Behind The Counter 2016 by Community Journals

BEHIND THE COUNTER

LOCAL COMPANIES

WHO WORK FOR

YOU

WHO THEY ARE – WHAT THEY DO

A C O M M U N I T Y J O U R N A L S P U B L I C AT I O N 2 0 1 6

BerkshiHatwyHomeSrvicsymbolaregist dervicmaksofHmeSrvicsofAmerica,In.®EqualHosingOportuniy.

Make Your Move

The New Year brings New Opportunities!

If you’ve been dreaming of selling your home…make your move in 2016! If you’re dreaming of a profitable, flexible new career…make your move in 2016! Follow your dreams this New Year with the Upstate’s #1 real estate company. We sell more homes thandreaming any other company in the area. we’ve launched more careersmove! for real estate If you’ve been of selling yourAnd home…it’s time tosuccessful make your professionals. Trust the Upstate leader when it comes to your home…and your career.

If you’re dreaming of a profitable, flexible new career…it’s time to make your move! Make your dreams come true this year and make your #BestMoveEver by choosing The time is now to team up with theHathaway Upstate’s #1 real estate company for your BEST MOVE EVER. Berkshire HomeServices C. Dan Joyner, REALTORS.

And we’ve

We sell more homes than any other company in the area. In fact, we sell 11 houses a day, 365 days of the year*.

Largest Real Estate Company The Top 100 Most Respected Upstate Real Estate Company: The World’s Most launched more successful careers for real estate professionals. Trust the Upstate when it comes toinyour your career. Southhome…and Carolina: Companies in the World: Admired Companies: Berkshire Hathaway leader HomeServices, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, Berkshire HathawayHomeServices C. Dan C. Dan Joyner,REALTORS, REALTORS Berkshire Hathaway Contact Berkshire Hathaway Joyner, and let’s get moving! C. Dan Joyner, REALTORS Real Trends, 2015 Barron’s, 2014 Real Trends, 2015 Fortune Magazine, 2015

Bringing Quality Home Since 1964. | www.cdanjoyner.com | #BestMoveEver RESIDENTIAL · COMMERCIAL · RELOCATION · PROPERTY MANAGEMENT · SENIOR SERVICES · CAREER CENTER ©2015 BHH Affiliates, LLC. An independently owned and operated franchisee of BHH Affiliates, LLC. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices symbol are registered service marks of HomeServices of America, Inc.® Equal Housing Opportunity. *Based on 2015 total units sold by BHHS C. Dan Joyner, REALTORS

GBS BUILDING SUPPLY GBS Building Supply has a forty-year foundation of steady growth, That commitment shines through at each of the company’s five locations where store managers (pictured below with Barreto) set the including recognition as one of the 20 fastest-growing large companies in tone for success. Team members greet loyal customers by name and South Carolina for three years running. The company recently completed offer expertise on a wide range of products including lumber, a strategic transaction that will allow GBS to grow even windows, millwork, cabinetry, roofing, siding, decking, more rapidly – while maintaining the local accountability drywall, and more. that has been the hallmark of the company since 1972. “We don’t look for Barreto encourages “out of the box” thinking in all aspects “We have joined U.S. LBM, the nation’s third largest volume; we pursue of the business, which cultivates a team full of energy, passion, building products distributor, as one of their operating quality, which gets and a desire to always be at the top of their game. “We companies. Our partnership with U.S. LBM affords us the us volume.” brainstorm big ideas and then execute them,” states Barreto, capital we need to grow our business even faster than we adding, “It’s an exciting time to be in this industry, but most were already growing,” said CEO Bob Barreto. importantly, at GBS.” Under the arrangement, GBS remains an autonomous company with all decisions made at the local level to meet the needs of local customers. “We feel we have the best of both worlds,” Barreto said. Now 130 employees strong, Barreto says unmatched service is still priority one at GBS, along with offering the best, longest-lasting products. Corporate Office: “We don’t look for volume; we pursue quality,” Barreto said, “which gets us volume.” 11 Geneva Ct., Greenville Barreto has been with the company for five years, but with an extensive www.gbsbuilding.com PRODUCTS SERVICE SOLUTIONS list of long-term employees, he’s still considered “the new guy.” His favorite 864.288.3627 aspect of the work has been getting to know both the employees and the Pictured from left to right: clients GBS serves. “I’ve been fortunate to work in a lot of industries, but Bronson Whiteside, Director of Operations; Jason Merck, Manager, Six Mile location; the GBS team and our customers - they are all really great, hard-working Terry Mattress, Manager, Anderson location; Bob Barreto, CEO; and James Whiteside, people who are committed to their business.” Manager, Hendersonville, NC location.

BUILDING

PHOTOGRAPHY BY CAROL BOONE STEWART

SUPPLY

Behind The Counter

2016

A Celebration of LOCAL BUSINESS

BTC BEHIND THE COUNTER

mark b. johnston President & CEO

ADVERTISING & MARKETING

Account Executives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . donna johnston

annie langston nicole mularski lindsay oehman emily yepes

2003

2004

2005

2006

Events & Account Strategy . . . . . . . . . . . . . kate madden

CREATIVE SERVICES

Creative Design Director . . . . . . . . . . . . .kristy m. adair

PRODUCTION

Operations Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .holly hardin

2007

2008

2009

Client Services Managers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . anita harley

2010

jane rogers

Sr. Graphic Designer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . michael allen Contributing Photographers . . . . . . . . carol boone stewart

carolbstewartphotography.com inspiro 8 studios inspiro8.com

A photo essay of local entrepreneurs

Behind the Counter 201 4 Upstate, South Carolina | A Community Journals Publication

2011

2012

2013

2014

BEHIND THE COUNTER

parkkonen photography myimagesbymonica.com related images photography relatedimagesphoto.com Copy Writers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . amanda allen

leigh savage jan scalisi allison walsh michelle willis

LOCAL COMPANIES

WHO WORK FOR

YOU

WHO THEY ARE – WHAT THEY DO

FINANCE A C O M M U N I T Y J O U R N A L S P U B L I C AT I O N

2015

Accounting Coordinator . . . . . . . . . . shannon rochester

2016

DISTRIBUTION

As you can see from the past covers above, we have been at this a long time. It has been exciting to watch the growth of the Upstate over these past 14 years. I hope you enjoy reading the stories as much as we have enjoyed bringing them to you. Our team looks forward to publishing this product every year. Any company, of any size, is fueled by the energy, creativity, wisdom and often the fortitude of the people Behind the Counter. They are the engines driving this business community and in these pages we want to give you a taste of their passion and entrepreneurial sprit. So after you have read through these pages, go out and meet some of these people you’ll see here in person. They will be happy to see you. I think you will agree that the view here in the Upstate is pretty good, no matter what side of the counter you’re on. Always remember...Shop Local! mark b. johnston, president &publisher 2

Behind The Counter

2016

Circulation Coordinator . . . . . . . . . . . . . marla lockaby

designed and produced by COMMUNITY JOURNALS PUBLISHING GROUP publishers of greenville journal, upstate business journal, town magazine, & at home magazine. 581 perry avenue, greenville, sc 29611 phone: 864-679-1200 communityjournals.com © 2016 published by community journals llc. all rights reserved. all property rights for the entire contents of this publication shall be the property of community journals. no part of this publication may be reproduced, scanned, stored, distributed or transmitted by any means – whether auditory, graphic, mechanical, or electronic – without written permission from the publisher. cover design by kristy adair.

GIBBS CANCER CENTER & RESEARCH INSTITUTE

PHOTOGRAPHY BY CAROL BOONE STEWART

“He had almost no side effects at all,” Fried said. For more than a year, Gibbs Cancer Center & Research Institute has been using the M6 version of CyberKnife, which provides After growing up in North Carolina, Fried earned degrees from the extremely precise and accurate radiation treatment University of Chicago and UNC Chapel Hill, where he of tumors all over the body including the brain, lung, earned a PhD in epidemiology along with his medical “We’ve had a lot of prostate and liver. degree. He joined Gibbs Cancer Center & Research Institute interest, because Now, Daniel Fried, MD, PhD, a radiation oncologist five years ago and values the center’s desire to invest in the conventional treatment at Gibbs, is also using SpaceOAR, a new procedure that newest, most effective treatment tools for cancer patients takes months, but this significantly reduces rectal side effects and discomfort for while still focusing on the human aspects of cancer care. treatment works just as patients with prostate cancer. CyberKnife at Gibbs is one of only three in the well and takes less than Gibbs is the only facility in the Carolinas treating U.S. that feature the next-generation InCise Multileaf two calendar weeks.” cancer with the combination of the CyberKnife and Collimator, an upgrade that allows even further control — Daniel Fried, MD, PhD SpaceOAR. This advanced pair of tools can safely reduce of the beam of radiation. Instead of being shaped like a a standard treatment course of 45 treatments down to just cone, the beam of radiation can be emitted in any shape, five treatments. allowing fewer beams to cover the targeted tumor properly. “It’s great for treating prostate cancer,” Fried said. “We’ve had a lot “This lets us cut a 45-minute treatment session nearly in half, and of interest, because conventional treatment takes months, but this spares the normal tissue even better,” he said. treatment works just as well and takes less than two calendar weeks.” For Fried, weekends and evenings are spent with wife Francesca The combination works particularly well because the CyberKnife and four sons, ages 13, 11, 9 and 7. allows extreme precision – though despite its name, there is no “They play tennis and musical instruments. There is also a lot of cutting involved, rather beams of high-dose radiation that shrink soccer going on,” he said. “They definitely keep us on our toes.” tumors while minimizing damage to the surrounding healthy tissue. SpaceOAR reduces side effects even further by injecting a water-based 2759 S. Hwy 14, Greer gel into the space between the prostate and rectum, limiting radiation 864.530.6403 to nearby body structures. 1.855.DNA.GIBBS The result is a cancer treatment that is so non-invasive that one patient recently joked that he didn’t think the machine was on. gibbscancercenter.org

Behind The Counter

2016

PHOTOGRAPHY BY CAROL BOONE STEWART

MASSAGE ENVY Don and Caroline Taylor are the proud owners of three Massage Envy locations in the Greenville area. Their first two locations, on Verdae Boulevard and Pelham Road, have been open since 2007 and 2008, respectively. After eight years in business in the Upstate, the Taylors are ready to open their doors downtown. “We tell people we’re having another baby, since both of our other babies are all grown up,” they joke. The new location, on the Laurens Street Walkway, behind Mast General off Main Street, is scheduled to open later this month. “We expect a lot of our current loyal clients – those who live and work downtown – to take advantage of the new location. It will help us better serve some of the clients we already have, and open the door to some new ones as well.” The Taylors’ business is evolving and growing, much like the city they call home. “The things that have always made Greenville great are still here,” Don explains. “But there’s a steady stream of new businesses and people coming in, building on that strong foundation and making it better.” The same can be said about the Taylors’ Massage Envy franchises. They’re built around the fundamental belief that regular massage and skincare does more than just provide temporary relief or momentary relaxation. “We’re really evolving and focusing on active lifestyles and total body care,” Caroline says. “Real life takes its toll, day in and day out. It’s our responsibility to stop and check in with our bodies and make sure everything is working OK.” Top-notch customer service makes the Greenville “Real life takes its toll, locations a top performer of more than 1,100 Massage day in and day out. Envy franchises nationwide. Don and Caroline attribute It’s our responsibility this to the time and energy they spend finding (and to stop and check in keeping) the best employees in town, and creating a with our bodies and positive work environment. make sure everything As they gear up to staff the new downtown location, is working OK.” the Taylors will be hiring 15-20 more therapists and estheticians, as well as some wellness advisors and managers. They encourage anyone in the industry who might be looking for work to give them a call. “This is a great place to work for people of all experience levels,” Caroline says. “We help grow young therapists who’ve recently graduated, as well as seasoned therapists who continue to develop professionally. We love watching the growth we see in our staff.” The company’s membership model aims to make regular massage affordable and convenient, something everyone can fit into their busy lives. It also creates a consistency that both members and Massage Envy staff can count on. Members of the wellness program receive discounts and perks, but you don’t have to be a member to receive therapy. Don and Caroline say their favorite part of the job is taking care of people, both clients and staff. They enjoy hearing customers talk about how much Massage Envy has helped them, and how much better they feel after regular visits. And they get a kick out of hearing their staff talk about how much they love their jobs. The Taylors are also deeply involved in the community, and they love to give back. “We try to be involved in lots of different community events throughout the year,” Caroline says. They join Massage Envy locations across the country to participate in Healing Hands for Arthritis, to benefit the Arthritis Foundation. And they’ll be participating in the Ride to Remember again this year. It’s a 252-mile ride from Simpsonville to Mount Pleasant, in July, to benefit the Alzheimer’s Association. They’re looking for volunteers and cyclists to join the Massage Envy team.

Verdae Village | 864.675.1155 101 Verdae Blvd. #900, Greenville Pelham Hills | 864.288.1150 3714 Pelham Road, Greenville Downtown Greenville Coming Soon! 120 N. Laurens St., Suite 100, Greenville massageenvy.com Behind The Counter

2016

EXPECT TO BE FLOORED!

EXOTIC HARDWOODS

LUXURY VINYL TILE

Greenville Carpet One is a locally owned source for all your flooring needs. With over 5,500-square feet of showroom space, we give you a firsthand look at one of the largest selections of carpet, hardwood, laminate, ceramic tile, vinyl, area rugs and more. Our exclusive brands like Lees®, Tigressa®, Bigelow®, Resista Soft Style, Baroque Hardwood Flooring, Luxury Vinyl Tile, and Laminate for Life™ set the industry standard for beauty, style and quality. Our staff offers expert advice on design and installation with interior design professionals who will help you navigate through the many flooring products, warranties, and colors to find what ultimately fits your needs and lifestyle. So if you’re building your first house or that custom designed dream home, Greenville Carpet One is your decorating source for beautiful floors. CUSTOM CARPETING

Family-Owned, Neighborhood Flooring Experts 226 Pelham Davis Circle, Greenville SC 29615 864-281-0006 www.carpetonegreenville.com Hours: Monday – Friday 8-6; Saturday – 10-2

CERAMIC

PROUDLY SERVING TH

family-owned, neighborhood flooring experts 226 Pelham Rd 281-0006 www.carpetonegreenville.com Store Hours Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday: 8:00am 5:30pm Saturday: 10:00am - 2:00pm THRIVE ASSISTED LIVING – GREER

RIVERS EDGE – DOWNTOWN Michael & Company Interiors sells and installs all types of commercial flooring – carpets, hardwoods, ceramic, luxury vinyl tile and much more. The experienced team at Michael & Co. Interiors works diligently with most of the top contractors in the Southeast. We have successfully completed many churches, office buildings, hotels, grocery stores, beauty salons and office up-fits. Some of the high profile jobs completed include: • Thrive Assisted Living in Greer • Rivers Edge Luxury Apartment Homes • Synnex Corporation • Brookwood Church • Sportsclub at Five Forks • Southside Christian School

BIG O DODGE

At our showroom, commercial clients will be able to see the vast selection of flooring possibilities, including products by Shaw, Mohawk, Milliken Carpets, Floor Folio, Karadean Luxury Vinyl Tile, Dal Tile Ceramic and many others.

Family-Owned, Neighborhood Flooring Experts 226 Pelham Davis Circle, Greenville SC 29615 864-281-0006 www.michaelandcompanyinteriors.com Hours: Monday – Friday 8-6

E UPSTATE SINCE 1988

PHOTOGRAPHY BY PARKKONEN PHOTOGRAPHY

JACOB MANN As the top-selling Realtor at Coldwell Banker Caine, Jacob Mann is

the opportunity to serve them with their real estate needs. This honor I

always ready to advocate for his clients – and he loves to help them all, from

have received from Coldwell Banker International is humbling. Without my

first-time homebuyers to empty nesters, from downsizers

clients and my amazing assistant, Anne Garrett, none of this

to dream-home buyers. He is known for taking on any

would be possible.”

challenge – any price and any location! According to Mann, his love for Greenville is a big part of what makes him so successful in real estate. He is passionate about his city and he loves to share that passion with others as he finds them the perfect home.

“I’m advocating for my clients all the time. I just love my career and being with my family.”

support of his family, including wife Elizabeth, an interior designer, and his three sons, Chapman, McCrady and Bates. Despite his always-available work mantra, he is always there for his family as well, coaching baseball and supporting their other pursuits. (He also volunteers at their schools, though he may

His knowledge and energy have served him well since

slip in a little work during a school event or basketball game.)

he first joined Coldwell Banker Caine in 2001 when he was awarded Rookie of the Year. Fifteen years later, he is consistently a top

Mann said he couldn’t have the career success without the

It’s all part of giving his clients and his family his best. “I’m advocating

producer, most always finishing the year at No. 1. He’s even been named the

for my clients all the time,” he said. “I just love my career and being with

No. 1 producer in the entire state of South Carolina and No. 2 in the entire

my family.”

Southern U.S. region, which includes 22,000 Coldwell Banker agents! WOW, those numbers speak for themselves!

If you’re buying or selling, give Jacob a call and find out why he is the Mann for the job!

While the achievements are remarkable, and Mann takes pride in the work it took to earn them, he recognizes that it’s the relationships he has built, and the great experiences clients have had working with him, that make it all possible. “I am there every step of the way throughout the entire process, from finding the home straight through closing,” he said. “I would like to thank ALL of my buyers and sellers throughout all of the Upstate for allowing me 8

Behind The Counter

2016

111 Williams St., Greenville 864.325.MANN (6266) 325MANN.com

MOBIUS CONSTRUCTION

PHOTOGRAPHY BY PARKKONEN PHOTOGRAPHY

mathematician who created a surface with only one side, and is also a If you’re dreaming of an extraordinary home with timeless appeal in challenging watersports trick that involves a flip or roll along with a 360 one of Greenville’s historic neighborhoods, Mobius Construction can degree spin. Dave was the first person to successfully land the trick in an create exactly what you want, with unrivaled quality and a focus on being American Kneeboard Association Tournament event, and the on time and under budget. name represents the team’s ability to take a complex design “If you can dream it, we can build it,” said co-owner “If you can dream it, and execute it perfectly. Dave Smith. He and business partner Matt Ruth focus we can build it.” Matt grew up in Greenville and studied civil engineering primarily on established neighborhoods such as the at Virginia Tech, where he worked on construction sites as a Augusta Road area and North Main. In addition to student job. Dave also graduated from Virginia Tech and spent custom homes and residential communities, the Mobius 18 years in project management before cofounding Mobius. team is well-versed in residential remodeling, from simple bath makeovers When he isn’t working on construction projects, Matt spends time with to complete house renovations and major additions “that can turn your wife Wendi and sons Harrison, 7, and William, 4 – ideally on or around existing home into the dream home you always envisioned,” Ruth said. the water or on mountain bikes. Dave and wife Jamie get plenty of lake If you aren’t quite sure what you want, their staff can guide you time after moving to Lake Hartwell with their dog, Mobius. through planning, design and architecture to make sure you end up with the home that perfectly suits your tastes and needs. “Our background provides us with the insight and expertise to undertake complex projects and create a finished product that blends seamlessly with neighboring homes,” Smith said. Commercial construction and design – including coordinating with other design professionals – are also available. They can tackle simple office makeovers to multi-million dollar medical offices. The company got its start when Matt and Dave met at Lake Hartwell. mocollc.com In addition to sharing a love of design and construction, they share a love mobiusconstructionsc.com of the lake, from boating to fishing to skiing and kneeboarding – the sport 864.517.6000 that in part gave the company its name. Mobius is the name of a German

Behind The Counter

2016

PHOTOGRAPHY BY RELATED IMAGES PHOTOGRAPHY

CHEVES MUSSMAN OUZTS GROUP opportunities better than pretty much anybody.” Made up of three Upstate natives – Thomas Cheves, Steve Mussman This approach to their business has served them well. Clients often and Jamie Ouzts – with over 25 years experience, this has consistently share their positive experiences with their family and friends, been a top-producing real estate group, selling homes in which has allowed the Cheves Mussman Ouzts Group to focus neighborhoods they have known since they were kids. much of their business on referrals. Operating as a team has allowed them to bring “In most cases our “We build personal relationships with our clients. together their different skill sets to better serve their clients have three sets clients in the transaction. “We play off of each other well of eyes and ears looking We treat this business as a lifetime commitment, so when they know someone looking to buy or sell, they will think and that benefits our clients,” Cheves says. “In most cases out for them.” our clients have three sets of eyes and ears looking out of us,” says Mussman. for them.” Results, at the end of the day, are what separate them from the rest. Consistently outperforming the market in key In a market like we currently see in Greenville, they categories allows them to achieve their clients’ goals and expectations. The believe in a value-add approach. Real estate transactions have become Cheves Mussman Ouzts Group is Coldwell Banker Caine’s top performing more intricate over the years and it is important to have a proactive and group, with each of the three consistently earning individual honors year trusted advisor in your court. over year. “We want what is best for our clients,” says Ouzts. “We work for our clients by being candid, up front and honest. Sometimes telling them what they don’t want to hear may not be easy, but can be the most important part of our job.” This approach also relies on being strong advocates for their clients. 111 Williams St., Greenville Keeping their ears to the ground to find deals before they hit the market, Thomas Cheves – 864.201.0006 as well as their ability to predict market trends, allows them to properly Steve Mussman – 864.316.6569 position their clients for the future. Jamie Ouzts – 864.617.5307 “There are a lot of hard-to-find deals out there,” Cheves says. “Knowing buysellgvl.com our community and the people we live around helps us find those

Behind The Counter

2016

MUNCASTER FINANCIAL SERVICES

PHOTOGRAPHY BY CAROL BOONE STEWART

Richard Muncaster has gained invaluable experience in his two Hiring a financial advisor can be intimidating, but Richard says his decades as a financial planner, but becoming a father has added a deeply clients are almost always relieved when they have a plan. personal perspective to his work. “They can focus on their kids, their business, and their life Richard and his wife, Elizabeth, have a son who turns knowing that we’re helping take care of them,” Muncaster said. “They can focus on their “That can bring a sense of financial independence.” a year old this month. Mills is crawling, laughing, and kids, their business, and saying “Da-da” now. Their little boy connects Richard Muncaster spends most of his free time focused on his with his clients in a big way. family, but he also makes time to serve the community. He has their life knowing that “I’ve been in this business for 20 years helping people a special passion for Meals on Wheels. He delivers food, raises we’re helping take care plan for the future and their children,” Richard said, “and money, and serves on the Meals on Wheels Board. of them. That can bring now that I have my own son, I want to build my business Richard and his wife belong to the Greenville Country a sense of financial for him.” Club, where he admits he plays golf rather poorly. Clemson independence.” Muncaster Financial Services is built on relationships, athletics are another passion, and Muncaster serves as the and Richard and his staff treat their clients like family. director of Greenville’s Clemson Alumni Club. Richard has Since they started the business, they’ve watched many families grow up. already booked his hotel room for next year’s National Championship The plans their professionals put in place years ago have helped pay for football game hoping for a Tiger return. college, weddings, and retirement. For now, Muncaster is focused on building a solid financial future for Their professionals manage dozens of corporate-sponsored retirement his growing family and hundreds of others like them. accounts including 401(K)s and IRAs. Clients who own businesses wanted Richard Muncaster is an Investment Advisor Representative with and offering Securities and Investment Advisory Services through Transamerica Financial Advisors, Inc. (TFA) member FINRA, SIPC and a trusted team to manage those plans, and they asked the professionals at a Registered Investment Advisor. Non-Security products and services are not offered through TFA. Muncaster Financial to do it. A full-time employee now focuses solely on Muncaster Financial Services is not affiliated with TFA. LD056298-03/16 those accounts. Through Transamerica Financial Advisors, Inc. (TFA), Muncaster offers the same services as larger wealth management companies without the 411 University Ridge overhead and corporate mandates. That means more personal attention, Suite 100, Greenville service, and flexibility for clients who get carefully tailored advice to help 864.527.0434 reach their individual goals. Their professionals design, build and manage muncasterfinancial.com financial plans and then tweak them as their clients’ lives change.

Behind The Counter

2016

PHOTOGRAPHY BY RELATED IMAGES PHOTOGRAPHY

BHHS C. DAN JOYNER, REALTORS® COMMERCIAL DIVISION Of course, Joyner Commercial is still also mostly Upstate natives who help There was a time when lunch was the most stressful meal of the day for shape the future of their hometown. Matt Carter. He was working in the building material industry in Atlanta, For the last two years Joyner Commercial group has been and with his lunch choices limited by the city’s notorious recognized as one of the top commercial offices for Berkshire traffic, often ate at the same restaurant near his office. “Being named one of Hathaway across the country. When a horrific crime was committed in broad daylight the top five commercial “That says a lot about our market, and a lot about our across the street from that restaurant, Matt decided he’d offices at Berkshire people,” Matt says. had enough of life in the big city. Hathaway two years There are still stressful days, but for that, there’s walking to “I moved to Greenville, got my real estate license, running says a lot about interviewed with Danny Joyner, and started from scratch,” lunch downtown, and Stedman – the faithful golden retriever our market, and a lot Matt says of his foray into commercial real estate. “It was who serves as a daily calming presence in the office. about our people.” about the best thing I ever did.” Pictured: Front: Susan Dodds, Greg Huff, Matt Carter, Caleb Boyd, That was 1997. Several years ago Matt succeeded Stephen Harrill, and Nelson Garrison. Danny Joyner as broker-in-charge of Joyner Commercial, and it’s not Back: Mark Leidlein, David Dempsey, Leah Carter, Alex Park, Wayne Smith, uncommon to find him and up to 20 of his fellow agents gathered around Ernest Crosby, Joe Teague, Hope Tz Schmalzl, Michael Joseph, Steve Greer, a downtown Greenville lunch table – it’s how they prefer to hold their Denise Frederick, Hays Reynolds, Barney Atkinson, and Ted Arnold. Not Pictured (but still valued): Helcio Cardoso, Joey Burton, and Charlie Timmons sales meetings. And thanks to Greenville’s highly walkable downtown, the Dog: Stedman dining choices accessible from their West End office – across from Fluor Field – are virtually limitless. Matt appreciates what makes Greenville special, and he’s not the only one on the Joyner Commercial team with that kind of perspective. The men and women who make up the commercial division bring a vibrant mix of multiculturalism and perspective to their work – with one agent 24 Vardry Street, Greenville hailing from Brazil and another a native of South Korea – which gives them a leg up in an increasingly international market like Greenville. 864.233.7724 | joynercommercial.com

Behind The Counter

2016

C. DAN JOYNER PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., INC.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY CAROL BOONE STEWART

Outside the office, Crigler strives to be an every day hero to his wife This team might look like mild-mannered professionals, but Ellis, a Realtor in C. Dan Joyner’s Augusta Road office, and their three underneath the business suits, you’ll find a super squad ready to jump young children. Crigler loves coaching his kids’ sports teams and being a into action at a moment’s notice. Frozen pipes, aging air conditioners, and part of Westminster Presbyterian Church. leaky roofs are no match for C. Dan Joyner Property Crigler is continuing his grandfather’s legacy of service Management. through his work with the United Way, Upstate Heart Alex Crigler grew up with the family business, and “My hope is that I can Association, Susan Komen Pink Tie Power Guys, F3, MBA, he now leads this team. His grandfather, C. Dan Joyner, look back fifty years and The Blood Connection. was a pillar of the community, respected as much for his from now and know I “It means everything for me to be able to help carry on good works as his business prowess. made us better and that I the legacy my family has built,” Crigler said. “My hope is that Joyner passed away in 2012, but the moral foundation did it in a way that would I can look back fifty years from now and know I made us on which he built his business is as strong as ever. make them proud.” better and that I did it in a way that would make them proud.” “Around the office and at home, we try to live up to the Ultimately, everything is about family for Crigler and his ‘Joyner Way,’” Crigler said. “That means treating people team, and they work every day to live up to their hero, company founder fairly and how we’d want to be treated.” and “Pop,” C. Dan Joyner. Crigler recently brought one of his cousins, Dan Joyner III, into their work family. The younger Joyner knows what their “Pop” would have expected. He’s one of seven new employees joining the team that manages more than 500 single-family homes, commercial properties, and 50 Homeowners’ Associations. “Team C. Dan” helps clients advertise homes and commercial properties, choose the right tenants, and decide what to charge in rent. Property managers also deal with money matters and contractors. Problem solvers are just a phone call away through a 24-hour emergency hotline. 735 North Pleasantburg Dr., Greenville Crigler’s HOA team handles board meetings, budgets, and taxes. 864.242.4466 Managers drive through their neighborhoods monthly to check things out. cdjpropertymanagement.com They’ll even deal with neighbors who aren’t abiding by the covenants.

Behind The Counter

2016

PHOTOGRAPHY BY PARKKONEN PHOTOGRAPHY

SIGNATURE POOLS & PATIOS Almost 40 years ago, Craig Sikkelee got his start building basic aboveHonesty and fairness are also guiding principles, and that ground pools. As his client list grew, he moved to vinyl in-ground pools trustworthiness has led to many repeat customers who recommend and now, he and his team have built a reputation for Signature to their friends and neighbors. With a new showroom on Highway 11, Sikkelee said stunning backyard creations, specializing in custom “Watching them smile potential customers can come see what their finished project concrete swimming pools, spas, and aquatic features. They when everything comes will look like and also touch and feel the top-quality products also incorporate complementary outdoor living accents together and enjoying Signature uses. such as natural waterfalls, hardscapes, pergolas, outdoor what we’ve built – that’s kitchens, and fire effects. For Sikkelee, the payoff comes when the customer first sees big to me.” “We can come in and not build just a pool, but a total the completed project. “Watching them smile when everything backyard concept, from design to completion,” Sikkelee comes together and enjoying what we’ve built – that’s big to me,” said. “And we never do the same project twice, because it’s he said. “We love to witness the joy that the kids and family a custom shape and a custom design for every yard.” have in enjoying what they’ve allowed us to create for them.” “Anything with water is what we’re all about,” said Sikkelee, who along It’s a family affair at Signature, with Craig’s son Zach serving as with his team has completed some of the finest projects in the Upstate vice president of operations and his daughter Skye as the office as well as in Western North Carolina. Signature often collaborates to administrator. His father David consults for the business as well. bring residential and commercial masterpieces to life, and they value Though his passion for outdoor design keeps him busy, Craig enjoys the partnerships they have with fine custom home builders, landscape spending time with family, including his two grandchildren, and fitting designers, architects and developers. “The key is meeting with the in a round of golf whenever possible. end user to learn about their vision and overall expectations for their project,” he said. They don’t skimp on any detail in their approach to design and engineer a pool that not only looks beautiful, but is built to last with minimal LUXURY POOLS & OUTDOOR LIVING maintenance. “There is so much to consider when building a pool that 1525 Roper Mountain Rd., Greenville most people don’t realize, and that’s what makes us different,” he said. “We go to great lengths to educate our customers on what it takes to do it right.” 864.991.8020 | signature-llc.com 14

Behind The Counter

2016

Beth Joyner Crigler BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY HOMESERVICES C. DAN JOYNER REALTORS

PHOTOGRAPHY BY CAROL BOONE STEWART

hese days, it seems the doors of Beth Joyner Crigler’s home are always open. She and her husband David have six young grandchildren, and a seventh is due this month.

“They’re in and out of our house all the time because they’re so close,” Crigler said, “but we absolutely love it.” The Criglers and their three adult children live within a short distance of each other. Their busy lives are packed with kids’ basketball games, soccer games, and ballet performances. They do nearly everything as a family. “My parents were at every game and activity for my children,” Crigler said. “They didn’t want to miss anything.”

“My immediate family is now 100% in real estate,” Crigler said. Beth Crigler has set the bar high for those following in her footsteps. She has been one of the top ten agents in Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices C. Dan Joyner REALTORS. She is a multi-year Top Producer and has been in the Leading Edge Society, the President’s Circle, and the Chairman’s Circle.

Opening Doors in Your Neighborhood

Beth’s father is the late C. Dan Joyner. He started the family’s real estate business in 1964. Today, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices C. Dan Joyner, REALTORS has about 400 agents. Beth worked at her dad’s real estate office in the summers, but she never planned to make it a career. She worked in banking and later taught kindergarten so she could spend more time with her kids. When she got into real estate, Beth had to balance her business with her family. The first time she showed a house to some close friends, she arrived with all three kids in their car seats. That showing would be the first of many for the Crigler kids. Beth’s two older children are in real estate now, and the youngest just passed her final test.

Beth has been the lead agent in three successful downtown communities. Pendleton West and Ridgeland at the Park have already sold out. Alta Vista Place, a condo development on the old 8 o’Clock Superette property, is selling quickly.

Crigler works closely with her daughter, Carmen Crigler Feemster, and her daughterin-law, Ellis McClenaghan Crigler, who are also agents. The three women are always there to support one another. “It’s important for our clients to know that if we can’t be there, we’ve got someone we trust to back us up,” Beth Crigler said. Their business is built on relationships, and being active in their community helps build those relationships. Beth Crigler was the president of the Gower Neighborhood Association for two years. She’s a Junior League Sustainer and a member of United Way’s Women in Real Estate Committee. She’s involved in the Heart Walk in honor of her dad. Beth Crigler is carrying on her father’s legacy of service by opening doors in business and in her community.

Ellis Crigler

864.616.1348 | cdanjoyner.com

Beth Joyner Crigler

864.420.4718 | bethcrigler.net

Carmen Crigler Feemster

864.616.5177 | cdanjoyner.com

2023 Augusta Rd., Greenville

Mural by Brigitte Selby PHOTOGRAPHY BY PARKKONEN PHOTOGRAPHY

WHISTLE STOP AT THE AMERICAN CAFE Hawkins credits her team of employees for carrying on the family Whistle Stop at the American Cafe has been a landmark in Travelers legacy. “We want friendly, smiling faces who are proud to be a part of the Rest since it was opened in 1945. But the restaurant you walk into today rebirth of the oldest cafe in the Upstate.” has new life, thanks to Vickie Vernon Hawkins. One of those team members is her nephew, Shay Waldrop. Hawkins didn’t necessarily plan to take over the family “It’s the crew that keeps He works as a busser and a food runner, as well as Whistle business. In 2013, her uncle’s funeral procession made this train on the track. Stop’s “resident artist,” designing coloring sheets for the one “last stop” at the building on Main Street, which had Every person who works children every month. “It’s the entire crew that keeps this been for sale since he retired in 2009. “I was overcome here is an important part train on track. Every person here plays an important part with emotion,” Hawkins said. “I felt like my uncle and my of our success.” of our success.” grandfather were teaming up on me from heaven, telling The growth she’s seen in her hometown is a source of me to buy it and keep it in the family.” pride for Hawkins. “When I was growing up, we always went She and Craig Sikkelee gave the restaurant a facelift ‘downtown’ to Greenville to shop and dine out. Now everyone is coming before reopening in January of 2014. The Whistle Stop now has a rooftop ‘uptown’ to Travelers Rest. It has become one of the new hot spots in the dining area, called Victoria Station, complete with an outdoor fireplace and Upstate, thanks to the Swamp Rabbit Trail and the Whistle Stop. I’m very bar service. The dinner menu is filled with Southern delicacies, like Fried proud of it.” Green Tomatoes and Shrimp n Grits. And the Little Red Caboose offers kid-friendly selections, which all come in train-shaped boxes. Guests with a sweet tooth will want to check out Petticoat Junction, for homemade desserts like Mama Styles’ famous pecan pie. The Caboose Express serves delicious old-fashioned shakes, floats, ice cream, smoothies and Hawaiian Shave Ice from a walk-up window behind the restaurant. The cafe features a vintage steam engine and a replica of the Swamp 109 S. Main St., Travelers Rest Rabbit Train, as well as an electric train that chugs around the ceiling. A 864-WHISTLE train whistle blows every time Vickie’s cell phone rings. And if you need to whistlestopattheamericancafe.com make a reservation, just call 864-WHISTLE.

Behind The Counter

2016

CONSTANTINE DENTAL

PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

“I feel very fortunate to have the opportunity to practice dentistry in the Walking into Constantine Dental, with its colorful paintings, sleek area that inspired my wife, Trish, and me to move to Greenville. There is light fixtures and gray leather armchairs, a patient doesn’t experience a a very strong sense of community and support. I’m very grateful for the typical trip to the dentist, for this charming brick building overlooking team I have. They go above and beyond each day for me and Augusta Road isn’t any ordinary dentist’s office. for our patients. We want our patients to feel like they’re “It was our goal to balance state-of-the-art technology “To have our patients family. We want to maintain a caring relationship with and clean lines with soft textures, vibrant artwork, and referring their friends, them for years to come, and it’s important to me that the smart furnishings to create a comfortable and interesting family, and coworkers, experience they have during their first visit is something atmosphere for our patients,” said Rich Constantine, who is a great feeling. It lets that they come to expect and that we continue to provide.” opened Constantine Dental in August 2015. us know we’re doing Constantine Dental is accepting new patients and As a general dentist, Dr. Constantine can provide just things right. It is truly the offers early morning and evening appointments for about everything his clients need, from basic checkups highest compliment we patients who are unable to miss work and school. New to cosmetics, oral surgery, implants, Invisalign and the can receive.” patient cleaning and exam appointments are generally list goes on. “It is important to me to be able to provide scheduled within one week of the patient contacting the comprehensive care for my patients. I understand that office. Emergency patients are welcome and almost always building trust takes time. For this reason, we take the time seen the same day. to get to know our patients and to find out what is important to them. We then educate them so that they understand the treatment options available to them and can make a decision they feel good about,” he said. Business has been growing by leaps and bounds, in large part due to positive word of mouth and a convenient, highly visible location. “To have our patients referring their friends, family, and co-workers, is a great feeling,” he said. “It lets us know we’re doing things right. It is truly Rich Constantine, DDS, FICOI the highest compliment we can receive.” 1 West Prentiss Ave., Greenville Dr. Constantine and his team are motivated to see the practice grow, 864.607.8848 | ConstantineDental.com but Constantine wants to make sure the practice grows carefully.

Behind The Counter

2016

PHOTOGRAPHY BY RELATED IMAGES PHOTOGRAPHY

GREENHILL PHARMACY Making the grade is serious business for the Martincic family. At home and at work, they strive every day to earn the highest marks. Tommy and Amanda Martincic met in pharmacy school. They now have four daughters ages nine to two. Amanda home-schools the oldest three. When their youngest child was an infant, Tommy had a “crazy idea” to leave his job as a district manager for a chain pharmacy and start his own business. Martincic had watched the healthcare landscape change dramatically during his career, and he wanted to do business differently. His vision was to build a more traditional, mom-and-pop compounding pharmacy that focused on taking care of patients instead of churning out orders. His wife, who also has a Doctorate of Pharmacy degree, offered her support. “She knows my heart, and she knows my intentions,” Tommy said. “She knows what I really want out of a business, out of a job, and out of helping the community.” The Martincics turned Tommy’s vision into a reality in 2013 when they opened Greenhill Pharmacy in Simpsonville. Tommy worked to build the business while Amanda focused on their daughters’ care and education. For more than a year, Tommy worked six days a week and double-digit hours a day. That hard work has paid off. Just three years after opening, Martincic and his staff earned accreditation from the Pharmacy Compounding Accreditation Board. That stamp of approval means Greenhill meets or exceeds the highest national standards for compounding, patient safety, and patient care. “I don’t enjoy leaving my Out of the estimated 60,000 pharmacies family, but I love waking nationwide, Martincic says only one percent get this up Monday mornings and accreditation. going to work.” Greenhill helps patients who can’t get what they need at chain pharmacies that dispense medicine exactly as it comes from the manufacturer. “If a parent comes in and says, ‘My child is allergic to a couple of ingredients in this medicine,’ no problem,” Martincic said. “We can just make it for them without those ingredients. That’s the big difference.” That personalized service is invaluable for patients with life-threatening diseases. If a doctor prescribes a chemotherapy medicine that comes in pill form to a two-year-old cancer patient, Greenhill can make it into a liquid so the child can drink the medicine. Insurance companies sometimes refuse to pay for life-saving medicine in a different form. The appeals process often takes months, and that’s time patients don’t always have. It poses a challenge, but the team at Greenhill always puts patients first. “If it’s going to take a battle with insurance, I’ll take on that battle,” Martincic said, “but I need to get this kid her medicine now.” Hiring two part-time pharmacists last year made it easier for Martincic to help his patients. The other pharmacists bring experience and a new perspective to the business. “It’s nice to have a second pharmacist brain to bounce off ideas,” Martincic said. “It makes the day less stressful to have another person to help problem-solve for our patients.” The extra help at work has improved Martincic’s quality of life. He no longer has to work six days a week, so he has more time to spend with his family. He’s enjoyed watching his older girls play basketball. “They were used to me working every Saturday,” Martincic said. “They couldn’t believe it when I told them I could actually come to their games now.” The Martincics took a leap of faith leaving the corporate world, but the payoff has been rewarding. Their children are growing up with their business, and everyone’s finding joy in doing things their own way. “I don’t enjoy leaving my family,” Martincic said, “but I love waking up Monday mornings and going to work.”

2531 Woodruff Rd., Suite 107 Simpsonville 864.520.1550 greenhillrx.com Behind The Counter

2016

PHOTOGRAPHY BY RELATED IMAGES PHOTOGRAPHY

BANK OF TRAVELERS REST It’s a busy spring for Bank of Travelers Rest as they celebrate 70 years serving the Upstate while simultaneously opening their 10th branch. “Our first branch opened March 18, 1946, in Travelers Rest,” said vice president and marketing director Eric Wall. “So as we started making plans for our 10th branch to open, we could think of no better way to celebrate our 70 years than by holding its Grand Opening on March 18, 2016.” With the bank opening its 10th branch at 1041 Verdae Blvd. (in the Verdae development), it now has two Travelers Rest locations, one in Greer, one in Marietta and six in Greenville. The bank has taken a conservative approach to growth that fits its philosophy, which is based on personal relationships and retaining its laid-back, small-town feel that is hard to come by these days. “Even our branches in downtown Greenville have that personal banking feel,” Wall said. “As we continue growing, our employees stay very connected to our customers in order to better understand their needs.” The bank was founded by John White along with eight others who saw the need to provide financial services to the people of Northern Greenville County. Opening with just over $36,000 in assets, the bank was already innovating in the 1940s to make life easier for customers: it is the first bank in Greenville County to offer Saturday banking. All customer accounts moved to a computer system in 1968. And while Bank of Travelers Rest embraces the modern technology in order to provide the services their customers expect, the bank has never allowed technology to diminish the personal service the bank is known to provide. Today, Bank of Travelers Rest offers all of the same “As we continue growing, services you’d find at a regional or national bank – our employees stay mobile banking, ATMs, online bill pay – but with the very connected to our Bank of Travelers Rest touch. “No matter how much my customers in order to generation is technology-based, better understand it’s still nice to call and have a person answer – usually a their needs.” person with a Travelers Rest accent,” Wall remarked. Bank of Travelers Rest is proud to have carried its name for seven decades and to have remained headquartered in Greenville County – the oldest bank still headquartered here. “We’re committed to the communities we serve,” Wall said. “The fact that we’re celebrating 70 years in our communities is a wonderful example of the local spirit, so prevalent, where people like that connection to their local businesses. Their bank is included and we’re honored to be.” To support the community, the bank and its employees have been committed to a variety of philanthropic causes. Their involvement includes gifts and services to educational and public service organizations as well as causes that raise money and awareness for health and social related issues. As the bank has expanded its reach to include more than the Northern Greenville County community, the leadership team has enjoyed watching Greenville and Travelers Rest grow while watching the hand that their customers have played in that progress. The bank is now managed by Bruce White, who continues his father’s commitment to convenience, innovation and small-town customer service. He also emphasizes the familyowned nature of the bank – even more evident since Bruce’s children Betsy Steifle, Kelley Moss and Bob White all work for the bank as well, bringing the family bank to the third generation. Pictured alongside their father are Betsy and Bob, relationship bankers, and Kelley, who works as corporate trainer. Bruce grew up in Greenville and graduated from Greenville High School before going on to Clemson University. He joined the bank as an employee in 1968. A proud local, he gives back personally by serving on the board of directors of organizations such as the Greenville Area Development Corporation and the South Carolina Bankers School Board. As an alumni who also sent three of his six children to Clemson, White is a staunch Tigers fan and supporter. 42 Plaza Dr., Travelers Rest (Main Office) 864.834.9031 Bankoftravelersrest.com Behind The Counter

2016

PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

FIVE OAKS ACADEMY These smiling students at Five Oaks Academy are proof that learning can Baur had for her children. be joyful, vibrant, and organic. As they toss the colorful spices into the air, Baur met Kathleen Trewhella-Grant, an experienced Montessori students are participating in the ancient celebration of Holi, teacher and director, in 2002. The pair set out to create a festival of colors that welcomes the coming of spring. This “Our environment is truly a school that values the individual child and provides an authentic lesson explores the culture of India and is part of educational environment where critical thinking skills, unique in that we guide Five Oaks Acadmy’s rich cultural program that supports students to develop their creativity, analysis of information, collaboration, problem learning and understanding of our global world. solving, and decision making are immersed in a rich individual strengths and FOA is a Montessori school where students from toddler curriculum. help them follow their through eighth grade learn by doing. The 11-acre campus Since it opened, Five Oaks has grown from 30 students to passions.” is filled with opportunities to learn through exploration. 215. The school’s focus on the individual child has not changed. Students learn about science and nature by participating in “Our environment is truly unique in that we guide students the community garden and by observing the nature trail and creek. to develop their individual strengths and help them follow their passions,” The Montessori curriculum immerses students in their lessons and said Trewhella-Grant, FOA’s Executive Director. connects the material to their lives, creating purpose for learning. Students For Five Oaks Academy, “Minds Open Here!” is much more than a do not simply memorize material; they analyze information, think tagline. It is a statement that embodies the goals and philosophy of this critically, and apply their knowledge. Knowing how to learn is essential for school. This environment taps into the joy and curiosity of children to the 21st century workforce. open their hearts and minds to the world around them. The founder of FOA, Laura Baur, set out on a journey over 15 years ago upon deciding that her sons would benefit from an innovative type of education. She learned about Maria Montessori, an Italian doctor, scientist and educator. Dr. Montessori designed a more child-centered classroom which fosters natural curiosity, independent thinking, and respect. In 1101 Jonesville Rd., Simpsonville this environment, teachers establish a framework and provide hands-on 864.228.1881 learning materials while allowing students the freedom to explore and make mistakes. This environment was aligned with the educational goals fiveoaksacademy.com 22

Behind The Counter

2016

PURPLE TUNA TEES

PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

When a customer anywhere in the world orders 9Round apparel, it will Purple Tuna Tees is cranking waves of new business. Carving out come from Greenville. niches in the screen printing industry could cut into their island time, but Hinze was stoked to add another 16-station color screen they’ve been working hard to streamline their process so print press to handle Purple Tuna’s increased capacity needs they can still enjoy the journey. “I should have known and a few employees to process corporate fulfillment orders. Purple Tuna Tees founder Cary Hinze has created when I was selling This spring, Purple Tuna hopes to start running five presses a relaxed, hip, and fun vibe for his business. The staff t-shirts on the street two shifts a day. meets in a “board room” where beach chairs surround a corner in college to make Purple Tuna Tees also produces its own apparel line. table made out of a surfboard. The walls are covered in money that I’d eventually “What the Fin” lifestyle t-shirts and caps encourage people to waves, palm trees, and photographs from the beach. own a screen printing “Soak Up the Good Life,” a trademarked motto Hinze lives by. Hinze is a jack-of-all-trades. He played college company.” If there’s ever a big enough break in the wave he’s riding now, football before earning a dual degree in art and business. Hinze has another dream. Some day, you might find yourself He dreamed of owning an advertising agency, but that wearing a Purple Tuna t-shirt on the beach, sipping a cold drink, and wasn’t the wave he was meant to shred. “I should have known when I reading Hinze’s coastal adventure novel that includes pirates, of course. was selling t-shirts on the street corner in college to make money that I’d eventually own a screen printing company,” Hinze smiles. Hinze and his wife, Lori, have two children. Their son, Keaton, is a business major at JMU, and their daughter, Kylie Odetta, is a singersongwriter who just put out a new album. Lori is Kylie’s manager, and Purple Tuna Tees produces her music merchandise. Hinze’s screen printing business grew as fast as his family. In ten years, Purple Tuna has brought to harbor some good-sized clients and has already outgrown its new 10,000-square-foot building. This year, Hinze added 5,000 more square feet to house his corporate fulfillment operation. 9Round Fitness, which has more than 300 franchises and is a 16 International Ct., Greenville Top 200 franchise nationally, is one of Hinze’s corporate clients. Purple Tuna designed a new line of workout apparel for 9Round. 864.254.6133 | Sales@PurpleTunaTees.com

Behind The Counter

2016

PHOTOGRAPHY BY CAROL BOONE STEWART

HAPPY COW CREAMERY fans. “There is no chocolate milk like our chocolate milk,” Trantham said. Tom Trantham hears it all the time – hundreds of testimonials from Happy Cow is a popular field trip destination for preschools, people of all ages who could not drink milk until they tried milk from elementary schools and even some colleges across the Happy Cow Creamery. “Our milk has made a difference Upstate. Trantham said that’s a great way to educate young in their lives,” said Trantham, farmer and owner. “Our milk has made a consumers, who will then tell their parents about Happy Cow’s The reason so many people have problems with other difference in their lives.” products. College students have the advantage of being able to milk, he said, is that it’s ultra-heated, killing most of the experience what is taught in their curricula. natural enzymes that make milk more easily digestible. Trantham and his wife Linda, a retired schoolteacher, have Happy Cow’s low-temperature vat pasteurization passed their love of farm living to family, including Tammy, who is in technique keeps the enzymes and vitamins intact, and it is never charge of the dairy and the milk herd; Tom III, who does the marketing homogenized or altered as it travels 48 feet from cow to bottle. People and wholesale accounts; and daughter Tracy, who lives in Illinois, where travel from across the state, or even across state lines, to stock up. her family farms more than 3,000 acres of corn and soybeans. ”I’m still Happy Cow has been selling fresh milk, butter, cheese and other here 10 hours a day, but they’ve come a long way,” he said. “They know products at its scenic farm store in Pelzer for 14 years, though Trantham how important 12 Aprils is, and they take great care of the cows.” has been farming since 1968. He used traditional farming, including using Because for this business, happy cows mean happy farmers – and happy pesticides, before discovering his ground-breaking 12 Aprils grazing customers. program in 1987. Now he’s an internationally known expert on grazing and high-quality milk production, earning many awards and speaking to farmers hoping to replicate his success. “My cows are out grazing on lush spring growth, even in February,” he said. His happy cows graze the nutrition-packed tops of plants in each of 29 paddocks and move to a freshly grown paddock each month. When he discovered this system, production skyrocketed. Business is also booming at the Happy Cow store, where they sell aged 332 McKelvey Rd., Pelzer cheddar, pure cream butter and all-natural strawberries grown on-site. 864.243.9699 | happycowcreamery.com Eggnog is popular in season, and the chocolate milk has many obsessed 24

Behind The Counter

2016

EMEDIAGROUP

PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

Hogg and Bishop met at a race, so it’s fitting that many of their clients They may look like the buttoned-up bean counter and casual creative guy are in the endurance sports industry. Last year, emediagroup printed nearly from Apple’s iconic ads, but these men are the brains behind emediagroup, 20,000,000 race bibs. Athletes in the Cooper River Bridge Run, the a Greenville business that’s printing products for clients Peachtree Road Race, and the Boston Marathon wear their work. nationwide. They have the technology to print everything “Whether it’s game The endurance sports division is just one way emediagroup from traditional marketing materials to car wraps, and day programs for the has created niches to survive when other printing companies they see every surface as an opportunity to deliver a Carolina Panthers or have failed. “We’ve heard for years, ‘The internet is going to kill message. business cards for my you guys,’” Bishop said, “but people still do like to touch, see, Joel Hogg, a Certified Public Accountant, is the “PC next door neighbor, and smell something.” guy” who runs the business side of emediagroup. Bill we’re going to give Another emediagroup evolution is fostering fulfillment Bishop is the “Mac guy” and the creative force. They have them both 100%.” partnerships with companies such as Fatz Café. emediagroup different personalities, talents, and roles in the company, prints dine-in and takeout menus, and then stores, packages, but they have the same goals: to print the highest quality and delivers them to the restaurants when they need them. This process products and provide the best customer service. saves their clients time, space, and manpower. The team proved how far it would go during January’s winter storm Bishop says his partner in print has stopped wearing a tie to work every when the Carolina Panthers were playing in the NFC Championship. day, but he’s still the “PC guy,” quietly keeping the company running while Hazardous road conditions created by snow and ice were surmounted to the “Mac guys” dazzle clients from coast to coast. deliver the programs to Charlotte in time for the game. Panthers’ managers were grateful for that dedication, but it was just business as usual for emediagroup. “Whether it’s game day programs for the Carolina Panthers or business cards for my next door neighbor,” Bishop said, “We’re going to give them both 100%.” Bishop and Hogg are also big believers in community service. 615 Worley Rd., Greenville emediagroup and its employees give their time, money, and printing 864.232.4604 services to many organizations including Meals on Wheels, the Meyer Center for Special Children, and the Washington Center. emediagrp.com

Behind The Counter

2016

PHOTOGRAPHY BY RELATED IMAGES PHOTOGRAPHY

CROSS CREEK REALTY, LLC served as the base of operations. Cross Creek Realty now has a storefront in In the real estate game, it’s good to have a niche. Steven Smith carved his bustling downtown Travelers Rest, having set up shop in an old brick house out of a 25-year career in the timber industry. Steven bought and converted into an office. After graduating from Clemson with a degree in forest “We love this area,” Steven says of Cross Creek Realty’s new resource management, Steven worked in the timber “You take the right home. “To have a physical location in a growing setting such as industry for many years before starting Cross Creek person and put them on Travelers Rest is going to work well for us.” Timber in 2009. Through this company he buys standing the right piece of land – Steven feels so committed to this new space that he brought timber from private landowners, and works with those that’s a great in a brick mason to build the sign and mailbox out front using landowners to develop a forest management / harvesting business plan.” reclaimed bricks from his mother’s childhood home in Berea plan that accurately reflects the objectives they have for the that was recently dismantled. “The history and memories of property. This plan is then implemented in the field using those bricks and the history of this old house seemed right professional qualified logging contractors. “We do not have together.” The sign was constructed to match the arches on the front porch a boilerplate system for harvesting,” says Steven. “Every piece of land is as of the office. different as the person who owns it.” In 2013 Steven saw an opportunity Steven is joined in the business by Alan Brockington, who is also both a to use his well-rounded expertise to assist landowners in dealing with timber expert and REALTOR®, and by his brother, Bradley Smith, who was real estate and timber. Today Cross Creek Realty and Cross Creek Timber brought on board to handle special projects and residential lots. Steven and operate as sister companies. Bradley both live in downtown Greenville and Alan lives in Easley. “We love land – we deal primarily in the vacant land, farms and recreational properties – and we love people,” Steven says. “You take the right person and put them on the right piece of land, that’s a great business plan.” Equally important is the company’s ability to market every piece of property to its fullest potential for clients. “We use the boots on the ground approach and know everything we can about a piece of property before it goes on the market,” he says. 115 N Poinsett Hwy., Travelers Rest The niche has proven so successful that last year the business started to 864.517.3621 | crosscreekrealtyllc.com outgrow the upstairs garage apartment on the family farm in Easley that 26

Behind The Counter

2016

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK

PHOTOGRAPHY BY CAROL BOONE STEWART

to fund projects in the community. Two Men and a Truck typically uses its muscles and motors to help The Feldmans now have a new service to offer their clients. In their clients relocate, but this family-owned business just pulled off a massive new Greenville warehouse, they can store customers’ belongings in large move of its own to a brand-new facility. wooden vaults. Movers bring the items from a home or Bryan and Rebecca Feldman started their company business, load them into the vaults, and store them until their in Greenville 14 years ago, and since then, they’ve seen clients are ready to have them back. The bulk of the Feldmans’ nothing but growth in their business and in their family. “How do we do it all? business is in local and regional household moves, but that’s The couple now manages four Two Men and a Truck We work together and not all they offer. Their staff can do as little as move a few franchises, two kids, and a busy life. support one another. pieces of furniture to a small business office or as much as a Rebecca is the president of the Junior League of We make a very full pack-and-move. Greenville, an organization dedicated to developing good team.” The Feldmans never stop moving in their business or in women, improving the community, and promoting their life. Whether Bryan is training to run a marathon or volunteerism. It’s almost another full-time job, but Rebecca is leading community volunteers, they always have each other’s Rebecca has loved every jam-packed second. “It’s just a really proud backs. “How do we do it all? We work together and support one another,” moment for me that I can lead this organization that has had such an Rebecca said. “We make a very good team.” impact on Greenville for 86 years,” she said. The Junior League project, Home Run for Healthy Kids®, is especially rewarding. The free field trip brings thousands of students from disadvantaged schools to Fluor Field to learn how to live a healthier lifestyle. Some of these students live very close to the ballpark but have never been inside. The Feldmans have a longstanding commitment to community service. Since they opened their business, they’ve donated their services to the Nearly New Shop, the Junior League’s upscale resale store. One day a 107 Sandra Ave., Greenville month, Two Men and a Truck picks up large donations such as furniture 864.329.1228 | twomenandatruck.com and drops them off at the store. The Junior League sells the donated items

Behind The Counter

2016

PHOTOGRAPHY BY PARKKONEN PHOTOGRAPHY

PRIMROSE SCHOOL OF SIMPSONVILLE AT FIVE FORKS Woodruff Road, Primrose School of Simpsonville at Five Forks has more When Meggie and Buck Bradberry were considering small businesses than 120 children enrolled and lots of interest from local families. “The to open in the Simpsonville/Greenville area, Primrose School stood community has welcomed us with open arms,” she said. out for several key reasons. First, they saw a great need for What sets their school apart is the warmth and the family-like high-quality preschool and after-school care. They loved the “Life’s too short not environment, along with strong character development programs. curriculum and philosophy Primrose followed. And finally, to focus on family The proprietary curriculum is a proven model, with kids moving they had deep insight into the school and what it stands for, and friends.” on to elementary school scoring well above average on several since Meggie’s parents Paul and Marcy Erwin created the measures. Finding the right teachers is a priority, “since they original Primrose School in the early 1980s in Georgia. bring the curriculum to life,” she said. “I grew up behind the school until I was five,” Meggie said. Mae, who is scheduled to have her third and final heart surgery in “They founded it, and now there are more than 300 around the nation.” April, is also a student at the school, so the Bradberrys are there every day, Her parents started the school because as more women entered the interacting with children and playing – or even heading to the kitchen workforce in the ‘80s, daycare was the primary option for young children, to help the chef on occasion. “It is different every day,” she said. “There is but the Erwins wanted to create something better – a school with a solid never a dull moment.” curriculum. This active family also loves to hike, fish and ski and enjoy life’s Meggie enjoyed growing up around the school, but her parents wanted precious moments. “We have a great group of friends who support us and her and her brothers to pursue their own dreams, so they sold the business Mae and the business,” she said. “Life’s too short not to focus on family and while Meggie was in high school. friends.” She didn’t expect to be running a Primrose, but she’s always been entrepreneurial, and after she and Buck married and moved to Greenville, they couldn’t shake the idea that it was the best choice. She signed on while expecting daughter Mae, now 2. Then, before Mae was born, they found out she had a heart defect that would require open2255 Woodruff Rd., Simpsonville heart surgery at three weeks and again at five months. “It was extremely 864.757.1191 challenging,” Meggie said. primroseschools.com/schools/simpsonville Now, with the ideal location in the bustling Five Forks area of 28

Behind The Counter

2016

BHHS C.DAN JOYNER, REALTORS – DOWNTOWN OFFICE

PHOTOGRAPHY BY RELATED IMAGES PHOTOGRAPHY

The REALTORS® that make up the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Perimeter is a new condominium development with commercial C. Dan Joyner, REALTORS downtown team are a mix of seasoned space on the ground level planned for the corner of Rhett and veterans and newer agents motivated to make their mark. The Markley in downtown Greenville. Brown says her office has been downtown office is an eclectic mix of Greenville natives fielding questions from developers that residential agents who know how special their hometown is and love normally wouldn’t be able to answer easily, so having sharing it with homebuyers, and transplants who have the commercial crew just a few steps away has proved a fallen hard for Greenville and all its many charms. valuable resource. “We’re going to stay a And the downtown team is just that… a team. As a company, C. Dan Joyner, REALTORS is supportive very intimate, cohesive Broker-in-charge Rhett Brown has handpicked the of a number of local charities. Chief among those is group.” agents, many of whom have worked together in past United Way, and the downtown office is proud to support real estate lives, to assemble a group that truly works this effort with 100 percent participation. Agents within together, sharing their unique perspectives and the office also contribute their time to the American Heart experience to make the whole team stronger. When the agents in an Association and the new Cancer Survivors Park downtown. office aren’t competing against each other, the clients win. The goal is to maintain this cohesiveness while growing the team, and to know when to say when. “We’re going to stay a very intimate, cohesive group,” Brown says. “We have 10 agents currently. We’ll probably max out somewhere around 20.” The C. Dan Joyner, REALTORS downtown office also benefits from sharing their new Vardry Street office space with the company’s 24 Vardry St., Greenville commercial brokers. “Their knowledge has really been helpful to us in 864.688.4242 dealing with the blend of commercial and residential projects we see RhettBrown.net downtown, and with things like Perimeter West End,” Brown says.

Behind The Counter

2016

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864.232.9015

PHOTOGRAPHY BY RELATED IMAGES PHOTOGRAPHY

GREER STATE BANK As a recent new hire, Scott Timmons, branch manager at the Buncombe Do you see the phone number listed below? If you call that number Road office, spoke to the credibility the Greer State Bank name carried during business hours, you won’t navigate through various menus or deal while working for a competitor. with a call center; instead, you will get Sherri, a friendly voice on the other “When looking at this transition, it was important to me end of the line. No matter what you need, even if you’re to join a bank that was well-respected; I can honestly say not sure what you need, Sherri’s going to get you to the Greer State Bank has exceeded its reputation, and I couldn’t right person – and quickly. “We’re not just bankers be happier,” he says. That commitment to personal service is the foundation – we’re part of this With four branch locations in the greater Greer and upon which Greer State Bank was built. community.” Taylors areas, along with a business and mortgage lending And if you’ve seen any of their new marketing, it is office in Clemson, Greer State Bank is committed to the local clear that they pride themselves on the personal banking community in both kinship and services offered. experience. “We’re not just bankers, we’re part of this “Developing meaningful relationships with our customers is what our community,” says Tommy Williams, branch manager for the bank’s North bank is known for,” says Brooke Lathrop, branch manager at the Poinsett Main location. “Because of that, we’re held accountable to our customers Street office. “Unlike the other banks, when you come see us, we work to every day. Seeing them on a daily basis makes you realize they’re more customize a plan tailored to your financial needs. It really is community than our clients – they are investors in our brand and, more importantly, banking at its best.” the community we love.” Tommy’s fellow branch managers, Christy Blackwell, Brooke Lathrop and Scott Timmons, all know they, too, are likely to run into their customers almost anywhere they go – that’s a responsibility they take quite seriously. “We don’t try to compete with big banks because that’s not who we are,” says Christy Blackwell, branch manager in Taylors. “We take the time to get to know you first and treat you like a person, not a number.” Member FDIC That sense of community is evident within the bank walls, too. 1111 W. Poinsett St., Greer The employees of Greer State Bank are a tight-knit group who have 864.877.2000 | GreerStateBank.com withstood the many challenges facing community banks these days. 32

Behind The Counter

2016

COWART AWARDS, INC.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY CAROL BOONE STEWART

Cheryl Taylor likes to say that when she married her husband, Now, instead of local bowling leagues looking for trophies and George Cowart, she married into the trophy business. The couple engraving in a backyard garage, businesses of all sizes are shopping ran Cowart Awards together for more than 30 years a virtual showroom via Google for unique awards that are then shipped worldwide. Products have changed as until George passed away in 2005. Today Cheryl well, and the Cowart staff prides itself on staying on top continues his legacy with the help of her son George Jr., “We make awards that of advancing technology and changing trends to offer daughter Erin, and brother Raji. make winners smile.” their customers the very latest in awards and recognition. George and his brother, Tom, started the business Bowling trophies are few and far between these days; as Cowart Engravers in 1965, operating out of the instead the company focuses more on etching acrylic, family garage in West Greenville. A few years later they glass and crystal, as well as digital printing. Cowart also offers more added trophies to the mix, relocated to Laurens Road, and changed than awards – they can personalize a collar for your pooch, print a the name to Cowart Awards. The awards business has continued to puzzle from a favorite photo, frame your meaningful memorabilia, or evolve over the last half century, but George’s commitment to quality customize a standout Yeti tumbler all your own. and customer service built the foundation for success the company still enjoys today. Cheryl says Cowart Awards also owes a great deal of its success to the support of the Greenville business community and the tremendous growth of manufacturing and other industries to which they provide awards and recognition products. “It is a privilege to be a small business in Greenville, serving the Upstate with awards and recognition. I have lived here all my life and watching Greenville grow has been rewarding,” Cheryl says. “Everywhere I go, I hear people talking about visiting Greenville and how beautiful our city is. I am so thankful I get to live and work here every day!” 912 Laurens Road, Greenville The nature of the awards business has changed greatly over the 864.271.9131 | awardsthatwork.com decades.

Behind The Counter

2016

PHOTOGRAPHY BY CAROL BOONE STEWART

DAVIS AUDIOLOGY area of the county. “We are very excited our current patients and the rest Life and live theatre don’t come with subtitles and rewind buttons. of the population in that area won’t have to travel so far for their hearing To fully experience the comedy and tragedy, we need to hear the action as services.” Dr. Davis and her colleague Dr. Alexandra Tarvin it unfolds. No one knows that better than the doctors at still see patients at their location on East North Street in Davis Audiology, who recently upgraded every seat in the “We think about getting Greenville full time. house at Greenville Little Theatre. our eyes and teeth Now that the new location is up and running, Davis Davis Audiology donated an Induction Loop System checked yearly, but Audiology is focused on another important mission: to get the to celebrate the theatre’s 90th anniversary. The system people forget about their community to think about hearing as a part of overall wellness. magnetically transmits stage audio, making it sound hearing and take it for “We think about getting our eyes and teeth checked yearly,” Dr. like the cast is talking directly into audience members’ granted.” Davis said, “but people forget about their hearing and take it devices that are customized to their hearing needs. Davis for granted.” Audiology also has a looping system in its waiting room, Dr. Davis says everyone over 55 should have their hearing so audiologists can make sure patients’ hearing devices checked annually. Davis Audiology is offering free hearing screenings as a are compatible to looping. part of this education effort. Dr. Kristin Davis is overwhelmed by the gratitude people have Through community service, education, and support programs, Davis expressed since the donation. “It makes me proud to be able to set a good Audiology is setting the stage for people to hear their world and embrace example for my kids,” Dr. Davis said. “When you achieve your goals, it’s their lives. important to give back.” Dr. Davis and her husband Christopher have three children ages 10, 14, and 16. Middle and high school sports take up a lot of their free time, but they also enjoy hiking, kayaking, and doing community service. Dr. Davis is passionate about her work. In addition to her scheduled appointments, Davis Audiology hosts hearing healthcare seminars and support groups for patients with hearing loss and their loved ones. In January, Davis Audiology opened a full-service satellite office in 4318 East North St., Greenville | 135 Botanical Cir., Travelers Rest Travelers Rest. Dr. Davis says they’re filling a need in an under-served 864.655.8300 | davisaudiology.com

Davis

Behind The Counter

2016

MAGGIE AIKEN

PHOTOGRAPHY BY CAROL BOONE STEWART

Maggie Aiken has a passion for taking care of people, and that passion has helped her become one of the top real estate agents in the Upstate in just three years. Aiken was born and raised in Greenville. After graduating from Clemson, she worked at SYNNEX as Microsoft’s marketing manager. She left the corporate world and found her calling in real estate. One of Maggie’s favorite things about her job is the ability to develop lasting relationships that go far beyond her clients buying or selling a home. “It’s more than just a sale to me,” Maggie said. “I love the excitement of looking into someone’s eyes and knowing this is the perfect house for them and where they are going to raise their family. It is that moment that drives me and makes me tick.” Maggie may be young, but she’s a rising star in her industry. For the past two years, she’s been the #3 agent for Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices C. Dan Joyner REALTORS and in the top 2% for sales for BHHS nationwide. In 2015, she was awarded Best REALTOR for the Greenville News Best of the Upstate. Greenville Business “I love the excitement Magazine also named her as one of looking into of the “Best and Brightest Under someone’s eyes and 35” in 2014. Maggie serves knowing this is the on the Berkshire Hathaway perfect house for them National REThink Council with and where they are 12 of the nation’s top agents going to raise their under 35. family.” Outside her job, Maggie uses her gift of building relationships by serving the community. She’s a council member of the United Way Young Philanthropists. She’s also a mentor to Clemson Communication Studies majors and a high school student ministry leader at Grace Church. Last summer she went to Africa with Young Life to serve on a work crew for summer camps. She says she saw God everywhere she went. “You can’t describe the joy that people have in Africa,” Maggie said. “They have an unwavering faith that cannot be shaken, because it is not based on their circumstances. They are joyful in all things.” Back in Greenville, Maggie takes a joyful approach to her work. She wants her clients to see buying and selling a home as fun and exciting instead of tedious and stressful. “I love being a part of one of the biggest financial decisions of their life,” Aiken said. Her goal isn’t just to find a house for her clients. It is to help them find their Home Happy Home.

745 North Pleasantburg Dr., Greenville 864.616.4280 maggieaiken.com Behind The Counter

2016

PHOTOGRAPHY BY RELATED IMAGES PHOTOGRAPHY

ROTO-ROOTER Although Roto-Rooter is a well-known national brand, our local Roto-Rooter is owned and operated by a Greenville family. The company was purchased in 1984 by Gary and Patricia Eckberg. In 1996, their daughter, Abby Eckberg Zaffuto, joined the team. Abby was not planning on the plumbing business, but as she and her soon-to-be husband, Michael, were about to graduate from Clemson, she began to consider it seriously: “It’s certainly not the most prestigioussounding job, but my parents had this business and I recognized it as a good opportunity.” Soon after, Mike, who had taken a job at Fluor Daniel, made the decision to join the company, too. When Abby’s father passed away in 1999, Abby and Mike were in place and able to assume leadership roles in the company. Abby took on the role of general manager, while Mike earned a Master Plumber’s license and stepped in as service manager. Now, 17 years later, they have become the driving force behind the growth the company has experienced. Abby’s mother, Pat, does keep her hand in and “her influence is still so important,” Abby said. “People tend to view us as a national brand, but we are very much local,” said Abby, who moved to Greenville at age 8. Now she and Mike are raising their children here – Katie, 14, Allie, 12, and Matthew, 7, all attending local schools. That adorable child you might have seen featured on Roto-Rooter billboards around town? That’s Matthew, who has loved being part of the family business. With the Greenville business flourishing, expansion into other Roto-Rooter territories has been a natural fit. The company has “People tend to view us added locations in Anderson and as a national brand, but Myrtle Beach, as well as Asheville, Hendersonville, Spruce Pine, and we’re very much local.” Wilmington, NC. “We do all of our human resources, accounting, dispatching, training and other functions right here in Greenville,” Abby said. The company employs 45 people throughout the Carolinas and many of them have been with the company for more than a decade, growing with the enterprise over the years. With a commitment to reliable, affordable, efficient service – and a focus on hiring the right people – the business has grown steadily, even during economic downturns. After all, “everyone has plumbing!” Abby attributes the company’s success to its family-oriented atmosphere and its commitment to customer service. “We’re a one-stop shop. We don’t subcontract labor, so we can do it all,” she said. From residential plumbing services to larger plumbing tasks for commercial clients, the company’s goal is always customer satisfaction. They are fortunate to have many loyal customers, including homeowners, hospitals, schools, apartment complexes, industrial plants and others. The company recently purchased and renovated a much larger building on nearby Tanner Road. “In our old facility, we were on top of each other,” Abby said. “We now have a training center and plumbing school in the new location. It’s an exciting time.” While Abby Zaffuto may not have thought joining the family plumbing business sounded prestigious, after 20 years of fulfilling work, the Zaffutos love being the Upstate’s neighborhood plumber. For this busy, entrepreneurial family, work, school and family activities keep them on the go. But they love traveling together and, of course, heading to their alma mater as often as possible. “Clemson football is a big part of our lives,” she said. 136 Tanner Road, Greenville 864.288.7686 rotorooter.com/greenville

Behind The Counter

2016

Messy meals, muddy paws, and mishandled merlot don’t stand a chance against these two men. They are generals in the war against dirt, dust, and stains. Ron Verga has been on the front lines for decades, and his son is following in his footsteps. Verga started Ron’s Carpet & Air Duct Cleaning when he was 20 years old, and he’s still going strong 45 years later. His success has come from hard work and long hours. It’s not unusual for him to work seven days a week. “It’s been my job, my baby, and my hobby,” Verga said. His son, Ronnie, has grown up with the business. He started out as a helper doing odd jobs when he was a teenager in the 1980s. He graduated to working on a truck at night with the third-shift crew. Since those early days, Ronnie has worked his way up the ladder, and he’s now in charge of Oriental rug washing and hardwood floor cleaning and refinishing. “It’s comforting to know that after all the hard work I’ve put in starting this business that someone will be there to carry on the business and the name,” Verga said. “There wouldn’t be anybody better to do that than my son.” Ron Verga says he’s always been good at looking toward the future, and his business has evolved over the years. When Verga started, it was just him and a shampoo machine. Today, he and his son have 16 employees who can clean just about anything including floors, area rugs, furniture, windows, dryer vents, and air ducts. Verga is constantly looking for the latest technology to do his job better and save time and money. “There’s nothing like this Verga has tried to stay ahead of the pack in in Greenville. You’d have advertising as well. While all of his competitors to drive to Charlotte or were still focused on the phone book, he was Atlanta to find a business busy building a website. “Technology has that can duplicate what changed,” Verga said. “Everybody is online and we have here.” on their smart phones, so I saw that that was going to be the way to go.” Customers can schedule services through the Ron’s Carpet website. They can also watch Ron’s high-tech equipment in action. Professional videos compare how Ron’s cleans Oriental and area rugs versus how in-home cleaners do it. Verga says he’s trying to educate customers about the proper way to protect their investment. “So many competitors think they can just clean these rugs on the floor, when really that’s just making a mess, and it doesn’t really get them clean,” Verga said. Just after Christmas, the Vergas opened a state-of-the-art addition where they care for those valuable rugs. The high-tech equipment housed there delicately washes the rugs and then uses two large furnaces and high-velocity fans to dry them. There’s even a gadget that evacuates moist air when the humidity level gets too high. “There’s nothing like this in Greenville,” Verga said. “You’d have to drive to Charlotte or Atlanta to find a business that can duplicate what we have here.” Ron’s equipment can even solve some big pet problems. Rugs with urine odors go through a double-washing process using a chemical that kills the smell completely. “When we’re finished with it, your rug could pass a nose-test,” Verga said. Customers can drop off their rugs or schedule a pickup. Ron’s “White Glove” service is top-of-the-line. A crew moves furniture, rolls up the rugs, cleans them, and then puts everything in your home back the way it was. Whether you’re on a spring-cleaning mission or waging a war against stains, this fatherand-son team is always ready for battle.

62 Airview Dr., Greenville 864.297.6440 | ronscarpetcleaners.com 38

Behind The Counter

2016

PHOTOGRAPHY BY CAROL BOONE STEWART

RON’S CARPET & AIR DUCT CLEANING

Photography by carol boone stewart

PHOTOGRAPHY BY CAROL BOONE STEWART

CHRISTOPHILLIS & GALLIVAN PA Christophillis & Gallivan’s new offices on East Park Avenue Often times, these additional areas of law overlap into their family law cases. represent the growth of the four-year-old law firm, but something more Being able to help clients in other areas of law makes clients feel more important as well—making it easy and convenient for comfortable with their overall representation, and quality clients to access services. representation is a cornerstone of the firm. “Our focus has Jessica Christophillis and Amanda Gallivan focus on With four years of practice under their belts, the attorneys allowed us to develop family law, and often deal with clients undergoing difficult are pleased to have developed some proprietary processes that relationships, and divorces and custody disputes. For the woman-owned work for them, and a fine array of experts to support them in depending on what our boutique law firm, it’s important to build out its offices their cases when needed. “Our focus has allowed us to develop clients need, we have a and its staff to best serve its growing client roster—from relationships, and depending on what our clients need, we wide network that we additional staff to answer questions, to ease of parking, have a wide network that we can access,” says Amanda. can access.” The two attorneys, proud to lead an all-female firm, take and additional conference rooms. “There are so many different aspects to a family law a different approach to their work, thinking outside the box case, and we want our clients to be able to leave our office knowing we to serve their clients and bringing a measure of compassion. The firm either knew the answer or knew exactly where to go to find the answer,” maintains a family-friendly atmosphere, which is good news for Amanda, says Jessica. In addition to being hired as an advocate for their own clients, who just made it three with a newborn baby boy. both attorneys have branched their practices out to immerse themselves in other aspects of family law. Amanda serves as a Guardian ad Litem for contested custody cases when the court seeks the help of a third-party to represent the interest of the minor children. Jessica uses her experience in family law as a certified South Carolina family court mediator, which is a neutral-party that helps couples resolve their marital or custodial issues before having to go through an expensive trial. 420 East Park Ave., Ste. 301, Greenville The firm also prepares wills and advance directives and Amanda’s practice includes criminal law based on her years of working at the Solicitor’s office. 864.233.4445 | cglawsc.com

Behind The Counter

2016

ELITE SENIOR DAY CENTER

PHOTOGRAPHY BY CAROL BOONE STEWART

Their latest vision for patient care will become a reality this month with Two young entrepreneurs with very different backgrounds have the opening of Elite Senior Day Center in Spartanburg. The highly trained combined their talents to help elderly people in the Upstate live at home staff specializes in caring for people with Alzheimer’s and dementia. longer and safely maintain their independence. Members will have access to physicians and therapy groups on Chris Russo and Andrew Martin met at Gardnersite, and nurses will manage their medication. Elite will also Webb University. Chris studied public relations and provide meals and transportation. marketing and went on to have a successful career at a “I feel like we’re doing “Our members will enjoy activities in a social environment Fortune 500 company where he fine-tuned his business things that directly and go back to their homes at night, so they’re not giving up credentials. Andrew played college baseball and later and positively affect their independence,” Andrew said. Elite will provide an aftergraduated with a nursing degree. He spent ten years people’s lives.” hours aide for members who need additional help. Chris and working in an emergency room seeing countless elderly Andrew believe Elite’s combination of care is a more affordable patients with preventable injuries and conditions. choice than traditional options such as assisted living or Andrew thought a quality home care business could nursing homes. prevent some of those ER visits, so he turned to his friend from college. Sharing a vision to provide better care at a lower cost has brought two After carefully studying the industry, they started Elite Home Care, a old friends back together. “I feel like we’re doing things that directly and business that has doubled every year. “I was good with patients and positively affect people’s lives,” Chris said, “and that wasn’t part of my managing people,” Andrew said, “but my weakness was the business side. career before. I’m proud of what we do.” That’s what Chris does best.” Elite focused on training, technology, and staffing industry professionals. Instead of simply hiring adult babysitters like existing companies, they invested in registered nurses and social workers. They set up a GPS-based monitoring system to give clients more oversight 2000 Bud Arthur Bridge Rd. on the people working in their homes. Chris and Andrew drew on their Spartanburg individual strengths to build their business, and their efforts earned 864.529.2666 them the honor of being the first in their industry to get licensed by the Department of Health and Environmental Control. eliteseniorcenter.com

Behind The Counter

2016

PHOTOGRAPHY BY PARKKONEN PHOTOGRAPHY

SILVER SALON Erin Silver, owner of Silver Salon in Easley, has made sure that melting – remain the top priority. Due to interest from clients, she’s also started hosting classes in the her salon offers the friendliness and comfort that most people expect salon, teaching people how to do styles such as boho braids and flat-iron in a small town business – but with all of the skill, professionalism and curls. After the last class, attendees left with a gift bag stocked sophistication you’d find in any big city. with everything necessary to recreate these unique and “We have really high standards for really great hair, for “Their whole personality personalized styles at home. our environment and even for the quality of the products – the way they feel about Her favorite part of her job is seeing the difference a great we use,” said Silver, who opened the salon in 2012. She uses themselves – shifts; haircut or color, and a relaxing experience in the salon, can products from the luxurious L’anza Healing Haircare line. and, we get to be a part have on a person’s day and on their overall self-confidence. The Easley location also makes the salon convenient of that every day.” “Their whole personality – the way they feel about themselves – to many Upstate residents, since it’s only minutes from shifts; and, we get to be a part of that every day.” downtown Greenville, Anderson, Powdersville and Married for six years to Evan Silver, who works at their Clemson. “Our clients come from all over,” she said. They church, NewSpring, the couple likes to travel when they can and enjoy the also cater to a wide range of ages. Silver herself has clients from two years amazing restaurants throughout the Upstate. old – the children of regular clients – to a woman who is “the hippest 92-year-old you’ll ever meet,” she said. Silver, who earned a business degree from Anderson University in 2009, always knew she wanted to open a salon. While the degree has helped immensely, she has found what most entrepreneurs have found – that “some things you just aren’t prepared for and you have to learn from experience.” In addition to two new chairs that will accommodate a larger staff, the salon has also added a Beauty Booster menu offering services like aromatherapy neck wraps, eye pillows for deep treatments, lip plumpers 117 Bracken Ln., Easley and other add-on services. Special occasion styling and makeup are also available, but hair – including coloring specialties like balayage and color 864.220.4979 | silversalononline.com

Behind The Counter

2016

MELISSA MORRELL

PHOTOGRAPHY BY CAROL BOONE STEWART

from clients for her incredible responsiveness, which she said is a direct For five consecutive years, Melissa Morrell has been the No. 1 result of being raised to value discipline and diligence. Her father, a agent at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices C. Dan Joyner, REALTORS. high school football coach, and her mom, a teacherAnd she knows she couldn’t have accomplished that turned-Realtor, instilled in her the value of being driven goal without the team that is always standing behind “I’m a working mom and and goal-oriented and never, ever giving up. her: Her Family. I pray our children will Her mom, Sammie Ferrigan, died of breast cancer “Without their unwavering support and sacrifice, I learn from my work ethic in 2014 and remains a powerful motivator for Melissa. wouldn’t be successful,” she said. and see what I do for Since her mom’s diagnosis in 2008, she has raised “I’m a working mom and I pray our children will other families, helping thousands of dollars for breast cancer research and learn from my work ethic and see what I do for other them find their awareness and ran 12 consecutive 5K races last year to families, helping them find their dream home.” dream home.” honor her mother. Melissa and her husband of 20 years Tony have “My mom told me I would be the No. 1 agent in town, three children: Ashley, 17; Hannah, 13; and Ty, 9. (And and I’m very driven to honor her through my work as a let’s not forget their 18-month-old Golden Doodle Realtor, a volunteer and as a mother,” she said. named Palmer.) “People always ask me how I do the volume that I do, Committed to always being available to her clients, Morrell makes and I say it’s because I have a proven system and an amazing family,” time to work out, travel with her husband and spend time with her she said. children, often cheering them on at volleyball and tennis matches and Melissa grew up in Charleston and has lived in Greenville for 20 being a part of their winning family team. years. After working in public relations and marketing, she dove into real estate 13 years ago and hasn’t looked back. She loves finding the right home for families, “because that decision dictates everything about your experience in the Upstate … schools, doctors, church, neighbors and friends,” she said. A Certified Relocation Specialist, she helps both buyers and sellers, and is also a Luxury Collection Specialist, meeting professional Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices C. Dan Joyner Realtors standards to market and sell homes valued at $450,000 and up. Known as Greenville’s Agent 24/7, Morrell has earned rave review 864.918.1734 | Greenvilleagent247.com

Behind The Counter

2016

PHOTOGRAPHY BY CAROL BOONE STEWART

MARTIN GARDEN CENTER Reggie didn’t grow up in Greenville, but she’s lived here for 21 “Buy a garden center. Play with flowers. It’ll be fun!” years, so she feels like a native. She says she loves how Greenville Reggie Meehan’s friends taunt her when she talks about life at maintains that small town feeling, while still offering easy access to Martin Garden Center. But her stories rarely include flowers. great food and entertainment. “I love it here, and wouldn’t Instead, they’re about exploding water manifolds, choose to live anywhere else.” Her goal is to make Martin cascading equipment failures and black ice escapades. “People tell me Martin’s Garden Center into a Greenville destination. “Great book material for when I retire,” she jokes. is their happy place, a Meehan credits her team of employees for the garden Looking back on her first year of ownership at place they go when they center’s success. “I’ve learned that I’m not as creative as Martin’s, Meehan admits she’s made some mistakes and have the blues. I’m proud most of my staff. Luckily, they excel at creativity and I missed out on a lot of social gatherings. But she learned to provide a refuge and empower them to be as creative as they want. I would a lot of lessons along the way, the most important of make their days happier.” not have thrived without the amazing group of people which is perseverance. “You’re assured of failure only that work here. You can’t build a business without loyal when you give up,” Reggie insists. employees.” Reggie gets her love of gardening from her mother, who is a master gardener. Her specialty is shade garden combination plantings and incorporating unique plants into landscape plans. As the Chief Inspiration Officer (CIO) at Martin Garden Center, Reggie’s goal is to promote and create “things of beauty.” She says interacting with customers is her favorite part of the job. “Everyone has a story, and I love to hear them.” Martin Garden Center, located on Martin Road in Greenville, prides itself on offering quality indoor and outdoor plants and garden accessories, along with the best customer service possible. “People tell me Martin’s is their happy place, a place they go when 198 Martin Road, Greenville they have the blues. I’m proud to provide a refuge and make their 864-277-1818 | martinnursery.com days happier.” 44

Behind The Counter

2016

BARRE3 GREENVILLE

PHOTOGRAPHY BY CAROL BOONE STEWART

have tried to create a bright and airy space where everyone feels welcome Like many busy moms, life for sisters Katie Williams and Lizzie Miller is and empowered. One of their mottos is “Keep It Real.” organized chaos. Between the two of them, they balance four children, two “We’re not trying to sugar-coat anything,” Katie said. “We want to husbands, and the demands of a growing business. provide a judgment-free space where anyone can come and get The sisters had an active lifestyle packed with a killer workout and feel successful.” surfing, camping, and outdoor fun while growing up Barre3 draws from ballet, Pilates, yoga, and other in California. They came to Beaufort every summer to “This isn’t a one-size-fitsdisciplines to strengthen and tone major muscle groups visit their grandmother. Katie moved east for undergrad all. We really celebrate while also raising the heart rate. Every barre3 studio provides at the University of South Carolina. She later studied the differences in people childcare so parents can work out worry-free. occupational therapy at the Medical University of and their bodies.” The workouts are all about the individual. Instructors don’t South Carolina. want their clients to do everything exactly like the person Lizzie and her husband spent ten years working for next to them. They give modifications so clients can make the Timex in Hong Kong. Two of her children were born workouts their own. “This isn’t a one-size-fits-all,” Katie said. “We really there. When Lizzie got back to the U.S., the sisters started talking about celebrate the differences in people and their bodies.” owning a business together. Lizzie and Katie are grateful for the chance to empower their clients , They came across barre3 online. The workouts were different than but barre3 is more than just a business to them. It’s the force that brought anything they’d ever done, and that inspired them to apply for a franchise. their families back together. Lizzie said it was a no-brainer for her family to move here to start barre3 Greenville. Katie and Lizzie were both pregnant when they were getting their business off the ground. It’s been a whirlwind, but they work together to get it all done. “I think our personalities really compliment each other,” Lizzie said. “I, being the older sister, took Katie into her kindergarten class, 3014A Augusta St., Greenville and we’ve just always had a unique bond.” 864.605.7699 Lizzie handles the operational side of the business while Katie focuses barre3.com/studio-locations/Greenville mostly on teaching and instructor recruitment and training. The sisters

Behind The Counter

2016

PHOTOGRAPHY BY CAROL BOONE STEWART

SHADOWHAWK AVIATION LLC “South Carolina isn’t a helicopter state, but it should be,” Shadowhawk’s aircraft have been used in the filming of “Talladega Nights” and “Leatherheads,” in addition to various reality television says Scott Fowler, owner and operator of Shadowhawk Aviation, shows, like The Bachelorette. the only VIP charter helicopter service in the state of Often newly married couples leave their weddings in South Carolina. limos or horse-drawn carriages, but Shadowhawk can take Scott spent years flying helicopters in Los Angeles, “South Carolina isn’t bridal parties and guests to and from wedding venues and San Francisco, Dallas and many other major cities all a helicopter state, hotels all over the Southeast. over the country. The national attention to the economic but it should be.” growth, the number of corporations moving to SC in Shadowhawk Aviation provides professional VIP recent years, combined with the booming business transportation for clients from Greenville to Charleston, market in the Upstate, convinced Scott to bring his Columbia, Charlotte, Atlanta and beyond. The company business back home to his native Greenville. utilizes the highest-quality aircraft, including an impeccably maintained Scott also saw a need for corporate flying in the real estate and VIP Corporate 6 passenger Eurocopter / Airbus A-Star 350 B3. corporate worlds. Shadowhawk provides clients with the ability to visit Scott started his flight training in the military and continued it as available properties and locations from the air which gives them the a civilian. He has been a flight instructor since 2000. When he’s not added advantage to see the natural beauty and amenities that surround flying, training, or making sure that equipment is in tip-top condition, any given piece of land. Shadowhawk’s clients say that his services have Scott enjoys spending time horseback riding, playing tennis, and bike been a major factor in their 75% closure rate. riding with his 8-year-old daughter, Emma Grace. Scott’s clients have included Cliffs of Glassy, Biltmore Estate, BMW, Duke Energy, the South Carolina Department of Commerce, Tiger Woods, and CBS Evening News, to name just a few. He provides charter services as well as aerial photography for real estate and construction clients in the Carolinas, Georgia, and Tennessee, and transportation to golf tournaments, grand openings, and even Greenville | 864.884.4074 weddings! shadowhawkaviation.com 46

Behind The Counter

2016

SPAULDING GROUP

PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

Team Leader Carole Atkison has been a real estate professional since 1987. Such a long and varied career has allowed Carole to enjoy multiThe combined experience, professional expertise, and excellent service of generational clients—friends and family of previous clients—and to the 21 agents on her team is a reflection of Carole’s successful leadership of develop a broad network of repeat business and referrals. She still enjoys Spaulding Group and Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices. the variety of a workday as a real estate agent. “Being able to In 2015, Spaulding Group ranked as the #1 Team at prioritize and be flexible on a daily basis is a must,” says Carole, “Our main goal is to the BHHS, C. Dan Joyner Co. Pelham Road office, as the who works with buyers and sellers who want to upsize or provide top-notch #2 Team for C. Dan Joyner Co. in the Upstate, in the top downsize, and with everyone in between. service with integrity and half of 1% BHHS worldwide, and in the Top 100 Teams When not busy at work, Carole enjoys going to Lake BHHS Worldwide. great attention to detail.” Keowee and spending time with her three grandchildren. Spaulding Group evolved from Carole’s career as sales manager for Spaulding Farm, a position she held until the Front row: Kimberly Bunnell, Shelby Jordan, Leigh Irwin, lot sales were completed in 1997. The company went on Margaret Marcum, Carole Atkison, Alicia Bryan, Emily Fayssoux, Susan Waters to become a full-service real estate agency in 1998. For Carole, the success Second Row: Pam Childress, Kem Swenson, Laura Burgess, she gained at Spaulding Farm led to positions as sales manager for some of Lauri York, Cynthia Rehberg, Pam McCartney Greenville’s finest subdivisions, including Stonebrook Farm, Cobblestone, Third Row: Lois Leder, Becky Orders, Susan Dodds, KingsBridge, Hammett’s Glen, The Glens at Roper, The Oaks at Roper Kristy Tarallo, Keri Hall, Kate Anderson Mountain, and Greywood at Hammett. “Our main goal is to provide top-notch service with integrity and great attention to detail,” says Carole of her team. “We handle the sale from the beginning to the end, and make sure that the process is as smooth as possible for the buyer and the seller.” Having been in the residential real estate industry for 28 years, Carole appreciates the importance of a strong team. “It’s very important to all of us 3539 Pelham Road, Greenville that we get along well. We work very hard, but we also enjoy fun outings 864.244.9111 together,” she says. “With our varied experience and close relationships, when a SpauldingGroup.net team member needs assistance, we have plenty of experienced agents to call on.”

Behind The Counter

2016

CONSERVUS REALTY

16 North Main St., Greenville 864.608.4608 | conservusrealty.com 48

Behind The Counter

2016

PHOTOGRAPHY BY CAROL BOONE STEWART

Location, location, location. You can’t get much better than Main Street if you want to be in the heart of Greenville’s bustling downtown. Five-thousand people a day walk by the offices of Conservus Realty, and the folks here want to showcase what the area has to offer downtown and beyond. Luxury homebuilder Tom Dillard started Conservus Realty as a service to his clients who needed to sell their existing home while he was building them a new custom home. Conservus has grown now to represent development opportunities as well as preferred communities such as The Ridges at Paris Mountain, the Ramble at Biltmore Forest, and The Cliffs Communities. Debra Owensby was a sales executive at The Cliffs Communities before she became the Broker-in-Charge at Conservus. Owensby sees her office as the center of a wheel and her agents, experts in areas from Travelers Rest to Clemson and Asheville, as spokes in that wheel. Her “Dream Team” is designed to help people find the perfect community to call home. Kendall Bateman is a top-selling REALTOR® for Conservus and the Director of Business “Once we get a Development. She was sense of the goals born and raised in and dreams of our Greenville and graduated clients, we can start from Clemson with a thinking about what marketing degree. When community best fits she’s not selling homes, their lifestyle.” Bateman uses her skills to market Conservus, train new agents, and reach out to companies bringing in employees from other states and countries. Owensby grew up in rural northern California and started selling real estate in her early twenties. She made a living there buying and selling land. “In a ranching community, people own thousands of acres. Since I was related to half the county, many of them wanted to list with me,” Owensby joked. Her real estate career grew from there, but Owensby developed a passion for new home construction while studying interior design at Converse College. Before Owensby’s “matchmakers” at Conservus even start a home search, they learn about their clients’ families, their dreams, and their passions. “Are they golfers? Do their children ride horses? Once we get a sense of the goals and dreams of our clients, we can start thinking about what community best fits their lifestyle,” said Owensby. The Conservus office on Main Street showcases luxury communities all over the area on large screens in the lobby. Visitors can get a map, information on Greenville, and even a treat for their dog. Homebuyers in the market for luxury might just find the perfect match.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY CAROL BOONE STEWART

DILLARD-JONES BUILDERS Tom Dillard earned a decent living as a mechanical engineer, but he had a passion for building. After 20 years managing projects for national and international companies, he decided to pursue his passion as a second career. Tom started Dillard-Jones Builders in 2004. Since then, his team has built hundreds of luxury homes, strong relationships, and an award-winning business. Dillard-Jones has earned the Better Business Bureau’s Business of Integrity Award, The Pinnacle Award, and the Merit Award. A member of the Southern Living Custom Builder Program, Dillard has been honored with the Cornerstone Award for Outstanding Leadership and has been the only builder in the program to be named Southern Living Custom Builder of the Year twice. Dillard says the key to success is the company’s high level of integrity. “Building a house is one of the biggest investments people make, so integrity is really the core of everything, and everybody on our team knows that if people can trust us in the small things, they can trust us in the big things,” Dillard said. Dillard has a strong commitment to the community “Building a as well. He is a past president of house is one the Home Builders Association of of the biggest Greenville and a past chairman of investments the Upstate Better Business Bureau. people make, He holds a degree in mechanical so integrity is really the core of engineering from Clemson. Dillard-Jones is a “Designeverything…” Build” firm that includes the builder, architectural designers, and interior designers all on one team. Building a luxury home from the ground up is a collaborative effort. The Dillard-Jones team tries to get to know its clients personally and understand their dreams, their families, and their lifestyle. It all starts with communication. “It’s just a relaxed place where people can give us their ideas without any kind of judgment about what they’re telling us,” said Dillard. “We want to help people visualize how things are going to look on their lot, and then once they’re ready to build, there are no surprises.” Designers ask a lot of questions along the way to find out what their clients need and how they envision their dream home. They talk about everything from how they plan to use their living space to what kind of tile they want in the guest bathroom. Clients get to watch every choice they make come to life as their custom home takes shape. Dillard’s dog is even part of the team. A rescued Labrador named Jonsie is the Director of Happiness. She makes sure the clients are smiling while her boss makes their dream home a reality.

115 North Brown St., Suite 200, Greenville 864.527.0463 | dillardjones.com Behind The Counter

2016

PHOTOGRAPHY BY CAROL BOONE STEWART

COMPOUNDING SOLUTIONS works closely with local physicians collaborating on the right dose for each Pharmacist Pam Bramlett brought the feel of a French apothecary to woman. High-quality pharmaceutical supplements are also available, such Greenville, creating a relaxed, comfortable setting where women can feel at as Vitamin D, Calcium, Omega 3 Fatty Acids and Probiotics. ease discussing their health issues. If needed, Bramlett can Bramlett is living her own hormonal journey, and said custom blend a medication to address this issue. “Each woman is unique “women do not have to feel bad.” She has spent the last five “I love helping women,” Bramlett said. “Women do so and has a unique story years studying women’s health, with a strong focus on biomuch to take care of others. Each woman is unique and to tell, and we can listen identical hormones. She recently became a Certified Hormone has a unique story to tell, and we can listen to that story to that story and offer Specialist. and offer solutions to meet her individual needs.”. She solutions to meet her Bramlett grew up in the Upstate and loves this “great city often discusses hormonal therapies and can recommend individual needs.” we live in.” She is looking forward to traveling to Paris again high-quality supplements to address sleep, hot flashes, one day, the city that inspired this fulfilling phase of her life. stress and other problems women may be experiencing. “Opening Compounding Solutions has been a great way to have another Compounding Solutions opened in 2013 after Bramlett spent 22 career and keep me challenged,” she said. “Every day is different, and it years working in pharmaceutical sales. She loved her job but had been keeps me from getting bored. My customers become my friends and it has considering a return to pharmacy, her first career. A visit to Paris inspired been really fun.” her “to come back to Greenville and open a specialty pharmacy focusing on women’s health. No one in town was specifically doing that,” she said. In Paris, she observed French women talking with their pharmacist – often another women – about their hormonal symptoms, sleep issues and nutritional supplements. It was a different environment than the busy chain pharmacies she was used to seeing in the States. “I liked the idea of working one on one with women and offering solutions. Women are Compounding Solutions encouraged to share all of their concerns,” she says. “There is no TMI!” Compounded medications, when needed, are prepared using 115 Pelham Rd., Suite 12, Greenville pharmaceutical grade ingredients and can be tailored to fit each woman’s 864.558.0507 | mycompoundingsolutions.com unique needs. Medications are available by prescription only and Bramlett 50

Behind The Counter

2016

PERFECT PITCH PRODUCTIONS Amanda Harley’s passion for her family, her work, and her adopted someone with a “producer hat.” Amanda knows what media outlets need, thanks hometown could light up a ballpark. After more than a decade working in to her decade-long career in TV. She uses that experience to come up with the local and network television, Harley has come home to best possible pitch to tell each client’s story. Greenville, where her lineup includes a growing family and Media coaching is also on the list of services Perfect Pitch “I love this town and her new media relations business, Perfect Pitch Productions. provides. “I spent a good part of my career booking guests and everything about it. Before becoming an entrepreneur like her older brother prepping them for their on-air appearances,” Harley said. It’s great having a job TJ, Harley was a producer at Greenville’s WYFF 4, NBC “So now I train clients who want to spread the word about their that lets me brag about Charlotte, CBS Atlanta, and The Weather Channel. business or event, but might not be comfortable stepping in where I live, and spread Her husband Trey, a homebuilder, was actually the one front of the camera just yet.” the word about all the who suggested they move back to Greenville. He had fallen Since launching Perfect Pitch last August, Harley has amazing things that are in love with the city while planning their wedding here, and successfully landed local, regional and national media happening here.” when he started looking at job opportunities in his industry, placements. Her clients are based all over the country, but her it was obvious business was booming in Greenville. favorite projects are those that help promote Greenville. The couple’s son, Jackson, was six months old at the time, and Amanda “I love this town and everything about it,” Harley said. “It’s great having was doing her dream job. “I never would have made the decision to move to a job that lets me brag about where I live, and spread the word about all the any other city in the world at that point,” she said, “but I knew if we moved amazing things happening here.” to Greenville, everything would work out.” Harley hopes to use her energy, enthusiasm, and passion for storytelling Harley’s parents live in Greenville, so moving here came with perks. to turn every pitch into a home run. “Seeing my parents with my son is the most rewarding experience for me,” Harley said. “They light up when they’re with him, and that fills my heart.” Her tight-knit family is the driving force behind everything Amanda 864.263.3271 (o) does. They provided ideas and inspiration to get her business off the ground. 864.313.6149 (c) The name Perfect Pitch Productions is a fun, creative way to combine the perfectpitchprod.com family’s love of baseball with her passion for storytelling.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY CAROL BOONE STEWART

Perfect Pitch offers something most traditional marketing companies can’t:

Behind The Counter

2016

This Can Be the Best Time of Your Life – Rich in Activity, Freedom, and Respect A carefree lifestyle awaits you at Greenville’s Premier Retirement Community. One by one, Cascades members are embracing a new way to experience retirement. From resort-style amenities to five-star service to a steadfast commitment to fun. The Cascades is a unique community where members enjoy the freedom to indulge their passions and explore new horizons. With a full-service, on-site Wellness Center and nationally recognized, awardwinning wellness program, Cascades is the preferred choice for people who want to live long, live well and live independently.

Continuing Care Retirement Community INDEPENDENT LIVING • ASSISTED LIVING MEMORY CARE • SKILLED NURSING • WELLNESS

10 Fountainview Terrace • Greenville, SC 29607 864-528-5507 • Cascades-Verdae.com

PHOTOGRAPHY BY CAROL BOONE STEWART

BB&T HOME MORTGAGE Lee recognizes that customers want speed and efficiency, and your From buying your first home to refinancing to help send your kids to BB&T Home Mortgage officer will certainly make sure no time is wasted. college, everything the staff at BB&T Home Mortgage does is designed to But as Lee points out, “If I’m buying a house, I might not want help their clients achieve their dreams. to do it in 20 minutes. The internet is great for downloading a “The most gratifying part of our job is helping clients “A home purchase is the song, but not buying a house.” achieve the dream of home ownership,” said Bruce Lee, largest purchase you will Lee, who along with wife Lauren has two boys, Parker, 6, mortgage market manager, who has been with BB&T for likely make, so it helps and Andrew, 3, jokes that he leaves one job and goes to the 10 years. He assists eight loan officers as they work with to have that human next, heading out of his office to coach church basketball and customers to refinance, consolidate debt and more. touch, and to sit down baseball. But when time permits, he feels fortunate to have a “Rates are really low, so most people have refinanced at the table and really lake house on Lake Keowee where he and the family can enjoy multiple times,” Lee said. “But it’s a great time to understand it.” water sports – and also be closer to his alma mater, Clemson consolidate debt. If you have a big purchase or college and University. “We are passionate Clemson fans,” he said. you’re going to have debt, mortgage is the best place for it, since it’s a fixed rate and the cheapest you can have.” There are many places to get mortgages, even online, but Lee said the aspect that sets his team apart is that it’s local. BB&T has been around since 1872, and due to its conservative nature, doesn’t have the problems that plague more aggressive banks. “We have all of the things that any other lender would have, with all of the products – we just have it with a human touch. A lot of clients take comfort in that.” Clients appreciate that if they have a question or request, “it’s right 301 College St., Greenville here – you can find a person, call a person or come see a person. A home 864.242.8068 | bbt.com purchase is the largest purchase you will likely make, so it helps to have Branch Banking & Trust Company is a Member FDIC and an Equal Housing Lender that human touch, and to sit down at the table and really understand it.”

Behind The Counter

2016

CHRISTOPHER ASHLEY SALON

PHOTOGRAPHY BY CAROL BOONE STEWART

world. Though the team is current on the latest trends, they would never Christopher Maddox and the team at Christopher Ashley Salon have recommend a style just to help a client look trendy. “Trendy doesn’t mean a well-deserved reputation for individualized service, creating the perfect suitable,” Christopher said. “You have to be sure the guest haircut for each client as well as the ultimate in “you only wears the look and not the other way around.” better” color. But he’s not content to rest on his laurels. “The core of our business Another way Christopher stays focused on quality is by His precise hair painting technique began 20 years ago is color and cutting, and offering superior hair care for the needs of each client. “Hair before most stylists even knew what it was. He continues instead of being good at care can either support or diminish the performance of your to be inspired by training sessions in New York and a lot of things, we focus hair,” he said. “We believe it’s essential to provide the proper Miami, bringing back new techniques and ideas for on being great at those prescription so our guests are able to maintain the same his clients. two things.” quality between visits.” “We like to connect to where the industry has come Christopher stays busy leading a staff of seven. He and from and where it’s going,” Christopher said. “It’s Ashley make sure to set aside plenty of time for fun activities imperative to keep honing our craft. It’s an investment, with daughters Isabella and Alaina, 10 and 8. but it’s always worth it.” “Since our job involves standing all day, it’s important that we stay Christopher and his wife Ashley opened the salon in 2006 and have active,” he said. seen steady growth ever since thanks to clients who walk out looking and feeling amazing – and they are happy to tell their friends. The hair painting is a favorite, since it involves freehand application of color that creates a level of harmony no foil process can offer. The team at Christopher Ashley also focuses on spending time with each client. “We don’t rush them in and out,” he said. “We want people 101B West Court St. to have an exceptional experience and know they are receiving a unique, Greenville hand-crafted style.” 864.242.0777 The salon is upscale yet utterly unpretentious, and these style experts christopherashleysalon.net recognize that a great haircut and color can change how a person looks, but more importantly, how they feel and how they interact with the

Behind The Counter

2016

PHOTOGRAPHY BY PARKKONEN PHOTOGRAPHY

HEIDI PUTNAM Heidi Putnam has worked as an event planner and owned a mountains, often heading with her family to Caesars Head to hike or relax and recharge. landscape design company, but her first love was always real estate. “I always loved houses and renovation,” she said. Greenville is ideal for real estate work as well, with Others discouraged her from her path, telling her many people relocating here – which can often keep the unpredictable hours would be too challenging, inventory low. Thanks to her deep knowledge of the “A good real estate but four years ago she made the leap, and she’s never Augusta Road, downtown, and Parkins Mill areas, she’s agent can take you from looked back. found she can sometimes sell houses that weren’t on contract to closing and Her love of houses, her extensive experience with the market. “That happened a few times last year,” she manage all the details, so renovations, and her ability to understand exactly said. “People were interested in a certain house and I just you don’t have to worry.” what a house needs has led to a steady stream of knocked on the door.” She usually knows the residents, satisfied clients, and Putnam has found the job suits and a surprising number are happy to hear an offer. her perfectly – even the unpredictable hours. The Putnam said she doesn’t focus on sales volume, but flexibility gives her time to indulge her passion for tennis – she’s on likes keeping her client list short so she can offer great customer three teams at the Kroc Center – and spend plenty of time with her service. “I might not be number one, but my clients are,” husband Matt, son Pearce, 16, and daughter Miller, 14. she said. “I’ve found my clients don’t care what my rank is – they just Hunting down the perfect house and guiding people on want to know that every detail is taken care of.” neighborhood selection and renovation ideas fit her well, but she’s found there is much work to be done once the contract is signed. “A good real estate agent can take you from contract to closing and manage all the details, so you don’t have to worry,” she said. “That’s the experience I want people to have.” Putnam grew up in Columbia and attended Wofford College 111 Williams St., Greenville in Spartanburg. After college, Greenville became home. Although 864.380.6747 she’s moved out of state twice, she is now here to stay. In addition cbcaine.com to Greenville’s parks and trails, she loves the proximity to the 56

Behind The Counter

2016

IRON TRIBE

PHOTOGRAPHY BY CAROL BOONE STEWART

Rob Jackman is on a worldwide mission to change lives through fitness, larger mission. and he’s made Greenville his base camp. Jackman grew up playing baseball, “We don’t just want to help our members get in the best shape of but a series of injuries forced him to quit the game. The loss turned into their lives. We want to help them change their lives both physically a blessing, because it led him to his current passion for and mentally,” Jackman said. “We also want to transfer that strength training and conditioning. overseas.” “We don’t just want to Jackman trained running backs and defensive backs Jackman recently traveled to Kenya with Vapor Sports, help our members get in for the Philadelphia Eagles. He loved the job, but Jackman an organization committed to spreading the gospel, creating the best shape of their wanted to have a bigger impact. “There was no real life jobs, and pulling people out of poverty. He is currently lives. We want to help change in training high-level athletes,” he said. training the staff and designing a business plan for two them change their lives Jackman saw an opportunity at Iron Tribe in Alabama community centers. Jackman says it is a powerful experience both physically where he found a great mix of personal training and to help create jobs and break down the racial barriers of a and mentally.” group fitness. The Iron Tribe model blends fitness, deeply ingrained caste system. nutrition, and mobility all in a 45-minute class setting. Here in Greenville, Jackman’s tribe members support his The company’s app allows members to sign up for classes, keep track of global mission. Last fall, their Workout for Water event for neverthirst their progress, and order meals. raised enough money to build four clean water wells in India. Iron Tribe’s team of exercise scientists comes up with the workouts for Rob Jackman has found his Tribe, a group committed to fitness and all the franchises, then full-time local coaches tailor the movements to helping people around the world. each client. Tribe members go through a beginner’s program that teaches them the movements, the Paleo diet, and the science behind all of it. This introduction gives coaches time to assess each member’s ability level and help prevent injuries. Jackman chose to start his own Tribe in Greenville, because he had family connections in the Upstate. His brother played baseball at Furman and stayed 2227 Augusta St., Greenville in Greenville after graduation. Rob’s wife, Laura Sims, is from Spartanburg. 864.990.2020 | irontribefitness.com Jackman and his business partners want to use Iron Tribe to fuel a

Behind The Counter

2016

PHOTOGRAPHY BY CAROL BOONE STEWART

STAYMOBILE GREENVILLE fixed as fast as possible,” Will explains. “We do a lot more than just fixing a Greenville native Will Kellett has a track record of working for and broken screen – these guys can do it all.” starting up successful companies. With a resume that But don’t worry, they can fix your screen, too. includes Milliken, ScanSource, 10Best.com and EnVeritas “There are a ton of “There are a ton of people out there walking around with Group, he knows a winner when he sees one. people out there walking cracked screens that don’t realize how cheap it is to fix them,” When he was approached by a few of his former around with cracked he says. Wofford classmates about coming on board with screens that don’t realize If you’re one of those people, Will wants to help you stay Staymobile, an Atlanta-based provider of mobile phone how cheap it is to fix mobile. The Greenville store on McBee Avenue is easy to get and computer repair, he knew the market was one he them.” to with plenty of on-street parking. In fact, if you can’t find a wanted to be in. space Will says he’ll foot the bill for you to park in the Spring “I have four children,” Will says. “And they’re always Street garage behind the store. breaking their phones.” Staymobile purchases and refurbishes used phones, and maintains Together with his partners in Palmetto Mobile Solutions, Will now them in inventory for customers who need a stopgap phone to get them owns eight Staymobile locations in Spartanburg, Myrtle Beach and through to the end of their contract. The company is also launching a Charleston. The Greenville store opened in March of 2015. Because Will new product called StayMobile Protect, a protection plan that will cover believes so strongly in the concept, he and his partners recently formed even the latest, greatest iPhone – one flat, reasonable rate for 13 months of Staymobile Launch to lead franchise and sales support for Staymobile, unlimited repairs with no deductible. with a goal of opening 150 stores and creating 600 jobs over the next five years. Staymobile employs highly trained experts and equips them with the latest technology to repair everything from phones that have taken a dip to virus-infected laptops. Staymobile also contracts with local school districts - including Greenville County – to keep their fleets of iPads and laptops up and running. And most repairs can be completed in 30 minutes to an hour. 121 E. McBee Ave., Greenville “When somebody brings their phone in they’re usually in a state of 864.509.0220 | staymobile.com/greenville-sc panic and it’s our job to really help calm that customer down and get it 58

Behind The Counter

2016

QUALITY BUSINESS SOLUTIONS

PHOTOGRAPHY BY RELATED IMAGES PHOTOGRAPHY

Pamela and David Evette may have backed into their life together, but hard at what we do and ramped up our technology and security,” Pamela says. it all seems to be working out just fine. The couple met through the PEO “We used that big growth push to enhance all our services and that’s (professional employer organization) industry, when Pamela was working benefited all our clients across the board.” as a consultant and David was looking to break into Between full and part-time employees the QBS team the business. Together they launched Quality Business totals 33, and Pamela and David have worked hard to foster a Solutions in 2000, and soon realized they were meant to team, not a hierarchy. “God had a bigger be more than just business partners. “There’s not one person in this building whose job is more dream for us than “We started the business together first, and then we got important than another,” Pamela says of her management we could dream for married,” Pamela says. style. “We all sink or swim together.” ourselves.” The only question was where Pamela, born and bred Sometimes that means Pamela and David are in the in Ohio, and David, a Taylors native, would consolidate trenches sealing checks to get them out the door on time, households. Both Cleveland and the Upstate of South and the end result is a true sense of workplace camaraderie. Carolina were promising growth areas for QBS, an outsource provider of Pamela says she realized they had built something special when they payroll, human resource and benefit solutions, but things were moving a started looking around at possible locations to expand and realized their little faster down south and that tipped the scales. staff was gradually moving closer to the office. So they decided to stay put, David also happened to have family land in Travelers Rest where the and wave to the horses from the window. Evettes were able to make their home, as well as carve out an acre or so for an office. They share a love of horses, and built a beautiful barn behind the original office. “God had a bigger dream for us than we could dream for ourselves,” Pamela says, explaining that as QBS continued to grow the beautiful barn eventually became beautiful offices. Today Quality Business Solutions processes payroll for clients in 48 states, 280 Hindman Road, Travelers Rest the largest of which has roughly 48,000 employees. 864.834.3985 | qualitybsolutions.net “Taking on a client like that has made us a better company. We looked

Behind The Counter

2016

Regardless of whether the accounting of your business needs a part-time accountant, a full-time financial professional, or an entire department of accountants, you expect a deliverable that is timely, accurate and relevant. A.T. LOCKE delivers. The A.T. LOCKE deliverable is backed by a powerful team of accountants and financial professionals from widely varied backgrounds who can advise or step in when needed. A. T. LOCKE’s financial professionals have expertise that covers auditing, governmental work, process, inventory and job costing, project management, and more. Team members come from very large corporations and from smaller companies, and include a high percentage of CPAs. “Our clients hire an entire team and access to all of our resources on a scalable range,” says founder and president Anna T. Locke, who started the firm in 2008. “Our deliverables are customized to the situation.” Anna began her career as a public accountant doing audit by day and tax by night. She wondered what the clients were doing with the numbers that she worked so hard to complete. She saw a need for an accounting approach that tells the story of a company in numbers, and uses the reporting as an active tool. To that end, her employees immerse themselves in every aspect of a business, working on-site at least half the time, and attending a variety of departmental meetings as needed. “We serve clients that want more value from financial data, as well as timeliness and accuracy,” Anna says. This approach has allowed the firm to serve a range of clients “Our deliverables are throughout South Carolina, as well as in Georgia and North customized to the Carolina, and a handful of international companies. situation.” The strategy behind the services includes keeping very close tabs on the scope of work needed over time. All work is reviewed every 90 days with the client, and a new action plan is created for the next 90 days. “Everyone is flexible and scalable,” explains Anna. “We enjoy telling the stories of the multi-year relationships with clients and how the volume of work has been scalable over time to match the volume of the business. If we see the client needs a full-time person instead of us, we initiate that conversation because we do not want to overstay the fit of our services.” A. T. LOCKE believes in delivering back as well. Its Community Involvement Team spends money allocated from the budget in the community, and the team is actively involved in the community, often serving as finance directors for non-profits. For Anna, community involvement has been a passion. She serves on the InnoVision board, and celebrated the opening of Next High School last year, where she served for four years on the planning committee. At A.T. LOCKE, Anna sees the company moving from strength to strength. Always looking for ways to improve how they do business and how they can further strengthen their relationships with clients and with their colleagues, Anna and her team participated in Dale Carnegie training to reinforce their one-to-one interaction skills. “We want to be sure that we as a team are focused on guiding principles—putting the client first, remaining independent, being truthful, direct, and adding real value,” Anna says. “We never take on a project that we don’t believe in, and we try to maintain a client load that allows us to have real relationships with our clients.”

PHOTOGRAPHY BY CAROL BOONE STEWART

A. T. LOCKE, PC

68 Pointe Circle, Ste. 2202, Greenville 864.908.3062 | atlocke.com

Behind The Counter

2016

Photography by carol boone stewart

PHOTOGRAPHY BY CAROL BOONE STEWART

GREYSTONE ANTIQUES AND RESTORATION Trey Sherman doesn’t just sell antiques. He grew up restoring Greystone opened on Augusta Road in 1972, headed by Trey’s father, and building furnishings and knows them inside and out – which is one Tommy Sherman. While Tommy earned a great reputation for buying reason his custom range hoods and tables are being and selling antiques, Trey was always drawn to the workshop. snapped up by customers from coast to coast. His After graduating from Furman, Trey took over the business in “We offer quality range hoods, using materials like blackened steel and 2000 and continued the sales aspect his father created while and craftsmanship for distressed zinc and copper, are handmade, and speak to expanding the restoration and custom building side. the most discerning homeowners’ desire for a high-end hood that becomes the Because Greystone has been operating for so long and has collector at a price focal point of the kitchen. a dependable team in place, Trey can remain tightly focused anyone can afford.” His folding farm tables, which also incorporate zinc on the quality and attention to detail that sets him apart. and copper, give clients that old hand-planed look but at a “We offer quality and craftsmanship for the most discerning fraction of the cost, along with the convenience of folding collector at a price anyone can afford,” he said. flat. “The idea came from an antique French table that people would tote out Trey and his wife Natalie like to spend their free time traveling and to the park,” Sherman said. “I repaired one for a customer and asked her if camping with their 11-year-old twins, Greyson and Olivia, and seeing live I could reproduce it after making some improvements to make it stronger.” music as often as possible. Greystone brings together three different operations in one business: custom pieces, antique restoration and the well-known shop on Augusta. “I have a background in Southern antiques, but you’ll find anything there, from all over the world. It’s always changing,” he said. He makes sure to include not just a variety of items and styles, but a range of price points, from fine antiques and art to inexpensive accent pieces. 1500 Augusta St., Greenville The restoration business has been surging as well, in part due to the 101 Piney Mountain Rd., Greenville recent floods in Columbia and Charleston. “There are a lot of really sad 864.233.3424 circumstances for people’s furniture,” Sherman said, including serious damage greystoneantiques.net to important family heirlooms, and he takes pride in working on them and returning them to his appreciative clients in fully restored condition. 62

Behind The Counter

2016

SUTERA USA

PHOTOGRAPHY BY PARKKONEN PHOTOGRAPHY

Melloul says the units have both residential and commercial Once upon a time, the outhouse was an afterthought – a utilitarian applications and sees neighborhoods of the future carving out a shared structure hidden from view. space for community waste disposal, thus eliminating the daily parade of These days bathrooms are a thing of beauty and source of pride within trash and recycling trucks picking up from individual houses. the home. Bernie Melloul believes this mindset – moving Commercial property owners can devote more space to from a place of hiding waste to one of respecting it – revenue generating activities without having to allot the 90 feet should, and soon will, be applied to the way we handle of paved clearance required for traditional dumpsters. Storing our trash. “This is a European idea His company, Sutera USA, is counting on it. that has been turned into waste underground also removes the risk of contaminated stormwater runoff. And because the portion of the unit that Sutera is focused on bringing semi-underground waste an American solution.” sits above ground can be covered with a decorative wrap, containment – an idea that has been popular in Europe there’s even the potential for advertising revenue. for a generation – to the United States. A native of Canada Melloul’s enthusiasm for semi-underground waste and president of a Canadian-based construction company containment is contagious and the Sutera team is working hard to with offices in Greenville, Melloul has watched this idea proliferate in spread it around. They’re currently in talks with a few forward-thinking his home country and believes Greenville is the perfect place to start municipalities and institutes of higher learning interested in leading the the American underground revolution. charge to take control of our trash. “Greenville has a strong European influence with all the companies “We generate waste – that’s not going to stop,” Melloul says. “It’s time to located here,” Melloul explains, citing examples such as BMW, Michelin be responsible and use the Sutera Solution.” and Bosch. “This is a European idea that has been turned into an American solution.” The idea is fairly simple – replace the ubiquitous and unsightly dumpster with an underground well – but the benefits are many. Because the waste is stored vertically the units are self-compacting, which 55 Commerce Center, Greenville allows more trash to be accumulated before the unit needs to be emptied. 864.627.5036 This means fewer garbage trucks on the road less often, saving fuel, tires SuteraUSA.com and carbon emissions.

Behind The Counter

2016

PHOTOGRAPHY BY PARKKONEN PHOTOGRAPHY

CITY OF GREENVILLE RECYCLING National nonprofit The Recycling Partnership and the S.C. Department The city of Greenville is making a few changes to its recycling of Health and Environmental Control awarded the city grants operations with an eye for improving safety, increasing to help fund the new roll carts as well as efforts to educate the recycling and, over the long haul, saving money. “Switching to the new community about the new system. “The cost to operate the old manual collection system automated collection While some areas of the city already recycle extensively, was increasing every year, and our recycling participation system will save money Littlejohn wants to make sure the process is all-inclusive. rates weren’t as high as we had hoped,” said City Council over the long term, “We want to encourage those areas with lower recycling levels,” member Gaye Sprague. “Switching to the new automated and will help us make she said. “The city is increasing education, going out to schools collection system will save money over the long term, and recycling simpler and and churches to get the word out. I’m excited about getting will help us make recycling simpler and more convenient more convenient for our more people engaged.” for our residents.” residents.” Increasing recycling, thereby reducing the amount of trash The first change will be new recycling roll carts, which going to the landfill, has been a priority for City Council for will be distributed to all single-family homes in the city in several years. They wanted to find a solution that worked for Greenville June. Council member Jil Littlejohn said the new roll carts are much easier and would be a financially stable model – goals they say they have to maneuver than the old tubs and hold a lot more as well – 95 gallons achieved with the new system. instead of just 18. A lid protects the contents during rainy weather. “It’s a blue rolling cart just like the green trash cart, and a sticker on the outside of the lid shows all of the recyclables that we can accept,” Littlejohn said. According to Council member Amy Ryberg Doyle, although the city can no longer accept glass, residents will be able to recycle more plastics at the curb. “We’re now accepting types 1 through 7 instead of just 1 and 2, and everything can go in the new cart – newspaper, cardboard, plastic, aluminum,” said Doyle. “Everyone’s pickup day will remain the same, so the only change is that the new trucks will have an automated arm that recycle.greenvillesc.gov empties the cart.” 64

Behind The Counter

2016

GRAYDON THOMPSON CPAs

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everything in between. Regardless of the need, personal commitment Phyllis Graydon and Greg Thompson have done their time in and attentive service is always top priority. the big pond, and they’re strong swimmers. In fact, they met in the “Whether working with a business owner or individual, deep waters – Phyllis was crunching numbers for a ours is a very personal relationship,” Phyllis says. “After Big Four accounting firm, and Greg was CFO of one all, it’s their money and their future. Understanding them of her clients. They started working under the same makes a huge difference.” roof – in a smaller pond – when they were recruited “Whether working with When they’re not easing financial worries for clients, by a CPA looking for highly experienced audit and tax a business owner or Greg and Phyllis like to give back. Phyllis is interested in professionals to round out his firm - Greg and Phyllis, individual, ours is a very education and she volunteers her time with The Chandler respectively. personal relationship.” School in Greenville. She’s also a self-professed baseball When the original owner of the firm retired, Phyllis fanatic – following the Atlanta Braves religiously and and Greg saw an opportunity to continue serving those taking her staff and their families to a Greenville Drive clients while building their staff and charting their own game every year. Greg has a passion for the arts – he sings course for the future. Graydon Thompson is the result. with the Greenville Chorale and is a past member of the Phyllis knows her industry has a reputation for Greenville Little Theatre Board of Directors. being a bit… boring. But what people fail to realize about the bean counting business, she says, is that working with companies and learning the ins and outs of their industries offers new and varied challenges and opportunities every day. “The fun part is when somebody starts a new business or is growing their existing business, and we get to help them do that,” Phyllis says, adding that the big pond experience she and Greg bring to the table makes them well-equipped to help clients reach their big fish potential. 115 Whitsett St., Greenville That’s a responsibility the two take seriously. Graydon Thompson 864.232.1545 clients run the gamut from newly married couples starting their graydonthompson.com lives together to national businesses negotiating major deals – and

Behind The Counter

2016

PHOTOGRAPHY BY CAROL BOONE STEWART

TPM of a family business with the technology and skill to work with companies TPM has seen a lot of expansion in its 43 years in business – and not of all sizes. “We work with 20,000-person firms, and we work with one- or just in number of clients served, but in the products and services offered two-person firms,” Cooper said. at the company, which now has four distinct divisions. He wrote the mission statement 35 years ago, and it’s as With document and print solutions; 3D design products “We can offer that family true today as it was then: “We must embrace change and for architects, engineers and contractors through approach along with the never stop learning.” That philosophy has taken the company Autodesk; a manufacturing arm featuring 3D products expertise to respond to through decades of technological advancement and is the key from SOLIDWORKS; and the color lab for large-format any type of organization to its continuing growth. graphics, TPM works with a range of clients, large and and need.” “That’s the power of our company,” Cooper said. “We can small, to offer solutions that make doing business more offer that family approach along with the expertise to respond effective and efficient. to any type of organization and need.” Document and print solutions is the largest division, Though the close-knit family sees each other regularly at work, but its goal is to help clients print less, not more. “We’re teaching people they enjoy gathering for family meals and other events with Chris and to go paperless,” said President Jerry Cooper, the company’s founder. His Kasey’s two boys, ages 6 and 4. The four board members have always daughter Kasey Cooper Fay, director of marketing, adds that this division supported various causes in the community and are right now focusing on can scan documents and provide custom document management solutions organizations including the Cancer Society of Greenville County and the for clients, while also providing the best-in-class hardware and service Children’s Museum of the Upstate. from Canon, OCE, and HP for small and wide-format printing equipment. The fastest-growing industry TPM serves is in manufacturing, providing their manufacturing division a large growth opportunity. This division sells SOLIDWORKS, 3D design software and support, along with other design and collaboration tools, including 3D printing technology. Thanks to growing demand, SOLIDWORKS design software sales are expected to double in size by 2018 and then double again by 2021. Cooper said the company, which also includes his wife Brenda Cooper 1003 Laurens Rd., Greenville and Kasey’s husband Chris Fay, brings together the service-focused appeal 800.922.1145 | tpm.com 66

Behind The Counter

2016

JORDAN LUMBER COMPANY If you need hardwood flooring – whether traditional or exotic, retail has responded to the increased demand for specialty hardwoods and or custom – Jordan Lumber Company has it all. installations. “We install a wide array of hardwood floors to meet the most The family-owned company, flourishing since its founding in 1934 discriminating of tastes,” says Keith, who joined the family business in by C.G. Jordan, specializes in hardwood flooring – and 1997 after graduating from Clemson University. “Now wood is only hardwood flooring – serving builders, independent being used through the whole house, even in basements.” If you need hardwood installers, and homeowners. David has found his work as part of the Jordan family flooring – whether “There are a lot of years of experience in the family,” satisfying. “We have a great relationship, and I enjoy dealing traditional or exotic, says David Sweeny, who joined the family and the with clients, helping them beautify their homes.” retail or custom – business after marrying a Jordan, his wife, Kerry. It was a With three children, David would be delighted to see a fourth natural fit for him, having spent time at his grandparents’ Jordan Lumber has it all. generation join the family business. “But I’m not pushing that,” lumber company near Lake Wylie growing up. Now a he says with a laugh. vice president, he has been working with pride for 14 Keith, who has a hobby of wood-working, sees steady years alongside his brother-in-law, vice president Keith Jordan, and his growth ahead. “We have very loyal employees who have been with us for father-in-law, president and owner Gary Jordan. “When you’ve got a a long time. We have high-quality employees across the board that are family-owned and operated business, the service is different. We have an very respectful of our customers and their homes. We treat them well interest, we’re all in the business together, and that creates a trust and a and they treat us well. We really enjoy operating in the Upstate market,” connection with our customers,” David says. Keith says. The office on Rutherford Road encompasses showrooms and a large warehouse. Customers who buy retail hardwood flooring know that Jordan Lumber uses reputable suppliers, and homeowners or builders who use 104 Rutherford Rd., Greenville the company for materials and installation can count on Jordan Lumber to jordanlumbercompany.com ensure top-quality work. 864.232.9686 As with any long-successful company, Jordan Lumber has adapted to

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meet the market demands. Still dedicated to its core business, the company

Behind The Counter

2016

PHOTOGRAPHY BY RELATED IMAGES PHOTOGRAPHY

TANDEM INNOVATIVE PAYMENT SOLUTIONS Nimble. Fleet of foot. Innovative. One of these creative solutions is an automated loyalty program that allows businesses to present custom offers to customers. The program is It’s all part of doing business in a technology-driven industry, and paired with analytics that help business owners pinpoint slow Tandem Innovative Payment Solutions works ahead of the times and offset them with special offers through social media. curve every day. Another innovation is the Win Back program, which Since its founding in 2009, Tandem President Larry “It’s fun for us to automatically pushes an offer to customers who haven’t Feniger has consistently introduced innovative solutions understand how a stopped in recently. The program has been a huge success, to the merchant credit card processing industry. One business operates so resulting in 6-8 percent increases in sales for clients. client at a time, the former banker has built his company we can put together Larry describes his company as a family, working together into a powerhouse for local merchants. Along the way, the programs that will to become one of the Southeast’s best merchant processing Tandem team has grown into the best-qualified group help it grow.” providers. When he’s not with the Tandem team, Larry can be in the Upstate, well prepared to develop new revenue found supporting his two children at sporting events, playing enhancers for clients and see them through the transition tennis or training for an occasional marathon. He also enjoys raising to EMV chip cards. money for the United Way and volunteering for Big Brothers Big Sisters. In fact, Tandem was recognized as the 15th fastest growing small businesses in South Carolina last year by Roaring Twenties. “We’ve invested a lot in technology and people,” says Larry, who has added seven new employees in the past year and opened new offices in Dallas, TX, and Asheville, NC, adding to existing offices in Charleston, Greensboro, NC, Wilmington, NC, and Fernandina Beach, FL. The company worked tirelessly last year to prepare clients for the chip card deadline, helping them avoid potential liability for bad transactions. For merchants, the new EMV ready equipment is well worth the increased security. 728 North Pleasantburg Dr., Greenville “Technology is always changing, and it’s fun for us to understand how a tandempayment.com business operates so we can put together programs that will help it grow,” 864.672.1570 COO Evan Black says. 68

Behind The Counter

2016

THE CAROLINA HONEY BEE COMPANY

PHOTOGRAPHY BY CAROL BOONE STEWART

The Carolina Honey Bee Company sells pure raw local honey as Tim Dover is an engineer and worked for 20 years in the high-tech well as a full range of beekeeping supplies – everything from the bees industry before transitioning to a different career as an equine dentist themselves to products made from natural beeswax to and farrier. Today, he’s co-owner of The Carolina giftware and specialty items, all related to honey bees. Honey Bee Company in Travelers Rest. The company With Colony Collapse Disorder in the news there has has experienced such rapid growth and tremendous Folks are driving to been a surge in interest from new beekeepers. Tim says response that at times it is difficult to keep up with the Travelers Rest from as they sell out of package bees every year, with folks driving pace of supply and demand. far away as Oklahoma, to Travelers Rest from as far away as Oklahoma, Illinois, “I didn’t know what I wanted to do when I grew up,” Illinois, and Upstate New and Upstate New York to purchase bees and supplies. Tim says of his varied interests. “If it’s old-school then York to purchase bees As part of The Carolina Honey Bee Company’s mission I tend to gravitate to it.” and supplies. to educate the public of all ages on the importance of Tim’s grandfather was a beekeeper and shared honey bees, classes are taught on a regular basis. The his passion for beekeeping with his children and company has also joined with local schools to implement grandchildren. Tim took an interest and dabbled in it active observation hives as another way to begin educating children here and there over the years. After his grandfather passed away, Tim early on just how important it is to protect the honey bees and our was given a hive passed down from one of his uncles, and that is when environment. things got interesting. “One hive turned into two and two turned into hundreds,” Tim says. Susan Gardner was a customer of Tim’s equine dentistry and farrier business, and on his visits to her farm the talk often turned to keeping honey bees. Soon enough, Susan’s interest was sparked and she began her journey as a beekeeper. 10 South Main St., Travelers Rest When the South Carolina honey laws changed, requiring anyone 864.610.2337 selling honey to the public in stores to do so from a regulated and carolinabeecompany.com inspected commercial kitchen, Tim and Susan decided to join together on meeting the requirements for selling honey and meeting the demand for beekeeping supplies.

Behind The Counter

2016

PHOTOGRAPHY BY CAROL BOONE STEWART

CENTURY BMW/CENTURY MINI Elliotte turns four this month and has no lasting effects from the stroke, The road the Domonoske family has traveled brought them to but the experience had an effect on her parents who felt called to serve the Greenville where they’re finding their lane and loving it. community. Century BMW has hosted food drives, collected Chad Domonoske is the General Manager of Century Toys for Tots, and sponsored the Heart Ball. “You realize BMW and Century MINI. He grew up in Kansas and what’s important at the end of the day,” Domonoske said. Houston; after high school, Domonoske enlisted in “We understand the “We understand the feeling of needing support, and that’s a the Texas Army National Guard. He had high hopes to feeling of needing big reason we’re so involved in the community.” fly helicopters, so he and his brother applied to flight support, and that’s a big Domonoske and his wife are expecting a son in July, school. His brother got in, but Chad’s vision didn’t meet reason we’re so involved and they’re looking forward to raising their children here. the requirements. That disappointment forced him to in the community.” “We have leaders in the community who are attracting business, switch gears. and it’s a growing community,” Domonoske said, “but it still Domonoske enrolled at Sam Houston has the small town feel that you kind of lose when you live in a big city.” State University where he earned an accounting degree. After The Domonoskes are so grateful God brought them down the road to graduation, he met his wife, Allison, and Domonoske’s path took another Greenville, they feel like they’re at home. turn. Allison’s dad is a VP for Sonic Automotive, the company that owns Century BMW. Domonoske started working at a dealership in Houston, and since then, he’s done everything from service to management. That accounting degree has come in handy. “I didn’t want to be an accountant,” Domonoske said. “I thought that was really boring, but now, it’s a big part of what I do every day.” Chad and Allison left the hustle and bustle of Houston when their daughter Elliotte was six months old. Elliotte had a massive stroke when she was born and was in the hospital for three weeks. Doctors couldn’t 2934 Laurens Rd., Greenville tell whether Elliotte would ever walk or talk, but the Domonoskes trusted 888.503.1987 | century-bmw.com in God to get them through. 70

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2016

STYLE ENVY

PHOTOGRAPHY BY CAROL BOONE STEWART

No matter how many times life knocks you down, you can get back up stronger than ever. Personal wardrobe stylist and professional image consultant Ashley Bickerstaff is proof of that. She’s been through some tough times, but she still radiates positivity. Ashley and her husband have two children, and one of them has special needs. Their son Neill was born with two holes in his heart and a genetic disorder that took years to diagnose. His life has been a maze of surgeries, testing, and therapies. Neill is now 15 years old and very high functioning. The Center for Developmental Services (CDS) has been a lifeline during the Bickerstaffs’ journey with Neill. Ashley’s husband, Lindsay, now serves on their board and the family is very active in Greenville’s special needs community. The Bickerstaffs’ 10-year-old daughter, Murphy, is named after Ashley’s dad. He died of lung cancer before Murphy was born, but his spirit and style are very much alive in his namesake. Ashley started Style Envy when Murphy was a toddler to do something for herself that fit into her family’s schedule. “Some people are under A month after starting her the misconception that business, an intruder attacked you have to be wealthy Ashley in her home while her to use my services, husband was away on business. or that I’m going to She fought back. “I’m not the empty out your closet victim. I’m the victor,” she and make you spend said. “I took care of myself, and a ton of money. I work I protected my family.” Her with what you have and attacker is now in prison. build on that.” Ashley says overcoming obstacles has helped her find joy and purpose in her life. She says she’s more empathetic and able to connect with her clients. Most of her business comes from referrals, and many of her customers are married couples. Ashley tries to teach her clients to become shopping savvy. She says if you can’t wear something three ways, you shouldn’t buy it. Ashley tailors her services to meet her clients’ needs. “Some people are under the misconception that you have to be wealthy to use my services, or that I’m going to empty out your closet and make you spend a ton of money,” Bickerstaff said. “I work with what you have and build on that.” Building a wardrobe also builds confidence, and Bickerstaff loves to watch the transformation. Whether you need to look the part for work, play, or a special event, Ashley can help you find that needle in a haystack. You can bet no obstacle will ever stand in her way.

ashley@mystyleenvy.com 864.915.4440

Behind The Counter

2016

J. BRITT BOUTIQUE Brittany Petrilla couldn’t believe it. Only seven weeks after achieving her dream of opening a business, her store in downtown Greenville had to be shut down when the apartment above the shop flooded. Closed for five weeks, the shop reopened in late July 2015 with a renewed resolve and a great appreciation for her customers and staff. “It was definitely a test of character,” Petrilla said. “But we got stronger from it. We had awesome support the day we opened back up, so that felt good.” Petrilla has always lived and breathed fashion, working in boutiques, earning a degree in fashion and textiles at N.C. State and spending time in New York City as a buyer for Donna Karan. “I love the fashion industry, but I am not built to live in New York,” she said. “I’m more laid back and easy-going, and I wanted to be in the South.” The Raleigh native first moved to Charleston before discovering Greenville through her fiance, Stephen Chryst, a partner in a Greenville law firm. “Greenville works really well,” she said. “People downtown seem to enjoy shopping.” She went to great lengths “We get a lot of moms to ensure a pleasant shopping and daughters here, and experience. She seeks out brands that shoppers won’t see they are both able to find what they like.” anywhere else in the Upstate, including McGuire denim, Rory Beca and a few unique Australian designers. She gets one of each size “so you won’t show up at a cocktail party in the same dress as someone else,” she said. The shop is a family affair: her dad, a fellow entrepreneur, is an investor and advisor and her mom is her assistant buyer, which brings a multi-age perspective. “We get a lot of moms and daughters here, and they are both able to find what they like,” she said. For those who want to shop while kids or spouses aren’t in the mood, Petrilla created a sitting area in back with a television, custom chairs and beverages, including beer and wine. “There are always people back there,” she said. “If a husband or son is ready to go, you can stick them back there and they are fine.” A field hockey player through high school, Petrilla has found her new athletic outlet in Pure Barre. She also loves to cook and spend time with her fiance, and in the fall, “you’ll usually find us at a Clemson game.”

Behind The Counter

2016

PHOTOGRAPHY BY INSPIRO 8 STUDIOS

203 North Main St., Greenville 864.240.7366 shopjbritt.com

VOMFASS

PHOTOGRAPHY BY CAROL BOONE STEWART

There is gift shopping to be done between tastings, including gift sets, It’s time for a tasting. baskets, peppermills with special pepper, dipping bowls, and more. Health At vomFASS, which means “from the cask,” that translates to delicious oils are on tap, including a line of oils designed for high-heat cooking. treats—from vinegars not flavored with fruit but made from fruit, olive oils Coming up is a wine club where members are invited to six straight from the vineyard, pasta made in Italy from freetastings along with cooking demonstrations and discounts. range eggs and the finest flours, single-keg whiskeys straight Although new to the states, Europeans are quite familiar from Scotland, and wines from Italy, Spain, and France. “It’s not work for me. with the vomFASS brand. “If Europeans come, they come with Well-known in Europe, the gourmet specialty store I enjoy people tasting was brought to Greenville by Jeannie Martin a little the products and helping oil and vinegar bottles to have them refilled,” Jeannie says. “We’ll refill your bottles, too, if you bring them in clean and dry.” more than a year ago. The beautiful store at The Point on them create a healthier Jeannie is planning to open another vomFASS in Woodruff Road embodies her love of fine, healthy food lifestyle.” Charleston. When she’s not working, she stays fit with yoga and clean living. “I’ve loved these products for years,” says and weight-lifting, but she turns to food for relaxation. “I love Jeannie, who is an avid cook. The store is the only one in to cook a great meal at home and read or watch movies with my husband,” the Upstate to offer vinegars and oils straight from the cask. says Jeannie. A cancer survivor, Jeannie underwent a life change 10 years ago. She left her job as an ambulatory surgery center administrator in Florida, moved to the Upstate, and happily found the perfect blend of vocation and avocation with the opening of vomFASS, which merited a recent mention in Entrepreneur Magazine. It has been a fortuitous fit. “It’s not work for me. I enjoy people tasting the products and helping them create a healthier lifestyle,” says Jeannie, who is proud to present products such as brandy, cognac, and armagnac (a cognac from a specific region in France), and Irish whiskeys specifically created for vomFASS in a Teeling family distillery in Dublin. Brothers in Arms, for example, is a 4 Market Point Drive, Ste. F, Greenville combination of a 14-year-old Irish whiskey finished in a bourbon barrel 864.288.3277 | vomfassgreenvillesc.com combined with a 21-year-old whiskey from a sherry cask.

Behind The Counter

2016

PHOTOGRAPHY BY INSPIRO 8 STUDIOS

NAI EARLE FURMAN the real estate industry. “Other firms didn’t have the resources that agents Is there really an Earle Furman? needed. When they were shutting down, we were expanding,” says Jon. You bet there is. The eponymous NAI Earle Furman real estate signs The company has added divisions in recreational and timber, multiseen throughout the Upstate refer to founder Earle Furman, who started family, and healthcare to its existing office, industrial, investment, and the highly successful real estate and property management group 30 years retail divisions. With services that include sales, leasing, ago. Still very much involved in the firm that now has 44 development, site selection, consulting, and property brokers and 80-plus employees in total across offices in management, plus its concentration of expertise and its Greenville, Spartanburg, and Anderson, Earle has come “Our real goal is to emphasis on education, NAI Earle Furman is confident that it a long way from working alone in a windowless office so ensure that we give our can handle any kind of real estate transaction. small that chairs had to be moved to open the door. clients every advantage Earle believes in giving back, and in fact, more than 80 For Earle, already a 15-year real estate pro in 1986, the and value.” percent of the brokers are involved in leadership positions in impetus to start his own firm came from a desire to do the community, benefiting from a generous company match business differently. Interested in industrial real estate and for charitable donations. Within the company, a charitable representing some eleemosynary funds, Earle’s success committee supported 60 different charities last year. was marked by his fine treatment of his clients and his collaborative “Our real goal is to ensure that we give our clients every advantage and approach. It wasn’t long before former colleagues began to join his lowvalue,” Jon says, “That means growing throughout the Southeast to give budget, very simply run organization. “I was too naïve to think that things our clients access to the fastest-growing market in the country.” wouldn’t go well,” Earle says wryly. Earle created a collaborative culture that has thrived for 30 years. “We have a fun place to work that requires people to converse and collaborate,” Earle says. “We’ve learned that everybody has their own skills sets, and our clients benefit from having more than one skill set involved in some transactions.” Remarkably, the company has doubled in size over the last five years 101 E. Washington St., Ste. 400, Greenville during a significant downturn in the real estate market. CEO Jon Good 864.232.9040 | naiearlefurman.com attributes that to the company’s excellent reputation and a consolidation of 74

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2016

SIMPLY SOUTHERN CHIROPRACTIC CENTER

PHOTOGRAPHY BY INSPIRO 8 STUDIOS

not just symptoms.” Dr. Mary Frances Duncan was a political science major at Furman and Dr. Duncan grew up going to a chiropractor with her mother, who had thought she might want to be a judge. But after working in a pharmacy severe sinus issues before discovering how keeping her body in alignment through high school and college, the Greer native realized her passion improved her health. She has seen a growing number of people was for health care. Soon, she was enrolled at the Palmer looking to chiropractic care for its health-promoting and College of Chiropractic in Port Orange, Fla. pain-reducing benefits, and she relishes the chance to educate “The thing I love about my job is that patients walk “I like to go out of my patients who don’t know much about it or how it works. “My in and I can help them feel better almost immediately,” way to help patients, so first two visits are 45 minutes to an hour, so I can spend time she said. “They walk out feeling better, so there are having my own practice getting to know you, hearing what you’ve been through and immediate results.” gives me more freedom talking about what is causing your pain,” she said. She decided to open her own practice because she to do things that way.” When she isn’t helping patients, Duncan likes to head to liked the idea of being a business owner, but even more her alma mater, Furman, for events at the Riley Institute or importantly, she wanted to offer her own brand of a walk around the lake. “I love Furman and I love Greenville,” she said. chiropractic care. “I like to go out of my way to help patients, so having “I’m a local girl, so I’m excited to be back.” my own practice gives me more freedom to do things that way,” she said. That includes staying open until 7:30 twice a week and offering Saturday hours to better serve clients. She treats patients of every age, from newborn infants to the elderly. She also works with many athletes, offering kinesio tape, cold laser therapy (a soothing warm laser that reduces pain and inflammation) and functional medicine to keep her patients in top form. For functional medicine, she uses bloodwork to assess how nutritional changes and supplements can work, along with chiropractic treatment, to combat autoimmune diseases and other issues. “My slogan 922 North Church St., Greenville is real healthcare for real people,” she said. “We address root problems, 864.501.2360 | simplysouthernchiropractic.com

Behind The Counter

2016

PHOTOGRAPHY BY INSPIRO 8 STUDIOS

SOUTHERN TRADITIONS WINDOW FASHIONS treatment. Strategic partnerships with top-quality vendors such as Hunter Southern Traditions was founded in 1993 with a focus on quality Douglas and Lutron has also been key. “We only sell products that last and products and competitive value. “They didn’t want to be the cheapest in products that we can stand behind.” town, with the cheapest products,” said Matt Cobb, a Matt has two children, ages 7 and 4, and is a Clemson managing partner. “They wanted to offer a product that grad and a director of Greenville’s Clemson Club. He and his would last a long time and with a price that was a great “We only sell products wife Lacey, also an alum, love tailgating at football games and value for that type of quality.” that last and products even get to road games when they can. They are also active at Plantation shutters are number one at Southern that we can stand Mauldin United Methodist Church, where Matt plays drums Traditions, though they also offer blinds, shades and other behind.” for the contemporary service. unique products. “Plantation shutters are durable, they are Stephen and wife Debora also have two boys, 15 and 11, so functional for controlling light and privacy and they and they enjoy hiking and camping. “I also enjoy losing to never go out of style,” Cobb said. them in video games,” Stephen said. Stephen Wisdom, now a managing partner, joined the company in Sandy has five nephews, three nieces and an identical twin, and she 1997 and went on to become general manager. Cobb joined the team in loves spending time with them. She teaches a Sunday School class at Zion 2005 to help grow sales, and Sandy Williamson, now a principal, came on Hill Baptist Church and loves bringing her beagle, Daisy, to the office. board as office manager in 2006. After several successful years, the economy hit its downturn and the three employees had to go their separate ways – until July 2012, when they decided to buy the company. By 2014, they had grown to a staff of 14 and needed additional space. In addition to the Greenville office and showroom on Garlington Road, Southern Traditions has a second office in Clemson to serve clients with 319 Garlington Rd. Suite B12, Greenville | 864.286.0044 homes in the Lake Hartwell and Lake Keowee area, and they also have a Clemson Design Center (by appointment only) sales representative in Charlotte. 133 Thomas Green Blvd. Suite 205B Cobb said much of the company’s success has come from hiring people who love what they do – helping clients pick out the ideal window 76

Behind The Counter

2016

shutters4u.com

HOT SPRINGS POOLS & SPAS

PHOTOGRAPHY BY INSPIRO 8 STUDIOS

personal referrals have added to our business success.” Former Clemson football players Jim and Matt Riggs bring a lot of The Clemson dynasty continues for the Riggs family: Matt has one brawn to their company, Hot Springs Pools and Spas, but they bring a lot daughter attending the school and another headed there next year. Jim of knowledge and know-how as well – which is why they have seen steady has college-age triplets, two at Clemson and one who attends growth for 27 years and are now building in five states. The Citadel. Several of the younger Riggs have mentioned In addition to residential pools and spas, Hot Springs an interest in joining the family business, which Jim is happy works with companies like the Cliffs Communities, about, “but they will have to start from the ground up, like we Clemson University and Greenville County water parks “The key to our success did, ” he said. to build popular attractions and water features. is that our customers For the Riggs brothers, it’s been gratifying to build a “We’re a full design-build company,” Jim Riggs said. are like family.” business based on products they stand behind and service “We do both vinyl and gunite pools, and we can take people can count on. “I never imagined it would get to where anyone’s vision and their budget and we can design what it is right now,” Jim said. “We’re very proud of what we do.” they want.” They build and service pools and spas, do remodels and renovations, and install saunas and outdoor kitchens. Hot Springs began when Jim and Matt’s father Tom Riggs bought a Hot Spring spa to improve circulation after a diabetes diagnosis. The family was so impressed with the product that the Riggs’ founded Hot Springs Pools and Spas in 1989. After graduating from Clemson, Matt started the company and ran it while Jim played seven years in the NFL. Since he retired from football in 1993, the brothers have run the family business together. Now they have 56 full-time employees in-house at their Woodruff Road location, which serves the entire Upstate, and an additional location 578 Woodruff Rd., Greenville in Asheville that serves western North Carolina. 864.676.9400 “The key to our success is that our customers are like family,” Jim said. “We have built our business on relationships. Our returning customers and Hotspringspools.com

Behind The Counter

2016

PHOTOGRAPHY BY INSPIRO 8 STUDIOS

PARTNERMD Concierge medicine is gaining traction nationwide as unsatisfied Tired of waiting an hour for an appointment that only lasts 10 minutes? patients search for a better way to receive care. Patients pay a PartnerMD, a concierge medical practice, was designed to make sure that membership fee to join, but then enjoy numerous benefits, never happens to patients. Whereas some doctors at other including same- or next-day appointments, minimal wait practices might be pressured to see 20 or 30 patients a day, “It was disheartening to times and 24/7 access to their doctors. Dr. Morse found this the physicians at PartnerMD typically see fewer than 10. not have the time, and access can be life-saving. Recently, a patient contacted her on While other doctors may have 4,000 patients in their patient it’s truly gratifying now a Saturday night concerned with calf swelling, which Morse base, a Partner MD physician has only 575 – a number to be able to give the recognized as a blood clot. “She would not have survived that allows them to get to know and care about each one patients what they need until morning,” Morse said. individually. and what they deserve.” Most patients see the value of their membership quickly by “You keep hearing about physician burnout,” said Dr. missing less time from work, saving on prescriptions and often Jana Morse, who specializes in internal medicine. “We’re reducing the number of drugs they are taking through lifestyle not burned out at PartnerMD. We have time to care about changes. “Working at PartnerMD allows me to have more quality time people and address the whole person, because you can’t make progress on with my patients to better understand their situation,” Burford said. “This chronic illness without addressing mental and emotional health and lifestyle.” helps me understand the preventative measures we need to take.” Dr. Jack Durham, a family physician, was so fed up with his previous All three doctors follow their own advice about healthy lifestyles, as job, he was seriously considering early retirement. “I always felt guilty all are enthusiastic cyclists. Morse also does martial arts, Durham loves before and would spend time apologizing for keeping my patients waiting,” hiking and fishing with his son and Burford is a champion drag racer! Durham said. “It was disheartening to not have the time to spend with my patients, and it’s truly gratifying now to be able to give the patients what they need and what they deserve.” PartnerMD was founded in 2003 as an answer to the many frustrations both patients and doctors have with traditional primary care. The first office opened in Virginia, and now there are eight locations, including the Greenville office, with Morse, Durham and Dr. Jim Burford, 12 Maple Tree Ct., Suite 203, Greenville who practices family medicine. 864.315.1340 | partnermd.com 78

Behind The Counter

2016

BRIGHT+CO MARKETING “Most companies want more out of their marketing dollars and better

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overhead, less bureaucracy, and less waste. results. Our approach offers companies a modern, nimble, tech-savvy, “We are a competitive alternative to large traditional agencies with and cost-efficient way to get the best, most up-to-date thinking and too many layers and silos, and too much wasted time to provide brandtalent,” is how Jennifer Sutton describes the company building, strategic guidance, creative execution, and media she founded in late 2013. delivery in today’s world. We will always give you the hardestAndy Mendelsohn, Jennifer’s creative partner, working dollar,” says Andy. “No longer do companies need to “We are a rare agency adds, “After we looked at the landscape of marketing call on a digital agency, a PR firm, a media buying agency, and that really nails both agencies, we designed a business model where both the hire a creative team for ads. We coordinate all of it under one the art and science of agency team and the client flourishes. We know our cohesive strategy with better results.” marketing.” competition well and there is not an agency that comes BRIGHT+CO provides strategic and brand-building close to offering what we do.” Andy brings over 30 guidance, project leadership, and quality control processes years of big brand-building agency experience. that bring consistency of message, high-quality output, and This is something that they hear repeatedly—that BRIGHT+CO project management best practices. is the rare agency with deep knowledge and capability when it comes The unique business model has worked. BRIGHT+CO has doubled to media, digital, funnel metrics, and marketing automation, and its business every quarter from its headquarters, a 100-year-old home synchronizing media efforts using consolidated data. Combine that on Williams Street, where team members congregate and collaborate with a great, award-winning creative product and you have an agency in a space where great ideas on a whiteboard marinate and grow into that nails both the science and art of marketing. that next big idea. BRIGHT+CO takes a different tack to fulfill clients’ complex and Together, Andy and Jennifer plan to make BRIGHT+CO one of the diverse marketing needs by pulling together teams of experts to largest, most distinctive agencies in this region. They’re off to a great start. custom-design solutions. Jennifer, a 25-year advertising agency veteran, designed the company to bring more punch to clients’ marketing 118 Williams St., Greenville dollars by employing teams of the best and brightest—from media buyers, brightcomarketers.com public relations strategists, web developers, writers, graphic designers, 844.817.6278 and creative strategists, to art directors, social media specialists, digital support@brightcomarketers.com architects and more—to deliver a higher-quality product with less

Behind The Counter

2016

PHOTOGRAPHY BY INSPIRO 8 STUDIOS

WILD BIRDS UNLIMITED support the birds around your home, from feeders and seed to bird They say it takes a village to raise a child, and for birds, humans baths and nesting boxes. They also stock a variety of bird-related gift are an important part of that village. items for the bird-lover in your life. “Parents need as much assistance with food as they “We enjoy working with people and helping them can get because they’re busy raising sometimes five establish their yard so they can have the enjoyment that children at one time,” says Abbie Pressley, co-owner “We enjoy helping comes from bird watching,” Abbie says. of Wild Birds Unlimited in Greenville. “And water is people establish their The shop is closed on Sundays, but Abbie and Melanie crucial year round.” yard so they can rarely take a day off from keeping a watchful eye over Abbie grew up in the country in Laurens and have the enjoyment their beloved birds. The pair are best friends and spend spent much of her childhood playing outside and that comes from bird much of their time away from work doing things together, witnessing bird activity firsthand. She was drawn watching.” from their daily walks to taking day trips to Biltmore and to the vibrant colors and different behaviors, and a nearby mountain villages. lifelong love of birding was born. “Along the way, you can always pull over and stop to watch birds,” It was this affinity for our feathered friends that led her to Abbie says. “Neither of us ever gets tired of birds.” purchase the local Wild Birds franchise nearly 20 years ago. Abbie was working in healthcare at the time and looking to make a change. She wanted to find a career path that held greater interest for her. Having grown up in a retail family, Abbie decided to follow in her father’s footsteps and take the leap into business ownership. She was joined a year later by her own daughter, Melanie Moore, who inherited her mother’s affection for winged creatures, as well as her entrepreneurial spirit. Melanie had a background in retail, and like her mother she wanted to align her work more closely with her 626 Congaree Road, Greenville personal interests. The Congaree Road store sells everything you might need to 864.234.2150 | greenville.wbu.com

Behind The Counter

2016

VINTAGE NOW MODERN

PHOTOGRAPHY BY INSPIRO 8 STUDIOS

weekends in the shop, moving furniture and assisting with merchandising Find out what your passion is, and try to make a living doing it! and décor. “He is the ‘picker’ for our shop,” says Debra, “Customers know That is sometimes easier said than done, but Debra Weaver is living proof it, and visit often, just to see his great new finds! Because we are a small it is possible. business with limited space, we have a lot of one-of-a-kind Debra had built a successful telecom career in Greenville, items. You don’t want to miss out on an amazing home décor SC, and truly enjoyed the work and relationships she’d item or perhaps whimsical trinket for your home.” built with her customers. But the hours were long, the “Our shop is a FrenchDebra also has an amazing and creative part-time staff. travel was intense, and the stress level was high. Country style shop with Her manager, Janine, assists with managing employee Spending quality time with a close friend, Debra took lots of beautiful things staffing, teaching workshops, and coordinating the calendar a class and learned about Chalk Paint® decorative paint inside…old and new.” for painting projects and kitchen cabinet makeovers for by Annie Sloan. “I went home and painted a piece of customers and interior designers in Greenville. Over the past furniture I had sitting in my garage, and a friend bought it. year, Debra’s shop has moved up the ranks from the top 20% of So, I painted another piece, and another friend purchased stockists in the US for Annie Sloan Chalk Paint®, to the it. Because I posted pictures of these projects on my personal Facebook top 10% nationwide. page, the word got out, and I’d started building a Debra is intentional about maintaining an inviting atmosphere and home-based business,” Debra said. inspiring aura in her shop. She loves when customers drop by simply Soon after, Debra quit her corporate job, replaced her baby grand piano because being there makes them feel good. “We always keep coffee and with a huge tarp to cover her wood floor, and started painting furniture snacks and invite people to linger and look around,” Debra says. full-time in the front room of her home. From there, she started working a few part-time hours in the shop where she’d taken her Chalk Paint® workshop, and in April 2015, she bought the business. She is now the full-time matriarch of Vintage Now Modern on Greenville’s South Main Street. And, she gives credit where credit is due! 651 S. Main St., Greenville Her husband Tony is just as passionate about Vintage Now Modern, but to 864.385.5004 him it’s more of a hobby. Although Tony’s career is in digital advertising vintagenowmodern.com and marketing, he spends countless hours in the evenings and on

Behind The Counter

2016

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GOLDEN STRIP GLASS Matt and Michael Abbate spent many a weekend afternoon doing odd What set him apart was his hands-on approach, Matt says. He was a regular on job sites, putting in long hours out in the field, and the result jobs in the back of their dad’s glass shop. is a solid reputation for doing everything possible to keep his “We cut as many pieces of three-foot weather stripping customers happy. as we could until we complained enough that he sent us “That’s the kind of integrity and reputation we strive to home,” Matt remembers. “That’s the kind of uphold,” Matt says of his father’s legacy. integrity and reputation At the time taking over the family trade was probably Dominick is still involved with the business, but we strive to uphold.” the furthest thing from their minds, but the glass now that his boys are running the show he has plenty of business gets in your blood. The Abbate brothers are now time to indulge his love of hiking. He took a crack at the four years into running Golden Strip Glass, founded by Appalachian Trail, covering 1,600 miles in 100 days, and has walked their father Dominick in 1991. some of the world’s most beautiful woodlands. The travel bug bit Matt, Golden Strip Glass provides a full range of glass services, for both too, though he prefers to get around by plane, train and automobile. commercial and residential customers. Residential options run the He and his wife try to visit a new place once or twice a year – they’re gamut from shower doors and tabletop glass to a variety of antiqued glass currently planning a trip to Iceland to catch the Northern Lights. patterns for wet bars and cabinet glass. Their commercial glass work can Michael likes to get creative with glass in his spare time, creating be found throughout the Upstate, particularly in downtown Greenville commemorative art for friends and family. in projects like the Liberty building, Project One, Wells Fargo and Bank of America. They also contract with the city to assist property managers and business owners with repairing windows broken as a result of burglary or vandalism. Dominick, a native of New York, got into the glass business right out of high school and found work with a local company when he moved to the Upstate in 1980. That company eventually shut down and Dominick struck out on his own, starting with one truck and operating 343 Miller Road, Mauldin out of his driveway. 864.297.9989 | goldenstripglass.com 82

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2016

UBS FINANCIAL SERVICES INC. For the ALFA SB Group at UBS, process and planning drives client “We hear from our clients that their personal lives were better for outcomes, but true success is measured by relationships. having worked with us,” said Mike Shain, senior vice president – wealth “We want to enable you to live more and worry less,” management. For the ALFA SB Group, the relationships that said Jeff Allen, vice president – wealth management. they form with clients, frequently spanning generations, are It’s ALFA SB’s disciplined process and the creation of a the most important and satisfying part of the profession. “Our mission is to love The ALFA SB Group at UBS serves a select group of specific financial plan which allows their clients to relax and serve others with families across the United States – from Palm Beach to New and focus their energy on the most important areas of life excellence, integrity, York, from Greenville to Silicon Valley and points in between. – faith, family, and health. wisdom, stewardship With their experience backed by the global resources of UBS, “A disciplined process is essential to the successful and truth.” the ALFA SB Group is prepared to help meet any wealth achievement of any endeavor,” said Steve Armaly, first management need. vice president – wealth management. All aspects of the The team is supported by an excellent staff that includes clients’ financial lives are considered, from retirement Anissa Calhoun, wealth management associate; Molly Dunlap, registered planning, investments and estate planning to insurance and debt client service associate; Mary Lucy Reid, registered client service management strategies. associate; and Michele Tate, client service associate. Their warmth and “The right team can give you what I believe is one of the most powerful professionalism is evident to all they so competently serve. tools in investing today – confidence,” said Brian Blackburn, first vice president – wealth management. ALFA SB is a planning-focused group 17 West McBee Ave., that deals primarily with individuals who have between $1 million and $50 million in liquid assets. Greenville “Our mission is to love and serve others with excellence, integrity, UBS Financial Services Inc. 864.232.5101 wisdom, stewardship and truth – one relationship at a time,” said Mike financialservicesinc.ubs.com/branch/greenvillebl Lee, senior vice president – wealth management and senior portfolio Any information presented is general in nature and not intended to provide individually tailored investment advice. Investing involves risks and there is always the potential of losing money when you invest. The views expressed herein are those of the author and may not necessarily reflect the views of manager. ALFA SB Group is composed of experienced financial advisors: UBS Financial Services Inc. Neither UBS Financial Services Inc. nor its employees (including its Financial Advisors) provide tax or legal advice. You should consult with your legal counsel and/or your accountant or tax professional regarding the legal or tax implications of a particular suggestion, strategy or Mike Lee from JP Morgan, Mike Shain from JC Bradford, Steve from Fluor investment, including any estate planning strategies, before you invest or implement. Insurance products are made available by UBS Financial Services Insurance Agency Inc. or other insurance licensed subsidiaries of UBS Financial Services Inc. through third-party unaffiliated insurance companies. and PricewaterhouseCoopers, Brian from Wachovia and Hughes, Boan & As a firm providing wealth management services to clients, we offer both investment advisory and brokerage services. These services are separate and distinct, differ in material ways and are governed by different laws and separate contracts. For more information on the distinctions between our Associates, and Jeff from US Trust. brokerage and investment advisory services, please speak with your Financial Advisor or visit our website at ubs.com/workingwithus.

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Behind The Counter

2016

PHOTOGRAPHY BY INSPIRO 8 STUDIOS

EQUIP STUDIO two passions into one at Equip Studio. “We feel like we have a unique Sandy Gibbes, Sims Key, Jonathan Edens and Dwight Troyer understanding of spaces that engage culture. Our clients and designs launched their Studio with the conviction that there was a better way benefit the entire community, not just church members,” to complete architectural projects. It was with that Edens said. conviction that they launched Equip Studio in 2014 as The company’s work can be seen locally at Parkside a division of Florence-based Key Architecture, which “Our vision is to equip Pediatrics, Methodical Coffee Shop and the upcoming has been in business for 35 years. our clients to tell rock climbing facility for GOAT (Greenville Outdoor “We wanted to integrate architecture back into their stories through Adventure Trips), a non-profit gym that serves underculture and value relationships over everything else,” architecture.” resourced youth. “Our vision is to equip our clients to tell Gibbes said. “Relationships both internal and external.” their stories through architecture,” Gibbes said. Approximately 80 percent of the company’s clients The Core Values at Equip are generosity, fun and are worship-based, a statistic the company is proud of. family, even integrating a space for kids at the new office. Having “We see the impact churches have on their communities and we love flexibility to handle family obligations when needed or closing the working with them,” Key said. office to go bowling is essential to maintaining a good experience. “We appreciate what churches do to support their communities… “We always inject fun into our culture for our employees and most this is an organization that has been around for 2,000 years, as a important our clients,” Gibbes said. backbone of our society,” Gibbes added. Though the primary focus is church work, the firm embraces the Greenville area as home and takes on projects of all kinds to serve their city – from adaptive reuse to new construction. Commercial and healthcare clients seek Equip for detail-oriented designs that are practical, customer-focused and attractive – while staying on budget. Gibbes, who attended Clemson and then worked as a designer with a local firm, has an inside perspective on working with churches, 241C North Main St., Greenville as he was a student pastor at NewSpring for four years. Helping to design the youth facility at NewSpring prompted him to combine his 864.520.2086 | Equipstudio.com 84

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2016

AVAILABLE TECHNOLOGY INC

PHOTOGRAPHY BY CAROL BOONE STEWART

Scale was very much on Mike Lane’s mind when he started his IT consulting firm in 2007. Mike saw a need in the market for small businesses to benefit from the same IT services that large corporations enjoy. “A smaller business doesn’t demand any less from technology than a giant enterprise,” Mike explains. “Providing that peak level of service to small business is our passion.” Whether it’s fixing computer systems, monitoring and maintaining networks or consulting with clients to elevate their technology game, Available Technology’s goal is to provide customized, scalable IT solutions to small business clients. “One advantage we offer is a high level of customization,” says Mike, whose company has grown into a team of technology professionals with more than 150 clients. “Most IT companies have a one-size-fitsall mentality, but we help our clients navigate the tech landscape and choose the right solutions from all available technologies.” To that end, Available Technology’s team closely tracks emerging technology, and constantly climbs toward higher levels of certification in the industry. In addition to being a Microsoft Partner and a member of the Apple “We keep our response Consultants Network, they times lightning fast, leverage deep knowledge of and our customers can hardware, software, networking, be confident that we’re and security. trained for the job.” “Most small businesses are like rock climbers, who look down and realize they have no rope,” Mike says of the state of security for the small business sector. “Smaller, not larger businesses are the new focus for data theft. But just like a climber, it’s never too late to put protections in place.” Available Technology is well-prepared to answer small business security needs, according to Mike, whose team holds several security certifications. Mike’s goals remain true to the focus group results that he held when first starting his business. Prospective customers told him that they wanted personal, proactive, and highly available service. “We keep our response times lightning fast, and our customers can be confident that we’re trained for the job,” Mike says. When all systems are go, Available Technology has further expertise to offer in the form of business technology consulting. “When a company doesn’t have recurring IT problems, more effort can be focused on making proactive changes which result in less stress for the owner and more profit for the organization,” Mike says. When not working, Mike, a Bob Jones University alum, and his wife and two sons pursue his family’s goal of hiking the entire Foothills Trail. Mike is also a certified climbing and rappelling instructor who works with Boy Scout troops.

1322 E. Washington St., Greenville 864.232.1234 available-tech.net | itsecurity101.com

Behind The Counter

2016

ALCHEMY FINE HAIR STYLING Alchemy is defined as “a seemingly magical process of transformation, creation, or combination.” A fitting name for this West Village salon, as transformations certainly do happen here every day, but the chemistry goes a bit deeper than that. Mande Horne has wanted to do hair for as long as she’s known hair was a thing to do. “When I was a little kid – as soon as I realized it was a career I knew it was definitely for me,” Mande says. “I’ve always loved makeup and hair.” She started following her dream early, going to hair school while still in high school, and recently realized the pinnacle of her childhood ambition by opening her own salon. Alchemy Fine Hair Styling just celebrated two years of operation in the burgeoning Village of West Greenville. The vibrant visual arts scene in this area is what first drew Mande in, and she quickly realized she wanted to be a part of it. “I loved all the people here and thought it would be a great place for what we do, just to bring something different to the area,” Mande says. “As soon as I realized it For Mande a big incentive was a career I knew it for hanging out her own salon was definitely for me. shingle was the freedom to I’ve always loved hand-pick the stylists she’d makeup and hair.” be working with every day, people with whom she had a certain … chemistry. Mande had worked with Jillian Holmes for several years and when she made the decision to strike out on her own she wanted Jillian to come with her. It took some convincing – friends don’t always make the best business partners – but getting Jillian on board gave Mande the confidence to forge ahead. Together they chose Christa Inman and Melissa Smith, who brought the same level of training and professionalism to the mix. As time went on they realized their team had room for one more and decided to take a leap of faith and add an unknown to the equation. “We were a little nervous adding someone new because she had to be perfect,” Jillian says of adding stylist Sara Chouinard last summer. “Turns out she was.” Alchemy is proud to be the only Davines exclusive salon in Greenville, representing the industry leader in sustainable beauty. Mande and her team have made it a priority to create an environment where clients can truly relax, knowing they are in the hands of professionals who take great pride in their craft.

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Behind The Counter

2016

PHOTOGRAPHY BY CAROL BOONE STEWART

8 Traction St., Greenville 864.517.6618 | alchemyfinehair.com

3/25/16 11:38 AM

HANDS THRU US HOME CARE

PHOTOGRAPHY BY CAROL BOONE STEWART

us to make a doctor appointment?’” Lisa Parsons and Deana Dillard put a lot of stock in the “meant to be” so they decided to follow their hearts. Best friends and business partners, Hands Thru Us primarily serves elderly clients who need some they followed the same path for years before they even assistance or may be dealing with Alzheimer’s or dementia. met. They went through the nursing program at Clemson Client services can also be tailored to any circumstance. at the same time, but it wasn’t until they were working Examples can include cancer patients seeking companionship “We’re not in it for the for the same home health agency that their paths finally during chemotherapy or parents who need support caring money. We’re in it to do crossed. And even that was three years in. for a sick child. Other services available are meal preparation, the right thing for each They hit the ground running when they finally did light housekeeping, laundry, errands, transportation, bathing, client.” meet, forming an inseparable bond through their shared dressing assistance, and companionship. gift for caregiving. They care so deeply for one another Every client of Hands Thru Us undergoes a thorough and their families that tears flow freely when discussing assessment. Lisa and Deana put together a care plan that is one or the other’s aging families. Watching each other customized to take into consideration what the client and their family wants navigate this season of life inspired the friends to move from home health as well as identified needs that will be the hands that help support their clients. into launching their own home care agency – the non-medical piece that As Lisa explains: “We’re not in it for the money. We’re in it to do the right can include anything from grooming and bathing to meal preparation and thing for each client.” pet care. This provides an extra set of hands to lighten the load for family members who may live out of state or are simply overextended with work and family responsibilities. The home care industry does not require medical oversight, and while they are not performing clinical tasks, having two highly skilled RNs at the helm gives Hands Thru Us a distinct advantage. Being Registered Nurses, they are able to assess all needs to enhance quality of life. Deana says they are able to offer peace of mind to their 25 Mills Ave., Greenville clients: “We’re going to be able to help that son or daughter that lives three 864.609.4336 states away and communicate ‘mom’s gaining weight a little bit every day handsthruushomecare.com and we think she’s going back into congestive heart failure. Would you like

Behind The Counter

2016

PHOTOGRAPHY BY CAROL BOONE STEWART

CAROLINA ZOOM STUDIOS AND VIDEO PRODUCTIONS National Emmys and an Overseas Press Club of America award for They’ve traveled the planet telling stories of war and peace. Middle East reporting. They’ve introduced the world to international leaders and everyday heroes. Robelot and de Carvalho met on the job, married in 1998, Now two National Emmy Award-winning journalists are and had a son. Seven years later, one special night at Fall for shining a global spotlight on Greenville. “We love telling stories. Greenville changed their lives. Mario decided right there he Jane Robelot and Mario de Carvalho own Carolina We love people. We love wanted raise their son, George, in the Upstate, so they quit Zoom Studios and Video Productions. Their new studio connecting people to their jobs and took a leap of faith. “Greenville is everything I in Vivian Wong’s Global Trade Park opened during each other, and that’s expected and more. I really love this place,” de Carvalho said. presidential primary season when all eyes were on South what we do now in our Carolina. The studio has the only privately owned LTN “It’s the people. It sounds like a cliché, but it really is.” business.” fiber uplink between Atlanta and Charlotte. That allows Robelot and de Carvalho produce corporate and non-profit videos, commercials, and documentaries. “We love telling Carolina Zoom to broadcast live to anywhere in the world. stories. We love people. We love connecting people to each other, and In February, Bloomberg News booked the studio’s first-ever live shot that’s what we do now in our business,” Robelot said. with former Louisiana governor Bobby Jindal. Carolina Zoom set up This is an ongoing love story, one that brought two people together in the stage, lighting, and four cameras for CBSN’s online coverage of the romance and business and allows Carolina Zoom to share the Upstate’s Republican presidential debate at the Peace Center. stories with the world. The same technology Carolina Zoom uses for big stories can save international companies a lot of money. “Business leaders can travel the world to meet with clients or employees without ever leaving the Upstate,” Robelot said. Robelot grew up in Greenville and went to Clemson, but her television news career took her all over the world. She won two National Emmy awards during her time as an anchor for CBS News. De Carvalho was born in the Azores Islands but moved to Portugal as a young boy. He worked for CBS News, primarily as a war photographer, 28 Global Dr., Suite 107, Greenville for 31 years. His work took him to 124 countries and earned him two 864.991.9012 | carolinazoom.com 88

Behind The Counter

2016

MONTGOMERY REALTY GROUP

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“I look for more personalized service, better communication, a When you have that hometown edge, it makes all the difference in family feeling,” Micky says. To that end, Micky and his agents strive to the residential real estate market. serve their clients with 100 percent professionalism. That’s why Montgomery Realty Group, a small, local “We take care of our clients like they would want to be residential real estate firm, completed 140 closings “We take care of our taken care of. last year. According to broker-in-charge and owner clients like they would Micky Montgomery, the firm’s success stems from I think that’s why we’ve been so successful,” Micky says. want to be taken care of. being locally owned and operated. “We strive to offer Montgomery Realty Group is thriving in the booming I think that’s why we’ve a hometown experience that is individualized to our Greenville real estate market, and did so even during been so successful.” clients,” Micky says. “We’re just normal folks that the downturn. With very little advertising, the firm has help our clients get their real estate needs met with managed to prosper from the most effective forms of professionalism and experience.” advertising of all: word of mouth and referrals. In fact, the eight agents at Montgomery Realty Group have 47 years For Micky, real estate is the perfect match. “I enjoy working with of combined experience, and the Realtors are proud of their deep roots people, helping people, and making sure that the details are right for in the Greenville community. a smooth transaction,” says Micky, who hails from Travelers Rest, and For Micky, a real estate veteran since 2004, the company that he attended Blue Ridge High School and Greenville Technical College. started in 2010 represents his own vision of how business should be done. “I wanted to open my own place and build it the way I wanted to build it,” says Micky. He started in a small office on Stone Avenue, but moved to larger space on Pelham Road last year with the growth of his company. His team now includes agents Adam Lively, Sandra Thomas, Stephanie Hawkins, Jackson Batson, Rebekah Huff, Amena Limbaugh, 330 Pelham Road, Ste 209B and Marta Tesner. 864.416.1031 But Micky’s ambition is not to create a large company, but to keep his firm small and personal. montgomeryrealtysc.com

Behind The Counter

2016

PHOTOGRAPHY BY INSPIRO 8 STUDIOS

CAROLINA ACTIVE HEALTH CHIROPRACTIC Kelsey, who graduated as salutatorian of her class at Palmer, was a Whether you’re an elite athlete, a weekend warrior or simply biosciences major at Clemson when she met Michael, and she already someone who wants to keep moving without pain, Drs. Michael and knew she wanted a medical career that would allow her to help Kelsey Nelson use all of the latest techniques to keep you people. “A friend’s father was a chiropractor, and seeing him operating at your best. get people out of pain with his hands alone spoke volumes to The Nelsons married in 2014 and both graduated from “We’re obsessed with me,” she said. Palmer College of Chiropractic in Florida in 2015. They movement, and not just They focus on the whole patient, offering ample time to considered joining other practices but “our dream was to for athletes – any type of learn about each person’s story and create a treatment plan do things a different way, and to give people something movement is an athletic based on their specific needs. Since opening in November, that hasn’t been offered,” Michael said. movement.” “we’ve been very pleased with how we’ve grown,” said Michael. In addition to traditional chiropractic treatment and Kelsey grew up in Greenville and Michael fell in love with the adjustments, they offer functional rehabilitation, soft area as a Clemson student, so they knew it would be the ideal place to start tissue techniques, Graston technique and Active Release Technique – all their practice. designed to improve mobility. “We’re obsessed with movement,” Kelsey When they aren’t working, this couple – who met at a Zac Brown Band said, “and not just for athletes – any type of movement is an athletic concert – loves to stay active and get outdoors. She enjoys running and movement.” yoga, he hikes and does Crossfit-style workouts and both enjoy hitting the Some medical professionals look for quick fixes for pain, but Carolina Swamp Rabbit Trail with 12-pound Yorkiepoo Cooper. Active Health Chiropractic is dedicated to long-term solutions – not just correcting the pain, but finding the root cause and improving movement patterns to solve the mechanical issue. The comprehensive approach stems in part from Michael’s years as an athletic trainer at Ohio State University, Clemson University and for the Buffalo Bills. He saw the three chiropractors at the Bills getting great 16 Mills Ave. Suite 3, Greenville results, and “it made me want to have more tools in the tool box,” he said, 864.881.2242 prompting his return to school for a chiropractic degree. He still works with Clemson as the team chiropractor. Carolinaactivehealth.com 90

Behind The Counter

2016

THE TOATES TEAM

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their grandchildren. All of the Toates live near one another, and travel to The Toates Team is proof positive that the family that sells together and from on a golf cart. stays together. The family loves living in Greenville because the area has so Headed by Tim Toates, a real estate pro since 1992, much to offer in sports, restaurants and cultural life. “Anyone the Toates Team now comprises wife Della, and sons who is bored in Greenville has a problem,” says Tim with a Christopher and Patrick, plus nine other Realtors and “If we listen and do laugh. It is truly easy to sell the Upstate of South Carolina. administrative assistant Marie Dolleman. But the joyful approach to business and family doesn’t Together, this dynamite residential real estate team our job, we put people in mean that the Toates Team isn’t ambitious. Tim is projecting ranked #3 in South Carolina and #42 nationally out of the house that will a 30 percent growth this year, after two straight years of 20 47,000 agents in the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices be their home.” percent growth. And, as in so many things in life, they’re network last year. With 181 transactions totaling already trending ahead of their goal. $37,000,000-plus, it’s probably a good bet to believe them when they tell you they are your “best friends in real estate.” “I never had a grand scheme to build a big team,” says Tim. Wife Della joined him 15 years ago, with Chris joining the team in 2009 and Patrick following in 2012. Additional team members joined along the way. “It happened organically.” While some families find it challenging to work with family members, for Tim and Della, it’s a blessing. “I see my sons every day. We help one another out—we go on listing interviews together, or take pictures, or meet new clients,” Della says. The Toates team is known for going the extra mile for its clients, and so many years later, it’s still their perfect pleasure to settle clients into their new homes, whether it’s a starter home or a dream home. “If we listen and do our job, we put people in the house that will be their home,” says Tim, who describes his role as counselor and encourager. “It’s Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices C. Dan Joyner, Realtors pretty cool.” 3539 Pelham Road, Greenville The Toates have always been close, with Tim and Della conscientiously 864.360.6600 | TheToatesTeam.com attending all of the boys’ athletic events, a habit they’re continuing with

Behind The Counter

2016

PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

SW PROMOTIONS LLC Although a son hiring a father is a flip of the script for most companies, When Sam White Jr., turned 40, he knew it was time to make a Sam has found his work with Sam Sr. a win-win as his father brings great significant career move. So he took his 20 years of experience, added expertise on the sales side of the business. Sam’s wife, LeAnne, his father’s 30-plus years of salesmanship, and started helps with product sales and Jill Antley oversees customer SW Promotions, a promotional products company that service and accounting. specializes in customized promotional products. “When customers order Part of the team’s excellent customer service comes from Already possessing a vast knowledge of the from us, they know their their responsiveness. “We answer phone calls and e-mails promotional product industry, Sam is pleased to see his order will be correct right away,” Sam says. “We’ve built our company on person-tofour-year-old venture continuing to grow and prosper in and on time.” Greenville and in the Southeast. person service.” “Our objective is to take a company’s logo and help Undaunted by the risk and responsibility of owning his own company, Sam carries a great deal of satisfaction with his them increase brand awareness through promotional firm. When he’s not hard at work, he enjoys the lake with his wife and two items,” says Sam. His merchandise ranges from embroidered apparel such daughters, stays in shape with regular exercise, follows Clemson sports, as polo shirts and hats, to coffee mugs and drinkware, as well as the hottest and remains involved with his church and community activities. technology and phone-related items on the market. “We keep up with the industry trends so that we can provide our customers new options,” Sam says, adding that they attend trade shows biannually. “That’s where we excel—we know the trends and the suppliers.” The company takes pride in going one step further for its customers with its superior customer service and wide array of products. The key to Sam’s industry is getting things right the first time. “When customers order from us, they know their order will be correct and on 728 North Pleasantburg Dr., Greenville time,” Sam says. “We believe that we do a good job based on the referrals swpromotions.net | 864.233.2311 and repeat orders that we receive.”

Behind The Counter

2016

RAYMOND JAMES

PHOTOGRAPHY BY PARKKONEN PHOTOGRAPHY

“Our goal is to be the wall between our clients and any financial setAnthony Panuccio and Emory Hendrix are in the business of providing backs that could occur,” says Anthony, who earns his financial expertise financial confidence. every day with a laser focus on the investment markets. “We strive to Personal financial advisor Anthony Panuccio brings 26 years of protect them.” experience to providing financial advice to his clients. Anthony, an economics major at Clemson, serves as team And it isn’t the standard financial advice—but carefully principal, but relies on Emory for creative ideas, analytics, customized and personalized for each client. and critical personal interaction with clients. “Our clients “This is our life’s work,” Anthony, a managing director “Our clients become our need to discuss their goals with someone with experience with Raymond James, says of his team, which includes extended family, and we and compassion,” says Anthony, who specializes in retirement partner Emory Hendrix, service assistant Kathy Muilwyk, care about them.” planning for retirees or those planning their retirement. “It’s and event planner MacKenzie Kondos. The team works as a tremendous privilege and responsibility, and I love it,” says P & H Consulting of Raymond James. Emory. P & H Consulting keeps its client base relatively small Anthony found his niche in the financial world when to maintain the quality and integrity of its work. he saw the need for the kind of careful and considered financial advice that The two men share a love for Clemson sports, especially football. requires daily attention to clients’ personalized portfolios. For Anthony Emory is a golfer and a hunter who enjoys spending time with his wife, and Emory, that means building long-term relationships with clients who Martha, and his two-year-old son, Guy. Anthony enjoys working out trust them to manage their financial futures. regularly and spending time at the beach with his wife, Lesesne, and “You want to be able to look yourself in the mirror and be proud of daughters Lori, Alexandria, Keitt, and Gabriella. what you do,” Anthony says. “Our clients become our extended family, and we care about them.” In order to keep in touch, continue to educate, and bring their clients through the rough patches in the market, Anthony and Emory hold monthly events with clients, in addition to their frequent contact. 112 Haywood Rd., Greenville “The events are two-fold—we get to socially interact with our clients, 864.289.2104 and they often meet institutional money managers, which is neat for raymondjames.com them,” says Emory.

Behind The Counter

2016

PHOTOGRAPHY BY CAROL BOONE STEWART

EXIGENT URGENT CARE & OCCUPATIONAL MEDICINE Dr. Tom Maskell, MD, and Dr. Jim Alexander, MD, former ER doctors, Average turnaround time for a visit is less than one hour. The office is partnered together and decided to open an urgent care practice where open all holidays for those unexpected illnesses or injuries. patients could seek medical care in a whole new way. Decades of experience in occupational medicine Their vision was to give patients the medical care they provides expert healthcare for those on-the-job workers comp need promptly and with respect and compassion that injuries. Exigent offers DOT and pre-employment physicals, Where patients can seek patients look for in a doctor. breath alcohol testing, hearing and vision tests and drug medical care in a whole While not treating patients at the Upstate’s first screenings. Give Exigent a call today to set up a company new way… and finest Urgent Care facility for more than 30 years, account and walk in and the staff will be glad to give you a Exigent’s two owner doctors may be found pursing their tour of the facility. outside interests… On their days off, these docs are regular people just like me and you. All year long Dr. Jim is a diehard Clemson sports fan. He enjoys antiquing with his wife Judy, grandparenting, and lake activities. Dr. Tom has a MD ALWAYS ON DUTY. & passion for horses and golf. He enjoys spending time at his farm on his EXPERIENCE DOES MATTER. tractor and with his wife, Beth. Both doctors live and work in Greenville and know the importance of giving to the community. They are supporters of their local schools and small businesses in the area. Dr. Alexander and Dr. Maskell, along with Dr. Lynn Owens, have many years of experience in emergency medicine, urgent care, and occupational medicine that is invaluable when it comes to treatment of 2310 Wade Hampton Blvd., Greenville illnesses and injuries. The Exigent facility provides on-site lab and X-ray 864.292.5915 services. The doctors feel it is important for patients to walk into the office without an appointment seven days a week and without a long wait time. 94

Behind The Counter

2016

exigenturgentcare.com

MAIL SOLUTIONS

PHOTOGRAPHY BY INSPIRO 8 STUDIOS

Whether it’s a targeted direct mail campaign for a local business, a Goldsmith said direct mail is still a personal and more lasting way to reach people. mass mailing for a huge company or a project that requires mailing dozens And using technology, they can leave behind the old “spray and pray” of beach balls, Mail Solutions can do it. model, where companies just send out thousands of pieces “No matter what it is, we don’t tell them we can’t,” said and hope they reach their target. Mail Solutions can zero in on “When it seems like it’s co-owner Tracy Gardner. “We give them their options and the ideal potential customer, and then send them something impossible and we make that is more relevant to them “and won’t get lost in their spam we figure it out.” it possible - I think that’s folder,” Goldsmith said. “Direct mail is visual, it’s something Co-owner Billy Goldsmith said that’s one of the the most satisfying part most fulfilling aspects of running their business, which you can touch and hold, and it’s very measurable.” of the job.” opened in 2005. “When it seems like it’s impossible and As the final link in the marketing chain, Mail Solutions we make it possible – I think that’s the most satisfying often needs to accomplish a one-day turnaround on projects. part of the job.” “That’s pretty common,” Goldsmith said. “We are very Goldsmith opened Mail Solutions after working at one of the largest deadline-oriented.” direct mail marketing companies in the Southeast. He had a vision for a When the work day is done, Goldsmith and Gardner stay busy with family-owned business that could focus on great customer service and a family activities: he has five children and she has two grown children and fair price, and so he decided to go out on his own. two grandchildren. “They all do sports to some degree, so it’s that and Gardner, who had worked with him at the larger company, later came running them around to friends’ houses – regular parent stuff,” he said. on board as an equity partner. “I always wanted to have part of a business, and this was the ideal opportunity to do that,” she said. The business has evolved from working primarily with printers to what is now a full-service direct mail marketing company with a variety of diverse clients. The main focus is direct mail, printing and fulfillment, and their data modeling services can build a model for potential customers using an existing database. Vickie Fowler joined the team as vice president 103 International Ct., Suite B, Greenville of sales and marketing to help expand on steady growth. Though online advertising and social media get a lot of buzz these days, 864.277.1234 | Mailsolutionsllc.com

Behind The Counter

2016

GIA & COMPANY Realtor Gia Townsley is delighted to use the knowledge that she gained from her mentor to now take the helm at Gia & Company, associated with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices C. Dan Joyner. A real estate veteran since 1993 who worked for well-known Anderson Realtor Elizabeth Gray-Carr for more than 15 years, Gia was chosen by her former boss to take over after Elizabeth’s retirement from residential real estate sales. Elizabeth’s daughter, Michelle Gray, has continued the family tradition and made the transition with Gia. Michelle has been licensed for three years and is a member of the Junior League of Anderson and the Anderson Sports and Social Club. “Elizabeth taught me to be a strong listing agent, to learn the area, and do my research,” Gia says. For her part, Elizabeth describes Gia as critical to the success of the firm, and adds, “I can’t think of anyone more qualified and dedicated to take over what we’ve built than Gia. She knows real estate, knows how to help clients, and she certainly knows Anderson and Lake Hartwell real estate.” Gia, a multi-million dollar producer, has enjoyed many referrals and repeats over the years, a tribute to her dedication. “I’m a hard worker,” she says, a quality that she believes helped her succeed under Elizabeth’s “I really listen to people guidance. “I really listen to to find out what their people to find out what their needs are.” needs are.” For Gia, who relocated to Anderson from New York in 1992, the Upstate was the perfect place to raise a family. She fell in love instantly with the warmer climate and the beauty of the Upstate, and now knows the area like the palm of her hand. “I pride myself on keeping up with the latest market conditions, school districts and neighborhood information,” she says. “This knowledge is essential in succeeding in this booming real estate market.” Friendly and warm, Gia enjoys her clients and considers them friends. “I love meeting people, and looking at houses. I like the smiles on people’s faces when they’re excited,” says Gia, who generally concentrates on listings. “I know what it takes to match buyers and sellers to meet their real estate goals.” She also has an eye for staging, and can help her clients make their homes look sale-ready with the minimum of investment. Gia’s plans for the future include growing her business with the dedication and hard work that have been her hallmarks. With three grown children, Gia’s favorite downtime activities include shoe shopping and cooking.

Behind The Counter

2016

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1924 Pearman Dairy Rd., Anderson 864.934.3191 callgiaandcompany.com

GREENVILLE CHAMBER

PHOTOGRAPHY BY INSPIRO 8 STUDIOS

them, and connecting individuals/businesses with more than 200 events New leadership has taken the helm for the Greenville Chamber in 2016 yearly. The team also makes group buying power solutions available to help with the arrival of President & CEO Carlos Phillips. with the cost of doing business. Chamber investors and staff are delighted to welcome The Chamber’s Economic Competitiveness Team Carlos to the oldest and most influential business Now in its 128th year collaborates with employers and education providers to retain, organization in Upstate South Carolina. Originally from of operation and over attract, and train skilled talent for all workforce sectors. The Owensville, KY, Carlos comes with a series of successful 2,200 Investors strong, team benchmarks with other communities throughout the U.S. chamber industry experiences from the Greater Louisville the Greenville Chamber’s to define challenges and opportunities, and provides data and Inc. and the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce. vision is to continually assistance to current and prospective businesses. Now in its 128th year of operation and over 2,200 investors improve the quality of The Chamber’s Diversity and Inclusion Team is connecting strong, the Greenville Chamber’s vision is to continually life in our community by with diverse populations, understanding that we can only improve the quality of life in our community by inspiring inspiring and facilitating succeed as a community if there is betterment for all, and and facilitating business success. To that end, the Chamber is business success. providing resources and opportunities for historically collaborating across the board—locally, regionally, nationally, underserved populations to connect, learn, and grow. and internationally—to make Greenville known as a businessfriendly, progressive place that doesn’t settle for the status quo. The Chamber’s Leadership Development Team teaches individuals The Chamber’s key focus area teams are working to make Greenville a more about Greenville—inside and out—to draw attention to issues, to appreciate prosperous place to live for all: and learn from the successes of current leaders, and to build a network of The Chamber’s Business Advocacy Team is at the forefront in Columbia, professionals that are deeply engaged with Greenville and one another. pushing for legislation that creates an environment in which our businesses When you see Carlos, please welcome him to Greenville and tell him and communities can flourish. The team is joining forces with 12 other what matters to your business. The Greenville Chamber is sure to help. chambers in the region to have a unified voice to communicate important messages to our legislators, and to connect our community with legislators, including visits from nine 2016 Presidential candidates so far. 24 Cleveland St., Greenville The Chamber’s Business Growth Team provides businesses with the 864.242.1050 resources and opportunities needed for increased success, acting as a go-to greenvillechamber.org for small businesses to define and navigate the many resources available to

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2016

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CRAWLEY’S PARTY SERVICES

PHOTOGRAPHY BY LISA CARPENTER

Roland Crawley has had a variety of jobs in his 65 years, from drug counselor to restaurant manager, but every job has had one thing in common – a focus on his love of people. His latest venture, Crawley’s Party Services, certainly fits the bill, offering a variety of services for parties, from basic bartending to a full turn-key service that includes beverage planning. purchasing, layout and more. “Anybody can serve drinks, but it takes a certain person to have the personality that people are looking for,” Crawley said. “Ninety percent of my customers over the years have become personal friends, so it’s not just a customer-type relationship, it’s also a friendship.” Crawley opened the business two years ago, and has built up a steady clientele made up of many repeat customers who keep coming back to him for help. He’s overseen the drinks at small parties of 10 to more than 350 people, and across Greenville to Charlotte, Atlanta, Myrtle Beach and even St. Petersburg, Fla. “We travel, and I’ve stayed as long as five days for a wedding,” he said. “Anybody can serve Repeat customers know that drinks, but it takes a no matter how large the event, certain person to have or how many days, they can the personality that count on expert service with people are looking for.” the personal touch. Crawley grew up in Greenville and graduated from Beck High School. After his years as a drug counselor, he enjoyed a stint running his parents’ restaurant, Burn’s Place. But when they retired, he wanted to go in a different direction and joined his older brother providing bartending services for events. After his brother passed away, Crawley continued and expanded the business. When he isn’t working, Crawley can often be found belting out 70s classics by Earth Wind & Fire or Smokey Robinson while singing karaoke. He also loves going dancing – another reason his business has been a perfect fit. “Parties are the perfect place for me to work,” he said. “It blends right in with the things I like.” Though he is approaching the age many retire, Crawley said he is having so much fun that he sees continuing for at least another decade. “I just appreciate the customers I have had,” Crawley said. “I love the personal aspect of it. When I’m sick, my customers reach out to help me. The most rewarding thing about this profession is the personal friendships I’ve created with customers.”

PA R T Y

S E R V I C E S

864.385.4215 Behind The Counter

2016

SEASONS CAFE AND CATERING

1054 E. Butler Rd., Suite A, Greenville 864.297.6516 seasonscafeandcatering.com

PHOTOGRAPHY BY CAROL BOONE STEWART

Julie Ellis and Mark Bergstrom, co-owners of Seasons Cafe and Catering, have traveled the world, held a variety of jobs and worked at some of the Upstate’s – and the nation’s – top restaurants. They brought that experience and knowledge together to accomplish something they hadn’t seen done in the area: “We wanted to do ordinary food in an extraordinary way,” Bergstrom said. “Let’s not have a hundred things on the menu – let’s pick ten things and do them better than anyone else on the planet.” Their steadily growing clientele, both in the cafe and at a range of catering events, vouch that they have done just that. Their turkey sandwich is no ordinary turkey sandwich, but is made with fresh turkey roasted in the oven that day on-site, accented with housesmoked bacon, Swiss and pesto mayo on a croissant. “We’re a scratch-made restaurant,” Ellis said. “We do all of our own remoulades and aioli, we smoke our own pastrami. We do this classic food but with a little Southern flair.” The business opened 15 months ago after Ellis had met Bergstrom at Virginia College of Culinary Arts, where he is program director and she was a student. Ellis had started out as a teacher and then worked for American Express, spending nine years in Asia before she moved back to America and decided to enroll in culinary school. Bergstrom, who also teaches, had taken the job at the school after a culinary career that included high-level jobs in restaurants in Boston and London. Bergstrom said Ellis stood out as a student thanks to her experience, talent and “passion for food. That’s something you can’t teach,” he said. “We wanted to do Ellis cites Bergstrom as the ideal business partner ordinary food in an because she views him as a mentor. “He’s my inspiration extraordinary way.” and the reason I got into this,” she said. They collaborated on the Seasons concept that focuses on their individual strengths and passions, including cooking classes taught by Bergstrom, catering for business and other functions, ready-made meals to-go for families to pick up, and a cafe that was away from downtown but wasn’t far – and could draw the growing Mauldin/Simpsonville/ Pelham Road crowd. Catering is Ellis’ passion, and she often creates beautiful spreads for large parties and delicious lunches for large business events. “I love beautiful food, and I like getting to use that personal touch,” she said. In addition to its popular lunch, the cafe recently started serving dinner on Fridays, featuring items like shrimp and grits and salmon with beurre blanc.Though items like mac and cheese bites with jalapeno or homemade hush puppies are indulgent, the cafe has also made thousands of healthy paleo meals, which are a hit. Some clients order up to 20 to-go meals – both the healthier and the more indulgent varieties – every week. Bergstrom’s passion for food extends beyond the work day, as he loves to spend time in his garden, where he grows food for his family. He also raises chickens for fresh eggs. Bergstrom and Ellis are excited about the future for Seasons as the area around it continues to develop. “It is growing, and we’ll grow along with it,” he said.

Photography by carol boone stewart

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COMING SUMMER 2016

COMMUNITY JOURNALS PUBLISHING GROUP

PHOTOGRAPHY BY CAROL BOONE STEWART

digital products, events – we can respond to that, because all of the When Mark and Donna Johnston first sat at their kitchen table and decisions are made right here on Perry Avenue,” Mark said, referring to hatched the idea for a community newspaper, they weren’t sure the the West Village location that became the Journal’s home base in 2014. model would work. They would need not just a top-quality product and A big part of the company’s expansion has been the result of the contributions of many talented people, but strong another Johnston joining the team. Mark and Donna have four relationships with the local business community that sons, each forging his own path. “We are proud of all of them,” would support the product through advertising. “As the Upstate Mark said. Their oldest son is following in his dad’s footsteps. Seventeen years later, their vision has made an community has grown, Ryan Johnston, who was previously building a commercial impact on the Upstate community by offering local Community Journals real estate career in Charlotte, joined the family business as news across a range of publications – publications that has grown right publisher of Upstate Business Journal in 2012. “To have the have been embraced by readers and advertisers alike. along with it.” opportunity to work with Ryan to grow this company has Now, in addition to the Greenville Journal, the company brought a new dimension of fulfillment to my work here,” publishes TOWN Magazine, Upstate Business Journal, Mark said. “We’ve expanded our portfolio both in print and digital and At Home magazine and special publications like the always-popular added several events, and Ryan deserves a lot of credit for that.” Behind the Counter issue you’re reading now, plus a host of signature The newest member of the Community Journals family is CJ, the events. Each publication and service was a response to a community “office dog,” who was a heartworm-positive rescue at Greenville County need as well as a partnership with the community it serves. Animal Care. Now healthy, CJ has assumed the role of the office “From the very start, we were all about being with, for and about the welcoming committee and the entire staff ’s favorite co-worker. communities we serve,” said Mark, president and CEO of Community Journals Publishing Group. “We have been fortunate that our mission has been embraced and supported from day one by our advertisers and readers. We have some customers that have been running with us every week for the past 17 years. I don’t know if our publishing model would have been so successful elsewhere. Greenville, South Carolina, is a special place.” 581 Perry Ave., Greenville “As the Upstate community has grown, Community Journals has 864.679.1200 grown right along with it. If the community needs different products, communityjournals.com

Behind The Counter

2016

103

INDEX A.T. Locke, PC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60-61

Hands Thru Us Home Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87

Alchemy Fine Hair Sytling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86

Happy Cow Creamery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Available Technology Inc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85

Heidi Putnam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56

Bank of Travelers Rest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20-21

Hot Springs Pools & Spas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77

Barre3 Greenville . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

Ike’s Carpet, Rug & Upholstery Cleaning, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30-31

BB&T Home Mortgage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

Iron Tribe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57

BB&T Wealth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inside Back Cover

J. Britt Boutique . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices/C. Dan Joyner, Realtors . . . . . Inside Front Cover Beth Joyner Crigler . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 BHHS C. Dan Joyner, Realtors - Downtown Office . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 BHHS C. Dan Joyner, Realtors Commercial Division . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Bright + Co Marketing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79 C. Dan Joyner Property Management Co., Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Carolina Active Health Chiropractic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90 Carolina Honey Bee Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69 Carolina Zoom Studios & Video Productions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88 Cascades Verdae . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52-53 Century BMW/Century Mini . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70 Cheves Mussman Ouzts Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Christopher Ashley Salon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 Christophillis & Gallivan PA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 City of Greenville Recycling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64 Community Journals Carrier Team . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98 Community Journals Publishing Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102-103 Compounding Solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 Conservus Realty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 Constantine Dental . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Cowart Awards, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Crawley’s Party Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99 Cross Creek Realty, LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Davis Audiology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Dillard-Jones Builders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 Elite Senior Day Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 eMediaGroup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Equip Studio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84 Exigent Urgent Care & Occupational Medicine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94 Five Oaks Academy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Garner’s Natural Life . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Back Cover GBS Building Supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Gia & Co. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96

Jacob Mann . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Jordan Lumber Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67 Maggie Aiken . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Mail Solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95 Martin Garden Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 Massage Envy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-5 Melissa Morrell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 Michael & Co Interiors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Mobius Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Montgomery Realty Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89 Muncaster Financial Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 NAI Earle Furman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74 PartnerMD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78 Perfect Pitch Productions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 Primrose School of Simpsonville at Five Forks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Purple Tuna Tees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Quality Business Solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59 Raymond James . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93 Ron’s Carpet & Air Duct Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38-39 Roto-Rooter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36-37 Seasons Café & Catering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100-101 Shadowhawk Aviation LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Signature Pools & Patios . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Silver Salon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Simply Southern Chiropractic Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75 Southern Traditions Window Fashions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76 Spaulding Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 Staymobile Greenville . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58 Style Envy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71 Sutera USA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63 SW Promotions LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92 Tandem Innovative Payment Solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68

Gibbs Cancer Center & Research Institute . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Toates Team, The . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91

Golden Strip Glass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82

TPM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66

Graydon & Thompson CPAs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65

Two Men & A Truck . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Greenhill Pharmacy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-19

UBS Financial Services, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83

Greenville Carpet One Floor & Home . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Vintage Now Modern . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81

Greenville Chamber . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97

VomFass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73

Greer State Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Whistle Stop at the American Café . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Greystone Antiques & Restoration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62

Wild Birds Unlimited . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80

104

Behind The Counter

2016

PHOTOGRAPHY BY CAROL BOONE STEWART

Front row, from left to right: Nancy Gladden, Client Specialist; Stephanie Rutter, Associate Relationship Manager; Leslie Magnus, Family Risk Manager; Judy Schoemer, Personal Trust Specialist; Allison Clamp, Client Specialist; Mike Lackey, Financial Planning Strategist; Melissa Fritz, Regional Director. Back row, from left to right: Todd Harward, Wealth Advisor; Jason Howard, Insurance Strategist; Robert Taylor, Regional Portfolio Manager; Missy Brown, Personal Trust Specialist; Bam Gressette, Regional Director of Portfolio Management; Park Johnston, Wealth Advisor.

BB&T has grown into one of the most stable and successful financial institutions in the nation. Clients know the real value of doing business with BB&T is building relationships with experienced advisors who are deeply rooted in a culture of personal service and integrity. BB&T Wealth advisors in Greenville provide affluent clients and their families with comprehensive financial planning and advisory services that are objective, understandable and actionable. Their clients have access to a dedicated wealth advisor supported by a team of specialists in the areas of financial planning, strategic credit, banking, insurance, investments, trusts and estate planning. This team approach extends beyond BB&T. They connect and coordinate with your attorney, CPA and tax advisor so each professional has the benefit of the big picture — your overall financial picture — as they make recommendations in their area of expertise. The result is a team approach that integrates decisions within all areas of your financial life. While personal service is at the heart of the BB&T philosophy, a four-step process provides a practical approach to wealth management. The four steps of the BB&T Wealth customized financial plan include: assessing your needs, structuring your plan, assembling your team and monitoring your results. This process begins with in-depth conversations and results in an integrated action plan that evolves as your financial needs and objectives change.

“We enjoy getting to know our clients and their families, and understanding what is important to them. Often, our advisors and clients discover mutual interests, especially when it comes to community involvement. These shared interests result in deeper, more meaningful connections and relationships that continue for years, decades — even generations,” says Melissa Fritz, regional director. Traditional banking services are provided by Branch Banking and Trust Company, Member FDIC. Only deposit products are FDIC insured. Investment solutions are provided by Branch Banking and Trust Company, and BB&T Investment Services, Inc. BB&T Investment Services, Inc. is a wholly-owned broker-dealer subsidiary of Branch Banking and Trust Company, Member FINRA/SIPC. Securities, Investments and Insurance products or services are: • NOT A DEPOSIT • NOT FDIC INSURED • MAY GO DOWN IN VALUE • NOT INSURED BY ANY FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AGENCY • NOT GUARANTEED BY A BANK

416 East North Street  | Greenville, SC 29601 864.282.3161 | BBT.com

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