MAY 11, 2018 | VOL. 8 ISSUE 19
DIGI TA L
GOLD Greenville startup to open $10M cryptocurrency mining farm
INSIDE // NEW PLANS FOR GB&D AND VILLAGE GRIND WHAT’S AFTER TOYS R US? SECURING YOUR SMARTPHONE
Michael Bolick, David Pence, and Senter Smith of Treis Mining. Photo by Will Crooks/Upstate Business Journal
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TOP-OF-MIND AND IN THE MIX THIS WEEK
| THE RUNDOWN
VOLUME 8, ISSUE 19 Featured this issue:
Expansion plans for GB&D, Village Grind................................................................4 The state of independent toy shops in the post-Toys R Us era..........................6 Are you protecting the private information on your smartphone?............... 20
On April 27-28, Hartness, the under-construction Traditional Neighborhood Development located off Highway 14, hosted its spring reveal to open the new welcome center and model home (pictured above), constructed by Greenville-based Milestone Custom Homes. The community will ultimately have 700 new homes, which will range from the $400,000s to more than $1 million. Read more on Page 17. Photo by Will Crooks/ Upstate Business Journal
WORTH REPEATING “We will be one of Duke Power’s largest customers in South Carolina.” Michael Bolick, Page 13
“Most folks are more interested in a Fortune 500 adding hundreds of jobs to the local economy or perhaps eliminating hundreds of existing jobs.” Brent Warwick, Page 21
“We want people who use their hands to build something, not just dream it up.” Porter Whitmire, Page 22
VERBATIM
On Super Sales >$1 BILLION Disney’s “Avengers: Infinity War” surpassed $1 billion in worldwide box office sales on Saturday, May 6. It took 11 days for the film to reach that mark, which is now the fastest in film history. “Infinity War” also set a new record for the biggest global opening in film history, with an estimated $640.9 million in sales at the box office for its opening weekend.
5.11.2018 | upstatebusinessjournal.com
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RESTAURANTS
The Village family is expanding ARIEL TURNER | STAFF
aturner@communityjournals.com
Lindsey Montgomery, owner of the Village Grind, will move her 3-year-old, 18-seat coffee shop almost across the street from its current location to a 1,300-square-foot redeveloped portion of the former Mutual Home Store of Greenville at 1256D Pendleton St. Will Crooks/Upstate Business Journal
Two favorite spots in the Village of West Greenville are expanding, both in physical space and in offerings. The Village Grind, the 3-year-old, 18-seat coffee shop owned by Lindsey Montgomery, is moving from its location at 1265E Pendleton St. almost directly across the street to a 1,300-square-foot redeveloped portion of the former Mutual Home Store of Greenville at 1256D Pendleton St., allowing her brother Alex George, to expand his neighboring restaurant Golden Brown & Delicious (GB&D) at 1269 Pendleton St. into the small coffee shop space. George and Montgomery have amicably shared common seating space between their restaurants since George opened up a doorway between the two, but it is now time for them both to expand to allow their businesses to grow. George plans to renovate the small coffee shop space into a full-service bar for GB&D and will also be opening an experimental ice 4
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cream shop named Carol’s across the street at 1265E Pendleton St. next to the new Village Grind location in another section of the former Mutual Home Store. The two new locations will share patio space out front and common restroom access at the back of the stores. The former Mutual Home Store properties are owned by Branwood Properties LLC, of which Ryan Johnston is a member. Johnston is the former publisher of Upstate Business Journal and current managing director of 6AM City LLC. Carol’s and the Village Grind will open simultaneously in early June if construction continues to clip along at its current pace. The GB&D bar expansion will take place over the July 4 week when many of the Village businesses shut down for vacation.
The Village Grind
“My initial dream for the coffee shop was never to be as busy as we are now, which sounds
ridiculous, but the space is so tiny,” Montgomery says. “And it’s great that GB&D has opened up their space and we can sit with them, but it’s been tricky because it’s not all our space.” When George was talking about opening up the ice cream store across the street, Montgomery began thinking about possibly moving also. She toured all of the spaces, and eventually realized what she needed to do. “I’ve had to slowly realize my reality that I need to do something different, but it’s just too small,” she says about the current space to which she has grown attached. “I’ll miss my little shop because I love it so much. I’m so sad about it because it was like my firstborn child, and now he’s going to college and graduating. The thing I first dreamed up is no longer going to be here. But it gives me the new chance to rebuild it all across the street.” But regaining the Village Grind brand identity will be a major benefit of the move. “It’s been so great sharing space with GB&D,
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but I think people are confused,” Montgomery says. “They think we’re the same thing. It’ll be so nice to have our own identity again.” The cheerful baristas and eclectic mid-mod decor with light pink and greenery will still be present in the new space, but the working environment with more space will be a welcome change. “I still really want it to feel like Village Grind, so still that really warm and inviting atmosphere,” Montgomery says. “I just want it to be so much better. I didn’t know what I was doing when I was designing that space. So I think my biggest excitement is to be able to rebuild the bar into a functioning unit. I think everything I did I’m realizing I did it in the most inconvenient way to be working back there.” The new space features a skylight over the new, spacious bar; seating for 40 inside with 10 more outside on the patio; and the original tin tile ceilings, exposed brick, and built-in shelves. “I love keeping as much of the natural building as possible,” she says. Montgomery, who is currently on maternity leave after giving birth to her first child, is considering opening for evening hours as well once she makes the move.
Carol’s Ice Cream
George recounts happy memories of playing Chinese checkers and eating vanilla fudge swirl ice cream at his grandma Carol’s house. Carol, who passed away seven years ago, was his paternal grandmother, and in her honor, he is opening the new 35-seat ice cream shop with his father as his business partner. George says his goal is to take that nostalgic feeling and infuse it into the new ice cream parlor featuring large white tile, a black granite counter, and wallpaper-wrapped bar, but this won’t be a typical hand-scooped ice cream shop. George plans to use liquid nitrogen at -320 degrees Fahrenheit to freeze the cream base while it is being spun in a standard Kitchen Aid stand mixer. The benefit of using liquid nitrogen as the cooling agent is that it freezes the mixture quickly enough to prevent water crystals from forming. Practically, it means George will be able to use less fat and sugar while maintaining a smooth texture. The ice cream counter will have a row of stand mixers where the staff wearing gloves and goggles will make ice cream to order, pouring the liquid nitrogen into the mixing bowls from creamer carafes. “It’ll be part of the show,” George says. Because of the custom nature of making the ice cream, he plans to
For his ice cream, George will use liquid nitrogen at -320 degrees Fahrenheit to freeze the cream base while it is being spun in a standard Kitchen Aid stand mixer. The benefit of using liquid nitrogen as the cooling agent is that it freezes the mixture enough to prevent water crystals from forming. Will Crooks/Upstate Business
| NEWS
Alex George’s planned ice cream shop, Carol’s, is named in homage to his paternal grandmother. Will Crooks/Upstate Business Journal
limit the number of variables by serving composed ice cream dishes like composed desserts, such as a banana split or peanut butter fudge. Each dish will include the ice cream flavor, a topping, and a crunch and cost $6-8. George is also excited about the possibility of recreating what he calls one of the best things he’s ever eaten — a warm, doughnut ice cream sandwich he had at Walt Disney World. For his version, he’ll make the doughnuts fresh, as he does for weekend brunch at GB&D, make the ice cream ahead of time, and then use a specially designed press to put it all together. Carol’s will also have soft-serve ice cream, served plain, with sprinkles or dipped in chocolate for $1-2, as well as sorbet and a dairy-free ice cream option. George plans to source milk from Southern Oaks Jersey Farm and Creamery, but because of the amount of waste created by using only the egg yolks and not the whites, he will use pasteurized egg yokes. George says he would like to use local eggs, but the amount of waste and the price point make it a difficult business option. For instance, for 10 servings of ice cream, he will use 30 egg yolks. “You can only make so many meringues,” he jokes, referring to a typical egg-white-only dessert.
GB&D Bar
George plans to renovate and redecorate his sister’s coffee shop space into an “‘80s, lounge-esque” environment with pink neon and dark wood, giving it its own identity from the dining room. He is currently working on the design but is planning on 15-20 seats with lower seating as well as bar seating. The bar will be designed to flow with the single doorway between the two spaces. Up to this point, GB&D has not had a cocktail program because George could not obtain a liquor license while the coffee shop shared his space. Now, he plans to continue expanding the current wine and beer program while adding a carefully curated selection of mid-level base liquors and a focus on simple, carbonated, and fermented drinks. The cocktails will be citrus and fruit forward. The food menu offered in the bar will be separate from the main dining room. Once the expansion is complete, GB&D will be open five nights a week for lunch and dinner. George says he is actively hiring bartenders, line cooks, and additional servers. 5.11.2018 | upstatebusinessjournal.com
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DEVELOPMENT
The Total Package
Clemson’s Patrick Square is a model of ULI sustainable living solutions MIKE MCMILLAN | CONTRIBUTOR
In the days of sprawling subdivisions with few amenities, traditional neighborhood developments (TNDs) are a breath of fresh air. That’s where Clemson’s Patrick Square stands out — in a package that maximizes sustainability and green building concepts. The community has been around for nearly a decade, but its style of development dates back to the days before the car — when communities were built around having shops, restaurants, and doctors’ offices within a short walking distance. It’s a design that, builders say, reduces the reliance on cars, decreases automotive emissions, and leads to healthier residents. The development is the brainchild of J. Michael Cheezem’s JMC Communities, a firm in St. Petersburg, Fla. Cheezem, already a wellknown name in Florida, came to South Carolina to plan the development at the beginning of the Great Recession. The development’s name comes from John C. Calhoun’s father, Patrick, who was a member of the state Legislature. “South Carolina’s like a second home to me,” he said at a recent Urban Land Institute discussion. 6
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Cheezem’s father, Charles, was also instrumental in the community and was a member of Clemson University’s class of 1944. A lifelong learning center in the town square was named in his honor. Cheezem said they listened to Clemson University officials and neighbors in planning the community. His goal was to give “win-win” situations for the community and the development. The centerpiece of the development is Town Square, another throwback to vintage town development. The 173-acre community will eventually contain 435 residences, with a third of the development being open space. The community was planned as multi-generational, with everyone from young professionals to retirees living within the boundaries. Rob Goodill, of Torti Gallas and Partners of Silver Springs, Md., the urban designers behind the community, said the townhomes address younger families, while the condominiums aim for “move-down,” older buyers. “There were a lot of opportunities and a lot of constraints," Goodill said. He said the town square was inspired by nearby historic Pendleton.
Patrick Square blends residential and retail into a single, sustainable community. Photo provided
The town square was created with retail and community in mind. Town Center manager Chris Hodge said one of the primary goals early on was attracting an upscale restaurant. When he took a class at Harvard University about building town centers, he made connections that would lead to Rick Erwin’s Clemson, the caliber of fine dining he sought. For those looking for something simpler, Joe’s New York Pizza opened a new restaurant. The rest of the square is populated with a number of shops and businesses, including a gym, law firms, a wine bar, and several retailers. The Inn at Patrick Square features 36 guest rooms and nine suites and features a coffee shop and a fine-dining establishment. There are a number of office suites and spaces, and all of them are connected with wifi and conference rooms. The framework for the development was laid in 2007, and the first models were built in 2008, just before the Great Recession. Fortunately, lines of credit were opened before the market collapse, but some of the plans were changed as the housing market was taking a tumble. According to Cheezem, the town square was scaled down to make it more visible.
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The 173-acre community will eventually contain 435 residences, with a third of the development being open space.
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JULY 1 Rick Erwin’s Clemson was the caliber of fine dining Town Center manager Chris Hodge sought for the development. Photo provided
The community has been around for nearly a decade, but its style of development dates back to the days before the car — when communities were built around having shops, restaurants, and doctors’ offices within a short walking distance.
As the economy improved, the building has continued, and there are still projects heading into the Patrick Square. A 50,000-squarefoot senior-living community is slated to open this year. According to Hodge, the developers sought to minimize Patrick Square’s footprint because the variety of commercial uses have lower overall parking requirements.
It’s because of this, he said, that they were able to set aside a third of the development as a green space. In fact, Patrick Square was the first community in South Carolina to receive the EarthCraft Community certification. In 2010, it was named EarthCraft Community of the Year. On the construction end, Hodge said the builders use the best practices and materials to build a healthy and energy-efficient home. “We strive to balance efficiency and affordability to deliver the best value for our homeowners,” he said. Retired Clemson professor Terry Farris has been a resident of Patrick Square for seven years. He said he was a believer in the project before it was built. He said the best part of the project is the people. According to the website, there are more than 60 social groups and planned activities, like garden events and community concerts. “It’s a safe value,” Farris said. “I was confident my values would go up.” 5.11.2018 | upstatebusinessjournal.com
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RETAIL
Cleaning Up the Toys With the demise of a big-box giant, three Upstate toy stores face both challenges and opportunities NEIL COTIAUX | CONTRIBUTOR
Heather Williams of Simpsonville was one of just a handful of shoppers browsing the shelves of the Greenville Toys R Us at 1025 Woodruff Road one recent Wednesday. It may have been her last trip to the store, which closes June 30. Saddled with billions in debt that made it difficult to invest in operations and technology to better compete against Amazon, Walmart, and Target, Toys R Us declared bankruptcy last September and is shuttering all of its U.S. stores. “I have no idea what I’m going to do,” Williams said, her 5-year-old daughter in tow. “I’d say… Amazon?” But then, she called up the names of three independent toy stores a short drive away: The Elephant’s Trunk, Hollipops, and O.P. Taylor’s. “They have specialties there,” Williams said. “We do shop at those toy stores when we want something different and not so mass-produced.” Now, all three stores have a watershed opportunity to win over shoppers like Williams, but they’ve also drawn some bright lines regarding how far they’ll go to pursue them. Tim Hall, a former senior vice president at toy maker Hasbro and current CEO of Simporter, an Atlanta-based sales analytics firm, believes independent toy stores are just one market segment that Hasbro, Mattel, and other manufacturers will probe as they try to recover some of the financial losses they’re experiencing with the demise of Toys R Us. “Their concentration of volume at the big three — Walmart, Amazon, and Target — will undoubtedly increase in 2018,” Hall said in a research paper. But they also will “likely push further into alternate channels like dollar stores, grocery, drug, and independent toy shops,” he believes, giving the area’s three indie stores more competition. 8
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Kelly Boone and Cathy Stone of The Elephant’s Trunk. Will Crooks/Upstate Business Journal
WHAT TO STOCK?
With 32 years of experience running a toy store, owner Cathy Stone of The Elephant’s Trunk in Greenville’s Augusta Commons knows what her customers want, and she’s only willing to expand her offerings so far to snag former Toys R Us shoppers. It’s been “a good balance” between the chain’s offerings and what’s on her shelves at 2222 Augusta St., she said. “We can’t be everything to everybody.” But she’s recently introduced Lego kits and Barbie dolls, both evergreens in the industry. As for what else she might pick up, “We will let our customers dictate that.” Stone acknowledges that with display space already tight inside her festive-looking, 2,000-square-foot shop, there are only so many units of a product she can buy, so she must choose carefully. A below-ground storeroom, also 2,000 square feet, holds additional inventory. The Elephant’s Trunk caters to girls and boys, infant to 10 years, along with female teens. Male teens, Stone noted, favor lots of video games and other electronics readily available in big-box stores. Stone, who holds a graduate degree in early childhood education from Clemson University, prefers that young people “get away from those screens” and engage in more traditional learning- and imagination-based play.
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PRICING
In the big-box era, conventional wisdom says the price is the primary driver of consumer purchasing. But shoppers may be operating under a false assumption, independent store owners suggest. The Elephant’s Trunk, Hollipops at 2531 Woodruff Road in Simpsonville, and O.P. Taylor’s at 117 N. Main St. in Greenville have all used “mystery shoppers” to keep a watchful eye on Toys R Us, and what they found was surprising. “If they had a sale on a toy, their price was usually your price,” said Caroline Robertson, manager at O.P. Taylor’s, with non-sale pricing also often in line with the trio. At Simporter, which performs machine learning on social media and sales data to help retailers anticipate trends, Hall found that convenience — not pricing — is the key driver of toy-buying at chains because “… the consumer feels they have to make their way into a mass merchant at least once a week anyway, so buying a toy there is convenient,” his report states. Similarly, people shop Amazon out of convenience, Stone believes. “I don’t think it’s price. It’s just easy to push that button,” she said. Emily Daniel, the owner of Hollipops, is paying special attention to Target. “I would consider Target to be my biggest competitor,” she said. “They have the biggest crossover with the specialty line.” But to add to her own mix of merchandise, Daniel has lately been pressed to pay top dollar. In December, shortly after Toys R Us declared bankruptcy, Daniel received a letter from Mattel. The toy manufacturer demanded a $10,000 minimum order each year instead of the $250 per order she used to pay, an offer she dismissed. “It’s going to backfire,” she predicted.
IN-STORE EXPERIENCES
In the end, owners and analysts say, the best way for independents to grow their business is to foster and promote an even greater sense of family. “It’s about the bonding between the parent or grandparent and child as they shop the location. … There is much more going on there than a transaction,” Hall wrote. At O.P. Taylor’s, that wholesome environment translates into tots gathering around mascot characters and participating in hands-on play days; at The Elephant’s Trunk, children’s author Clay Rice cutting paper silhouettes of youngster’s profiles; and at Hollipops, two boys scooting among the shelves in toy cars and imitating engine sounds. The shops also assist parents by offering services like call-ahead staff selection of gifts and repairing merchandise that gets broken at home. They have also increased their commitment to Facebook and email marketing, and Daniel has accelerated her annual advertising as Toys R Us goes dark. “I plan to do a wider sweep and let people know we’re down here,” she said. “We just have to work harder to make the experience in our store as pleasant as it can possibly be,” Stone summed up for the group.
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COLUMN |
THE SPARK
The Spark Happenings in Upstate Biz with Trevor Anderson Two bits of good news for downtown Spartanburg patrons this past week, and great news for a city in the midst of its largest growth spurt in almost a century. The first was a redevelopment plan for the 88-year-old Smith’s Drug Store at 142 E. Main St. that was brought before the city’s Design Review Board. Still subject to change, the multimillion-dollar plan involves a completely new four-story mixeduse building that would replace Smith’s existing 12,000-square-foot location. The building could include 3,000 square feet for Smith’s new home, 2,900-square feet for an additional commercial tenant, and apartments on floors two through four. Lewis Miller Park adjacent to Smith’s current building could be upgraded with new outdoor dining, public benches, string lighting, and landscaping, according to the preliminary plan.
Kuntal Patel, who purchased the store four years ago, said he anticipates the project will take up to two years to complete. He plans to keep the store open throughout construction by moving temporarily to Haute Mama’s former space at 154 E. Main St. “This store has been iconic for the community for many years,” Patel said. “Hopefully [the redevelopment] will keep this store going for another 100 years. … I feel great. I’m lucky. When I came here in 2014, many people and the city were working hard [to grow downtown Spartanburg]. In 2015, things really picked up. I think I’m in a great situation. And I think it’s good for the city.” On the opposite end of downtown Spartanburg, former Spartanburg Mayor Bill Barnet purchased the property housing the former Auto Fleet automotive showroom at 331 W. Main St. The showroom has been closed for several years and the property has become an eyesore for anyone entering downtown via its western gateway, or those looking west from the new AC Hotel. Barnet said he plans to demolish the existing building and clear the site in hopes of attracting new development.
Given Barnet’s track record with securing sites in downtown for future use, this deal has major potential. His portfolio includes the old Abby’s Grille building recently purchased by the Peddler Steakhouse, the Carolina Gallery building now occupied by Bond Street Wines and soon-tobe Colliers International office, and a former storefront at 130 Magnolia St. that is now home to a satellite office for the Children’s Museum of the Upstate. Jansen Tidmore, executive vice president of Spartanburg’s Downtown Development Partnership, said both projects are important for a couple of reasons. “What Kuntal is doing — taking an established business and reinvesting in it — speaks volumes to the sustainability and vitality in our downtown,” Tidmore said. “I’m happy and very proud for him.” “As we continue to build density in downtown, [the West Main Street] corridor will become a key area of opportunity,” Tidmore added. “That’s land that has a lot of potential. We’re getting rid of an eyesore that would not and could not contribute to the growth of downtown Spartanburg.” The ball is still rolling in downtown Spartanburg. There’s no sign of it slowing down anytime soon.
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ENERGY
Duke Energy Progress proposes rate increase for SC customers Duke Energy Progress is proposing an increase in monthly fuel costs for its South Carolina customers beginning this summer. Under the proposal, typical residential customers using 1,000 kilowatt-hours per month would see their bills increase from the current $121.47 to $124.71, an increase of $3.24, or 2.7 percent, according to a news release. Commercial customers would see an average increase in their bills of about 1.1 percent, and industrial customers would receive an average increase of about 2.4 percent. The main reason for the proposed overall increase in rates is an undercollection of projected fuel costs of $23.4 million for the prior period, according to the release. The proposed increase, however, must be approved by the Public Service Commission of South Carolina, which reviews fuels costs and adjusts the fuel component of customer rates accordingly. Duke made its annual fuel cost recovery filing earlier this month. If approved, the new fuel rates would go into effect July 1 and affect the bills of all Duke Progress customers in South Carolina. Duke Energy Progress is a subsidiary of Duke Energy Corp., one of the largest energy companies in the United States. The company’s other South Carolina utility, Duke Energy Carolinas, will make its annual fuel filing in July. –Andrew Moore
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RESTAURANT
The Silo at RJ Rockers announces launch of new brunch service The Silo, a new eatery at RJ Rockers in downtown Spartanburg, has completed the addition of a brunch menu to its offering. In January, RJ Rockers announced Malcolm and Lexie Garrison, owners of Spartanburg’s former HenHouse Brunch restaurant, planned to shutter their store in order to join the Silo. The Garrisons have developed a tasty lineup of dishes to complement the Silo’s dinner offering. Brunch will be served from 8 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. on Saturday, with dinner available afterward until 10 p.m. The menu includes beignets; brunch fries smothered with ranch dressing, cheddar cheese, bacon, and green onion; and a “Big A#!” cinnamon roll, which can easily feed four people. Entrée items — including the OMG BLT, a play on a classic BLT with bacon, tomato, fried egg, sunflower sprouts, onion jam, and mayo on a homemade croissant, and The Benny, a spin on traditional eggs Benedict served three different ways — are priced between $10.16 and $12.04.
Vegan and gluten-free options are available. Diners can also enjoy drink specials and craft beer during the brunch service. “We’re excited about the creative opportunity that this space provides, and about how we can translate that into brunch,” Lexie Garrison said in a statement. “The opportunity to join The Silo at RJ Rockers came together naturally, and this decision allows us to better serve our loyal customers.” John Bauknight, owner of RJ Rockers, which is headquartered at 226 A W. Main St. in downtown Spartanburg, said customers had been asking for a brunch service since before the Silo opened its doors. He said the brewery is glad to give those customers “one more thing to love aboaut our place.” “You get this feeling in downtown Spartanburg that everyone wants the same thing — more options without excessive growth,” Malcolm Garrison said. “What’s happening in Spartanburg is unique. The heart and soul behind its recent growth is something we really love. We’re very happy to continue to be part of this community.” –Trevor Anderson
ECONOMIC IMPACT
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A new report released by the South Carolina Aeronautics Commission shows that Donaldson Field in southern Greenville County leads the state in economic impact among general aviation airports. The report estimates that Donaldson Field’s annual economic impact is $522.41 million, which is derived from employment, payroll, and total spending, according to a news release. Direct and indirect employment at the airport is estimated at 1,874 with an annual payroll of $129.3 million. Total annual spending from airport activities is $393.1 million. “The Upstate economy relies heavily on Donaldson Field to keep businesses operating around the clock,” says Danny Moyd, chief operations officer at the South Carolina Technology
UBJ | 5.11.2018
& Aviation Center. “The value we deliver compared to our operating and upkeep costs is one of the state’s best investments, and we continue to work hard to improve upon that value every day.” Located at the South Carolina Technology & Aviation Center, Donaldson Field serves as a major aircraft maintenance and modification center, providing everything from major repairs to routine inspections, according to the news release. Other uses include air charters, hangar and tie-down rental, flight lessons, and pilot and aircraft supplies. One upgrade underway at Donaldson Field is the repaving of its main taxiway, which has not been repaved since its original construction in 1942. The $3.8 million project, funded by a federal grant, will allow the airport to support larger aircraft, according to the release. –Andrew Moore
REAL ESTATE DEALS AND DEVELOPMENTS ACROSS THE REGION
ARIEL TURNER | STAFF
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The Hartness family home will be redeveloped into a 70-room inn with spa component managed by Hay Creek Hotels and will include a double-glass-walled, unique, freestanding restaurant overlooking the lake at the rear of the property.
Home is Where the Hartness Is Hartness welcome center opens; family home to become inn and event destination Hartness, the under-construction Traditional Neighborhood Development located off of Highway 14, hosted its spring reveal April 27-28 to open the new welcome center and model home, constructed by Greenville-based Milestone Custom Homes, to the public and also revealed plans to redevelop the Hartness family home into an inn and event destination. The community that will ultimately have more than 700 new homes is also pre-leasing for the walkable Village Center, comprised of five or six buildings, which has ground-level retail, restaurant, and office opportunities, as well as 15 180-200-square-foot, second-floor executive offices with short-term leases and conference rooms. Hartness is expected to break ground on the Village Center this summer. KDS Commercial Properties LLC is handling leasing efforts. Sean Hartness, CEO of Hartness Real Estate, said the home in which he grew up became the subject of redevelopment discussion 12-24 months ago when they realized there was an opportunity to capitalize on potential wedding business as well as the surrounding industry opportunities to provide corporate lodging and meeting space.
The 70-room inn with spa component will be managed by Hay Creek Hotels, which specializes in exclusive, boutique hospitality venues, and will include a double-glass-walled, unique, freestanding restaurant overlooking the lake at the rear of the property. “The home will continue creating memories,� Sean Hartness says. The patriarch of the family, Pat, and his wife, Mary Lou Hartness, currently reside in the home but have already joined in happy hours on the lawn with current Hartness residents. They will be relocating to a new custom home in the village. Hartness is situated between the Pelham and Woodruff Road commercial corridors with direct access off Highway 14. The 444-acre development will include 180 acres of permanently preserved green space, including 15 miles of trails connecting neighbors to woodlands, lakes, streams, wildlife, and shared recreational areas. The homes on the property will range from the $400,000s to more than $1 million. The Curtis by Stoneledge Properties represents one of several styles available in the village. Bottom two photos: The completed welcome center and model home was designed by Milestone Custom Homes. 5.11.2018 | upstatebusinessjournal.com
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SQUARE FEET |
REAL ESTATE DEALS AND DEVELOPMENTS ACROSS THE REGION
ARIEL TURNER | STAFF
aturner@communityjournals.com |
@arielhturner
The proposal to paint the brick on the 45-year-old building at 200 E. Camperdown Way was a point of contention. Rendering by SHLTR Architects
FRONT ROW
May Design Review Board Urban Panel
A 30-minute delay due to the City of Greenville Design Review Board (DRB) Neighborhood panel meeting’s running long set the tone for the DRB Urban Panel public hearing that followed.
Applicants and panelists alike were clearly aware of the ticking clock, commenting periodically about the length of time the presentations and discussion were taking. Even so, the meeting officially concluded before 6:15 p.m. The one item of old business held over from April and the two new items on the docket garnered a fair amount of discussion, but all received approval with conditions by the panel.
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UBJ | 5.11.2018
AC HOTEL BY MARRIOTT The AC Hotel by Marriott component of the Camperdown development at 305 S. Main St. returned with revisions to the exterior materials that were recommended at the April DRB public hearing. Those changes included the proposed stucco elements from April’s presentation being returned to the previously approved metal panels and an added brick pattern on the north elevation to provide more architectural interest. “We’re building for the long-term,” said panelist Danielle Fontaine, approving of the metal materials over the stucco.
The application by Auro Hotels for a certificate of appropriateness was approved with conditions, which included a recommendation that the proposed blue lighting around the rooftop be changed to white or similar color lighting.
200 E. CAMPERDOWN WAY Façade renovations to the future temporary home for the Wyche Law firm at 200 E. Camperdown Way once the firm’s current home is demolished as part of the Grand Bohemian Hotel project were presented by Tara Hile of SHLTR Architects.
REAL ESTATE DEALS AND DEVELOPMENTS ACROSS THE REGION
ARIEL TURNER | STAFF
aturner@communityjournals.com |
| SQUARE FEET @arielhturner
An application for a certificate appropriateness of a comprehensive streetscape plan for the areas of 32 E. Broad St., 315 S. Main St., and 320 Falls St., which surround the Camperdown site and lead into the Grand Bohemian site, was approved with conditions. Rendering by Beau Welling Design
The application included new exterior paint and the addition of metal screens at various points that would allow vegetation to grow up them and add visual interest to the 1963 structure. Fontaine expressed repeatedly her disapproval of the proposed painting of the brick, due to the historic nature of the architecture. “You can’t unpaint a brick building that’s been painted,” she said. Fontaine said, in her opinion, that the building is one of the rare well-preserved buildings in Greenville from the 1960s and that in order to preserve architectural history in Greenville, it’s very important to preserve as much of the original as possible. She added that generally the DRB doesn’t allow painting of historic buildings because it can’t be undone easily, if at all, but the proposed screens on the front and back are acceptable because they could be removed without showing any damage. She also did not like the idea of obscuring the view of the rear stairs with a screen. “You have a gem of a building,” she said. “That history will be more and more valuable as history goes on.”
SHLTR Architects proposed the addition of metal screens at various points in the structure that would allow vegetation to grow up them and add visual interest. Rendering by SHLTR Architects
Panel chairwoman Carmella Cioffi agreed the color of the brick should remain in the original form. Both she and panelist Robert Benedict agreed adding a vegetative screen around the stairs was acceptable because it could be removed by a future owner. “This is a temporary home for Wyche law firm and is not meant to be a big investment for them,” Hyle said, explaining why certain improvements were chosen over others. The application for a certificate of appropriateness was approved with conditions that previously unpainted brick not be painted and the screen around the stairs be added only if the vegetation wouldn’t damage the stairs.
CAMPERDOWN STREETSCAPE IMPROVEMENTS An application for a certificate appropriateness of a comprehensive streetscape plan for the areas of 32 E. Broad St., 315 S. Main St., and 320 Falls St., which surround the Camperdown site and lead into the Grand Bohemian site, was approved with conditions after some confusion about whether or not the presented stairways were included within the scope of the application. “Very well done overall,” Fontaine said. “I loved just about everything about it.” In terms of the staircases leading to and from the elevated Camperdown plaza, Fontaine suggested visual interest either in materials or the addition of public art be considered for the blank walls running along the stairs, as well as a contrasting material be used on each of the landings to provide the pedestrian with a more inviting experience. Cioffi echoed those sentiments. She also suggested that the colors of the benches and trashcans be considered as a way of adding pops of color to the site that aren’t just plant material. The applicant, represented by Dan Ford, vice president of land planning with Beau Welling Design, will return for approval by planning staff and two members of the DRB Urban Panel of the stair landings and wall details on Japanese Dogwood Lane and Falls Street and the addition of color in the outdoor furniture. 5.11.2018 | upstatebusinessjournal.com
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COVER |
TREIS MINING
STATE MINE WORDS BY ANDREW MOORE • PHOTOS BY WILL CROOKS
TREIS MINING IS DIGITALLY DIGGING CRYPTOCURRENCY IN GREENVILLE
OF
O
ver the past several years, cryptocurrencies like bitcoin have surged in popularity and become a worldwide phenomenon, with millions of people buying and selling them. Now Greenville-based startup Treis Mining is looking to capitalize off the growing market and invest about $10 million in a cryptocurrency data center. Located in a 25,000-square-foot warehouse off Pelham Road, the center will house South Carolina’s largest cryptocurrency mining farm once renovations are complete, according to David Pence, managing director and co-founder of Treis. The company plans to invest $2 million in capital improvements over the next two to three years. “The process of confirming financial transactions over the internet is going to change the way countless industries operate over the next 10 years or so,” Pence said. “We’re here as a company to facilitate that transition.” Unlike fiat currency, or printed money, bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies are not tied to any bank or government. The system is instead maintained by a decentralized network of specialized computers around the world that confirm all cryptocurrency transactions and add them to a public ledger, which is also known as “the blockchain.” 16
UBJ | 5.11.2018
To add a transaction, the specialized computers, known as microprocessors, are required to “mine” for new cryptocurrency coins by competing against each other to solve complex mathematical problems. The first computer to solve the problems receives a share of the new coins. It can also collect transaction fees from coin holders and payment processors. “We verify a transaction, and it is added to the blockchain,” said Michael Bolick, managing director and co-founder of Treis. “We are compensated in the particular cryptocurrency or coin upon which the transaction was processed.” The calculations required to mine cryptocurrencies, however, are becoming more difficult as more and more computers join the network. This difficulty level adjusts itself according to the amount of computational power being employed after every 2,016 transactions, or roughly every two weeks. In fact, the mathematical problems have become so complicated that miners are now teaming up to verify transactions and agreeing to split the profits. Many cryptocurrencies have also been designed with a finite limit on the number of units that can ever be generated. The bitcoin network, for instance, has a set limit of 21 million coins. Miners have discovered and distributed about 17 million of those coins since 2009, but it could take more than 50 years to find the remaining
4 million due to the increasingly difficult calculations required to mine cryptocurrencies, according to Pence. At that point, mining for new blocks won’t generate any coins. Additionally, the rewards for bitcoin mining halves roughly every four years. For example, when bitcoin was first created, the reward for successful mining was 50 coins. The reward now stands at 12.5 coins, and soon they’ll only get 6.25. However, as the reward becomes smaller and smaller, every bitcoin mined will become more valuable as increased demand pushes the currency’s price upward. Luckily, Treis is going to have the hardware necessary to compete, according to Pence. Today, the more computing power miners manage to accumulate, the more chances they have of solving the calculations required to verify cryptocurrency transactions. That’s why miners have begun using Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASIC) rigs to solve the problems. Treis, for instance, plans to invest roughly $8 million in more than 4,000 ASIC rigs over the next two years, said Bolick. “They are purpose-built and are the most effective way to participate in helping to verify and add a given transaction to the blockchain," he said. Treis has already installed roughly 300 ASIC rigs capable of mining bitcoin, litecoin, and various other popular cryptocurrencies, he added. The microprocessors, however, require
TREIS MINING
| COVER
From left to right: Treis Mining co-founders Michael Bolick, David Pence, and Senter Smith. 5.11.2018 | upstatebusinessjournal.com
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COVER |
TREIS MINING
“The process of confirming financial transactions over the internet is going to change the way countless industries operate over the next 10 years or so. We’re here as a company to facilitate that transition.” David Pence, managing director and co-founder, Treis
Treis Mining uses a variety of ASIC rigs to verify cryptocurrency transactions. That includes the Antminer D3, which is capable of mining Dash, an open source peer-to-peer cryptocurrency. extraordinary amounts of computing power and electricity to run a highly sophisticated algorithm to verify transactions. And unfortunately, miners are only profitable when their hardware and electricity costs to mine one unit are lower than the price of one unit. That’s why most mining companies, including Treis, sell cryptocurrency coins for a profit. A cryptocurrency is a digital or virtual currency designed to work as a medium of exchange that uses cryptography (the process of altering or rearranging data so that it’s unreadable to anyone other than the intended recipient) to process transactions securely, control the creation of additional units, and verify the transfer of assets. The first cryptocurrency unit, bitcoin, was created in 2009 by an anonymous programmer known as Satoshi Nakamoto. In 2013, the United States Treasury Department classified bitcoin as a legal convertible decentralized virtual currency, allowing it to be purchased as an investment, like gold, or exchanged online for goods and services. The value of bitcoin is determined by how many 18
UBJ | 5.11.2018
HOW MUCH IS IT WORTH? Source: Coindesk.com
Bitcoin — $9,392.56 Bitcoin Cash — $1,660.09 Ethereum — $755.49 Litecoin — $166.04 Ripple — $0.8375 * Information is accurate as of Monday, May 7, 2018
people are buying it and using it, and how many new coins are in circulation. One bitcoin is currently worth about $9,395, according to blockchain.info, a news and data site. There are now close to 1,400 cryptocurrencies with a combined worth of about $300 billion. Pence, who is also the founder of Greenville-based Acumen IT, said he first got involved
with cryptocurrency mining two years ago after reading about Microsoft’s decision to allow an Ethereum blockchain network on its Azure cloud computing service. After thousands of hours of research, Pence started mining for Ethereum, the second most popular cryptocurrency, from his home. He then decided to expand his new venture and outfit a 1,500-square-foot building behind Acumen with 240 graphics processing units. Pence later added another 300 units to the warehouse space and began researching ASIC rigs to mine for other cryptocurrencies. But he needed more space — and some help. That’s when Pence presented the idea of launching a mining company to Bolick, president of Greenville-based Selah Partners, who has more than a decade of experience in scaling businesses across South Carolina. Bolick, who agreed to join Pence, soon recruited Senter Smith to handle the buying and selling of cryptocurrencies. Smith, former director of Greenville-based United Catalyst Corp., has more than a decade of experience in trading.
TREIS MINING
The trio officially launched Treis in December. “The skill and experience set combination of our three partners enables Treis to be highly effective,” Bolick said. “Duke Power's stable and affordable power is also a clear differentiator globally." Bolick added that Treis, when fully operational, will require 12.5 megawatts of power, with each ASIC rig using approximately 1,600 watts per hour. “We will be one of Duke Power's largest customers in South Carolina,” he said. Unfortunately, the Antminer S9, one of the most advanced ASIC units, would require 451.91 days to mine one Bitcoin and use 14641.884 kilowatts, according to a recent study published by Crescent Electric Supply Company. In South Carolina, it requires approximately $4,302 in electricity to mine one bitcoin. To remain profitable, Treis not only plans to sell a share of the coins it earns but also to install a 250-ton trade chiller with ventilation to keep its rigs from overheating and lower its electricity bills, according to Pence. The company also plans to add additional monitors to its market analysis center, where Smith currently spends most of his weekdays monitoring pricing changes to determine which coins Treis should mine and sell.
“ The market is maturing, and the use cases for various blockchain applications is no longer nascent but compelling.” Michael Bolick, managing director and co-founder, Treis
Cryptocurrencies, however, are high-risk investments that have been hit in recent months with increasing regulatory scrutiny. The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, for instance, recently announced that securities laws apply to everything from cryptocurrency exchanges to digital asset storage companies. In addition, Twitter and various other sites, including Google and Facebook, have banned cryptocurrency advertisements. In the three months ended March 31, Bitcoin fell from $13,412.44 to $6,928.85, marking a more than 48 percent decline, according to industry website CoinDesk, which tracks the price across a number of exchanges. Despite the fluctuating market outlook, Treis has big plans for the future. The company, for instance, plans to open five to six more data centers throughout the Upstate over the next decade, according to Pence. Each facility would employ two staff members to oversee the maintenance of the ASIC rigs. Treis also plans to experiment with blockchain technology to create distributed apps that could “revolutionize” countless industries, according to Bolick. That includes the possible creation of a title records database, which would lower the cost of searches and potentially replace the need for local real estate records. “The market is maturing, and the use cases for various blockchain applications is no longer nascent but compelling,” Bolick said. “It’s going to streamline and optimize financial transactions to a much more cost-effective and efficient model. 5.11.2018 | upstatebusinessjournal.com
“Purveyors of Classic American Style” 864.232.2761 | rushwilson.com 23 West North St., Downtown Greenville
| COVER
INNOVATE |
MOVERS, SHAKERS AND DISRUP TORS SHAPING OUR FUTURE
The small-business impact on employability in Greenville Small businesses in Greenville, as By BRENT WARWICK anywhere else in our partner, ipsoCreative country, have great potential to positively impact our communities through employment. But, ironically, that potential is made possible through the challenges small businesses face in finding candidates. Small-business owners often struggle with the time-consuming and disillusioning task of finding the right people to hire. And it’s not just the task itself. It’s also the fact that there is so little public discussion on the topic. Very seldom do publications and media outlets spend time on the challenges faced by small businesses. Most folks are more interested in a Fortune 500 adding hundreds of jobs to the local economy or perhaps eliminating hundreds of existing jobs. However, small businesses account for 47.8 percent of private sector employees (58 million out of 121 million employees), according to the U.S. Small Business Administration Office of Advocacy. Coupled with the fact that “small businesses accounted for 61.8 percent of net new jobs from the first quarter of 1993 until the third quarter of 2016,” that means that while the big news goes to big businesses, it’s small businesses that are making some of the biggest impacts on employment, and more specifi-
cally, on the lives of employees. So, the issue of small-business hiring is an extraordinarily relevant topic with significant ramifications.
THE CHALLENGE
Small businesses simply don’t have the resources to attract candidates or make offers comparable to large companies. This is true of any small business, but it’s an acute challenge for small business in industries where higher education, professional certifications, or specialized training is required. Larger companies have the odds stacked in their favor with regard to compensation, perks, and resources to lure potential hires. Add to that the additional challenge that small businesses don’t have the brand or name recognition that large ones do. This is a major hindrance to employees who might otherwise be willing to take lower compensation in exchange for the brand equity their resume could contain.
THE OPPORTUNITY
However, it’s this very difficulty that small businesses have in hiring the ideal candidates that give them their strength in developing people. If a potential employee does not have the right degree or work experience, or they have not gone to the right school, or they don’t have the right social network, they are most often overlooked by larger companies. The same is true for candidates who may be younger or older than the “ideal,” or for candidates who have blemishes on their credit or have a criminal history. These candidates may lack employability among large companies, but among small businesses, they can add great value. When small businesses struggle to gain the ideal candidates, overlooked candidates then have an opportunity. Small businesses have a trade-off to offer these candidates. In exchange for lower compensation, what a candidate lacks will be overcome by the small business’s investment in that employee. The candidate who lacks the proper credentials can be given the opportunity to continue his education. The candidate who lacks sufficient experience can be given the opportunity to gain that experience. The candidate who has a blemished past can be given the opportunity to establish a new resume.
THE IMPACT
The small business benefits from filling a position at a lower compensation point, which adds to its overall sustainability as a business. The overlooked employee is given a chance, which he might not have otherwise. It’s in this way that small businesses are a truly vital component to individual human flourishing. The very structure of the agreement between the small business and the employee facilitates the growth and development of that employee. For the small business to thrive, its employees must meet its needs. So, it’s in the best interest of the small business to fill gaps in employees’ knowledge, skills, and experience. Conversely, an overlooked employee who has been given a chance has a tendency to prove his worth, work hard, and show loyalty. The story of the outlier, who was given an opportunity and made good on it, is a powerful narrative that resonates with us. And that’s because, on a deep level, we know that it matters for individuals, their families, and our community here in Greenville.
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UBJ | 5.11.2018
STRATEGIES FOR HONING YOUR PROFESSIONAL SKILLS
| PROFESSIONAL
Are you making these security mistakes with your smartphone? The first iPhone was released a little more than 11 years ago. It’s tough to remember how we managed our daily lives without smartphones. How did we get around town without Google Maps? Pay our bills on time before we had credit card and banking apps? Or let someone know we were running late without text messaging? Because completing tasks on smartphones is so easy, we tend to overlook the sensitivity of the data we store on them. And that could be a recipe for disaster. To help you safeguard your confidential data, I’m sharing five mistakes that many of us make when using our smartphones, along with some simple fixes that you can put in place today. By ROB DeHOLLANDER managing principal, DeHollander & Janse Financial Group
1. Not auto-locking our phones or using passwords.
Most smartphone users don’t password-protect their devices, making their information vulnerable if phones are lost or stolen. Two years ago, my wife and I traveled to Puerto Rico for our vacation. When we got to the hotel, my wife realized her phone was missing. It was one of those sick-to-your-stomach moments. We anxiously backtracked and determined her phone was probably left on the bus we rode from the airport to the resort. At the time, my wife didn’t have a password on her phone (“It’s too much of a hassle…”). That night I remember worrying about the amount of personal data on her phone, including our banking apps, credit card information, and pictures of our home and kids. Fortunately, the next day we got her phone back. The first thing she did was enable password protection. We got lucky and the story ended happily, but it could’ve been much worse.
What can you do?
Change your settings to require your phone to lock after a certain period of inactivity. This way, you’ll have to enter a password to get back in. Set a strong PIN or password. Although having a password is the most basic form of security, it will serve as the first line of defense, giving you the opportunity to remotely wipe or track your phone if it is lost or stolen.
2. Connecting to public or unsecured Wi-Fi networks.
What can you do?
Don’t stay logged in to apps, and clear your device’s browser history regularly.
4. Clicking on links sent through unsolicited texts or emails.
Cybercriminals have crossed over from the desktop to the mobile world. They now deploy their phishing attempts through text messages or emails, hoping that you’ll click their bogus links and provide them with your credentials or financial information.
What can you do?
Just as with your desktop or laptop, be wary of clicking links and downloading attachments — don’t do it. Viruses can infect smartphones, too. What the future holds As more of us use mobile devices to communicate and transact business, more of our information will be out there tempting hackers to steal it. Don’t let your smartphone lull you into a false sense of security. Follow the simple advice here to help ensure the security of your personal data. Robert DeHollander is a managing partner and co-founder of the DeHollander & Janse Financial Group in Greenville.
IT’S PLANE SIMPLE
MORE NONSTOPS • CONVENIENT PARKING LESS HASSLE • LOW FARES
100 OVER
TOTAL D NONST AILY OPS
7%
Public Wi-Fi networks pose a major security risk. Cybercriminals connected to the same network can view your activity and any information you send over the network, including usernames, passwords, account information, credit card information, and email messages.
CH THAN CEAPER HA ON AVE RLOTTE RAG E*
What can you do?
Turn off auto-discovery if your phone has that function! If you need to go online, use cellular data instead of connecting to an unsecured network.
3. Staying logged in to apps that store your financial information.
Although certainly more convenient than entering your credentials every time you need access, staying logged in to Amazon, Capital One, or another shopping or banking service provider could leave you vulnerable to serious financial risk. If your phone is lost or stolen, you’re basically handing a criminal your wallet.
www.gspairport.com *Average one way fare plus Passenger Facility Charge in each of GSP’s top 50 markets per USDOT for 12 months ending June 30, 2017.
5.11.2018 | upstatebusinessjournal.com
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INNOVATE |
MOVERS, SHAKERS AND DISRUP TORS SHAPING OUR FUTURE
Open innovation a driver in TTI’s business growth There’s no doubt speakers. These accessories increase the utility of the garage door opener about the aim of and address user needs in the garage. director of research & strategic Techtronics IndusTTI’s “visionary leadership” backed the program from the start, initiatives, Upstate SC Alliance tries (TTI), an Whitmire says. “We never could have pursued open innovation at this Upstate company level without buy-in from the top.” Pursuing open innovation required that designs and “a strong commitment” up front, he adds, but the company’s calculated manufactures power equipment under the brands Ryobi, Ridgid, and risk paid off as ideas rolled in and creative juices started flowing. Homelite. Open innovation began internally, and as ideas were shared openly “If it has a cord, we want to make it cordless,” says Vice President of across departments, the strategy quickly bore fruit. Another innovation Innovation Porter Whitmire. “We specialize in lithium-ion battery power.” was the Arctic Cove bucket-top mister — Home Depot’s signature orange The Anderson County industry has seen tremendous success in its pursuit of a cordless world, with more than 10 percent growth year over year for 10 years and $6 billion in annual sales. To keep up the streak, the manufacturer has adapted its business model to incorporate open innovation, a collaborative strategy emphasizing a free flow of ideas from internal, external, and unexpected sources. Whitmire shared the company’s open innovation story during the April 11 Upstate SC Alliance Coffee & Conversation. Encouraging Upstate businesses to embrace transformational new business practices is a goal of the Upstate Global Competitiveness Council, and TTI’s success paints a detailed picture of open innovation’s benefits. The thinking behind open innovation is that diverse perspectives yield a profitable breadth of ideas. Such TTI’s Vice President of Innovation Porter Whitmire discusses the company’s embrace of open intentional innovation provides value to customers by innovation — a collaborative strategy emphasizing a free flow of ideas from internal, external, and developing products that “meet their pain point” or unexpected sources — during a recent talk. Photo provided specific problem, Whitmire says. TTI leads the industry in lithium-ion battery technology; it’s a company Homer bucket with a battery-powered fan and mister on top — that was with a slew of patents and experienced, creative thinkers. Even so, says patented and has been a top seller for three years. Smiling, Whitmire notes Whitmire, innovation works best when inspiration also comes from the the brainchild came from a member of TTI’s social media team, someone world beyond a research and development lab’s walls. who would normally not be involved in the product idea process. “We never want to go in with a ‘me too’ product,” Whitmire notes. “We To elicit innovation externally, TTI launched PowerToolInnovation. always want to have a true differentiator, a fresh concept.” To compete com, a website devoted to providing a means for independent inventors effectively, TTI expanded its pool of brainpower from only its R&D to submit ideas to TTI. “We get thousands of submissions a year, and the department to a larger sphere. best ones are presented to the executive committee for development Encouraging outside voices to chime in on TTI’s creative process was consideration and possible licensing.” a “leap,” Whitmire says, but “it boils down to being flexible and explorTTI partners with Clemson University’s mechanical engineering uning alternative avenues for new business. Putting more ideas into our dergraduate program, harnessing the collective creativity of up-andfunnel can only be a good thing.” coming product designers and engineers. To maximize the number of ideas that turned into profit-generating “It gives them an experience where they can get their hands dirty. We products, TTI opened its virtual doors and invited innovators in. throw in hot glue, tons of tools, and a challenge they have to solve. It’s The company developed ION (Innovation Outreach Network), an where the rubber meets the road,” Whitmire adds. open innovation program targeting three primary audiences: TTI emThe heart of open innovation, Whitmire says, is an understanding that ployees, universities, and inventors or other companies with applicable “you don’t have to have years of real-world experience” or technical knowideas or technology. “We want to know where the pain is and what how to contribute valuable ideas. problems we can solve for our customers, so it helps to cast a wide net.” “While we look at engineers, industrial designers, and marketing students One example of a product rooted in open innovation: the Ryobi gaas prospective employees, we also need hands-on folks,” he adds. “We rage-door opener. It’s not just any garage-door opener: In addition to want people who use their hands to build something, not just dream it offering battery backup to power the device during grid outages, ideas up. That kind of problem-solving cannot be duplicated on paper or by a submitted through the ION program led to the creation of accessory computer.” modules like a power cord reel, laser parking assistant, and Bluetooth By ELIZABETH FEATHER
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UBJ | 5.11.2018
INSIDE THE UPSTATE’S NETWORKING AND SOCIAL SCENE
| SOCIAL SNAPSHOT
BIZ ON TAP Drinks and conversation flowed at the April 25 Business on Tap networking event, presented by Upstate Business Journal and held at 13 Stripes Brewery in Taylors Mill. Photos by Chelsey Ashford
Todd Embroidme, Susan Smith
Max Cochran, Randy Dabney
Meghan McDuff, Jenna Bradley, Anita Lebold, Tatiana De Angulo
John Ashford, David Krysh
Daniel Lovelace, Tony Weaver
Devon McCray, Jake & Leigh Agresti
Alex Reynolds, Dave D’alessio, Caleb Lewis
Lagrace Mcdowell, Bob Latouche 5.11.2018 | upstatebusinessjournal.com
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SOCIAL SNAPSHOT |
INSIDE THE UPSTATE’S NETWORKING AND SOCIAL SCENE
CRAWFORD STRATEGY Crawford Strategy celebrated its eighth anniversary on May 2 with clients, partners, and friends. The company hosted the party at its new office at 201 W. McBee St., where they recently moved in and renovated to make room for their growing team. Photos by Leland Outz
50 5
Celebrating Celebrating 24
UBJ | 5.11.2018
PLAY-BY-PLAY OF UPSTATE CAREERS
NAMED
HIRED
HIRED
HIRED
| ON THE MOVE
NAMED
TIMOTHY R. KEOWN
DAVID C. KING
MAX RUSH
LOIS A. PHILYAW
STEPHEN WOODS
Has been named the recipient of the Outstanding Young Agricultural Alumnus Award by Clemson University’s College of Agriculture, Forestry, and Life Sciences and its National Agricultural Alumni Board of Directors. Keown graduated from Clemson University in 2004 and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in educational leadership at Clemson.
Has been added to the Countybank board of directors. King is an Anderson native who recently retired as the executive director of the Abney Foundation. King previously had a 32-year banking career and he also co-owned Sullivan-King Mortuary. King earned his bachelor’s degree at Auburn University and later graduated from Louisiana State University School of Banking.
Has joined SUMMIT Engineering, Laboratory, and Testing as client development manager. Rush previously worked in sales for a construction software company. Rush earned his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and psychology from The University of South Carolina.
Has joined Carolina Alliance Bank’s mortgage division as vice president, mortgage lender. Philyaw has more than 30 years of banking experience and knowledge focused in mortgage banking.
Has been named to BTI Client Service All-Stars 2018 list. Woods is a shareholder of Ogletree Deakins in Greenville. To be named to the All-Stars list, an attorney must be submitted for the process by corporate counsel.
LAW
PUBLIC RELATIONS
Super Lawyers Magazine selected 10 Smith Moore Leatherwood attorneys to the 2018 South Carolina Super Lawyers List. Among those six were included as Super Lawyers, and four were honored as Rising Stars. The Super Lawyers are Steven E. Farrar (Business Litigation), Mark R. Holmes (Real Estate), J. Tod Hyche (Estate and Probate), Natalma M. McKnew (Franchise/Dealership), Robert D. Moseley Jr. (Transportation/Maritime), and Kurt M. Rozelsky (Business Litigation). The Rising Stars are Emily I. Bridges (Antitrust Litigation), Brad J. Gower (Real Estate), M. Kevin McCarrell (Creditor Debtor Rights), and Joseph W. Rohe (International).
Complete PR has been awarded six Hermes Creative Awards in 2018, a record for the agency. Complete PR took home gold awards for Best Publicity for Special Event (Tacos n’ Tequila), Best Interactive Media (Friday Flash), and Best Blog (The Buzz). The agency also received honorable mentions for Press Release Writing (Greenville Health System), Website Design (Complete PR), and Pro Bono Work (Rebuild Upstate). Contribute: New hires, promotions, & award winners may be featured in On the Move. Send information and photos to onthemove@upstatebusinessjournal.com.
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INFORMATION YOU WANT TO KNOW
THE WATERCOOLER Social Chatter
RE: ICONIC DOWNTOWN CLEMSON BUILDING SOLD “The end of an era. Each time I’m back in downtown Clemson, it feels just a little more unfamiliar. If they ever try to close Judge Keller’s, I’ll chain myself to the door!”
Jordan Peeler
RE: THE 9-ACRE FORMER SOUTHERN BLEACHERY SITE AT TAYLORS MILL TO BE TRANSFORMED
“This is exciting!”
Brandy Perkins
“Wow! Greenville continues to grow and become a place for millennial[s] to grow as well!”
Melanie Griffin Taylor
“This is the convention space that Greenville has been looking for. Now the owners just need a plan to transport conventioneers from downtown hotels to the site. Best of luck with this great project!”
Sally Eastman
1. The 9-acre former Southern Bleachery site at Taylors Mill to be transformed
2. Iconic downtown Clemson building sold
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Tuesday
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IN THIS WEEK’S ISSUE OF UBJ? WANT A COPY FOR YOUR LOBBY?
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
UBJ milestone jackson Marketing Group’s 25 Years 1988 Jackson Dawson opens in Greenville at Downtown Airport
JUNE 29 LEGAL ISSUE
1988
>>
JULY 27 COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE ISSUE Got any thoughts? Care to contribute? Let us know at upstatebusinessjournal.com/submit.
1997 Jackson Dawson launches motorsports Division 1993
1990 Jackson Dawson acquires therapon marketing Group and moves to Piedmont office Center on Villa.
Chairman larry Jackson, Jackson marketing Group. Photos by Greg Beckner / Staff
Jackson Marketing Group celebrates 25 years By sherry Jackson | staff | sjackson@communityjournals.com
Solve. Serve. Grow. Those three words summarize Jackson Marketing Group’s guiding principles, and according to owner Larry Jackson, form the motivation that has kept the firm thriving for the past 25 years.
Jackson graduated from Bob Jones University with a degree in video and film production and started his 41-year career in the communications industry with the U.S. Army’s Public Information Office. He served during
Vietnam, where he said he was “luckily” stationed in the middle of Texas at Fort Hood. He left the service and went to work in public affairs and motorsports at Ford Motor Company in Detroit. After a stint at Bell and Howell, where he was responsible for managing Ford’s dealer marketing and training, the entrepreneurial bug hit and he co-founded Jackson-Dawson Marketing Communications, a company specializing in dealer training and product launches for the auto industry in 1980. In 1987, Jackson wanted to move back south and thought Greenville would be a good fit. An avid pilot, he
learned of an opportunity to purchase Cornerstone Aviation, a fixed base operation (FBO) that served as a service station for the Greenville Downtown Airport, providing fuel, maintenance and storage. In fact, when he started the Greenville office of what is now Jackson Marketing Group (JMG) in 1988, the offices were housed on the second floor in an airport hangar. “Clients would get distracted by the airplanes in the hangars and we’d have to corral them to get back upstairs to the meeting,” Jackson said. Jackson sold the FBO in 1993, but says it was a great way to get to know Greenville’s fathers and leaders
>>
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
2003 motorsports Division acquires an additional 26,000 sq. ft. of warehouse space
1998
2009 Jackson Dawson changes name to Jackson marketing Group when larry sells his partnership in Detroit and lA 2003
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
2009-2012 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-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 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 inVolVeMent & 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 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
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