Jan. 6, 2017 UBJ

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JANUARY 6, 2017 | VOL. 6 ISSUE 1

THE STATE OF BMW WILL A DOWNTICK IN U.S. SALES AFFECT THE AUTOMAKER’S ECONOMIC IMPACT IN THE UPSTATE?

Photo by Will Crooks


2 | THE RUNDOWN |

UBJ

TOP-OF-MIND AND IN THE MIX THIS WEEK

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1.6.2017

VOLUME 6, ISSUE 1 Featured this issue:

Greenville developer removed from Infrastructure Bank board......................3 $26M needed for Bon Secours Arena over next 20 years........................................6 Will your next computer be made of wood?...................................................................8

WORTH REPEATING “I’m not bothered about me not being on the board whatsoever, I am bothered that this part of the state is not represented.” Page 3

“This computer was inspired by the beauty of handmade hardwood furniture.” Page 8

“BMW saved us. It changed us from a textile and agricultural state to an industrial powerhouse.” Page 12

VERBATIM

On fixing the damn roads “If our infrastructure is crumbling, our manufacturers cannot get goods to market.”

A new sculpture, designed by Ryan Calloway, designates an entry into the arts district in the Village of West Greenville. The signage is part of the newly renovated Spinx station on 1103 Pendleton St., which will have its grand opening on Jan. 11th at 10:00 am. The sculpture was funded by Spinx, The City of Greenville and the Village of West Greenville Business Association.

Jason Zacher, vice president of public policy of the Upstate Chamber Coalition, as reported in the Spartanburg Herald-Journal. Improving the roads is one of the top items on the coalition's 2017 legislative agenda.


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INFORMATION YOU WANT TO KNOW

| INFRASTRUCTURE | 3

Bo Aughtry replaced on Transportation Infrastructure Bank board DAVID DYKES | STAFF

ddykes@communityjournals.com

S.C. TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE BANK

Greenville developer Bo Aughtry has been replaced on the S.C. Transportation Infrastructure Bank board, removing the Upstate’s only representative on the powerful seven-member body. Aughtry said House Speaker Jay Lucas replaced him with H.B. “Chip” Limehouse of Charleston. Lucas couldn't be reached for comment by press time. SCTIB Chairman Vincent Graham of Mount Pleasant said he agreed with Aughtry that each corner of the state should be represented on the bank board. But Graham said Limehouse, who has been on the board, has extensive SCTIB experience and was the speaker's choice. By state law, the speaker appoints two of the seven board members, including one who must be a member of the state House of Representatives. State Rep. J. Gary Simrill, R-York, is Lucas’ legislative appointee, replacing Limehouse, a former Republican lawmaker who didn’t seek reelection to the House. However, Limehouse remained on the board as a non-legislative appointee. Lucas had appointed Aughtry to the board in March to replace Max Metcalf of Greenville. Aughtry said he only attended one meeting, in May, and others were postponed. The SCTIB provides loans and other financial assistance for building and improving highway and transportation facilities needed for public purposes, including economic development. “There’s nobody on the board currently from the Upstate,” Aughtry said. “That’s why I agreed to go on [the board] in the first place, honestly, so that we would be represented. And I do believe that’s important — to have regional representation.” He added, “It could be a Lowcountry state void and I would feel the same way.” Aughtry said he had heard he might be replaced, but knew it was official when he received a letter from Lucas, thanking him for his service. The letter offered no explanation about why he was being replaced, Aughtry said. “I’m not bothered about me not being on the board whatsoever,” he said. “I am bothered that this part of the state is not represented.” The Upstate is the beneficiary of “some wonderful, healthy growth,” Aughtry said. “But the result of some of that is our major arteries are getting Atlanta-like, particularly [Interstate] 85 and even [Interstate] 385 to some extent.” Aughtry is a graduate of the Citadel with a bachelor’s in business administration and some postgraduate business work at Furman University. He began his real estate career with Huguenin Inc. and in 1975 helped form Small and Aughtry, a real estate and brokerage firm.

CURRENT MEMBERS

Vincent G. Graham, Chairman Mount Pleasant

Ernest Duncan Aiken

Bo Aughtry

“There’s nobody on the board currently from the Upstate … I’m not bothered about me not being on the board whatsoever.

I am bothered that this part of the state is not represented.” Bo Aughtry

S.C. Sen. Hugh Leatherman Florence

H.B. "Chip" Limehouse Charleston

S.C. Rep. J. Gary Simrill York

Joe Taylor Columbia

In 1980, Aughtry established The Aughtry Co. and Aughtry Securities Corp., a NASD broker/ dealer. He was president until the 1988 merger with Windsor Properties Inc. that formed Windsor/ Aughtry Co. Inc. Aughtry is responsible for all commercial development and investment within that company.

Mike Wooten Myrtle Beach


4 | ENTERTAINMENT |

UBJ

INFORMATION YOU WANT TO KNOW

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1.6.2017

Hitrium will have nine “gaming bays” where participants can hit a golf ball, throw a football or smack a hockey puck toward a target at the end of a 35-foot lane. Sensors and high-speed cameras will record participants’ movements and log speed, accuracy and reaction time.

Entrepreneur aims to ace sports gaming with Hitrium RUDOLPH BELL | CONTRIBUTOR

rbelll@communityjournals.com

If Dusko "Duka" Martinovic has his way, Greenville will be the starting point from which he’ll build a global sports entertainment brand. Using proprietary technology, Martinovic plans to launch the pilot location of Hitrium, a club where patrons can enter "gaming bays" and hit a golf ball, throw a football, smack a hockey puck or perform moves from 10 other sports in late spring or early summer in a facility off Woodruff Road. Martinovic previously created SeeSwing, a system for analyzing a golfer’s swing using sensors, high-speed video cameras and a computer. He demonstrated the system at PGA Tour events and negotiated with Donald Trump about an endorsement deal before his Vancouver-area business plunged in the Great Recession, along with the golf industry. Since then, the Serbia native and mechanical engineer has further developed the technology to apply to other sports. It can also be used for gaming, which led to the Hitrium concept. He and his business partner, Julia Volpe, a graphic designer and former commercial real estate broker from Brooklyn, N.Y., plan to establish the world’s first Hitrium Club in a building at 5 Market Point Drive that formerly housed Blue Fire Grill.

They envision nine gaming bays, in which players aim for a target at the end of a 35-foot lane. Sensors and high-speed video cameras record their moves. A computer determines speed, accuracy and reaction time and uses an algorithm to calculate a score. An overhead “leaderboard” shows who’s winning the contest. Players can access video and data about their personal performances through a website and download the content to their smartphones. Plans call for the club to have a “family-oriented environment,” high-speed Wi-Fi and more than 40 high-definition televisions for watching Hitrium play and televised sporting events. Martinovic and Volpe hope to build an international chain of Hitrium clubs, but first they’ll use the Greenville outlet to prove the concept. They plan to build mobile units for transporting Hitrium technology to remote locations and charge companies to display brands on the units. One of the mobile units would be a tractor-trailer capable of carrying six Hitrium gaming bays. The other would be a van pulling a trailer with a single gaming bay. Martinovic and Volpe also intend to install fixed Hitrium systems in sports equipment stores, malls and hotels and on cruise ships. “We see the Hitrium gaming system all over the world,” he said. The partners also hope the Hitrium website

becomes a separate media business once enough people are visiting it. And they’ll need a factory to make the gaming systems and the mobile units. Professional cyclist George Hincapie of Greenville and pro golfer Padraig Harrington of Ireland have signed on as “ambassadors” for the brand, according to a Hitrium presentation to potential investors. Peter White, former chief operating officer for Topgolf, a Dallas-based sports entertainment chain, is a member of the Hitrium advisory board. White said he thinks the Hitrium system is unique and he likes the business model. “I’m very intrigued, and as I learned more and more about it, and as I get to know Duka, I believe in what he’s been able to produce,” said White, who is now working as a consultant in Houston but said he isn't getting paid by Hitrium. Martinovic and Volpe plan to organize regular Hitrium contests between Clemson Tigers fans and University of South Carolina Gamecocks fans. They’ll let schools, sports leagues and teams use the mobile units for fundraisers. They’ve tapped former NFL tight end Kyle Auffray of Spartanburg to develop the business and Greenville restaurateur Jonathan Willis to provide food service at the club. Willis said he plans to serve “farm-fresh bar food” through a concept he’s calling AgriPUB. Three local businesses — Due South Coffee, >>


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INFORMATION YOU WANT TO KNOW

C l e m s o n

M B A

| ENTERTAINMENT | 5

P r e s e n t s

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S T R AT E G I E S F O R A C H A N G I N G WO R L D

LEADERSHIP EXCHANGE 2017 Sponsored by Duke Energy

LAUNCH DATE: FEB. 8 (Author Josh Davis) 3 POWER LUNCHES

Duka Martinovic and Julia Volpe

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ENCORE DINNER APR. 6 (with guest speaker)

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Whole Foods Market

HITRIUM

Entrepreneurship • Intrapreneurship

>> Brewery 85 and Quest Brewing — will offer their products, and the club will also have a juice bar, Willis said. He previously announced plans to open a different restaurant, Elev8, on Church Street in January to serve fresh, healthy fast food using produce, cheese and meat from local farms. Martinovic, 55, founded businesses to make plastic parts and lighting systems in Belgrade earlier in his career, according to his resume. He emigrated to Canada in 1993 as war over ethnic differences raged in the former Yugoslavia. Martinovic met Volpe in New York City in 2008 as he explored relocating SeeSwing. She helped him find office space when she

was a real estate broker and also helped plan events for the company before becoming a co-founder of Hitrium. The partners said they considered putting the first Hitrium club in Tampa, Fla., but changed their minds after stopping in Greenville late last year to visit Volpe’s parents, who have lived in Greenville for more than two decades. During the visit, Martinovic said he explored the Upstate and introduced himself to business leaders. “I fell in love with the area and decided to stay,” he said. — Greenville Journal staff writer Ariel Turner contributed to this report.

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6 | VENUES |

UBJ

INFORMATION YOU WANT TO KNOW

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1.6.2017

Bon Secours Wellness Arena officials consulted with Dallas-based CSL International, a sports and entertainment facility development adviser, regarding potential improvements and renovations to the 18-year-old building.

The Well: Older, but aging well, consultant says DAVID DYKES | STAFF

ddykes@communityjournals.com The Bon Secours Wellness Arena is well maintained, but the 18-yearold building will need $26 million in capital expenditures over the next 20 years to keep it in proper shape, a consultant says. One area of concern is the arena’s roof, according to Dallas-based CSL International, a sports and entertainment facility development adviser. In July 2014, arena officials announced that the second phase of a $14.5 million, three-year renovation plan had begun and was to include a new roof. But in many locations, the upper roof membrane has degraded, CSL said. In addition, there are several issues related to the lightning protection system, including lightning cables that aren’t connected to cable supports. Some cables also are so close to the roof surface that they create a dam and water ponds, the consultant said. CSL also noted that arena officials should hire an independent roofing consultant to determine if claims can be made under the current warranty for work done in the last couple of years. The roof is “a fairly significant concern,” Tom Williams, a partner with Venue Solutions Group, which collaborated with CSL in the study, told the Greenville Arena District’s board of trustees during a meeting Dec. 20.

A new roof would likely be needed in two to four years, but that could be postponed if repairs are made under warranty, he said. The renovation and capital improvement study was prepared for the trustees, who oversee management of the arena. It said the Well’s mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems are in good working order and properly maintained. In addition, the fire protection system’s sprinkler piping and coverage is sufficient and in compliance with National Fire Protection Association standards, CSL said. A fire pump, however, will have to be replaced within three years. Trustees are reviewing the roof issues, and Beth Paul, the arena’s general manager, said the study results and a related survey of ticket purchasers and others will be used for strategic planning. In studying the arena’s goals and objectives, CSL also sought to determine new features or premium seating options that could improve the entertainment experience for event attendees and what impact renovations and added premium seating options would have on the arena’s financial performance. CSL surveyed 7,186 current and former arena attendees, including Ticketmaster ticket purchasers, luxury-suite and club-seat buyers and corporate sponsors. CSL said 144, or 2 percent, responded. That was slightly lower than the targeted re-

sponse rate but acceptable, said Michael Miller, a CSL project manager. CSL’s building program recommendations included adding 20 four-seat loge boxes at a weighted average annual price of $16,375 to provide more premium seating and expanding the arena’s patio into the concourse to create a 3,500-square-

foot club lounge and charging $15 per event for access. CSL also recommended building a 7,500- to 10,000-square-foot multipurpose event space that could be rented on nonevent days or double as a restaurant during arena events. The adviser’s preliminary estimate to install the loge boxes, expand the patio and build event space was >>

IMPROVING THE WELL Recommendations from the CSL International survey include the following: • Hire an independent roofing consultant • Add 20 four-seat loge boxes •E xpand the arena’s patio to create a 3,500-square-foot club lounge •B uild a 7,500- to 10,000-square-foot multipurpose event space • Replace fire pump within three years •$ 26 million in capital expenditures over the next 20 years


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$5 million to $10 million. CSL estimated the new concepts — loge boxes, restaurant and event center, patio lounge and restaurant and patio lounge sponsorship — would generate more than $1 million in revenue annually. Among key survey findings, only 8 percent of respondents have visited the arena’s patio, which opened in April. The outdoor area has food and beverage specials, craft beers, specialty food and early access for select events. Those who have visited the patio ranked their overall experience, on average, a 5 out of 7 points. Those who haven’t visited indicated that comfortable seating and live music most likely would attract them. “One of the biggest things that came out of the survey from our side is that your fans are looking for an entertainment experience to complement the event that they’re at, whether it’s a concert or a family show,” Miller told the trustees. According to the survey, 64 percent of respondents would pay a $15-perevent access fee to a renovated patio

INFORMATION YOU WANT TO KNOW

area. Seventy-three percent would pay $10 per event. An average of 62 percent of those who attend arena events come from outside Greenville County, CSL said. In gauging customer satisfaction, arena conditions rated highly in the survey, especially in terms of location, cleanliness, exterior appearance and customer service. However, The Well didn’t fare as well in the area of concessions, particularly in how patrons viewed the value for prices paid. Patrons also didn’t find seating all that enjoyable either. Seat comfort received the lowest satisfaction rating in that category. The arena, bolstered in part by three Garth Brooks concerts, drew attendance of almost 87,000 people in November. It posted an operating profit of $460,054 for the month, or nearly $118,000 greater than budgeted, arena district figures show. Through the first five months of its fiscal year, the arena has an operating profit of $771,052, or $253,072 more than budgeted.

WELLNESS WORKS 64% of those surveyed would pay $15 access fee for renovated patio 73% would pay $10 for the same 62% of those who attend arena events come from outside Greenville County $13.45 average spent outside the arena $121.94 if an overnight stay is involved Source: CSL survey

| VENUES | 7

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8 | Q&A TECHNOLOGY | INFORMATION | INFORMATION YOU WANT YOU TOWANT KNOWTO KNOW

UBJ

Computer Direct Outlet unveils world’s first ‘sustainable’ computer ANDREW MOORE | STAFF

amoore@communityjournals.com For nearly two decades, Computer Direct Outlet, which is located just off Laurens Road, has thrived off computer sales and IT services for both residents and businesses. Now, the small business is trying to become a tech giant with the release of an exotic computer that’s the first of its kind. In January, Computer Direct Outlet plans to release the Volta V, a computer made from sustainable woods like walnut and bamboo. It is meant to be the first of a new dynasty of computers that are much more stylish, energy-efficient and powerful than the company’s current line of products. The new computer is entirely custom made.

“We hand-build every single computer. It’s not some machine sitting on a shelf that may or may not fit your needs. We install high-quality parts, because we don’t want it to come back. We actually have a lifetime service guarantee,” said owner Gary Underwood. “This design hasn’t been tried before.” Customers can choose the processor and other components for their computer so that it fits their specific needs, whether that’s email or gaming. Underwood uses a numerical control machine to cut the woods into a rectangular case and then places the company’s signature lightning bolt logo on the front panel. Then, technicians insert the processor and wiring into the case and test each computer. Each computer re-

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1.6.2017

Computer Direct Outlet's Volta V has a wooden outer shell.

quires about five days for full assembly. The Volta V should cost somewhere between $1,900 and $7,000, Underwood said. But the price depends on the computing power. The computer can hold processors that range from Intel’s Skylake to the Xeon processor with up to 32 gigs of RAM. It can also hold a solid-state or hard disk drive as well as the NVIDIA Quadro video card or GeForce GTX 10 series video card. “It’s built with power to handle the tough jobs — from CAD programs to engineering to intense gaming,” Underwood said. The computer, which is 4 inches thin and 5 inches tall, features liquid cooling, fans and dust filtration to prevent overheating. It also features two aluminum legs, allowing the

computer to act as monitor stand and users to store their keyboards underneath when it’s not in use. Underwood got the idea from his son, Ty, a game designer, who wanted a smaller version of the standard Volta computer line. In 2011, Underwood and his team of computer techs started designing a computer that could support high-end programs yet maintain speed and quality graphics. After three years of prototyping designs and operations, Underwood released the Volta, which became a hit among architects, photographers, graphic designers and other professionals using high-end programs. Underwood and his team spent 15 months designing and prototyping more than three versions of the >>


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Volta V. “The process was very exciting and frustrating, because for every problem we solved, two more would just crop up,” Underwood said. He turned to sustainable wood. “This computer was inspired by the beauty of handmade hardwood furniture,” Underwood added. “It’s really built to last and will be supported with repairs and upgrades for a decade, so we hope it helps cut out some electronic waste.” Computer Direct Outlet is also donating some of the profits from Volta V sales to Greenville’s Upstate Forever, a nonprofit that promotes conservation and sustainability throughout the region. Underwood said he hopes to sell at least 1,000 computers in pre-order. But he expects to see boosted sales for the Volta V, which can support virtual

INFORMATION YOU WANT TO KNOW

reality, a market that’s becoming increasingly popular and profitable. The virtual reality industry is expected to boom throughout the next couple of years. According to Manatt Digital Media, virtual reality sales are going to hit $30 billion by 2020. Those sales are going to stem mainly from video games and hardware, including high-end computer systems such as the Volta. The Consumer Technology Association estimated the sale of 1.2 million virtual reality units in 2016. Other Volta computers feature similar electronics and are capable of virtual reality. The computers have garnered positive reviews from technology publications. Tom’s Guide, for example, issued the Volta an average quality rating of 11. Its closest

| TECHNOLOGY / LEADERSHIP | 9

competitors, Alienware X51 and Asus ROG G20CB, scored closer to a 6. Underwood has big plans for the Volta computer line. “This has really opened the door to some new stuff. We have a few ideas. We are going to release a second version of the Volta V sometime in the future. I’d love to use hickory or pecan for the case,” he said. “We’re also thinking about producing an all-in-one computer that’s more sustainable and upgradable.” For more information, visit computerdirectoutlet.com.

Winner chosen for inaugural Leaders4Tomorrow award STAFF REPORT

Nicole Kluckhohn will spend the next 12 months honing her leadership skills — and she’ll have help from a certified business coach, thanks to the inaugural contest from Leaders4Tomorrow. Kluckhohn, the director of partner solutions and integration at ATI Physical Therapy, is the recipient of the QLI International Leadership Development Award, a special project from QLI and UBJ to

support leadership development in members of the millennial generation. Kluckhohn will collaborate with executive coach Manfred Gollent, CEO of QLI. “I am so grateful to have been selected as the recipient of the QLI International Leadership Development Award,” said Kluckhohn. “As I reach the midpoint of my career, I am excited for the opportunity to challenge, develop and refine my leadership skills in anticipation of this new season ahead.”

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“It is very exciting to work with young talent and support the personal development ambitions of a new leadership generation,” said Gollent. For more information, visit leaders4tomorrow.org.

Nicole Kluckhohn

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10 | RESTAURANT |

INFORMATION YOU WANT TO KNOW

UBJ

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1.6.2017

First look: - In Greek culture, eating and drinking is a celebrated event. The “kou-zi-na” is an open kitchen visible from anywhere in the restaurant, creating a show for diners.

www.CarltonMB.com | 2446 Laurens Road, Greenville, SC 29607 | (864) 213-8000


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INFORMATION YOU WANT TO KNOW

ARIEL TURNER | STAFF

aturner@communityjournals.com (Ji-roz), the newest restaurant to land in the North Main area, opened this week at 644 N. Main St., next to Two Chefs in the Main + Stone development. Owner and chef John Makkas says it has been his lifelong dream to open a farm-to-table Greek restaurant. Makkas was born in New York and moved to Greenville when he was 5 and Chicago when he was 25. After graduating from LeCordon Bleu Chicago, Makkas and his wife eventually returned to his hometown. Makkas says his key menu items are homemade Greek yogurt, fresh-baked pastries and pita bread (including a gluten-free option), “real” (as opposed to processed) pork gyros and vegan options, as well as a wide selection of Greek and other wines not found in grocery stores. The kitchen will be open seven days a week: 11 a.m.–10 p.m. Monday– Friday; for brunch Saturday and Sunday until 3 p.m. and then dinner 5–10 p.m.; after 10 p.m., limited small plates will still be available at the bar. Photos by Will Crooks

The blue accents in the restaurant are inspired by the ocean surrounding Greece and the country’s flag.

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| RESTAURANT | 11


12 | COVER |

UBJ

THE STATE OF BMW

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1.6.2017

Photo by Will Crooks

THE GIFT THAT KEEPS ON GIVING Despite decline in BMW's U.S. sales, strengthening global demand for crossovers bodes well for the German automaker's plant in Spartanburg County employs. Global demand for the lineup of locally made BMW Sports Activity For the first time since 2013, Vehicles (SAVs), including the X3, BMW this year might not experiX4, X5 and X6, has continued to ence record sales growth in the ascend. U.S., but there is a silver lining for As of November, BMW’s the German automaker’s assembly worldwide SAV sales for the year plant in Spartanburg County and increased more than 22 percent the nearly 9,000 workers it compared with the same period of 2015. OVER The plant is expected to set a new production record this TOTAL year, which could be DAILY NONST gspairport.com somewhere in the OPS

TREVOR ANDERSON | STAFF

tanderson@communityjournals.com

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neighborhood of about 410,000 vehicles, based on monthly production numbers provided by the plant. It is also nearing completion of a $1 billion expansion that will increase production to 450,000 vehicles and add a new full-size crossover — the X7 — to the mix before its introduction to the market in early 2019. With the global market, particularly in the U.S. and China, trending away from sedans and to crossovers, BMW officials believe the Spartanburg plant will play a

crucial role in the future. “The Spartanburg plant produces for the entire world, and 70 percent of its production is exported [via the Port of Charleston],” said Kenn Sparks, a spokesman for BMW of North America LLC. “It is now not only BMW’s largest production plant but the largest exporter of vehicles from the U.S. with an annual value of approximately $10 billion.” BMW will report its year-end U.S. and global sales in early January. Throughout the past year, the >>


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>> automaker’s sales in this country have decreased, while the sales of the X models made in Spartanburg have varied. As of November, BMW of North America reported sales of its BMW brand and MINI vehicles were down 10.2 percent for the year, compared with the same span of 2015. X model sales, however, were up 2.3 percent during the period. Sparks said the company anticipates its SAV sales will account for more than 40 percent of its business in this country for 2016. That is likely to be lower than some of BMW’s closest competitors. In November, Mercedes reported its crossover lineup accounted for about 42 percent of its U.S. sales. The tally for Lexus was more than 58 percent, and almost 71 percent for Jaguar Land Rover. Meanwhile, it was only about 28 percent for BMW. Sparks said there were two challenges that hampered the automaker’s American business in 2016. The first challenge was the availability of popular SAV models in the U.S., despite the fact that the Spartanburg plant is building more vehicles than ever before. “The U.S. market competes with our other markets around the world for those vehicles,” Sparks said. In October, BMW of North America’s President and CEO Ludwig Willisch told Automotive News the company’s U.S. sales were likely to drop this year because BMW doesn’t have enough crossovers to meet the hot demand. He said the U.S. would need at least 15,000 more SAVs than it would be allocated this year in order to set a sales record. According to Sparks, the absence of a large crossover in BMW’s SAV lineup has put the company at a disadvantage in the U.S. and other markets where they are popular. “Minus the X7, we are down a model that both Lexus and Mercedes have,” Sparks said. “Until that one comes online, we’re always going to be a little behind the eight ball.”

THE STATE OF BMW

U.S. luxury auto and SUV sales YTD Auto

Total

BMW

327,711

91,527 (28% of total)

Mercedes

343,695

142,942 (42% of total)

Jaguar Land Rover

92,531

65,582 (71% of total)

Lexus

290,046

168,607 (58% of total)

The Spartanburg plant, which opened in 1994, has 40 suppliers in South Carolina. It supports roughly 30,000 jobs statewide, according to an economic impact study by the University of South Carolina’s Darla Moore School of Business.

SUVs

textile and agricultural state to an industrial powerhouse.” Britt said BMW’s presence has led other companies like Boeing, Toray, Volvo and others to build plants in the Palmetto State. He credited the local workforce for continuing

“Minus the X7, we are down a model that both Lexus and Mercedes have. Until that one comes online, we’re always going to be a little behind the eight ball.” Kenn Sparks, BMW spokesman

Typically, its suppliers expand their footprint, technology and workforce whenever BMW invests in increasing the local plant’s output. Spartanburg County Councilman David Britt believes what is good for the “golden goose” is also good for the gander. “Reflecting on the success we’ve had over the last 20 to 25 years, the one thing that changed Spartanburg and South Carolina was BMW,” Britt said. “It saved us. It changed us from a

to adapt. “When a car leaves the plant here in Spartanburg, it has our fingerprints all over it,” Britt said. “It’s the craftsmanship of the people who built it. When companies come here, they are not attracted by cheap labor, but high-tech labor. BMW has been a catalyst for all of the success we’ve had and continue to have as a community and state. They are the gift that keeps on giving … This is the new Spartanburg, and BMW helped create that.”

Economic Impact of BMW on South Carolina Employment

Labor Income

Value Added

Economic Output

7,654

$677,399,093

$1,018,047,851

$12,537,202,953

13,444

$732,815,429

$1,111,684,452

$2,938,875,640

***Induced Impact

9,679

$362,442,766

$677,761,174

$1,158,262,928

Total Impact

30,777

$1,772,657,288

$2,807,493,477

$16,634,341,521

*Direct Impact **Indirect Impact

| COVER | 13

*All South Carolina purchases made by BMW **Additional economic activities that result from inter-industry purchases by BMW and local firms in South Carolina ***Economic activity that stems from increases in spending income by local households. Source: USC Darla Moore School of Business study, based on 2013 figures


14 | SQUARE FEET |

UBJ

REAL ESTATE DEALS AND DEVELOPMENTS ACROSS THE REGION

DAVID DYKES | STAFF

|

1.6.2017

ddykes@communityjournals.com

Virginia firm acquires Liberty Square towers Richmond, Va.-based Lingerfelt Common-

Photo by Greg Beckner

The two Liberty Square towers total 445,612 square feet and are currently 81 percent occupied.

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believe we will continue to see more and more capital targeting this region in the year ahead.” Lingerfelt CommonWealth Partners is a real estate investment management firm with additional offices in Nashville, Tenn.; Jacksonville and Tampa, Fla.; Greensboro, N.C.; and Hampton Roads, Va. Together with its predecessors in the private sector and public REIT sector, its partners have built, acquired and managed nearly 20 million square feet of commercial real estate valued at approximately $2 billion across the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast.

th Nor

Wealth Partners LLC said it has acquired One Liberty Square and Two Liberty Square, a pair of downtown Greenville office towers. Terms weren’t disclosed, but the property was sold free and clear of existing debt, said Holliday Fenoglio Fowler LP, which marketed the property on behalf of the seller, HB Liberty Square LLC. The towers, at 55 and 75 Beattie Place, total 445,612 square feet and are 81 percent occupied. The tenant base is anchored by Resurgent Capital; Shellpoint Mortgage Servicing; Gallivan, White & Boyd; Dority & Manning; and the Commerce Club, among others. One and Two Liberty Square were built in 1983 and 1986, respectively, and received multimillion-dollar renovations in 2006 and 2014. “We have been evaluating Greenville and the greater Upstate area for several years,” said Ryan Lingerfelt, president and CIO of Lingerfelt CommonWealth. “Greenville continues to show strengthening fundamentals, particularly downtown, which has experienced seven consecutive years of positive net absorption, strong rental rate growth and low vacancy rates.” “The Liberty Square acquisition fits perfectly within our value-added strategy of acquiring high-quality real estate in strong secondary and tertiary markets like Greenville,” Lingerfelt said. The towers’ occupancy rate is expected to drop to approximately 70 percent after a larger tenant vacates nearly 50,000 square feet, he said. That tenant wasn’t identified, but the move will allow “us the unique opportunity to go to market offering some of the largest and most attractive blocks of space in downtown Greenville where vacancy rates continue to decline and new supply is limited,” Lingerfelt said. Commonwealth Commercial Partners, the company’s property management affiliate, will handle all aspects of the day-to-day asset and property management of the 16-story Liberty One and the 12-story Liberty Two buildings. CBRE will continue to handle the leasing and marketing. The HFF investment sales team representing the seller was led by senior managing director Ryan Clutter, managing director Ralph Smalley, director Scot Humphrey and associate director Kelly Kuykendall. The Class A office buildings “are two iconic assets on the Greenville, S.C., skyline that offer a tremendous opportunity to acquire significant critical mass in the Greenville CBD,” Clutter said. “Institutional capital is taking note of the vibrant economy in Greenville and throughout the state of South Carolina, and we

East

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CORRECTION A UBJ story Dec. 23 incorrectly reported the status of QuikTrip Corp.’s plans for a gas station and convenience store at Fairforest Way and Laurens Road. The City of Greenville’s Planning Commission on Dec. 15 recommended the City Council approve annexation and C-3 zoning for the project.


1.6.2017

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upstatebusinessjournal.com

NEWS AND TIPS FOR YOUR PERSONAL BOT TOM LINE

| YOUR MONEY | 15

A Matter of Perspective Important life decision on the horizon? Call your tax advisor By RUSS MILLER Vice President, Nachman Norwood & Parrott

PERSPECTIVES This is the second column in a three-part series called “Perspectives.” In this series, the Nachman Norwood & Parrott team and other professionals will share insights — some unexpected — that can impact overall wealth management. As your career and net worth grow, so do the number of important decisions you must make. Most of us have trusted advisors, mentors, family members or friends who provide guidance at critical points in our personal and professional lives. Even with that support network, it is normal to wonder, “Do I have access to all the different perspectives I need to make the best decisions?” To help answer that question, we decided to write this three-part series of columns. In the first column, we pointed out that while having a skilled financial advisor is important for high-net-worth individuals, input from other professional resources could help preserve your wealth. Along with your financial advisor, trusted tax and legal advisors can be an essential part of your team. This is especially evident when considering some of the largest decisions of your life, including whether it is time to buy or sell a business. Tax and legal advisors can help navigate the frequently changing rules and regulations around decisions like that which can have a significant impact on your personal wealth. If your personal wealth is intertwined with your privately owned business, and especially if you are considering selling your business, you will likely seek guidance from those closest to you — business partners, spouse, friends and colleagues. At Nachman Norwood & Parrott, we often invite tax and legal advisors to be involved with our clients’ decisions, and often much earlier in the process than you might think. In some of these instances, we have enjoyed the privilege of working with Kris Gretzschel, CPA, CFP, who is the first vice president and manager of the tax and financial planning team and life event services at Wells Fargo Advisors. She advises that clients should go to an advisor two years before, rather than when, they are ready to sell. In her experience, Kris has found that “clients are likely to overstate the value of their business, and an advisor can help them

determine if they will have to make other changes that could impact that value and sale beforehand.” Another major component of tax planning that should be considered is estate planning and estate taxes. Currently the estate tax exemption limit is $5,450,000 per person, or nearly $11 million per couple. While this threshold does decrease the need for complicated estate tax planning for many, there is more to the issue than meets the eye. There is the potential for the individual and family to take advantage of a step-up in the income tax basis of an individual’s assets at death. The law provides that the income tax basis of an asset is determined to be the value of the asset at the time of death, not the price at the time at which the original party purchased the asset. The family of the deceased would get a new basis at the current value. This may cause an individual to rethink their gift strategy and the time at which they transfer stock. David Merline, an experienced tax attorney here in

Greenville, advises further: “If you are no longer subject to estate tax, then there is less impetus for you to make gifts to your family unless they happen to need the cash. In terms of liquid assets, such as equities, we often advise people to hold on to their stock until their death instead of gifting it to their child or grandchild.” Tax attorneys and tax advisors have a wealth of knowledge that can be valuable in crafting a sound financial plan. Their insights are particularly relevant for significant life decisions such as buying or selling a business or estate planning. In the next and final column in this series, Wes Boyce will review how insurance is often the forgotten factor in investment planning, and how having the right perspective can help you evaluate your evolving insurance needs as your wealth grows. For more on “Perspectives,” visit nnpwealth.com.


16 | ON THE MOVE |

UBJ

PLAY-BY-PLAY OF UPSTATE CAREERS

HIRED

HONORED

HIRED

HIRED

|

1.6.2017

HIRED

DON SCHLEICHER

STEVE W. SUMNER

MICHAEL NAIL

LANDON MCMURRAY

LISA PACE

Joined United Housing Connections as chief financial officer. Schleicher has more than 17 years of experience in the financial leadership of nonprofit organizations and more than 36 years of experience in various roles in finance and accounting.

Named a Best Law Firm 2017 by U.S. News & World Report. Sumner is a DUI and criminal defense attorney serving Upstate South Carolina. The rankings are based on a rigorous evaluation process that includes client and lawyer evaluations, peer review and review of additional information provided by law firms.

Joined Ogletree Deakins’ Greenville office as an associate. Nail focuses his practice on all areas of employment and labor law. Nail earned his J.D. from Florida Coastal School of Law. He earlier received a MBA from Liberty University and a bachelor’s degree from University of South Carolina.

Joined LS3P as a designer. McMurray recently earned a Bachelor of Art in architecture from Clemson University with a minor in history. McMurray’s previous experience includes five summers as a wilderness guide at Appalachian Christian Camp in Tennessee.

Named a staff accountant at Greyrock Accounting. Pace is originally from Piedmont. She comes to Greyrock with 12 years of experience from Pace Pavement Technologies Inc.

ADVERTISING

CONSTRUCTION

The 4A’s Foundation recently announced Joe Erwin has been named chairman of the board. The nonprofit foundation provides support for multicultural students pursuing a career in advertising. Erwin previously served as the board’s Southern region director. He is president of Erwin Creates in Greenville and co-founder and former president of Erwin Penland, one of the largest advertising agencies in the South. Joe succeeds Ed Wax, former CEO and chairman of Saatchi & Saatchi Advertising, as the 4A’s Foundation board chair. Erwin will take over the 4A’s Foundation in 2017 and will manage the evolution of Operation Jumpstart, the largest and oldest of the foundation’s eight funds. He will also oversee the ANA Multicultural Excellence Scholarship Fund, Bill Bernbach Diversity Scholarship, DigitasLBi Multicultural Scholarship, Collective Bill Caspare Memorial Fund, Helen Lansdowne Resor Scholarship, MAIP Alumni Fund and Project Act.

O’Neal Inc., a Greenville-based integrated design and construction firm, has hired Wes King as controls project specialist. King has more than 10 years of controls and instrumentation experience. He previously worked for Yates Engineers and Constructors, Jacobs Engineering Group and BE&K. He earned his Bachelor of Science in civil engineering from Georgia Institute of Technology.

AWARDS Longtime Upstate community leader Minor Mickel Shaw and Ten at the Top executive director Dean Hybl were recognized during the 2016 Celebrating Successes Forum hosted by Ten at the Top on Nov. 29. Shaw was honored with the 2016 Welling Award for Regional Collaboration and the first-ever Burdette Leadership Award. Hybl was surprised with another Welling Award in recognition of his efforts since becoming the first full-time director for Ten at the Top in 2010.

EVENTS The Old Cigar Warehouse has hired Lauren Lyons as its new venue captain and Anna-Kate Sherrill as its newest wedding director. Lyons began her career at The Old Cigar Warehouse as a marketing and events intern. She earned a bachelor’s degree in English from Bob Jones University, where she also worked as a project management assistant during her time as a student. Sherrill comes to The Old Cigar Warehouse from The Burlap Elephant in Charleston, where she previously worked as a wedding planner. Sherrill earned a bachelor’s degree in hospitality and tourism management from the College of Charleston and has nearly four years of event-industry experience.

REAL ESTATE Allen Tate Realtors announces that Jenna White, Melissa K. Johnson and Rosalyn Western have joined its Simpsonville office. All three are licensed Realtors.

CONTRIBUTE: New hires, promotions & award winners may be featured in On the Move. Send information and photos to onthemove@upstatebusinessjournal.com.


1.6.2017

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upstatebusinessjournal.com

BUSINESS BRIEFS YOU CAN’ T MISS

The Village Spinx reopens Jan. 11 after complete teardown and rebuild Spinx store No. 112 at 1103 Pendleton St. will celebrate its reopening on Jan. 11. The store sits at the entrance to the Village of West Greenville arts district. The grand opening of the store will begin with a ribbon cutting at 10 a.m. and feature community-centric events throughout the day. In addition to the ribbon cutting, the grand opening will be an opportunity to recognize key contributors to the store’s redevelopment, including the Feed & Seed organization, responsible for building and maintaining the store’s community garden; Ryan Calloway, who created the sculpture designating the beginning of the arts district; and the store’s nonprofit neighbor, Pendleton Place. Reedy Rip It, the Greenville Drive’s frog mascot, will make an appearance, and complimentary hot chocolate and cookies will be available throughout the day. The expanded convenience store features a community garden that was the brainchild of many discussions between Mike McGirr with the Feed & Seed organization and Steve Spinks. The goal was for this garden to serve as a place for the community to come together and focus on gardening and urban farming. The community garden will also offer children’s gardening classes and will serve as a true public feature, as various local organizations have been tapped to help with its upkeep. “It’s been exciting to work with Spinx, Clemson University and Farm To Belly to design an engaging community experience for families to enjoy while eating, reading or just waiting for the bus,” McGirr said. “Soon, people will see beautiful gardens of seasonal produce that their children have learned about in Farm To Belly. We’re incredibly grateful to Spinx for donating a blank slate for the future play, picnic and garden areas, with local foods for sale right inside.” The 6,800-square-foot store features an indoor and outdoor dining area, a full kitchen, a full menu of grab-and-go and made-to-order items, several new items in the Fresh on the Go and Bakery departments and a variety of new craft beer offerings.

| THE FINE PRINT / NEW TO THE STREET | 17

Open for business 1

1. ForceOne Solutions Inc. is now located at 555 Brookshire Road in Greer. The company is a leading provider of quality management solutions in the automotive industry. Learn more at goforceone.com. Photo provided

2

FinTrust Investment Advisors Acquires ERISA Plan Services FinTrust Investment Advisors announces the merger of ERISA Plan Services into FinTrust Investment Advisors. Mike Cruce, the owner and founder of ERISA Plan Services Inc., has CFP certification and 30 years of experience as an investment advisor and third-party administrator. FinTrust Investment Advisors is a South Carolina-based financial services firm specializing in retirement and financial planning, investment management, retirement plan consulting, risk mitigation and capital markets. The FinTrust team of experienced professionals provides solutions to meet both individual and corporate client objectives.

Michelin North America has launched online retail tire sales Michelin North America has launched online retail tire sales for consumers in Southeast markets through MichelinMan.com. The site aims to simplify the tire-buying process so that consumers can research, select and purchase tires, as well as schedule installation with a local Michelin service partner all in one location.

2. Liberty Fine Cuts & Shaves opened Dec. 20 at 817 E. Stone Ave. Learn more at libertyfinecuts.com. Photo provided

CONTRIBUTE: Know of a business opening soon? Email information to aturner@communityjournals.com.


18 | #TRENDING |

UBJ

INFORMATION YOU WANT TO KNOW

OVERHEARD @ THE WATERCOOLER

>Sally Eastman “Nice idea, but the circulation problems on Woodruff Road should have given Martinovic pause and caused him to opt for a Laurens Road location.” >Joshua Tyler Williams “Such a great time for entrepreneurs in the Upstate! This should be cool.”

RE: VIRGINIA-BASED FIRM ACQUIRES LIBERTY SQUARE TOWERS IN DOWNTOWN GREENVILLE >Andy Overgaard – Damien Hall Group “Another amazing purchase! It has been a great month for real estate in Greenville... Bank of America building ($22,500,000), Wells Fargo building ($33,250,000) and now Liberty One & Liberty Two! It’s great to be a part of the HOTTEST market in the United States!”

RE: NEW CRAFT BEER BREWERY HEADING FOR SPARTANBURG COUNTY

DECEMBER 23, 2016

LIKE 'S NO BUSINE SS

OG D BUSINESS

THERE

eneurs How local entrepr niche in are carving their industry this $63 billion

1.6.2017

BIZ BUZZ

Distilled commentary from UBJ readers

RE: ENTREPRENEUR AIMS TO ACE SPORTS GAMING MARKET WITH HITRIUM LAUNCH

|

| VOL. 5 ISSUE 52

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

>Treavor Cudd “Congrats, Josh Dodson. Happy for you, brother!”

The Top 5 stories from the past week ranked by shareability score

>> 382

1. Entrepreneur aims to ace sports gaming market with Hitrium launch

>> 285 2. Southern First’s Art Seaver seeks ‘the right market at the right time’

>> 87 3. Christmas decorations at Drayton Mill get a second life

>> 49 4. Hound Hotels: The Upstate steps up its pet boarding game

>> 48 5. Computer Direct Outlet unveils world’s first ‘sustainable’ computer

>Tracy Wahler “Can’t wait!” >Leanne Rogers Gossett “Yay for Boiling Springs!”

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1.6.2017

|

upstatebusinessjournal.com

DATE

EVENTS YOU SHOULD HAVE ON YOUR CALENDAR

EVENT INFO

WHERE DO I GO?

HOW DO I GO?

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

Basic Small Business Start-Up

NEXT Innovation Center 411 University Ridge 6–8 p.m.

Cost: Free For more information: piedmontscore.org/workshops

Tuesday

1/10 Tuesday

1/10 Thursday

1/12 Wednesday

1/18 Tuesday

1/24

| PLANNER | 19

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

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Emily Pietras epietras@communityjournals.com

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

HOW TO CONTRIBUTE STORY IDEAS: ideas@upstatebusinessjournal.com

EVENTS: events@upstatebusinessjournal.com

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

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NEW HIRES, PROMOTIONS AND AWARDS: onthemove@upstatebusinessjournal.com UBJ welcomes expert commentary from business leaders on timely news topics related to their specialties. Guest columns run 700-800 words. Contact managing editor Jerry Salley at jsalley@communityjournals.com to submit an article for consideration. Circulation Audit by

publishers of

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

Ryan L. Johnston rjohnston@communityjournals.com Chris Haire chaire@communityjournals.com

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

FEBRUARY 17 THE DIVERSITY ISSUE There’s room for the whole spectrum of backgrounds, ideas and talents. Got any thoughts? Care to contribute? Let us know at ideas@ upstatebusinessjournal.com.

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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THINK POSITIVELY EXERCISE DAILY SING OUTLOUD WRITE FREELY STAY STRONG EAT HEALTHY WORRY LESS SHOP LOCAL READ OFTEN WORK HARD DO MORE BE HAPPY Wishing you a Happy & Healthy New Year. From our family to yours.


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