuing war on poverty were created, including the Job Corps, Volunteers in Service to America (VISTA), Peace Corps, Head Start and Upward Bound. Director of Educational Opportunity President Johnson knew that education and Programs, Greenville Technical College job training were the keys to curing poverty. According to the National Center for Education President Lyndon B. Johnson stated in his Statistics, among adults ages 25–34 who worked 1964 State of the Union address, “This adminisfull-time year-round, higher educational attaintration today, here and now, declares uncondiment was linked to higher earnings. In 2014, the tional war on poverty in America … It will not be average earnings of adults with a bachelor's degree a short or easy struggle; no single weapon or ($49,900) were 66 percent higher than the average strategy will suffice, but we shall not rest until earnings of adult high school completers that war is won … Very often a lack of jobs and ($30,000). The average earnings of high school money is not the cause of poverty, but the symptom. completers were 20 percent higher than the The cause may lie deeper — in our failure to give average earnings of those without a high school our fellow citizens a fair chance to develop their diploma ($25,000). This pattern was consistent own capacities, in a lack of education and training, for men and women as well as for Caucasian, in a lack of medical care and housing, in a lack of African-American, Hispanic and Asian adults. decent communities in which to live and bring up Despite the fact that higher education leads to their children … Our aim is not only to relieve the higher earnings, our country is still fighting the symptom of poverty, but to cure it and above all, war on poverty. According to the 2015 U.S. Census, to prevent it.” 13.5 percent of the U.S. population is living in In response to President Johnson’s War on poverty. In fact, the poverty rate for Greenville Poverty, Congress passed the Economic OpporCounty is even higher, at 13.8 percent. These facts tunity Act in August 1964. Out of the act, many prove there is still a large gap in our society when educational opportunity and job training programs it comes to access to quality education, educational equity and equality and educational attainment. Merry Christmas and Warm Wishes for a wonderful One of the first federally funded educational opportunity programs created to help address the educational attainment gap was Upward Bound in 1964 followed by Talent Search in 1965 and Student Support Services in 1968. These three programs later became known as the TRIO programs. Now, there are eight TRIO programs in the country. TRIO programs provide services and activities developed specifically to assist people on their journey toward a college education. To be eligible, a person must be considered low income, a first-generation or potential first-generation college student and/or physically or learning disabled. 581 Perry Ave., Greenville, SC 29611 | 864.679.1200 GreenvileJournal.com | upstatebusinessjournal.com | towncarolina.com
By DR. ALECIA WATT
HOLIDAY SEASON!
– FROM OUR HOME TO YOURS! –
LIGHT GREEN R=147 G=204 B=66
DARK GREEN R=11 G=125 B=24
CHARCOAL R=102 G=102 B=102
AT THE HEART OF OUR COMMUNITY
According to the 2015 U.S. Census, 13.5 percent of the U.S. population is living in poverty. In fact, the poverty rate for Greenville County is even higher, at 13.8 percent. These facts prove there is still a large gap in our society when it comes to access to quality education, educational equity and equality and educational attainment.
Greenville Technical College is fortunate to have two of the TRIO programs: Upward Bound and Student Support Services. In 1975, County Councilwoman Lottie B. Gibson wrote the proposal to start the Student Support Services program at Greenville Technical College, which was approved. Now, GTC houses the largest TRIO program in Soutwh Carolina, serving 350 students each year. The program provides students with intensive academic advising, tutoring, financial aid information and assistance, financial literacy education, transfer assistance and cultural activities. Mrs. Gibson later applied for the Upward Bound program and was approved. Greenville Technical College’s Upward Bound program serves 65 students from Berea, Carolina, Southside and Woodmont high schools. Students receive academic advising, tutoring, financial aid assistance, financial literacy education, ACT/SAT preparation, cultural activities and supplemental instruction in math, composition, literature, laboratory science and Spanish. Because of programs like TRIO, Greenville Technical College will continue to serve on the front lines of the ongoing war on poverty by helping both high school and college students achieve their educational goals.
12.23.2016
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upstatebusinessjournal.com
HIRED
PLAY-BY-PLAY OF UPSTATE CAREERS
HIRED
HIRED
HIRED
| ON THE MOVE | 23
APPOINTED
ROBERT HALFACRE
MEGHAN FOREMAN
SUSAN RANKIN
PHILIP J. LINEHAN
BOB MOFFATT
Joined Spartanburg-based Carolina Alliance Bank as senior vice president and commercial banking officer for its Anderson office. Halfacre will take responsibility for serving the banking needs of commercial organizations in Anderson, Oconee and parts of Pickens counties. Halfacre’s position is new and was added to support the bank’s expansion in Anderson and surrounding areas. A veteran banker, Halfacre has more than two decades of experience in Seneca, Clemson and Easley.
Joined Infinity Marketing as analytics manager. Foreman holds a bachelor’s degree in strategic communication from Ohio University. Foreman most recently served as the marketing campaign manager for OptionsHouse and Aperture Group in Chicago, where she managed market segmentation strategies and marketing automation.
Hired as the new development specialist at the Eastside Family YMCA. Rankin brings 16 years of marketing, sales and client service knowledge to the YMCA of Greenville branch. Most recently she was a marketing specialist II at SYNNEX Corporation.
Joined EDTS, a regional technology consulting firm, as a sales account executive serving organizations across the Carolinas and eastern Georgia. A native of Middleboro, Mass., Linehan has more than 20 years of diverse sales and customer service experience in managed network services, communications, machining and business equipment.
Named president of the Greater Greenville Association of REALTORS for 2017. Moffat has been with C. Dan Joyner, Realtors’ Garlington Road office since 2003 and in the real estate industry for more than 20 years. Moffatt was named GGAR’s Realtor of the Year in 2014. He also has served on the community service committee and the board of directors for GGAR as well as the technology committee for the South Carolina Association of Realtors. Moffatt also served as regional vice president for the S.C. Chapter of the Council of Residential Specialists and dedicates time to the community through Habitat for Humanity, Host & Daily Bread soup kitchen and his church.
STAFFING SERVICES Godshall Professional Recruiting and Staffing has earned the Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval for Health Care Staffing Services Certification. This certification demonstrates assurance to providing qualified health care professionals and meets national-based industry standards. The certification process includes a rigorous onsite review where Joint Commission experts evaluate compliance with national standards that assess how health care staffing firms determine the qualifications and competency of staff, placement of staff and how they monitor performance.
CONSTRUCTION O’Neal Inc., a Greenville-based integrated design and construction firm, has hired Dan Southern as process engineer. Southern has more than 35 years of process engineering experience. He previously worked for Penta Engineering and Ferro Corporation. He earned his Bachelor of Science in chemical engineering from North Carolina State University.
REAL ESTATE Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices C. Dan Joyner, Realtors announces the top producers from each of its residential sales offices for the month of October.
These agents and teams earned the highest gross commission incomes based on closings completed between Oct. 1-31. Anderson office top teams: The Clever People, Theresa Nation & Associates and Gia & Company. Anderson office top individuals: Robin Tucker, Brittney Shirley and Johnathan Lower. Augusta Road office top individuals: Anna Hill Miller, Jill Norman, Vicki Roark, Stacey Bradshaw, Ginger Sherman and Ellie Linder. Downtown office top individuals: Keith Boling, Jo-Ann Rutledge and Brian O’Neill. Easley/Powdersville office top teams: Sheri Sanders/Gary Thompson/Dara Lynn Ratliff and Mary and Jerry Ross. Easley/Powdersville office top individuals: Linda Ballard, Twila Kingsmore and Michelle Roach. Garlington Road office top teams: Ronda and Chris Holder and Donna O. Smith & Partners. Garlington Road top individuals: Dennis Chenault, Kaaren Anderson and Eddie Burch. Greer office top team: The Shepherd Team. Greer office top individuals: Paige Haney, Jill Chapman and Rick Workman. North Pleasantburg office top teams: the Chet & Beth Smith Group, the Keagy Team and The MacDonald HomeTeam. North Pleasantburg top individuals: Catherine Gushue, Melissa Morrell and Maggie Aiken. Pelham Road office top teams: Spaulding Group, the Toates Team and Pam McCurry Team. Pelham Road office top individuals: Jennifer Van Gieson, Nichole Moore and Jim Sharpe. Simpsonville office top teams: Sandra Palmer & Associates and Cousins & Associates. Simpsonville office top individuals: Bob Schmidt, John Bennett and Amy Hart.
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 |
BUSINESS BRIEFS YOU CAN’ T MISS
UBJ
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12.23.2016
Sharonview Federal Credit Union updates branding
WE MAKE VISUALLY COMMUNICATING YOUR BRAND STORY AN EXPERIENCE YOU’LL WANT TO REPEAT.
Sharonview Federal Credit Union has updated its branding. The new design emphasizes Sharonview’s commitment to growth and its members. As its services reflect a modernized approach, Sharonview is excited to share the branding update with local members. Jay Grant, a Sharonview marketing team member and former mailroom employee, created Sharonview’s new logo. His design will be featured at all Sharonview branches and integrated into member materials and marketing items, as well as on the company website with upgraded design and user-friendly features. “I never thought I would be ‘The Logo Guy,’’’ Grant said. “I’m excited to see my work on everything – on our buildings, our credit cards and our stationery. That’s a great legacy for me to share with my family.” Sharonview Federal Credit Union has been headquartered in South Carolina since 2005 with 15 branches located throughout North Carolina, South Carolina and New Jersey. For more information, visit sharonview.org.
AT&T brings 1-gigabit internet service to the Upstate AT&T is now offering a 1-gigabit internet service to customer locations in parts of the Upstate, including in parts of Greenville, Greer and surrounding communities. They plan to expand to parts of Mauldin and Spartanburg in the future. The Greenville area is one of 46 metros nationwide where the 1-gigabit internet service is currently available.
Waldrop Mechanical Services recognized for its work on two Upstate projects
view our story
ipsocreati ve.com
Spartanburg-based Waldrop Mechanical Services was recently recognized for its exemplary work on two local projects in the 2016 Excellence in Construction Awards sponsored by the Associated Builders and Contractors of the Carolinas. Waldrop took home the Eagle Award — ABC’s highest level award for emergency HVAC renovations performed during summer break at Oconee County’s Walhalla Elementary School. Waldrop also won an award for a four-building renovation project at Furman University within the University’s Lakeside Residence Hall complex. Both projects competed in the Specialty Contracting: Mechanical & Plumbing category.
12.23.2016
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upstatebusinessjournal.com
THE FRESHEST FACES ON THE BUSINESS LANDSCAPE
Open for business
| NEW TO THE STREET | 25
2
1
1. The Society for Financial Awareness (SOFA) has expanded its outreach into the Upstate area. SOFA is a Nationwide Educational Nonprofit Organization founded in 1993 with the mission to end financial illiteracy across America. The Upstate Chapter will be led by Eric and Jennifer Lahaie, owners and founders of JEHM Wealth & Retirement. To learn more, visit sofausa.org. Photo provided
2. Burroughs Elijah LLC is now located at 300 E. Coffee St. Learn more about the law practice at burroughselijah.com. Photo provided
CONTRIBUTE: Know of a business opening soon? Email information to aturner@communityjournals.com.
GROWING BUSINESS IN GREENVILLE SINCE 1984. Join over 1,100 families that call Commerce Club home for doing business and celebrating social occasions!
WE ARE…
17th Floor One Liberty Square 55 Beattie Place • commerce-club.com
26 | #TRENDING |
UBJ
INFORMATION YOU WANT TO KNOW
OVERHEARD @ THE WATERCOOLER
<Helen Meyer Sherman “This is such great news for The Cliffs — 10 years in the making!”
DECEMBER 16, 2016
RE: THE DAY OF THE MILLENNIAL ENTREPRENEUR HAS ALREADY ARRIVED <@Sarah_Tennyson “Wise words from an open-minded baby boomer! Hurrah for the multigenerational workforce.”
RE: WILLY TACO OPENS NEW LOCATION IN GREENVILLE <Tiffany Gibson “It will become a weekly habit that you can’t break!”
eads to
Main S
| VOL. 5 ISSUE 51
treet
ntown’s e to dow re sha k’s mov the ban l market cs lead regiona a bigger etown exe Two hom and a play for heart —
BB&T H
DIGITAL FLIPBOOK ARCHIVE >> The layout of print meets the convenience of the Web. Flip through the digital editions of any of our print issues, and see them all in one place. >> upstatebusinessjournal. com/past-issues
>> WEIGH IN @ THE UBJ EXCHANGE Got something to offer? Get it off your chest. We’re looking for expert guest bloggers from all industries to contribute to the UBJ Exchange. Send posts or blog ideas to mwillson@communityjournals.com
<Eileen Janeski Huckabay “Jalapeño-infused tequila... yum!” <John Mims “Phenomenal experience” <Pat Lennon “Looking forward to it. Have gone to the one in Spartanburg and loved it.”
>> CONNECT WITH US We’re great at networking. LINKEDIN.COM/COMPANY/ UPSTATE-BUSINESS-JOURNAL FACEBOOK.COM/ THEUPSTATEBUSINESSJOURNAL @UPSTATEBIZ
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12.23.2016
BIZ BUZZ
Distilled commentary from UBJ readers
RE: PLANS REKINDLED FOR CLIFFS VILLAGE AT MOUNTAIN PARK
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<Jason Steffensmeier “So excited to see this finally come to Greenville. Haven’t been to this location yet because I’m out of town, but the one in Spartanburg is awesome! Can’t wait. Oh and make sure and try the jalapeño/pineappleinfused tequila Mexican Mule!”
The Top 5 stories from the past week ranked by shareability score
>> 750
1. Spartanburg-based Monster Subs planning location in downtown Greenville
>> 464 2. Transportation Nanny’s business is picking up
>> 283 3. Willy Taco opens new location in Greenville
>> 100 4. Spartanburg Fire Department achieves top ISO rating
>> 75 5. Plans rekindled for Cliffs village at Mountain Park
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12.23.2016
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DATE
WHERE DO I GO?
HOW DO I GO?
Coffee & Connections
Ruth's Chris Steak House 250 Riverplace, Ste. 200 8–9 a.m.
Cost: Free For more information: bit.ly/2gOZ3XP; lwoodward@greenvillechamber.org
Business After Hours
Dave & Buster's 1025 Woodruff Road 5–7 p.m.
Cost: Free for Chamber investors/ members to attend. $15 for all others. For more information: bit.ly/2hxcG1I
Pulse Arts & Culture: Ice on Main
Courtyard Marriott 206 S. Main St. 5:30–7 p.m.
Cost: $5 for skating; nonmembers welcome For more information: iceonmain.com; eaustin@greenvillechamber.org
Clemson MBA Info Session
ONE North Main 1 N. Main St., Room 505 5:30–7 p.m.
Cost: Free, registration required For more information: bit.ly/2gG2lNE
Coffee & Conversation with Jason Zacher
Upstate SC Alliance Office 124 Verdae Blvd., Suite 202 8–9 a.m.
Cost: Free, registration required by 1/16 For more information: bit.ly/2h0uWQL
Tuesday
1/10 Tuesday
1/10 Thursday
1/12 Wednesday
1/18
| PLANNER | 27
EVENT INFO
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EVENTS YOU SHOULD HAVE ON YOUR CALENDAR
CONTRIBUTE: Got a hot date? Submit event information for consideration to events@upstatebusinessjournal.com. DIRECTOR OF EVENTS & ACCOUNT STRATEGY Kate Madden
PRESIDENT/CEO
ART & PRODUCTION VISUAL DIRECTOR
Mark B. Johnston mjohnston@communityjournals.com
Will Crooks
UBJ PUBLISHER
Bo Leslie | Tammy Smith
OPERATIONS
EDITOR
ADVERTISING DESIGN
MANAGING EDITOR
Jerry Salley jsalley@communityjournals.com
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STAFF WRITERS
Trevor Anderson, David Dykes, Cindy Landrum, Andrew Moore, Ariel Turner
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Rudolph Bell, Sherry Jackson, Melinda Young
MARKETING & ADVERTISING SALES REPRESENTATIVES Nicole Greer, Donna Johnston, Annie Langston, Lindsay Oehmen, Emily Yepes
UBJ milestone jackson Marketing Group’s 25 Years 1988 Jackson Dawson opens in Greenville at Downtown Airport
1988
Holly Hardin
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 olV Ve eMent & boarD positions lArry JACkson (ChAirmAn): Bob Jones University Board chairman, The Wilds Christian Camp and Conference Center board member, Gospel Fellowship Association board member, Past Greenville Area Development Corporation board member, Past Chamber of Commerce Headquarters Recruiting Committee member, Past Greenville Tech Foundation board member
JANUARY 27 QUARTERLY CRE ISSUE The state of commercial real estate in the Upstate.
David Jones (Vice President Client services, Chief marketing officer): Hands on Greenville board chairman mike Zeller (Vice President, Brand marketing): Artisphere Board, Metropolitan Arts Council Board, American Red Cross Board, Greenville Tech Foundation Board, South Carolina Chamber Board eric Jackson (Jackson motorsports Group sales specialist): Salvation Army Boys & Girls Club Advisory Board
November 1, 2013 Upstate bUsiness joUrnal 21
20 Upstate bUsiness joUrnal November 1, 2013
AS SEEN IN
NOVEMBER 1, 2013
Kristy Adair | Michael Allen
CLIENT SERVICES Anita Harley | Jane Rogers
EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT Kristi Fortner
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UP NEXT JANUARY 20 THE MARKETING ISSUE Getting the word out in Greenville, Spartanburg and beyond.
1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011
UBJ milestone
LAYOUT
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Copyright ©2016 BY COMMUNITY JOURNALS LLC. All rights reserved. Upstate Business Journal is published weekly by Community Journals LLC. 581 Perry Ave., Greenville, South Carolina, 29611. Upstate Business Journal is a free publication. Annual subscriptions (52 issues) can be purchased for $50. Postmaster: Send address changes to Upstate Business, P581 Perry Ave., Greenville, South Carolina, 29611. Printed in the USA.
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